Disclaimer: Still don't own, isn't it sad?

Scars of the Past

Chapter Nine

"Yahiko? Yahiko, time to get up..." called Kaoru softly, gently shaking my shoulder. "We have a full day of training ahead of us...you wouldn't want Yutaro to pass you up, would you?"

"No," I grumbled, digging my face into the small pillow, "but I don't want to get up either. Can we just postpone lessons?" A second later, I was crying out as my instructor mercilessly tickled me. "St---Stop it...K- Kaoru!....Bu---Busu!" The last comment only made her smile more, hands digging into my sides as she enjoyed the sound of my laugher, a sound not heard for a while.

"Well, I think you're awake now," she said rising to her feet and going towards the window. "But just to make sure you wake up..." She pulled down the blanket I had hung over the rice paper to block the light. Golden rays streamed in, landing directly on my face. "See you in a few minutes Yahiko," she laughed, exiting the room.

"Stupid Busu," I muttered, throwing off the blanket and getting out of my futon. "She thinks she can make me get up with little threats of Yutaro beating me." The sudden image of myself lying on the ground with Yutaro standing on top of me, laughing madly filled my head. "And she's right," I sighed.

Crossing over to the wooden chest in the corner of my room, I pulled out my favorite green hakama and my yellow gi, the white shirt sliding on beneath. Quickly rolling up my futon, I set it neatly in the corner and took my shinai off of the wall. Kaoru had told me time and time again that I should keep it in the training hall, but I felt an odd attachment to the piece of wood and wanted it by me.

Slinging it onto my back, I exited the room, sliding the shoji door soundlessly behind me. Tiptoeing down the hall, I passed Misao's room, two voices speaking quietly within. 'Looks like Kaoru is waking up the weasel,' I smirked, entering the kitchen.

Yutaro was already shoveling food into his mouth, the rice balls that had been set in the wicker basket rapidly depleting. "Hey! Don't eat them all!" I yelled, snatching the food into my arms. "I want some too!"

"Now, now," said Kenshin, a large sweat drop forming on the back of his head as Yutaro and I played tug-of-war over the basket. "Sessha has made more than enough for everyone, that he has."

"Do quit arguing," snapped Kaoru, coming in from outside. "You're making my headache worse!"

"Why Busu? Was waking up the weasel too hard?"

Puzzled, she looked at me. "I wasn't waking up Misao," she said, taking a rice ball out of the basket Kenshin held out. "I was in the training hall doing some quick meditation exercises. It helps me to survive another day with you brats."

"Hey!" yelled Yutaro, chucking a half-eaten rice ball at the black haired girl. "That isn't true! Take that back Kaoru-Sensei!" While they bickered I sat in silence, contemplating what Kaoru had said. If she hadn't been waking Misao up then who was in the girl's room?

My question was answered a minute later when Misao came skipping into breakfast, dressed in her usual ninja garb, with Soujiro silently following her, a thoughtful smile on his face. 'Looks like Soujiro was getting her up,' I thought, noticing that for once the Tenken didn't look as tired as he normally did.

"I'll take those," the ninja said happily, plucking the basket of rice balls from Yutaro's grasp and munching on once contentedly. "Sou and I are eating breakfast outside," she announced, taking Soujiro's left hand and dragging him from the room.

With a shrug, I rose to my own feet. "When are we starting Kaoru-Sensei," I mocked, glaring at Yutaro. He smiled sheepishly at me, and ate the last rice ball on his plate. "Because if you stuff yourself anymore you won't be able to move around much."

And it was true. The owner of the dojo was cramming food into her mouth at an alarming rate, bits of rice spraying across the table. "I could beat you with my eyes closed Yahiko," she bragged, still chewing furiously. "And don't you dare imply I'm fat Yahiko-Chan or you'll face my wrath."

"And what would that be?" I taunted, readying myself to run. "The attack of the fat tanooki? Come and catch me Busu...if you can." She jumped up from the low table, but I was already running, my feet pattering lightly over the wooden planks that made up the porch.

"GET BACK HERE YAHIKO!" she screamed, rounding the corner with bokken in hand. "FACE ME YOU COWARD!" I ignored her, jumping for a branch on the cheery blossom tree, quickly pulling myself up among the pink and white petals. "WHERE'D YOU GO?" she shrieked, glancing around the bare yard.

