Chapter 4 Saturday morning
A few weeks had passed and although the police were still searching for Shishio, Kio and his deshies still kept their eyes open for the murderer.
Saturday mornings...Ahhh Saitou loved Saturdays...the only day he could sleep in late, no school and especially no training. Sleeping comfortably in his bed Saitou never noticed the light enter his room as his door was slowly opened, or the pitter patter of little feet as they crossed the floor, suddenly he felt the bed shift, 'What the?' Saitou slowly opened his eyes, and found himself staring into a pair of azure ones.
"Hi..." Kenji giggled, obviously in a playful mood, Saitou rolled his eyes and looked at his clock, eight-oh-four...today was not starting out well, grumbling Saitou pulled on the blanket and covered his head, hoping that Kenji would take the hint and go bother Okita, but the little three-year-old didn't, he wanted to play with Saitou today and so Kenji started bouncing on the bed. Saitou starting to lose patience, quickly sat up and lifted the blankets covering Kenji completely, gathered the corners and picked up the now laughing bundle carrying it out his door Saitou carefully put him on the floor outside of his room then closed his door returning to bed.
Kenji fought with the blanket and frowned when he found himself out of Saitou's room, crossing his arms he looked at the other blanket near Okita's room, he had gotten the same welcome, apparently the teenagers didn't like to play so early in the morning. Huffing Kenji slowly stood and looked around for the only one who was up.
Kio leaned back in his chair stretching his arms and legs, and glanced at the clock it was still a bit early, he hated doing paperwork. Sensing movement behind him Kio turned and found Kenji looking at him with a shy smile, Kio grinned. "You did something didn't you?" Kenji only giggled and ran away in the hall, hearing his footsteps suddenly stop, Kio turned in his chair and stared at the doorway, suddenly a patch of red hair, along with an azure eye peeked into the room, Kio couldn't help but laugh.
Deciding to take a break Kio eyed the door again, "Well I suppose it's about time I chase a little red head around the house." He said to no one in particular. Seeing the master quickly stand Kenji screeched and ran to the kitchen. Waiting a few moments Kio heard the cupboard doors close and slowly walked into the kitchen, "Well now...where could Kenji be?" he asked hearing a tiny giggle, then frowned as he heard arguing in the living room.
Stepping in the room Kio glanced in the hall noticing a few blankets on the floor, Kio sighed. "What the hell are you two doing up so early usually I have to yell at you to wake up at this particular time..." Kio asked.
Okita looked up and rubbed at his eyes, "Kenji woke us up to play..." he yawned.
Kio chuckled, "Is that why there are blankets on the floor outside your rooms?"
Saitou hadn't said a word as he leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes.
"So what are you two planning on doing today?"
"Oh probably nothing..." Okita chirped, Saitou opened an eye and glared at Okita.
"Nothing hun?" Kio drawled.
Okita sighed "Ah shit..."
"Relax it's supposed to be extremely hot today, why don't you two take Kenji to the beach...teach him how to swim..."
Okita quirked an eyebrow at Saitou who only shrugged, "I'll get Kenji ready...and you can call Tokio..." Okita stood up and prepared to run, "Probably looking forward to see her in a bikini right?" Saitou glared at Okita and quickly sat up, Okita fearing for his life hid behind their Master, and laughed. "Speaking of Kenji, where is he?"
"Oh damn..." Kio rushed into the kitchen opened the cupboard, and chuckled, Kenji was sitting on a pot his arms crossed and glared at Kio. "I'm sorry Kenji..." he laughed as he held out his arms. "Come here..." Kenji leaned forward and let the master hold him in his arms, standing up Kio went to the fridge and took out a chocolate covered treat and gave it to the three year old. Kenji's eyes grew wide as he stared at the treat then stuck it in his mouth, "Am I forgiven?" Kio asked a smile on his face.
Kenji looked at Kio then at the treat, then back at Kio, "Hai..." he answered.
Kio chuckled, "Well you're easy to please aren't you?"
