Chapter Eight: To Change the World

"A sword is a weapon...whatever pretty names you give it, swordsmanship is a way to kill." -Himura Kenshin, Rurouni Kenshin Volume 1

"Kenshin-san," spoke up Anji's deep voice. Kenshin looked up at the giant, ready to listen. "Would you mind telling us a bit about yourself? We're actually a group of strangers."

Kenshin was silent. "I'd prefer to go lastly."

Anji nodded. "Fine. I'm Yukyuzan Anji, and I am fleeing from the Juppongatana Government due to previous revolution attempts. I am currently a Christian, and the master of the Futae No Kiwami Two Layers Technique."

"That is Sagara Sanosuke," Anji said, motioning to Sano. "I took hiding in his home without him knowing. We met just before a tragic incident occured, involving Sanosuke's family. I prevented him from killing himself, and brought him into the forest to become my trainee. He's agreed to help me revolt against Shishio, in order to avenge his family."

There was a silence, every eye on the peacefully sleeping Sanosuke. None of them had any idea that the Rooster-Headed, obnoxious Sano would own such a tragic past, or hold such a dramatic future.

Megumi was especially quiet. After all those harsh words...

"My name is Kamiya Kaoru," said the lady bandit, deciding to break the uncomfortable silence. "My father died a few years after I was born. My mother remarried after three years, and Yahiko was born when I was six. None of us...had any idea that my mother's new husband, Myoujin Daisuke, was a...demon."

Yahiko flinched.

"He passed down his traits to Yahiko." Kaoru continued. "And when Yahiko was six and I was twelve, Myoujin killed my mother. I took Yahiko and we ran away, and from that day forward, we became thieves. I won't allow either of us to work in the Fields for the government pigs, because Father would not have approved! I use my reversed-blade sword to protect Yahiko, and never am I to kill: for what good could it do to cause more suffering with the taking of life? Blood won't solve our evil world, nor bring honor to Father and Mother."

Kaoru continued loudly, clenching her fists, "The government has poisoned the noble rule of the late King Himura, and I know that it would be dishonor to Father if we succumbed to them! Yahiko deserves better than that life, and by stealing from those who deserve to be taken from, I give him better."

Kaoru lifted her chin high, putting her thoughts into motion: I don't care what they think. This is what I do, and this is how I live--for Yahiko, for Mother, and for Father. I don't do it to impress anyone.

Out of the corner of her eye, Kaoru saw Kenshin smile.

"I am Takani Megumi," Megumi said. "I was a doctor in a nearby villiage, but someone told the government. The TSC burned my villiage to the ground in punishment, and trapped me in my own house to die. But Sir Ken saved me, and from that moment onwards, I have traveled with him...that is, until Shura abducted Sir Ken."

Yahiko spoke next. "You already know about me, but if you ever call me Myoujin Yahiko, I will never forgive you. My name is Kamiya Yahiko. That evil demon that killed my mother was not my father, and I will never acknowledge him as so. I live to protect my sister, and to find a cure for my curse." He gave everyone a proud look to make sure they took him dead serious, much like Kaoru had.

There was another silence, as everyone waited for Kenshin to begin. Kenshin cleared his throat softly, looking up into the trees. A few seconds passed, before Kenshin hesitently began his story.

"...My name is Kenshin. I do not have a last name, because I am an orphan. My master, Hiko Seijuurou, saved me from a group of abusive bandits at a young age. I fell, and my head hit a rock. From that moment, I lost nearly all of my memories. I do not know who I am, where I have come from, or why I was with the thieves in the first place. The only thing that I remember, is my name..."

Kenshin took a breath, and continued. "Hiko-san took me in, and taught me swordsmanship until the age of twenty. I have become the fourteenth Master of Hiten Mitsurugi Ryuu, and I'm now on a quest to find out who I am. But I have found nothing at all, and...as Miss Kaoru witnessed...if I kill anything at all, my scar bursts into blood sometime after...for no reason at all."

