Disclaimer: I don't own Rurouni Kenshin
Even after the battle, peace elude us
Saito was leaning on Tokio and Kaoru for support. His strength was failing him for first time in his life and he could feel the necessity to get Aoshi to the clinic. Omasu, Okon and Misao were taking care of Aoshi, who was more than unconscious. Megumi and Sano were with Suzume, who was soo terrified that feel sleep on Sano's arms from exhaustion. Suddenly from the bushes some bandits came out
"Well, well, well, I can see that today the ones who call themselves 'the great legends from the Bakumatsu' are dying one by one"
"Don't enjoy a victory that you are yet to obtain" said Saito acidly
"Who are you?"
"Your worst nightmare if you don't go now"
"Oh yeah?" said the guy "you wont scare me like that"
"So it be. I am Saito Hajime, former captain of the third squad of the Shinsengumi of Kyoto"
"So is true, you are the wolf of Mibu. Look at you, leaning on women to stand up… well after that we killed the self-proclaimed Battousai… anything is possible" said the guy laughing openly
"You are a liar, Kenshin is very much alive" said Kaoru
"Are you so sure?" The guy motions one of the bandits to come forward. The bandit had in his hand the brown haori that Kenshin wore earlier full of blood, and the sheath of Saito's nijontou. Kaoru could not help but fell to her knees. Misao almost let Aoshi fell, but Saito said
"That does not mean anything. The sheath could of fall in one of his aerial attacks, and the haori, you are really stupid, that is Shinomori's blood, not Battousai's." Saito went to Aoshi's side and said "get up Kamiya, Battousai is very much alive, I can feel his ki" he redirected his wolfish gaze toward the bandits and continue "and if it is true that you got to hurt him beyond the poison, pray that he does not find you. He would not be mad, oh not, he would be piss, and when he gets piss, people dye." He then turned toward Misao "Misao, would you handle me Shinomori's kodashis? I am very piss with these guys for ruining our night, for laughing at us and with the sakaba I wont be able to apply my oath, Aku Zoku San!"
Misao took both kodashis and gave them to Saito saying "Please Saito, be fast. We need to get Aoshi-sama to the clinic and we don't have much time, but kick their asses back to where they came from"
"It is done itachi" said Saito making Misao a smirk "I will make them pay for ruining Suzume's fun, for ruining Battousai and tanuki's special night, for making my wife pissed and above all, for poison us"
Saito went to the front and stood in his famous Gatotsu stance. He felt that he needed to compensate the shortness of the sword by placing one kodashis over the other, so it was kind of resting under the other, ready to counter attack. When they saw Saito's eyes and stance, the bandits began to retreat for fear of the wolf's fury
"Come on you cowards, he is chocking, dying… he wont be able to do something else than bark. Kill him now!"
Omasu, Okon and Misao took their weapons, and with Sanosuke, they made a circle to put Tokio, Suzume, Megumi and Kaoru, who was now holding Aoshi, in the middle.
Saito went impatience and began to worry when he could barely breath, so he decided to wait no longer and attacked. The bandits had little or none skills, so it was pretty easy to let them out of combat quick,
"You see, even in my worst times I am the wolf of Mibu, so see my form of justice… Aku Zoku Zan!" yell Saito
'Damn even when he is completely drug, chocking and barely breathing, he fights like he is perfectly well. He is a machine, like a racing horse. This guy deserve to be admire' thought Sano
Saito killed the boss with both kodashis on the guy's neck and then fell down to his knees. Misao had taken Aoshi from Kaoru, who was hacking to punch the bandits for ruining her night with Kenshin.
"Hajime!!" screamed Tokio. Kaoru turned around to see Saito on his knees, breathing with a lot of difficulty
"Saito!!" Tokio and Kaoru went to assist the former captain to stand up and walk
"We need to go now, the time is running out" said a very urgent Misao. Omasu and Okon went to assist her, but Sano got to Misao first and said "Misao, take Suzume I will take Shinomori so we can speed up or else the wolf and the icicle will dye"
Sano bent and gave Suzume's sleeping form to Misao and then took Aoshi on his arms, careful not to disturb the wound. Omasu went to Misao's side and said to her
"Okashira, let me hold the kid so you can stay close to Aoshi-san"
"Thank you Omasu" Misao answer handling the sleeping Suzume to her, and went to Sano's side to take Aoshi-sama's hand.
Kaoru went to re-sheath Aoshi's kodashis but Saito stop her "Don't, let them on my hands and, would you mind taking the sheath? please" said Saito breathlessly.
