Review Comments: Ji-chan GOMEN NASAI!!!!!!!!!!!!! WAH!!!!!!!! I DIDN'T MEAN
TO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ~*sniff*~ I could have swore I put sensei. ~*hits
self in the head*~ Keito-chan no baka! Yep the discuss my ass thing was
funny. I had to change it because when you look at it. You really do think
that he's saying that they are talking about his ass! Funny stuff! I really
hope they do come back! ARIGATOU!!!!!!!! Dai-chan, ARIGATOU!!! And hai,
Kage is a big jerk. And shut up! Don't give ANYTHING AWAY! JK! You know I
love you! But first Kenshin has to FIND Kaoru! That might help just a tad
if he knew where she was. Heh! Anyways, abayo!!!!!
Disclaimer: Do I really need to repeat myself??? I don't own Kenshin and his friends but I don't mind not owing Saito who comes in this chapter. I do own Tsuyoi and Mayonaka though!!!!! Have fun reading!!!!
Chapter 7- Old Ally
Kenshin tossed in his sleep, plagued by dreams. In every dream he had, his beloved Kaoru died. In one dream, he had even slain Kaoru.
Kenshin woke up in a cold sweat. His gi was heavy with wetness. A slight breeze came into him room from his window, stirring his hair and making him shiver. Kenshin pulled off the tangle of blankets and walked across the room to a pile of freshly laundered gis. He pulled off the sweat- soaked one and walked to his window to dry it out. He donned the fresh gi and slid open his door to walk into the dojo's main corridor. Sakabatou in hand, he made his way to the porch. He leaned against a post, thinking deeply.
That bastard Saito would be coming to the dojo tomorrow to question everyone. Kenshin's normally purple eyes swirled with a golden hue. He violently shook his head. He couldn't let the Battousai side of him take over. He knew Kaoru didn't like the Battousai side of him, but she wasn't afraid of him, which comforted him.
Kenshin heard a sound behind him. He whipped around, sword drawn and scraping Yahiko's neck. Yahiko stood deathly still, breathing hard.
"Yahiko! Gomen nasai! I thought that it might be-" his voice faded.
Yahiko's breathing slowed.
"You were hoping that it was the creep who kidnapped Kaoru?"
Yahiko became frightened when Kenshin's eyes, again, obtained a golden color mixed in with their normal purple.
"Hai," he said angrily through gritted teeth. "I will make him pay for ever touching Kaoru!" Yahiko's eyes widened. He had never heard Kenshin say Kaoru's name without "dono" before.
"He really loves her," Yahiko thought, "Kaoru would be so happy to know that."
He smiled slightly.
"I hate being so helpless!" Kenshin growled, gripping his sakabatou's handle so tightly his knuckles turned white.
Yahiko walked over to him and placed his hand on Kenshin's forearm.
"I may be young, but I'm not stupid. I don't know why you pretend that you don't love her."
Kenshin turned towards Yahiko, surprised. Kenshin's wide eyes burned with tears that were unable to fall. He turned away from Yahiko so that he wouldn't see his eyes full of tears.
"Why do you hide everything?!" Yahiko asked, becoming angry. "You hide your emotions making it impossible for anyone to help you! Kaoru has tried to help you with your pain but you insist on pushing her further and further away! I don't get it! If you love her so much, why do you do it?!"
Kenshin's back was still turned to Yahiko. Warm tears slid down him face.
"I-I really do love her," he said brokenly. "It-it's just that, that the last person I loved was killed because I was the Battousai. She was protecting me and-" Kenshin stopped. He rarely told this aspect of his life to anyone. Yahiko made him realize reality and that he couldn't keep pushing Kaoru away, " and a man attacked us where we were living. When we were fighting, she jumped in front of me be-before I could stop my attack. B-before she died, she gave me the rest of my scar. I only had a vertical scar. She completed it. She completed me."
Yahiko stood there unable to speak. After about a minute of watching Kenshin's shaking body, Yahiko was finally able to say something.
"You shouldn't be telling me this," he said gently, "at least not the whole thing."
Kenshin turned around to face Yahiko, shock etched on his face.
"You should be telling Kaoru this. She needs to know why she's being pushed away time after time. She's not at all stupid. She knows there is a reason why you won't let her get too close to you."
He yawned.
"I think it's best that we both get to bed. We have to be strong enough to save Kaoru. Oyasumi nasai, Kenshin."
"Oyasumi nasai, Yahiko," Kenshin echoed softly.
Kenshin backed up to the wall of the dojo and sat down, resting his sakabatou on his shoulder. He thought about what Yahiko said.
"Yahiko's right," he thought. "I can't give up. I WILL rescue Kaoru-dono. She needs to know how I feel."
