Spoiler Alert! Kaoru plays a bigger role in this chapter. It's time that she shines eh? I am trying to conclude the story but I also don't want to end it suddenly so please be patient. (・・;

Two months passed. The worst of the winter storms seemed to be behind them. During that time, Soujiro's symptoms would constantly relapse. Some days, he would eat and be more active and then he would suddenly break down again and bedridden days at a time. There had even been a moment or two where Koharu thought he might not live through the night. She hated this disease. Whenever Soujiro seemed to be getting better, he would suddenly take a turn for the worse and scare everyone all over again. Once he would overcome the worst of it, he would have to try to recollect his strength and appetite all over again. Megumi eventually confirmed one of his fears when she had to acknowledge his heart had been permanently weakened. He knew it was the disease that has done this to him, but he constantly wondered if he had not attempted the shukuchi so soon, perhaps he wouldn't have damaged his health to the extent it now was. Megumi tried to comfort him that he still had more room to heal and recover to the point he wouldn't notice his weakened heart. He just needed to avoid doing something so extreme as the shukuchi.

As Kenshin had promised Chou and therefore to the Meiji, he had to question Soujiro on their behalf. It was hard for Kenshin to do so for many reasons. It was obvious he was questioning Soujiro before he could die and before the Meiji got any use from him. He was also unsure if Soujiro had fully forgiven him and let the past go. Nonetheless, he still preferred himself to anyone else the Meiji might sent. When he finally questioned him according to what the Meiji wanted to know, Soujiro held nothing back. One of the most important questioned asked of Soujiro was the whereabouts of stolen weapons and any other secret hideouts Shishio had used and that was still possibly being used by any of Shishio's followers. He proved to have a wealth of information that has never been disclosed with the other JupponGatana. Because of this enlightening information, it was granted for Soujiro to have more time for rehabilitation. In the mean time, spies of the Meiji could confirm Soujiro's words and uncover more truth than they ever had been able to. This would then allow them to plan how to use him if he could recover some strength.

As the relapses started growing further apart, however, Soujiro made little effort as before to start regaining any strength. He had appreciated Megumi being honest with him, but he was still devastated by the news. There was some light in his life though, sunlight to be exact. As the worst of the winter storms were put behind them, Soujiro had more opportunity to enjoy the sun whenever it could show its face. This luxury became even more attainable when he found the courage to ask if he could have his old room back after the repairs had made from his last accident.

Koharu had come to realize how much Soujiro liked being out doors. She never really put it together that that's where he'd rather be. She always felt like they didn't have a choice but to dwell and survive out in the open. When she expressed this to him, Soujiro admitted that what he looked forward to the most when working for Shishio was when Shishio entrusted Soujiro with missions that required him traveling alone. Nature is where he had always been the most happiest, even before knowing Shishio. It all made sense to Koharu. He was good with animals and he didn't just survive outside, he thrived on it.

He was already carrying great sadness over how his disease crippled him and how he was expected to serve the Meiji as he done for Shishio. To keep trying to deny his access outside would only add to his sadness. It was a new sadness hanging over him and Koharu and the others struggled to snap him out of it. When he got his precious moment to be in the sun, he would just sit there quietly until he dozed off to sleep as he was now.

Megumi had told everyone to just give him time and not pressure him to do anything. She likened his situation and mood to grief. He had lost a part of himself and had to come to terms to his new situation.

"Will he really never be able to do the shukuchi again?" Koharu had questioned Megumi.

"Time can only tell, but think of this as part of his recovery. When a person loses someone or something, it's natural to grieve and one must to be able to in order to take the next step forward.

I believe he can be strong again, just not in the way he knew himself to be. We just have to keep supporting and reassuring him. Just give him time."

Koharu was tired of hearing that. She didn't care if he wasn't as strong as before. She believed even if he was half the swordsman he was, no one would still stand a chance against him. The only thing she wanted back was that smile and laugh.

Kaoru had been present for the conversation and was also unhappy with the response. She understood letting someone grieve but didn't quite feel this was the answer. It wasn't just his grief but his confidence he lost. She felt something could be done now to help him. She argued within herself that Megumi was no swordsman and therefore couldn't quite relate to what Soujiro was going through. Kaoru thought she could help him in some way. It didn't help that she was the kind of person that wanted to fix everything anyway.

The only problem was Soujiro had kept his distance, especially from her. He now seemed to welcome Kenshin more than her. She felt like she was the only one that didn't know him now. Even though Sanosuke and Soujiro didn't seem to get along, she felt like Sanosuke still had a better relationship with him.

The idea of her helping him to recover his strength had already been tossed around and accepted, all except by Soujiro. When the idea was mention to him again, he had said there was no harm in letting her try, but that's as much as they got out from him. He remained unmotivated and disinterested in any activity, especially training. He wouldn't admit it, but his pride had seriously be wounded when his heart gave out at what he thought should have been an easy task. It had once been easy. Now if he took a turn too quickly, he could end up on face. Megumi was right. He was coming to terms with it, but Kaoru didn't think he had to sulk to get through it.

As Soujiro's relapses had grown further apart, Megumi started to return to the clinic to help Dr. Gensai. It was the season of colds after all so she did what she could to take the burden he had been stuck with since having to give special attention to Soujiro.

Kaoru was up for the challenge in helping Soujiro regain his strength. It was just figuring out how to approach him. He seemed to already agree to it, he just wasn't taking any initiative to pursue the course. So Kaoru waited for the right time to approach him. She decided it might be better to approach him without Koharu present. Koharu was the reason she felt she could trust that Soujiro must be a good person, but instead of taking the girl's word on it, she decided she needed to learn herself. That day came when Megumi was away at the clinic and she decided the best way to get rid of the others was to give them money for a warm meal. As much as the two liked to pick on each other, Yahiko was excited to show Koharu what a real meal should taste like. Obviously, this lured Sanoske out from the dojo to take advantage of a warm prepared meal and give everyone something to do as it had been a dreary winter.

Koharu at first was only going to go if Soujiro went. He told her kindly he couldn't because he could risk spreading his disease. "Plus, I'm not allowed to leave the dojo anyway. Even if Kenshin trusts me, it would reflect badly on him. I need to stay here," he then smiled. "But you should go on ahead. I know you like eating out too. Take advantage of this."

"But Sou!"

