Okay, here's some responses to your reviews (the ones from Ch. 7). Man, I tell you, I am always blown away by every one I get… you people make me smile ^-^…
Riverwood: I'm sorry about the evil chapter… But it was necessary, believe me. I hope to have more fluffy chapters in the future, but balance must be kept. Um, yeah… I don't know what I am going to do when they catch up to the bad peeps. I'm glad you think it's a wonderful read ^^!
Wolf ^-^X: Thanks! I'm glad you love it.
Empress of Nightmares: It's great to know the story has another fan ^^…
JDFielding: Hunting equipment…?*nervous laugh* heh heh… thanks for putting it away ^_^. I'm so happy you've stuck with my story from the start… The part where Kenshin comforted Kaoru was key to the story and the development of trust between them. He brought up some things that will appear again in the future. I'm glad you liked the little thing with Kaoru and Yahiko too. I'm trying to bring out the "brat" side to Yahiko more… he's a fun character ^-^.
Lady Himura: Heh heh… thanks! I'm happy to hear you like the brother/sister reference I had going with Yahiko and Kaoru. I can't wait to play with that more as the story progresses. And, of course Kenshin will make Kaoru feel better… he's an all around great guy ^^…
Disclaimer: Nope, still the same as before, trust me. Do you see me dancing around throwing money? …I didn't think so.
Now on with the story! ^^
Chapter 8
Shadows slowly moved along the ground, up and over the walls of the house and through the trees surrounding it. Lying on a blanket spread on the wooden porch his lazy brown eyes drifted along the path of the moving clouds, not bothering to make out the pictures or shapes they painted in the sky. Looking off to his right he watched the reflections of the clouds in the pools of water left on the ground, evidence of the three day storm that had come and gone.
"Yahiko!" Kaoru yelled, her voice coming from the direction of the kitchen.
"What?" The boy yelled back, a little irritated at having been bothered when all he wanted was to rest. He had washed the dojo floor an hour earlier and all he wanted to do now was to watch the clouds, an effortless activity he found himself enjoying.
"Could you go and get Kenshin? He's down at the river catching some fish for dinner."
"Now?" He sighed.
"Yes, now. Stop being lazy and get those legs moving. You'll be sluggish next week when we start up your training again if you don't." Kaoru walked out into the hallway, hands on her hips. Yahiko sat up and turned to face her, covering his mouth with his hands as he began to laugh at what she was wearing.
"Why the funny get-up? You can't tell me you're doing the cooking for tonight." She met his amusement with a stern look after glancing over her light blue apron.
"Yes, and I don't know why that's so funny. Kenshin's going to help me make something."
"Yahiko raised his hands in defense, his laughing having been reduced to a few chuckles.
"Sorry, Kaoru… it's just that your cooking…" Kaoru's glare took the words out of his mouth, making him swallow the lump of nerves collecting in his throat. "I mean, Kenshin's going to help you? That sounds… good." Standing up quickly, Yahiko ran straight for the yard gate, slamming it behind him as he took off. Kaoru shook her head and went back to the kitchen.
"My cooking's not that bad," she mumbled to herself.
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Kenshin sat under a tree just beside the trial that led back up to the side of the bridge. Folding his arms behind his head he leaned against the tree's trunk, sighing. He had his fishing pole, or stick with a string tied to its end, wedged between a couple of rocks near his right leg. He cast a tired glance toward the basket near the pole, and smiled weakly at the fish laying there, the only one he had managed to catch after two hours of fishing.
"Not my day, I guess." He laughed sadly, leaning against his arms again he closed his eyes. The rustle of the wind, pulling at the clouds and foliage overhead, tugged at his loose clothing and fire red hair. He wiggled his nose, frowning at the tickling sensation his hair produced in it's dance in front of his face. Removing a hand from behind him he scratched his nose and moved the strands obscuring his vision again. It was a good thing he opened his eyes when he did for if he hadn't he wouldn't have seen his pole making an escape towards the river's water. Jumping up he ran after it. *What's wrong with the fish today?* Kenshin wondered to himself, watching as it slipped over the sand closer to the water. Quickly he followed it, bending down to catch it only to have the blasted thing slide further away. After having that happen three times Kenshin started to become a little agitated.