He leaned his head back against the wall.
"I will rescue you Karou-dono. I promise you! I will always protect you even if it costs me my life!"
Kenshin's eyes fluttered shut and he fell into a light sleep, still on the porch.
Sunlight woke Kenshin up early then next morning. He squinted as he peered into the yard. He got up stiffly and stretched. He slid open the door leading into the dojo. Kenshin made his way to his room, ready to clean up the mess he left last night. He slid open his door.
"ORO!?"
His blankets had been folded and placed by his window where hi gi was still drying. The smell of rice drifted into his room. When Kenshin walked into the kitchen, he saw Yahiko by a pot of miso soup and a pot of rice that was simmering. Yahiko looked up.
"Ohayo gozaimasu, Kenshin!" he said.
"Ohayo gozaimasu, Yahiko. Did you make all of this yourself?"
"Hai," said Yahiko, turning red.
"Wow! Good job. I'm sure it will taste wonderful."
Yahiko turned even redder and handed Kenshin a bowl of rice and miso soup.
"I folded the blankets in your room since you fell asleep on the porch last night."
"I noticed when I went to fold them before," he said with a smile. "Arigatou!"
"No problem." Kenshin took a sip of his soup.
"Yahiko, this tastes good! Just like Kaoru-dono's cooking."
Yahiko made a face and began to eat.
Kenshin heard footsteps outside. He stood up quickly and walked into the hallway.
"Hey, Kenshin! Yahiko! Where are you two?" Sanosuke called.
Kenshin relaxed and slid open the door, reveling Sano just about to open it.
"Hey, Kenshin!" Sano said. "Got any food?"
"Hai. Yahiko and I are eating breakfast now."
"Alright! Food!" Sano exclaimed.
The two men walked back into the kitchen. Yahiko looked up.
"Hey, Sano!" Yahiko said and got up to get a bowl and chopsticks for the older man.
"Thanks for the bowl, Yahiko. So, Kenshin, did you make this?" he said as he lifted some eggplant into his mouth.
Kenshin shook his head.
"No, Yahiko made it."
"Really? Let's see if you cook better than Jo-chan."
He popped the piece of eggplant into his mouth. He started to chew but stopped. He eyes started to water and he forced himself to swallow.
"Your cooking is just as bad as Jo-chan's!" Sano chocked.
Yahiko threw his bowl at Sano's head where it hit soundly.
"I tried! I followed what Kaoru taught me! I can't help that she's a bad cook!"
Sano looked at Yahiko, stunned.
"Calm down, Yahiko! I was only kidding. I can't cook either. Why do you think I come here or go to the Akabeko?"
"Come on you two," Kenshin said gently. "We'll never be able to save Kaoru- dono if we're fighting."
Sano and Yahiko hung their heads.
"You're right, Kenshin," Yahiko said. "Gomen ne."
"Yeah, gomen ne, Kenshin," Sano said.
The three ate the rest of their meal in silence. When they were done, they piled their dishes and Kenshin took them outside to wash them, since it was nice outside. When Kenshin was done with the dishes, he got out a tub and filled it with water. He got soap and added it to the water. Kenshin put his hand into the tub and stirred, creating bubbles. He started to do laundry. A yellow and orange garment caught his eye. Kenshin tugged the garment to the top of the pile and froze. It was Kaoru's favorite kimono. His hand trembled as he lifted it out of the pile and brought it to his face. He inhaled Kaoru's scent. He loved the way she smelled. She always looked so beautiful in this kimono. It was the one she always wore into town. Kenshin snapped out of his daydream when he felt a sharp poke on his head.
"Oro?"
"Stop daydreaming!" said Yahiko. "You need to finish the laundry so you can concentrate on how you're gonna find the place Kaoru was taken to."
Kenshin laughed.
"Gomen ne, Yahiko. I was actually just thinking of Kaoru-dono."
Yahiko noticed the kimono still in Kenshin's hands.
"That's Kaoru's favorite kimono!" he exclaimed. "No wonder why you were spacing! You were probably were thinking about her in it, weren't you?"
Yahiko grinned widely. Kenshin's eyes widened.
"Heh, I was rig- AH!" Yahiko cried.
"You're too nosy," said Sano, fist connected to Yahiko's head. "Someone your age shouldn't be that nosy."
Sano grinned at Kenshin. Kenshin smiled back gratefully.
Kenshin carefully lowered the kimono into the water, cleaning it with the utmost care. When Kenshin finished washing the laundry, Tsuyoi walked into the dojo yard carrying Mayonaka on his back. Mayonaka held a bamboo sword similar to Yahiko's. Tsuyoi kneeled down and Mayonaka slid off his back. They turned to the three people and bowed.
