They held the funeral the next day, watched as mourners came in and viewed the two bodies. This time, though, Yuushi came. In disguise, of course, but Aoushi recognized his aura.

Kaoru's eyes were puffy and red, as well as Megumi's. Yahiko once again was reluctant to leave Kaoru's side.

The funeral was over, and they "Buried" the bodies that night.

yuushi belived the fighter was dead, and that was all that mattered to the others.

The weather turned for the worst. A strong gale wind picked up, bringing storms into the Japan sea, and over to Japan itself. Torrential rain pelted the streets and alleys relentlessly as any sadist with a knife and a masicist for a victim.

It seemed that the world was angry at the deaths that had gone unseen in the hearts of men and brothers.

"It's raining pretty hard, Kenshin. Are you sure you want to go out in this?" Sanouske asked, staring up at the red headed ruroni.

"Aa. I will be back later, that i will." He said, donning the rain poncho and hat he had borrowed from Aoushi, who had said two words since they had brought Sanouske back. The other man lay in a dead slumber as his body healed itself. Now that he thought about it, He hadn't seen Aoushi since Kenshin had annouced his plan to go out for a while.

Kaoru had also disappeared, noone had found her in the inner rooms of the dojo and they guessed that she was out to buy food for lunch.

kenshin said goodbye and left the dojo, walking at his careless ruroni pace. As if he didn't care where he was going, or if he ever got there.

That was kenshin, though. The famous hitokiri turned into a man that protected people from swords and guns at once. Somewhat saddened, yet still immobile, Sanouske watched the ruroni leave the dojo. Perhaps for the last time.

He couldn't help but to think that every time the ruroni left, if only to go to the market, it could be the last time he saw him. It had happened before, and had taught him that every life was precious.

Kaoru had scared him. her whimpering, unconsious and bleeding form lying in a pool of her own blood was something that his mind wouldn't let him erase. That vision of his adopted sister lying, broken, on the floor that night would stay with him forever. A reminder of why life was to be cherished.

He had left with Kaoru mad at him. That was what had scared him as well. That she would die before he could apoligize.

Kenshin had lain in feverish sleep for a long time as well. Something that had made him afraid for the ruroni's life. But he had come back as well, many times before.

Megumi was there, now. Feeding him miso soup.

"I should be out there, with Kenshin. Not here, being fed like a baby. i hate feeling so useless." He said, his voice soft.

"I would rather you all be safe inside the dojo together. Where i can keep an eye on all of you. Aoushi is weak, despite his attempts to cover it up. he moves more slowly, now. The energy displacement that occurs when he's bringing you back is a large drain on his system." Megumi spooned him another mouthful of broth.

"I know. I saw it too. I can't belive him and Kenshin could fight so all out and turn around and have dinner together. Something about that is creepy." He said, grinning as he slurped the spoonful of tasty rust colored liquid.

Something made him stop. He tried to rise, failed to make his arms move. "Run." He told her, "Run. Hide in the bath house or one of the rooms. Someone's here that shouldn't be."

She looked at his serious expression, then looked his body over.

"No." she said standing. She grabbed Aoushi's old katana and prepared to attack. She knew only basic swordsplay, but she hoped it would be enough.

A man of Kenshin's height glided into the room. "Megumi, oh doctor, come out and play." His voice was high pitched and loud. "Come on out, Doctor. oh, there you are!" He almost yelled. "So the doc knows something about swords, does she? Let's play, doc."

"Who are you?" Megumi demanded, staring down the blade of the sword in her hands.

"My name is Jinko, and I'm your new playmate!" He grinned sadistically under the half faced wolf mask.

Sanouske tried to force himself up, tried to get up, to save the woman he had confided in, the woman he had fallen in love with.

He struggled to move, to protect her.

The man, Jinko, struck without mercy. Sanouske closed his eyes, waiting for the sickening sound of splurting blood.

But it didn't come. Instead, Blade clashed against blade, the sound ringing through the empty halls.

Blades clashed again, and Sanouske watched in horrified awe as the doctor faught for her life.

She kicked the man in the groin, forcing him to double over in pain. "Come on, doc. Don't be that way." He said, attacking again.

Yeah, i'm cutting it off there. Don't yall hate me? I know you do. Vent your wrath. Vent it i say! Review and cuss at me till your face turns blue! C'mon! You know you want to.

Anyways. As i promised, Six updates, complete and full. And i'm still writing! So you'll get more as soon as i finish the next chapter.

Thanks for sticking with me and my horrible inability to post the right thing. Anyways. Bubye.

Love is all but impossible in a world without true reality. - me