"No you don't!" He exclaimed, making a jump for it just as it was about to disappear into the water completely.
"Kenshin!" Yahiko yelled from the top of the trail. Kenshin's head whipped up instantly, losing his focus on the pole, and fell face first in the shallow river bed. Yahiko spotted the red head standing up in ankle deep water, drenched and soggy from having gotten well acquainted with the river.
"Hello Yahiko." Kenshin managed to say after spitting out a mouthful of sandy water. He frowned upon seeing his fishing pole swimming away with the fish he couldn't catch. With a tired sigh, he gave a weak smile to Yahiko. "I think I may have some money left over. How about we pay a visit to that nice lady in the market who sells fish." Yahiko walked over to the tree where Kenshin left his fishing basket and noticed how productive the rurouni had been. He shook his head in disbelief.
"You know Kaoru's expecting us home soon."
"Yes, I know. I promise it'll take only a couple of extra minutes. Besides, I'm sure Kaoru is too busy to notice how long we've been gone." Kenshin added, throwing a skeptical Yahiko a smile of assurance.
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Many footprints littered the moist dirt of the dojo courtyard, their owner lost in thought as she created more. Kaoru paced around the yard, arms crossed over her chest, her beautiful face drawn into an angry scowl.
"Where could they be?"
She continued to stomp around the yard, stopping only when her sandal got stuck in a puddle she didn't notice before. Yanking her foot out she watched with irritation as the muddy water completely swallowed her sandal. Throwing her hands in the air she hobbled over to the porch and sat down with a hard thud. Her eyes were narrowed and staring straight at the gate with a glare that would scare the hide off a wild boar. Boy, were they going to get it for making her wait.
After a few more minutes passed, Kaoru's look of irritation dulled to that of boredom, her head now resting in her hands. The sun had gone down considerably, its remaining rays having cast its farewell by way of the purple and orange clouds floating away from the horizon.
Her eyes moved around the yard, taking note of how the rain had affected the surrounding area. Everything was still damp, the heavy downpour having ceased just that morning. Their activities were put on hold, the rain kept them all indoors as it delivered its assault on the earth.
Rusty hinges creaked and footfalls fell, drawing Kaoru's roaming eyes to gaze at the gate again. In place of the cheerful rurouni stood a tall man dressed in a dark police uniform. His hat was pulled low, covering his eyes from the young woman's view.
Slowly rising from her seat Kaoru stood up straight. "Good evening officer, can I help you with something."
"Are you Kaoru Kamiya?"
His voice shot a chill down up her spine, the sound of it too deep and disquieting to be that of an officer of the law. Pulling herself out of her thoughts she responded politely.
"Yes, I am Kaoru."
"Good, then I have the correct address after all."
He began to walk forward, and with his head turning to the sides Kaoru could tell he was surveying the area, but for what, she could only imagine. The dark figure stopped just a few feet in front of her. She extinguished the sudden urge to shiver, her blue eyes clouded with questioning unease.
"I am truly sorry for your loss earlier this month, Miss Kamiya." His white gloved hand reached and removed his hat, uncovering sharp golden eyes vibrantly standing out behind a few wisps of black hair.
Kaoru spoke up, unsure of what to make of the strange man's presence. "Thank you sir, but I believe we've already gotten a visit from the police. They told me there were no leads concerning the assailants…"
"Precisely the reason I am here, Miss Kamiya." He bowed faintly, his eyes still trained onto Kaoru's. "Please forgive my disrespect for not introducing myself. I am Fujita Goro, captain of the Tokyo police." Kaoru gave a small nod, urging him to continue. "We have gotten an array of responses to the events of a few weeks ago. Not one eye witness has come forward, giving the police nothing to work with in order to bring those responsible to justice."
Kaoru's discomfort gave way to curiosity as she listened to the man's words, having heard them before. Yet according to the look in his eyes there was more to be said.
" The traditional ways of the government are in some ways… flawed." The apprehensive look returned to Kaoru's eyes and the policeman gave a short laugh. "I take it you don't trust my words, but I don't blame you." He bowed again. "Thank you for your time, Miss Kamiya. I hope you find some closure to such a tragic loss." With that he placed his cap back on his head, turning around to head out the way he had come in.
