Warnings: None (except maybe Saitou)
"Sensei!"
The cry of surprise held just the slightest hint of both wariness and relief and it finally jolted Kenshin into moving. The last few minutes of the fight had stunned him into standing stock still. The battle between Kaoru and Jinei had gone into a completely different direction than he had anticipated and he couldn't take his eyes off Kaoru.
Kenshin had caught a glimpse of her skills when she fought against the four Hishigami members. But here, with an opponent who was probably the strongest fighter she had ever faced, Kaoru was nothing short of elegant and efficient and terrifying. Once she found herself, once she stopped pretending to be someone she thought she had to be, Kaoru demonstrated just how thoroughly she had been trained. Combined with her abilities and accurate assessment of her adversary, she proved herself to be an extremely capable officer.
He smiled ruefully at that last thought. Even he would have to be careful around Kaoru. Her perceptive nature was something Kenshin couldn't underestimate, not if he wanted to keep some semblance of dignity intact.
On the heels of that thought, Kenshin did a quick mental check of his body. He wasn't ready for all the questions and concerns just yet about his health so he was grateful the restorative medicine had finally kicked in. His limbs moved easily without the previous heaviness and even the bleeding gashes slowed to a trickle. Despite the bruised ribs and several deep wounds, he could wait to get medical attention from Megumi. Briefly, Kenshin wondered how difficult it would be to recover from the after-effects of the potion, considering he'd felt better than he had in months. Well, he would find out soon enough.
Satisfied with his condition, Kenshin's attention shifted to the newcomer as tension radiated from the two police officers. Inspector General Saitou Hajime, head of the entire police force in the country, loomed over Kaoru. He wore a formal uniform which was a rust colored hakama over a beige gi. A haori, similar to what Kaoru wore the other day, draped over his shoulders and fastened by a white himo Everything about him was sharp: his face was angular and lean, his body slim but coiled with muscle, and even the presence of his daisho seemed magnified through the aura of confidence he exuded. Saitou's dark hair was combed back, leaving a few long strands to hang over his face which emphasized the rugged features. Narrowed amber eyes focused on Kaoru but even then, Kenshin had the distinct impression he was aware of everyone and everything around him and wouldn't hesitate to attack if he was threatened.
Kenshin had sensed his presence in the middle of the fight and was nonplussed by Saitou's sudden arrival. He hadn't seen the man in over ten years but the Wolf's presence was unmistakable. The Inspector General's name was spoken with both awe and fear even to this day. Known as a no-nonsense man with a strict code of honor and high morals, he was given the position as head of the country's entire police force for his loyalty and ruthless efficiency. It was supposedly a reward for his role in helping to win the war against the rebels. Only Saitou Hajime took it seriously and made distinctly large gains in expanding the presence and jurisdiction of the police force, eventually rendering the Shogun's army useless.
It was, Kenshin thought, a cunning and essential move. No doubt Saitou was aware that the war-torn country needed to heal and move on from the in-fighting; disassembling the army was one way to do so. This also made him a powerful figure in politics, though Kenshin doubted that interested Saitou.
Saitou's presence paused even Megumi from her work of binding up the worst of Kurogasa's wounds. Sano, holding the hitokiri's body in an armlock in case Jinei woke up from his impromptu slumber, murmured something to her.
Even though he was curious to know what his friend had said to make Megumi go back to work without another glance, Kenshin kept his gaze fixated on the swaying figure in front of the Inspector General. Kaoru was nearing the point of exhaustion and he could tell she was using the last reserves of her energy to even stay upright.
But if Saitou noticed her fatigue, he didn't comment on it. Instead, his words were barbed. "If you had used the sword I'd given you, you could have finished this fight much sooner and with less injury. You're lucky Udo Jinei didn't hit a vital spot and incapacitate you. Not to mention your execution of the Gatotsu Ishiki was seriously flawed. And to leave yourself vulnerable to a choke hold, of all things? How embarrassing to make such a mistake. I thought I taught you better than that."
Kaoru didn't move from her position as the criticism poured out. Kenshin almost winced on her behalf, having also been the recipient of vicious tongue lashings berating his stupidity. And even worse, Saitou had spoken only the truth.
But at the same time, Kenshin couldn't do anything else except admire the woman who remained committed to her own beliefs, even when it could have meant her death. That was something not everyone could do. Even he occasionally wondered what he would do if someone's life was at stake. Would he kill to save that person? Or would he stay true to his own beliefs, even if it meant suffering the mental anguish of letting an innocent person die?
There were no easy answers and Kenshin didn't think there would be one. So, for now, he would simply admire that Inspector Kamiya Kaoru did what she set out to do and stayed true to her beliefs - and survived.
