Disclaimer: Nope, nothing has changed from the last time I posted a disclaimer… I don't own jack! ^_~

Chapter 6

Hearts were tried, tested, and beaten up to the point that for some it meant the loss of tangible reality… the loss of their lives. Such was the result of something so simple yet difficult to accept…

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It was Tuesday once again, and Kenshin had finally accepted the offer of accompanying the Kamiya's to a weekly gathering of Christians. It was said to be held in secret for fear of any outside interference. Kenshin declined the offer for the past three weeks, justifying his refusal in account of his past. Kaoru always told him that his past was something that can be overlooked, and that everyone at the gathering would never judge him for it. Every time he nodded and said, "Just the same, I would feel like I would be intruding." In response, Kaoru would just sigh, not wanting to ague with the man.

"I am so happy." Kaoru announced, walking in front of her father and Kenshin, her step gaining more of a bounce. " You wont be sorry Kenshin, I'm sure of it." She continued to walk yet turned to flash Kenshin a large smile. He smiled back, and rubbed his neck with his hand.

"If I knew this would make you so happy, I would have gone with you earlier." He retorted, feeling the heat in his cheeks after realizing what he had just said. *It was the truth, but what will she take it as?* He watched his feet beneath him, casting a quick glance at Kaoru before returning them to the ground.

Kaoru slowed down a little, allowing the two men behind to catch up. Her ears perked up at Kenshin's last words, yet her mind scolded her for thinking it was more than mere politeness on his part. Even still, the odd feeling in her stomach was evidence enough that those words weren't merely simple, not to her anyway. She bit her lower lip and rolled her eyes to the sky above her. It had been a good month and a half since Kenshin came to stay at her dojo, and over that time they had gotten to know each other quite well. Too well in some cases…

One day Kenshin offered to help Kaoru with one of her chores and she gratefully pointed him to the laundry basket. He was as kind as always and went off to wash the clothes. Kaoru forgot why she was supposed to attend to the laundry that day, remembering only when it was too late. Running out of the dojo, leaving a couple of slightly confused students behind, Kaoru reached the yard in time to see Kenshin holding up a soaking wet garment in his hands, having just washed it. Kaoru's face lost all color and Kenshin simply turned to look at her and wonder what was the matter. Then he too looked more closely at the garment, a delicate, quite intimate garment, belonging to the very pale young woman standing near him. He dropped the underwear back into the water with a 'plop', sending water all over the place, including himself.

Kaoru almost laughed out loud at that memory from a couple of days ago. Walking next to her now was that same man invading her thoughts. She looked up at him and smiled a softer smile, one brought about by much thought. And then he smiled in return that smile that melted her heart. *His heart…* she thought. *I wish he would open up to me. After all, we are friends now, aren't we?* The last time Kenshin had brought up his past had been that night on the porch, the first night he had stayed at the dojo. That was too long ago.

They continued walking for another few minutes. Kenshin glanced around at the buildings around them recognizing them to be of a much simpler design. Before he knew it they had stopped at a humble little house in the older part of Tokyo. He stumbled forward as an excited Kaoru grabbed his hand and dragged him inside. When in the house he found himself at the end of eight pairs of eyes staring at him. An older couple sat near the front beside the modest fireplace decorating the wall and a group of younger people, two women and one man, sat along the right wall. He returned their attention with a warm smile.

A few whispers came from the women at seeing him, some of the words accompanied with a wink here and there sent in Kaoru's direction. Kenshin noted this with an amused smile, watching as Kaoru averted their teasing by looking to the ground. Looking around he took a seat on the floor next to a young boy with dark hair and brown eyes, sitting off to the left of the small living room. Kaoru settled down next to him and waved at the couple seated with the boy.

Everyone quieted down after all were situated and Mr. Kamiya took his place in the front, picking up a tattered book from where it sat on the mantel of the fireplace behind him. All eyes were on him as he read from it, including those of the young boy who had been sneaking glances toward the sword at Kenshin's side.

An hour into the meeting Kenshin began to feel a little more at ease amidst what he noticed was a group of passionate people. They believed what it was Mr. Kamiya read out of the Bible; this could be seen in their eyes as clear as day. He smiled and laughed along with them, enjoying the fact that they accepted him into their intimate gathering without a question of his past. Kaoru was correct, he admitted to himself, and he was glad she was right.

Kaoru's heart felt relieved at seeing the joy in the eyes of the man sitting by her side. *He needed this*, she told herself, glancing at him through the corner of her eye.

During a particular song Kaoru noticed Kenshin's head bow and eyes close as he listened to the words. Her mouth sung the familiar words all the while her eyes were focused on Kenshin's hands clutching the material around his knees. The song neared the end, finished off by singing the first line again.

"I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see."

With the last word Kaoru placed a calm hand over a pair of shaking fists. Kenshin felt the warmth and flashed a smile of reassurance in the direction of Kaoru's silent worry, yet his eyes told of a weariness. She patted his hands softly before rising from her seat, drawing all eyes to her. Her mind agreed to ask him about what it was his eyes were trying to tell her after they finished the meeting.

