December 27

What have I done? Everything's coming apart so soon and sudden! What do I do?

I was cooking supper, while Kenshin was outside with the children, when I heard the noise outside dim down. I was getting up to investigate, when I suddenly heard Kenshin shout out "Hey!" I ran outside.

It was Enishi! Enishi came!

But Enishi had punched Tani-kun, and then bit Kenshin's hand.

"Enishi!" I asked. "Enishi, is that you?"

"Nee-chan!" Enishi shouted out. He ran over and hugged me, smiling, any anger at Tani-kun and Kenshin forgotten in an instant.

I hugged Enishi back, in shock. I could see my surprise mirrored on Kenshin. I know that my face must have shown my feelings- I was so taken off-guard. How did he find us?

I brought Kenshin and Enishi inside, while the children peeked in a crack in the door. Kenshin was surprised, but still polite. I wish I could say the same for Enishi. He looked angry and resentful every time he looked at Kenshin.

"This is my brother, Enishi," I introduced.

"I see, your brother." Kenshin said. He put on a weak smile, trying to hide his confusion. He reached out to pat my brother on the head. "Now that you mention it, he has your-"

Enishi bit his hand again.

"Stop that!" I pulled my brother off my husband. There was an awkward pause.

"I'm sure you two have a lot to talk about," Kenshin finally said, shaking his hand. "I'll step out for a while."

He shot me a forgiving smile before he stepped outside. I don't know what he was thinking.

I pushed aside my distress and shame at Enishi and focused instead on my joy. I haven't seen him in so long! I held onto his face and pressed it against mine, feeling his hair and skin under my fingers.

"It's been so long." I said, letting go. "I'm surprised to see you, but very glad. You must be hungry. Wait a minute, I was just making dinner."

He smiled as I worked on the food. It was his sweetest smile, the one he wears when he wants my attention.

"When did you leave Edo?" I asked. "How's Father?"

"I don't know," he said off-handedly. "I left for Kyoto a year ago, just after you did."

I froze. I suddenly took in the details that I didn't absorb when I first saw him. He was thin. He was dirty. His clothes were ripped, and he had no shoes.

"Enishi," I said. "Who's been taking care of you?" My heart beat faster. "And how did you know I was here? I never contact anyone outside."

Enishi smirked. "You didn't have to contact anyone, because I am the contact."

What?

Suddenly, a wicked grin overtook my brother's sweet face.

"Rejoice Nee-chan!" he said. "It's finally time to cast Tenchuu on Battousai!"

I dropped my spoon into the fire.

"Enishi, you can't be…" I whispered.

"You didn't know?" he asked. "But the man said he already told you!"

Suddenly, I remembered my meeting with Tatsumi-san and the Yaminobu, long ago. To find the weakness of Battousai. And let them kill him.

Somehow, they got my little brother. He didn't realize how much danger he was in.

"Let's go Tomoe! It's almost over!" Enishi said. He put down a hand to help me up.

"Go home to Edo," I whispered.

"Huh?" Enishi's smile started to fade.

"You are the eldest son of the Yukishiro family." I said. "You can't stain your hands in matters like this."

He looked shocked. "I don't care about that family!" he shouted. "I want to help you! That's all!"

"Go home Enishi."

For a little while, there was silence, then Enishi asked, "Why? What's happened? Why won't you come with me?"

He was crying with anger. "Why are you protecting him? He's your enemy! He's the one who stole your happiness!"

I didn't answer. Finally, he ran out of the house. I hate to end things with Enishi this way, but I don't want him involved with the Yaminobu. I just wanted him to go home and be safe.

But now I have a different problem. What do I tell Kenshin? What should I do about the Yaminobu? Can I risk telling Kenshin the truth? But I can't lie anymore! I just can't do it! What do I