The Guardian

By: Wildfire Sky

Forgive me! I thought I told you guys, but apparently I only mentioned this to my "Jungle Rot" fans! Since the update of "Jungle Rot" I've been studying for finals, which just ended on December 13, and haven't been doing anything with fanfics since then. So, no, I'm not dead…not physically anyways. Mentally...whole different story...

Also, it was brought to my attention that I was a little off on my interpretation of the Christians and they're relationship with Kenshin. Yes, I've seen the episode, and yes, you are right that I was wrong, but don't forget that Kenshin is modest…that, and generally people who are slaughtered by another usually don't like them. But, that's just me. On to the fic!

The Guardian

Chapter Eleven

Kaoru sat on the open porch of her dojo hall, a cup of warm tea held in her hands as she looked out over the property of her father's dojo. It was regrettable that publicly she could not claim the dojo as hers alone…as long as she remained unmarried; the Kamiya dojo would never be hers, but her father's. It was a beautiful dojo; the courtyard illuminated every evening at dusk in bright vibrant colors. Often times, whenever she was troubled, she would sit her at the entryway, watching the sun set behind her walls, waiting for the single moment when the sun would burst with color. A second that seemed to last a lifetime, taking away her aches and pains for the day. That is why she sat here now, her eyes closed, basking in the warmth of a setting sun. Sighing softly, Kaoru lifted the cup to her mouth, taking a delicate sip.

"My, my, don't we look regal?"

Kaoru cracked open an eye, the cup falling slightly from her lips. "Megumi-san…what are you doing here so late?"

Megumi stood at the bottom of the stairs looking up, a hand on one jutted hip in a stance that many brothel women took up during their shifts, a look of confidence and shielded power over others. She stood there with a ready smile, her eyes twinkling.

"I just came by to check on my dearest Kenshin…" Megumi began, her eyes challenging Kaoru. "I'm sure he's in need of some brighter company, both in spirit…and mind."

Kaoru slammed down her cup, her eyes narrowed. "And just what the hell is that supposed to mean?"

Megumi leveled her own glare. "It means exactly what I said. Kenshin would like the company of someone bright…and judging by how much trouble you're having comprehending what I'm saying, that would exclude you." She flipped a lock of hair over her shoulder, "And from the way you look, it's a damn good thing he can't see you either."

When Sanouske came around the corner, he saw what looked like the ultimate showdown. Kaoru was on her feet, glaring ice daggers at Megumi while the doctor seemed to be taking it all in stride with one of her deadly smirks on. As much as he enjoyed watching the two fight to the death, with an injured Kenshin just down a ways, it wasn't a good idea to rouse the rurouni.

So he stepped forward, arm raised in greeting. "Oi! Kitsune Onna!"

Megumi's smirk fell from her face as she turned towards him. "If I have to tell you one more time, Sanosuke…don't call me---"

Sano waved a dismissive hand, cutting her off mid-rant. "Sure, sure. What ever you say kitsune. What are you doing here?"

"Tormenting me!" Kaoru exclaimed before Megumi could answer.

"If you call telling the truth, tormenting, then yes, I am!" Megumi shot back smartly, gliding up the stairs. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have a patient to see."

Kaoru stepped in front of her, arms spread to block her. "Oh no you don't, not until you apologize to me."

Megumi glowered. "For what? The comment about you being dumb or ugly?"

"Both!"

There was a paused, Megumi looking her up and down critically. Finally she smiled, her teeth dazzling as she opened her mouth and took a deep breath. "No."

Kaoru was shocked out of blocking her, unmoving as Megumi brushed past, her black hair streaming behind her. A smirking Sano walked up next to the frozen Kaoru, watching as Megumi disappeared around the corner towards Kenshin's room before allowing himself to chuckle. "That was entertaining."

He never saw the right hook coming.

"Woman!" he exclaimed, clamping a hand over his blackening eye. "What was that for?"

Kaoru glared at him. "I hate it when you take sides with Megumi. And I hate it whenever you tease me!"

Sano blinked. "What are you talking about? I never take sides with that kitsune. And I don't tease you…much."

Kaoru huffed, her glare softening. "What about Atara?"

Sano nodded with his head in the direction Megumi left. "As far as I know, she's still in there with Kenshin. Heh, I wonder what kind of relationship they had for her to be so attached to him? Right?"

"You know, Sanouske," Kaoru growled, turning a frozen glare on him, "It's that kind of talk that gets people seriously hurt…or maimed."

