Here are a few definitions to help clarify a few Japanese words and a symbol that is used in the story.

Sakabatō: If you don't know what this is stop reading now…hahaa. For those who don't know, this is Kenshin's one-of-a-kind holy reverse blade sword.

(''')/Dialyktika Tonos: Is a Greek or French symbol meaning the art of conversation or discourse. A method of argument or exposition that systematically weighs contradictory facts or ideas with a view to the resolution of their real or apparent contradictions.

GONE

Chapter Three – The Mourning After

I want to take a moment to thank everyone for the reviews. Knowing that my story is worth a bit of your time is very rewarding. As promised, I have a couple more chapters available. I will try to upload 2 chapters at a time. Onward to the story...

Day 2 - Morning about 8:55am

The Chief looked on as the group that barged in his office was now crying. Sano too broke down after standing there for a moment. He was now on both knees with his head hung low.

'I don't understand. They all came here, took one look at the basket on the bookshelf, and started crying. There's a story there I'm sure…but what?' The chief gave them another five minutes of time to themselves.

'Come to think of it, where is the spunky one…Ms. Kamiya?' Chief also looked at the basket on the bookshelf. 'Come to think of it, that ribbon reminds me of one that Ms. Kamiya would wear.' The Chief began forming his own idea of what might have happened. His intellect and tenacity are how he got the position in this job to begin with. The Chief cleared his throat, "I'm sorry to disturb everyone, but does this gathering have something to do with Ms. Kamiya?"

No one said anything for a few moments. Megumi tried to compose herself to address the Chief's question. "Excuse us Chief," she tried to stop the tears that kept flowing of their own accord. After a few more attempts of drying her eyes, she turned to the Chief and bowed. "I must apologize; we sort of barged into your office and started crying."

Yahiko also tried to stop the tears from shedding, but he couldn't. 'The last thing I told Kaoru was…call her Busu.'

"It's quite all right," the Chief didn't mind the multiple shenanigans the group got into. "But, to address your question…" Megumi stood again and trailed off. She collected her nerve, "It seems that Kaoru is the burned victim from yesterday." The Chief had deduced correctly. He removed his hat saddened, "I'm terribly sorry. Ms. Kamiya was a very spirited and caring person who I'd like to think of as a friend. I-I can't imagine what you all must be feeling right now."

Megumi bowed her head unsure what else to say. A wave of quietness filled the room. Sano angrily wiped the tears from his eyes and smashed his fist into the ground creating cracks in the wood. This earned the attention of everyone except for Kenshin.

'Why! Why did he hurt Ms. Kaoru? Were they after me or the dark warrior from my past? Did Ms. Kaoru refuse to answer their questions? Why!?'

"Chief!" Sano turned to the Chief ready for a battle, "Chief I remembered hearing that your men found a lead." By now Yahiko and Kenshin had stopped shedding tears. Kenshin brought his sheathed sakabatō out and shifted to a kneeling position while leaning on the sword as support. He still had his head bowed with his bangs shielding his eyes.

'Why does it feel like I can't breathe? It feels as if someone is squeezing my heart. I missed the chance to tell Ms. Kaoru everything. My ray of light is gone…'

"Umm, yes Mr. Sanosuke you heard correct. At the time it was merely following the trail to see where it leads." "Well, have they found anything more since then?" The Chief regarded him for a moment, "No, I haven't heard from them since yesterday. I don't expect any news from them for some time. But, I did learn from Mr. Hajime that the killer has been to Kyoto, Nagoya, Yokohama, and now Tokyo. Mr. Hajime has been tracking him and is on his way here. He said he won't be here though for another five days or so."

'I should have been there to protect her!' '''Why weren't you?''' 'Who?' '''Don't tell me you forgot who I am?''' '...A haunting memory from my past?' '''That's right. I am you, I am the Battōsai.''' 'But, how are you talking to me?' '''I've always been here, ever since the first person you slew.''' 'What do you want from me?' '''I can help you make it right. I can fix everything.''' 'How..?'