Thoughtfully, Kenshin placed his hand over his x-shaped scar. "I don't know where I got this from, either. Lord Hiko told me that it would disappear once my quest is finished, and I have laid down the sword at last."

Kenshin swallowed, peering at the somber faces he was adressing. Hoping to lighten the atmosphere, Kenshin smiled softly, and added, "...de gozaru yo!"

Anji looked thoughtfully at the redhead. "You remember nothing at all, Kenshin-san?"

"Nothing, Anji-san," replied Kenshin truthfully.

"Ah." Anji knelt down, tired of standing. Resting an elbow on his knee, Anji gave Kenshin a scouring look. "Because I could swear on my life that you are the spitting image of the late King Himura."

There was a silence. The wind hissed through the branches of the trees, as Anji's unthinkable remark settled into the atmosphere.

Deciding this was getting too awkward, Kenshin smiled in humility and said, "Anji-san...pardon me, but you must be mistaken. I can't possibly be of any relation to the late Himura-sama, de gozaru yo! For if I were, that would make me..." Kenshin faltered, and fell silent.

"It would make you the rightful king," Anji finished for him.

Kenshin protested, "But, Anji-san, h-how could I be someone like that! After all, I am only a wandering swordsman..."

"With no past." Anji interrupted. "You are in search of your past so that you can find your future. Think about it. King Himura had a son, who went missing soon after his death, at the age of ten. Nine years ago, you fell into the hands of your master, correct?"

"Yes, but--!"

Anji narrowed his eyes. "And the King was famous for his red hair and small build, was he not? And his queen had the most beautiful lavender eyes? And aren't those of noble blood blessed with speed and deadly swordsmanship by birth? And isn't it suspicious that you are nearly identical to King Himura?"

"Yes, but--!"

"Then it is very likely," Anji concluded, "that you are indeed Himura Shinta, the son of the dead King and the rightful heir to the throne."

A little silence ensued, once more. The wind whispered, the branches rustled, and the patterned tone of breathing was the only thing that breached the quietness; occasionally a soft snore from Sanosuke was heard.

Kenshin looked up again into the lush branches of the forest, unable to comprehend what Anji had suggested. How could I...Kenshin...be of royalty? I have no mind for politics...I'm simple and have no idea...I would have no idea how to rule an entire country! What could Anji be thinking?

"I'm not saying for sure that you are Shinta," Anji said, though his eyes betrayed the thought. Something about Kenshin... "But it is a lead you are free to investigate further."

Kenshin sighed. "In any case, whether I am who you think or not, I will join with you and Sanosuke-san. In your revolt, I may learn more about the government, and more about myself. Perhaps I can get my hands on some documents, that record the population and lineage..."

Anji nodded in approval. "You're free to do so, Kenshin-san."

"I will accompany you as well," Megumi announced. "A doctor will always come in handy, especially if you're going to have an idiot like Sanosuke strutting around. I will do all I can to help you!"

Kenshin found the ability to sit up. He was smiling.

Kaoru felt cornered. I'd like to go...but... she looked over at Yahiko, who was sitting in somber silence, as though he hadn't heard any of the conversation. He wouldn't be pleased if Kaoru chose to join Kenshin, Sanosuke, Anji, and Megumi.

Kaoru sighed, standing. Grasping her sword on the sheathe, she pulled it from her belt. Walking over to Kenshin, Kaoru held out the sword so that it was parallel to the ground, giving Kenshin a serious glance. "Himura Kenshin, as my good luck wish for your journey to your past, I give you the Sakabatou Shinuchi. It cannot kill, but works as normal as any sword."

She began to blush, and said, "Anyhow, it will prevent your scar from bleeding."

Kenshin looked at Kaoru in amazement. She is giving me her sword...? Kenshin asked, "Miss Kaoru, if you give me the reversed-blade sword, then what will you fight with?"