Kaoru watched silently, the growing feeling of rage welling up in her at the unfeeling way she had been spoken to. With fists shaking at her sides she spoke on impulse. *Insensitive jack-*
"Assure me of one thing, Captain Goro…"
He turned at the sound of his name, amusement evident in his squinted eyes and smirk as he listened to the young woman speak.
"I will listen to whatever it is you have to say, as long as it will help me find my father's killer."
The tall man took his hat off again, holding it over his heart. "Believe me, Miss, you will want to hear what it is I have to say."
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The night drew closer, the fine line between day and night growing thicker just along the horizon. Kenshin and Yahiko hurried along the streets, making every effort to return to the dojo as fast as their legs would carry them. Yahiko lagged a little behind, his arms trying to hold the bucket full of fish with much effort. The old woman had given them twice the amount they had paid for, saying something about wanting to help the 'nice young lady' from the Kamiya dojo.
Yahiko's mind was concentrating on moving his legs and balancing the bucket against his stomach, causing his steps to be quite awkward while Kenshin walked on ahead, lost in thought. His lips had curled up into a smile the moment they had stepped foot out of the market, having become larger now when quiet allowed him to think.
Kenshin shook his head with a small laugh, garnering the attention of Yahiko who just stared at his back wondering what was going on his mind. The young one concluded that it had to have been what that old woman told the redhead earlier. Just thinking about it made him want to laugh too. Never before had Yahiko seen Kenshin so red-faced with embarrassment. He didn't deny everything that lady told him, so some of must have been true.
"Hey Kenshin, did that lady really think you were courting Kaoru?" Yahiko's voice asked with genuine curiosity.
"I believe so, Yahiko… but I still don't understand how she came up with that? I mean, I live at the Kamiya dojo as a boarder and not as Kaoru's… um…"
"Lover?" Yahiko finished for him, remembering the woman's words correctly.
"Yes." Kenshin answered, his cheeks still stained with a blush. "Kaoru is a very honorable woman with purity in mind, spirit, and body. Never would I… put her in a compromising situation, that I would not. I have my honor too, you know."
"Yeah, I guess. That's kinda like what my parents taught me…" His voice's level lowered when he spoke of his family, the wounds still fresh in his mind tainting the happy memory.
Kenshin turned, lifting his rolled up blanket over his shoulder and relieved the young one of the weight ready to topple him over. "That is good to know, Yahiko. I think I will ask you some specific questions some time soon. I'm very interested in what kind of courtship Christians practice." Kenshin didn't miss the smile that soon snaked it's way onto the boy's lips.
"You like Kaoru, don't you?" Yahiko kept on grinning when all Kenshin's face sported a brief look of shock quickly replaced with a guilty smile.
"Yes, maybe. But that is none of your concern, after all you are too young for things such as this." Yahiko's grin widened even further.
"So you do like her! You like her a lot!"
"Now Yahiko, I admitted to liking her. Isn't that enough for you?" The blush from before came back, causing Yahiko to point at him and bust out in laughter. The poor boy was so entertained that he had to stop and hold his stomach from laughing so hard. Kenshin looked around and noticed they were a few feet from the dojo. He motioned for Yahiko to cut it out, pointing to the door with a serious look of 'If you say anything you're in big trouble'. Yahiko instantly covered his mouth with both hands, his eyes still holding a tint of mirth. Kenshin sighed and shook his head at the amused child, pushing the gate open with his shoulder.
Upon stepping foot into the courtyard Kenshin immediately sensed something. Moving slowly he walked nearer to the house and the faint glowing of a light coming from the dinning area. He heard voices, two voices he knew he heard before. He gently placed the bucket from his arms on the wooden floor of the hallway, eyes trained to the area holding his attention. A stained laugh. Kaoru; he knew her melodic voice anywhere. A smile began its way to his lips only to stop at the sound of the other voice. His hand quickly steadied itself on the hilt of his sword, the hair on the back of his neck rising with his heightened sense of alert.