Saitou lifted his eyes to Kenshin as he continued speaking to his student. "Despite my advice, you used my name to help you get this job you asked for. And six months later, I see you're cavorting with street thugs, former opium manufacturers, and the deadliest hitokiri in the history of our country who is technically still wanted by the Ministry of Justice. How, exactly, does this bring esteem and dignity to the family, as you promised?"
Kaoru didn't flinch under the sharp tirade but Kenshin noticed her hands flexing in agitation. While the respect was clear in her body language, her voice came out firm. "He's no longer a hitokiri, Sensei."
Kenshin stopped a few feet away, content to let them talk until it was his cue to speak. The risk of being caught and arrested was always a possibility in someone as rigid as Saitou, but it wouldn't matter if he hid. The Inspector General has more than enough chances to arrest him during the fight but seemed disinterested in doing so at the moment. Cautiously optimistic of his chances, Kenshin decided to wait and see what happened. At the same time, it grated on his nerves that Saitou would group them as a negative influence. No one's past was clean, and that past certainly didn't dictate the future.
"Did you happen to figure that out all on your own, considering you didn't even know who he was when you first met him?" Saitou replied with a snort of derision.
Kaoru's cheeks flamed up in response to the pointed criticism, but she didn't back down. "I was a little busy. Sensei, why are you here?"
The police officer seemed to enjoy Kaoru's confusion, and not in a kind way, Kenshin thought. His smile, while looking pleasant enough, had an edge of nastiness about it. "What, I'm not allowed to visit my former student to see how she's faring?"
"Oh, because you've been so worried about me?"
Kenshin must have made some sort of noise because both of them swung similar glares in his direction at the interruption. He chuckled uneasily and took a step back. But beneath his lashes, he watched their interaction closely. Apparently, the fractured relationship between the two of them was deeper than Kaoru had led him to believe, and he wondered if it had anything to do with Kamiya Koshijirou and Kasshin Ryu.
Saitou flicked his cigarette free of the built up ash, aiming it dangerously close to his student. Kaoru didn't even flinch. "You still haven't learned anything in your time here, have you? Your kenjutsu skills have gotten rusty to the point of embarrassment. No doubt it's from that ridiculous no-kill philosophy you've adopted."
Kaoru made a strangled noise in her throat and clenched her left fist until Kenshin saw the knuckles turn a deep white as she struggled to wrestle her emotions back under control. After several long seconds, she asked again tightly, "Are you here on official business?"
With his gaze never leaving Kaoru, he answered in a careless manner. "As a matter of fact, I am. There's now enough evidence to mete out punishment for the three Council members of the city."
Kaoru surged to her feet, exhaustion and anger forgotten in her astonishment. She asked, "What? What do you mean? Punishment for what?"
"Treason against the government," Kenshin spoke up. Kaoru whirled to stare at him. "And attempted murder against a law enforcement officer," he added for good measure.
"So you found out about their little plot, did you, Battousai?" Saitou asked nonchalantly. "Were you planning to do something with that knowledge?"
"Before focusing on the Council, Udo Jinei needed to be dealt with," Kenshin replied evenly, meeting Saitou's eyes. The Inspector General knew more about the situation - and him - than he let on, and Kenshin refused to participate in whatever game he was playing with Kaoru.
Kaoru, for her part, furrowed her brows more deeply and annoyance crept up over her features. "What treasonous act did they commit? And attempted murder? I don't like them, but they haven't done anything to warrant an investigation." She glanced at her teacher. "Did they?"
Saitou seemed content to remain silent so Kenshin answered. "Didn't you think it was odd for you to receive so many challenges to your authority the entire time you've been stationed here?"
"Well … yes and no," she admitted. Her eyes flitted back and forth between the two men, watching every twitch, every blink of their eyes as if searching for clues. "It seemed odd, of course. People, even lawbreakers, usually settle down after a transition period. But after five failed Inspectors, I just assumed the criminals had gotten cocky and liked the disorder."
Kenshin grimaced, wondering how many challenges she had faced while he had been wandering, then said gently, "The Council put a bounty on you. If anyone could run you off or kill you, they would receive a payoff. And with every failed attempt, the price on your life went up."
Absorbing that news quietly, he could almost see Kaoru's mind whirling to piece the facts together. It amazed him to see just how few words it took for her to grasp the situation. "So that's why Kurogasa targeted me?" she finally exclaimed. "The bounty had gotten high enough to attract outsiders?"
"You were far more successful than they imagined, and the Council was getting desperate," Kenshin explained. "They thought with your youth and inexperience, it would be easy to get rid of you. They hadn't counted on your excellent training and boundless courage."
Saitou snorted at his blatant admiration but Kenshin ignored him. Even if the Inspector General refuses to acknowledge Kaoru as a skilled fighter in her own right, no matter what style she used, Kenshin wouldn't.
Much to his disappointment, Kaoru seemed to have missed the compliment completely. "But … why were they trying to run the Inspectors out of the city? And to call it treason?"
