Sano stretched and walked out from his room, hearing Kaoru screaming about something. "Great.. What did he do now?" He chuckled to himself. He could just imagine Kenshin getting hit by yet another wooden bucket and he couldn't help but laugh.

Yahiko walked up right beside him with a grin. "Kenshin's in trouble."

"Yeah, I noticed." Sano answered.

"He brought another person in, last night."

Sano's eyes narrowed as he looked up to see Kaoru storming out of the dojo. He walked a little closer towards the dojo and cocked a brow. It sounded like a woman.. No wonder Kaoru was so angry. Hehe…

--

Kenshin took a step towards Tumoe, feeling her eyes pierce every part of his flesh. He pulled the katana from her hands, which she gave no resistance. He sat it beside her as she sat down, her hair falling into her face.

"Why are you doing this?" She so suddenly asked breaking the silence.

Kenshin paused for just a moment. "Because I wish to."

"Why? I tried to kill you.. Why does Hirama hate you so badly as to have you killed?" Her voice was softer, but still filled with a hostile undertone.

"Because I crippled his swordsmanship. He was killing people -- innocent people. He came and attacked Ms. Kaoru. I had no other choice." He looked over her bruises, seeing that most of them were healing already. He was stunned that she was even up, talking, even breathing.

Tumoe closed her eyes. "He was the one that deserved to die, then." She clenched her fists tightly.

Kenshin placed his hand on her fist. "..Killing is not always the best solution, that it is not. Justice is blind, but it will find him one day. Until that day, we will have to endure his stupidity." Kenshin gave an unshared pit of laughter.

God, she hated being lied to.. She had an overwhelming feeling of worthlessness, and hatred gathering in the pit of her stomach. She looked up into Kenshin's eyes. "Why did you stop…?" She asked, swallowing hard. She knew of his past, what he had done, who he was.. That was the only thing that she never knew.

Kenshin stood. "…I chose not to kill anymore, because I didn't see the need. I have promised myself that I will never kill again, and I plan to keep that promise for the rest of my life, that I do."

Tumoe sighed. "…Did you like it?" She asked. "I mean -- not having to kill. Do you still…" She paused and turned away. He would have been her last, whether he killed her or not. She had nightmares, her old victims haunting her soul. She didn't want that anymore. She had doubts; she even had fears which was something that felt different, but soothing in a weird way. It made her feel normal, it made her feel something.

Kenshin watched her. "I am a different man.. I am not who I was ten years ago -- and that, Yes, I am happy about." He gave a small smile and walked for the doorway. "If you would like, I will make you some rice balls." He offered, a huge grin on his cheeks.

She looked back to him. "..No, thank you. I am fine."

Kenshin nodded. "I will be back, that I will.. Just maybe with a little bit more bumps on my head." He chuckled.

As he left, Tumoe only gave a soft smile but turned laying herself back down.. Pain was riding through her, but she had gotten used to it by now. It wasn't long until she drifted off into unconsciousness again.

--

"Good Morning, Kenshin!" Yahiko jumped, hoping to get a peek inside.

"Good Morning, Yahiko.. Sano." He smiled. He knew they wanted to know what happened, but they would find out, in due time. He was sure that Sano could already guess as he looked into his eyes.

Sano nodded and turned. "Dammit… Should've took care of him before." He cursed to himself.

Yahiko bugged Kenshin until he made him some breakfast, and then, he went to speak to Ms. Kaoru.

"Ms. Kaoru? I am sorry about not telling you, last night.." He apologized. "But I had to--" He was interrupted by a wooden bucket hitting his face.

"WHAT WERE YOU THINKING KENSHIN?" She screamed.

"Eaahhehaahee." He dropped to the floor, his leg twitching seeing stars for a few moments. But he shook it off and looked into her eyes. "She needed help, Ms. Kaoru."

Kaoru growled and Kenshin slowly backed away. "Heh.. Heh.. I made some breakfast, Ms. Kaoru!" He said, disappearing.

"KKKKEEENNNSHIIIIN!"

Thanks for the Reviews guys! I really appreciate it. And no.. Tumoe.. That's just one of my favorite names, I may hook it to Toboe, but... I am not sure. Plus, you say Tumoe, like Too-moo-ay.. Yesh, weird name. But I likie. Again, thanks for the reviews.. and I hope you like this chapter.. The next one will be up soon!