A stifled giggle was heard above me and I looked up to see Misao and Soujiro, the girl with a mischievous grin on her face. "You'd never hurt me, ne?" she asked, before pushing me off the branch. With a yell, I hit the ground, landing practically at Busu's feet.

"Well there you are," she smirked, death written all over her face. "For those rude and not called for comments you receive six hundred strokes as punishment. Now move it!" Most would think a whipping but when Kaoru said strokes she meant with my shinai. I could already feel the burning ache in my shoulders at the prospect of doing six hundred.

"Can't you cut it down a bit?" I whined, sulkily trailing her into the training hall. "Like maybe twenty?" She shook her head with a grin on her face before taking her bokken and pointing at the corner I was to do my punishment in.

With a sigh, I crossed the polished floor and began, glaring enviously at Yutaro every few seconds as Busu taught him one of the katas I'd been dying to learn. All too soon, my muscles began to tighten due to the practice I was putting them through. With a groan, I rested the tip of my wooden sword on the floor, and leaned weakly against the wall.

Sweat ran down my face in rivulets, my clothes sticking to my body and my cheeks bright red. Weakly, my knees trembled beneath my frame, threatening to send me sprawling to the ground. The heat seeped in through the wood, the bright summer sun pounding down on the dark roof.

"Yahiko? Yahiko, are you all right?" came Kaoru's voice, slightly distant sounding. Hands were placed on my shoulders and I was gently shaken, my head lolling back and fourth. "Yahiko?" she asked, voice slightly panicked. "Yahiko!" That was the last thing I heard before a sudden darkness overtook me.

"What happened?" came the concerned voice of Misao, a presence hovering over me. "Is he going to be okay?"

"That brat'll be up in no time," said the calm voice of Megumi. "He merely suffered over exertion. And no wonder! Kaoru, in this heat you must be careful of what tasks you grant to all of your students. You know Yahiko already has enough stress and worry for one so young; that makes him even more vulnerable to collapse."

"I'm sorry," said Kaoru softly, her voice sad. "I never meant for it to happen."

"Don't apologize to me," the doctor scolded, the sounds of her medical equipment being placed back in her bag filling my ears. "It is Yahiko you should be apologizing too. I have to be off, but for the next few days make sure to give him the medication I left you. Hopefully, it shall help to calm him down some."

"Thanks Megumi," chirped Misao, one of her hands resting lightly on my head. "He's still a bit warm but his fever has dropped a ton."

Megumi sighed. "He never had a fever you silly girl. It was merely a small case of heat stroke and overstress. Speaking of which Misao, are you feeling all right? You don't look as...perky as you normally do."

"I had a long night," the girl laughed, a sad ring behind it that only I caught. "I'm fine Megumi, don't worry about me."

"Then I'll be seeing you all later," the fox said, her getas clopping loudly on the floor. The swift sound of a shoji door opening and then closing greeted my ears and I blearily opened my eyes.

Misao was sitting next to me, dipping a rag in a bowl of water and placing it on my head, not even noticing my open eyes. Under her breath, she began to hum, a strange and haunting melody that sounded vaguely familiar.

"Where'd you learn that?" I asked suddenly, turning my head slightly to look at the ninja. Misao screamed and tumbled backwards, hand resting over her heart. Kaoru looked up from the corner where she'd been placing my shinai to see what the girl was screaming about.

"You're...you're awake?" gasped Misao, breath coming in short gasps. "Kami, Yahiko don't do that!" I smiled innocently up at her, allowing the dimple in my left cheek to show. "You feeling okay?" she asked, mood switching immediately.

"Just a little dizzy," I answered truthfully as I gingerly sat up, a small ache still in my shoulders. "I heard you guys talking...I fainted?" I asked in disbelief, a blush rising up in my cheeks to mix with the pink tinge already there.

"And with good reason," said Kaoru, settling herself next to me and pulling me into a hug. "I am so sorry Yahiko," she murmured into my hair. "Can you forgive me?"

"Of course Kaoru," I answered, returning the hug. "I could never really hate you." After a few seconds I managed to choke out, "Uh...Kaoru, you're...choking me..."