Sano stared at her, his jaw dropping slightly. "Did you just threaten me?"

"I threaten you almost everyday." Turning and walking towards Kenshin's room, Kaoru tossed one more comment over her shoulder. "That was a promise."

Sano watched her until she disappeared, scratching the back of his head in confusion before leaving towards the kitchen where the leftovers from dinner sat waiting for his hungry appetite. "I've got to remember not to piss her off so much…"

Megumi sat next to Kenshin, her bag of tools open and waiting for her as she examined the still blind samurai. Brushing aside his bangs, she tried to ignore that small child across from her. Giving only her name, Atara chose not to speak with Megumi, her attention riveted on the bed-ridden Kenshin. They'd had a chance to talk before the woman doctor came in, talk about times past and the few adventures they shared together while on the roads of Japan. She told him on the family she'd stayed with and he, in turn, told her of his. Despite the tired and pained look on his face, and despite her warnings to rest, Kenshin opted to sit up, move his body from its stiff position. The Megumi had come in and disrupted the few moments she was able to spend with her savior and good friend.

Kenshin was staring blankly in Megumi's general area, a small smile on his face. "Am I getting better, Megumi-dono?"

Megumi glanced in Atara's direction, her lips forming a tight frown. Atara stared back in challenge.

"Atara-dono is a good person, that she is," Kenshin assured, sensing the growing tension in the ki of the two women, "Her loyalties do not lie with our enemy, that they do not. You can speak in front of her."

Atara nodded. "Ken-san is right. He's helped me before and I would never do anything to hurt him or those he calls friend." She smirked, "Unless, of course, they do something to deserve it."

"Then I suppose I will have to warn Sanouske about you," Megumi said with a warm smile, "He's always finding ways to cause trouble for all of us and on more than one occasion deserves a good beating."

Kenshin shifted, looking back towards the shoji door. "How does it look, Megumi-dono?"

Megumi sighed softly, snapping her case shut. "I'm still not sure what I'm dealing with here…if what Atara says is true and you've been blinded with a venom, then our best hope is to find a cure for it. Perhaps we could bleed some of the poison from you…"

Kenshin's face contorted. "I do not like leeches, that I do not. Besides, if you're not at least a little sure of whether or not it will work, then we should not bother with it at all."

Nodding, Megumi stood, "Of course Kenshin. I understand. I'll take my leave then and head to over to the clinic for a while to do some more research. Some time later this week I'll come back and check on you again."

Atara beamed at her. "Don't worry, I'll come around during the day to check on Ken-san myself!" She leaned forward, pressing a small kiss on her cheek. "I have to go back to the brothel, Ken-san. See you tomorrow!"

Atara jumped to her feet, following the departing Megumi. Passing Kaoru, she bowed low and with thanks for the hospitality, left. Megumi and Kaoru stood just outside of Kenshin's room in another fierce showdown of the will to kill. Finally, Megumi sighed, glancing towards the darkened sky.

"I would suggest having Atara stay over more often." She said, watching as the young girl scampered around the dojo gate, "She seems to calm Kenshin down and allows him to relax even more than you do. Such relaxation will help him adjust better to his situation."

Kaoru nodded absently, clearly surprised by the discontinuation of their earlier fight. "She does have that special touch…but I'm running out of rooms for her to stay in…"

"I suppose that she can stay with me until that lazy oaf, Sanouske, moves out for good." The doctor replied with a soft puff of air. "I swear, if I were you I would have kicked him out long ago."

"But we need him now." Kaoru argued quickly, "With Kenshin injured like this and Toorima still out there and alive, we need his protection."

"Have you alerted the police?"

Kaoru shook her head. "They won't do anything. Everyone's scared of him, and have every right to be. What kind of man can wipe out an entire unit of bodyguards without alerting anyone to his presence?"

Megumi smiled, walking past Kaoru and towards the exit. "We've met quite a few who are capable of such things, Kaoru. And we've beaten all of them"

The young sword master turned, her eyes hard. "Are you saying that we don't need to be cautious?"

Megumi paused halfway to the large doors, her head bowed. "No. Because we haven't beaten Toorima, there is something that sets him apart. And that makes him very dangerous. Please be careful Kaoru."

Kaoru gave Megumi a soft smile of confidence. "Aren't I always?"