"Here," Kaoru gave some extra change to Koharu. "Give this to Tae the owner and say its for Soujiro. She'll gladly make something special for him to eat that you'll be able to carry home."

For the first time it seemed, Soujiro met Kaoru's gaze. He quickly looked away when Kaoru gave a friendly smile.

"Thank you," Soujiro started, "but you don't need-"

"Let Koharu do this for you." Let me try to help you. "It will ease her guilt, won't it?" She asked her.

Koharu held the change up and clasped her other hand over it with a nod. "I would love to bring you something back Sou." The thought of eating out seemed like a luxury to her and that therefore made the food a luxury to have. It was a luxurious thing she felt she could bring back to Soujiro. He could only have it if she did it for him.

Soujiro caved. He gave his defeated smiled and ruffled her hair teasingly. "All right, thank you Koharu. I appreciate it."

Koharu whined in response but then laughed playfully as she snatched up his hand. "You're messing up my hair!"

Seeing that eased Kaoru apprehension at approaching him. It showed her how soft hearted he really was and that she was probably worrying for nothing.

The company that left altogether was Sanosuke, Yahiko and Koharu. Kenshin also stayed behind and would keep himself busy doing laundry while Kaoru was left to figure out how to draw Soujiro out to her.

She had planned facing him immediately after the others left, but once she had set the others off, Soujiro had already left and returned to his room. Kaoru's apprehension grew again as this added to the challenge of trying to speak to him. Usually when he left and shut the door like that, it meant he didn't desire any company. She couldn't and wouldn't turn to Kenshin for help. Kenshin had already returned to finish his chores and she didn't want to appear that she needed someone with her in order to talk to him. It would still come across as her not trusting him and not proving who really was the head of the house.

Kaoru probably stood stiff in the room for fifteen minutes. It's now or never, she thought. He can't hurt me. Either way, he knows Kenshin is still here. What am I so afraid of? I'm older and it's my home, she smacked her fist into her palm with resolve. I've got this.

She decided that to be taken more seriously, she would put on her sword uniform and carry her sword. She was going to prove she meant business. She entered and then left her room in her uniform and marched down the hall to where she knew Soujiro was.

She approached Soujiro's door and raised her fist. Her resolved face already starting to falter. Please don't hate me…. She softly knocked. No response. Her shoulders sagged. Of course…. She then swallowed. "Soujiro? It's me. Kaoru. Can I come in?"

No response.

Kaoru's fist tightened and she clenched her jaw. I've about had it with this guy's attitude. If he's not going to answer, I'm coming in anyway.

She shoved the door aside now more eager and brave to tell him how it was going to be from here on out. "Listen, I've had it…." Her words trailed off. Soujiro was no where to be seen and his outside door was left partially open. "Soujio?" She spoke softly again, expecting him to somehow be near enough to hear it. She was never acknowledged. However, after a moment, she started to hear the sound of bristled straw brushing against the ground nearby. She cautiously approached the doorway to look out where the room viewed a portion of her yard. The blanket of snow had melted away to a thin sheet that was being maintain due to the light flurries they've had the pass few days.

Kaoru stepped out on the porch to find Soujiro off in the yard with a broom sweeping a path through the yard. It shocked her for many reasons. Soujiro had not done much activity since his accident. He had only been seen sitting watching the outside world or sleeping and showing no interest in life.

Maybe Megumi was right after all…. He just needed time to grieve.

She was also shocked to find he barely had anything warm to wear for the weather. He wasn't even wearing socks. He was just wearing his normal clothes with his wrap. "What do you think you're doing?" Kaoru blurted out in horror. She jumped off the porch and approached him. "This is supposed to be Yahiko's job." She approached and snatched the broom from his grasp. "You shouldn't be out here! You could have at least asked for warmer clothes."

Soujiro face froze and he backed away from her. His mouth opened to speak but no words were formed. He could still barely raise his head to meet her gaze. He kept his eyes on the ground and shifted his eyes cautiously around him as if he had to discern she was actually talking to him. No one else was present. He finally raised his gaze to meet Kaoru's.

"Yes, I'm talking to you." Kaoru said as she pulled forth her sword and directed the tip to Soujiro's face when she got closer. He didn't even flinch but Kaoru was not dissuaded from speaking her mind. "It's time you start learning the rules of this dojo. You will start by listening to everything I have to say. Got it?"

Koharu didn't mind her present company but she felt she could have enjoyed herself more had Kaoru came with them. Even Kenshin. Most of all she wished Soujiro could have been able to join them. She felt he needed this more than anything. She was not aware that Kaoru purposefully stayed behind to try and reach out to him.

"This here is Koharu. Her and her brother are staying at the dojo. Her brother couldn't make it because he's still sick." Yahiko introduced Koharu to Tae. "Koharu, this is Tae the owner."

She only caught on just as he finished. Koharu nodded to Tae. "Nice to meet you. You and your brother are in good hands," she confirmed for Koharu. "When he's feeling better, you should bring him on down. I would love to meet any friend of Kaoru and Kenshin."

Koharu nodded with a smile. "Thank you. I'll bring him over as soon as I can."

"What can I get you dear?"

Koharu at once held up the extra money Kaoru gave her. "Something hearty and easy to swallow for my brother, please."

"She means you," Yahiko interjected with a tone. "It makes more sense to get Soujiro's food right before we leave."

"I was just making her aware!" Koharu barked as she withdrew the money. She had red cheeks for being made to feel embarrassed. "I don't want to forget…."

"Aw, don't worry. That will be no problem. Leave it to me. I won't forget. While you three eat, I'll get something ready for you to take home to him." Tae said sweetly. She shot Yahiko a stink eye for having been rude. After she took their orders, she left them alone and then returned to the kitchen.

Sanosuke had mainly stayed quiet until he next met Koharu's gaze. She had sat up straight and was now staring vehemently at him. "What?" He barked with crossed arms.

"Why won't you be nice to Sou?"

Sanosuke scoffed as he looked away. "Where do I do begin?He worked for a psychopath. He nearly cost Kenshin his life, not to mention what he nearly cost the country."

"He knows the wrong he's done and he's suffered because of it."

"Look, you don't know him like I did-"

"And you don't know him like I do," Koharu immediately responded keeping her gaze fixed on him.

