Author's Note:

Well, here I am! Updating again. And so soon! I told you I would. This chapter is going to be very informative and insightful. Now that we're done glazing over our main characters we're going to really start to get into some of the things behind their characters that drive them. You'll also get to see what a tangled web of a plot I'm dealing with trying to slowly iron out so the impact of it all can hit you at just the right time!! R/R as always, my loves...

LEMON ALERT! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED! IF FOR ANY REASON YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO READ SUCH MATERIAL OR FIND IT OFFENSIVE, TURN BACK. I WILL NOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ANYONE ELSE'S IMMATURITY OR PRIGGISHNESS!

The Concubine

By Saku-Yume

Chapter Seven: What Goes Around

Was it something about the countryside that made the food taste better? The sake more intoxicating? Was it the night air that whispered gently or the fireflies that lit up the Sakura grove? Kenshin pondered these things as he sat on the lush grasses in the main circle of The Emperor's own. The night was warm but not hot so he wore a light robe with pants of ivory with the deep imperial blue at the trim. The atmosphere was so relaxed and light. Everyone was in a good mood at dinner this evening. It seemed the retreat was something everyone had benefited from already in the short weeks since they'd arrived. But there was something about this night that put Kenshin in an even better mood... what was it?

He smiled to himself. The afternoon that preceded this evening reminded him of why the evening felt sweeter. He had spent the whole time arm in arm with Kaoru. No interruptions. Nobody else but them. They talked and laughed. She told him of her life before she arrived in the palace. She explained her Kamiya-Kasshin style of swordsmanship and when she got excited, he noticed how her eyes lit up. She was so very beautiful but her vibrancy and excitement only heightened her loveliness. He could tell she was passionate about her sword style and even picked up sticks periodically to demonstrate a movement, completely disregarding her robes. Her moves were graceful but precise. One day he would have to get a sword in her hand and see what she could really do.

He looked over at her, sitting next to him, laughing fully at some dirty joke one of Enishi's ministers from Yokohama was regaling in a completely drunken slur of words. It only made the joke funnier. Her creamy cheeks were flushed from laughter and drink, her eyes bright. She leaned into him laughing uncontrollably with the rest of the group. He smiled.

"Kenshin, did you hear Genji-san's awful joke?" she gasped, head on his shoulder. "I haven't heard anything that lewd since the last time I visited the fish markets at home!"

"He does have a tendency toward the licentious," Kenshin chuckled, more interested in the contact between his shoulder and her head. She was suffering from a hint of inebriation but nothing abhorrent. Still, when the servant came around with another warm bottle of plum sake, he held up a hand to decline before she could protest.

She raised her head and sighed. "This is the best I've felt since I've arrived at court, Kenshin. Perhaps it is the sake?" She smiled at him.

"Perhaps, Lady Kaoru." He smiled in return.

"I wonder when Takani-san will be arriving. I am anxious to meet with her." Kaoru looked around, scanning the crowd.

"I'm sure she'll arrive soon..." Kenshin looked up just as an imperial escort entered the grove gates, a tall guest in tow. "Presently, in fact. Excuse me a moment, my lady." He rose and made his way over to the pair.

Megumi Takani tried her best to make her loathe for certain guests she knew would be in attendance that evening. She had hoped she could make a quiet appearance to meet with the girl about her father and make a similar exit. But that was never Enishi's way. Everything must be lurid and extravagant...

She did wear a genuine smile when the red-haired swordsman walked up and bowed before her.

"Lord Ken-san, it is a pleasure as always," her rich, smooth voice flowed.

"The pleasure is mine, Lady Takani. His majesty will see you for just a moment before you convene with Lady Kaoru." He offered his arm.

She sighed, taking it despite their significant difference in height. "If I must." She handed her umbrella to the escort who nodded waiting with it and the rest of her belongings for her return.

Kenshin lowered his voice, eyes never leaving the place where Enishi was seated. "I know you detest these formalities as do I, Megumi. Shall I forego extending an invitation to desert?"

She smiled her practiced smile as Enishi looked up and saw her. "You shall. Let's make this as brief as possible. A moment too long with her and I will not be held responsible for my actions."