"No, and that's the problem." Megumi put a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Stay by Kenshin's side whenever you can. Atara-san does have a good influence on him, but I'm sure he'd rather know what your close too. I'm telling you this as a friend, not a doctor." Megumi started to go off, but paused, giving Kaoru a once over. "And for all things sacred, clean yourself up. I'm sure that Kenshin would rather see gold than rags when he wakes up."

Kaoru felt the anger flame up again, her jaw clenching. "Then I'll remember to keep you out of sight."

Megumi merely smirked at the comment before turning and whisking down the stairs and out the dojo gates. Kaoru's murderous glare evaporated as soon as the doctor left replaced by a light grin. Although it could be awkward at times, Megumi always knew how to brighten her day…even if it was at her own expense.

"Kaoru!" Yahiko's voice caused her to turn. The young swordfighter stood in front of Kenshin's room, his eyes glancing from the shoji door to her face. "How is he? Did Megumi say if he was getting better? Who the hell was that girl? Can I go in and see Kenshin now?"

Kaoru shook her head as she threw up her arms in exasperation. "Yahiko-kun, you tire me out. Stop whining over Kenshin and go to bed. It's late and he needs to sleep."

Yahiko glowered, crossing his arms in front of his chest and glaring at the deck. "He's always sleeping Kaoru. I still haven't had a chance to talk to him because you keep kicking me out! Stop it!"

Kaoru fully turned, her hands on her hips as she strode towards him. "I kick both you and Sano out because the two of you are trouble makers and Kenshin doesn't need that. I swear, if you were any more annoying, I'd think you were Sano! Now go to bed!"

Yahiko withered slightly under her hard gaze. Kicking at an invisible piece of dust, he snorted with a tight shrug. "Fine, whatever. But tomorrow I'm going to see Kenshin and there's no way you can stop me!"

He dashed down the deck and into his room before Kaoru could come up with a quick retort. With a victorious laugh, he snapped his shoji door shut. Sano rounded the corner a moment later, a tray of dumplings in one hand and a stick in the other, casting a confused gaze at Yahiko's room before sending the same one towards her.

"I find it interesting that you're able to drive people away from you so easily."

Kaoru sighed with a slight tilt of her head. "Is there some reason why you still grace my home with your presence?"

Sano skewered another dumpling and popped it into his mouth. "I don't need a reason. People just like me."

"Not when you eat all their food."

"Ha!" Sano devoured another delicious bite, "Now that is something I can't argue with. I lose so many friends like that…" He seemed lost in thought for a moment as he stared towards the dark, starry sky, before he shook his head and focused back on her. "Besides, I'm Zanza, the biggest bad ass to walk the streets of Tokyo. You couldn't ask for a better bodyguard. And even better," he ate another dumpling, pointing the stick at her and chewing as he spoke, "I'm here for free."

Kaoru watched as the juices and crumbs landed on her clean deck. "Perhaps in paid tender, but you can certainly eat your charge."

"Feed a man and he'll love you forever."

Kaoru smiled, walking over and enveloping a shocked Sano in a hug. "You really do help here Sano. I mean it."

Blushing, Sano stared down at the top of her head, taking note of her shaking body. "What brought this on? Weren't you just yelling at me?" He stepped back from her embrace, balancing an empty tray in one had as he ducked to see her face. Tears were forming in the corner of her eyes. "Whoa now, no tears little missy. You're supposed to be the woman I'm scared of, remember?"

Kaoru let out a wet laugh, scrubbing at her eyes. "I thought that was Megumi-san."

"Nope." Sano shook his head, straightening with a sly wink. "But that kitsune certainly comes in a very close second. Anyways, what's with the water works?"

Kaoru drew in a deep, breath, her eyes still moist. "It's Kenshin…I just feel so-so privileged!"

"Privileged?" Sano shook his head, "How in the world could you feel privileged? You, Kaoru, are currently being hunted down by the most ruthless killer Japan has ever seen since our friend here. What's more, you've pissed him off by injuring him, and the police and government are too scared to offer any help to you. To be perfectly honest, if I weren't your friend I would have gotten the hell away from you a long time ago." He laughed, obviously pleased with himself.

Kaoru lowered her gaze, her voice barely above a whisper. "At least I can see the danger coming. Kenshin is helpless."

That stopped the laughter. Sano's smile quickly turned hard, his eyes narrowing as he looked towards Kenshin's room. "Don't you ever say that again, Kaoru. Do you understand me? Kenshin is not, and never will be, helpless. Yes, we are here protecting him, and yes, he is blind, but Kenshin is even stronger now. A lesser man would have given up by now, but Kenshin is still supporting us."