"Oh, sorry!" she exclaimed, releasing me from her iron grasp instantly. "You're probably hungry, aren't you? I'll go get you some dinner...it's already five, can you believe it?" A second later, the kendo instructor was gone and I was left alone with the once again humming Misao for company.

"Hey Misao? Where did you learn that tune from?" I asked, my curiosity piqued. "It sounds kind of familiar."

"Sou taught it to me," she said with a smile. "He told me when he couldn't sleep he often went outside and sang to the stars; calms him he says. Personally, I think he just likes to hear himself." We both knew that wasn't true; naturally Soujiro was like Kenshin; very humble and kind.

"Can you teach me the lyrics?" I asked. I now knew why it sounded familiar...that melody had invaded my dreams at times, probably Soujiro singing and his song interacting with my thoughts.

"Sure," she said cheerfully, a smile on her face. "Just not now, maybe tonight? Kaoru wants you to get lots of rest right now. She was really scared when you collapsed this morning...thought you'd died."

I snorted. "Me die? I'm eleven Misao! I'm not planning on that for a long time!" She giggled and we both lapsed back into silence. During this time, I contemplated my own thoughts. What I had just told Misao might not actually come true. If Anohorea were to catch me before then I wouldn't live to be twelve. But since Soujiro hopefully had some inside information on his plans I needn't worry as much.

The door slid open once again, effectively ending any conversation between Misao and myself. "Here you go Yahiko," said Kaoru, bending down and placing a tray on my lap. "There's some honeyed tea and some sweet rolls that Kenshin made. They should be easy on your stomach..."

"Arigatou Kaoru," I said, already sampling the bread. "It's very good." She beamed, happy she was able to do one thing correctly that day. "By the way," I said, taking a sip of tea, "where's Yutaro? Is he practicing by himself?"

"I had to send Yutaro in to town for some more tofu," the girl said with a sigh. "I can't find Soujiro anywhere. It's like he disappeared from the earth!"

Misao let out a nervous giggle, eyes widening slightly. "Oh....I was supposed to tell you something," she said, twisting her braid between her fingers. "Sou went down to the river to practice a bit. He said he was getting rusty and would be back for dinner."

"Oh, all right then," said Kaoru, once again rising to her feet. "I'd best go help Kenshin with dinner," she said, not noticing the winces Misao and I both had in reference to her cooking. "Feel better soon Yahiko." Leaning down, she gave me a kiss on the top of my head and then left from the room.

"Misao?" I asked, taking another sip of the warm tea. "What were you and Soujiro doing in the cherry blossom tree this morning?" That little question had been bugging me since she had shoved me out with a smile.

"We were eating breakfast up there," she said with a laugh. "Sou told me that he likes climbing trees and it was very pretty. You could see the whole dojo and even part of the town!"

"Do you like him?" I asked offhandedly, a small smirk forming on my face.

"Nani!" she exclaimed, cheeks flaring in color. "What are you talking about Yahiko? He's just a friend!"

"Then why do you blush or start to act funny when he's around. And why were you dressed in one of Kaoru's kimonos a few days ago? Come on Misao...I won't tell." Vehemently, she shook her head, refusing to disclose any information. "Please Misao?"

"Please what?" asked the soft voice of the one in question entering the room. "Are you feeling all right Yahiko?" he asked, sitting down across from Misao. "I heard about your collapse earlier."

"I'm feeling fine Soujiro," I said, still smirking. "If anything, Misao looks like she has a fever and should be in bed." At this statement, Misao merely blushed harder, her face now resembling Kenshin's hair.

"Are you all right Misao?" he asked, placing a hand to her forehead. "You are slightly warm," he murmured, not noticing the brightening of her cheeks. "Perhaps you should go lie down for a while."

"No, no," she said quickly, "I'm fine Sou...really," she said, rising to her feet only to fall over, her legs trembling beneath her.

"I don't think swimming agreed with you yesterday Misao," said Soujiro kindly, bending down and scooping the blushing ninja into his arms. "Some rest is just what you need." Soujiro carried the girl out of the room, her aquamarine eyes narrowed at me in pure embarrassment.