Kaoru smirked. "I have a bow and arrow. They'll work until I get my hands on a wooden sword, or something...and in exchange for this, Kenshin, you must give me your katana. That way, if we meet again, we will know one another by our swords. You with my sakabatou, and I with your bloodstained katana."

Kenshin looked into Kaoru's eyes, and she stared back with determination. The pure softness and gratitude shone like plum fire in Kenshin's eyes, as he stood, never removing his orbs from Kaoru's. By touch, he pulled his katana from his belt, and handed it to Kaoru. In exchange, Kaoru gave him the reversed-blade sword.

She was blushing noticeably now, but pretended like she didn't notice. Holding her head high, Kaoru said to Kenshin, "It was a pleasure to meet you, Himura Kenshin. And if it is true that you are King, then know that I am watching you, and expect you to meet the standards of your father. And if you are Shinta..." Her eyes softened. "...know that Kamiya Kaoru is always at your assistance, whenever you may need."

Bowing, Kaoru turned to Yahiko. "Well, Brother, it seems it is time for us to take our leave. Are you ready?"

"I'm always ready," Yahiko replied, the second time he had said so. Standing, he joined his sister's side, transforming to a wolf in seconds. Awarding Kenshin with a respectful nod, Yahiko scanned his eyes over every other person, lastly his sister. He awaited her word to finally leave.

"We'll meet again if we're meant to," Kaoru said, and bowed to Kenshin. She then turned on her heel, and began to walk off into the forest. Yahiko trailed at her heels; neither looked back.

Kenshin felt something was terribly wrong about this. Taking a step forwards, as if to go after Kaoru, he said, "Kaoru-dono, I appreciate your noble kindness...but..."

Kaoru turned to look at him, surprised to find a sweet smile decorating his features. "I prefer your actual company verses your weapon," he announced. "Will you and Yahiko-san not join us as well? I understand that you have no visible motivation against the government, but... wouldn't it be even more honoring to your father if you were to take part in overthrowing the wretched government? Would that not promise Yahiko an even better future to grow in?"

Yahiko's jowls pulled back into a scowl, looking up at Kaoru's delighted features. "Kenshin, I..." Kaoru stammered, unable to hide the smile that was prowling around her lips. "I would be honored to fight by your side!"

Yahiko's jaw dropped in horror.

A smile played also on Anji's lips, as he watched Kaoru return to face Kenshin. Kenshin, smiling still, held out the Sakabatou so that Kaoru could take it.

Instead, she shook her head. "No, Kenshin...you need it more than I." She smiled, oblivious to Yahiko's enraged expression. "You may keep the Sakabatou...but..."

She held out Kenshin's old katana. "I think you know what to do with this."

-

"URRAAH!"

A katana spun through the air, a single black rod flying through the blue sky in a majestic arc. It dipped, and landed in the ocean with a splash.

Kenshin stood on the shore of the ocean with Kaoru, Sanosuke, Megumi, and Anji. Yahiko sat, alone and frustrated, on the hill behind them. They had made it out of the forest at last; now on the road that bordered the sea. The salty wind blew through their hair, and the waves lapped at their shoes.

Carefully, Kenshin slid the Sakabatou in place. Adjusting it, he found that it fit perfectly, and even the handle that he now felt molded to his palm as though it had been made for him.

Looking up, Kenshin gave Kaoru a grateful look, smiling softly. Kaoru smiled, too, looking down at her shoes and blushing.

Sanosuke and Megumi bickered softly in the background, not really having the heart to completely ruin the moment.

"I told you to stop poking me, bitch." Sanosuke muttered.

Megumi sneered, whispering back, "Yes, well, I told you to stop trying to put your arm around me."

"What?" Sanosuke hissed. "I wasn't."

She scowled slightly. "Then that makes it worse. What were you trying to do, then?" she asked softly, left eye twitching.

Sanosuke didn't reply; instead flushed a bright red.

"Never mind," Megumi muttered, covering her eyes with her hand in hopelessness.