Kaoru watched as Kenshin escorted the flawless beauty through the crowds of seated guests. Hers weren't the only eyes were upon her. A hushed murmur rippled among the guests. This was the Lady Doctor everyone was talking about? Kaoru was awestruck. She hadn't pictured such a beauty as a physician. She was lovely enough for the Emperor's harem! Her long onyx hair was well kept and full, falling just past her rear. She was tall and so graceful it seemed as though she was floating as she walked. Her skin was clear and as pale as even the moon and her large eyes were as blue as Kaoru's own. She was young too, maybe twenty-two or twenty-three, surely no more than twenty-five.

Kenshin bowed before Enishi and spoke clearly. "Takani Megumi, Your Majesty."

Megumi bowed to the perfect degree of courtesy but not an inch more. "Your Highness." She straightened.

Her deliberate faux pas of acknowledgment to Taki was not lost on Enishi. He only smiled. He knew the two never could stand one another. It only got worse after Yuri's death. He never paid it much mind. "Surely you remember my first wife, Lady Taki."

Megumi's eyes never left Enishi's. "Surely. It is impossible to forget, Majesty." She turned her head slightly and inclined it just a degree. "Taki."

Taki narrowed her eyes and placed a hand on her ripened belly in mocking. "Megami." She said wittingly.

Enishi laughed. "Now, now, Taki, certainly your physical state has no effect on your memory. Megumi will be visiting for a few days. I am counting on you make sure she is treated with the utmost respect. After all, she will be the one to deliver our child."

"Don't remind me," Taki spat.

Megumi smiled sweetly and turned to Enishi. "If Your Majesty's first consort prefers another physician to deliver her child, I will gladly suggest a few in whom I have full confidence."

Enishi smiled, amused. The way these women bickered. He looked upon it with as much gravity as one would regard an insolent child. "I wouldn't hear of it, Megumi. You are the best and Lady Taki shall have only the best. Now, please join us for desert."

Megumi bowed precisely and took her leave of Enishi and his woman. She had a very distinct emotion for the evil woman that could easily be likened to hate.

"That wasn't so bad, was it?" Kenshin asked sarcastically. They gave each other a look and Megumi laughed in spite of herself. It helped to have such a good and longtime friend around in this wretched place.

"So where is this Kamiya Kaoru? I know she must be eager to hear what I have to say about her father."

"Just here," Kenshin said as they reached the spot where Kaoru sat.

Kaoru got to her feet and bowed respectfully. "Takani-san. It is an honor to finally meet you. I am in your debt and be assured to have my deepest gratitude."

Megumi smiled knowingly. When she didn't respond Kaoru looked up to see the beauty smiling at her with a kind of sentience in her eyes. Megumi reached out a hand and caressed Kaoru's cheek lovingly... almost like an older sister or mother. Then she turned to Kenshin.

"When you said she was beautiful you were being modest," she said pointedly.

Kaoru turned pink instantly. Kenshin only smiled but inside his heart leapt. He'd almost forgotten how much of a troublemaker Megumi could be. He should have kept a measured tongue in his head when speaking of Kaoru to his friend of so many years. "You are correct. She is exceptional. Only the best for my brother."

Kaoru averted her eyes momentarily. The bête-noir in his voice when he referred to Enishi was not lost on her. Megumi didn't seem to notice. Or perhaps they were close enough that they spoke of such things. Kaoru felt a small pang of jealously for their apparent relationship. She forced it down. It was silly of her to indulge in an emotion as empty as jealousy.

"Whenever you are most finished here, Kaoru, I will visit you in your chambers. Until then," Megumi inclined her head politely to Kaoru and nodded briefly at Kenshin. Then she joined her waiting escort and proceeded to her rooms.

"She is so stunning, Kenshin." Kaoru breathed when she was gone.

"Yes," Kenshin looked from Megumi's receding form into Kaoru's eyes and smiled. "My best friend Sanosuke is a lucky man indeed."

Inwardly Kaoru sighed in relief. The lovely Lady Doctor was taken and Kenshin acknowledged this fact. She chided herself for her glee but allowed herself to feel relieved anyway.

Kenshin offered his arm. "If the lady will allow me to escort her to her rooms? Then I will inform Lady Takani that you are ready for your audience."

Kaoru smiled and took his arm. "You may, my Lord. Arigatou."

By the time Megumi came to call, Kaoru had changed into her bedclothes. She was kneeling at her vanity brushing her own hair, having sent her chambermaid, Suki, away. When Megumi arrived she preferred to speak in private. She didn't know who she could trust beside Kenshin and she didn't want to take any chances.