Kaoru shook her head. "Supporting us?"

"Yea," Sano wrapped an arm about her shoulders. "Have Kenshin said one depressing thing to in all this time? Has he begged for sympathy or aid?"

"No."

"Has he tried to do things for himself, despite what we say?"

"He asked if I wanted help with the laundry today. I told him he needed to rest."

Sano chuckled. "That's because Kenshin is far from helpless and he knows it. He's giving you encouragement to continue on with your life while he recovers. He forbade you from pursuing Toorima, protecting you even though he's blind. Offering to do the laundry? Does that sound like a helpless guy to you?"

Kaoru gave an embarrassed half smile. "No, not really…"

"Good, then it's settled. Kenshin's not helpless and you never say he is." Sano's head jerked in a firm nod. "And seeing as the water gates aren't going to open up, I think I'll turn in for the night."

The hand on his arm stopped Sano's retreat. Glancing sideways at Kaoru, he waited expectantly. The sword master sighed, finally looking up at Sano after what seemed like years of silence. "Do I…do I really scare you, Sanouske?"

Chuckling, the massive man bent down until they were eye to eye. "Only when you're mad at me. Any other time, it's really funny to watch…you kind of look like a bloated chipmunk."

He tore down the walkway with an incensed Kaoru on his heels.

Gortu sat in his black carriage, watching the lit buildings of Tokyo pass by as he rode towards his home within the political district of the growing city. Situated near the outskirts of the district, his home was a constant haven of criminals, yakuza members, and prostitutes, some of which he had enjoyed. He was unfortunate that with so many of societies outcasts doing business just outside his gates, the police took the liberty of patrolling the area, making his own business activities that much more harder to perform.

The carriage slowed as they approached the gates to his two-story mansion, the driver carefully leading the pair of horses through the throng of people outside. Gortu tried to ignore the shouts of the slime that surrounded his carriage, the scantly dressed women of the brothels tapping the sides of his door, offering their services. It'd been so long since he'd been with a woman of any kind, and his masculine needs were beginning to surface at the sight of barely covered breasts and full lips. As they entered the gates, Gortu leaned from the window and called the driver to stop. The sentries at the entry closed the gates before approaching.

"I am in need of some company tonight," Gortu said to the sentry below, "Make sure that she makes her way up to my room."

The sentry gave him a greasy smile. "Of course, my lord. How many would you like me to let in?"

Gortu paused to think. "I suppose a few will be fine…just be sure that they are full and fresh for me. I don't want any used baggage, understand?"

"Yes, my lord. I shall send them immediately."

"Put them in my room until I'll ready to have them." Gortu nodded that the driver and the man flicked the reins, the carriage lurching forward. It clattered the short distance to the circular drive in front of his massive, inherited estate. The doorman scampered down the steps to open his master's door, bowing low as Gortu stepped down.

"Welcome home, Gortu-sama." The doorman closed the carriage down and rushed up the stairs so his master wouldn't have to wait for the door to be opened for him. Once inside, the doorman reached for Gortu's coat. "May I take your things, my lord?"

Without acknowledging the man, Gortu shrugged out of his coat, handing the folders in his hands to the doorman. "Put these in my office. I am expecting guests, so be sure to see them up to my room. I expect not to be disturbed for any reason."

The doorman nodded. "Of course, I shall pass the word to the other servants, my lord. May I also announce that you have a dinner guest waiting for you? A Tusume-sama."

Tusume? Gortu blinked, never before had the man come to his home. Waving a dismissive hand, Gortu quickly made his way to the dinning hall. Two attendants threw the double doors wide, allowing Gortu access to the expansive dinning room. A bright chandelier hung from the slightly vaulted roof, a long table running down the center of the room, draped with a spotless white cloth and surrounded by luscious pillows on which his guests sat. At the head of the table furthest from him sat Tusume, a young servant girl topping his cup with what looked like red wine and before Tusume was a plate steaming meat and vegetables. The man leaned towards the girl as she bent over his cup, a hand trailing up her leg, exposing the creamy, white skin where the dress hiked. The girl giggled softly at whatever he was saying. Gortu bristled slightly at the sight.

"What the hell are you doing?"

The girl looked up in surprise, her eyes wide as she jerked away. "M-My lord!"

Gortu glare was not directed at her, but at Tusume. "Get out of my sight, woman, before I have you flogged for contempt to your master."