Sanosuke bit his tongue. He knew she was right and how she strongly defended Soujiro could convince anyone of his change of heart. He spat out a defeated breath. "All right, fine. I'll try to ease up on the kid."

"No, you'll make him feel welcomed," she said as she sat her fists into the ground beside her. "The more kindness he's shown, the more it does prove how crazy Shishio was and convinces Soujiro that he made the right choice."

Sanosuke's hardened face falter. Damn it, she's right.…

Yahiko tilted his head curiously. "I never thought of it like that." He looked at Sanosuke with a shrug. "She makes a good point, you know. You could be a little nicer for that reason alone."

"I already said fine!" He spat out. "Now drop it."

Koharu crossed her arms with a smirk. "Thank you." Got that taken care of. That still isn't going to make him that much happier though, her posture falter sadly. How do I get him to be happy again?

Once they had eaten and enjoyed their meal, they were already on their way home. Koharu had Soujiro's meal at hand and walked behind the other two listening to them complain about the dreary winter. There had been certain aspects of this winter she hated, but she also knew that once this winter ended, a new life would start. She would be returning to the dojo more often without her adoptive brother waiting for her. Overall, she had only known Soujiro for about two seasons, but it was difficult to imagine how she would spend the next few months without him. She had originally expected she was going to travel the world forever at his side. Much more than that was being ripped away from her.

She sighed as she looked down at the meal she carried protectively. He has a home to return to now. That's important. It gives him something wonderful to look forward to…each…time…he has to leave….

She became filled with despair. The reality of it seemed to be hitting harder than ever. What if his visits are rare and short? Will the Meiji even let him come home? What if-

She was suddenly shoved and stumbled forward nearly dropping Soujiro's meal to the ground. She hadn't even realized she had stopped in her tracks as she had been despairing inwardly. Yahiko and Sanosuke hadn't even noticed and were nowhere to be seen. Those jerks!

"Oh my goodness! How clumsy of me."

Koharu turned around to face the person responsible while holding on to Soujiro's meal all the more protectively, as if that was the reason she was attacked. She opened her mouth in retaliation but then held her tongue and tilted her.

She looks oddly familiar.

"Excuse me," the woman continued passed Koharu.

Koharu watched the woman while trying to ascertain why she looked familiar. She looked rather frail as she took the daintiest steps into the muddy, slick snow. She was a lady of the higher class, but seemed rather strange, even a bit off.

The women took a few more dainty steps and then came to a stop. She stood there a moment gazing at her soundings confusingly. She seems…helpless. And that's saying something coming from me.

Koharu sighed and slumped her shoulders. "Are you lost?" She asked as she approached the woman.

"Of course not, child," she waved her hand dismissively. "I'm sure the dress shop is just down the street. Thank you."

The dress shop? If there was anything Koharu remembered it was knowing where the dress shop was. She stepped forward. "Wait, no it's not. You're going the wrong way. The shop is the other way."

The woman turned to face Koharu again. "I'm sure that it is this way." She was trying to hide it but Koharu could hear the stress in her voice.

Koharu shrugged it off. "Well if you want to stay loss, fine. I have better things to do." She continued passed the older woman. She had only walked a few paces before she was made to stop again.

"Young lady…. You're right."

Koharu stopped. Young lady…. She was never going to get used to that. She didn't mind it, but it felt like they were referring to someone else besides her. She eventually turned to face the woman again.

"I'm lost."

Koharu tried not to smirk. She approached the woman and instead, tried to reveal a more genuine smile. "Come on. It's not far."

She wondered if Sanosuke and Yahiko had noticed she was gone yet. One thought she did entertain was them showing up at the dojo without her.

How mad that would make Sou! Then Kaoru putting them in their place, she giggled inwardly. Wait, if Soujiro gets mad at Sano, Sano will think he won't have to be nice. And it's not good for Sou right now to get worked up, she bit her lip in guilt. I need to hurry back! She picked up the pace.

"Oh. Oh, Miss, could you slow down a bit?" The woman asked from behind. She was trying to keep up with Koharu by taking smaller, but faster dainty steps. "Oh my niece was right."

"About what?"

"That I would get lost. I went to get her a special gift for her new dress," the woman explained as she pulled forth from a sleeve a beautiful hairpin. "She lost her other one earlier this winter."

Koharu at once stopped in her tracks as she gazed at the hairpin. "Avaron!" She blurted out. Then Koharu remembered more clearly who the woman before her was. She gazed from the hairpin back at the woman while trying to keep her composure intact. The train, her aunt. Yes! I remember now. She was the woman passed out in the train.

"You know my niece?" The woman asked. "She has never mentioned you. What's your name?"

"Of course I know her. She is a very close friend to my brother Soujiro." She made it seem like they had always been childhood friends. Koharu's eyes were glistening and her lips had parted in her excitement. I'll bring Avaron to see Sou. That'll make him happy. Maybe she can get him to snap out of it. The only reason she hadn't thought of it sooner was because she had no idea where to find Avaron.

"Soujiro, yes!" She was instantly excited. "Of course, how could I have not seen it. You do do look like his sister. Of course they have mentioned you. How rude for an older woman to not notice. I've been wanting to meet you for awhile now. You may call me Honoka"

The comment made Koharu blushed. "Please, I need to see Avaron."

"Is Soujiro ok? We haven't received much news."

Koharu hesitated. She was already in a rush to get back to the dojo so not to worry anyone. It would take too long to explain why she wanted Avaron to come with her. The shortest answer she could give would be that he was sulking and unmotivated to try anymore and that she wanted Avaron to slap sense into him.

Koharu's delayed in response made Honoka start to assume the worst. "All right. Of course Avaron can see Soujiro. If you would be so kind to lead the way, I'm sure you'll find her faster than I will."

Oh right. I was leading the way. She nodded to Honoka and turned on her heel to continue leading the way. Since the worst of the snowstorms were behind them, the town was slowly coming back to life. More people were seen on the streets after being holed up in their homes all winter long. Now that there was a path on the streets again, business could start opening back at their normal hours... Including the dress shop. As they passed by the window shop, Koharu looked through the window as she passed by but saw Avaron no where in sight.

