Author's Note: Here's an introduction to the two main plots, the conception of Kenji—I figured with the honeymoon Kenshin and Kaoru had, it was just a matter of time—and the entrance of Kenshin into the fire of another conflict. Thanks so much for the encouraging reviews and all those reading this. Also, I did some research on kendo and used some terms in the scenes with Kaoru giving lessons in another dojo.

Glossary of Japanese words and terms:

Konichi wa—Good afternoon

Youdansu—Dresser or bureau

Jodan-no-kamae—In kendo, the ready position with the shinai held over the head.

Shinai—Bamboo sword for sparring in kendo

Bokken—Wooden sword also used for sparring—Kaoru uses this as her chief weapon in the Kamiya Kasshin-Ryu practice of

Katsujinken—swords that protect

Boku—Kendo armor and protective gear

Hikitate-geiko- sparring practice where a senior kendoist guides a junior

Kakari-geiko- short, intense, attack practice which teaches continuous

alertness, the ability to attack no matter what has come before, as well as

building spirit and stamina.

Kata—Exercise of various kendo moves to build concentration and stamina

Otearai—Toilet or outhouse

FATEFUL DECISION

The next noontime the train pulled into the Tokyo station, its steam stirring the fallen leaves from the shedding trees surrounding the track. It came to a stop and the passengers disembarked like a stream of humanity entering the white wraiths emitting from the undercarriage of the locomotive and exiting like apparitions.

Kenshin stepped down and assisted his wife, taking hold of her hand and then still holding her hand, guided her from the track and to the main road, where they stopped momentarily for some carriage traffic to pass.

Kaoru glanced around, her pretty face mildly dismayed. "Hmmm."

Kenshin caught her expression and was concerned. "What is it, koishii?"

"I thought that everybody would meet us, we did write that we were arriving today," she pointed out. "But I guess they forgot about us."

Kenshin replied cheerfully, "Perhaps they became busy and just forgot." He took her elbow and headed past the business section to the part of town by the river where the dojo was located. "It's no matter really. We'll see everyone when we get home, that we will."

Kaoru followed her husband as she agreed. "I suppose you're right."

As the newlywed couple made their way through the crowds, there were the inevitable whispers as the titian hair, cross shaped scar and sakabatou were a dead giveaway as to who the man was. It had been the talk at tea parties that the Battousai, who had been a resident in the city of Tokyo for over a year had taken a bride and those same people knew it was the only daughter of the late master of the Kamiya Dojo.

The two passed a group of matronly women by the entrance of the marketplace and the comments flew:

"Look, it's the Battousai and Kamiya-san," one woman said in surprise. "They must have just returned from their honeymoon."

"Hmmph! Well, at least they're married now," a sour-faced spinster sniffed in disdain. "Kamiya Koshijiro must have been rolling in his grave to know that his only daughter was harboring that murderous monster."

"I don't think he's a monster at all," a soft spoken lady with a sweet expression spoke up. "He's quite handsome and by the way he's holding her hand, quite devoted to her. Kamiya-san is indeed fortunate."

"I heard that they even joined that hanare Kirishitan group, that worships the Western God," another matron stated in a hushed tone.

"Humph, as if that will cleanse the blood from Battousai's hands," the sour spinster scoffed as she tossed her head at the departing couple.

Kaoru cast furtive glances about as they headed to the river and said ruefully, "I see that everyone is staring at us."

Kenshin laughed as he answered, "I see nothing like that, Kaoru. Besides, we are now married, nobody has any cause to disapprove, that they don't. Besides, it's none of their business."

Kaoru bit her lip and then nodded as she pondered the fact that by the standards of society, she was somewhat of a maverick, quite unconventional by nature of the way she had chosen in life. Her boarding of three young men as she was an unmarried girl was shocking enough but when she and Kenshin joined the cause for the beleaguered group of believers, their roles as unofficial pariahs became set. For some peculiar reason, it made her uneasy but she shrugged it off, as it never bothered her before.

I'm just getting paranoid. The fact is I have everything I ever wanted, finally being Kenshin's wife. And with the help of Kami-sama, I will do everything I can to be a good wife she vowed as a pair of violet eyes were gazing at her quizzically.

"Is there something amiss, koishii?" Kenshin asked in a worried manner. "You drifted away from me, are you all right?"