"Ohayo gozaimasu, Himura-san, Saguara-san, and Yahiko-chan!" Mayonaka called cheerfully.
Tsuyoi nodded to Kenshin and Sano. Kenshin saw Yahiko's eye twitch at being called Yahiko-chan. He smiled,
"You can call me Yahiko, Mayonaka-chan," Yahiko said.
"The same goes for you," she replied with a laugh.
"Himura-san," began Tsuyoi.
"Call me Kenshin."
"Hai. Kenshin. Would you know if Kaoru-sensei has an extra bokken in the practice room?" he asked.
"I believe Kaoru-dono has a rack of bokkens in there."
"She does," Yahiko said. "I can show you if you'd like. We can spar!"
Tsuyoi followed Yahiko into the practice room, agreeing heartily.
Kenshin stared after them, waiting to hear Kaoru yell at Yahiko for being lazy. With a tug at his heart, Kenshin realized he was daydreaming again. There would be no yelling. Kenshin longed to hear Kaoru's voice once more. Kenshin looked down when he felt a small tug on his gi sleeve.
"Himura-san," said Mayonaka shyly," are you okay?"
She looked at him, shifting from foot to foot and twisting the bamboo sword in her hands.
"Oh, hai! Don't worry about me."
He smiled at her. A sudden thought hit him and he started to chuckle. Mayonaka looked at him, bewildered.
"Ah, Himura-san, what's so funny? Did I say something odd?"
"No, not at all," Kenshin said. "I'm guessing that you really look up to Kaoru-dono, am I right?"
Mayonaka looked even more confused. Kenshin led her to a pail of water and pointed at her reflection.
"You look just like Kaoru-dono!" Kenshin explained with a laugh.
Mayonaka began to giggle, realizing that Kenshin was right. All of a sudden, she stopped in mid-giggle. She felt the air around her become tense and dangerous. She glanced at Kenshin, who was glaring at the dojo gate.
"Come in, Saito, I know you're there. Stop sneaking around."
Mayonaka, shocked by the sudden change in Kenshin, backed away from him and watched as a man in a police uniform walked into the dojo yard. He carried a Japanese sword and was smoking a cigarette.
Kenshin and Saito had a glaring contest for a minute before Sano walked out onto the porch.
"AH! What's he doing here?" he asked disgusted, pointing at Saito.
"Well, I see you haven't changed Rooster-head," was Saito's cool reply.
Mayonaka noticed a vein start to pulse in Sano's head at being called Rooster-head.
"Sano, would you be kind enough to lead Mayonaka into the practice room so Yahiko and Tsuyoi can teach her some moved."
Sano, taken aback, guided a curious Mayonaka into the practice room.
"It's better if we leave those two to talk alone. They aren't the best of friends."
"I noticed," Mayonaka said dryly.
Sano patted her on her shoulder and said, "You're just like Jo-chan. You should be proud."
She beamed and then with new courage, demanded that Tsuyoi and Yahiko teach her all they knew about Kamyia Kasshin Ryu.
~*~*~*~
Saito took a long drag of his cigarette before he addressed Kenshin.
"So, Battousai, that fool girl was kidnapped?"
Kenshin's eyes narrowed dangerously. "You came here to ask questions, Saito, not to insult Kaoru-dono," he said through a clenched jaw.
"Oh, have I upset you, Battousai? Pity."
Kenshin's eyes swirled with gold and violet.
"I'm warning you, Saito, you bastard," Kenshin growled menacingly.
"This is not going to get me anywhere. So, now, I'll ask you some questions."
He slowly and deliberately crushed his cigarette into the ground, picked it up, and walked to the gate to throw it onto the path. He kept that pace when he walked back to Kenshin, who was glowering.
"Now," Saito began, "you say the girl was kidnapped?"
Kenshin nodded.
"By whom?"
"I don't know. I didn't see her be kidnapped. The girl who was with me before saw Kaoru-dono be kidnapped," Kenshin said, making sure he maintained the barrier that held his anger and the Battousai.
"I see. Why was she out of the dojo? Was she going to the market?" Saito asked uninterestedly.
"No," was Kenshin's short reply.
"Well," Saito asked irritably, "Why was she out of the dojo than?"
Kenshin swallowed hard and tried to speak, but the words wouldn't come out.
"Battousai, are you going to tell me or not?!"
Kenshin gripped his sakabatou tightly.
"Something happened," he said, trying to keep his voice even. "She's been having a dream that's bothering her and it upset her a lot. I, uh, sort of made her feel worse."
"How sweet. What a nice person you are," sneered Saito. "And you're supposed to care for this girl."
