Author's note: Thanks for the reviews. I am happy that at least someone is reading my story. No, Kenshin doesn't know Kaoru is there, but they will meet soon enough. I apologize ahead of time if I tend to jump around a bit. I also forgot to describe Kenshin's appearance in chapter to but that is not a major slip up. I believe most people who read this story knows what he looks like.
Disclaimer: I do not own Rurouni Kenshin or its characters.
Chapter 3 – The city of Kyoto
The sun was shining up high in the sky giving off bright rays that seemed to spread joy in to the hearts of every thing it touched. People were bustling about in the streets, shopping and gossiping amongst one another. Children teased and played with one another, running about here and there in games of chase and hind and go seek.
Kenshin moved along quietly taking in all the sights around him. Kyoto had sure changed since he had been there last. People seemed to be a lot happier during this time of peace. Kenshin continued to walk at a slow pace although he felt some one's eyes on him. He tried to shake off the feeling but found that he could not. Glancing around, he decided that it would be best if he got out of public view.
No matter what Kenshin would never be able to feel safe in Kyoto. He had killed so many in this city and many people here knew who he was during the revolution. Battousai was his nickname at that time. He had been a merciless killer, until he met Tomoe. He forced the memory out of his mind and continued to look for someplace to reside.
Kenshin entered the Shirobeko taking a good look around. The place was still the same after all this time. Taking a seat near the entrance he placed his back to the wall. Tilting his head just enough to hide his wonderful violate eyes from passer byes.
"Good evening sir," a chirpy girl said while bowing politely. "Can I get you anything today?" Kenshin glimpsed up at the girl with a smile. She was very small and her long black hair was pulled back in one big braid.
"A cup of tea would suit me just fine miss…"
"Misao. Makamach, Misao." She said blushing.
"Water will do Misao-dono." Kenshin said. Misao danced off to fetch him what he requested.
Misao bounced along in her mary old way. She had been working for Sae-san for over a year now and every thing was going great.
As Misao passed back into the kitchen a woman entered the Shirobeko. Kenshin recognized her right off. She looked around the room and spotted her prey. She sauntered up to Kenshin with a seductive smile. Kenshin could only smirk because he finally understood why he had the feeling he was being watched.
"Ken-san. What a pleasant surprise this is. I haven't seen you since you left Kyoto a while ago."
"It is a pleasure to see you as well, Doctor Magumi." Kenshin knew Magumi only because she was a doctor. She had fixed many wounds for him in their past.
As Kenshin stood up to greet Magumi and he was astonished at what he confronted. Misao rushed over quickly hollered for help. "Sae-san, Magumi-dono! Help!"
Kaoru continued on her never ending journey. She had made it into some city by the time dawn rolled around. She looked tiered and worn out from all the traveling that she had done. Kaoru had not had a decent nights sleep for a whole year and it was taking its toll on her body.
She wandered aimlessly around the outskirts of the town, not really seeing or hearing anything. The smell of food drifted to her and she instinctively went towards it. Kaoru had not had a meal in two weeks. She stopped in front of the smell only to come face to face with a gang of truly brutish men. They gazed around as if looking for something
Kaoru was not too far gone to know that this meant trouble for her. As the men spotted her and came towards her she backed up slowly. When her brain finally clicked she ran. She ran toward the market place trying to find some one to help her, anyone at all. Most of the people there ignored her and continued on their way.
She spotted a restaurant off to the side and headed towards it. One of the men caught Kaoru by her hair as she tried to run. She screamed out in pain, her voice sounding hoarse because she hadn't used it in such a long time.
"Where you going girly, the party was just about to start," one of the men said in a scruffy tone. Kaoru struggled against the man's strength. She kick with all her might and was finally able to land a blow. She hit the man right in the groin and he collapsed, releasing the girl in the process.
Kaoru hit her head hard on the ground and began to bleed profusely. She was up and running with out a minute to spare. She ignored the blood and the head ache as she raced for the restaurant. As she made her way inside she could go no further and crumpled on the floor. Giving way to the darkness that wished to consume her she let unconsciousness take her.
Author's note: Hey every one. I know this is a cliff hanger but I am not sure where to take it now. A confrontation between Kenshin and the men chasing Kaoru is a must. Hope you all liked it.