Kaoru went to get the sheath and also stopped for the haori, a tear sliding down her cheek "He is alive, trust him as you always do, he will come back to you" said Saito in a whisper
Kaoru went to Saito's side and putted the sheath in its rightful place, by Kenshin's sakaba.
"When I get my hands on Battousai, he will dye for taking my sword" growled Saito
They began walking again when suddenly Saito felt the Battousai's ki beginning to disappear at a fast rate. He stopped walking and turned around to the battle place that they left not long before. Kaoru gave Saito a concern look and saw that his eyes were soo narrow that they were barely visible.
"Are you ok?" asked Kaoru
"Nothing" he answer looking to the path again "let's go"
Not long after the incident they arrived town. The people began to open the way for the group when they saw who they were. They finally arrive at the clinic, when Megumi turned around and gave orders to treat everyone at once.
"Sano, take Shinomori to the surgery room and take his clothe off. Put Saito on the recovery area and also take his clothe off, check for fever or any other wound that he might have. I am going to get the medicine for poisoning for him and Ken-san when he gets back." Ordered Megumi right away
Omasu went inside to place Suzume in a room, and then she went out to Okon's side to stand guard.
Megumi got to the room where she kept all the medicine, and took the poisoning one. Then she turned around to where Sano and Misao were.
"Take his clothes out and begin washing the wound carefully, all right?" said Megumi "I will be right back. I am going to check the wolf. Misao help Sano, don't stand there looking at the black space, time is running" and with that she left the room
Megumi got to the recovery room to find an interesting sight. Tokio and Kaoru got Saito to his bed, but he was beginning to be delirious. He was reluctant to leave the kodashis or any other form or weapon far from him, but he was still himself
"Saito, if I was you I would do exactly what your wife says and lay still. Drink this tea and then let the ladies take your clothes out" instructed Megumi giving Tokio the medicine
"Well it seams that you girls will get the advantage. I feel like I was in the paradise, I could stay here all life. Is this sake?" asked Saito looking at the cup that Tokio was offering him. He was still partially conscious but it was barely. In one of his conscious moments he took the tea in one gulp and the lay on the bed. Megumi left the room satisfied.
"I will leave you 'til you are finish" said Kaoru
"No please, I need you to help me, he wont cooperate" said Tokio at the border of tears. Kaoru looked at Saito, who smirk, and said "for you Tokio-san, I will do it" she blushed madly
"Could you take his jacket off? You can get it better if you get to his back and unbutton it" said Tokio. Kaoru went to Saito's back and began taking his jacket off "I seriously hope, for my husband's sake, that Himura does not see you"
"Himura? Battousai? Where?" said Saito trying to get up, but Kaori was faster than him, so she took his shoulders and made him lean on her. Then suddenly, all Saito's weight was in her chest and when she turned to investigate, Saito had fell unconscious.
A huge man was making his was toward the clinic, with his cape around his deshi. Everyone opened the path for him and the bundle Hiko carried on his arms. He began walking faster than before. Kenshin still had at his side Saito's nijontou without its sheath. Not long after, they arrive at the clinic. Hiko saw Okon and Omasu, and he felt relieve; that meant that people were ok
"Find the kitsune-ona right away!" demanded Hiko. Omasu and Okon saw the bundle on his hands and realize that it was Kenshin
"Himura-san! Is he ok?" asked Okon
"Open the door damn it" barked Hiko
The opened the door and they guide Hiko to the recovery room, where the wolf was. When they opened the door, the found an interesting view. An unconscious Saito, leaning on Kaoru's lap and Tokio taking the rest of his clothe out
Kaoru looked up and saw Hiko and the bundle on his arms. She carefully got out of under Saito and said with a broken voice
"So is true, he is dead"
"No, not yet, no if we move fast. Find the medicine" instructed Hiko putting Kenshin on a bed "Do you really think that he would quick now that he finally found happiness? He lives for you, he was willing to break his oath to his dead wife, for you. So get moving and save him!"
Kaoru took the medicine that Megumi gave them and made Kenshin drink it.
"Thank you" said Kaoru with tears on her eyes "Would you undress him please?"