"One more comment like that, Saito, and I will kill you." Kenshin said, anger bubbling over. Saito, sensing that Kenshin meant what he said, he backed off on his comments. He pulled out another cigarette and lit it. He blew the smoke out and continued.
"I need to know more details. On your involvement on her leaving, that is."
Kenshin swallowed hard.
"When she was upset the other night, I comforted her and in the morning she seemed fine until Megumi-san-"
Saito looked up at the mention of the doctor's name. She had once made opium but had repented. Saito didn't know much of the story, but enough. When Kenshin saw Saito look up, he explained to him who Megumi was, not knowing that Saito had some information on her.
"Continue with your story, Battousai."
Kenshin flinched when Saito said tale. He made it sound like he was making it up.
"Megumi-san said something and it upset Kaoru-dono. She became angry and went into the practice room. I went in there to talk to her and I was a little reluctant to let her know I was worried."
Saito nodded, signaling that he had processed this information.
Kenshin took a deep breath and let it out slowly.
"I went to heat up a bath for her. Yahiko ran to me about fifteen minutes later to tell me that Kaoru-dono was crying. We ran back to the practice room but when she saw me she-," it was so hard for him to say this, "she ran out of the dojo. I didn't let anyone go after her because I figured that she would want to be left alone."
The lump that had been in Kenshin's throat got bigger, making it hard for him to swallow.
"When she didn't come home, I was worried but I hoped that she would be back at the dojo soon. Megumi-san, Sano, and Yahiko came back later. I had been hoping that she would be with them. About twenty five minutes after that, the girl. Mayonaka and her brother, Tsuyoi ran into the dojo to tell us that Kaoru-dono had been kidnapped."
Kenshin fell silent, his account of what happened, finished.
Saito flicked some ash onto the ground and said, "Arigatou, Battousai. May I talk to the little girl?"
Kenshin shrugged.
"I guess so, but you should ask her brother first."
Saito nodded and walked into the practice room.
Kenshin balled his fist, nails biting into his palms. He couldn't believe that he let his anger spill over. He let the barrier break. Saito hadn't helped in containing it after all the comments he had made about Kaoru. Kenshin walked to the porch and sat down. He had to go to the place where the fighting occurred. He was in deep thought when Saito strode out of the practice room.
"I have all the information I need. I will be in touch, Battousai," and with that, he walked out of the dojo's yard.
Kenshin made his way into the practice room where he saw Mayonaka twisting her hands anxiously. Tsuyoi was kneeling besides her, hand on her shoulder.
"Who was that man?" Tsuyoi asked, a little irritated.
"A bastard," said Sano.
"Sano, don't use that language in front of Mayonaka," Kenshin reprimanded sharply. Turning to Tsuyoi he said, "Saito is a police officer but can be a little scary. He doesn't mean to be but that's in his nature."
Tsuyoi looked at Kenshin curiously.
"So, I'm guessing you know each other?" he asked.
"You could say that," Kenshin replied. He walked over to Mayonaka, "Gomen nasai, Mayonaka. I was hoping that he wouldn't be that frightening."
Mayonaka shook her head.
"He wasn't too frightening, Himura-san. I just get really nervous when I talk to police officers. When my parents took us to Kyoto, I had to ask the police how to get somewhere and stuttered so much they looked at me weirdly. They're just intimidating, that's all."
Kenshin smiled.
"Hai. I agree. I have a favor to ask of you."
Mayonaka looked at him, intrigued.
"Hai?"
"Would you be able to take me to the place where Kaoru-dono was attacked?"
Sano and Yahiko looked up in surprise and then at each other.
"Sure," said Mayonaka. "When do you want me to take you?"
"Now would be fine if it's okay with you."
Mayonaka looked at her brother, who nodded.
"Okay," she said, "let's go."
The five set off from the dojo with Mayonaka leading them.
~*~*~*~
Kenshin surveyed the mess with interest. There were broken branches, blood, and broken weapons everywhere. Most of the blood was gone due to the use of the road but Kenshin could smell it.
"Kaoru-dono put up a good fight," he thought proudly.
"Looks like Jo-chan really kicked the crap out of some of these guys, huh?" Sano remarked.
"I guess so," Yahiko agreed. "She IS strong. She made sure to practice everyday when she wasn't training me."
Kenshin noticed something in Yahiko's eyes when he spoke of Kaoru's strength.
"He's proud of her," Kenshin thought, amused. "He acts like he doesn't like her sometimes but is proud to have her as a sensei."
Kenshin smiled. He turned his head, scrutinizing the area carefully again. There was an area of wood that seemed to be trampled. Kenshin moved closer to the spot.
"Sano," Kenshin called, "what does this look like to you?"
Sano walked over and examined the woods.
