Disclaimer: I do NOT own RK or PMK.

This segment is post Ikeda-ya.

Smoke in the Wind

Kenni has vanished. Gone like a wisp of smoke in the wind. Okita sighed sadly as he watched the Ichimura brothers bicker in the courtyard. He had recovered to an extent from his injuries… still… he was weak. His health refused to return fully. Saizou squealed as he nudged his shin. He absently cradled the piglet.

Okita watched a leaf drift lazily to the earth. A part of his life was missing. A treasured friendship betrayed? He had never told the whole truth to Kenni. He meant to do so. He had even invited Kenni to a meal at Umeya shortly after the Gion festival. Kenni never showed. Summer slid into autumn but the redhead did not appear in the schoolyard or at the restaurant.

Umeko simply shook her head when he asked about his friend. That kitchen help? He has gone back home to his village. I don't know where. Kenni had no family. Where could he have gone? He was worried for his friend's safety.

Don't you fret. Kenni's a sharp lad. He can take care of himself…

Okita coughed. "Something on your mind?" Hijikata asked as he tapped the ash out of his pipe. He sat next to the young captain. "Oh, nothing, Hijikata-san." Okita lied.

"That Battousai has vanished. There have been no movements from the Choushu. We might have got Battousai in Ikedaya. But it is certain Katsura escaped. Souji, what were you thinking then, taking on Yoshida…"

"I thought maybe he was Battousai, but his technique is different."

"If Yoshida were Battousai, you wouldn't even be here."

"Hai, that's one thing admirable about Battousai, he kills swiftly." Yoshida could have easily killed him instead on trying to crush his ribs back in that inn. That cruel streak in a way cost the man his life. Who are you? I want to fight you, Battousai, before… More coughs that shook his slender frame. Even Tetsu stopped mid-argument to cast a worried look his way.

"Souji, let's get you inside and out of the cold."

"Kenshin?" Tomoe's voice brought him back to the present. Kenshin was wondering how Sou would love playing with the delightful children of this small farming hamlet. Sou must be playing with the children of Mibu Temple Orphanage.

He had wanted to go and meet Sou at Umeya as he had invited him. However, Ikedaya happened and they were now fugitives. Katsura was hiding in some Kyoto slum, helped by his lover and his sister. Umeko must be facing hell from the Shogunate supporters, but she's a sharp one. Chances are they will be led on merry wild goose chase by the shrewd widow.

Tomoe, I don't know your real reasons for getting close to Kenshin but I know your heart. You will protect him…

Those were Umeko's parting words to her. Tomoe fidgeted with her sleeve. Could it be she had fallen for the redhead killer of her fiancé? Yes. She had. And she will not allow this happiness to be taken away from her.

"Tomoe…" Kenshin joined her by the gate of their ramshackle hut. His amethyst eyes were glowing with joy. Happiness. I will protect your happiness, Tomoe… I promise…

"It's getting cold, let's go inside…"

Smoke from the cooking fires of the village drifted heavenwards and were scattered by the winds.

Umeya. Umeko poured a cup of green tea for her guest. She grinned impishly.

"Ryouma, what brings you here to Kyoto?"

"The Peacemaker," Sakamoto Ryouma, fugitive samurai, grinned broadly in reply. "I found his sons and they're both in the Shinsengumi." The smile died.

"Stranger things have happened," Umeko peered out from behind her kitchen curtains at Captains Toudou and Nagakura enjoying a meal in her restaurant. "But we'll see how things go…" Umeko murmured as she thought of Tomoe and Kenshin, and Okita. She walked out to serve the Shinsengumi captains.

"Hey, Umeko, are you sure your brother hasn't called on you at all?"

"What? I thought you killed him at Ikedaya." Umeko put on her best acting skills. "If I see him, I'll tell you chaps. My business can't afford to have anything to do with the likes of troublemakers like him!" Still cursing her brother, Umeko disappeared back into the kitchen… to prepare a bento for Katsura Kogoro.