Disclaimer: I DO own Rurouni Kenshin! I have Volumes 13 in my closet!

-

Advice Disregarded

-

The white of the moon could be seen through the small spaces between the foliage of the trees, a comforting presence guiding them. When the light hit Ami's face, the whiteness of her skin clashed terribly with the dark colors of the night. Even Kenshin's red hair seemed an almost brown color as he treaded along in the shadows.

It was quiet, except for the noise of their footsteps crushing nature's litter and crickets. Too quiet, Ami felt, who usually preferred silence. Her breathing even seemed too loud and she tried to tone it down. She wanted to talk to Kenshin, to break her uneasiness, but she couldn't. What would she say? It didn't help that Kenshin kept his back to her, maintaining the same pace. He seemed to be aloof from her and the world, just moving automatically.

I want Hiro… she whispered inwardly. With the thought, she acknowledged that this was possibly the first time she had wanted Hiro's company over Kenshin's. The realization hurt her, and because of that hurt she became even guiltier, towards Kenshin and Hiro.

With Hiro, most conversations were one sided. Ami could chatter on for hours to him, and not receive one word back or feel foolish. She supposed that was why it felt so comfortable for her talking to him. It was a little like talking to yourself, except you knew for sure someone was listening. They would be similar now, Kenshin and Hiro, Ami thought. She watched Kenshin walk in front of her, not glancing back. Hiro would be like that sometimes. But she always knew he listened.

Kenshin would listen too, she knew. He wasn't one to ignore people. But with Kenshin, it was so different. Kenshin would respond to her words, talk back to her, let her know what he thought. Hiro let you sort out your thoughts by yourself, gently prodding you to the right answer with small expressions: a raised eyebrow, a frown, a calm gaze. You could find so much in those eyes, as impassive as they were.

She squeezed her hands, becoming sad with her reminiscing. Again, she wondered where Hiro was and whether he was doing well. She hoped so, with all her heart.

-

"What are you making?" His tone was full of curiosity.

Ami looked up from her work, startled. She knew she shouldn't be. She was in plain view, after all. But she had hoped, somehow, that Kenshin wouldn't notice. Slowly, she put her knife down and extended the piece of bark to him.

"I…" she fell silent as he examined her work, wanting to delay telling him. She watched him stroke the marks she had made gently. Watching him do so created a strange feeling in her throat. So gentle to her brother's face…

"This is good! I didn't know you made these as well." He smiled at her. "Ami-chan is widely talented, isn't she?" His tone was praising and lightly teasing at the same time.

Ami didn't reply, merely blushing slightly and looking at the ground. She was still slightly tense from predicting what he would ask next.

"Is it somebody you know?"

And there it was.

"It's… it's supposed to be my brother," she said softly.

From the top of her vision she watched his posture change, more on guard. He was looking at the wood carving more carefully now.

"You are… missing your brother?" he asked, cautiously. Giving it a final glance, he handed it back to her. As Ami took it, she impulsively wanted to clutch the carving of her brother's face to her chest. But she resisted the action; she had the feeling that it would affect Kenshin negatively, somehow.

"Yeah," she said slowly. "I'm just having a bit of nostalgia, I guess." She shot him her best smile. "You really think it's good? This was my first time making a woodprint." She chatted on, trying to distract him from the topic of her brother. She knew Kenshin saw what she was doing, but he let it pass.

It was morning, and soon they started traveling again.

-

She was in a sour mood.

Her thoughts were no longer peaceful as she walked, like how it had been those long days before. She was irritated, and because of that, annoyed with herself.

Happy thoughts, she urged herself. Kenshin, Kenshin, Kenshin!

Despite her attempts, a certain brown haired brother quickly knocked the image of the red haired man out of sight. And sadly, her dear brother's face caused her distress. Hiro… she whined in her head. She wished that she could see him for real, to see how he was doing. But that was close to impossible, she knew. Wishing for him would just take her mind off the present tasks at hand. Wherever he was, Hiro would be just fine, Ami told herself.

But still… Her hands were itching to get themselves onto the smooth piece of bark on which her brother's face was beginning to show up on. She had a strange feeling that if she finished the piece, it would be like a good luck token to Hiro, wherever he was now. But of course, their daily routine prevented Ami from stopping and taking time to finish. The only free time she had was when they retired for the night, and in the morning. For the first time, she truly resented her new lifestyle.

Ami remained in a sour state for the rest of the hour.

