Author's Note: I know this is an extremely long chapter but it is where the two main co-plots gets established, Kaoru's pregnancy and Kenshin's new position. And to those asking if it's too soon for Kaoru to get pregnant, I've consulted with my good friend Jen23, a mother of two beautiful girls and she assures me that it's not uncommon for a first pregnancy to happen so soon after marriage. Especially in the late 1800's when conceiving children was easy but because of primitive medical treatment and various diseases, carrying them to full term was a bit more difficult. To LadySword 04, I was so touched by your last review, I hope you continue to enjoy this—yes, I believe research is an essential element in good writing. And I have some strong Christian elements here as our couple gets baptized so if anyone gets offended, just don't read it. Thanks to all the readers and reviewers.

Glossary of Japanese Words and Terms:

Onegai—Please

Gomen—Sorry

Koibito—Sweetheart

Kitsune—Fox—Sanosuke calls Megumi this

Busu—Ugly

Tadaima—"I'm home!"

UNEXPECTED NEWS

Kenshin was busy finishing the day's laundry as he mulled over the meeting with Yamagata and the offer he presented. His heart and head were in a struggle that had him firmly impaled on the horns of a dilemma as he continued to mull over the pros and cons of accepting the government position. Samekuroi was a group that needed to be reined in, for sure but Kenshin was figuring that it would require him to do something he had an aversion to, intimidate with his reputation and strength. It was something he had abhorred in the police swordsmen when they intimidated the crowd that one time and now he was faced with the possibility that he would become one of those he had loathed and fought against.

Kenshin sighed as he played devil's advocate with himself and looked at the other side, the innocent, hard-working people; merchants and those creating items for trade that want nothing more than the better life promised by Meiji reform by being able to trade with the wealthy West. The promise of prosperity and hope for their families as an attainable goal for many was a dream come true and his own benevolent heart yearned to help them achieve it.

His warring thoughts were interrupted by the sweet soprano voice of his new wife as she called out, "Tadaima!" Kenshin smiled and he wiped his hands on his hakama then rose to meet Kaoru.

He stepped inside as she approached and they met each other in the hall. " Yokoso, Kaoru-koishii," Kenshin greeted his wife warmly as he gave her a kiss.

"Konichi wa, anata," she responded as she returned the smile. "Look what I made at Tae's," Kaoru gushed like a toddler making her first steps.

She opened the cover of the bamboo pot and displayed her handiwork. "Tae taught me how to make a tempura. Want to try it?"

"Of course," Kenshin replied eagerly as he braced his mouth for the onslaught of poorly seasoned sustenance. He was quite used to Kaoru's horrible cooking but he was pleasantly surprised when he discovered it was flavored delicately and melted in his mouth.

His features reflected his reaction as he praised, "This is delicious, koishii. And you say Tae taught you how to make this?"

"Hai, she told me what to do and corrected me when I was wrong. Then she watched me as I cooked it, making sure I didn't overcook it."

"Ah, I see." Kenshin helped himself to another taste as he suggested, "Why don't we have this now for lunch? It's time to eat anyway." He took the pot and headed toward the dining room as an adolescent tenor sounded.

"Hey, Kenshin, Kaoru! What's for lunch?" Yahiko bellowed as he came toward the couple.

Knowing Yahiko's loathing of anything Kaoru cooked, they exchanged a conspirators wink as Kenshin replied, "We have a special treat Yahiko, tempura."

"Really? Oh boy, I can't wait, let's eat!" The youth scampered into the dining room as Kenshin and Kaoru chuckled and made to follow.

"Not a word, Kenshin?" she asked sweetly.

He grinned and nodded, "Not a word, koibito."

The following days were somewhat cautious ones for Kaoru as she pondered the possibility of being with child and tried to hide her bouts with vertigo and nausea from the two men who shared her life. She calculated that her last monthly time had come two weeks prior to her wedding and had expected it when she returned from her honeymoon but she was realizing that it never came, instead she began having symptoms. Her figuring then had her musing that the possibility was becoming a probability, especially since she was getting increased episodes of nausea during mealtimes. It was getting more and more difficult to keep food down and more importantly, to keep Kenshin from noticing although observant as always, he was starting to look at her in a peculiar way. At those times, she would reassure him that she was fine determined, however, to keep any speculation about being pregnant to herself since the symptoms were intermittent and she did not want to worry him as it seemed he had something else pressing on his mind. But each time she tried to get him to tell her, he would assure her that everything was fine. He also did not reveal if he had spoken to Yamagata either and so she did not press him, she knew he would tell her when he was ready.