"No, you undress him, I am leaving now" said Hiko turning around and going out the door "But the way, here is the wolf's sword" he put it in the small table near the exit and left
Kaoru went to Kenshin's back and took his haori's undershirt from the hakama's tie. Saito was already in his underclothes and under the blanket
"May I help you Kaoru-san?" asked Tokio
"Yeah, please. Can you take his socks and sandals while I take care of his hakama?" said Kaoru
"Kaoru… Koishii" said Kenshin in his slumber
Kaoru took Kenshin's hakama ties and began undoing it while Tokio took care of the sandals. After a few minutes, Kaoru got the hakama's tie undone, and thought
'The first time that I get to undress him, and he is unconscious… Kaoru no hentai… I can just hope that the next time that I get to do it, he does the regular hakama tie'
Kenshin move on his sleep while Kaoru took his hakama completely off and put it at his side. She took the blankets and put it over his sleeping form.
Tokio went to her husband's side and took his hands on hers. Kaoru went to Kenshin's back to place him in her lap, just like Saito had been, and began stocking his hair. She notices that he had a light fever.
"Tokio, does Saito have fever?"
"A little" answer Tokio after she checked. "Stay there, I will get some clothes and cold water" Without another word, she left the room and went to the get the water and clothes.
Kaoru leaned on Kenshin's face and kisses his forehead lovingly
"Aishiteru anata, don't ever leave me. Come back to me" she said on his ears
Megumi was working really hard on Aoshi to close the wound. Misao and Sano were at her sides, helping.
By the other hand, Yahiko and Tsubame were still enjoying the festival, completely oblivious to what happen because they ran before the bandits attack. They were disgusted with all the adults.
When Megumi finally finished, Misao and Sano took Aoshi to the recovery room, where they saw Saito and Kenshin, bare chest, with Kenshin laying on Kaoru's lap and Saito was on his back, Tokio caressing his form. Both women had towels on her hands, and the men had them on their foreheads
"How is Aoshi-san?" asked Kaoru looking up with concern on her eyes
"He is out of risk, he will be fine. Right now the three of them are fighting the drug effect, but they will be fine" said Megumi "take care of them now. Sano, lets go out with Omasu and Okon"
Sano put Aoshi on the bed and then turned around to Megumi, and went out of the door. They both left.
Misao was at Aoshi's side, and then she turned to look at Kenshin and Saito
"Is Himura all right?"
"Hai, he will be all right" said Kaoru while she was stroking Kenshin's hair
MEANWHILE, in Kenshin's mind
Rurouni, I want to get back to our koishii
Me too Battousai, me too. I miss her soo much…
Then why can't we go back to her right now?
For some reason we can't wake up yet
I fell like I was managing the ouji all over again… I think that this is an especial moment in our life, I don't know why thou
So that means that we might relive some memories again
I guess so
We just have to remember all for her…
I still fell the drug on me
Yes, is still here
I can't believe that you almost let me kill again
We had to protect them no matter what
Hai, but that vow was precious to you
Look, I will do and let do what I have to when is about saving my koishii or my family, you know that
Hai, I understand, I just hope that the yakuzas are just that, and nothing bigger is happening. I have a bad feeling
Me too
Saito began moving in his slumber and Tokio went to kiss his forehead. She made him swallow some more medicine, and then he went back to sleep.
"Kaoru-san, I think that you should give some more medicine to Himura" said Tokio "same as you Misao-san…"
"Hai, you are right Tokio-san, is time. I wonder how much longer will they be unconscious" said Kaoru longing to kiss Kenshin again
"I hope that not for long" said Misao concern
MEANWHILE Aoshi kind of "opened his eyes" and he was in front of his long dead comrades, Hanya, Beshimi, Hyotoko and Shikijo. The four bowed deeply to his former Okashira and comrade
"Okashira, is nice seeing you again" said Hoko
"Am I dreaming? Or is this heaven?" asked Aoshi disoriented
"Neither of the Aoshi-sama, you are in the place where your life changes. You can let yourself dye here and come back with us to hell or you can live for our Misao-chan, who is not –chan anymore" said Hanya with his most serious face
"You have to let go of the past Okashira, allow yourself to be happy" said Beshimi
"And make Misao happy too" said Shikijo
"I want to go with you guys, I miss you soo much, and so does Misao" said Aoshi looking at them
"Before you make your decision, let me show you something first" said Hanya "Look at her Aoshi-sama, and then make your decision"