"Saitō's on the case, well that's good to hear. I'll lend him a hand." "Sano," Megumi began, "Maybe you should take a few days to mourn first." Sano wilted a bit, "I intend to Meg, but I'm going to hunt down the bastard that did this. Anyone with me!" Yahiko nodded fiercely, "You bet I am. For Kaoru." "I want to join you too. You're bound to need medical attention at some point."

'''KILL!''' Kenshin heard the voice boom throughout his consciousness. The empty haunted feelings from his past resonated throughout him. But the one emotion that stood out the most was ANGER. 'No! I made a vow and a promise to Ms. Kaoru. I will not take another life.' '''Ms. Kaoru is no more. Your friends have the right idea. Take vengeance upon the wicked killer that took Kaoru away from you. You heard the Chief, he's been to other cities. He's probably killed and tortured a lot more women.''' 'Should I...? Someone has to stop him.'

Sano was pleased to hear Megumi wanted to lend a hand too. Everyone turned their attention to Kenshin. Kenshin stood slowly then began walking shakily at first towards the doorway his head still looking down. "Hey, Kenshin…" Yahiko didn't understand why Kenshin hadn't opted to join them. "Kenshin!" Kenshin halted in his step at Sano calling his name.

'I do not think I will be able to hold back if I go after him.' '''Then, I shall help you Himura. Like I did before.'''

He turned to the group and finally lifted his head. The glint of orange in his eyes had almost completely overtaken his usual purple irises, an angered look in said eyes. "If I join you Sano, I may not be able to keep my vow." Sano was taken aback by the statement. And now looking into Kenshin's eyes he could tell he was at war with his inner demons. 'I didn't think Kaoru's death would cause him to revert back…' Kenshin turned halfway sparing a glance back to the basket on the bookshelf, "But, I shall give you an answer in five days." With that Kenshin turned back towards the door and left, intending to go back to the dojo.

Everyone stood there in silence and watched Kenshin disappear beyond the doorway. The Chief being an outsider from the group was lost as to what vow Kenshin was referring to. But before he could voice his question, Yahiko intervened. "So Kenshin doesn't want to help find the person responsible?" Megumi gave Yahiko a pointed look, "When Sir Ken became a wanderer, he made a vow to never take another life again. Rooster head here just asked him to take revenge for Kaoru." "Oh," was Yahiko's response. "The little Missy was the one to make sure he honored that vow too." The group was silent at that.

"Let's just hope we can help Sir Ken keep his vow and promise to Kaoru." "Yeah. Well, we should get going guys." Sano turned back to the Chief, "Chief will we be notified when Saitō gets here?" "Yes. I will send an officer to fetch everyone." Sano nodded satisfied and turned to leave as well. Yahiko followed. Megumi lingered behind wanting to address a question but wasn't sure how to ask.

"Oh, Dr. Gensai mentioned he never got the chance to finish examining the bod-uh Ms. Kamiya." 'I was wondering about that. I guess now is a good time as any.' "Has anyone agreed to prepare Kaoru for a funeral?" "Umm, no actually. The focus earlier was finding out who the young woman was. Now that that mystery has been solved, we can focus on the next steps. Ms. Takani, would you be willing to complete the task?"

Megumi never had to prepare a friend for burial before but was willing to do whatever she could to help. "Yes, I would love to help." "Great. Just let me know when you want to begin preparations." Megumi nodded and also turned to leave. "Oh, Ms. Takani." "Yes," Megumi gave the Chief her attention. "Now that we know who the basket belongs to, you should take it with you."

Megumi stared at the item of everyone's former grief. She approached the bookshelf and took the basket in her arms plums and all. She nodded once to the Chief then left.

Once Megumi exited the building, Sano was there to walk her back to the clinic. He looked at the object in her arms, his expression immediately saddened. "Rooster, you waited for me?" Sano nodded, 'I can't lose Meg to that psycho too.' Without a word, Sano began walking and halted briefly waiting for Megumi to follow. She followed and the two continued on in silence.