Kenji sucked at the treat greedily, "Hai..." he answered. Kio gave him a big hug then put him on his feet.
"So what have you two decided?" he asked as he ruffled Kenji's hair, and watched Saitou as he grabbed the phone.
"Come on Kenji...you want to go to the beach?" Kenji looked up and smiled, "I'll take that as a yes." Okita chirped as he led the little red-head to his room.
When Saitou hung up the phone Kio spoke up, "You better keep an eye on him."
"We will don't worry." He assured his master and went to his room.
XxXxX
Kenji squealed as he was hoisted up in the air, Okita sat the three year old on his shoulders, Saitou held a backpack and chuckled as Tokio tickled Kenji's left foot. Finding a spot on the sand where there was a little shade, Tokio laid down a blanket and laughed. The moment Kenji was put to the ground he immediately started to bury Okita in the sand.
"Oooh, Nii-san can we do that too?" they heard.
"Yeah can we do that too?" a tiny little voice repeated.
"Go ahead bury him alive…" Kenshin snickered as he held his sisters hands, "Saitou…" Kenshin greeted.
Saitou sighed, "Himura…" Saitou answered in turn.
"Hey you guys don't mind that we sit beside you right this is the only place that has any shade…" Sano yawned as he plopped down under the small shack to try and hide from the sun, the small shed was used to hold the lifeguards boards and first aid and such.
Kaoru, Megumi and Misao sat beside Tokio and chatted as they dabbed sun block on themselves while Kenshin and Aoshi laid back watching as Ayame and Suzume (Kenshin's sisters)helped Kenji bury Okita in the sand while Yahiko(Kaoru's brother) went for a swim.
"How's your wound healing?" Aoshi asked Saitou who only shrugged.
"Did the cops ever catch the guy?" Kenshin asked with a snotty little smirk as he leaned back on his left arm.
"Not that I've heard…" Saitou drawled.
"So this is the little tyke that guy's after right?" Sano chuckled as he sat up and cursed when he hit his head on the bottom of the shed.
"You idiot be careful the last thing I want is a dumber boyfriend…" Megumi scolded.
"Yeah, yeah quit whining…" Sano drawled as he rubbed his forehead. "He's a cute little fella…" he smirked and lied down on his stomach, "Hey…what's your name?" he asked.
Kenji looked at Sano and frowned a bit then looked to Saitou, "Ahou?" he asked.
At that everyone laughed, Saitou chuckled as he gestured for Kenji to come to him, Kenji did and sat in Saitou's lap Saitou whispered something in Kenji's ear, Kenji frowned a bit, "Rted…" he frowned and looked to Saitou again. Saitou slowly repeated the whispered words and Kenji's eyes brightened a bit. "Rooterhad…" he cheered.
"That's not funny Saitou…" Sano drawled then looked to Kenji, "No not Rooster head…Sano…" he pointed at his face, "SA-NO…" he repeated.
"Rooterhad…" Kenji chirped making Ayame and Suzume giggle, all of a sudden all three children were chanting Sano's new nickname as they ran circles around him.
As most of the day had passed, Kenji was now sleeping beside Tokio while Ayame and Suzume played with Yahiko, "How old is he I wouldn't figure him to tire out that easily…" Misao asked as she watched the child sleep.
"Three…at least that's what we figured…" Okita answered with a smile as he applied the finishing touches on the small sand castle that he had made in the sand.
Kenshin narrowed his eyes when Kenji began to whimper in sleep, "What's wrong with him?" he asked.
Saitou sighed, "Stupid nightmare…he's gonna start screaming any minute…" he answered as he stood up and walked over to Tokio whom moved out of the way to let Saitou pick up Kenji as he was now fully awake and wailing in the teen's arms, "Hey…hey hey…" Saitou whispered, Kenji groggily opened his eyes and looked around still whimpering and laid his head on Saitou's chest his eyes searching for what he was scared of.
"Okay that is so not right what is he so scared of?" Kaoru asked feeling bad for the kid.