She led Honoka through and quickly started scanning through the store. She nearly bumped into someone she remembered as the owner of the place. The shop wasn't large but it wasn't tiny either. There were some kimonos and obi featured and ready to buy, but there was also fabric to choose from to have a kimono custom made. There was only one other customer she saw out of the corner of her eye standing on a stool in front of a mirror but Koharu quickly disregarded the customer. Koharu turned to face Honoka still trying to catch up to her. "Where is she?"

The young woman standing on the stool did a double take through the mirror. "Koharu?" She then turned to face her.

Koharu turned a bewildered look back at the young woman. It was Avaron, but not in her usual clothes. She was is western style attire, her auburn hair tied up in a tight bun with her usual wisps framing her face.

"Koharu! It's you!"

"What? Who-? Koharu didn't recognize her right away.

The moment Avaron eagerly stepped down the stool, her foot bent the wrong way. Next thing Koharu saw was the strange woman falling over her knees in her bustled dress.

"Miss! Miss," the tailor rushed to her side. "Are you okay?"

"Avaron, my goodness. Be more careful!" Honoka also rushed to her side.

Avaron chuckled embarrassingly as she sat up on her knees. "I just can't get used to these heels. It's hard to believe women wear these everyday in England." The tailor and Honoka aided in helping Avaron back to get feet. "Koharu, I'm thrilled to see you."

Koharu was still trying to process everything. Not only was Avaron in strange foreign clothing, but she also just had a very clumsy moment. She had always considered Avaron too proper and rich to have such moments.

Avaron happily approached Koharu and knelt down to pull Koharu in a tight embrace. "I've missed you. It seems like so much time has passed since we last saw each other."

"Avaron, keep the dress off the floor. Honestly!" Honoka continued to mother her niece.

Koharu never really considered how much she actually meant to Avaron until she felt her sincere care for hey in how she held her. Avaron also didn't seem to mind that Koharu wasn't returning the embrace. She was still in shock. Avaron soon pulled away. "Is everything okay? Are you alone?"

"Um, yes…no….," Koharu started. She shook her head confusingly. "I mean…Avaron.… What are you wearing?"

Avaron brought her hand to get mouth and chuckled. Koharu them noticed the golden laced gloves over her fragile porcelain hands. Avaron stood from Koharu to appease her aunt stressing over the dress getting ruined. She stepped back and held the sides of the dress up. It was a dark burgundy dress with gold trimming and roses with vine embroidery decorating it. It had three quarter sleeves with golden lace trimmings that fell just over her elbows. While the tailor had not been overly familiar with western clothes, she had been up to the challenge and was able to restore the dress to what it had once been.

"It was my mother's. My father got it for her when he took her to England. It's just been restored. Isn't it beautiful?"

"That's what they wear in England? But you look so unnaturally tiny." Her waist narrowed to almost a point before the velvet dress seem to pour over her hips. It also looked heavy to have to move in and unnatural. "It's beautiful," Koharu finally added. "But how do you eat?"

Avaron smiled and let the dress fall at her sides again and folded her hands in front of her. "I eat just the same Koharu." She then looked towards the floor with rosy cheeks. "Perhaps it's a bit much? I suppose it wouldn't be anything Soujiro would care to see."

Sou! She looked back at his meal she still carried and thought about how worried they must be by now. "Yes!" She blurted out. "You should go show him right now."

"Now? Don't you think this will be a bit of a surprise-" Avaron yelped when Koharu lunged and grabbed her wrist with a pull forward. Avaron at once stumbled and fell over her knees again harder than before so that a section of her hair fell from the bun.

"Don't you know how to walk in it?" Koharu spat out impatiently.

Avaron rolled her eyes and blew from her face the section of hair that fell from the bun. "It's been awhile since I've worn European clothes…and it wasn't anything like this."

Both Honoka and the tailor had cringed once Avaron and the dress stuck the ground again. "Please be more careful you two," Honoka begged. She approached Avaron and pulled her forth her gift from her sleeve. She gathered the section of Avaron's hair that had fell and secured it back in her bun using the hairpin. "I'll conclude our business here. You run along."

"You're letting me go? Even after what we did?"

"He's a respected soldier. I'm not going to let you squander this opportunity!"

"What opportunity?" Koharu asked. "What happened?" She wasn't on the same page at all.

Avaron let out a nervous chuckle and shrugged it off. "It's nothing. You're right, I would love to go with you. We can go now." She started to lead Koharu away but then paused just before they were going to exit the shop. Avaron had a look like she was forgetting something. It must have been because she briefly left Koharu by the door and quickly approached here aunt again. They quietly exchanged words for just a few seconds. She then returned by Koharu's side and nodded to her. "Lead the way."

"Does Kenshin know you're here?" Soujiro asked, completely disregarding Kaoru's question to him and the sword she held to his face. "Is he aware?"

Kaoru's jaw clenched as well as her hand around the hilt of her weapon. "This is the Kamiya Dojo, I'm Kamiya Kaoru and this is my family home. I do not need Kenshin's permission to talk to you as long as you're living under this roof."

"What do you want to talk about?"

"Why do you avoid me?"

Soujiri shifted his weight uneasily and kept his gaze turned away. He again looked at his surroundings to ascertain if they were really alone.

"You can't even look at me," Kaoru said as she lowered the sword.

Soujiro made himself raise his head to meet her gaze. "I'm sorry. I'm not trying to be disrespectful. I thought I was keeping the peace."

"By avoiding me?"

"I can tell how much you mean to Kenshin," he remarked softly. "I've also noticed you've barely left his side since I arrived. You weren't just by his side because you were afraid. You are more afraid of me doing something to him.…I just don't want to give cause for any of you to have to worry about each other.

"But I trust you now, and so does Kenshin."

"This is the first time you have approached me without Kenshin or the others. I feel like you've barely had a say in me staying here. I didn't want you feeling uncomfortable in your own house. So I have tried to make it so you don't have to avoid me."

"So I'm the reason you lock yourself up in your room?"

"No!" Soujiro raised his voice.

"Having a stranger in my home is not going to make me feel more comfortable."

"Do you want me to leave then?" Soujiro assumed. "For god's sake just tell me and I'll go."

