Title: Because It Hurts

Chapter Six: A Promise Is A Promise, Part 2

Pairings: Kenshin/Kaoru, Yahiko/OC, Sanosuke/OC, slight Megumi/Sanosuke

Summary: The death of Kaoru leaves Kenshin in heartbroken grief as he escapes to the depths of his mind. Yahiko, Megumi, and Sanosuke try their hardest to try and revive the Kenshin they know and love but things turn to the worst as the Legendary Man Slayer Himura the Battousai seems to be reviving instead. Will the arrival of an old friend be any help? Or will we lose of beloved Kenshin to the likes of his former self?

Disclaimer: I do not own the Rurouni Kenshin

Wooden katanas' met in battle, blazing orbs of dark chocolate clashed with hazel.

"I'm glad," Yahiko ground out, pushing against the attacking sword.

"About?" Yutaro smirked, pushing right back causing Yahiko to loose his balance momentarily.

It was all the advantage Yutaro needed.

He dashed forward seemingly towards Yahiko only to do a round about and come up behind him. Knocking Yahiko off his feet. The soft wood of the sword at his neck was all that was needed. Yutaro pulled back a small smile gracing his lips.

Yahiko rubbed his sore tail bone. A small scowl of acknowledged defeat on his face as Yutaro offered him a hand in peace. He accepted it without hesitation. "I was going to say, how glad I was that you hadn't let the accident deter you from swordsmanship."

Yutaro nodded absently, turning back towards the rising Tori as he motioned her over. "You and I both. it's the only thing I had that kept me going. That is until a now…"

Yahiko raised a brow in curiosity. "Until now?" he asked.

A faint blush stained Yutaros' cheeks as Tori came to stand beside him. "That's something for later discussion. I'd prefer not having to repeat myself…"

Yahiko nodded dumbly as Yutaro patted him on the shoulder and gave him a soft push in the direction of the mansion. "I'm hungry how about you?"

Yahiko nodded, and the three headed back towards the mansion. Stopping, when Yutaro crouched to pick up a couple of white roses, he gave one to Tori absently as he held the others as though they were a sacred treasure. He'd be visiting his parents grave later on and it would only due to bring them the flowers they'd planted as a family.

A defined scowl in place, Sanosuke trudged through the halls of the mansion. He was in a considerably foul mood. He'd left Megumi long ago, knowing that he'd be better off in solitude than an easily bored Megumi. Besides he still had some business to take care of.

"What is she doing here?" he though, not realizing he'd said anything out loud. His scowled deepened and he kicked at the air. He turned the corner intent on heading to his room and taking a relaxing bath. There was no way he was going to make sense of anything with a stiff body and a weary mind.

"A telegram…for me?" questioned Megumi, a small frown marring her pale face as she accepted the folded white paper.

"Yes, there is a carriage outside waiting to take you back. It seems you are needed back home." Yutaro said a corner of his mouth turned down. He'd wanted to spend time with everyone, who knew how long Megumi would be gone.

Megumi though for a moment, "It must be Dr. Gensai." she thought out loud. Unfolding the paper and beginning to read.

Yahiko nodded from his seat near the fire. "It must be serious."

Tori remained silent, every once in a while looking up from the book in her lap. The lush chair and blanket providing the warmth to her cold body. Winter had started a week ago but it hadn't started to snow till that night.

She watched as Megumi left the room, she would be leaving tonight. The telegram had indeed been from Dr. Gensai, he need Megumi's expertise to help a new patient on the brink of death. She turned to Yahiko. The young man was huddled up before the fireplace, wrapped tightly in a blanket, and trying desperately to stay awake. Yutaro must have noticed for he stood from the couch and lightly nudged Yahiko awake. Helping him up and directing him out the parlor door towards his room.

She gave a strained smile as Yutaro returned to her, "Go to bed."

"I should say the same to you."

She shook her head softly. "I'm not tired. But you've had a long day."

He nodded, broad shoulders relaxing somewhat as he tried to rub impending sleep from one eye looking much as his younger self from years ago. "Your right," he mumbled. Absently he leaded down, taking her hand and planting a soft kiss over the soft knuckles. "Don't stay up too late." He said, turning and leaving the room with a small wave.

Tori released a heave sigh, one hand coming to rest just over her franticly beating heart. Her shoulders shook, violet-blue orbs darkening as he vision blurred and images flashed in her mind.

Giving his nose a final rub as the pain subsided Sano got up and looked for the culprit who'd caused this mishap in the first place on to blink. "What the- What are you doing here?" he snapped pointing an accusing finger at the woman before him.

Violet-blue eyes blinked before narrowing, "Do I know you?"

"Do you know me?" repeated a confused and slightly irritated Sanosuke before he growled, "What are you playing at Rika!"

'Why?' she thought, fingers curling around the soft blanket.

"Companion…Yutaro…" Sano repeated before staring down at the woman he was holding.

"What are you doing with Yutaro?"

"Unhand me this instant!" she screamed struggling and managing to get an arm free in as Sanosuke was temporarily at a loss for words and did what any other woman would do. She slapped him.

He blinked, a hand subconsciously going up to rub the stinging flesh on his cheek.

Wet drops ran down a bare back, Sanosuke absently ran a head through his wet locks. He starred at himself in the small mirror. He ran his hands over his face, looking out between his sprawled fingers at his reflection. He grunted, leaving the bathroom and heading to his bed.

Pulling back the soft covers and settling down into the warm haven of his bed he just about had a fit when his stomach growled, reminding him how he'd skipped dinner.

He cursed, leaving his warm sanctuary and pulling on a spare haori.

Dressed in only black hakamas and a matching white haori with black designs, Sanosuke headed towards the kitchen.

Having regained control over her raging emotions and frizzled mind, Tori stood shakily. 'I'll feel better after a good nights rest.' She took a small step, relief shinning in her violet-blue orbs when she didn't fall or stumble. Taking a deep breath she moved on, taking slow, determined steps as she headed out of the parlor and stopped for a small rest against the stair railing.

She'd managed to get her body under total control when she felt a shudder wrack her body moments before the cause of her earlier break down descended the stairs.

Brown orbs locked on the shuddering form at the bottom of the stairs. "Its you…"