Day 3 – City of Niigata - Late Morning about 10:05am

Another town over, Lieutenant Rin Yoshida and the other men the Chief sent to investigate the trail the horse and carriage left behind seemed to be at a loss. Rin and the other two men he designated to accompany him tracked the trail to a large estate. His men were able to gather intelligence that the estate belongs to the very rich and powerful Akui Fujita. From what was learned, he trained women to be perfect ladies and sometimes set up arranged marriages, some being foreign lords.

The last sighting was that there was a horse and carriage that arrived two days ago at the estate. This of course was not uncommon for the comings and goings of this particular estate based on the local townsfolk. On horses, it took Rin and his men two days to locate the estate in question. Additional intel that was gathered late yesterday evening led to a possible lead further north. This caused Rin to make a decision to split the team of six men sent to investigate into two teams of three.

Lt. Rin thought it would be best to send the best tracker of the group Officer Hirohito Matsui to continue following a horse and carriage that left the town just as they were arriving. Lt. Rin had been working with the local prefecture in Niigata to communicate with the Chief. He didn't feel as if there was much to investigate at the Fujita Estate, but he was ordered by the Chief to keep watch for any suspicious activity while the other half of the group continued the trail north.

Based on the short time being in the town and the stories from the town's folk, he could tell that the local prefecture showed favoritism towards the Estate. Upon trying to gather intel on the Fujita Estate, they received a glowing recommendation. The women there had seemingly escaped a tragic past or something of the like.

Each was educated and taught to be great ladies, some ventured as far west as the Americas to start their new lives as wives. The trouble is finding a way to question the people inside the Estate. He was rebuffed by the two guards on duty outside twice now. He took note of the river running alongside the Estate. He could feel that his comrades were becoming a little restless with nothing to do.

"Lieutenant Yoshida, how much longer do we have to watch the Estate? The lord of the Estate seems to give large donations to keep the town protected and prosperous. I feel like we should have followed Hirohito and the others after that mysterious carriage." Rin sighed, "I'm tired as well Kyō. But the Chief ordered us to remain here until Saitō Hajime catches up to us. He apparently has been tracking the guy we're searching for for a few months now."

"Lt. Yoshida, maybe we should take shifts." 'That does sound like a good idea.' "I can always count on you Junichi to come up with a good idea. Kyō, Junichi, get some rest at the inn. Kyō you have intermediate duties, so report back here in four hours." "Yes Lieutenant, I know the drill. I will relieve you then."

Rin watched as the two went off to the inn. A few moments later, Junichi returned with a cup of coffee for Rin. Rin wasn't keen on the western drink but accepted it knowing it would help keep him awake for a while. "Thanks, Junichi." Junichi just nodded in return and went back to the inn. Rin began the first solo watch of the Estate.

Day 3 - Fujita Estate Interior - 10:15am

A few days have passed since the newest lady had arrived at the Estate. Head Mistress Izumi Nakamasu was the Head Mother of all of the girls. She would teach them and train them to be the best lady. The Estate comprised of Lord Akui Fujita and his 27-year-old son Masaru Fujita. The late Mrs. Fujita died in an accident 8 years ago. Lord Fujita had his own personal guards along with the many additional ones on the grounds. There were now twelve ladies total that were in training.

Izumi had just given orders after breakfast had concluded for the girls to study and reconvene in the hour for lunch. "Sakiko, a moment of your time." The girl in question was 23 years of age about 5'6". She was pretty with shoulder-length asymmetrical black hair. Her neatly cut bangs hung below her eyebrows mostly above her right eye, a stray longer stubborn strand beside her left eye. She wore a pink Yukata with a white flower pattern on it. It was no doubt that Sakiko was the one all the other ladies looked up to.