"Good evening everyone." She greeted politely. "I would like to bring your attention to the newest student of the Kamiya Kasshin Ryu." Her eyes fell on the young boy sitting next to Kenshin. The rurouni held in his amusement at seeing the boy squirm in discomfort at being pointed out. "Yahiko Myoujin… would you please stand and recite the verse of honor." She sat down with a smile, but not until Yahiko sent her a dirty look from under his downcast gaze.

Clearing his throat, he bowed and began. " Psalm 139 verses 23 and 24…." His voice rang clear without any hesitation, the same words Kenshin had struggled to grasp the meaning of were flowing off this boy's lips as true as the bluest sky. Kenshin smiled at Yahiko when he was finished and took a seat by his side once again. The young man just sat with his head lowered, slightly embarrassed at being singled out.

The night wore on at a nice pace, and Kenshin became well acquainted with the few people there. Throughout the night he felt the stare of Yahiko, still sitting beside him, knowing that the young one wanted to talk but restrained himself for some reason.

"So, young Yahiko, you are one of Miss Kaoru's students. Your parents must be proud of your commitment to such a discipline as swordsmanship." Yahiko nodded, keeping his eyes set before him and away from the one addressing him.

"I guess so…" His short answer told Kenshin that he didn't care to speak too much for fear of something. Maybe it had to do with Kenshin's sword… The experienced swordsman took the hint and kept to himself, speaking only to those who sparked conversations with him. All was peaceful until Kaoru's face blanched in the middle of talking to someone.

"Oh no…" she said, her hand covering her mouth in horror. "I forgot it was our week to bring it!" Standing up she walked over to her father and exchanged a few words with him. After a chaste hug, she returned to where Kenshin and the Myoujin family sat.

"Are you going somewhere Miss Kaoru?" Kenshin asked, slight worry etched in his brow.

"Yes… I need to go and pick up something from the market. I hope at least one of the shops is still open." Just as she turned around Kenshin stood as well.

"I cannot allow you to go by yourself. If it is okay, I would like to join you." Kaoru nodded with a little too much enthusiasm then she had hoped, catching another wink from one of her friends. Just as they reached the door Kenshin turned, feeling a distinct pair of eyes following him. "Yahiko, would you like to come as well?" The young boy tried hiding his the eager look he sent his parents, and after a quick moment's thought they agreed to let him go. Yahiko jumped up, quickly smothering the excitement he felt at being able to go. He didn't know what it was about the redheaded man that interested him, yet he knew one thing… this man, though peaceful as he seems, held a power Yahiko dreamed of.

Kenshin was a great swordsman, Yahiko could just feel it.

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The streets were lit with lanterns, their light flickering back and forth melodically from their stationed posts littering both sides of the street. The sun had set beyond the horizon and the stars began to collect above. Kaoru's eyes were drawn upwards to the velvety heaven, studded with various diamond specks. The few clouds that were in the sky were gathered around the thin crescent of the moon.

She should have kept her eyes ahead to where she was walking and, just like many times before, she came in contact with someone before realizing her mistake.

"Missy, Missy…" a familiar drawl teased. "Always with your head in the clouds." Sano smiled, steadying Kaoru by her shoulders so she wouldn't fall. "Hi there Kenshin." He greeted the shorter man with a hearty pat on the shoulder. Kenshin smiled at his now good friend.

"Hello Sano, what brings you out to the market so late?"

"I could say the same thing to you two… or three." The tall man peered behind Kenshin at Yahiko who was hiding, trying not to get noticed. "Yahiko-chan! What are ya doing back there?"

"Don't call me that!" The young one balled his fists at his side, upset at the belittling suffix to his name. "I'm not a little kid, you know."

"Could have fooled me, Yahiko-chan."

One thing that Kenshin came to know was the underlining fact that defined Sano… he was one obnoxious man. Thank goodness the brunette had no interest in Kaoru other than friendship. He smiled internally at having that worry lifted from his mind. 

He saw how the two got along in normal circumstances and it wasn't pretty. Kaoru was like a cat ready to pounce and Sano was the dog dumb enough to stick his nose where it usually didn't belong. Cats and dogs… that suited them perfectly. Sano had befriended the Kamiya's through their doctor Megumi. She had become Sano's doctor after he got into a brawl down the street from her house. Megumi, being the kind women she was, took him into her home and treated some of his wounds. He made a comment about a fox to her and she threw him out of her house without a second's thought. Somehow, that day had started a chain of coincidental meetings where Sano would appear wounded near her house, seeking her aid.

Kenshin had gotten the chance to talk more with the younger man a few weeks ago after Mr. Kamiya's horrific attack. Sano had been itching to know some things and Kenshin agreed to answer in return for some answers to his own questions. So over a couple cups of green tea much had been discussed. Kenshin found out that Sano was nothing more than a family friend of the Kamiya's, being sure to side-step as to why he asked of it in the first place. Sano responded to Kenshin's "no reason" with a sarcastic "riiiiight". Next to bear their soul was Kenshin and unfortunately for him it was a piece of his soul he wanted to remain buried within the recess of his own tortured mind.