Kaoru gritted her teeth. Had it been just Soujiro standing there, she might have struck him. Instead, she took hold of her sword and swung around with a roar and stuck the trunk of a unfortunate tree several times. "You're. Twisting. My. Words!" She whirled back around. "Stop acting like a stranger. Show a little more interest in everyone else instead of feeling sorry for yourself!" She continued to lecture. "You act like you've been given a death sentence, not a second chance. If anything you've been given a privileged position. Do you know what others your age have to go through to receive any favor or recognition within the Meiji? They'll do anything and it's often not achieved until they're much older …and it's being handed right to you."

"That's because they value what I know." Soujiro only stepped and looked away that time because he knew he could still be contagious. "They want the Tenken... Not this.…" He gestured shamefully at his weak figure. "It might as well as be a death sentence if my strength never comes back." He tried to bend down to pick up the broom she threw aside until Kaoru lunged and used her sword swiftly to lift and toss the broom out of his reach again. The action caught him off guard causing him to lose balance. He could only regain it by using his hand for stability against the ground in a kneeling position.

"See? You should have anticipated that!" Kaoru berated him. If he could anticipate Sanosuke's flurry of punches, this shouldn't have been a problem for Soujiro to anticipate.

"Do you want me to fight back?" Soujiro struggled to keep his tone cordial with her. He wouldn't admit he had been taken by surprise.

"I want you to stop comparing yourself to who you were. That's what's crippling you, more so than your ailment. We want to help you Soujiro but it only works if you first help yourself." When Soujiro stayed quiet, she continued. "Let me train you. I'll train you both privately and with my students. We all need to review the basics from time to time and it's a great way to start recovering your strength." She let the words sit with him for a moment but then firmly nudged and directed the blade against his jaw to make him look at her again. "If you agree, remember, I'll be your master now and I expect to be treated as your master. I'm older than you, this is my home, my dojo and I deserve your respect. Do you understand me?"

Even though she had her sword on him, he broke his gaze from her again. He settled into a more comfortable position while still seated on the ground. Soujiro's blank expression eventually softened and he even started to smile. "Spoken like a true master.," he chuckled.

Kaoru internally started to scream. She still felt like he wasn't taking her seriously. All she needed was for him to say yes. She was about to demand a straightforward response before both heard hurried footsteps approaching and then a troubled Yahiko skidding around the porch. Kaoru lowered the sword completely from Soujiro and he took that as a sign to stand, especially seeing the sudden stress Yahiko seemed to be under.

"Kaoru, can I talk to you for a second?" He pointed somewhere far away from Soujiro to try and drop the hint to keep him out of it.

"What is it?"

Yahiko grinded his teeth and gestured with his head. "Can you please just. Come. Over. Here? It's important." He wasn't meeting Soujiro's gaze at all.

"Just spit it out!" She figured it wouldn't look good to keep Soujiro on the outside just after claiming he had been the one to separate himself from the others. She just wanted him to feel more included, but soon realized why Yahiko had tried to keep Soujiro out of it.

He gave up with an exasperated breath. "It's Koharu. We lost sight of her…."

"What? She didn't come back with you?" Soujiro asked.

"You two should have been watching her! How did she managed to leave your sight?" She was just as upset. Before Yahiko could answer, Kaoru had to use her sword to block Soujiro again when he started to rush towards the front of the house where the main entrance was. "What do you think you're doing?"

"I'm going to find her."

"No. You shouldn't be out here anyway, especially with how you're dressed. Get back inside-"

Soujiro shoved the sword aside and continued towards the main gate. Kaoru tried to call out to him more authoritatively but he wouldn't hear her. She had no choice but to chase him down.

Soujiro had not planned to be out this long either and it was seen taking it's toll on him when he stumbled and fell into the ground. It wasn't weakness that was overcoming him, but the numbness of the cold. He forced himself back up and continued to rush towards the entrance. It was within view now.

Kenshin had come out to meet them after hearing the commotion and rushed to him when he witness Soujiro fall. "What's going on?"

"Get inside right now!" Kaoru was now yelling at him. "Kenshin stop him."

When he saw that Soujiro really intended to leave, Kenshin had no choice but to block and seize Soujiro by his arm. "Don't do anything rash. If you're seen leaving this dojo," Kenshin started and had to take hold of both his arms when Soujiro showed signs of resisting," the Meiji will seize you and there won't be anything I can do."

"Koharu is missing-" he tried to explain.

"Getting arrested is not going to solve anything," Kaoru said. She was confused by his sudden resolve. It was one thing to be protective, but he seemed to already by jumping to the worst conclusions.

"You're being reckless again," Kenshin warned Soujiro. "Even now you're risking undoing all the recovery you've been making. Get inside and let them handle it." Kenshin gave it like an order. He was surprised how quickly Soujiro started to listen and stop resisting.

Soujiro had already learned the hard way how quickly his health could turn on him if he wasn't careful. Megumi had finally gotten to leave the dojo and return to the clinic to help with the many other sick patients. Not only was she not here to act quickly if Soujiro's health did turn for the worse, but he would deny the town the attention they would need from her if she were to be dragged back here.

"Sano is still looking for her," Yahiko tried to assure. "We're going to find her. She can't be far."

Just as he spoke, the gate to the dojo opened and Sanosuke was seen entering. They were expecting Koharu until he ended up shutting the door behind him and now found them all to be staring at him.

"Where is she?" Soujiro questioned.

Sanosuke froze. "You mean she isn't here?"

Yahiko facepalmed.

His reaction as well as everyone else's silence and stern glances answered the question for Sanosuke. "I retraced our steps back to the restaurant. I even asked Tae about her. When she was nowhere to be seen, I figured she must have already come back," he defended.

"That's just great," Soujiro spat and shouldered off Kenshin's hold. "This is what I get for trusting you and I'm stuck here unable to do anything about it."

"When we took you two in, Koharu became part of our responsibility," Kaoru reminded him.

"A lot of good it's doing," Soujiro snapped at her.

Kaoru reacted like she had just been slapped. Not only had he been undermining her, but insulted her as well.

"Soujiro, that's enough," Kenshin warned again.

He was already regretting the comment. He knew how Kaoru had grown fond of Koharu and how she was teaching her things he would never be able to teach her. He stepped away from them and took a moment to breath and cool his anger. He slowly turned to face them, particularly Kaoru. "I'm sorry…she just stresses me out. Who knows what trouble she's gotten herself into…." He was overreacting because he had also been guilty of losing sight of her as well. He had once fallen asleep in his exhaustion and woke up the next morning to find the girl barely clinging to her life in the rapids. Every second had counted on him finding her in time. He wouldn't admit that to them, but it was reason for him to seemingly overreact to her disappearance.