"The guy that wants Kenji well he killed his parents…we think that maybe Kenji saw this…" Okita whispered as he sat beside Kenji facing the little tyke he began making faces to try and make him laugh which was very affective since he was beginning to giggle and hid his face in Saitou's shirt.
Kenshin kept quiet as he looked at his little sisters, they weren't that much older then Kenji
Half an hour later the group parted ways and left to return home, Kenshin sighed as he dropped off his sisters since it was nearing their bedtime and walked Kaoru home, as they were walking down the street hand in hand Kenshin had a wicked grin as he felt Kaoru caress his arm, gently pushing her against a tree he leaned down and gave her a heated kiss, his hands caressing her hips as she wrapped her arms around his neck he frowned when he sensed someone in the alley, being raised by a master swordsman as well Kenshin was well trained as he lifted his head, his eyes narrowed when he saw someone walking towards them, "You must be Hiko's boy…" the man smirked. Kenshin slowly released Kaoru and pushed her behind him.
"Who are you?" Kenshin glared at the man who seemed to be giving off a poor imitation of the mummy.
"Doesn't matter…" he smirked, "Tell me has that master of yours taught you well?" Kenshin only quirked an eye and kept a hand on Kaoru as he stared at the man, "No answer…tell me are you that undisciplined, I did ask nicely…" the man chuckled. "Relax I just want a little information I'm sure you can help me with…"
"Oh yeah like what?" Kenshin drawled.
"Do you know of a boy about your age, name of Saitou, lives a few blocks from the school?"
"Maybe…why?"
"The man he's staying with…what's his name…who is he…and what form of art does he practice?"
"How the hell would I know?" Kenshin gave off no emotion as he answered.
Shishio quirked an eye in impatience knowing the boy was lying, and tilting his head he lunged forward, although Kenshin was Master Hiko's number one apprentice he still didn't have the same amount of experience that Shishio did. As Shishio lunged forward Kenshin roughly pushed Kaoru to the ground, Shishio grabbed Kenshin by the throat and slammed him against the tree, "You will tell me what I need to know or I kill the girl right in front of you…" he threatened.
Kenshin tried his best to get free from the man's hold as he felt his skin begin to burn and began kicking him, as he was about to pass out from lack of oxygen he leaned forward and nodded his head, as he tried to speak Shishio released the boy who desperately drew in breath in his lungs, Shishio grabbed him by his shirt and slammed him against the tree again wanting an answer. Spotting Kaoru slowly standing, Kenshin took a deep breath. "Tell me…" Shishio hissed.
"Fuck you…" Kenshin growled as he used his god-like speed and phased out of view, getting behind the man he slammed his elbow in the back of Shishio's neck and tripped the man. Seeing him fall Kenshin took a deep breath, quickly grabbing Kaoru by the arm he began to run.
Shishio chuckled as he slowly stood, "Didn't expect Hiko to train you that well…now let's see where you'll lead me…" he smirked as he followed the teens.
XxXxX
Arriving home Kenshin pushed Kaoru inside the house and slammed the door shut locking it, leaning against the door Kenshin breathed heavily as he slid to the ground, "Kenshin…" Kaoru whispered kneeling down beside him.
Hiko frowned when he heard the door slam shut and heavy breathing coming from the hall standing from the living room he made his way to the front door, 'What the hell?' he thought to himself, "Kenshin?" Kenshin looked up and continued breathing heavily as he closed his eyes for a moment, Hiko stepped forward quickly noticing the burn marks on Kenshin's throat he kneeled down and lifted the teen's head up to examine the bruise seeing that it was a hand print, "Who did this?" he demanded.
Kenshin tried to answer but found that he couldn't as he began to cough.
"Some weird guy covered in bandages…he knew that Kenshin was your apprentice and uh…" Kaoru answered shaking a little trying to think clearly, "He wanted to know about Saitou and master Kio…"
Hiko narrowed his eyes the burns on Kenshin's neck looked extremely bad and it sounded like his windpipe was badly bruised as well, "Kaoru would you go wake up the girls we need to get Kenshin to the hospital…"
"Okay…" Kaoru quickly stood up and headed for the girls room to get them dressed.