There was a soft knock at the door and Kaoru went to open it. When she slid the door open, Megumi was changed into her sleepwear as well. She smiled warmly and bowed politely. "Kaoru."

"Takani-san," Kaoru said. "Please come in."

After the door was shut, Megumi laughed lightly. "Please call me Megumi. At least while we're alone. Between your dear father and Kenshin, I feel I know you so well already."

Kaoru smiled and flushed slightly. It made her feel special to know Kenshin spoke of her... then she remembered, "How is my father, Megumi? Is he well?" Her tone was full of hope.

Megumi took the seat Kaoru offered and nodded. "He is much better. He is up and walking about. When I first saw him he was not well at all. Not even coherent unless we were discussing you. In fact, that's how I know so much about you. That was all he could speak of with any true clarity or recollection. I used it as a kind of psychotherapy. He seemed to have contracted some kind of ailment that was weakening his immune system and slowly breaking him down. But he is, as I said much better. He needed a lot of vitamins and nutrients that was absent in his diet. It was worsened by the high amount of iodine an his blood. His blood pressure was far too low so I put him on a strict diet full of wheat and foods high in sodium. Once his pressure was stable I took him slowly off of the diet and gave Yamato-dono a specific menu from which she could prepare his food. He is just now beginning to be able to move about. Not much, mind you. I foresee another few months before he can come and go as before but he will have to take more care as not to strain himself, since he stubbornly insists on continuing with Kamiya Kasshin budo. He wanted me to give you this," Megumi pulled a letter from her sleeve. "to read alone, I am certain."

Kaoru's eyes were filled with tears. Her heart felt as if it would burst. Before she could stop herself she was out of her seat, arms around Megumi's waist. "Arigatou..." she wept softly. "Arigatou, Megumi. So very much!"

Megumi was startled at first and then softened, allowing her hands to rest gently on Kaoru's head. "It is what I do, Kaoru-chan." She stroked her hair gently.

Kaoru couldn't help feeling a connection to Megumi. The way she spoke to her and handled her made her feel at ease. The only other times she's felt this comfort was in Kenshin's presence and even then it was measured out of consideration for propriety.

She rose and wiped her eyes, clutching the letter to her chest. "How long are you staying before you must go again? Megumi?"

"Perhaps a few days. A week at the most. Why?"

"I," Kaoru paused. "It may sound odd, but I feel so comfortable with you... I just... wouldn't mind being able to at least talk to you. I feel so alone in this place and even though Lord Himura is quite attentive... there are things..."

"...that you would rather discuss with a woman. I understand." Megumi rose and took Kaoru's hand. "I will try to be of assistance, Kaoru." She inclined her head and turned toward the door. Just before she left she turned back and said, "Oh, and, by the way, you're not fooling me with the 'Lord Himura' stuff. I am a lot more perceptive than you must realize." She winked at Kaoru and left sliding the door closed behind her.

Kaoru settled on her fluffy, brushed silk duvet after blowing out her lamps. The moon was full and shone in allowing her enough light to read the letter her father had sent.

My dear Kaoru,

You are somewhere far away, I can feel it. I am worried about you as a father would be but I trust you and have full faith in not only the fact that you can take care of yourself, but that you will return to your old papa one day. I am told only that you are gone to make money to take care of me and to pay back those who have offered us assistance. Megumi said you sent her specifically to care for me. I do not know how long you have been gone but you seem to have gained a great amount of power and respect to be able to command such things! The best doctor in the country, sent by my little girl. I am so proud of you. Never forget that. And never let anyone get in your way or stop you from achieving your goals. I always knew you were destined for greater things. More than I could ever offer you.

I am feeling much better and do not want you to worry. My only request is that you send word to me every now and then so that I may know you are well by your own hand, and not by word of mouth. Aishiteru, Kao-chan.

Otou-kun

Kaoru read the letter over and over again, silent tears escaping her. Would he be so proud if he knew where she really was? What she was really doing, or had yet to do? Where was the honor in being a man's whore? Not a wife. A concubine. A prostitute. Her silent sobs shook her. She was living in a dream world if she really thought there could be good found in this situation of hers. It was simple. She had signed away her life, albeit for a good reason. She was in a state of mental tug-o-war. She couldn't feel sorry for herself because she had to help her father but she couldn't help thinking, maybe there was another way? Maybe if she'd worked harder at teaching Kamiya-Kasshin-budo, she could have made ends meet. She could have done so many more honorable things. Her actions would disgrace her father if he ever knew. She chided herself and beat herself up. She could have done better...