One day after lunch she was relaxing and mulling over what it was that could so important that her husband would be hesitating to tell her when there was a knock on the shoji and Kamioka Danjuro and Tamiko walked in to pay them a visit.

Kaoru rose and rushed over to the couple that had, in a short time, become good friends. "Konichi wa, Danjuro-san, Tamiko-chan. It's so nice to see you!"

Both bowed and smiled as Tamiko replied, "I hope you don't mind us dropping in like this. We were shopping at the marketplace and just wanted to see you both. You've been missed at the weekly services."

Kaoru lowered her head as she said sheepishly, "I know we haven't been at Itikaku Mizu since coming home from our honeymoon, forgive us."

Danjuro smiled and waved his hand. "No need to apologize, Kaoru-san. We understand and remember quite well what it was like when we first were married." He reached to squeeze his wife's hand.

She smiled fondly at him as she nodded. "Hai we do, anata."

Then Kenshin entered the hall from the back by the kitchen bowed and smiled. "Konichi wa, Danjuro-san, Tamiko-san. It's nice to see you both, that it is."

"Konichi wa, Ken-san. We were just dropping by to say hello and see how you both were doing," Danjuro said with a bow. "And we wanted to thank you for allowing us use of the dojo for services while you were gone."

Kaoru said graciously, "It was our pleasure. Is the meeting house rebuilt?"

Danjuro replied, "Hai. We've managed to rebuild it in record time with everybody pitching in. We were able to use it for the first time this past Sunday." He beamed with pride like a boy that just finished building a treehouse for the blaze that had leveled the building had been devastating. The fact that it had been rebuilt so quickly to Danjuro was yet another example of a benevolent and loving Savior. "My Lord shall supply all my needs."

"Amen." Everybody all answered as Kenshin and Kaoru set down cushions and everyone took a seat. The former hitokiri responded, "I know we've not been to services as yet, forgive us." He lowered his head contritely.

"But we have been spending daily time reading the Bible," Kaoru pointed out. It was true, in the morning after some tender time, the couple was spending a set time reading and praying before they started their day.

Kenshin nodded in agreement. "Hai, we've found that it's a benefit to us as we go through our day, that it is." His expression was earnest but his eyes appeared burdened.

Kaoru rose as she offered, "Onegai, stay for tea. I'll go and prepare it." She turned toward the kitchen.

Tamiko also rose. "I'll help you, Kaoru-chan." Both women headed to the kitchen.

As the tea was being prepared, Danjuro studied Kenshin closely with piercing sherry eyes. "Ken-san, you've something on your mind, don't you?"

Kenshin raised his eyes and met the orbs of Kamioka. "It appears you are very observant, Danjuro-san." He sighed as he began, "Yamagata-sama has asked my assistance on another problem and offered me a position in the Imperial Army."

"I see."

Kenshin then told Danjuro all about the Samekuroi and what havoc they were wreaking on honest, working people in the villages that supplied textiles and the coastal fishing villages that were getting attacked by the renegade samurai pirates. He pointed out that the attacks had increased to the point of getting regular write-ups in the local newspapers.

"Hai, I know. I've been reading about the attacks on ships loaded with goods headed to the West for trading but I had no idea that actual villages were getting attacked as well."

Kenshin continued, "I've been thinking very carefully about his request and I'm starting to lean toward accepting. I promised him an answer and it's about time to give it." He sighed again as he added, "I need to start supporting my wife, Kaoru is working too hard traveling around town to give lessons to keep money coming in here and it's starting to take its toll on her. I've noticed she's been ill a lot lately even though she's been trying to hide it from me."

Danjuro nodded as he inquired, "Have you told her about Yamagata-sama's offer?"

Kenshin shook his head. "I told her that he has contacted me but not about his offer. I'm worried about her health and don't want to add to her distress, that I don't."

Danjuro inquired, "And have you prayed about it?"

Kenshin nodded, "Almost constantly since my meeting with Yamagata-sama."

"What answer are you getting?"