"You came straight home…did he follow you?" Hiko asked his apprentice as he helped him to stand.
Kenshin nodded his head and gasped as he had an extremely hard time breathing.
Hiko sat him down in a chair as he went to the front door not seeing or sensing anyone Hiko sighed and looked to the girls as they whined from being woken up, Suzume walked up to Kenshin as he was resting his elbows on his knees and held his head up as he tried to take slow deep breaths, "Kenny?"
"Get them in the car…" Hiko instructed Kaoru as he handed her the keys and helped Kenshin walk towards the garage. "Try to take slow breaths…" Hiko sighed as he closed Kenshin's door and made his way to the driver's side. He glanced behind his shoulder at the three in the back seat, "They buckled in?" he asked.
"Yes…" Kaoru breathed as she sat between the girls her arms wrapped around the two whom were about to fall asleep at the moment.
XxXxX
Twenty minutes later Kenshin was lying down on his right side within an examination room, running his fingers through Suzume's hair as she snuggled up to his chest fast asleep, while Ayame was cuddled within Hiko's arms, Kaoru sat in a chair beside the swordmaster.
"Should we warn Master Kio sensei?" Kaoru asked.
Hiko nodded, "We'll go as soon as the doctor releases Kenshin…" he answered rubbing Ayame's back with his right hand.
Several minutes later Hiko led his small group to the car a bit annoyed as it was now raining heavily quickly getting in the car he took out his cell phone and dialed the chief of police asking the man to meet him at master Kio's residence saying that it was of great importance that he be there.
Parking the car in the driveway, Kenshin sighed as he looked at Saitou's house, "Ech…re-ally…don-t wan-t to be here…" Kenshin breathed in a hoarse whisper watching as the rain slowly died down.
"Shut-up…and don't speak…" Hiko smirked as he unbuckled his seatbelt and stepped out of the car nodding to the police cruiser as it drove up the driveway the chief of police and his son stepping out to greet Hiko.
Sano smirked as he walked up to Kenshin noticing the bandage around his friend's neck he frowned, "What happened to you?"
"The guy who's after little Kenji…did that…" Kaoru answered as she handed Ayame to Kenshin then picked up Suzume, and followed the group to the front door.
Sano frowned as he followed his father whom nodded to Kio as he gestured for everyone to enter his home, "What's all this about?" Kio asked closing the door and leading them into the living room.
"Are your son's here?" Hiko asked.
"No why?"
"Because the same man that attacked them a few weeks ago just attacked Kenshin wanting information on you and Saitou…"
"What?"
At that moment a soaked Tokio burst through the front door.
"Tokio…What happened?"
"Saitou…" she breathed, "…told us to come get you…he ran off with Kenji…the guy wouldn't stop chasing he nearly drowned Okita…"
Kio grasped the girl's shoulders, "Where?"
"The woods where you train…" she breathed.
Kio frowned as he looked behind the girl, "We what do you mean we…where's Okita?"
"He went back to help Saitou…he's hurt…" she whispered as she took slow deep breaths.
Hearing this Kio's eyes narrowed, "Captain Sagara can you stay with her, I have to find my sons…" Kio asked.
"Yes of course…" The chief of police knowing very well there was no stopping the master swordsman.
"I'll go with you…" Hiko spoke up, "This bastard needs to be stopped."
XxXxX
Running in the rain Saitou whom now had a deep slash wound across his back ran through the woods clutching the little three year old to his chest, hoping Okita had made it to their master in time.
Half an hour earlier the three-o were walking towards the park near the school wanting to tire Kenji out before going home, Kenji giggled as he ran in front of them as he was being chased by Okita. Tokio chuckled as she leaned against Saitou her left arm wrapped around his right one, leaning up she placed a kiss against his cheek. Saitou smirked as he leaned down and tilted her chin up as he molded his lips to hers.