"You could have done better, Kaoru... you SHOULD have done better. Now look at you. A whore..." she sobbed quietly. "Nothing but a glorified whore..."

She cried herself to sleep that night.

"My Lady,"

Someone was gently shaking Kaoru. She opened her eyes, still puffy from crying.

"Hai, Suki?" she mumbled groggily.

Suki's large doe eyes were full of their usual nervousness. In all honesty, Kaoru frightened her. Like all of the concubines, Kaoru was far above her station. Yet Suki was assigned to her; the most beautiful of them all.

"I must prepare you immediately, My Lady. His Majesty requests your company for breakfast."

Kaoru instantly felt a knot of terror in her stomach. She had slipped through his fingers until now. Her time was up. He was going to claim her and her fate would be sealed. She was so foolish to believe something would happen to set in motion some event that would eventually save her from her inevitable fate.

"My Lady?" Suki said timidly seeing the blood drain completely from Kaoru's face.

Kaoru blinked several times, coming back to herself. "Hai..." she breathed. What could she do? Nothing. She had to accept her fate now. She got up and knelt at her vanity. Suki took that as her cue to begin preparing her.

"I am finished, my Lady." Suki bowed, waiting for Kaoru to approve or disapprove her work.

Kaoru had been deep in thought and honestly had not noticed what Suki had done. She looked in the mirror and nodded. Her hair was up on a mass of curls and small twists. She had light face powder on and her eyes were done so they looked even bigger and clearer than usual. She had on a light airy kimono, with only one thin yukata, that hung gracefully off of her shoulders. Designed to incite desire... and lent itself to easy removal.

"Thank you, Suki. Where might I find his majesty?"

"In the tea house over the western bridge, my lady. Within the Sakura grove." Suki knelt and slid open the door for her mistress.

Kaoru slid her tabi covered feet into her black lacquered geta and made her way out of the door. She remained in a haze until she found herself at the teahouse door. Her mind and heart was numb with fear and anticipation. She knelt soundlessly and knocked three times on the door frame.

To her surprise Enishi slid the door open himself. He stood there in a pair of black satin slacks and nothing else. He smiled when she looked up, obviously taken by his appearance. He offered a hand. "My flower..."

Kaoru couldn't help herself. Enishi was gorgeous! She let him help her to her feet and she had to tear her eyes from his well defined chest. Her eyes met his and she regretted it instantly. He had that look in his eyes...

"Ohayou gozaimasu, Kaoru. I finally have you alone," Enishi said almost triumphantly.

"Ohayou gozaimasu, Enishi-san," she whispered letting him guider her inside and slide the door shut behind her.

He led her to the back of the teahouse to a small balcony. "Look here," he said pointing over the edge of the balcony. There was a cliff under them that went straight down for miles and a waterfall that fed into the abyss. Kaoru gasped when she saw it.

Enishi watched her from behind and licked his lips. He pressed himself against her back and wrapped his arms around her. "This is the only place you can stand and see it. Everywhere else is too dangerous. It's a gift to you from me. This place is just for you and me..." he whispered.

Kaoru felt weak as his warm breath tickled her ear. "Arigatou, Enishi-san..." she breathed.

He let his lips play over her exposed neck. "You remind me so much of her... it's maddening..."

Kaoru's eyes rolled back momentarily. "Of whom, your majesty?"

Enishi paused. "It doesn't matter. I have you now and I can't wait any longer." He turned her around and kissed her fully on the lips. Kaoru heard herself moan. She had to put up the block in her mind. She had to think of Kenshin... Kenshin... Kenshin...

She wrapped her arms about Enishi's neck and forced herself into her role. He wasn't Enishi, he was Kenshin. Soft violet eyes, gentle but strong hands, soft lips...

Enishi pulled her away momentarily and looked into her flushed, innocent face. Wordlessly he untied the sash about her small wait and pulled open her robes, letting them slide to the floor. It took everything Kaoru had not to move her arms to cover her naked body, chilly in the mist of the waterfall. She closed her eyes involuntarily. Enishi took her reaction for yearning and smiled. So perfect. Untouched. Completely his. That was how Tomoe was to him and then Kenshin... he pushed down his anger. No, this time, THIS time, he would be the first. Kenshin would not win over him. He would have her!