She and the Lord's son Masaru had become close since Mrs. Fujita passed away. It was in fact Masaru saving Sakiko from raiders in her village that brought her here. Ever since then, Sakiko happily served the family and became friends with Lord Masaru. Izumi could understand that Sakiko most likely felt deeper feelings for him. Who could blame her, the Lord Masaru was a bit handsome. He had black shoulder-length hair that was usually pulled back in a slender ponytail, a few spiky strands of bangs sticking out coming to rest between his eyes.

"Yes, Head Mother." "I need you to check on the new lady that just arrived, her name is Kaori Mayaki. Give her some time to adjust to everything. The poor dear's family was all killed in the war and she escaped what was an abused husband. She has a head injury too, so please make sure she's ok to walk around." "Yes Head Mother, I will look after her and make sure she adjusts well." Izumi smiled, "Thank you Sakiko."

Sakiko headed to the second floor of the Estate and navigated to the lady's quarters. Once she reached the door she knocked quietly, "Ms. Kaori is it alright to enter?" "Um, come in," she heard the girl respond on the other side of the door. Sakiko turned the handle and entered the room.

"Hi, my name is Sakiko Ueno. How are you Ms. Kaori?" The girl took a moment to ponder the question, "A little fuzzy but I think I'm ok." Sakiko took a moment to observe the girl before her seated on the bed. She seemed a few years younger than Sakiko herself and looked like a normal girl, a little pretty but not as pretty as Sakiko. She had dark hair pulled in a high bun light brown eyes. Her bangs were parted similar to Sakiko's with most of it hanging just above her left eye. Her bangs though had two side bangs that were shoulder length.

"I heard you escaped almost being killed by your husband. Is that true?" "From what I was told, Yes. I can't remember how though." "One of the Fujita guardsmen witnessed it. You had a very bloody head wound when you were brought here," Sakiko pointed to her bandaged head.

Instinctively, Kaori felt her head just now noticing the slight pressure from the bandage that surrounded her head. She winced slightly at the headache that had formed for a moment. She also felt her neck for a second time trying to place the object in question. Her eyes looked to Sakiko with the question in her eyes.

"Oh these?" Sakiko reached up to her neck too. "These are kind of part of the outfit we have to wear while working here." Kaori examined Sakiko's neck ring with curiosity. She laughed for a moment, "These are harmless. In the west, this is referred to as a necklace, jewelry that women wear to make them more…desirable or pretty."

Kaori examined the small pendant dangling from Sakiko's necklace, "Do they have to be so tight?" "You'll get used to it after a while. They're from the West. They're called chokers." Kaori could feel what would be a gem in the front of her necklace. She got up to examine the necklace in the mirror, noting the red gem she felt earlier. She had to admit, it was pretty.

"Under no circumstances are these to be taken off." "But, what if I'm bathing?" was Kaori's question. "Still even then we're not supposed to remove them." 'That's rather weird but ok.' "But we should get going I have to show you around the Estate and explain things."

Kaori followed Sakiko as she was headed for the door. "Let me know if you need to rest at any time. You are still injured after all." Kaori nodded her head.

"You may not have had the privilege to experience many Western customs and objects. But down the hall and to the right," Sakiko gestured to the doorway, "Is the bathroom." She walked in and lit the nearby lanterns. She turned on the faucet in the bathroom demonstrating running water. "You turn this one for cold water and this one for hot water." She demonstrated by turning the right handle first then the left. Kaori was a bit in awe as she placed her hands in the running water and felt that it was hot.

"But how?" was her question. "The richer Lords are getting lots of things updated to their homes. So no more gathering water from a well to fill a bath. Oh and this…" She turned off the faucet and showed Kaori the toilet, "This is where you use the restroom. Once you finish you just pull this lever and…" There was a loud whoosh noise as the water emptied the bowl and refilled slowly. "There's been a major push to get these installed all across Japan. But you know, small steps." Kaori by now was in awe at the contraption.

They walked throughout the 2nd floor. It held six bedrooms and three bathrooms. The larger three bedrooms were on one side of the mansion with a fourth smaller one. The two bathrooms were in the center of the floor plan. On the other side were the other two large bedrooms, a bathroom connected to one.