*I knew it was a familiar ki I felt.* His walking pace quickened. Just as soon as he arrived in the doorway two sets of eyes were focused on him, one out of kindness and the other with an abhorring gaze. Kenshin narrowed his eyes at the lanky man sitting across from the young Kaoru his white gloved hands around a cup of tea.
"Himura… what a coincidence."
Kaoru looked between the two men, not understanding how they could know each other.
"You know each other?" She asked, not feeling up to beating around the bush.
"Yes, Miss Kaoru… we know each other." Kenshin's glaring eyes never left the amused ones of the officer.
"It's been far too long since we last met, hasn't it Himura?" The smirk on his thin face was starting to get on Kenshin's nerves, the desire to cut it off growing stronger with every minute of their little staring contest.
"Not long enough, Saitou." Kenshin spat out. Kaoru was taken aback with the venom behind his words, finally contemplating what it was he had called the captain.
"So you do remember me? That is good to hear, now that we've gone in different directions. You now a wanderer, and I as a government official…. Interesting how life works sometimes." The man's smile widened, eliciting out a growl from the rurouni's throat.
"What is it you want? Don't tell me you had a reunion in mind."
"Actually, that wouldn't be a bad idea. I confess, I am a bit curious as to how well you've kept up the Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu. I'm sure the fire that once burned inside of you cries for release." The man, now introduced by Kenshin Saitou, stood to his full height of 6 feet. Kenshin stepped back one step, steadying his feet below him.
Kaoru couldn't believe her ears. This man just mentioned the sword style of the legendary Hitokiri Battousai in relationship to Kenshin. *Could he be…?* Kaoru's eyes slowly rose to the face of her longtime boarder and now good friend. The confirmation of her deduction came by way of his eyes and their intensity at that very moment. It was the same intensity that drew her to him, yet this time it was no longer a lingering light behind the brilliant violet; it burned bright, a amber flame obscuring his normal eye's color.
"Kenshin?" She asked, her worry having weakened her voice to a faint whisper. He turned his head to face her for the first time since he had come. The bright color receded back, the violet coming back to it's rightful place.
"Hmmm… I see how it is. You no longer are as strong as you were back then. I guess it would be a waste of time if you and I were to fight now." He straightened his jacket, and picked up his hat from off the table. He walked up to Kenshin, stopping right in front of the man who resumed to glaring him down. Unaffected by it all, Saitou placed his hat back on his head, pulling down the bill over his eyes. "Thank you for your hospitality, Miss Kamiya. Have a goodnight."
Kaoru simply nodded her head, not really finding her voice amidst all the scrambled thoughts flooding her mind at the moment. Kenshin stepped to the side, allowing Saitou room to leave.
"I will see myself out. Goodnight… Battousai." Kenshin's hand unconsciously gripped his sword tighter at the mention of his former name. He was overcome with a sense of dread when he looked over at a silent Kaoru, her gaze tinged with hurt. He knew he had some explaining to do concerning his past, an old wound he wanted to ignore. With his past exposed like an open wound the hurt in Kaoru's eyes poured over it like salt.
Kaoru got up without a word, unsure of where her mind would take her voice. Deciding on staying mute she brushed past Kenshin and went straight to her room. The tension left from Kenshin's frame as he followed her movements with his now doleful eyes. Once she was out of view he cursed himself, slumping down against the wall. He sat on the floor and placed his face in his palms, dejected in result of his past.
Yahiko came into the hallway and stopped. His eyes fell on the crestfallen man sitting on the floor, his hair falling in cascades over his drooping frame. The sadness consuming the air of the entire dojo now seemed to have a contagious factor to it. Yahiko walked away, unable to think of an uplifting word for the man who had become one of his mentors. From the moment Kenshin sat down next to him that fateful evening Yahiko had sensed something different about him. He had a growing desire to learn as much as he could from the man with such an odd wisdom in his eyes. Eyes are said to be the mirrors to the soul, and Yahiko noticed the remnants of a battle raging behind those violet orbs.
Yahiko sighed, for once feeling too young to offer any help.
The night wore on, as any other night would. The stars knew nothing of the
ordeal surrounding the Kamiya house, overly developed thoughts having clashed
against unforgiving pasts. Yet things were only getting started in the late
hours of the night, and they would come about by way of the empty stomach of a
tall street fighter.