Kenshin opened his mouth to answer but Saitou finally stepped in. "They wanted to declare martial law in the city, and eventually secede from the country. With every failed Inspector, it would give them credence to go to such extreme measures. The Council already had an illegal private mercenary army waiting to take over. Their idea was to create an independent nation where they would be in charge. Quite a foolish dream, if they thought the government wouldn't intervene."
"My sources tell me they hope to inspire other cities to do the same," Kenshin offered. "Perhaps even use their influence to do so. Their eventual goal might be city-states ruled by the few."
"You have sources, Battousai? I thought you retired," the Inspector General remarked acerbically.
"I still have friends," he said, refusing to take offense at the snide comment.
Saitou grunted and then turned back to Kaoru. "For this treasonous act, their punishment has already been chosen."
Kaoru paled and for a moment, Kenshin thought she was going to faint from blood loss from one of her wounds. But she remained steady on her feet, staring at her former master with an expression between unease and dread. "Which is…?"
"Aku Soku Zan."
Kenshin frowned. Slay evil immediately. In theory, it sounded virtuous, and it was similar to the city law he had mentioned to Kaoru the other day. But weren't they at least guaranteed a trial, or some sort of punishment which would allow them to work off their evil deeds in exchange to do some good?
"Sensei, they should be taken to the capital and tried in a court of law," Kaoru said, as if reading Kenshin's mind. There was a pleading note in her voice that seemed odd to hear from someone usually so confident and in charge. "We can't kill them outright. The citizens would protest!"
"We don't work for the citizens, we work for the law. And I highly doubt the good citizens would argue, considering the circumstances." Saitou's clipped tone indicated this was not a new argument between them. He turned to stride away, but over his shoulder he added, "Even if you don't do your job, I will."
Kaoru stared at her master's retreating figure long after he vanished from sight. Kenshin started to go after Saitou, but after one glance at her, he paused. Tears clouded her eyes until they shimmered, and her lower lip trembled. But not one drop fell as she struggled to maintain control of her emotions.
He didn't know what to do. Should he say something? Kaoru remained frozen as seconds ticked by. Kenshin finally called softly, "Kaoru-dono?"
His voice shook her free from wherever she had mentally gone. Kaoru focused on him, tried to smile and failed, and then gave up with a sigh. "So that's why he's here," she murmured.
Kenshin glanced down the ill-used road leading to the city. "Why?" he asked even as he suspected the reason.
"He knew I wouldn't be able to do it. Kill the Council members, I mean."
The utter despair from her tone almost made him wince because he knew the disapproval from one's master cut deeper than any sword wound. Kenshin understood exactly what she was going through: the self-loathing, the wish to not feel like a failure in front of a respected figure. "So he came to make sure it was done, regardless of your decision," he finished.
Kaoru nodded. Then she let out a little mocking laugh. "I guess I failed as Inspector after all."
"I'm not sure how." Megumi's crisp voice heralded her arrival, with Sano hauling a still-unconscious Udo Jinei over his shoulder. The fighter limped with his injured leg but it didn't seem to detract from his strength. "You saved all of our lives from this madman, and survived the Council's plans. How is that a failure?"
"Ah, you heard all that, Megumi-san?" Kaoru said weakly.
"Of course we did, we're not deaf," the doctor retorted. "So I'll ask again, how did you fail?"
Kaoru smiled, but it didn't quite meet her eyes. "What good is an Inspector if she can't execute the orders handed to her?"
"And what good is killing someone if there's a chance they can atone for what they did wrong?" Megumi countered. She glanced at Kenshin and offered him a small smile as she repeated the words he had spoken to her years ago. "Everyone deserves a second chance. Even a former street thug, an ex-opium maker, and a retired hitokiri."
"The way I see it," Sano put in, "is that you did your job: you defended your people from crazy monsters like this Kurogasa guy. A tall order, but you did it. And you didn't even kill him. Asking for more than that would be absolutely ridiculous."
Megumi slanted Sano a sideways glance. "That was actually rather elegantly stated, Tori-atama."
"I can say things nicely sometimes," he replied defensively.
Kaoru couldn't help but chuckle and Kenshin saw the shadows starting to disappear from her eyes. And when she glanced at him, he solemnly nodded. "I agree with them, Kaoru-dono," he told her. "You did exactly what an Inspector should have done. But it's not over yet." Kenshin cast her a meaningful look.
Understanding dawned. Glancing at the path Saitou had taken a few minutes ago, Kaoru inhaled deeply. "You're right. I have to stop him."
"Megumi and I will take Kurogasa to jail," Sano offered. "You two finish up with our beloved Inspector General, and we'll get there as fast as we can, just in case there's more bloodshed."
"Thank you, Sano," Kaoru said with a grateful smile.
"Here, you might need this," Megumi said. She held out Kaoru's broken sword and saya with the blade clean of any blood. "I had to take it out from Kurogasa to treat his wound. But let's try to keep any further injuries to a minimum, please. As it is, all three of you are facing several days of bedrest for optimal recovery."