Okita grinned, "I'm going to catch you…" he called out tickling Kenji's sides as the little boy continued to squeal, he suddenly plopped down on the grass and rolled on his back as he couldn't run anymore. Okita chuckled as he plopped down beside his little brother and looked up when he spotted Kenshin and Kaoru across the street walking hand in hand, his eyes narrowed when he spotted mummy guy come out of the alley, "Ah shit…" he growled as he picked up Kenji and ran towards Saitou. "Saitou we're fucked…" Okita breathed.
"What why?" he asked then turned his head as he heard someone yell out, 'Fuck you…' Saitou narrowed his eyes as he watched Kenshin hit Shishio, grab Kaoru and began to run.
Shishio chuckled, "Didn't expect Hiko to train you that well…now let's see where you'll lead me…" he smirked as he began to follow the teens. He immediately stepped back as he sensed a familiar ki and turned his head, "Well, well looks like I don't have to go around this town looking for you…" he smirked as he crossed the street towards the three-o and unsheathed his sword.
The battle began in front of the school Shishio wanting this whole ordeal over and done with, phased out of view and ran forward scraping his sword on the pavement and began his attack going for Okita whom still held the child in his arms. It happened so fast that Okita didn't see the man appear until he was a few feet from him, Saitou seeing the sparks and the flames emerge from the blade quickly phased out of view and pushed Okita out of the way, doing so he had to phase in front of Okita taking the blow in his brother's stead, Saitou hissed as they landed hard on the pavement.
Tokio screamed as she saw Saitou's back burn as it was being slashed open, Saitou looked up seeing Shishio hover above them he immediately pushed Okita to roll to his right as he rolled to his left, then both got to their feet and began running, Saitou hissed as he rushed to Tokio grabbing her arm he then ran towards the woods, Okita quickly followed with his little brother wailing in his arms.
Shishio smirked as he slowly followed after the three actually enjoying watching their futile attempts to try and escape.
Finding a safe spot, they stopped to take a breath, Okita tried to calm Kenji while Tokio looked to Saitou's wound, "There's no bleeding but the cut is deep…" she breathed.
Saitou groaned, "Fuck…hurts like a bitch…" he hissed as he opened his eyes then slammed his fist in the dirt to try and get rid of the pain going through him and looked around.
"Okay how do we get out of this still breathing and with all limbs still attached?" Okita whispered as he rocked Kenji in his arms.
"No idea…" he breathed shaking a bit, "Oh god…" he breathed at the pain he felt, "We need to get to master…" he whispered.
"We need a distraction…" Okita breathed as he placed Kenji in Tokio's arms, "And I highly doubt you're able…"
"Fuck you I run faster than you do…" Saitou hissed.
Tokio took a breath and touched Saitou's arm as a shadow appeared before them, Saitou narrowed his eyes as he looked up, Okita lunged forward pushing Shishio back hitting and trying to trip the man. Shishio blocked and dodged the punches, his eyes narrowed when he sensed that Saitou had apparently moved from their hiding spot, losing patience he grabbed Okita and threw him in the nearby lake.
Saitou cursed as he quickly stood and grabbed Tokio, moving her into a different spot, he quickly turned to look at his brother his eyes widened, Shishio was holding him under the water as he struggled.
Saitou immediately phased out of view and grabbing Shishio from behind he pulled him off his brother whom immediately surfaced and gasped for breath making his way to shore, Shishio flipped Saitou over his shoulder, Saitou grabbed his leg and tripped him then slammed his elbow in the man's gut, quickly standing in the waist deep water he helped Okita up and ran towards Tokio, "Fuck…" Saitou breathed as he grabbed Okita's head and looked him over as he coughed a few times "Alright this is gonna suck…Okita get Tokio out of here he only wants Kenji…and I can outrun him easy you two go get master…" he ordered.
"Hajime your hurt…" Tokio whispered suddenly in a panic. "You can't…"
"It's just a scratch…" he assured.