"As you probably already figured out, the three large bedrooms are where we ladies sleep." Kaori counted 12 beds in total between the rooms. "The smaller bedroom is the Head Mother's Ms. Izumi's room. And these two bedrooms belong to the private guards." Kaori counted six beds total between the two rooms. "Next we head to the highest floor."

Sakiko and Kaori walked upstairs to the third floor of the mansion. "This entire floor is for Lord Fujita and his son Mr. Masaru." Kaori caught the dreamy look in Sakiko's eyes as she said Masaru's name.

The entire floor was comprised of three large bedrooms, two of which had their own bathrooms attached. There was the master bedroom for Lord Fujita and the second larger bedroom for Mr. Masaru. The third bedroom served as a guest room of sorts with a separate bathroom in the hallway. There is a library and a lounge. There is also a private dining room.

"Next we go to the first floor." As the two reached the landing Kaori noted the scent of a stew of some kind. "This is where we mostly work. We take care of the cooking and cleaning on the first floor. There's also a library which we use to study, learn to read, write and learn new languages." "So, we take care of the Lords of the Estate?" "That's right. In return, they allow us to use their place to become educated ladies while having a place to eat and stay in luxury."

Kaori noted a stairway leading downwards with a door at the bottom. "What's down there?" "Hmm," Sakiko turned around to see what Kaori was referring to. "Oh, we're not allowed to go down there. I think that's where the guards go to train." "How many guards are there?" Kaori wondered aloud. "No idea. But all of the additional guards don't live on the grounds. They're hired and live in the town." "I see…"

Not long afterward, the two had ventured throughout the entire mansion. "Oh the only time we're allowed to go outside is if we are tending to the garden. We have to have a guard at all times." "But why? From what I see guards are all around us."

Sakiko sighed before explaining, "A few girls were kidnapped when they left unaccompanied. Apparently, there's some maniac hurting young women. They tend to come here from time to time. That's why Lord Fujita doesn't want to take any risks." Kaori nodded.

The two now stood in the doorway of the main floor library. "The footmen or off-duty soldiers take care of the horses. Some of us help out every once and a while, but again we have to have a guard present. And that concludes the tour. Well, how are you feeling Kaori?" "I'm actually tired and a bit hungry." "Yeah, I suppose you haven't had a proper meal for a few days while you were unconscious. Let's get you fed."

Sakiko led the way back to the kitchen. "Sakiko, I don't mean to sound ungrateful but do we have to stay here?" Sakiko stopped walking and turned back to Kaori. "Why would you ever want to leave? You have the chance to become a lady for free. Not only that, some of us move to wealthy families."

Kaori had a nagging feeling she was forgetting something. 'My memory is still a bit foggy. There's something I'm missing.' "Is everything ok Kaori?" Kaori snapped out of her brief thought, "When they found me did something else happen?"

Sakiko thought for a moment, "I remember hearing that you might have witnessed something. But I have no idea what. At least that's what a guard had said. Something about you mumbling about a girl that was hurt."

Kaori searched her memory but couldn't pin the memory in question. "Try not to rush things Ms. Kaori. You did just wake this morning." "Right," Kaori responded. The two began their journey back to the kitchen. There was an audible growl from Kaori's stomach which caused her to laugh nervously, "I guess I'm more than a bit hungry."

Sakiko thought for a second, "Well now is as good a time as any. We shall begin with table manners today. Then tomorrow we'll move on to your skills and assets. Unless of course, you'd rather leave?" "Oh no," Kaori shook her head no. "I was just a bit unsettled that I wasn't able to leave when you mentioned not being able to go outside alone. I think this is a great opportunity."

"That's more like it." Sakiko served Kaori and demonstrated the use of Western utensils and table manners.