-

Her selfish yearnings to halt right there and take out the woodprint to finish stopped as Kenshin paused, holding out a hand behind him to stop her as well. She was about to ask what was the matter, but snapped her mouth shut just in time, sensing he needed to focus for a moment.

His eyes narrowed slightly in realization, and she narrowed hers as well, seeing that he felt there was danger.

"Kenshin?" she murmured softly, coming closer behind him. He didn't need to answer. Craning her ears, she began to hear the faint sounds of shouting up ahead. "What-" she began, but was cut off by Kenshin's swift movement to the side. Now there were sounds of police whistles. What do we do?

"Go into the brush," he said sharply, answering her unspoken question. She nodded though he didn't see, and darted into undergrowth.

As she pushed past the branches, she looked back, trying to catch sight of Kenshin. She considered disobeying him and staying closer than he would have liked, but determinedly swallowed her curiosity and longing to stand by him, striding on. She would remain obedient; it was one of the least she could do for him. She bolted.

-

Kenshin walked further down the road, ears craned for both Ami and the new comers. Their footsteps were louder now, and he could hear that they were running. He could sense their ki, frantic and desperate. What could make them so upset? He wondered. It made his hand drift closer to his sword, prepared to deal with conflict. There may not be too much danger, but he wasn't taking any chances with Ami. He would settle this by himself, and then call her back out later. But then he heard the loud breaking of twigs and leaves, and his eyes widened. The newcomers had fled into the brush! Had he unintentionally sent Ami into danger?

Without wasting any time, he darted off the road to the direction he believed Ami had headed.

-

She nearly tumbled into the small clearing as she charged through. She
sprang up, staying still in a cautious crouch. She looked wildly around, but she could see no one. Ami pawed at the ground, searching for something she could use as a weapon. Fingers scrabbling over small pebbles, she suddenly slammed her hand down, angry with herself.

"Baka!" she yelped, practically throwing off her pack and reaching inside for her knife. Pulling it from its sheath, she stared at the blade in a new light. She had been using it mostly for carving, all this time… when it's true purpose was to defend. What she called a knife, was actually the dagger that her old neighbor Takaru Konure had given her years before… She tried to recall the old woman's face, but could not. Gripping the handle with new resolution, she stood up, holding it out warily. She was thankful for the kind woman's gift, allowing her to practice her skills, and now, possibly aid Kenshin, if it came to it.

Someday… maybe, Takaru-san, I will come back and try to see you, she vowed silently. But not now. Breathing out, she closed her eyes in apology to the woman she could not remember and looked back at the way she had come. Kenshin… She hated this. She didn't want to be away from him. She wanted to wound whoever threatened her man.

"Ah," she breathed, surprised with her forwardness. He wasn't hers, she tried to remind herself. Kicking the dirt with her foot, she clutched the dagger tighter. But I… I hate leaving it all to him…

Before she could think any more, she became all too aware of the crashing noises coming towards her. Leaping to the side, dagger held out in front of her, she bared her teeth savagely, trying to get up her courage for battle. Though she had wanted to arm herself, she hadn't expected that whoever was coming would go straight for her! The noises of whoever were coming closer became louder, and she could hear them panting. The noise of their racket and her heartbeat filled up her ears, until it became almost too much to bear and she was almost wishing they would just hurry up and arrive.

CRASH!

The first man burst through the thick brush, carrying bundles in his arms.

And then he raced past by her.

Ami stared dumbfoundedly at his retreating back, cry choking disbelievingly in her throat. "H-" But then she was cut off once more by another running man, also carrying items hastily wrapped in cloth. He passed without seeing her. Half relieved that they didn't seem to be extremely threatening and half irritated that she had worked herself up for nothing, she stood up and planted herself in the middle of the clearing so that the next would not miss her.

"HEY!" she cried out fiercely. She heard the men behind her spin around, startled. The third slowed his pace as he appeared from the direction the other two had come from. She opened her mouth again, but the men began to babble at her all at once.

"Hey, kid, shut it-"

"Who're you-"

"Whoever asks, you never saw us, all right sweetie?" The first man who had appeared blurted out, yanking the second man's sleeve, the one who had told Ami to shut up. The second man quickly caught onto the act.

"Yeah, we were never here darlin', gotta run-" He and his companions turned to leave, but were stopped with a surprised cry.

"Miyami-dono, Kaminaga-dono, Yokokawa-dono!"