I lied back down on my futon, a soft chuckle escaping my lips. It was obvious even if she didn't want to admit it. 'Poor Misao,' I thought, the smile slipping slightly, 'Soujiro doesn't even seem to notice that she likes him. Maybe once I'm feeling better a game of matchmaker is in order.'

"You're playing matchmaker Yahiko-Chan?" came Tsubame's sweet voice. "Between whom?"

"Did I say that out loud?" I moaned. My girlfriend nodded and sat down next to me.

"Are you feeling okay Yahiko-Chan? Yutaro-Kun stopped in at Akabeko and he told me you collapsed today during training..." Her hand rested lightly on my head, and I couldn't help a small sigh from escaping my lips. As much as I liked all of the attention they gave me, I wasn't some breakable piece of glass. I didn't need constant protection.

"I'm fine Tsubame," I said, forcing the anger I felt to melt away. "Just a little tired that's all. As for the matchmaker...forget it, it's nothing."

"Are you talking about Kaoru-San and Ken-San?" she asked, ignoring the part of 'forget it.' "Because I don't think they need any help. Hopefully they'll figure it out...someday."

"I was talking about Soujiro and Misao," I sighed, deciding that a girl's insight on the matter might be helpful. "I know the weasel likes him but he doesn't seem to realize it."

"It'll all work out in time," she said with a smile. "Besides, doesn't Misao like Aoshi-San?"

"I thought she did..." I responded carefully. "But she seems infatuated with Soujiro... I'm so confused!"

"Everything will make sense later," the short brown haired girl comforted. "I'm sure Soujiro will realize it eventually. He has a lot on his mind right now and probably just hasn't had time to realize it."

"Has sleeping beauty awoken?" came the sarcastic voice of Yutaro although it sounded slightly worried.

"It's nice to see you too Yutaro," I said with as much sarcasm as I could. "When's dinner going to be ready? I'm hungry!"

"But Kaoru-San told me you just ate three sweet rolls," gasped Tsubame. "Are you still hungry." Then answering her own question she said, "Of course you are. You're Yahiko!"

"That's why I'm here," said Yutaro, "Kaoru-Sensei told me to tell you that dinner was ready. She said you could come if you were up to it Yahiko."

"You bet I am," I said, leaping to my feet, swaying a second later.

"Yahiko-Chan!" cried Tsubame, quickly rushing to support me. "You shouldn't jump around like that," she said quietly after I was standing solidly again. "You aren't in the best health conditon...I don't want you to hurt yourself."

"Gomen Tsubame," I said with a sheepish smile accompanied by my hand rubbing the back of my head. "I'll be more careful in the future." So slowly and surely we made our way into the kitchen, the girl helping me to sit down at an empty place.

It was only then I realized we were missing quite a few of our dinner guests. "Where's Sanosuke?" I asked, helping myself to a piece of fish. "Shouldn't he be here?"

"Sano's gambling again," said Kaoru, "and Misao seems to have come down ill with a fever. Soujiro's watching her right now." I nodded my head, a slight snicker issuing from my mouth. "Is everything okay Yahiko?" she asked, concern clouding her features.

"Everything is fine Kaoru," I said, knowing what Misao was sick with. She didn't have a fever...she had the hots for Soujiro, an incurable disease until the Tenken told her he had the same feelings or turned her down.

Kenshin had just started to clean up the dinner dishes and Tsubame was headed home when Soujiro came into the kitchen, his face his normal chipper smile. "Misao is doing better," he announced, nibbling on a roll. "She's sleeping right now."

"Well that's good news," said Kaoru. "You should get some rest too Soujiro...all your practicing in this heat can't have been good."

"I'm fine Kaoru-San," he said, grin widening. "The heat doesn't bother me that much anymore."

"All the same," I want you in bed.."

Giving a defeated sigh, the rurouni bid everyone a good night and retired to his room. "I'm going to sleep too," said Yutaro with a yawn. "Unlike some people," he said, glancing meaningfully at me, "I had to work all day. Good night all."

Minutes later, Kaoru took her leave and then I took mine, sleep already pulling at my eyelids. Kaoru had given me my medication during dinner, and it had already kicked in, leaving me slightly sleepy and disoriented.