She mentally shook herself and smiled brightly. "Of course I am, anata. Let's go home," she said as she pulled him along and toward the bridge to the opposite side of the river where the dojo was located.

As they approached, Kaoru suddenly stopped as she gazed around at the river bank, the falling leaves of the sakura trees and the shimmering water and she smiled at her husband as he stopped and looked at her inquiringly.

"What is it now, Kaoru?" Kenshin asked She certainly is acting strangely, that she is, I wonder what is going on, I hope she's all right.

"Look around, Kenshin. We're at the same place again, where you said goodbye and I welcomed you home." Her piquant face was dreamy as her eyes sparkled in azure light.

Kenshin smiled affectionately as he beheld his bride, her innocent beauty making his heart pound. He leaned into to her and murmured, "So I see. We are truly home again, that we are." He lowered their bags as he pulled her beneath a tree and then cradled her face in his hands as he drew in for a kiss.

The loving embrace was interrupted by a strident youthful voice, which said, "I bet you're wrong, tori-atama. That's not them."

"Oh yeah? That's them all right, I'd know that sword anywhere. Hey Kenshin!" Sanosuke's baritone echoed as he and Yahiko strode over to the couple.

Kaoru groaned as she commented, "We have company."

"Hai," Kenshin sighed as he reluctantly released his wife. "We'll continue this later, tenshi." He pasted a serene smile on his face as he addressed the other two family members. "Konichi wa, Sano, Yahiko. It's good to see you both, that it is."

Yahiko grinned as he got between Kenshin and Kaoru, facing both as he said eagerly, "Boy, am I glad to see you both back. This baka has been eating us out of house and home." He hooked a thumb at Sano who was bristling.

"You've got a helluva nerve, kid. You're the one eating everything, we don't have anything at all left in the dojo."

"Oh yeah? You eat like a horse, it's no wonder we have no food," Yahiko snapped as Sano glared at him menacingly.

"That's ENOUGH!" Kaoru railed as she glared at the two. "Kenshin and I aren't even home yet and it's already starting. Let's get back to the dojo and then we'll go to the market to get some supplies. So let's go."

Her tone brooked no disobedience as the three males followed her lead. . . .

The next day, it was business as usual at the dojo, which had Kenshin rising early, careful not to disturb his sleeping wife as he dressed to go and make breakfast. He finished dressing and planted a kiss on Kaoru's brow as he went to leave.

"Kenshin?" she said sleepily. "Are you going to make breakfast now?"

"Hai, koishii. Are you hungry?" he asked with a smile.

"Uh-huh. I have to get up and dressed, I have appointments all over town to give lessons, we need to bring some money in here." She sat up and Kenshin helped her to her feet then she went to the youdansu to get her training clothes.

Kenshin watched Kaoru as she dressed and deep inside he felt odd. He had been thinking about what would happen to both their lives when they returned home and he knew that the ways of before could not continue. Now that he was married and Kaoru's husband, he felt it was now his duty to be the chief breadwinner instead of her supporting him. With that thought, he turned and headed to the kitchen, his mind full.

After breakfast, Kaoru prepared for her day by packing her duffel bag with her boku and bokken for after lunch. She directed Yahiko in some katas as she conducted his daily lesson, putting every effort in to make up for lost time.

"Yahiko your stance is bad, you need to bring your right foot forward more," Kaoru directed as she got into a son-kyo and Yahiko followed. He got ready with a jodan-no-kamae to issue an attack but as Kaoru moved to counter, she became dizzy as she swayed and pulled her bokken out of position to brace it on the floor to lean on for support.

Yahiko followed through until he saw his sensei's position and was immediately concerned. He forgot the sparring as he came forward, dropping his shinai.

"Hey Kaoru, are you okay?" he asked as her sudden pallor alarmed him.

She took a deep breath and balanced herself with a weak smile. "I'm fine, Yahiko. Shall we continue?"

Yahiko looked dubious but he nodded as he picked up his shinai. "Hai."

They continued with hikitate-geiko for about a half an hour without mishap but the youth kept a wary eye on his sensei as she pushed him in the match, her early spell troubling him.

Finally, Kenshin called them to the dining room for lunch and as Yahiko went forward, Kaoru caught his sleeve and whispered a request.