Kenshin replied, "Innocent people are being attacked for just trying to keep food in their families' mouths. I can't consciously stand by and do nothing about it, that I can't." He folded his arms stubbornly as he added adamantly, "At the same time, I won't worry Kaoru because I know how she will react."

Danjuro agreed, "True, but you do need to discuss this with her. She is your wife now, and so any decision must be made together."

Kenshin nodded in agreement as he said, "I know and I will when I see Yamagata-sama, I plan to see him tomorrow." Then he suggested, "Care to come along with me?"

Danjuro pondered a moment and then replied, "That's not a bad idea." Truth was, Danjuro was missing the excitement of serving as a patriot but he was also concerned for the condition of the people who desired to live peaceful lives. That was the chief reason that he began the hanare Kirishitan group Itikaku Mizu to serve the needs of the people for a relationship with the Living God, who wanted to live lives of substance and happiness. As the leader of a group of believers and a former soldier, he felt it was his duty as well to do what he could.

"Let me know when you plan to go and I'll meet you there," Danjuro said as the women entered with the tea. . . .

The next day, Kenshin finished clearing the breakfast away when he entered the practice hall and informed Kaoru, "I'm leaving to see Yamagata-sama, I should be back shortly."

She was there, overseeing Yahiko as he cleaned and polished the hardwood floors with wet rags to collect the dust when her husband approached her.

"About when do you expect to return?"

Kenshin shrugged as he replied, "I'm not sure."

Kaoru sighed as she remarked resignedly, "So you've decided to take the position." Her tone was a mixture of sight annoyance and uneasy acceptance. She had all night to mull over his choice, for he had explained the situation and discussed with her until the wee hours of his probability of taking the position. Although she was not happy about Kenshin being involved in situations that put his vow and beliefs on the line, she supported his decision even if it meant he would be away from time to time.

He grasped her shoulders and gazed earnestly into her azure orbs. "Please understand koishii, I have a responsibility to make sure that innocent people are safe and free to live in peace. And," he added, "a responsibility to support my family."

"But I'm bringing money into the house," she protested but Kenshin laid a finger on her lips.

"Hai, but you are working too hard," her husband pointed out. "You've been looking very pale and are hardly eating anything. I'm very worried about you, koibito, that I am."

Kaoru sighed as she said weakly, "I'm fine, you worry too much, Kenshin." She then waved it off as she addressed her student, "Yahiko, this needs at least another twenty times before you're done so let's hop to it!"

Yahiko stopped and wiped at his brow as he caught his breath. "All right already, busu sheesh, what a slavedriver!"

Kaoru bristled as Kenshin chuckled and kissed her. "Have a good morning and don't kill each other."

Yahiko stopped to remark acerbically, "If she keeps this up, you may come home to a corpse, she's working me to death!"

Kaoru retorted, "Stop making idle threats and complaining and get moving."

Kenshin smiled affectionately at the two precious people in his life and then turned to leave, their bickering echoing in the hall as he jettisoned. . . .

It was nearly noontime when Kenshin stepped out of the Ministry of Defense building and met Danjuro outside waiting for him. The former Ishin Shishi swordsman had declined to go inside but had accompanied the flame haired swordsman of legend to the building, offering to pray with him for the outcome of the meeting. After praying, Kenshin had then headed inside to deliver his decision to Yamagata-sama who was elated to hear Kenshin's affirmative response.

The statesman bowed in gratitude. "Arigatou, Himura. The emperor will be relieved to know that you will be serving the people once again."

Kenshin respectfully bowed in return. "I will do my best to honor him and serve Japan."

He handed Kenshin a plump purse filled with currency. "Here's your first payment."

Kenshin opened it and his eyes widened at the amount within. He shook his head as he remarked, "It's a very generous amount, that it is."

"The emperor said it is not nearly enough. To make sure that Samekuroi is defeated is his primary concern. They've gotten very bold in their attacks of late and the emperor is afraid they may start targeting foreign trade ships. Japan can ill afford the possibility of war with the powerful West and if they attack those ships it becomes a probability."

Kenshin nodded as he assured him, "I will do what I can to make sure they are put out of business."

Yamagata rose and responded, "I have every confidence in you. Come here tomorrow morning and I will go over the duties of your first assignment and also the notes of the prior negotiations with Hebikuroi to try to stop the attacks. They want to bargain with us and now we can schedule a meeting now that you're involved."