Sano came to the dojo a little after 10 pm, expecting everyone there to be asleep on account of their full stomachs.
*Full stomach,* he repeated in his mind, rubbing his grumbling belly with his hand in anticipation of the leftovers he couldn't wait to get. Whenever he would miss dinner due to what Kaoru called his "pointless extravagances" he would sneak by later in the night and find what he could in the kitchen. Thus was the reason behind his tiptoeing. He passed by Yahiko's room with ease, knowing that he hadn't disturbed the little one by way of the steady snore he head coming from behind the door.
*Oh yeah, I'm good.* Sano smirked to himself, feeling smug. He licked his lips upon turning the corner of the hallway heading now toward the dinning room… and that's when his smile fell. *Ah, crap…*
Kenshin was sitting in the same spot for the past four hours, his mind exhausted yet unwilling to let him go to sleep. The swordsman lifted his head up and managed a weak smile at the man standing a few feet away.
"Hey there Kenshin, what are you doing up?" Sano shoved his hands in his pant's pockets, leaning his lean frame up against the wall.
"Not much, I'm afraid… just thinking."
"Thinking, eh? Well, why waste sleep over that? Unless…" Sano's eyes narrowed, suspicion heavy in his brown eyes. Kenshin met his gaze, curious as to what the man had to say.
"Unless what?"
"Unless you got into a fight with Kaoru… that would explain a lot." The tall man rubbed his chin in thought, nodding to himself as he looked off in the distance. Kenshin couldn't hold the dejected sigh that escaped his lips at the mention of the young woman's name. Sano returned concerned eyes to Kenshin, wondering what could have been so bad as to leave the rurouni in such a state.
"She knows…" Kenshin's simple words were enough for the street fighter, the latter understanding it rather quickly.
"I'm sure she'll be okay. It's not like she'll just kick you out on your butt come morning. She has a large heart, and I'm sure you've noticed." Sano threw the shorter man a smile of reassurance.
"I didn't tell her who I am. And she gave me her trust, but now I'm not too sure if I still have it." Kenshin braced his hands against the wall and floor, lifting himself up.
"You mean, you didn't tell her who you were. There is a difference." Sano's honesty brought out a smile out of Kenshin. "You should go talk to her."
"Thank you Sano. You've been very helpful, that you have. I think I'll speak to her in the morning." Kenshin walked on toward his room, patting the younger man on the shoulder as he passed him.
Kenshin got to his room, no longer worried over the fact that he hadn't told Kaoru of his former identity. What bothered him now was how he was going to approach her about it. What was he going to tell her? He had no clue…
Meanwhile, Sano came out of the kitchen, disappointment evident in his walk as he munched on a carrot he found. He figured no one got the chance to cook anything that night in result of the little tiff Kenshin and Kaoru had earlier, if he could call it that. It was more like a simple misunderstanding. Sano shook his head, confused now more than he had been a few minutes ago when it all made sense. He walked for another few steps making it passed Yahiko's room again, then he stopped. Popping the rest of the carrot into his mouth a mischievous smile spread across his face, his eyes showing that the wheels in his head had turned enough to give him an idea. And it was something he couldn't pass up.
*I think I'll pay Yahiko-chan a visit. First I need a bucket of ice cold water…* He eyed the young one's door with glee. *This is going to be fun. Besides, I want to know details about tonight.*
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A/N: Oooooo, what's Sano up to? I know !!^^ You all will too come next chapter. Hee hee… It's going to be fun, I promise. And I won't keep you all in suspense for too long ^-^. Um, yeah… so what do you all think? I hope it was an okay chapter, it was sort of hard to get it out. I struggled with lack of time among other things. Kaoru and Kenshin are going to have a little talk next time, and, of course, more Sano and Yahiko and maybe some Megumi too ^_^. Anyhoo, I guess I better go. Again, thanks for reading, and I hope I didn't disappoint you with the way I ended the chapter. The next one will probably be up this weekend sometime… Okay, review time people! I feel extremely blessed whenever I get a review, no matter what it says. All I know in the end is that someone cared enough to write one ^-^, and that makes me happy. Until next time, Ciao!~ The Honorable Gucci