He lunged forward and took the flesh at her throat in his teeth, biting down enough to mark her, but not enough to cause permanent damage. She cried out and it only fueled his desire. A desire that was growing by the inch within his slacks. He kissed down her chest and stopped to draw a hardened nipple into his mouth, sucking it slowly.

Kaoru moaned, heat rising all about her. While she was sure she had no deep feelings for Enishi, she couldn't deny her arousal and attraction to him. There was something very alluring about the way he took her over... she could hardly think straight. She tried to keep the image of Kenshin in her mind... but that only made it worse as she imagined him doing these things to her and it only aroused her further.

Enishi could feel her body responding to him naturally and he felt triumphant. He gathered her in his arms and placed her gently on the large duvet he'd had prepared for this occasion. Removing his slacks, he lay on top of her, pressing himself against her. "I will have you..."

Finally Kaoru's head cleared, feeling him between her legs. The reality of it hit her and she began to panic. This was really it. She was going to be taken; she didn't have a choice in giving herself away. She would be his possession officially. She could never go back. Anything with Kenshin would be hopeless. She began to cry. Hopefully he wouldn't notice...

Just as he was about to enter her there was an urgent knock at the door. They both looked up, Enishi enraged, Kaoru relieved. She covered herself with her discarded robes, clinging to them, praying it was another distraction, to buy her more time. For what exactly, she didn't know or care, she only knew she could not handle this now.

Enishi stormed to the door, not bothering to put his clothes on. He slid it open fiercely. "I WAS NOT TO BE DISTURBED!" he roared.

Kenshin stood there calmly, expressionless. "Taki is not well. She may be losing her baby. I thought it wise you were with her at this time and not here..." he let the insult hang in the air.

Enishi's eyes narrowed at the smaller, but equally dangerous man. Then he turned and grabbed his pants, stepping into them before storming away toward the main house.

Kaoru was so thankful for the distraction that she remained in her position on the duvet, naked, covered only in front by the robes she still clutched.

Kenshin stepped in. When he saw her he thought she was crying and was at her side instantly. "Kaoru, are you alright? Did he hurt you?"

Kaoru looked next to her into Kenshin's eyes, full of concern. "I am fine. I am... okay. He didn't do anything... yet."

Kenshin blushed, inwardly relieved. Despite its inevitability, he prayed the act would be delayed as long as possible. For imagining Enishi with Kaoru...

He shook his head and turned around, giving her the chance to put her robes back on. "Take me back to my rooms, please, Kenshin. I don't want to stay here a moment longer."

"Of course, Kaoru."

Megumi knew what was coming. The child was stillborn. She couldn't help feeling a little pleased about it. The bitch deserved it. Karma had come back to her and taken from her what she had taken from another before. The only reason she felt bad at all was because an innocent life was lost.

Megumi's face didn't give away any of her thoughts. The room was hot and Taki was in a great deal of pain, the dead fetus poisoning her womb. Only Enishi and Taki's chambermaids were present. The pain had started after Enishi had left Taki a few hours earlier. When the maids called for Megumi she thought perhaps the baby would be born prematurely as she had nearly a month and a half to go. But once she observed the pallor of Taki's skin and the pain wrought across her impeccable face, she knew.

Karma had a way of dealing with things and Megumi believed strongly in this principle. It was the only thing that kept her from murdering the woman herself for she knew in her heart that Taki had something to do with the death of her sister Yuri, Enishi's former first wife, and their unborn child. Perhaps not directly but her influence was there. Before Yuri's tragic death, Taki was hungry for power and used what little she had whenever she could. Then mysteriously, Yuri was gone and Taki was in total control of the harem.

But Karma, in its way, was beginning to deal with Taki. Megumi felt that the presence of Kaoru alone was proof of that. That was what she believed, anyway...

"We are going to have to help her push the body out. Or else she will grow more and more ill and she will die as well." Megumi washed her hands, cleaning the blood off of them.

"As well?" Taki asked alarmed. "What do you mean, as well?!"

"Your child," Megumi replied evenly, "is dead."

Taki stopped writhing for just a moment and her eyes widened. She actually looked frightened and genuinely distressed. "What?" she asked shakily.

Megumi almost felt a pang of sympathy for the woman, but then remembered her late sister. She hardened. "We have to get it out so we're going to have to help you push it out." She motioned for the maids in waiting and instructed them on how and where to apply pressure to Taki's swollen belly.