The girl bowed low, scampering away through a side door. Gortu walked the length of the table, taking a seat nest to Tusume. His eyes lingered on the untouched meal before his uninvited guest.

"Please, my friend. You've already taken my place so don't hesitate to take my food as well."

Tusume quirked an eyebrow. "You know, for a man whose very career is riding on my shoulders, I think that you should extend a little respect to me."

Gortu snorted, then shouted over his shoulder. "Drink!" As the servant girl came in again, he addressed Tusume. "I haven't ordered my guards to kill you, yet. I believe you can't get any more respectful than that." He snatched the girl's wrist, forcefully pulling her down. Removing the flask from her hands, Gortu began to caress the shivering girl's neck. "I couldn't help but notice that you were enjoying the attention of my servant. Would like to take her? As a 'respectful' gesture to you, of course."

Tusume's gaze hardened. "It is not respectful when you toss your leftovers to me. No, send her away so that she might have a restful night for once."

"There's more than one girl that works for me, Tusume-san. And I can have any of them at any time. She is not a spoiled as you think."

Tusume shook his head, picking up the fork and knife. "Send her away. Gods, how can you eat with these Western utensils? Give me a pair of chopsticks any day."

Gortu released the girl, his attention now on Tusume. "Try to become more cultured, will you? And why are you here, Tusume…never before have you darkened my home so why now?"

"I hate these things…" Tusume lifted a meat filled fork to his mouth, savoring the flavor. "Wonderful. Absolutely wonderful…pass my regards to your cook, will you?"

Gortu growled at him. "Answer the damned question! Has something gone wrong?"

Tusume lifted a steaming vegetable to his mouth. "There is always something going wrong in the world, Gortu-sensei."

"I mean with our plans you greedy idiot!" Gortu's eyes narrowed as Tusume continued to feed himself, ignoring him. "I'm going to assume that there is, seeing as how I've not heard word that Battousai is dead."

"I can't imagine anything being held from you in such a prestigious position you've managed to acquire within the government. Tell me, do you receive any top secret plans in your department?"

Gortu refused to rise to the bait. "Why is he still alive, Tusume? You assured me he'd be dead by now! The longer Battousai lives, the more our risk of discovery increases, do you understand that?" Angrily, he lashed out, knocking the rising fork from Tusume's hands, sending it clattering to the table. "Damn you, answer my questions! Why is Battousai alive?"

Tusume leveled a heated glare at him. "Battousai is alive because he can never be killed. Like the fool you are, you sent us against a legend without any proper time to prepare. Toorima had to find out on his own how powerful these friends of his were, and because of that, we've been set back more than we can afford. Your blundering is the cause of this delay so do not blame me, or my associate."

"Your associate has had more than enough chances to kill the Battousai. Three times, as you tell me." Gortu leaned closer, his eyes blazing. "Is that more of my blundering, Tusume?"

Tusume smirked, "As far as I'm concerned, this entire plan is an absolute blunder. The Battousai will live, Toorima will be killed, and you will be arrested." Tusume's smirked grew. "As for me, by the time of your arrest, I will be in China, enjoying my payment on fine women, food, and luxury, reading of the fall of both you and your family's name."

Gortu shook with pent up fury. "You cowardly bastard…how dare you pull out now! You'll not get anything from me you---" Gortu's breath caught in his throat as the knife blade was suddenly mere centimeters from his wide eyes.

"I never said I was pulling out. I'm merely foreseeing the future." Tusume's eyes narrowed. "And if you have the gall to refuse me my due pay, I will carve your face, popping out each one of your eyes, cutting off your ears, and ripping out your tongue. Then, I will leave you at the mercy of your mistreated slaves. Do I make myself clear?"

Tusume dropped the blade down to his plate, cutting another section of meat. "I've never failed in a mission before. If the Battousai doesn't die, I'll make sure that he wishes he did. Now go have your whores and let me eat in peace." He stuffed the meat into his mouth, glaring straight ahead.

Gortu stood on shaky legs, bowing and rushing from the room. Tusume waited for the doors to close before lifting his empty cup. Suddenly, the offer of that girl seemed too good to pass up. "Drink!"

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to one and all! It's been just over a year since I began this fanfic, a long time I know, so I thank each and every person whose stuck with until now! Wildfire Sky wishing all a wonderful Christmas Break and hoping that you all get plenty of presents and not too many corny sweaters from Grandma. Remember to R&R!