Kaoru nodded and took her weapon from the doctor, carefully sheathing the katana into place. As Sano and Megumi trudged back to the city, Kenshin turned and retrieved his own sword, still upright against the tree where Kaoru had placed it earlier. While he tucked the sakabatou back into his belt, he felt eyes on him and turned around to see her fixated on him.
"You could have finished off Kurogasa yourself, didn't you? But you felt me coming, or heard me, or something. And you stopped fighting."
Kenshin tilted his head slightly. "I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking about, Kaoru-dono," he said blandly. It was a little frightening to see how easily she seemed to read his intentions. He reminded himself again not to underestimate her, not if he wanted to keep at least some of his secrets.
Kaoru stepped closer to him, her gaze turning fierce and intense, as if her stare alone could make him confess the truth. "You're moving so easily. At first glance, I thought you were badly hurt, but when you threw your sword, it was perfectly aimed and the exact height needed to keep it away from Kurogasa, yet well timed so I would be able to catch it. And now, you're moving around as if you weren't injured at all."
"A minor coincidence," Kenshin answered, allowing a rueful smile to touch his lips. "I got caught up in battle fever but even that'll ebb away when the body has nothing left to give. I'll be aching and regretting I got up at all in a few hours, no doubt." That part at least was accurate, and he wasn't looking forward to it at all.
He couldn't also tell the truth: that he was slowly losing the ability to withstand long periods of fighting. The restorative potion had actually taken more time than he expected to finally take effect until it was nearly pointless to intervene. Had Kaoru been hurt to the point where she couldn't battle anymore, he would have jumped in. But there was no way he could have won against Jinei until the end.
Pressing her lips together, Kaoru studied his expression for a long moment before speaking again. "You won't admit it, will you? You somehow knew I needed to finish this, to prove to myself that my beliefs weren't wrong. So you stepped back to let me be the Inspector I wanted - no, needed to be. What would you have done if I had been killed? You gave up your sword for me so you would have been unarmed facing Kurogasa!"
Kenshin shook his head, not in denial of her words, but of the possibilities of her dying. Perhaps it was foolish of him, but he couldn't imagine Kaoru's life slipping away at such a young age. "I would have done what you would have done, had our positions been reversed."
"Even to the point of sacrificing yourself," she finished. She also shook her head, but with a wry smile. "We're quite a pair, Himura-san. Unwilling to kill but willing to die for others."
"Kenshin."
Kaoru ignored his response. "And I guess you're now willing to risk the Inspector General's wrath by going with me to save some truly despicable Council members. Remind me again why we're rescuing them?"
The question sounded flippant, but Kenshin sensed she genuinely wanted an answer. Whether it was to remember why she made her decision not to kill or to compare his motivation to hers, he wasn't sure. But his response could very well change her perspective of him.
So he replied, carefully, "Because even despicable people deserve a chance to right the wrongs they made in life. Or, at least, receive a fair trial and an opportunity to repent, considering the fatal punishment if they're found guilty of treason."
Try as he might, Kenshin couldn't read Kaoru's expression. She shuttered all emotions and thoughts from her face, looking, for a moment, far too grim for someone so young. But then she girded her sword into her obi and a wry smile crossed her face. "Well then, we'd better hurry before Saitou carries out the execution."
Without another spoken word between them, they took off back to the city. Kenshin was faster, but Kaoru's endurance seemed to match his as they dashed back through the east gate, through the residential section, past all the chaos of the commercial area, and right into the government building.
"Go!" Kaoru called, when Kenshin hesitated in waiting for Kaoru as she fell behind, winded from their sprint. He caught a glimpse of red staining more of her torn gi and her hand as she clutched her abdomen, but he knew she wouldn't stop for medical attention until this was completely over. At least, from the look of it, the wound wasn't life-threatening. "I'll catch up. Just stop Saitou!"
He nodded in understanding and raced up the spiral stairs to the top level, ignoring the astonished looks of the workers and visitors as he bolted past them. Up ahead, in the main meeting room, the door had been left open and Kenshin heard whimpers of fear. He burst into the room and, without pausing, dashed in front of the three cowering men who had been cornered by Saitou.
The Inspector General looked neither surprised nor impressed by his sudden appearance. The sword in his hand remained upright, gleaming in the fading afternoon light that shafted through the window. "So the rumors are true. Hitokiri Battousai is trying to find absolution for all the killings he did in the past."
"H-help us!" cried one of the men behind Kenshin.
"We'll pay you lots of money!" added another. "You'll be greatly rewarded."
"We're Council members! This is illegal!" the third one screeched.