"Do you consider yourself that important that someone would target her already?" Sanosuke accused. "Right now, you're an easier target than she is. It be easier to just finish you off."

"What?" Soujiro spat out confusingly. He hadn't even considered that. The thought only added to his stress though. Even then, he didn't need to be a reason for someone to target and snatch up a small girl. He could only find some comfort in that Koharu would have put up a fight and drawn attention to it. He tried to convince himself she was fine.

"That's enough!" Kaoru yelled with clenched fists. "Kenshin. Take Soujiro inside. Tie him up if he refuses to sit still. You two," she pointed at Sanosuke and Yahiko. "Let's head back out and find her and you are not to come home until Koharu is safe and sound. Got it? Get a move on it!"

Kenshin urged Soujiro to turn around. From there, he made sure Soujiro was ahead and within view at all times. Soujiro had no plan on trying to out smart them. He knew Kenshin had to stay behind only because he couldn't be trusted and Kenshin could outmatch him if he tried anything. He had no choice but to submit to this arrangement. While he wouldn't fight, Soujiro's frustration was seen by how he clutched Avaron's wrap in the front into a tight ball and held his clenched jaw.

Soujiro had barely opened the door inside when he heard the familiar creak of the wooden gate being opened from behind. He at once turned around before anyone else could and soon saw the girl entering …grinning ear to ear. She clearly didn't know what she had just put everyone through. He at once started to march towards her to start chastising her for what she has just put him through.

"See, she's fine," Sanosuke gestured at the excited girl.

"Koharu." Soujiro started but then came to a halt. "Who's with you?" By the time he asked, he knew. There was no one else it could be.

Koharu started to anounce her guest but then paused and turned to face the door. Avaron had not entered but froze on the spot with a horrified expression. She had not expect to see Soujiro as soon as she entered and she was stunned to know already that her presence was sensed. "Were you not supposed to be out?" Avaron asked, thinking now she's might be blamed for it.

"Come on," Koharu urged.

"Avaron," Soujiro said her name before he promptly opened the door himself to fully reveal her to everybody. "What are you doing here?"

Avaron held to a cheerful smile and stepped back, expecting him to say something about her dress. He only continued waiting expectantly for a serious response. His eyes didn't even reveal he had noticed the dress, but he kept them at eye level. It was a slap in the face, for Soujiro had been willing to acknowledge Koharu's new dress once and had been instantly surprised be it. She didn't understand how he was able to not show any reaction to it. Koharu hadn't even recognized her at first.

When she knew he wasn't going to say anything, she continued smiling and said: "You asked me such a question last time I was here and the answer is still the same." She said as she entered. She walked with perfect posture and grace but at her last step, her foot bent the wrong way and she dropped.

She thought she was going to strike the ground but felt his arms swiftly catch her underneath her arms. For a few seconds, she was fully being supported by his arms. "What are you doing?" He uttered to her accusingly.

I didn't do that on purpose! She wanted to tell him but thought denying it would make it look worse. She was thankful to know he still wouldn't have let her drop even if it was an act.

With her head momentarily resting against his arm, she saw that everyone else had been taken aback by her European dress. It wasn't uncommon to see women from Europe wearing their dresses on the streets here, but no one had expected Avaron to show up in one. Even less knew of her heritage. After noticing their reaction to her, she wondered why Soujiro had made no reaction.

She quickly found her balance so he didn't have to keep supporting her, but as she stood straight, she didn't feel Soujiro lighten his hold on her very much. In fact, as she had stood straight, he still held her as he had been and let his hands fall and trace her curves until he rested then on her hips. No one saw it because of Soujiro's wrap now hanging loosely off his shoulders and arms. It had been discreet and quick. For Avaron, it revealed that he must have not known many girls at all because of how he touched her. He held her like it was the first time to touch and hold a girl. He had held her before, but it was different in a kimono that was meant to hide all curves. European dresses seem to do the opposite and Soujiro had certainly never held a girl where he saw and felt her exaggerated curves because of the style of a dress. It also revealed to Avaron he had been purposefully not been giving the attention she expected.

She managed to slowly pull away wanting to see his face as he held her. He was no longer facing her eye level, but had lowered his gaze to stroke the velvet of her dress at her waist again. She smiled but dared not make a sound or even breathe in that moment. Somehow, Soujiro managed to look so innocent while clearly being enthralled and curious. It was a face she never wanted to forget.

"Wow," even Yahiko exclaimed, which broke Soujiro of his trance. He quickly withdrew his hands from her and stepped away with the reddest cheeks.

"What's the occasion?" Yahiko asked.

"You didn't dress up just for him, did you?" Sanosuke teased.

"Are you going to be going to England soon?" Kaoru eagerly asked.

Soujiro at once shot his gaze back at her, the sudden dread in his eyes. He then broke his gaze from her to not reveal how the thought of it made him feel already. It wasn't supposed to matter.

"Oh, no," Avaron responded right away. "My aunt thought it was time to restore it. My father bought it for my mother when she went to England with him." She explained as she stepped back for them to see the dress. "Koharu found us still at the shop and kind of…dragged me back here. I wanted to change but she said I should come now."

Kaoru chuckled out loud knowing Koharu's intentions. "Are you going to formally introduce your friend Soujiro?"

Avaron noticed Soujiro reacting to Kaoru's chuckle when he lowered his head. He still had his back to everyone else and nervously clutched at his wrap right before the wind was about to take it. He didn't know how to face them after what he had just done. He couldn't pretend to brush it off after making it clear to her that he had noticed and even enjoyed holding her.

Is he that embarrassed? She hadn't drawn attention to his infatuation. He should have been able to carry on like her that nothing had happened. She also knew he had purposefully denied her the attention she had expected from him but had ended up exposing his feelings by how he touched her just not. He wasn't just embarrassed, but humiliated.

Nobody meant to add to his humiliation , but he didn't know how to recover from it. He just knew he had to send her away. He ignored Kaoru's request. "You shouldn't be here," he finally uttered to her. "You're disobeying Yamagata's orders."

"He doesn't have time to deal with this." Avaron echoed familiar words. "A general is going to be absorbed with more important matters."