"It looks like a path. It's not used much either." Sano looked at Kenshin, who was staring down the path. "You don't think they used this path to get Jo-chan back where their hiding her, do you, Kenshin?"
"Well, why not," said Tsuyoi. "The path's not all that noticeable and Kenshin didn't even notice it the first time he looked at the area."
Kenshin stepped off the path and into the woods. He started walking down the trail with the four others right behind him.
Disclaimer: Do I really need to repeat myself??? I don't own Kenshin and his friends but I don't mind not owing Saito who comes in this chapter. I do own Tsuyoi and Mayonaka though!!!!! Have fun reading!!!!
Chapter 7- Old Ally
Kenshin tossed in his sleep, plagued by dreams. In every dream he had, his beloved Kaoru died. In one dream, he had even slain Kaoru.
Kenshin woke up in a cold sweat. His gi was heavy with wetness. A slight breeze came into him room from his window, stirring his hair and making him shiver. Kenshin pulled off the tangle of blankets and walked across the room to a pile of freshly laundered gis. He pulled off the sweat- soaked one and walked to his window to dry it out. He donned the fresh gi and slid open his door to walk into the dojo's main corridor. Sakabatou in hand, he made his way to the porch. He leaned against a post, thinking deeply.
That bastard Saito would be coming to the dojo tomorrow to question everyone. Kenshin's normally purple eyes swirled with a golden hue. He violently shook his head. He couldn't let the Battousai side of him take over. He knew Kaoru didn't like the Battousai side of him, but she wasn't afraid of him, which comforted him.
Kenshin heard a sound behind him. He whipped around, sword drawn and scraping Yahiko's neck. Yahiko stood deathly still, breathing hard.
"Yahiko! Gomen nasai! I thought that it might be-" his voice faded.
Yahiko's breathing slowed.
"You were hoping that it was the creep who kidnapped Kaoru?"
Yahiko became frightened when Kenshin's eyes, again, obtained a golden color mixed in with their normal purple.
"Hai," he said angrily through gritted teeth. "I will make him pay for ever touching Kaoru!" Yahiko's eyes widened. He had never heard Kenshin say Kaoru's name without "dono" before.
"He really loves her," Yahiko thought, "Kaoru would be so happy to know that."
He smiled slightly.
"I hate being so helpless!" Kenshin growled, gripping his sakabatou's handle so tightly his knuckles turned white.
Yahiko walked over to him and placed his hand on Kenshin's forearm.
"I may be young, but I'm not stupid. I don't know why you pretend that you don't love her."
Kenshin turned towards Yahiko, surprised. Kenshin's wide eyes burned with tears that were unable to fall. He turned away from Yahiko so that he wouldn't see his eyes full of tears.
"Why do you hide everything?!" Yahiko asked, becoming angry. "You hide your emotions making it impossible for anyone to help you! Kaoru has tried to help you with your pain but you insist on pushing her further and further away! I don't get it! If you love her so much, why do you do it?!"
Kenshin's back was still turned to Yahiko. Warm tears slid down him face.
"I-I really do love her," he said brokenly. "It-it's just that, that the last person I loved was killed because I was the Battousai. She was protecting me and-" Kenshin stopped. He rarely told this aspect of his life to anyone. Yahiko made him realize reality and that he couldn't keep pushing Kaoru away, " and a man attacked us where we were living. When we were fighting, she jumped in front of me be-before I could stop my attack. B-before she died, she gave me the rest of my scar. I only had a vertical scar. She completed it. She completed me."
Yahiko stood there unable to speak. After about a minute of watching Kenshin's shaking body, Yahiko was finally able to say something.
"You shouldn't be telling me this," he said gently, "at least not the whole thing."
Kenshin turned around to face Yahiko, shock etched on his face.
"You should be telling Kaoru this. She needs to know why she's being pushed away time after time. She's not at all stupid. She knows there is a reason why you won't let her get too close to you."
He yawned.
"I think it's best that we both get to bed. We have to be strong enough to save Kaoru. Oyasumi nasai, Kenshin."
"Oyasumi nasai, Yahiko," Kenshin echoed softly.
Kenshin backed up to the wall of the dojo and sat down, resting his sakabatou on his shoulder. He thought about what Yahiko said.
"Yahiko's right," he thought. "I can't give up. I WILL rescue Kaoru-dono. She needs to know how I feel."
He leaned his head back against the wall.
"I will rescue you Karou-dono. I promise you! I will always protect you even if it costs me my life!"
Kenshin's eyes fluttered shut and he fell into a light sleep, still on the porch.
Sunlight woke Kenshin up early then next morning. He squinted as he peered into the yard. He got up stiffly and stretched. He slid open the door leading into the dojo. Kenshin made his way to his room, ready to clean up the mess he left last night. He slid open his door.