Dono, Ami thought, recognizing the voice immediately as she spun around. Kenshin!

He was looking shocked as he surveyed the three, suddenly guilty young men. Then the third cheered up, taking a step forward.

"Himura-san! It's so exciting to see you again! I know we promised to stop stealing, but we swear, these snobs deserved it-"

The other two started babbling along.

"Mother's sick again, Himura-san, I just need a little money-"

"They're so rude to everyone, so we made sure to only rob them, only those who deserve it Himura-"

"Will you help us again, Himura-san? Just don't say anything, we left the police behind a while ago-"

Stealing? Kenshin helped them before? Ami frowned confusedly, annoyed at the young adults. They were just making excuses! And to involve Kenshin in their thievery! She stomped forward angrily, reaching out to one of the bundles. The man noticed and immediately jumped back, taking out a longer dagger than what Ami owned, wielding it defensively. The action triggered Kenshin, and he flung out his arm forcefully to get their attention.

"Harm her and you'll have no pity from me, Kaminaga-dono." He said harshly, standing in such a position that his sword was in clear view. Kaminaga took his advice, and quickly put the dagger away, taking a few steps back from Ami as if he was afraid of her. Ami glanced back and forth between the two, then slowly stepped back until she was by Kenshin.

"Hey," said one of the men, the one Ami believed was named Miyami, "Himura-san… we really need to go now." He glanced nervously at the direction they had come from. "The police weren't that far behind, guys…" He gave a nervous laugh. "Well, ja ne, Himura-san!"

Ami felt Kenshin tense, and then was alarmed to feel a strange aura emitting from him. She looked up at him anxiously, and then froze. Click! All four heard the sword being released from its sheath.

"It's been a while since we last met… and you still could not reform in that time?" It barely sounded like a question, and held an accusing tone. "Did I not warn you clearly enough? Your foolish ways are going to cost you your freedom."

Hard eyes seemed to glint amber as he slowly walked in front of the three thieves. "The first time we met, I believed you might deserve a second chance. But now I shall assist in your capture."

As the three men stared in disbelief and slight fear, there was a fluttering in Ami's chest. Her eyes were shining from Kenshin's authoritative tone and felt such pride for him that she felt she might burst. But as one of the men warily unsheathed his dagger, she bit her lip in scorn to him. With a mere dagger, he expected to use it against Kenshin and triumph? She suddenly wished for a hard beating.

"You wish to escape?" Kenshin asked softly. "You had your chance before. Stop now, and accept your consequences as a man."

Kaminaga masked his nervousness with a growl. "Geez, Himura-san! What's wrong with you? You let us off before… this different attitude is ticking me off!"

Just then, the sound of a shrill whistle blew. The men did not move, but Ami started to yell.

"Over here! OVER HERE!"

The noise snapped Kaminaga, and the foolish man charged at Kenshin. Kenshin did not even bother to parry, instead giving a blow directly to the chest. Ami's heart stopped for a moment. Though she was cross with the robbers and wished they would be taught a lesson, the idea of them losing blood made her queasy. But as no blood flew, she once again recalled that Kenshin's sword was a sakabatou, and there was no fear of death while using it.

A flash of movement attracted her eye, and she was appalled to see that Kaminaga's two companions had abandoned him, taking the opportunity of the short brawl to try and run past Kenshin on both sides. Kenshin of course quickly realized this, and he spun around to face their retreating backs. Ami could not see what was happening, but suddenly the two men froze in place, quaking.

"Ah, ah!" They struggled to speak, petrified.

It was as if they were choking, Ami thought, startled. What did… what did Kenshin do?

The noise of the police was louder now, and Kenshin turned around. Ami trembled at his gaze, eyes widening. Kenshin's face was set into a deep glare, eyes deadly. She felt hesitant to speak or even move. His expression is so paralyzing… is that what he did to the thieves? But they weren't even looking at him…

The police burst through the brush, panting heavily. A well beyond middle aged man who seemed to be the captain drew his saber quickly, aiming it at Kenshin as his men raced past to capture Miyami and Yokokawa.

"Who are you?" the chief barked. Kenshin held up his hands disarmingly. He shifted, and suddenly his expression was back to the way it normally was, calm and cheerful. Ami blinked, confused. Was it... a trick of the light or shadows? What's going on…?

"My companion and I were merely trying to assist the law, de gozaru. It seems these thieves have stolen something valuable, have they not?"