"Scratch my ass…" Okita took a breath and looked around, "Didn't you see the fire come out of his blade or are you fucken blind…"
"Go get master…now…" he hissed and looked to Shishio as he laughed softly and stood up and began ranting, "I'll lead him towards where we train, we know that area well…"
"Right probably he does too since that's where we found Kenji you moron…"
"Will you shut-up and do as I say…fuck your annoying…"
"Will you two stop arguing we have a killer chasing after us for god's sake…" Tokio whispered.
"Okita go…" Saitou breathed as he took Kenji from Tokio's arms.
Tokio closed her eyes for a moment as she grasped his head and kissed him, she then glared at him, "Either of you die and I will never forgive you…" she hissed.
Okita chuckled, "If you die you know Tokio and I are going to hook up right?"
"Yeah fat chance…" Saitou smirked.
"Okay can I have your stuff then?"
"No…"
"Cheapskate…" Okita sighed as he grabbed Tokio's arm and led her away while Saitou went a different direction holding onto Kenji tightly.
"Come out come out wherever you are…" Shishio chuckled as he walked around his sword in his hand undoubtedly searching for his prey.
"Oh shit that guy's freaky…" Okita whispered as he pulled Tokio behind him running as fast as they could down the wooded path to get to the road while Saitou took a different direction.
Arriving near the road Okita hissed as of course when you desperately need help there's never anyone around, "Okay home's fifteen minutes that way…I'm going back for Saitou…he can't handle this guy alone especially with Kenji with him…Tell master to come where we usually train and to hurry the fuck up…"
"Okay…just be careful okay…" she breathed, and began running towards the house.
XxXxX
Saitou after running for several minutes jumped up a tree and hid within its branches, hissing at the pain he felt in his back right now he looked down to Kenji, then looked up as he felt several drops fall on his head, he sighed, 'Wonderful…now it's going to rain…' he thought to himself. "We have to stay really quiet alright…Kenji can you do that?" he breathed.
"Hai…" Kenji whispered, clutching to him.
Saitou narrowed his eyes as he heard Shishio yell out, "You know that master of yours has taught you quite well, although I believe I'm more experienced then you are and I'm wondering has your master taught you about ki?" he smirked walking towards the two and chuckled as he looked up at where Saitou sat in the tree high above. "Perhaps he hasn't taught you to mask it yet…" he chuckled as he swung his sword slicing the tree trunk in half.
As the tree shifted and began to fall Saitou leapt out and began running again, Shishio phased out of view only to appear before the teen slamming his fist in the teen's cheek, Saitou fell back and rolled cradling Kenji to him as he began to cry softly. Saitou grunted as he slowly stood whispering for Kenji to hide behind a nearby bush Saitou pushed the little three year old back and took a defensive stance.
"You do realize I have a sword and you don't…" Shishio chuckled as the rain was now pouring down.
"Your point being?"
"My point being little man is that I can cut you up into little pieces…" Shishio laughed, lifting his sword, "Just like before…" he gestured for the teen's back where he had cut him earlier.
Saitou narrowed his eyes, thankfully there would be no way a spark could start now because of the rain and he couldn't use the same fire attack as before.
XxXxX
Meanwhile Kio led the way towards the woods followed by Hiko they ran as fast as they could, Hiko looked around, "Is this place secluded?"
"Enough to keep prying eyes away…" he breathed as he leapt in a tree and began to treehop.
Hiko smirked as he followed the sword master, "How old is your youngest?" he asked.
"Three…"
Hiko's eyes narrowed, "Then we best hurry…"
XxXxX
Saitou was badly beaten he groaned as he had felt his ribs snap, he tried to catch a breath as his right arm cradled his wounded ribs, Shishio smirked as he stepped forward and looked at his sword, "It's been awhile since my blade has cut through someone…" he chuckled as he stepped over Saitou in search of Kenji.