Aoshi was looking through some kind of glass. The scene in front of him made his heart break. Misao was stroking the bangs out of Aoshi's face, looking at him full of love. She was crying, but you could hear her whisper 'Come back Aoshi-sama… if you leave, I could not bare with it and I would follow you'
"No Misao!" scream Aoshi
"Go back to her Okashira, give yourself a chance" said Hoko
"Yeah, go back and be happy" said Shikijo
"I am unworthy of her… I have shed some much blood…" said Aoshi bitterly
"So have Battousai, and he is finally giving himself a chance to be happy with the woman that loves him no matter what his past is like, and he loves her back. Go back to her" said Hoko
"Take care of her" said Beshimi
"We will be waiting for you both when the time comes, meanwhile, we will be taking care of you guys, watching you. Good bye Aoshi-sama" said Hanya
Kaoru was looking at Kenshin, whose head was still on her lap, while she was stroking his hair softly. He was beginning to wake up. He felt dampness on his forehead and the sweet smell of jasmine all over the place. 'Kaoru' He felt her hands gently stroking his hair but he did not open his eyes. He felt a tear run over his face and then heard Kaoru say
"Shinta-anata, my love. Aishiteru more than live itself, come back to me. Let's spend the rest of our lives at each other's side"
He could feel his throat sore but he said "Aishiteru mo Kaoru-koishii"
Kaoru jumped when she heard his voice but quickly recover and said "Oh god, thanks kami that you are ok… Shinta…" her voice broke with emotion. Misao and Tokio looked up at the scene
"Himura, I am glad you are ok" said Misao on his side
"Misao-dono, how are you? How is Aoshi?" asked Kenshin
"I am ok Himura, thanks for asking. Aoshi should be fine too" said Misao with a very poor intent of a happy voice
"Don't worry, he will be fine" said Kenshin "Tokio-dono?"
"Konichi wa Himura-san, I am really glad to hear your voice again" said Tokio
"How is Saito and yourself?" asked Kenshin. His eyes turned to look at Kaoru. He could see that she had been crying quite a lot and that her eyes were sore. His eyes were a deep pool of amber and amethyst
"I am fine, as well as my husband Himura-san" said Tokio
"I know that you hoped that I was not, but I am fine Battousai" said Saito with his voice really rough from dryness
"No wolf, you see I was concern for your well being, for incredible that it seams" said Kenshin in a monotone voice
"Stop it Hajime, he just was being polite" said Tokio while Saito let out a growl
"Who undress me?" demanded Saito
"Me of course" said Tokio shutting a glace towards Kaoru
Kenshin tried to get Kaoru's attention, but he notice that he could not move freely. He was about to call her when…
"Misao… is that you?" asked Aoshi in barely a whisper. Everyone shut up and listen
"Aoshi-sama, you are awake" said Misao with re-new tears on her eyes "how are you feeling?"
"I am ok Misao. How are you?" said Aoshi
"I am ok Aoshi-sama. I am ok now" said Misao with a true smile
"Are you hungry Shinta-anata?" asked Kaoru
"Aa Kaoru-koishii… I am more thirsty thou" answer Kenshin
"Are you hungry too Hajime?" asked Tokio
"Aa woman, I am as well" answer Saito
"What about you Aoshi-sama?" asked Misao
"Aa" said Aoshi
"I will go to get them some food" announced Misao "Aoshi-sama, I will be right back. Do you want anything especial?"
"Ie Misao, whatever you want" answer Aoshi. Kenshin could notice a difference in the way that Aoshi was talking to Misao, but made no comment
"Misao, would you mind bring soba for Hajime?" asked Tokio
"Sure Tokio-dono. Himura, do you want anything especial?"
"No Misao-dono, bring whatever you feel like" said Kenshin
"All right I will be back in a few moments" said Misao while turning around and leaving.
She went to the front to go to the Akabeko and ask Tae for some food. When she got out Omasu and Okon jumped on her
"What happen Misao?" asked Omasu concern
"Is everyone ok?" asked Okon
"Is Aoshi-san ok?" asked Omasu
"Yes, everything is perfectly fine, I came out because they are hungry and I have to go to the Akabeko and ask Tae for some food" said Misao glad that the older Oniwabanshu women let her explain
"I will go Okashira, you just go back to Aoshi-sama's side. What do I bring?" said Omasu
"Well two tempura, fish and rice, one huge soba and a lot of tea" said Misao thinking, "yeah, that will do it. Oh, and tell Yahiko, if you see him, what happen. Make sure he does not come here until tomorrow morning ok?"
"Hai Okashira, I will be back in a moment with the food. I will take it to the recovery room as soon as I get back" said Omasu leaving
Misao entered the room and announce that Omasu was going to bring the food and then went to Aoshi's side to wipe the sweet out of his face delicately.