"Yahiko, please. Don't say anything about what happened to me before in front of Kenshin. He'll just tell me not to go give lessons and we need the money."

Yahiko frowned as he grudgingly complied, "Okay busu. I won't say anything but you'd better get yourself checked if you're not feeling well."

"I feel fine," she reassured him. Then she snapped, "And who do you think you're calling, 'busu'?"

Yahiko heaved a sigh of relief inside at her defensive response. If she were really sick, she would have ignored his jibe. He followed her to the dining room. . .

After lunch as she got ready to leave, Kenshin approached her and asked," When do you expect to be back, Kaoru?"

She gazed up into the afternoon sky. The days were getting shorter as winter was approaching so her time to give lessons was getting shorter as well. She sighed and replied, "About a half an hour before sunset. I am expected at four dojos for lessons and I expect I should be home by then."

Kenshin nodded as he came before his wife. "I'll be sure to have a bath ready for you when you return, koishii. But I have an errand to run first."

Kaoru regarded him closely. "You're going to see Yamagata-sama about the note he sent before we went away."

Kenshin nodded again. "Hai."

Kaoru said resignedly, "I'm sure you'll tell me all about it later, ne?"

"You know I will."

"Why must he always come to you?" his wife said with a bit of resentment.

Kenshin took her shoulders in his hands and said, "I must see what he wants. If it's my aid I must do what I can help to keep this era peaceful, that I must." He kissed her forehead and she smiled weakly in acquiescence.

Kaoru then sighed as she turned to head into town, her mind teeming with both curiosity and worry, wondering what new trouble was on the horizon as she brooded about her recent bouts with lightheadedness. It appeared the beginning of the journey as Kenshin's wife was already filling with bumps. . . .

An hour later, Kenshin arrived at the Ministry of Defense building and after asking for access to Yamagata, walked into his office where the military leader greeted the former hitokiri with a warm smile.

"You look well, Himura. It appears marriage agrees with you."

Kenshin nodded and smiled as he said, "Hai, I am quite content now that Kaoru is mine."

Yamagata returned the smile as he stood and reached to shake Kenshin's hand. "Omedeto, I wish you both the best." He gestured for Kenshin to take a seat before his desk and became serious as he asked, "Have you thought about what I relayed to you?"

Kenshin replied matter-of-factly, "I see that Hebikuroi is trying to change their tune. Since when have they become so eager to support the government, they were the most energetic resisters to the new Imperial regime."

Yamagata agreed, "Hai, they were very much a thorn in our side but appeared to have a complete change of heart. They now want a voice in parliament but their prior activities are preventing them from getting their place. There are people who have long memories and recall their penchant for bloodshed during the Bakumatsu."

"I tangled with them a few times myself," Kenshin recalled. "They were made up of former samurai that were ostracized by the dissolution of the shoguns. They were an embittered group, bent on revenge."

"That hasn't changed. For although they want to appear legitimate, they are supporting a renegade pirate group known as Samekuroi who have been attacking coastal villages that have been involved in foreign trade. They've been plundering ships and retribution is swift to those who would oppose them. Subsequently, there has been much bloodshed." Yamagata removed his pince-nez and rubbed his eyes. "Of course, the Hebikuroi deny any connection but we have proof of otherwise."

Kenshin remarked, "I'm not surprised. They often had representation in different factions, playing both ends trying to see where the fair wind was blowing. They were not considered very loyal." He leaned forward. "So what are you requesting of me?"

Yamagata met him eye to eye. "I am aware that as a newly married man you might be interested in a position that would enable you to support your new family. So I've been given the authorization from the emperor to offer you the position of Prime Negotiator for the Meiji government. Will you accept?"

Kenshin leaned back and had a contemplative frown on his even features. "What exactly are the duties of this position? I'm not really a diplomat, that I'm not," he demurred.

This is not a diplomatic position. It's more like a negotiator for the military forces to avert potential conflict, like a warlord."

"I see." Kenshin stared ahead with an impassive expression as he thought of what his duties might be should he take the position.

Yamagata continued, "You would have a squad of swordsmen assigned to you, former Ishin Shishi that have become Meiji soldiers to assist should any conflict arise but the main mission would be to avert any conflict at all. Especially here in this situation, but of course if the brazenness of Samekuroi requires that they be vanquished, well." He left it hanging, the meaning clear.