"ORO!?"
His blankets had been folded and placed by his window where hi gi was still drying. The smell of rice drifted into his room. When Kenshin walked into the kitchen, he saw Yahiko by a pot of miso soup and a pot of rice that was simmering. Yahiko looked up.
"Ohayo gozaimasu, Kenshin!" he said.
"Ohayo gozaimasu, Yahiko. Did you make all of this yourself?"
"Hai," said Yahiko, turning red.
"Wow! Good job. I'm sure it will taste wonderful."
Yahiko turned even redder and handed Kenshin a bowl of rice and miso soup.
"I folded the blankets in your room since you fell asleep on the porch last night."
"I noticed when I went to fold them before," he said with a smile. "Arigatou!"
"No problem." Kenshin took a sip of his soup.
"Yahiko, this tastes good! Just like Kaoru-dono's cooking."
Yahiko made a face and began to eat.
Kenshin heard footsteps outside. He stood up quickly and walked into the hallway.
"Hey, Kenshin! Yahiko! Where are you two?" Sanosuke called.
Kenshin relaxed and slid open the door, reveling Sano just about to open it.
"Hey, Kenshin!" Sano said. "Got any food?"
"Hai. Yahiko and I are eating breakfast now."
"Alright! Food!" Sano exclaimed.
The two men walked back into the kitchen. Yahiko looked up.
"Hey, Sano!" Yahiko said and got up to get a bowl and chopsticks for the older man.
"Thanks for the bowl, Yahiko. So, Kenshin, did you make this?" he said as he lifted some eggplant into his mouth.
Kenshin shook his head.
"No, Yahiko made it."
"Really? Let's see if you cook better than Jo-chan."
He popped the piece of eggplant into his mouth. He started to chew but stopped. He eyes started to water and he forced himself to swallow.
"Your cooking is just as bad as Jo-chan's!" Sano chocked.
Yahiko threw his bowl at Sano's head where it hit soundly.
"I tried! I followed what Kaoru taught me! I can't help that she's a bad cook!"
Sano looked at Yahiko, stunned.
"Calm down, Yahiko! I was only kidding. I can't cook either. Why do you think I come here or go to the Akabeko?"
"Come on you two," Kenshin said gently. "We'll never be able to save Kaoru- dono if we're fighting."
Sano and Yahiko hung their heads.
"You're right, Kenshin," Yahiko said. "Gomen ne."
"Yeah, gomen ne, Kenshin," Sano said.
The three ate the rest of their meal in silence. When they were done, they piled their dishes and Kenshin took them outside to wash them, since it was nice outside. When Kenshin was done with the dishes, he got out a tub and filled it with water. He got soap and added it to the water. Kenshin put his hand into the tub and stirred, creating bubbles. He started to do laundry. A yellow and orange garment caught his eye. Kenshin tugged the garment to the top of the pile and froze. It was Kaoru's favorite kimono. His hand trembled as he lifted it out of the pile and brought it to his face. He inhaled Kaoru's scent. He loved the way she smelled. She always looked so beautiful in this kimono. It was the one she always wore into town. Kenshin snapped out of his daydream when he felt a sharp poke on his head.
"Oro?"
"Stop daydreaming!" said Yahiko. "You need to finish the laundry so you can concentrate on how you're gonna find the place Kaoru was taken to."
Kenshin laughed.
"Gomen ne, Yahiko. I was actually just thinking of Kaoru-dono."
Yahiko noticed the kimono still in Kenshin's hands.
"That's Kaoru's favorite kimono!" he exclaimed. "No wonder why you were spacing! You were probably were thinking about her in it, weren't you?"
Yahiko grinned widely. Kenshin's eyes widened.
"Heh, I was rig- AH!" Yahiko cried.
"You're too nosy," said Sano, fist connected to Yahiko's head. "Someone your age shouldn't be that nosy."
Sano grinned at Kenshin. Kenshin smiled back gratefully.
Kenshin carefully lowered the kimono into the water, cleaning it with the utmost care. When Kenshin finished washing the laundry, Tsuyoi walked into the dojo yard carrying Mayonaka on his back. Mayonaka held a bamboo sword similar to Yahiko's. Tsuyoi kneeled down and Mayonaka slid off his back. They turned to the three people and bowed.
"Ohayo gozaimasu, Himura-san, Saguara-san, and Yahiko-chan!" Mayonaka called cheerfully.
Tsuyoi nodded to Kenshin and Sano. Kenshin saw Yahiko's eye twitch at being called Yahiko-chan. He smiled,
"You can call me Yahiko, Mayonaka-chan," Yahiko said.