"You're a fucken coward…you know that?" Saitou hissed spitting out the blood pooling in his mouth as he tried to sit up. Shishio turned to him and narrowed his eyes at the teen, "Killing a helpless child who can't fight back…" he continued and narrowed his eyes as he spotted something move behind Shishio. Saitou breathed heavily as his amber eyes locked with a pair of crimson ones. "How can a master swordsman like you ever dishonor yourself in slaughtering the innocent…" he hissed.
Hearing this Shishio barked a laugh, "Dishonor…Oh please save it…I used to work for the government and because I knew too much of their secrets they decided to get rid of me…first they shot me numerous times and as I lay on the ground bleeding and not being able to move they poured oil all over me and burned me alive…"
"Why Kenji…why kill his family?" Saitou growled.
"Why are you wasting my time in getting me to explain…"
"You're going to kill him then me right…At least let me know why…" he growled as blood dribbled down his chin.
Shishio chuckled, "Very well…" he answered leaning against his sword, "The boy's mother was my wife…after I allegedly died she married some oaf and had that monstrosity…"
"You killed your own wife…she probably remarried thinking you were dead…"
"No man lays a hand on what's mine, and no monstrosity shall be birthed from her either…"
"But she's dead…what does a three year old have to do…"
Shishio quickly cut him off as he stood, "He came out of her…there's a part of her within him…"
"You sick fuck…"
XxXxX
As Saitou distracted Shishio, Okita slowly approached spying Kenji whimpering beside a bush he slowly made his way to him, slowly picking him up he laid a kiss on his cheek, "Shhshhshh…" he whispered and moved towards a familiar dead tree quickly jumping a few rocks he pulled back the bark revealing a hiding place within the hollow tree, "Alright now you stay here okay, I'll be right back I'm gonna go help Saitou okay?"
"Sato?" Kenji sniffed rubbing at his eyes.
"That's right you have to keep quiet alright, so the bad man won't find you okay?" Kenji quickly nodded as he sniffed again, Okita gave him a tight hug, "I'll be right back…" he repeated "I promise…" he whispered replacing the bark Okita quickly made his way to Saitou.
Running back to where he had found Kenji, Okita narrowed his eyes as he watched Shishio stand, "…there's a part of her within him…"
"You sick fuck…" Saitou growled.
Shishio smirked as he grabbed Saitou by the shirt and lifted him up, his right arm reared back pointing the tip of his sword against the teen's neck, "Any last words?" he asked.
Okita narrowed his eyes as he grabbed a rock and hurled it at the murderer.
Saitou seeing this smirked, "Yeah, duck…" he chuckled.
Shishio frowned at this and immediately cringed his teeth as he felt something hit him on the back of the head, dropping Saitou, Okita ran into the clearing and wrapped his arm around Shishio's neck trying to break it. Shishio had had enough of all these games wrenching Okita's arm and burning the flesh Shishio pulled him forward and slammed his forehead against the teen's, Okita now seeing stars dropped to the ground next to Saitou. Shishio growled out as he picked up his sword and as he was about to kill the two he suddenly froze as he felt two powerful ki's appear behind him, turning he looked behind him to see Hiko and Kio their eyes narrowed.
"Go to your son's Kio…I'll take care of him…" Hiko assured as he unsheathed his sword and circled his opponent.
Kio keeping an eye on the fight quickly made his way to the boys, "You two alright…where's Kenji?" he breathed.
"He's okay…I hid him…" Okita groaned cradling his right arm and looked up when they heard swords clashing and scraping. Kio frowned seeing how pale Saitou was, slowly lifting his shirt he gasped at the bruises.
"Take slow deep breaths, that's it…" Kio breathed looking to the fight, "Where's Kenji?" he asked.
"The dead oak…" Okita whispered hearing a growl he looked up at the fight as Hiko was about to perform the finishing blow. Kio knowing what was going to happen quickly grabbed Okita and pulled him and Saitou forward not wanting the teens to witness such a thing, Saitou and Okita opened their eyes staring at the dirt as they heard two thumps.