Enishi watched in horror as the dead fetus of his unborn child was forced from his screaming first wife. No matter how he felt about her from time to time, he wasn't without a heart and he hated to see this for her. He went to her and held her hand tightly. She gripped him helplessly, begging him to make them stop. He only held her gaze trying to soothe her.

Soon it was over. Megumi wrapped the body in a sheet and before leaving told the maids what to do to clean the Empress up and ease her pain. As she was heading out of the main chamber, Enishi followed stopping her.

"Megumi."

She halted and turned. "Yes, your majesty," she said, her voice dry

He paused for a moment. "Was it...?"

Megumi didn't hate Enishi. She only hated what had happened to her sister and figured he was partially to blame. For not protecting her. In spite of her hatred, she softened. "A boy. You were going to have a son, majesty." She nodded slowly before turning and continuing hurriedly down the hallway.

Enishi's heart twisted.

Again. He had lost again. First his wife and child. Then his sister. Now this. It was too much for him. He allowed a single tear to fall before wiping it away violently and finding his resolve once again. Then his mind fell upon Kaoru. He would not lose with her. She would save him. Give him what he needed. He would find what he was looking for in her. He knew it. He could feel it.

In the mean time, he had a first wife to tend to.

Post:

A/N: Aya! How sad, ne?!?!?!?!?! That is what I call real emotion! I hope it was long enough for ya! I've set up a great deal in this chapter. The next will be even more revealing. Taki is getting and will continue to get just what she deserves, and you'll see why! Tell me what you think!!! You know I'm review hungry! Was the scene with Kaoru and Enishi hot enough for you? It couldn't get too hot. I don't want it to overshadow anything that may come up later (No hints!)

Some review responses:

Yume-Chan said:

This story is outstanding. Please update soon!

Saku-chan said: Glad you likee!

RinoaHeartilly said:

I love this story so far, it is very intriguing and very well done! I hope it keeps getting better and better! I think the whole Kenshin/Kaoru Enishi/Kaoru thing is very cool! Good luck on your job also!

Saku-chan said:Thank you Thank you!

Pixel-the-evil-fairy said:

this is a great fic! i cant wait to read more!! so please hurry!

Saku-chan furiously writes up chapter eight so pixel will be happy!

reBeCCa a.k.a. dacrayZblaze1 said: cool story! i so love... but i would so love if kenshin took kaoru's flower not enishi... even though enishi is freaking hot

reBeCCa a.k.a. dacrayZblaze1 said: damn enishi is so hot

reBeCCa a.k.a. dacrayZblaze1 said: this may as yet capture my attention ::smiles::

Saku-chan said:Yes he IS hot! I tried to give him a bit of a heart in this chapter. He's crazy but not heartless. Not with everyone, anyway. Besides, he's not the true villain of this story...

EyesLikeSilk said: Oh I adore this story!! You must continue! I think Enishi as emperor is a good choice, and I like how your logically bringing other characters from the series in.

Saku-chan said:Arigatou Arigatou Arigatou!!! I try my best to make sense -

Kao-gurl said: It was a very pleaseant surprise to find you updated. Yey. Congratulations about you graduating from college and I guess breaking up with your boyfriend.(Iknow what you mean by it can be a good thing) I can't wait til your next update! Please hurry! I am sorry your life has been hard in the pass months, mine has been tough too!

Saku-chan said:Thanks! (And sometimes it's not just a good thing it's a great thing! I'm in total Sex and the City™ mode right now. All about the free sexy single girl about town!) Hey! Things may be a little down now, but that means that they can only get better, ne?

Clemen said: Wow really good fic. I really like it. Hope you update soon. Until then take care and god bless.

Saku-chan said: Thank you!!

MZ. AMbER EYES said: wow! love it!! update soon!!

Saku-chan said: Thank you!!! (You guys are going to make me burst with all this love and appreciation!)

Tenshi-no-Hana-chan Wow! Another great chapter. Twas short though, so make it a bit longer next time! Nyao! flicks her wrist and a red bottle appears I've made you a Thought-clearing Draught! I'm getting good at Potion-making! Nyao! Update soon!

Saku-chan said:Arigatou! drinks Thought-clearing Draught... feels a little woozy Thank you! I feel very clear now... oh, look! Two mini Battousai's are dancing happily atop my computer! C'mere you little devils, you!!

Thank you all so much. Hope you liked the chappie!!! Will be updating again soon! Ja!

REVIEW!!!!!!!