Kenshin! Soujiro clutched the wrap more taut. He must have said the same words he had to him when he visited the Ohara family.

"Don't you think it's a little extreme to have to ban us from one another?" She continued. She had her arms behind her innocently as she stepped closer to him. "If he really meant to enforce it, I wouldn't be standing here now."

Soujiro remained quiet, struggling to hold his ground. He didn't mean to constantly get her hopes up and then crush them. He kept acting on the spur of the moment without thinking about the consequences. He had never had such strong feelings and emotions that could control him like that. "He shouldn't have to enforce it. You should just obey."

Avaron laughed mockingly. "Because you always obey the authorities." She clasped her hands gently back in front of her. "There's nothing wrong with this. The last news I got concerning your was that your nearly died... Then nothing. I don't think it's wrong to know how you have been. And I wanted to see you in person. Not hear it from anyone else."

Soujiro arched his brow and tried to subtly shake his head at her, almost trying to gesture at her to forget it and leave. He felt she should have assumed why he wanted to end this. "Well… I obviously didn't want to see you."

"I know what you're doing," Avaron at once said and stepped closer. "You're not going to run me off.

Koharu was starting to see the inner struggle Soujiro was fighting. All she wanted was Avaron to have the chance to prove to Soujiro he was worth any risk. Koharu didn't want Soujiro making the choice for anyone else.

Come on Sou. You don't have to keep her away.

He then looked at her.

Did I say that out loud?

She hadn't, but he was reminding himself of why he couldn't encourage any relationship with Avaron. Koharu had become a direct target the moment her existence was made known to the Meiji. They had threatened her and hurt her and had even used Avaron. Even more importantly, it had all worked. He was now working and bound to the Meiji for that very reason. Anything less would bring misery on them. Koharu would be protected, but there was no way to guarantee Avaron's safely. One mistake from him or the Meiji could ruin everything. He didn't ever want to be forced to submit again because of the people he was closed to.

"Let's finish this inside," Kaoru suggested as she felt the tension growing. "I'll prepare some warm drinks for everyone. Sounds good?" She tried to quickly break the tensity growing around them.

"No... there's no need," Soujiro said over his shoulder towards her.

Kaoru narrowed her gaze and of crossed her arms. "That's not your call to make."

She was still being ignored by him.

He started to turn away. "Your right. This isn't Yamagata's choice, but you clearly can't take a hint. I don't want you here and you better leave before I make you."

She still wasn't ready to give up. She started to follow him and continue to fight. "Soujiro, listen-ow!" Her ankle twisted again in her rush.

Soujiro turned around and stopped the fall by grasping under her arm to support her. Even though slowed by his illness, he still acted lightening fast to her. He was no longer acting shy but he fixed his gaze back at her and tightened his hold just enough to not hurt her. "This is... my choice," his voice quivered and broke. He hardened his face and continued to talk down at her. "… and I'm standing by it." His tone quickly changed to a darker one. "This if over. Stop making a fool of yourself and go home!" He shoved her back. She tripped and fell harder than usual because of her inexperience to maneuver in such a dress and in her shoes.

"I don't ever want you to set foot in this place again!"

Koharu had once been jealous at how quickly Avaron was able to get Soujiro to open up to him. It has been nearly unfair because Soujiro had barely let Koharu near him even when they decided to travel together. Now, it was almost like watching him repeat the mistakes he had first made with her. He had threatened her and held her over a cliff before letting her fall. Even now the memory still pained Koharu and now he had just done something similar to Avaron. It was one of those rare moments that Soujiro could suddenly change and become a terrifying person.

"What the hell are you doing?" Sanosuke yelled angrily.

Koharu's mouth hung open. She was still trying to grasp what he had just done.

Avaron had fallen to her side while having landed on her palms. Most of her hair had fallen out of her bun on impact when she landed and she slowly turned her head back up towards Soujiro to reveal her piercing, emerald eyes.

Soujiro felt a stab of remorse when she struck the ground. He didn't mean to throw her so hard and was just now realizing she was still learning to maneuver in her western style dress. He tried to not let it show on his face. He, however, did not meet her gaze right away. Instead, his eyes and everyone else's gaze were diverted at the gate entrance to see Honoka having been listening and had enter just in time to see Soujiro throwing her niece to the ground in the dress they had spent days trying to restore. Honoka was the only reason why no one else had quickly jumped on Soujiro for what he had done.

Honoka was in shock as she entered looking back at Avaron and then Soujiro in confusion. Anger was quick to replace her confusion. Seeing her react to Avaron's fall made it easy for everyone to assume she must be a close relative. The look she gave back at Soujiro was one close to heartbreak. She had heard him say those words and then witnessed him hurling her niece to the ground.

Avaron was still unaware of her aunt's presence. She grunted as she got back to her feet keeping her brimming eyes towards him. She gazed and shook her head in disbelief at him. "I risked my family's reputation to help you." She grunted and clasped at her leg as she staggered towards him. "

Soujiro panicked inwardly when he realized that he must have injured her. That was far from what he wanted. He revealed some heart when he stepped forward again and grasped her under her arm again as she tried to find her balance.

Avaron, sensing his concern, met his gaze and searched into it trying to understand his actions. "I've missed you. You and Koharu are the first real friends one had in a long time."

He shifted his head away and took a breath for himself. It was obvious she wanted more than just a friendship with him.

She's leaving me no choice….

When he looked back at her, he was wearing his old tenken smile again. He pulled her close by her arm to say into her ear and said for her aunt to hear: "You made a mistake," Soujiro remarked softly. "I used you and now I have no further need for you. You are weak and therefore you have been nothing more than a tool to me . "

"Soujiro," Koharu protested knowing none of it was true. He made a strong gesture with his hand at her that told her to be silent.

He knew he was doing much more than destroying his friendship with her. Everyone was watching him now, and hating him all over again. Yet, his only concern now was cutting all ties with the Ohara family. He now whispered the following words just for Avaron to hear. "You may not be a prostitue but you certainly would fulfill the role beautifully.

"Yakamashii! Fuzakeru na!" She thrust her arms into his chest and then tightened her fist to strike him. He raised his arm to block the attack. "Don't you dare say another word!" The moment he stopped her fist, she didn't hesitate to use her other hand to slap him as hard as she could.

"Avaron!" Honoka's voice seized her raging niece.