The chief nodded warily, his eyes continually straying towards Kenshin's scar. Then his eyes widened ever so slightly in recognition. Kenshin's expression changed also, raising his eyebrows a bit.

"Thank you for your assistance," the chief finally said, bowing fumblingly. Kenshin gave a slow nod.

Ami bit her lip, watching the two. There was something she wasn't understanding. Perhaps the chief and Kenshin had met before, also? They were regarding each other rather solemnly. Maybe Kenshin once saved his life in battle, Ami guessed and grinned, cheered at the thought. Feeling the need to break up their private understanding, she marched over and grabbed Kenshin's hand gently, looking up at the chief, not wanting to be left out.

The chief looked at her closely, and now Ami felt slightly uncomfortable, trying to quench the urge to fidget under his stare. Off to the side, the thieves were being handcuffed and led away, back to the town they had ran from. Kaminaga was still unconscious. As the other two passed, Ami could see they wanted to say something, but didn't dare. They almost wanted to leave, it seemed, to get away from Kenshin, whom they cringed as they walked past. Ami frowned at them. It was their fault, for getting Kenshin angry. She felt that was a terrible crime.

"Kenshin?" she asked, trying to make her voice cheerful. "Want to go now?"

She didn't want to stay here with the police. She wanted to get herself and Kenshin away from such involvements. Looking up at him, she saw Kenshin nod slowly. Tugging his hand gently, she made a quick bow to the chief as she led them away. He was staring at them with a strange expression. Ami felt his eyes on her back all the way until they were out of sight.

A/N: (I'm sooorry! I'm writing at such a slug's pace now… ; ((Possibly less. I've heard that slugs are actually quite fast))

So, Ami was experiencing a bad mood, but after all this commotion she's forgotten it for a while, at least. J There might be some things you need to infer for this chapter, so I'll clear it up. Apparently, Kenshin had met the three thieves before, and decided to let them off easy, hoping they'd change their ways. But after meeting them again and seeing they ignored his advice, don't you think he'd get a little upset? This will affect his mood for more chapters to come.

What Kenshin did to the thieves was a little blast of warrior's ki. He did that once when he first fought against Soujirou, and Misao got zapped instead by accident. She fell over afterwards.

As the thieves were arrested, they could have said that Kenshin was a part time "accomplice" since he had let them escape with a warning before. If I put that in the story, the chief could have just ignored them since he obviously knows who Kenshin is (like how the chief with glasses -forgot his name- let Megumi go since Kenshin had insisted on it after the whole opium affair in the manga) and that would have made Ami even more confused about the way he is treating Kenshin. But I decided not to include that since I don't think the thieves were THAT bad hearted, and plus, like I wrote, they were afraid.

The great Battousai, being led away by a small girl, who also happened to be his traveling partner! ; That's probably along the lines of what the police chief thought, so that's why he stared.

Ok, that's it! Replies!

Meiharu: Thanks for the encouragement! Sorry for such a long delay!

EEevee: A live gopher. In a jar! 0.0' Well, good for the teacher, at least it wasn't a frog. (I like frogs, but I'm still a bit squeamish on holding them)

Lady E1: Worship. You could take it that far, too. Further, if there's another word in English for it. Which I don't think there is… ; Well, thanks for your comments, they make me feel nice and warm inside. :)

Haruko: Wow. I just fell one day short of a month since updating. I'm sorry. I recently got a spurt of need-to-write so I finally got this chapter finished. I hope the spurt lasts.

AnimeAmba: No, long reviews are good. And good for you! (cheers the mini Aoshis) A mini Sano would be cute too… ((I think the reason I preferred a mini Aoshi to a mini Kenshin was because I'd prefer Kenshin to be a little… more lifesize. cough)) A mini Saitou would frankly scare me. Like those Chuckie movies. Which I haven't watched by the way, because I have an insane fear of dolls.

MissBehavin: I'm glad you liked the cloud part. I was actually looking at the clouds this afternoon at school, and suddenly remembered that scene. Heh, pretty weird, eh?

Seara Himura: Thanks so much for letting me know you were reading! I really like to know those kind of things. Hope you like this chapter!

the sacred night: That thing was a whole other plot. I had sort of developed two storylines that involved Kenshin and Ami, different settings. So that has nothing to do with this. Sorry for the confusion. About the even with her making something, I'll think about it and try and work it in.

Empress Nahte: She does? How so? (prod) You'll have to tell me at school. ;)