Sano asked his last question with a serious expression, the same one Kenshin saw the first night they met. "Your scar… it reminds me of someone I've only heard of in legends. Tell me Kenshin, who is the Hitokiri Battousai to you?"

Kenshin's lips pressed into a firm line and he shut his eyes for a second, finally letting them drift to stare off into the yard. "He's a man I wish to forget." That was all to their conversation that day, the silence they silently adopted stretching the length of hours until Kaoru called them in for the evening meal.

Kenshin's mind brought him back to the present and his eyes soon found Kaoru no longer by his side. There at a small wooden cart she was holding a bag under her arm and a small glass bottle in her hand. Bowing, she finished talking to the merchant and returned to their little group, a smile of triumph gracing her lips.

"What have you got there, Miss Kaoru?" Just as soon as the words left his lips Kaoru shoved the bag she was carrying into his arms. It was warm and smelled awfully good.

"Bread and wine." She lifted the small bottle of what looked to be a red wine, the richly colored liquid swishing around from the action. "Tonight we have Communion."

"Communion…" Kenshin repeated to himself. "I think I remember hearing about that tonight in either a song or from what your father read."

"That's true, my father read about it. As you remember it was what was eaten at the Last Supper." Kenshin nodded his head, indeed remembering having heard of it. Yet what confused him was why those tow simple items adorned the table of the King's last meal. Their meaning had not been explained to him.

Sano walked along with them, Kaoru having convinced him to come on account of how he hadn't shown his face there at the meetings in a long time. The words that convinced him most were the ones where she promised to give him what was left over from the wine that night. After hearing that Sano couldn't refuse.

Yahiko stayed silent, walking next to Kenshin the entire time. A couple of minutes into their walk back to the house, the young one broke his silence.

"You know swords are illegal, don't you?" Yahiko waited to hear a kind of retort of defense from the man by his side but was surprised with the answer he heard next.

"Yes, I know, Yahiko. But my sword isn't an ordinary sword, that it is not." Kenshin's head didn't turn when answering, yet Yahiko could feel the smile that came along with it. "It is a reversed blade that I carry."

"Sakabatou… isn't that it's proper name?" Kaoru inquired, entering the conversation herself.

"Yes, it is. Do you know much about it?" Kenshin was curious to see how far her knowledge took her.

"It is only used in a style of swordsmanship quite unlike that of others. Gosh…" She rubbed her arm, wondering if the name of it would come to her. "I knew of it, but my mind's drawing a blank now."

"Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu, that's the style you speak of."

Kaoru snapped her fingers. "That was it, thanks Kenshin."

Yahiko, once having spoken, found it hard to keep the questions from pouring out. "So that must mean…,"

"AAHHHH!" A women's sharp scream pierced through the night air, drawing their group to a stop. Kenshin immediately held fast to the hilt of his sword, ready to take it out if needed. Kaoru was the first to say something, a dreaded revelation that all four of them felt deep down.

"No…" Kaoru's mouth hung open, her eyes wide yet not desiring to see if her guess was correct. "It couldn't be…"

Kenshin was the first to move, instantly disappearing around the corner from where the scream had come from. Kaoru's legs told her to move despite the heavy panic coursing through her body, squeezing the air from her lungs. Finally, breath or no breath, she ran. Her heart thrashed about, pounding away against her ribcage yet even it's deafening sound couldn't drown out the words that plagued her mind at the moment.

*I can't lose him too…I can't.*

She arrived to a scene unlike she had ever witnessed before. The door to the meeting house was broken in, the splinters of the wood scattered around the entrance of the door. The inside was completely dark, the candles all put out. But that didn't bother her, it was the silence that made chilled her heart. Kaoru's feet stopped just within the doorway when the bottle of wine, once gripped tightly in her hand, fell through her now limp fingers. Its impact with the wooden floor had no effect on the petrified girl. The wine had covered her feet and the surrounding area, yet she stood still.  

It dripped from the sharp edges of broken glass, seeping into every crevice it could find, leaving it's mark along the path it followed. It was easy for the eyes to catch where it had been, melting into the ground where it marked it's territory.

Another liquid, thicker than of the wine, trickled from many places around the room, it's color showing bright even in the dark of night. The red of the wine paled in comparisson to the dark red for which it represented. Cold… it left all else behind it cold, as could be seen in the hand lying just within the doorway, the liquid spreading from where it dripped freely from thin, lifeless fingertips.   

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So what do ya think? I'm sure you can guess what happened… sorry to leave you hanging again, but I find it a little fun (sorry, I'm a little sadistic like that ^-^ jk!). What's so sad is that things like this actually happen, even in this day and age. Want more info, go to The Voice of The Martyrs website, I think it's by the same name.

Anyhoo, reviews are nice and I like them, as you can guess ^_^… so if you would be so kind as to leave me a note it would make me very, very, ultra, uber, super happy. Okay, I'm a little on the tired side right now… and I have school in the morning so I'm off to bed. Thanks for reading, I hope I'm keeping you guys intrigued ^_~. Next chapter will be up in less than a week, and yes, more romance will appear soon… just be patient ^_~. Until then, Ciao! ~ The Honorable Gucci