Yahiko fumed atop the hill overlooking the sea. He was furious that he was stuck with these people, and that his sister seemed to be attatched to that wandering swordsman. Yahiko vowed silently that he would not let that Kenshin guy have his sister; he wouldn't let some man take his sister from him like so.

"Especially some vagabond girly-man," Yahiko muttered, narrowing his eyes and glaring at Kenshin's back. "If onee-san is to be with someone, it's gonna be someone who deserves her."

Kenshin will not touch Kaoru until I prove that he's worthy of being hers, Yahiko promised inside. And if he does try anything, he will have my fangs buried in his jugular.

"I promise." Yahiko whispered, clenching his fist over his heart.

Anji sighed, down on the beach. "We should get going," he said softly, though his deep voice made itself clear over the crashing of the waves.

"Hai," agreed Kenshin. "We should. This road leads to a nearby village, does it not?"

Nodding, Anji replied, "It does. If we get a boat there, we can sail to the peninsula in the northeast. There, we can travel our way to the Main City, arriving in a direction no one would expect. There's a prison there, where they keep those that violate the law..."

Anji glanced at Sanosuke, who had his jaw firmly set. "So..." Sanosuke whispered, and Megumi looked at him. "That's where they're keepin' 'em, Anji?"

"It is my first guess. The government knows you've fled, so they're probably waiting for you to strike," Anji replied, which meant yes. "But if we do find them, will you be leaving us?"

Sanosuke was silent for a minute, as everyone else watched confusedly. They were obviously talking about Sanosuke's kids, but Kenshin, Megumi, and Kaoru didn't know that.

"I don't know," Sanosuke said finally. "I might leave you all, because they won't have anywhere to go while I'm gone, and no one to take care of them. But then, there's the matter of my father..."

Sanosuke shivered as his memories caused him to feel the ghost of the sensation of Souzou's blood dripping down his face. How much he'd like to bring his feelings out on Shishio's head, to make him feel the pain Sano had...to lose someone like that, to lose everything in one day. Staying with Anji and the others could make that a possibility.

"Whatever it takes," Sanosuke concluded, turning his face skywards. "Shishio's gonna pay for what he's done to every one of us. Whether it takes my life, I'm going to get my family back. Whatever it takes, I will avenge my father, and rest his spirit. And if I can't...then I have no more reason to live. It will be the end of my life."

"Sanosuke."

Sanosuke turned to find Megumi adressing him, surprised. She had never looked so serious when dealing with him. "When my village was burnt down, I wanted to kill myself because I knew it was because of me. But Sir Ken told me something that has kept me alive."

Megumi continued, saying, "It's not your fault that your family was taken, or that your father was killed. Even if you had gotten a chance to stop them, you would have been killed, and then all hope for them would be lost. You wanted to help those in need, and it was noble to risk your safety for them. That, knowing that there is more to do in this world than to live for revenge alone, should be reason for you to live to find happiness."

Megumi placed her forefinger on Sanosuke's chest, that was peeking out of his jacket. "You," she said, then replacing her finger on her own collarbone, "unlike me, can do something about your situation. You can fight, Sanosuke, and you better do so with all of your heart, even if you fail...otherwise, your efforts have been for nothing. It's only shame if you fall, and no one pushes you."

Patting him on the cheek, she said, "You keep that in mind, okay?"

Sanosuke was silent, looking at the Fox Lady like he had never quite seen her before. He had the oddest urge to bend down and put his lips on hers, but he held himself back. Instead, he looked down at his feet and blushed.

Nodding once more, Anji said, "Let's go."

"Hai," Kaoru agreed, turning on her heel and leading the ascent up the hill. Kenshin followed her, tailed by Megumi and Sanosuke. Anji went lastly.

Yahiko stood grudgingly as the group came about. Refusing to look his sister in the eye, Yahiko followed her closely without a word.