He relayed everything to Danjuro as they began the trek back to the dojo and as they came into view of the gate, Danjuro stopped and made an inquiry.

"Ken-san, what do you plan to tell Kaoru-san? She needs to know."

"She knows already," Kenshin replied. "We discussed this late last night, and she supports me and accepts it. She's not happy about it, but she accepts my decision, that she does."

Danjuro nodded as he said, "Contact me when you're ready to go into the battle. I'll be ready to assist you when you need me."

Kenshin bowed. "Arigatou, Danjuro-san." He turned and headed in to greet his wife who was waiting for him.

Kaoru approached her husband and kissed him hello. "So how did everything go?"

"It went well. I am expected at Yamagata-sama's office tomorrow morning to get my duties."

Kaoru turned and headed toward the dining room. "I fixed lunch. Tae helped me make some onigiri to go with your pickled vegetables."

"Sounds good," Kenshin said as he followed. He was a bit dismayed by her manner, she appeared somewhat detached and almost quiet, very unusual for his spitting wildcat. But he kept his feelings to himself.

In the dining room Yahiko was inhaling his food as per usual as Kaoru was reaching for a rice ball and about to take a bite when she got the feeling she was being stared at. Kenshin had taken a seat on his cushion beside her and was studying her, his violet eyes soft yet penetrating like he was trying to figure something out.

She met his stare and said somewhat crossly, "Is there something wrong with my face, Kenshin?"

He flashed his trademark rurouni smile at his bride and said amiably, "Iie, tenshi. I was just savoring your beauty, that I was." He innocently picked up a bowl of vegetables and began to eat.

Yahiko scoffed, "Boy Kenshin, are you whipped. If I stare at Kaoru, it'll make me lose my lunch."

Kenshin glared at the boy and admonished as he hastened to defend his wife, "That was rude and uncalled for, Yahiko."

Both men then glanced at the young woman and braced for the verbal tempest about to strike but were shocked as she seemed unfazed. As if she never heard the jibe Kaoru lowered her head and was about to take her bite when her stomach began to rebel. She jumped to her feet to head out to the otearai, causing her devoted spouse and star boarder to forget all about their meal and follow her. They both watched at the door and she retched as what little she had managed to keep down from breakfast came up.

Kenshin heard her as she was violently ill into the chamber pot and was deeply worried as he went to get a linen towel to wet in the well. He approached the otearai and opened the door to kneel beside his wife in her misery.

"Easy now, Kaoru-koishii," he said soothingly as he gently took her in his arms and laid the cool wet cloth on her forehead. "If you're not feeling well, perhaps you should go back to bed."

Yahiko watched her, his coffee eyes darkened in concern as he asked, "Are you okay, Kaoru? We don't have to practice this afternoon if you don't feel up to it."

Kenshin took charge as he scooped Kaoru up in his arms. "There will be no practice today, Yahiko. Instead, I want you to go and fetch either Dr. Gensai or Megumi to come as soon as possible."

"Hai, Kenshin. Right away." Yahiko rushed through the dojo gate, leaving it ajar in his haste.

Kaoru protested weakly, "Mou, Kenshin you're going a bit far. I'm fine, really."

He headed into the dojo and carried his wife into their bedroom and laid her on the futon, still spread out. He knelt beside her as he stroked her forehead, brushing her sweaty bangs back. He gazed down at her, frowning.

"Tell me the truth, Kaoru. What is wrong with you?" Kenshin's eyes bore into her.

She took a deep breath as the nausea passed. "N-nothing, anata. I just got a little sick, could be I picked up something while I was out giving lessons." It was a weak defense so she pleaded with her wide sapphire eyes to entreat him but he stood firm.

"All the more reason you should curtail your activity." Kenshin sighed as he continued, "Now that I will be working, you can decrease your lessons to other dojos, money is no longer a problem." He drew out the purse Yamagata had given him and handed it to her.

She opened it and gasped at the amount. "Mou, Kenshin that's a fortune!"

"It is only the beginning." He stood up and walked over to the window to stare through the slats at the bright afternoon with a scowl. He brooded as he sardonically considered how he had sold himself to the highest bidder to simply support his wife and keep food on the table.