The ugly stench of fear permeated the room but Kenshin didn't bother looking at the men he was protecting. He watched Saitou with narrowed eyes, determined to make him see reason. "I fell into killing too early, and I wasn't mature enough to realize then what it does to someone's soul, and how heavily it can weigh on a person. I'm thankful Kaoru-dono realized it before she was further traumatized."
"So you think you know her so well already?" Saitou sneered. "You've only known her for several days and yet you know what's better for her than her own teacher."
"You've trained her well," Kenshin acknowledged. "There is no doubt about that. You witnessed at least part of the battle, she is a credit to your teaching. But she was not ready to take a life when she did, and now it haunts her. As her sensei, you should have realized this and not pushed her, nor punished her so harshly for realizing how precious life is."
Saitou scoffed. "Are you really so naive, Battousai? When she came to me and begged me to train her, Kaoru wanted to kill. She wanted to avenge her mother's death and purge evil in this world. But, in the end, she allowed her father's ridiculous philosophy to warp her sense of right and wrong. Udo Jinei should have died. He'll be executed anyway, she only delayed the inevitable. Just as those cowards behind you will die."
"There is no shame in defending those who cannot defend themselves," Kenshin said quietly. "There's no greater way to change the hearts of people by giving them a second chance at life."
"Not my concern on whatever naive action you take now, Battousai. But this is my jurisdiction and I have the full weight of the law behind me. Step aside, lest I cut you down myself for obstructing justice." Saitou moved his sword in a subtle warning.
Ignoring the threatening gesture, Kenshin glanced at the door just as Kaoru burst into the room, panting from exertion as she clutched her midsection. "Sensei!" she cried. "Don't do it!"
"Inspector, protect us!" one of the men yelled, grasping onto a tenuous string of hope.
"How bothersome," Saitou commented with a heavy sigh. "Now I have to deal with two ahou pacifists."
"Sensei," Kaoru said again. She straightened up and seemed to muster what strength she had left before stalking into the room, ignoring the Council members who vacillated between begging for help and shouting hysterical threats to do her job. "Sensei, if you wish to kill them, you'll have to go through me first."
"And me," Kenshin put in. He glanced at the Inspector who joined his side in a silent show of unity. Kaoru stood straight, looking every inch an authority figure to be reckoned with. "Think of the paperwork you'd have to fill out after this is over. Is killing them now truly worth it, when you say they'll be executed anyway?"
Saitou didn't move, but his eyes flickered between them, reading things far more perceptively than anyone should. But Kenshin didn't mind the suspicious glare or the subtle shift of the Inspector's General position that changed from malice to irritation and protectiveness. It only gave credence to the idea that Saitou still cared for Kaoru, no matter what he said about her or how ugly the tone of his voice when speaking to her.
After several long minutes of silence and posturing, when even the Council members fell silent as to learn their fate, Saitou finally sheathed his sword. Kenshin heard the faintest sound of an exhaled breath from Kaoru as they heard the snick of the katana slide back into place.
"Hmph, have it your way, then," Saitou answered finally. He smiled at them, which looked as reassuring as a predator stalking prey. "I'll take them back with me to the capital. But if something should happen along the way…" He shrugged nonchalantly and met Kenshin's eyes for the briefest of moments. That gaze dared Kenshin to meet Saitou's challenge. Then the Inspector General turned and strode out of the room. The click of his heels faded as he descended the stairs.
Kaoru's shoulders slumped and Kenshin saw utter exhaustion she had been trying to keep at bay creeping over her body. Between the busy night and long day and the drawn out fight with Kurogasa, he couldn't believe she still remained standing. But despite swaying on her feet, Kaoru's eyes glittered with relief and joy that transformed her entire face. "I can't believe that worked!" she exclaimed. "Thank you, Kenshin. You managed to stop Saitou-sensei. It's not often one gets a win against a man described as a wolf."
Kenshin carefully studied that expression so he would never forget it. The stern, no-nonsense of the Inspector would undoubtedly return so he wanted to see her exult in this victory without the mask on. "Ah, so that's what it takes for you to call me by my given name," he replied with a wry grin. "All I have to do is save some people and stand up to your sensei."
Her brilliant smile only served to light up her face and make her look younger and more innocent. "Well, not many people would be willing to stand up to a man who has the authority to arrest you for almost anything."
"You did all the work, Kaoru-dono," he answered, dropping any hint of mirth in his voice. Kenshin wanted her to realize what had actually happened. "The voice he listened to today was no one else's but your own."
Kaoru sobered as she studied his face. "You think?" she whispered.
"I do."
They stared at each other. Something, whatever it was that had started a day ago, returned with a swiftness that nearly knocked the breath out of Kenshin. He recognized it as a sort of kinship, something he shared with only a handful of people who truly understood him. But this was different from what he felt with Sano or Megumi. It felt odd and unsettling and set his heart beating faster than normal. It was like a fight that took everything in him to win, but with an exhilaration that left him breathless in a good way. The world faded away with just the two of them locking eyes and speaking without words, until someone cleared their throat. Sano filled the doorway in a protective posture with Megumi peeking over his shoulder. "Did we miss all the fun?"