Sanosuke took one last look at the forest, sighing. He froze, sure that he had seen some movement at the treeline about fifty yards away. Suddenly, a girl in forest attire surfaced from the sea of trees. She put her left hand to her lips and then over her heart, where a dazzling neck piece hung; and then with that same hand, lifted it into the air and waved it; bidding him goodbye and thank you.

Grinning, Sanosuke did the same. "Good luck...Shura..." Sano mumbled.

"Sanosuke?" came Megumi's voice. Sanosuke looked down at the doctor, who was still at his side. "Who were you waving at?"

Smiling, Sano turned away from the forest. Shura had disappeared. "No one, Fox," Sano said, following Kenshin, Yahiko, and Kaoru as they began walking. "No one..."

Megumi looked back at the trees suspiciously, but sighed and turned to follow Sano and Anji. If it is to be, it's up to me...she thought, looking over at Kenshin. But I'm starting to fear maybe Sir Ken doesn't feel for me as I've hoped... Her gaze flickered to focus on Sanosuke's broad back. Though, there are alternatives.

Ahead, Kenshin sighed happily. All right, Kami, Kenshin thought, glancing at the sky. I am trusting You once more. With this reversed-blade sword, I vow never to kill again. With this Sakabatou, I will change the world, back into the way You intended it to be, and I will protect those I can. But it's not the sword I hold that gives me strength...

They began their trek.

End of Chapter Eight

MadiSano: I kind of liked this chapter! It was another mood change; more dramatic and the turn of the story. SAITOU'S COMING! NEXT CHAPTER! AOSHI, TOO! PARTY TIME WITH THE HOT BARTENDER AND THE SNOTTY MIBURO! YATTA! (laughs) ...Sorry about that. Don't get me wrong of course, when I call Saitou snotty...he's awesome...

I updated so quickly because I was so excited about my reviews. I actually began to CRY when I finished reading them! ...And yes, I am perfectly aware that I'm sentimental and overly an emotional wuss. Proud of it, I am.

Anyways, THANKS SO MUCH FOR SUPPORTING ME THROUGH MY MINI DEPRESSION! I was freaking out about the whole Shura/Sano thing, and I refused to even go fanfiction. net to because I was afraid of FLAMES! Eek! You see, I am nothing like Sano, Kaoru, Yahiko, or Kenshin...I am a coward. Waah. Aw, well, what the heck! Everyone loves me! Not really, but hey...

STARSHIPDELTA: The best RK story? Wow, that's--huge for me! Now I'm going to start crying again... lol. My muses are beginning to return and my plot is actually pumping some blood again! Yaay! (dances) And just to let you know, I DID freak out when I saw all my reviews! LITERALLY! I started dancing around the room (yes, I know...straaange!) and yelling, "I AM LOVED! I AM LOVED! LA LA LA LA!" ...Let's just say that I reeeeaaally scared the neighbors...and my parents, to boot. Lol. Thanks so much for the support!

CREWEL: Wowee, you hope a hundred reviews for me? That's...GREAT! Man I can't even imagine getting that many reviews... thanks so much, you've boosted my hopes to a whole new level! More SM!'Tis my goal! To balance my pairings so that they're all equal, and each of them gets a decent portion of fluff and all that good stuff for all readers! Thanks so much, and see ya!

SHAUNTELL: Yeah, sorry about the lack of interaction between Shura and Kenshin...but I wanted to do something between Sano and Shura for a change, as an experiment...besides, then I would be able to get Kenshin and Kaoru easier together. (smiles) Sorry about the shorter chapter this time...the next one'll be longer! My E-mail adress won't show up here if I try to type, but you can see it on my profile by clicking on my name at the top of the page)I would love for you to draw a picture for Revolution & Restoration! You see, I've been trying to draw one as well, but it isn't working out. The best I've been able to create so far is a sketchy pic of Sanosuke in the shadows with Kenshin glowering in the opposite direction...I pressed the pencil reaaally hard to the page, so that Kenshin's contours were darker, and Sano was more shadowy...but overall, I really screwed it up! Lol! I had a good idea, and I killed it...rats. But if you do decide to draw a pic for R&R,go right ahead!You've got me all excited! THANKS!