Kaoru sat up as she saw his stiff back and she knew that he was warring within as he contemplated his new role. She put the purse aside then rose and walked over to Kenshin, slipping her arms around him as she sought to offer him solace.

"Anata, I appreciate everything you want to do for us. But if you don't feel right about it, then quit. I'd rather struggle with not enough money then see you tear yourself up about doing something that goes against your ideals." She laid her cheek on his shoulder.

Kenshin turned around and took his bride in his arms. "That's just it, Kaoru. I'm going to be helping those, whose only desire is to provide for their families. Just like I want to now." He sighed as he continued, "But this is the first time I agreed to help and accepted payment for my help."

Kaoru answered matter-of-factly, "And you feel badly about that."

Kenshin nodded, "It seems I have traded my nobility for practicality." He studied her intently, "I just hate seeing you working so hard that you're making yourself sick."

Kaoru leaned in and wrapped her arms around Kenshin as she said, "Oh anata, I'm fine. But if you really are set on doing this, you can count on me I'll be right there with you." She then placed her lips on his for a soft kiss. They were then interrupted by Yahiko's voice as he returned and knocked on the shoji to peer in.

He said, hesitant to impose, "Hey Kenshin, Kaoru. The clinic was closed but if you want, I'll go back later."

Kaoru stated, "That's all right, Yahiko. I'm fine now."

Kenshin opened his mouth to protest but she shushed him with a finger on his lips and said to the youth, "Go and wait for me in the practice hall. I'll be there in a minute."

Her concerned husband gave her a reproachful look as she sweetly smiled.

It was still balmy with summer temperatures quite unseasonable for autumn almost a week later as Kenshin, Kaoru, Yahiko, Dr. Gensai, Ayame, Susume, Megumi, and Sanosuke strolled to the riverbank where the water was shallow. It was there that an event of note was about to take place, the newlyweds' baptism.

They had been reading in the bible about John the Baptist, who was ordained by God to cleanse the sins of men away by dipping them into the Jordan River and had decided to do the same. Kenshin was especially eager to do this public act of faith to enforce his resolve to keep his vow of never taking a life again, especially in light of his new position as Prime Negotiator. He had been getting used to what would be required of him in several days of meetings with Yamagata and so he felt that to perform the duties as peacekeeper his faith would help keep him focused and determined. He discussed all this with Kaoru and they agreed to both be baptized and then discussed it with Danjuro, who was delighted and offered to perform the ceremony.

As they all walked to the riverbank, Yahiko, Sano, Megumi, and Dr. Gensai all were in conversation about the strange ritual they were about to witness.

"So what is this 'baptism' all about anyway?" Yahiko asked as they headed toward a small gathering of people at the riverbank, some dressed in snow-white yukata like Kenshin and Kaoru as the rest were encircled around them.

"Yeah, what's a baptism?" Ayame asked.

"Yeah, bapts," little Susume echoed, her eyes wide.

Sanosuke shrugged, "Beats me. All I know is Kenshin and Jou-chan asked if I wanted to be there to watch them do this thing. I decided to come because everybody's going back to the dojo for a feast later."

"That figures," Megumi scoffed. "Leave it to you to know when a free meal is offered."

Sano bristled, "Listen, kitsune for your information they asked me to come. We've been like family for a long time."

Megumi challenged, "Then why would it have to take an offer of food for you to share in this when it makes them so happy?"

Sanosuke had the grace to look shamed. "You're right, lady doc."

Dr. Gensai remarked, "Well, Kenshin and Kaoru-chan are determined to follow this western faith so as the ones who are their family, we should support them."

The others nodded in agreement as the entourage came to the group at river's edge. Kenshin and Kaoru both came to Danjuro and Tamiko, who greeted them with warm hugs.

The rest of the Kenshingumi greeted the Kamioka couple as Danjuro clapped his hands to get everybody's attention. "Everyone, we are here because some of our beloved are ready to make their decision to follow Iesu known to all by agreeing to be baptized." Those in white yukata gathered at the river's edge as the rest of the group took seats on the ground. He opened up his bible and read from the Gospel of Mark:

" John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins. And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey; And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost."

Danjuro then waded out into the river until he was waist deep and began calling those to be baptized by name. First he called to a young lady, about Kaoru's age and she joined him in the water as he took hold of her by the waist to support her and put his other hand on her forehead.