Climbing beneath the covers, I let sleep overtake me, knowing that with Kenshin here nothing could happen. "Hey," I mumbled, jerking out of my peaceful slumber. "Misao never taught me the lyrics. I"ll get her tomorrow..." My eyes closed once again and I was once more sound asleep.
"What do you mean tonight?" Hijino hissed, dark eyes flashing in the moonlight. "That is not what the plan was Anohorea! The Tenken was to be helping us!"

"Things have changed," the bronze skin man answered gruffly, fingering the hilt of his sword. "I do not trust the Tenken, no matter what he may have said. Do you know why this is?"

"I'm afraid I don't," the ninja said, black ponytail fluttering slightly in the breeze. "But I would appreciate it if you would care to tell."

"The tofu," he answered simply, eyes glaring with evil intent. "What need does a rurouni need with a bucket of tofu? Surely we all know that one person could not eat that much in one sitting and it is pointless to carry it around. He is living with someone now...although I do not know who, he lied to us Hijino. In this face, we cannot trust him at all. It is better if we work without the Tenken's aid."

"But isn't tonight a little sudden?" the ninja pressed. "It has been a mere week since we have assembled. Should we not contact our superiors before doing this?"

"Unlike you, I have no superior," the man answered, "And as I see it both you and your clan are under my command for the time being. And if I say tonight then tonight it shall be!"

"Very well then," the leader of the Tozuma ninjas said quietly. "I will gather my men and bring them here. Plans are still as normal after we get the boy though, correct?"

"Yes, they are. Now hurry! The longer I wait the harder it becomes to still my sword. I want to kill him! His blood belongs to me!"

"And you shall kill him soon enough," Hijino said, already stealing into the night. "As soon as I return you will get your reward."

Only silence prevailed in the forest, except for the whisper of the trees. 'Go! Flee!' they called, trying to send a message to the target. 'You will die if you remain any longer.'

Unfortunately, people don't speak tree...

Author's Notes:

And I have finally gotten back on plot! I see Scars of the Pastcoming to a close in a few chapters. And this is my last Rurouni Kenshin fic right now too! Uh oh!

And look! It only took me one month and a day to update........ I am so sorry for the absence!! I have been so busy with my other fics that this one kind of just got passed up! Gomen gomen gomen!!

A review would be much appreciated! Arigatou!

Reviewer's Comments:

LishaChan Well...he's my favorite character and to tell the truth, I've lost interest in Yahiko. I mean, I still luv our little samurai (who I mention again is not yours) but I like the tenken better! But I'm back on track now!

ShadowBlue I know! gomen! But side info is always good...I loved watching his past! =) I luv dark fics and angst and his past fit right in with my mood. Although I do still hate his family. As a note to you on BT, Hiei won't be a child for too long..three chappies at most. My original plot line was to keep him like that, have him grow older and then end fic. But I know realize that I'd get too many requests for a sequel to tie up all of the loose ends (i.e. Hiei getting over it, couple questions, etc..) so I'm just extending my fic! =)

tocole Congrats on getting internet!! Now if only I could get a new mouse...I have this horrible thing cuz mine broke. How's your novel coming? Asking cuz I started my own...people kept asking me on one of my fics if I'd be writing a novel so I did! Who knows, at sixteen (fifteen now) I might be a famous author. Yeah, right.

Sailor Kenshin They are a cute couple, aren't they? I don't mind Aoshi/Misao fics but Sou just seems to always spring up. Probably cuz he's my fave RK charcter! Arigatou for the review!

MokubaDoll The fox and the rooster are definetly (I know I spelled that wrong...) one hot couple. I luv how they always bicker and argue but we can all see that they luv each other! lol

Live on Wolf Can't argue with you on that! =)

coffeentoffee Well that's odd...

D-Caf(aka Sandr Most people don't for some reason...In any case, glad you found it now! Arigatou for all of the reviews! I updated Draco's Spirit btw. I'll be emailing you soon about your character! =)

warhero35 Must have! lol, I hope my DVD I ordered doesn't get lost!

whateveryasay Now that I think about it, he normally doesn't win. He kinda lost to Anjii, lost to Kenshin, lost to Saitoh...But glad you found and like the fic!

BlueBabyAquaGirl Glad to see ya again! Anohorea...I predict next chapter! =)