ANONYMOUS-CHAN: I decided to shorten your name a bit, so that I don't feel my responses look so long. The "chan" expresses mygratitude to you and your GREAT reviews!(starts to cry again) WHY AM I SO DANG EMOTIONAL!GRRR I'M A WUSS! (takes a deep breath, and smiles pleasantly)Anyways... after that weird outburst...just to tease you, Sano and Shura DO meet up again...my plot bunnies are chuckling evilly within their cage. It'll be cool, from where I stand...heh. I love to answer your questions, they make me feel appreciated (boy, I sound like I'm starving for attention...weird...) As for Yumi...she's actually my, like, fourth favorite girl in RK! My first is Megumi, my second Tomoe (Kenshin's x-wife, since you haven't read the manga from what I've understood, you might not know about her), my third Kaoru, and my fourth is Yumi. I loved the scenes where Sano throws her over his shoulder and yells things like, "Jeez, you're heavy! Where's the next door, before my shoulder breaks...?" Lol! I was shocked when I found that Yumi died... in fact, I had a short obsession with a AU pairing of Sano/Yumi. But that was before I really considered Sano/Megumi...haha. But Yumi, I think, is a woman with a hard outside and a soft inside. Her heart broken, she was temporarily comforted by Shishio's insanity, starved for real purpose, and thus died in the arms of her love, finally satisfied with how she served her lord, even if it was for nothing. Yumi, in my mind, was a woman who strived for nothing and gave her everything--what I mean is, she gave her heart to Shishio (who's cause was doomed ever since Kenshin stepped into the picture) and ended up dying for him, when she could had lived for so much more. But she chose not to, because she knew that if she gave her past up now, her life would end without meaning if she continued to live without giving her last mite of strength to Shishio, who's she's been so loyal to. ...Okay, NOW I sound really weird! LOL! Thanks so much for the review, and I look forward to hearing from you soon!

BEANS: Don't feel uncomfortable voicing your religion to me! I love it! I know that my fic has a few language problems...and I try to deny it by saying I'm only keeping the characters in their normal personalities...but it's still cussing, isn't it? Sigh. I need to work on that. Thanks for saying my Shura/Sano part was touching...that made me smile! As for the anime, it's good, but not quite as great as us manga-mongers would expect it. They ADD stuff, they TAKE IT AWAY, they CONTORT THE STORYLINE AND MAKE CHARACTERS DO THINGS THEY WEREN'T SUPPOSED TO DO! AAAH! (freaks out) Sorry about that! But I was really traumatized when I watched the episodes about Yutarou and Raijuuta (the guy in the manga with the Secret Swords, and how he wants to bring back the "real" way of teaching swordsmanship...books five through six, I think)! They changed it into Yutarou's dad dying in the past, and Yutarou owns the mansion all by himself, and Raijuuta takes over his mansion while making fake promises to teach him swords, and Raijuuta has this LOONY PLAN to make his own kingdom! It's weird...sigh. But most of the anime's pretty good, but it's not as deep and gory as the manga. That's sort of good, sort of bad. By taking out the killer moves (mostly thanks to Saitou), they delete little bits of the character's personalities, I think. By the way, I don't mind your long reviews at all! They make me smile and give me something to read, in return! Please make your reviews as long as you please! Heh! I'll see ya later!

Anyways, thanks for the reviews, guys! They're so awesome, as I've said, they made me cry! Or maybe it's just because I'm weird...? Yeah, that's it. I'm a psychopath. Yay! And you can't say anything about me being a weirdo because Kenshin has split personalities (I know, they're not really split personalities), and Aoshi's a depressed hottie, and Saitou's a bloodthirsty coolio with weird teeth! Lol...okay, there's something wrong with me...I think I'll sign of know, before something ELSE happens...

See you soon! If I get enough reviews...I might update tomorrow...hee hee hee. Ja ne!