"I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost."

He then brought his hand over her face to hold her nose and bent her backwards into the water, completely immersing her for a split second, bringing her up as the water trickled and glistened in the sun. He then escorted her to the bank as two women with linen cloths to wrap her in met them and took the girl to the side as everyone gave praise.

Sanosuke side whispered to Megumi, "Now that's something I've never seen in my whole life. I thought he was going to drown her."

"Shhh!" Megumi hushed as she watched Danjuro repeat the procedure with a young man in his twenties. As a doctor, she observed and was impressed by the care taken to make sure the subjects were protected from drowning as he dipped them into the river.

The next ones to be baptized were a family, mother, father and their children, a small boy and a little girl of about nine years. The father went first, followed by the mother and then the daughter as Danjuro compensated for her small size. Then her brother, who was even smaller was eager to go his face aglow with a bright smile. His manner was infectious as everyone gathered smiled as well.

Danjuro smiled as he said, "Ippei, are you ready?"

"Hai," the boy said excitedly.

"Then I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost," Danjuro announced as he gently took hold of the boy, holding his nose as he bent him over his arm and dunked him into the water, bringing him up immediately as the boy came up giggling. The rest of the group erupted in laughter and applause as Ippei scooted over to the riverbank and into his mother's waiting arms.

Ayame watched with wide eyes as she stated, "It looks like he had fun."

Susume nodded, setting her pigtails dancing. "Yeah, fun."

"Hmm," Dr. Gensai intoned thoughtfully.

Yahiko, who had been quiet up to now pointed out. "Look, it's Kenshin's turn." He pointed his finger to the river where Kenshin had entered the water and waded out to where Danjuro waited.

In the water, Danjuro said to his former comrade in arms. "I'm very excited that you're doing this, Ken-san."

Kenshin smiled as he answered, "I'm excited too. Especially now, this is the best way to begin my new life's journey, that it is." He closed his eyes and clasped his hands as Danjuro took hold of him and spoke the blessing.

"I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost." He bent Kenshin backward as he held his nose and the former hitokiri went into the water and came up, a serene expression on his even features as everyone lifted their voices in praise.

The Kenshingumi were transfixed, captivated by the ritual they just saw and the significance of the action as they watched the man who was so bloodstained become cleansed. Kenshin then walked out of the water and accepted a linen cloth as he went to his young wife and squeezed her hand in encouragement.

Kaoru smiled sweetly as she then made her way into the lapping water and out to where Danjuro waited with a smile. He addressed her as she came to him.

"Kaoru-chan, are you ready?" he asked gently.

She took a deep breath to calm the pounding of her heart as she nodded. "Hai. I really want to do this." It was a decision she had made freely, even though Kenshin had said that she did not have to just because he had decided to do it himself.

Danjuro took hold of Kaoru's waist to support her and spoke the blessing over her. "I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost."

She closed her eyes as she felt Danjuro bend her backwards to enter the water. As she felt the water surround her, everything immediately went black and she became limp as she slipped out of his grasp and into the river.

A collective gasp of alarm sounded as the group saw Kaoru slide out of Danjuro's arms. Kenshin felt his heart drop as he tossed his linen aside and sprinted into the river, pushing Danjuro aside and diving beneath the surface to rescue his bride. He quickly paddled under to grab the unconscious young woman but he slipped on the bottom just as he made contact yet managed to get hold of her sleeve, pulling her up to the surface.

Kenshin swam, holding onto his precious bundle as he got to the riverbank, cradling her as he laid her on the ground. Kaoru was still as her husband frantically patted her cheeks.

"Kaoru, Kaoru, onegai, open your eyes, koishii," he begged as Megumi knelt beside the distressed swordsman.

"Ken-san, listen to me. You have to open her airway by tilting her head back and holding her nose, breathe into her lungs," the lady doctor directed firmly as he did as he was told positioning Kaoru's head to open her airway.

He then began to breathe life into his wife all the while praying that she would be all right. Surrounded by the concerned throng and those close to the couple, Kenshin took hold of Kaoru and breathed into her mouth continuously as the anxious group watched. After what seemed like an eternity, her sapphire orbs fluttered and opened as Kenshin's eyes welled up with tears of gratitude, thanking the Lord above.