Kenshin stepped back, face flushed as the connection broke. He didn't know what just happened, but he saw Kaoru felt the same awkwardness and embarrassment. "Yes, we're done here. Inspector Kamiya will arrest the former Council members and they'll be taken for trial."
"Inspector Kamiya, huh? Whatever happened to 'Kaoru-dono'?" Sano commented, grinning at Kenshin's glare without the slightest trace of fear.
Megumi pushed on Sano's shoulder until she could squeeze past him. "Since it's finally over, I can start taking care of everyone's wounds," she said briskly. "The blood trail leading to this room is quite concerning and I can't tell who it's from."
"Megumi-san, please attend Kenshin first. I have a few people I need to arrest before I can rest," Kaoru declared. Without waiting for an answer, she stalked over to the men in the corner, a dark expression on her face.
Sano, in a flash of foresight, had picked up some rope from the prison which he tossed to the Inspector. Kenshin submitted to Megumi's briskly efficient ministrations with a resigned sigh. He watched Kaoru bind up the three Council members over their shouted outrage and pleas but none of them fought against her; even injured, the portly politicians were no match for Kaoru and they knew it. One of them glanced contemplatively at the door but then caught Kenshin's piercing stare and shrank back with a whimper.
Wincing as Megumi probed a tender spot at his ribs, Kenshin shifted his gaze back to Kaoru. Her Inspector mask was firmly back in place, the joy and excitement over her victory replaced with a stern visage. He was disappointed to see it gone already. Those emotions made Kaoru look even more beautiful and it stirred something in his heart he couldn't quite identify.
The afternoon slid into twilight, and then full evening before everything was settled. Kenshin watched as Kaoru directed her subordinates on the shocking turn of events. Several deputies arrived, hearing the commotion from the wide-spread gossip going on in the building, and Kaoru instructed them to put each Council member in separate cells. Others were told to search the offices and residences of the disgraced politicians for further proof to submit during their trial. The trio would be transported in the morning, under the care of the Inspector General. Kurogasa, or Udo Jinei, would remain in the city until he recovered sufficiently enough to be moved. Saitou had already sent for temporary leaders so city business would transition as smoothly as possible. The interim Council members would arrive tomorrow and remain until their permanent replacements were chosen.
Both Megumi and Sano were questioned regarding their kidnapping before Megumi was finally allowed to fetch her medicine bag to tend to the worst of Kenshin's wounds. She frowned at the state of his injuries. Although her lips flattened as she finished binding up the lacerations, the doctor remained silent about his usage of the restorative potion, for which Kenshin was grateful. He was not in the mood to deal with a lecture right now, not when he was busy planning his next step.
Finally, Megumi moved on to Kaoru who complained that she was too busy but then submitted with uncharacteristic meekness under the doctor's quelling glare. Neither man were allowed in the makeshift examination room, but Kenshin had already deduced the abdominal cut was the worst of her injuries. The rest were abrasions, lacerations, and bruises. A miracle, considering just how hard Kurogasa had fought against her.
Sano waited outside the room with him, leaning on his good leg but without grimacing in discomfort. Ever resourceful, Megumi had bound his wound up tightly with some wild herbs found growing at the abandoned temple. From there, Sano's natural endurance had kicked in, shrugging off the injury as if it was nothing but a mere scratch. He looked relaxed but Kenshin noticed him angling his body to face him. "So you two pulled it off, huh? How'd you get Mr. Evil-Must-Die-Swiftly to change his mind about killing the prisoners?"
"Despite some of the rumors I've heard, Saitou still cares for Kaoru," Kenshin answered. "In fact, I wonder if this wasn't a test to see how she'd react and if her stance has changed. But, in the end, he did it for her sake."
"Uh huh. But that's not the only reason he spared their lives, right? He's using them to get to you. Maybe lock you up since you're still technically wanted by the government."
Kenshin grimaced at Sano's pointed, knowing look. Why did his friend always seem the most perceptive at the worst times? "I'll come back. I always do."
"Yeah, but this time it's different. This time, you have to tell Jou-chan you're leaving again. With your nemesis from the war, no less."
Just how much did Sano pick up anyway? He hoped this wasn't going to be a regular occurrence because it was going to be very uncomfortable being asked questions he didn't know the answers to. The door opened before Kenshin could respond and Kaoru stepped out, slipping on her haori to cover up the tears on her gi for modesty purposes. "Megumi-san can be so cold," she grumbled.
"I heard that!" the doctor called from inside her temporary clinic.
Sano glanced between them before stepping aside. "Well, I guess I should help the fox pack her medical things up. You two have a nice chat."
Kaoru slanted the fighter an odd look as he slipped into the room she just exited from. "Why's Sano acting so strange?" she asked.