Hiko sighed as he took off his coat and draped it over the body and walked over to the three, "It's done…" he whispered kneeling down to the teens, Kio slowly sat his son's up and glanced over his shoulder at the corpse to make sure it was indeed covered he then looked to Hiko, "Can you call an ambulance Saitou's badly hurt…I need to get Kenji…" he whispered standing up.
Hiko nodded as he took out his cell and called for an ambulance while looking over Okita's injuries.
Kio ran through the woods ducking and jumping over the usual obstacles as he quickly made his way to the dead oak tree, ripping the bark away he released a shaky breath as he held out his arms and hugged the three year old close, "Oh thank god…" he whispered leaning back, "Are you okay?" he asked.
Kenji looked around as he sniffed and nodded his head, "Hai…Sato, Kita, Toyo?"
Kio chuckled, "There okay…come on…" he sighed as he stood up and made his way to his son's.
XxXxX
A few days later, Okita coughed as he slowly woke up, looking to his right he smirked as he spotted Saitou still fast asleep in the hospital bed. He was to be released today but Saitou was to stay for another two weeks, oooh he was pissed when he heard the news but the injuries he had received from Shishio it was a miracle that he had survived them. The door to their shared room slowly opened Kio smirked as he entered and held the door for Tokio as she held onto Kenji's hand and led him in.
"Well look at that still asleep…" Kio sighed.
"Of course still asleep you try and sleep with broken ribs and a slash across your back…can't get fucken comfortable…" he groaned.
"Watch your language…" Kio chuckled as he looked him over then eyed Okita as he sat up. Tokio smirked as she lifted Kenji onto Saitou's bed then placed a soft kiss on Saitou's lips, Kenji sighed as he snuggled up to his protector and played with his hand moving every one of Saitou's fingers.
"Aw how sweet Kenji is playing doctor…" Tokio giggled.
"Well its official…" Kio announced.
"What is?" Saitou whispered drowsily as he turned his head to his master.
"Kenji has no relatives…not any that are fit to care for him anyway so he will be your new brother from now on…" he smirked.
Okita chuckled, "Really?"
Kio smirked as he nodded, "I've been given full custody…"
"What do you mean not fit?"
"Well they're either passed on, or just don't care about the boy apparently his mother had no other family and his father's well, two cousins are in a mental hospital, his uncle is a heavy drinker and does drugs and the rest are in jail…apparently Kenji's father was the black sheep of the family and wanted nothing to do with them…"
Saitou smirked as he looked to the newest member of the family, "I think you're going to cause trouble when you get older…" he sighed then chuckled when Kenji made a face, "Oh well whenever you do something wrong you can always blame it on Okita I guess…"
"Hey don't encourage him like that…" Okita whined.
"Why not aren't you the one whom wanted my stuff when I died…and if I recall correctly didn't you say you were going to hook up with Tokio?" he asked giving his brother a glare as he slowly sat up.
"Eh…I was just joking you idiot…" Okita defended himself narrowing his eyes at Tokio as she began to laugh softly.
"Fine then you won't mind my kicking your ass…" Saitou continued.
"What…I saved your ass…" Okita retorted.
Kio sighed as he walked over to Kenji and tucked him beside Saitou as the two continued to argue walking over to the chair he sat down and watched his little family as they quarreled, he chuckled softly as he listened for a moment closing his eyes for a moment he tried to forget that he had nearly lost them looking at the scene before him he took a deep breath and rested his arms behind his head, Tokio rolled her eyes as she once again witnessed how immature those two could be walking over to Kio she sighed as she sat beside him, "Eh aren't you going to tell them to keep quiet?" she asked.
"Nah…I kinda missed the arguing…" he smirked.
After several minutes had passed Kio now had a grim look on his face, Kio had been very well trained by his late master, countless hours had been spent under rigorous training sessions, where discipline and patience were the key elements, but by raising these two this was as long as he could stand, "Oh my god…what is wrong with you two…shut the hell up…" he yelled.
The End…