"The same goes for you," she replied with a laugh.
"Himura-san," began Tsuyoi.
"Call me Kenshin."
"Hai. Kenshin. Would you know if Kaoru-sensei has an extra bokken in the practice room?" he asked.
"I believe Kaoru-dono has a rack of bokkens in there."
"She does," Yahiko said. "I can show you if you'd like. We can spar!"
Tsuyoi followed Yahiko into the practice room, agreeing heartily.
Kenshin stared after them, waiting to hear Kaoru yell at Yahiko for being lazy. With a tug at his heart, Kenshin realized he was daydreaming again. There would be no yelling. Kenshin longed to hear Kaoru's voice once more. Kenshin looked down when he felt a small tug on his gi sleeve.
"Himura-san," said Mayonaka shyly," are you okay?"
She looked at him, shifting from foot to foot and twisting the bamboo sword in her hands.
"Oh, hai! Don't worry about me."
He smiled at her. A sudden thought hit him and he started to chuckle. Mayonaka looked at him, bewildered.
"Ah, Himura-san, what's so funny? Did I say something odd?"
"No, not at all," Kenshin said. "I'm guessing that you really look up to Kaoru-dono, am I right?"
Mayonaka looked even more confused. Kenshin led her to a pail of water and pointed at her reflection.
"You look just like Kaoru-dono!" Kenshin explained with a laugh.
Mayonaka began to giggle, realizing that Kenshin was right. All of a sudden, she stopped in mid-giggle. She felt the air around her become tense and dangerous. She glanced at Kenshin, who was glaring at the dojo gate.
"Come in, Saito, I know you're there. Stop sneaking around."
Mayonaka, shocked by the sudden change in Kenshin, backed away from him and watched as a man in a police uniform walked into the dojo yard. He carried a Japanese sword and was smoking a cigarette.
Kenshin and Saito had a glaring contest for a minute before Sano walked out onto the porch.
"AH! What's he doing here?" he asked disgusted, pointing at Saito.
"Well, I see you haven't changed Rooster-head," was Saito's cool reply.
Mayonaka noticed a vein start to pulse in Sano's head at being called Rooster-head.
"Sano, would you be kind enough to lead Mayonaka into the practice room so Yahiko and Tsuyoi can teach her some moved."
Sano, taken aback, guided a curious Mayonaka into the practice room.
"It's better if we leave those two to talk alone. They aren't the best of friends."
"I noticed," Mayonaka said dryly.
Sano patted her on her shoulder and said, "You're just like Jo-chan. You should be proud."
She beamed and then with new courage, demanded that Tsuyoi and Yahiko teach her all they knew about Kamyia Kasshin Ryu.
~*~*~*~
Saito took a long drag of his cigarette before he addressed Kenshin.
"So, Battousai, that fool girl was kidnapped?"
Kenshin's eyes narrowed dangerously. "You came here to ask questions, Saito, not to insult Kaoru-dono," he said through a clenched jaw.
"Oh, have I upset you, Battousai? Pity."
Kenshin's eyes swirled with gold and violet.
"I'm warning you, Saito, you bastard," Kenshin growled menacingly.
"This is not going to get me anywhere. So, now, I'll ask you some questions."
He slowly and deliberately crushed his cigarette into the ground, picked it up, and walked to the gate to throw it onto the path. He kept that pace when he walked back to Kenshin, who was glowering.
"Now," Saito began, "you say the girl was kidnapped?"
Kenshin nodded.
"By whom?"
"I don't know. I didn't see her be kidnapped. The girl who was with me before saw Kaoru-dono be kidnapped," Kenshin said, making sure he maintained the barrier that held his anger and the Battousai.
"I see. Why was she out of the dojo? Was she going to the market?" Saito asked uninterestedly.
"No," was Kenshin's short reply.
"Well," Saito asked irritably, "Why was she out of the dojo than?"
Kenshin swallowed hard and tried to speak, but the words wouldn't come out.
"Battousai, are you going to tell me or not?!"
Kenshin gripped his sakabatou tightly.
"Something happened," he said, trying to keep his voice even. "She's been having a dream that's bothering her and it upset her a lot. I, uh, sort of made her feel worse."
"How sweet. What a nice person you are," sneered Saito. "And you're supposed to care for this girl."
"One more comment like that, Saito, and I will kill you." Kenshin said, anger bubbling over. Saito, sensing that Kenshin meant what he said, he backed off on his comments. He pulled out another cigarette and lit it. He blew the smoke out and continued.
"I need to know more details. On your involvement on her leaving, that is."
Kenshin swallowed hard.