"He's doing it as a kindness to me," Kenshin replied, warring between gratefulness for the taller man's sensitivity and annoyed at being cornered when he had hoped to put this conversation off. "He wanted to give us some privacy. There's something I need to discuss with you."
"Oh? What is it?"
For some reason, Kaoru's innocent, curious gaze made Kenshin's heart lurch. This wasn't going to be easy to explain so she would understand. Trying not to sigh, he decided it was best to just come out and say it. "I'll be leaving in the morning as well."
Surprise, hurt, then confusion flashed through Kaoru's face and this time Kenshin knew she was deliberately showing those emotions to him. Despite his own mixed feelings, he was glad to see her react that way because it meant whatever was between them wasn't a one-sided situation. "Leaving so soon?" she finally commented in a steady voice.
"Yes. I don't trust Saitou to bring the former Council members back to the Capital alive. I intend to go with him, and make sure they arrive safely for their trial."
"Oh." Understanding flooded in her eyes, but then she gave careful scrutiny of his face. "Is that - is that the only reason?"
Kenshin smiled at the slight hesitation in her voice. "That's the only reason that would make me leave. I don't want to depart here just yet, but the circumstances are as they are." He made sure to keep eye contact with Kaoru to show just how serious he was. If he didn't feel so compelled to go with Saitou to protect the corrupt politicians from harm, he would have said to hell with the prisoners and wished them luck while he stayed right here in the city.
But it wasn't just about keeping them alive, either. Saitou had given him a look, one that demanded to know his intentions with Kaoru, threatening him with the safety of the prisoners if Kenshin didn't play along. The Inspector General was probably going to make his life hell on the journey to the capital, interrogating him like a protective wolf over a cub. The possibility also remained that Kenshin would be arrested as a rebel from his role ten years ago. But since there was no other way around this situation, it would be worth it in the end. At least, he hoped it would.
That hope didn't seem misplaced because Kaoru actually stepped closer to him, the first time she did so without the intent to do him bodily harm. She seemed uncertain how to respond, weighing a response but eventually she spoke. "You'll come back?"
Kenshin nodded. "As soon as I can, I'll come back. We have a discussion to finish, after all." And perhaps more than that, depending on the outcome of his journey.
Her expression hardened just then. "Oh, yes we do - Battousai."
He grimaced at the nickname and Kaoru immediately softened. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have called you that. But you hid the truth from me!"
"I did," Kenshin admitted, relieved that his secret was out in the open. This wasn't quite the way he wanted Kaoru to find out about him, but at least it was done. And even better, she seemed to be taking it well. "I didn't want you to think badly of me more than you already might have, from my past. I … guess I wanted you to trust me."
Kaoru studied him for a long while, searching his face carefully. Finally she sighed and shook her head. "Kenshin, you idiot," she said, but it was spoken with tired affection so he wasn't offended. "Who am I to judge you? Don't we all have something in our past we regret? Some are bigger than others but that makes what you're striving to do even more remarkable."
Letting out a breath he didn't know he was holding, Kenshin could only marvel at her quiet acceptance. He had been right all along: Kamiya Kaoru was an extraordinary woman, and worth going through the torture of accompanying Saitou to the capital. "I could say the same about you, Inspector," he teased. "What about your hand-to-hand combat skills?"
She snorted. "You mean my lack of skills? I didn't study as hard as I could have. Maybe I need to consider restarting my training."
"Then you'll be even more unstoppable," he replied, pleased with that idea.
Kaoru grinned at him but then it faded. "I wish you didn't have to go. But you're right, I wouldn't put it past Sensei to carry through with his threat if those men inconvenienced him at all on the way back to the capital."
"It should be a fun journey," Kenshin answered dryly. But with one hurdle over, he was no longer thinking about his upcoming travels. Seeing doubt flash in and out of her eyes, he wanted to leave her with some thoughts to think about. It was essential for Kaoru to realize just how resilient she was because of her vow not to kill, not in spite of it. Kenshin reached out for her hand, pretending not to notice her slightly hitched breath at his touch as he turned it so the palm faced up. "What do you see here, Kaoru-dono?"
She tossed him an inquiring look but he waited until she answered. "Um, my callouses?"
He had to smile at the literal response. "I see a hand strong enough to hold a sword to defend the people under her care. I see a warrior willing to sacrifice her own life to protect everyone around her. I see an honorable Inspector who understands what is truly important and wants all citizens to live life and be as happy as possible. Preferably without breaking the law, of course."
Tears started to gather in Kaoru's eyes as she choked out laughing, the deep cobalt of her pupils enlarged behind the glimmering liquid. But not one drop fell and Kenshin squeezed her hand gently, once again admiring the indomitable spirit within her.
"Don't give up on your principles, Kaoru. Stand firm in what you believe, and don't let anyone talk you out of them. Not your sensei or your father or anyone else. I think that's what your mother would have wanted for you."