Avaron turned to face Honoka. After a moment, she nodded obediently to her aunt and stepped away from Soujiro. She wasn't so surprise to find her aunt standing in their presence. Koharu realized that's why Avaron must have quickly returned to her aunt right before they left. She was letting her aunt know where they would be so she could meet them once she concluded their business at the dress shop. Sadly, this was the last thing Honoka was hoping for.

Soujiro stood there for a moment longer and had slowly reached his hand over his face that she had struck. He nodded to her. "Go home, Avaron." His voice and smile broke. With that, he turned and had to walk pass everyone looking down at him for what he did.

Koharu would eventually realize that Avaron was the only one who could get away with slapping Soujiro. He had above all allowed it after swiftly blocking her first attack. Koharu could never bring herself to after knowing how he had been treated for most of his life and that she could not discipline the person who had given her life and shelter. Avaron had once witness Soujiro being mistreated by his family and she was also younger than him, yet she somehow got away with hitting him. He needed it. He had been deserving a good slap for weeks now and no body has had the courage until now.

Kaoru now lunged and clutched Soujiro's forearm as he walked passed her. She siezed him like a child needing discipline and pulled him with a jerk. "It is not your call to make who is welcomed or not welcomed here. How dare you speak like you're the one with authority here!"

"Send me away then," he whispered. "I can't stand it here anymore."

"What?" She thought she confused his words.

"I don't want to be here," he raised his voice for everyone to hear.

Kaoru didn't believe it. "Look at me and say that again."

His lips parted as he tried to raise his head to her before a tear fell from his face. He shook his head.

Kaoru's hold on him soften when she noticed the tear fall. The moment she loosened her hold on him, Soujiro pulled his arm free and continued back inside. He was starting to enter the house when Kenshin reached out and meant to also grab his arm to get his attention but only managed to grab the wrap off his shoulders. It was still enough to get his attention. "You don't have to do-" he had to quickly block an attack when Soujiro raised his elbow to strike. Kenshin grasped his wrist leaving Soujiro with only one option to turn with a kick to break free. Kenshin beat him to it and kicked into his backside to bring Soujiro to his knees making him grunt from the blow. It almost came out like a cry.

Kenshin defended himself knowing the others would overreact to Soujiro striking him. He knew this wasn't Soujiro rebelling though. His defensive move shouldn't have even hurt Soujiro. The cry came from within and was something Soujiro was already struggling to contain. "Are you okay?" Kenshin at once asked and was already making a move to assist him. He was still holding the wrap he had accidentally pulled off him.

Soujiro raised a palm behind him to demand Kenshin not to come any closer . "Don't ever try to help again. You're to blame for part of this." He wasn't even drawing attention to the scuffle they just had. Soujiro stumbled back to his feet. "I only wanted the sword returned.… Why couldn't you just follow that simple request?"

He could tell Soujiro already had more tears rolling down his face. He had left the room as he said those words to Kenshin and had quicken his pace as he rushed to confine himself back to his own room.

Now that Soujiro had said it, Kenshin did feel partly responsible. He turned to face the others and saw their mixed emotions on the matter. Avaron had even started to walk towards them the moment she heard Soujiro cry out. Kaoru had also made a move to go after Soujiro before Kenshin stopped her.

"We can't keep letting him resort to confining himself," she told him. She didn't believe Soujiro actually wanted to leave. Why would he have been cleaning outside this morning if he really wanted to leave? She wanted to at least tell him that he wasn't going anywhere. He couldn't bear to look straight at her and say he wanted to leave.

"I know," Kenshin agreed. "But we can't barge in either. Let's just give him a minute

Koharu had almost turned away so not to watch Kenshin have to hurt him again. She knew Soujiro was also placing blame on her.

"Perhaps it's for the best," Sanosuke uttered after a moment.

"What's that?" Yahiko asked.

"You heard him. Let the Meiji take him back. He's recovered …somewhat. Let the Meiji deal with him now. He's clearly out stayed his welcome."

"No!" Kaoru at once said. "By those standards I should be kicking you and Yahiko out."

"Hey," Yahiko spat out defensively.

"You two can be just as impulsive and headstrong but it's never crossed my mind to ban you or give up on any of my students... Why should I…or any of us be giving up on Soujiro?"

Yahiko looked away while scratching his head. He hadn't ever wanted Soujiro to leave, but it was still hard not to look guilty as Kaoru said the words. Sanosuke showed that he was put in his place when he offered no more argument against the matter. Simply put, Soujiro deserved to stay just like the rest of them.

Honoka was now seen passing Avaron and drawing everyone's attention as she approached Kaoru. "So are you responsible for him?"

Kaoru now bit her lower lip. She suddenly became more nervous talking to the frail woman than she had with the thug towering over all the rest of them. She smiled nervously. "I guess I am. I do apologize for his behavior, none of this has been easy for him to-"

"I want to be the one to talk to him."

"Um…" She looked at Kenshin. He shook his head in objection. Clearly, no good would come from letting Honoka through.

"Why are you looking at him? Who's the head of this household?" She demanded.

"This is my family home and I'm the instructor at this school," Kaoru replied calmly. "I don't think it's a good idea for him to see anyone."

"Nonsense. The child just insulted my niece and he also has taken something very valuable from my home. I demand right now you let me see him. He needs to answer to me for what he's done …. If you don't let me through, I'll get the police involved."

Avaron panicked inwardly. If the police were to get involved, it would ruin any chance Soujiro had at making this place his home. At the thought, she stepped forward to intervene. "Aunt Honoka, I think we should do as-"

"Hold your tongue, child," she at once snapped at her niece.

"Let me talk to him then-"

"Not another word!" Honoka raised her voice. "I haven't forgotten your role in this. That sword should have never left it's spot in the house. He'll answer to me just like you did and be put in his place for what he's done."

Avaron at once stepped away obediently unable to hide her fault and guilt.

She turned back to face Kaoru and approached her on the steps. "It's either me or the police, who would you prefer to set him straight?"

Kaoru eventually realized she didn't have much of a choice. She reasoned Soujiro would be more reasonable and cordial with Honoka than with the police if they got involved. She stepped aside and let Honoka through. She then cringed at what was coming.

Ooh this is not going to end well….

Most of the next chapter is written! I'll try to have it up within the week!