"K-Kenshin? W-what happened?" Kaoru asked shakily as she noticed her husband's distress.

Kenshin could not trust himself to speak as he crushed her to him in a fierce hug. "I almost lost you," he said his voice taut with emotion. "Are you all right?"

Kaoru nodded as she pulled away to look at him but Megumi was not convinced. "What happened as you went under water, Kaoru?" the physician wanted to know.

Kaoru shrugged as Tamiko wrapped a linen cloth around her. "I really don't know. All of a sudden I just fainted as I was going under."

Yahiko, who had been kneeling beside the girl who was like a beloved older sister to him spoke up, "It's not the first time she's fainted, either."

Kaoru glared at the spike haired youth as Kenshin demanded, "What do you mean, not the first time?"

Yahiko ignored the gestures from Kaoru as he replied tersely, "She's been having fainting spells a lot lately while we've been practicing."

Kenshin examined his wife sternly as he inquired, "Is that so, Kaoru? And why haven't you told me about this?"

She looked sheepish as she said contritely, "Gomen, Kenshin. I didn't want to worry you."

Kenshin sighed, annoyed yet wanting to be supportive. "You should have told me, Kaoru."

All the while Megumi was studying Kaoru in a speculative manner as she got up and consulted with Dr. Gensai. He nodded and stepped forward.

"Kaoru-chan, Megumi and I both think you should be brought back to the dojo immediately so we can examine you thoroughly. And I'm sure Kenshin agrees."

"Hai," Kenshin said as he scooped her up and with his godlike speed sprinted to the dojo as everyone else followed suit. As they made to go, Sanosuke grabbed Megumi and made a demand on the foxy doctor.

"Hey kitsune, what gives? Why do you and Gensai feel the need to give Jou-chan a complete checkup, huh? Is there something wrong?"

Megumi pulled away and said, "We're not sure yet but when we find out, Ken-san will be the first to know and I'm sure he'll tell you." She hurried ahead to the dojo as Sano watched and followed with growing worry. . . .

Once at the dojo, Kenshin carried Kaoru to their room and set her down while he spread out the futon then he scooped her up and laid her down while she was protesting.

"Kenshin, this is unnecessary I'm fine now."

But he stood firm. "You are going to rest, Kaoru. Dr. Gensai and Megumi-dono are on their way and we're going to get down to the bottom of what is making you have these fainting spells. Maybe they will also be able to tell us why you've been getting sick and unable to hold anything down."

The shoji slid open and both physicians came in and approached the futon. Megumi knelt down and placed her hand on Kaoru's forehead as she asked, "How are you feeling, Kaoru?"

"A bit tired but otherwise fine," the young woman replied as Dr. Gensai also knelt down beside the girl he loved like a daughter.

"Now relax Kaoru-chan and we'll both examine you just to make sure." He took out a watch and started to take her pulse.

Megumi looked at the worried countenance of the Battousai as he watched anxiously. She addressed him gently but firmly, "Ken-san, you need to wait outside. We'll call you when we're done."

He nodded woodenly and silently slipped out of the room, closing the shoji behind him. Megumi then assisted Kaoru slip her yukata off and covered her with a blanket as the examination began.

Megumi glanced at Dr. Gensai as he checked for Kaoru's heartbeat with his newest piece of equipment, the latest from Europe, a tool called a stethoscope. He then moved the tool down her chest and she winced slightly as it touched her breasts. He then moved his hands down her abdomen and pressed slightly as Kaoru winced again.

Megumi said bluntly, "Kaoru, when did you last have your monthly time?"

Kaoru replied, "About two weeks before my wedding."

Megumi continued, "And these fainting spells, how long have you had them?

"They started just after I returned from Hakone."

"I see." Megumi nodded and then Dr. Gensai asked, "Have you had any other problems?"

Kaoru sighed as she replied, "I've been getting sick to my stomach a lot. The aroma of food sickens me and I can barely eat."

Megumi and Dr. Gensai both nodded as he said with a smile. "Well, Kaoru-chan it appears that you are going to have a baby."

Kaoru felt a chill skitter down to her stomach as her suspicions were confirmed I knew it, I'm going to have Kenshin's child. A look of awe came over her delicate features as she pondered the news in her heart.

NEXT-PREPARATIONS