Chapter 6

(Kyla)

"Can you see the light at all?" Megumi asked, holding a small candle near Shinta's face.

My brother shook his head. "I can feel the warmth, but there is no light." One hand still held on to my own, and I could feel the fine trembling in his body. His grip was tight, holding me as though I was a lifeline, which I probably was in the blackness he now lived in.

Megumi sighed. "I'm sorry Ken-san, but there is nothing I can do. I suspect you'll be permanently blind." She shook her head. "I'm truly sorry."

He smiled, his dull violet eyes looking at her, though they did not focus on her face. "It is not your fault Megumi-dono, that it is not. It is better to be alive."

I watched his face, looking at his eyes. They were empty violet pools; there was no spark of life. It was frightening to me, and I suppressed a shudder. He suddenly looked at me, and I was locked in that empty gaze.

"Is something wrong?" he asked.

I smiled, knowing he would be able to hear it on my voice. "No Shinta. I was just, looking." I saw sadness flash across his face, and then the neutral expression returned. I squeezed his hand lightly. "It'll be okay otouto-chan. I'm here for you."

He smiled. "Arigatou."

He shivered slightly, moving closer to me in an attempt to warm himself. I hugged him closer, rubbing his shoulder. "You're still sick Shinta. You should lay down."

Megumi nodded, speaking at the same time so my brother would know. "She's right. You should cover up so you can get well." She touched his shoulder and he raised his other hand to Megumi's. She and I led him back to his futon from the bench we had him on.

He lay down and closed his eyes wearily, heaving a sigh. "Sleep." I murmured, gently smoothing his hair from his face. I leaned over and kissed his warm forehead lightly. "I love you Shinta." I whispered.

"Love……you…….." he replied, though his voice was low as he sank into sleep. His breathing evened and slowed, settling into the steady rhythm of rest.

I smiled sadly and moved away from him, going to sit where Kaoru was on the bench. She smiled at me gently. "You love him very much, don't you?"
I nodded. "Of course." I looked at her, my eyes soft. "He's all I have left Kaoru. Without him I would be lost, he's my only reason to live." I smiled. "You love him as well, right?" She blushed. "I can see it in your eyes every time you look at him Kaoru."

She looked at my sleeping brother, her sapphire eyes shining. "I've never met anyone as nice as him. He's always so kind and carefree; it's hard to believe he's had such a hard life." She giggled lightly. "And to top it off he's really handsome!"

I laughed and put a hand on her shoulder. "He definitely got the looks in the family." I grew serious. "He's going to need both of us, more than ever now. Since he's blind he'll have no way to know what's going on until he learns to heighten and use his other senses. He can use ki to locate people, but that's only half of the journey. Until he can be secure enough to be on his own we always have to be with him. There is no greater fear than being alone in the dark. This I know all too well."

She made a small sound as though she was unsure of what to say. She sighed, then stood. "I should go find Yahiko and Sano. They need to know what's happened."

I nodded. "I'll stay with Shinta." She left the room, leaving me and my ill brother as he slept. "I'll always stay with you." I murmured. I put my katana against my shoulder and sat in the corner, retiring myself to watch over my younger brother.

(Kenshin)

There was pain, but it was lessening as the time went on. My eyes were the worst, a dull ache pounded just behind them. I also had a roaring headache.

I woke to darkness again. My ears and other senses were thankfully already sharper than usual due to my younger days, but it was still silent. Kyla was in the room however, I could sense her ki.

"Kyla?" I murmured. There was no response. "Onee-san?"

"I'm here Shinta. I'm here." I reached out with one hand, searching for her. Her calloused hand met mine, weaving out fingers together. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm alright." I murmured. "Where is Kaoru-dono?"

"She's getting some rest. She looked awful so I told her to go get some sleep," my sister replied, moving closer to my side. "She's very worried about you Shinta."

I frowned. "I don't want to worry her, that I do not."

I could hear the smile on her voice as she spoke again. "I could go get her if you like."

I hesitated. I wouldn't worry Kaoru-dono if she saw that I was alright, but if Kyla went to get her I'd be alone. I nodded slowly. I needed to get used to being by myself.

I heard Kyla chuckle lightly, but that was the only sound. She definitely earned her name. My sibling moved with a grace that made her as silent as the owl.

I sat alone for a moment, then I heard footsteps. "Kenshin?"

I stretched out a hand, searching for her in the blackness. Her gentle hands met mine and I felt her come to sit beside me. "Kaoru-dono. Kyla said I was worrying you."

I heard her smile. "I'm only afraid Kenshin. Don't feel bad."

I smiled and squeezed her hand lightly. I had a feeling that everything would be fine. Little did I know…….

HM: Oooo… foreshadowing. God I love it. Anywho, please review! Ja ne!