This is the second chapter to Rosuto. And it involves Kenshin. Yeah (:

Once again, as hard as this is for me, I don't own Kenshin. Kinpaku and all other unknown characters are mine however…

Italics are Kenshin's thoughts.

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I'll never get to see her again, a small child with flaming read hair thought to himself, She's been my only friend… And now she's gone.

Kenshin's soft violet eyes flash a dangerous amber; his takemitsu (bamboo sword) clutched tightly in one hand. He has been off training every since his father told him of Kinpaku's departure… And I never got to say good-bye.

With each stroke of the sword, the memory of the day plays back in Kenshin's head.

Daddy had just returned from the stables. I know because he smelled like hay and horses. He said they were going to be used for the army. Kinpaku had told me of a war, but I thought they were just stories meant to intrigue me. But daddy didn't look very happy.

I was sitting at the kitchen table when he walked in, my takemitsu beside me. I was just about to stuff another rice ball into my mouth when my father sat across from me. His features were tense and I could tell he was worried. I offered him the last rice ball, which he declined with a halfhearted laugh.

"No son," he patted me on the head, "I'm afraid food can't fix this one." I nodded slightly, still not understanding. A small sigh escaped his rough features as our mother entered the kitchen. Trailing behind her were three bags filled to the brim with our things. Confusion flooded through my body as I slowly grasped the conclusion that we would be leaving…

"Papa," I stuttered, "We aren't moving, are we? What about Kinpaku and her mother? Are they moving too?" My mother and father exchanged glances before my mother shook her head.

"Kinpaku is going to be fighting and her mother will be working with her." It felt as if time stopped. Kinpaku was going to be gone unless I could stop her. I stood and raced from the house along the trail I knew so well.

Kinpaku's house was dark when I arrived, but I hopped up her steps two at a time before knocking hardly on the door. No answer. I knocked again, louder this time but only received the same response. Cautiously I opened the door and stepped into gently called Kinpaku's name. Only the wind answered. The floors and walls were bare of Kinpaku's things, her mothers as well.

I wander absently about the empty home, coming across Akegata, a small doll I had given to Kinpaku for her birthday just the week before. I had sown it by hand. It was made with white scraps of silk mother had given me. Two black button eyes stared up at me. The floral pattern dress she wore was a bit too big, but I hadn't known what size to make it. It was made from scraps as well. Carefully I cradled Akegata in my hands and traced the lone road back to my house.

Kenshin's head snapped up as he heard the footsteps of officers approaching his home. They knocked rapidly on the door, which his father answered. A few words were exchanged and glances cast at Kenshin though Kenshin paid no mind. As the officers retreated, his father walked towards his son.

"I will be leaving," Kenshin stared at his father, first Kinpaku, now this? "I will be leaving tonight," his father stated quietly as he turned his back and headed into the house to pack.

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Well there you go. I'm not all that happy with this chapter. I just don't like the way it turned out o.O; Maybe y'all will think differently. Please review, thank you.

In the next chapter, Kenshin receives a letter from Kinpaku.