"When she was upset the other night, I comforted her and in the morning she seemed fine until Megumi-san-"
Saito looked up at the mention of the doctor's name. She had once made opium but had repented. Saito didn't know much of the story, but enough. When Kenshin saw Saito look up, he explained to him who Megumi was, not knowing that Saito had some information on her.
"Continue with your story, Battousai."
Kenshin flinched when Saito said tale. He made it sound like he was making it up.
"Megumi-san said something and it upset Kaoru-dono. She became angry and went into the practice room. I went in there to talk to her and I was a little reluctant to let her know I was worried."
Saito nodded, signaling that he had processed this information.
Kenshin took a deep breath and let it out slowly.
"I went to heat up a bath for her. Yahiko ran to me about fifteen minutes later to tell me that Kaoru-dono was crying. We ran back to the practice room but when she saw me she-," it was so hard for him to say this, "she ran out of the dojo. I didn't let anyone go after her because I figured that she would want to be left alone."
The lump that had been in Kenshin's throat got bigger, making it hard for him to swallow.
"When she didn't come home, I was worried but I hoped that she would be back at the dojo soon. Megumi-san, Sano, and Yahiko came back later. I had been hoping that she would be with them. About twenty five minutes after that, the girl. Mayonaka and her brother, Tsuyoi ran into the dojo to tell us that Kaoru-dono had been kidnapped."
Kenshin fell silent, his account of what happened, finished.
Saito flicked some ash onto the ground and said, "Arigatou, Battousai. May I talk to the little girl?"
Kenshin shrugged.
"I guess so, but you should ask her brother first."
Saito nodded and walked into the practice room.
Kenshin balled his fist, nails biting into his palms. He couldn't believe that he let his anger spill over. He let the barrier break. Saito hadn't helped in containing it after all the comments he had made about Kaoru. Kenshin walked to the porch and sat down. He had to go to the place where the fighting occurred. He was in deep thought when Saito strode out of the practice room.
"I have all the information I need. I will be in touch, Battousai," and with that, he walked out of the dojo's yard.
Kenshin made his way into the practice room where he saw Mayonaka twisting her hands anxiously. Tsuyoi was kneeling besides her, hand on her shoulder.
"Who was that man?" Tsuyoi asked, a little irritated.
"A bastard," said Sano.
"Sano, don't use that language in front of Mayonaka," Kenshin reprimanded sharply. Turning to Tsuyoi he said, "Saito is a police officer but can be a little scary. He doesn't mean to be but that's in his nature."
Tsuyoi looked at Kenshin curiously.
"So, I'm guessing you know each other?" he asked.
"You could say that," Kenshin replied. He walked over to Mayonaka, "Gomen nasai, Mayonaka. I was hoping that he wouldn't be that frightening."
Mayonaka shook her head.
"He wasn't too frightening, Himura-san. I just get really nervous when I talk to police officers. When my parents took us to Kyoto, I had to ask the police how to get somewhere and stuttered so much they looked at me weirdly. They're just intimidating, that's all."
Kenshin smiled.
"Hai. I agree. I have a favor to ask of you."
Mayonaka looked at him, intrigued.
"Hai?"
"Would you be able to take me to the place where Kaoru-dono was attacked?"
Sano and Yahiko looked up in surprise and then at each other.
"Sure," said Mayonaka. "When do you want me to take you?"
"Now would be fine if it's okay with you."
Mayonaka looked at her brother, who nodded.
"Okay," she said, "let's go."
The five set off from the dojo with Mayonaka leading them.
~*~*~*~
Kenshin surveyed the mess with interest. There were broken branches, blood, and broken weapons everywhere. Most of the blood was gone due to the use of the road but Kenshin could smell it.
"Kaoru-dono put up a good fight," he thought proudly.
"Looks like Jo-chan really kicked the crap out of some of these guys, huh?" Sano remarked.
"I guess so," Yahiko agreed. "She IS strong. She made sure to practice everyday when she wasn't training me."
Kenshin noticed something in Yahiko's eyes when he spoke of Kaoru's strength.
"He's proud of her," Kenshin thought, amused. "He acts like he doesn't like her sometimes but is proud to have her as a sensei."
Kenshin smiled. He turned his head, scrutinizing the area carefully again. There was an area of wood that seemed to be trampled. Kenshin moved closer to the spot.
"Sano," Kenshin called, "what does this look like to you?"
Sano walked over and examined the woods.
"It looks like a path. It's not used much either." Sano looked at Kenshin, who was staring down the path. "You don't think they used this path to get Jo-chan back where their hiding her, do you, Kenshin?"
"Well, why not," said Tsuyoi. "The path's not all that noticeable and Kenshin didn't even notice it the first time he looked at the area."
Kenshin stepped off the path and into the woods. He started walking down the trail with the four others right behind him.