Kenshin sighed as he pondered the offer before him. Samekuroi appeared to be a group that needed to be dealt with yet he wondered if he would be able to stay true to his new faith and his vow of never killing again. But the reality of needing to assume the role of provider in his family was staring at him and he really did not know how to do anything else but wield a sword.

Yamagata saw the conflict in the violet orbs of the Battousai and to sway the decision his way and sweeten the deal he added, "You will be paid well for your service to the government, the emperor has assured me."

Kenshin rose slowly with an inscrutable expression. "I need time to think about this," he said flatly. "Give me about a fortnight and you shall have your answer." He turned to leave but Yamagata called out to him.

"The emperor and I eagerly await your answer, Himura."

Kenshin turned and nodded then resumed his exit.

Later that afternoon, Kaoru was finishing her kendo session at the Maekawa Dojo by leading the group in a particularly energetic kata when suddenly she became lightheaded again and stopped in the middle. Holding a hand to her head as she stumbled a bit, she drew the concern of the class and Maekawa himself as he rushed forward to catch her.

"Kaoru-kun, are you all right?" he asked in concern as the students crowded around. Maekawa then glanced at the throng and barked, "Step away and get back to your kakari-geiko kata, your forms were pathetic!"

"Hai, sensei!"

The young men all resumed their previous positions as their sensei ordered as Maekawa lifted the petite kendo instructor to her feet. Kaoru shook her head to clear it, setting her topknot to dancing as she gained her balance. She apologized profusely, shamed by her weakness.

"Forgive me, Maekawa-san. I don't know what came over me, lately I've been getting a bit woozy," Kaoru said weakly, her attitude contrite.

"Nonsense, Kaoru-kun. I'm more concerned about you. Are you feeling up to continuing?" Maekawa asked as he studied her downcast eyes.

She took a deep breath and gave him a determined look. "Hai!" The slender swordswoman then strode to the front of the class and joined them in their exercise, giving instructions as Maekawa stared at her with a thoughtful frown. . . .

At sunset, Kaoru was approaching the dojo gate and was met by her husband who came to the road to meet her. He kissed her gently on the forehead.

"Konban wa, koishii. Ogenki desu ka?"

Kaoru smiled brightly and replied, "Genki desu, anata. How was your afternoon?"

Kenshin took Kaoru's boku and bokken then wrapped his arm about her shoulder. "Uneventful. Dinner will be ready in a while so I'll draw a bath for you."

A bath sounded heavenly and Kaoru sighed as he led her into the main hall. "Subarashii. I'll go and get ready."

"Do that, it'll be ready shortly," Kenshin promised as he kissed her again then turned to head to the furoba to draw the bath.

Kaoru watched him with loving gratitude as she wearily headed to her room, wondering why she was so exhausted. . . .

After the bath and dinner, Kaoru assisted Kenshin in clean up, which because Yahiko was working at the Akabeko and Sanosuke had not appeared, took a short time so the couple went to sit on the porch leading into the courtyard. They sat together, locked in each other's arms lit by the waning moon.

Kaoru sat musing about her bouts with dizziness, wondering what possibly could be the cause, she never was one of those women that had weak constitutions that made them prone to swooning. She frowned as she tried to search for the reason behind her sudden malaise.

Kenshin in the meantime was also pensive, weighing the pros and cons of taking Yamagata's offer. He mulled over the vague duties that had been explained to him and wondered if it was a feasible idea to be a battle negotiator with a group determined to rattle the government. He pondered the role he would play with a group of former warriors to back him up, almost to intimidate and that disturbed him. But, there were many things about the Meiji that disturbed him as a former samurai himself but at the same time, that did not give groups like Samekuroi the right to attack innocent people just trying to make a living for themselves as they assisted the government.

Oh well, I have an entire fortnight to make this decision Kenshin said to himself. I'll have to discuss it with Kaoru before I decide anyway. He gazed down at his wife, snuggled beside him and then wondered why she was so quiet.

"You're very quiet tonight, my Kaoru," Kenshin murmured as he began to caress her head. "Onegai, tell me is there something troubling you?"