Day 3 - Kamiya Dojo - Late afternoon 5:00pm

Megumi found herself helping out more at the dojo. By no means was she wanting to replace Kaoru, but she became concerned for Kenshin. Yahiko visited earlier today at the clinic searching for food of course and told her Kenshin was taking things pretty hard.

Kenshin wasn't eating, let alone cooking anything. Megumi had just made some miso soup with some rice and grilled fish with some tea on the side. She gathered the food onto a tray and walked slowly to Kenshin's room.

Kenshin made it to the dojo somehow. In fact, all of yesterday after leaving the Chief's office was a blur. He recalled going to his room, lying down, and debating whether allowing the Battōsai to take control was a good thing. In the end, he wound up agreeing with the logical response, the killer had to be stopped at all costs. His other self went as far as suggesting anyone affiliated should also be stopped.

This debate and the ever-growing hollow feeling were consuming him. 'Did I even eat anything?' The fatigue of lack of sleep also began setting in. Part of Kenshin was afraid to sleep. Afraid that the Battōsai would awake and he'd be on autopilot again. Watching as enemy after enemy was slain for the sake of peace.

'I remember Yahiko stopping by my room, Sano too. Did they say anything?' Kenshin was vaguely aware of his surroundings anymore.

'I haven't seen Sir Ken since yesterday. I wonder if he's still the same or has he gotten better; especially with that orange tint in his eyes.' Megumi had walked the short distance to Kenshin's room. "Sir Ken, it's Megumi. Might I come in for a moment?" There wasn't a response so Megumi took it as a sign to enter. She slid back the screen to see that Kenshin was seated in his futon.

"Sorry for the intrusion Sir Ken, but I've heard that you haven't eaten. So I made a light dinner for you." 'Ms. Megumi..? What did she just say?' '''She says she has food for you. Eat, we're going to need our strength to fight later.''' Megumi looked him over, seeing that his bangs were still covering his eyes. At first, there wasn't a response, "Thank you Ms. Megumi."

She walked forward kneeled down and placed the tray of food on the floor next to Kenshin. Megumi then grabbed the extra cup of tea she had made for herself then scooted back a few. "I hope you know I'm not leaving until you eat everything." Kenshin's head moved slightly in Megumi's direction indicated that he heard what Megumi said.

He breathed out and began eating the meal slowly. After fifteen minutes or so, Kenshin finished eating everything. "I hope you know I'll be preparing Kaoru for burial tomorrow afternoon." Kenshin just nodded his head once in understanding. 'I miss Sir Ken's sunny personality.' With that, she gathered the tray and headed for the door. "The ceremony will be held at 2:00pm at the city's cemetery, so I hope to see everyone there."

'Ms. Kaoru…' Kenshin fought the tears that threatened to spill. '''You should sleep Himura.'''

Still, there was no response from Kenshin. 'I'll let him be for now.' Megumi then left Kenshin's room to clean the kitchen. Megumi ran into Yahiko in the kitchen, "Yahiko is there something I can help with?" She was assessing the boy to make sure he was in good spirits.

"I'm a bit hungry." 'It's always food with this kid, no wonder Kaoru complained a lot, hahaa.' "Oh, I did make enough food for everyone so help yourself." Yahiko did just that by preparing some food for himself. "Did you speak to Kenshin?" By now Megumi had begun cleaning, "I wanted to make sure Sir Ken was eating, so I watched while he ate everything before leaving. Sir Ken has been very quiet though."

Yahiko exhaled, "Yeah he's not himself anymore." "We have to give him time to grieve." 'I have to admit, even I miss Kaoru.'

After Yahiko finished eating he went to bed. Megumi thought it best to not walk home late at night. She didn't want to break her promise to Sano. 'The Rooster would never let me hear the end of it if I were to walk home alone knowing there's a killer out there. I'll just use one of the guest bedrooms and sleep here for the night.'

This chapter was the hardest to write, it took a while to finish. I apologize for the slowness in this chapter, but the next one will be more eventful. I would appreciate any comments or reviews about the story. Until next time…