Kaoru, Megumi, and Sano gathered to see them off at the western gate despite the early hour. The three prisoners, chained to each other in shackles, were placed on an open wagon driven by Saitou himself. Kaoru had informed Kenshin that Saitou didn't like having an entourage following him around and arrived by himself. They would take the wagon to Nagoya, then take the express line to the capital from there.
"This isn't the wisest thing you've ever done, Ken-san," Megumi said, her voice full of disapproval. She had been highly annoyed when she found out he intended to travel despite his wounds and made no effort to hold back her feelings.
Kenshin only smiled at her. "There is no other physician I trust more than you, Megumi-dono, but you know this is necessary."
At the reminder of the lives at stake, the doctor sighed. "Yes, I suppose you're right. But if any of your wounds re-open, you must get them treated immediately. Am I clear?"
Her tone brooked no argument and Kenshin nodded. "Very. Thank you, Megumi-dono. Please watch over Sano and Kaoru-dono while I'm gone."
"I'd do it even if you didn't ask," she sniffed. Glancing around to see that everyone else's attention was elsewhere, she stepped closer to Kenshin and pressed a pouch into his hand but didn't let it go right away. "This is the potion you requested. But please don't ask me to make it again. You are a dear friend and I understand now why you asked for this. But it's not safe for anyone to ingest, let alone twice."
Kenshin's fingers closed over the medicine and he nodded his understanding. "This will be enough. Thank you again, Megumi-dono."
His gratitude and simple acquiescence seemed to ease the doctor's apprehension and her shoulders lost some of its tension. Releasing the medicine, Megumi added sharply, "And when you return, we'll have a nice, long discussion about your current physical condition."
Wincing at what he knew was going to be an extensive interrogation and a lecture on taking better care of himself, Kenshin merely nodded because there was no arguing with her. And of course Megumi was right. The potion had worn off some time in the middle of the night and he had spent it writhing in pain as his muscles cramped and locked in painful positions for hours. Any food or drink he'd swallowed within the last day had returned with a vengeance and even now, bouts of nausea washed over him. It was only sheer force of will Kenshin stood there, determined to travel with Saitou.
Megumi seemed to be aware of that because she pulled out another pouch which she handed him. "It's not extremely effective, but if you steep the leaves in hot water to drink it once a day, it should ease some discomfort. Try to take as many hot baths as you can to release the toxins through your sweat."
"I will," he replied with a nod. Then he turned to Sano, who glanced over at him. "Udo Jinei may cause trouble in prison," he said in warning.
"Good." Sano grinned and pounded his fists together. "I'd like to have another go at that guy. He caught me off guard at the clinic, but I guarantee I won't lose again. Stay safe, Kenshin."
"You as well."
Turning to Kaoru and Saitou, he realized they had stopped talking. Kaoru wore a troubled expression on her face, but her posture was far more relaxed than he had ever seen it. Kenshin wondered if that was due to Saitou's presence, or the fact that she had cleared the largest hurdle in her role as Inspector to date. He would have to see.
Kaoru turned to him and smiled, though it wobbled at the edges. "Between you and Saitou-sensei, I know you'll be safe but … be careful. You'll keep your promise?"
"Yes. I'll come back as soon as I finish my business."
They stared at each other, unmoving and no longer speaking, until Saitou made a derisive sound. "While you two ogle each other, time is fleeting by. Get on the wagon now if you insist on coming with me, Battousai."
Feeling his cheeks heat at being called out, and Megumi's knowing gaze and Sano's grin focused on him, Kenshin hastily climbed on the passenger side of the driver's bench. Saitou settled in beside him and picked up the reins, flicking it with a snap of his wrist to get the horses moving. Kenshin looked back just once, to see the three of them watching. Kaoru lifted her hand in a brief farewell.
A minute later, his friends disappeared from sight and Kenshin turned his attention back to the road in front of him. Amazingly enough, it didn't seem to beckon him to keep moving forward and following the path unending as it always did. Instead, something inside told him he was moving away from where he should be.
Amid his thoughts, Kenshin heard the scratch of a match and, a second later, the scent of a burning cigarette wafted under his nose. "Do you intend to smoke the entire way?" he asked in exasperation.
"Double, now that I know you hate it," Saitou drawled.
Frowning at the ears of the horse in front of him, Kenshin settled in his seat more deeply. He'd removed his sword from his belt to sit more comfortably, and noticed the Inspector General had done the same. "This is going to be a memorable trip," he murmured, wondering just how long it would take before they annoyed each other enough to draw their weapons.
Saitou slanted a sideways glance at him. "Indeed. So Battousai, why don't you start with telling me your intentions with Kaoru?"
AN: Some of you commented on Kenshin standing back to let Kaoru fight in this last chapter. Hopefully this helped explain why it turned out that way.
Final Chapter: Reunions and Confessions