Kaoru felt a sight twinge as she hastened to reassure him. "Iie, Kenshin everything's fine really." She turned to gaze into his eyes.

"You seemed a bit overtired when you came home. I think you may be taking on too much, that you are," he pointed out.

Kaoru sighed as she turned and stared out into the courtyard. "I have to get back to work, we have no money coming in if I don't."

That statement hit Kenshin hard as he felt ashamed and berated himself for being a man expecting his woman to support him. He said firmly, "If it is too much for you, I want you to cut back and don't worry about the money, we'll manage."

"How? We have to feed us, Yahiko, and most of the time, Sanosuke. And food is not free, we can't live on fish from the river all the time and the winter harvest from the garden won't last forever." Kaoru scowled as she cursed the vertigo she was experiencing Mou, I can't let whatever this is stop me. I'm stronger than that.

Kenshin turned her around and raised her chin to face him. "I will make sure we never starve, koishii. Even if I have to steal, I will never allow you to go hungry," he said with a fierce determination.

Kaoru's sapphire eyes widened at the look in Kenshin's eyes, which were icy blue as she sensed something inside him, something he was not divulging. But she entertained a bit of wifely wisdom as she decided to not push for him to reveal what was on his mind.

"Tadaima!" Yahiko's voice echoed as he entered the front hall and slammed the shoji shut. "Kenshin, Kaoru, where are you?"

"Coming." The newlyweds sighed and exchanged resigned glances as they got up to greet the returning youth. . . .

The next day, Kaoru headed into the Akabeko, a purposeful gleam in her eyes as she entered the semi busy establishment. She glanced about until she saw her good friend Seikihara Tae haggling with what looked to be the fish monger. The man was arguing the price of his best catches but Tae was a tough sell. Kaoru waited patiently until finally they came to an agreement and Tae stepped away, getting the better end of the deal. She was always the shrewd businesswoman except when it came to collecting from a certain freeloading tori-atama. Smiling, Kaoru approached Tae as she next was supervising the preparation of food for the noon rush.

"Ohayo, Tae-san," Kaoru greeted her friend cheerfully.

Tae turned and at the sight of her dear friend smiled warmly as she hurried to meet her. She gave Kaoru an embrace as she returned the greeting. "Ohayo, Kaoru-chan it's so good to see you! How are you and Ken-san doing since your honeymoon?"

Kaoru smiled as she said dreamily, "Subarashii. It's wonderful to wake up with him beside me. I love being a wife."

Tae smiled knowingly, "I knew that you two were destined to belong to each other from the minute Ken-san came to live with you. The first time you brought him in here I knew he would be with you always."

Kaoru smiled as she nodded then became earnest. "Tae, I have a favor to ask."

"What is it, Kaoru?" Tae asked in curiosity as she noticed her friend's solemn manner.

Kaoru took a deep breath. "I want to be the best wife for Kenshin, so he'll never regret marrying me."

Tae laughed, "Kaoru, he could never do that. Ken-san was so in love with you for so long, when you accepted his proposal, he was so happy, I saw it. What else can you do?"

Kaoru continued, "I want to learn to be a better cook. Can you teach me?"

Tae smiled broadly as she replied happily, "Of course, Kaoru-chan. I'd be happy to teach you to cook better. I'll make you into the best cook outside the Akabeko." The exuberant proprietress linked arms with her friend. "Come with me and we'll get started right away."

An hour later, Tae had gone over the fine points of seasoning and directed Kaoru in frying vegetables and meat in a simple tempura. But as she was spooning the mixture into a bamboo pot to take home, a severe nausea came over her.

Kaoru nearly dropped the tempura on the tatami as she rushed out to the otearai just as she lost her breakfast. Alarmed, Tae followed as she saw her friend in misery, bent over the chamber pot.

"Kaoru, are you all right?" she said worriedly as she saw the new bride's pallor when she leaned up to take a some air. The young woman took in deep gulps of air to calm her stomach.

Kaoru took another deep breath as she collected herself. "I'll be fine in a minute." That was sudden, I felt just fine and now the smell of the food is making me so sick, I can't even think of food. What could be happening to me? Then a thought came to her Could I already be expecting?

Tae helped Kaoru rise slowly to her feet as the thought haunted her.

NEXT-UNEXPECTED NEWS