Hmm....I really do not think there is anything to worry about in this chapter. I hope you enjoy it. Smile and read on...=)

Chapter 4

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Final Encounter

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"Shishio Makoto?"

Syousuke's face turned grave as he watched his only son thoughtfully. He wondered if Kenshin was ready to take over his rightful place as the leader of his people. Khaheleb is a huge country and the people look up to the rulers. They believed in the rulers. The Himuras have to take their responsibility seriously. They cannot be fooling around. Is it time to trust his son with his birthright?

"Isn't Shishio Makoto the ruler of Makineb, our neighbouring land?" Kenshin asked for confirmation as he thoughtfully looked out to the courtyard.

So his son knew who they were talking about. That was good. He was worried that Hiko had kept his son in the dark.

"I do not know why he has decided to attack but our spies report that he has conquered the smaller neighbouring nations."

"He is expanding his territory."

Syousuke nodded. "So it seems. I am not sure when and if he will attack us. However, we should be on alert."

Kenshin still has not moved his sight from the courtyard. It was dark and there were not many around. He remembered the view in the morning. There were children running around and women busily going on their work, laughing and talking. He remembered watching his mother walking among the flowers, her own beauty only being more prominent among the bright coloured flowers.

"We are a huge leap from tiny nations, father."

"I realise that..."

"However," Kenshin turned to address his father, his eyes glowed a deep ember. "However, he will try. We are a challenge. They were a practice."

"Then, you too agree with this. They will attack. Aoshi is a good informant. I do not believe he would make a mistake."

Kenshin nodded and took his place before his father, their eyes on each other. Kenshin saw an old man, his hair greying, his skin dulling. Syousuke saw a young man, his hair bright red and his eyes a deep gold.

Their places had already changed. They just did not know it.

"Our country has not been attacked in years, nearly a century. The people are content and happy. They do not even suspect much less think about war. We have to find a way to stop this before it even happens."

Syousuke nodded his head once more. His son's reasoning made a lot of sense. Their army was one of the most elite forces around but their people were not prepared to face the damage war could bring. If they could, they have to stop the war before it happens.

Damage control.

"What is Shishio Makoto like?"

Syousuke stood up and walked over to the balcony and looked outside. Like his son, he did not see the darkness but he saw the light. He saw his wife and he saw his people. He too saw the things he needed to protect.

"Shishio is quite a character. He has stayed low for many years. There is a rumour that he is not the legitimate son of the previous ruler. I am not sure about that account either. You see, the previous ruler was Lord Yoshiro but Shishio's name is Makoto. It is said he is the blood son but he is using his mother's maiden name."

"Can his legitimacy be confirmed?" Kenshin asked, his brows furrowed in concentration.

Syousuke shook his head. "His legitimacy cannot be confirmed or denied. The court stands by his side but I believe it is more out of fear than actual loyalty."

"Rule by instilling fear. It is a smart move but his people would not be happy."

"As they are living in considerable luxury, I believe they do not mind who the ruler is, Kenshin."

Kenshin shook his head. "Even if there are people living in luxury, it would be those who serve him well. The real people would not be happy..."

Returning to his seat, Syousuke picked up a goblet and filled it with a clear colourless liquid. It was a strong and addictive drink that could make the most inexperienced ones dizzy and faint. Kenshin simply raised his eyebrow but said nothing. The drink, syan, was usually used as a medicine and consumed in small amounts. Yet, Kenshin knew his father was used to drinking it for many years without any problems.

"What do you have in mind, Kenshin? How are you planning to stop him?"

The young redhead looked almost harassed but he knew deep within his heart that if they did not address this matter immediately, it might be too late. The first rule in governing life, never take a threat lightly.

"I have no idea. For now, I have none. But I will think of one. My people are the most important thing to me, father."

His old man nodded and sighed.

"It is really too bad that this had to happen just when you are to take the throne."

Kenshin smirked. "At least it will test my ability. I will prove myself to be a more than adequate ruler, father. I will make you proud."

His father smiled and stood up, his goblet in his left hand while his right grabbed his son in a light hug. "Then listen to my rule as an experienced ruler; never go against Dioni. Ever."

Nodding, Kenshin extracted himself from his father's bear like hug. "I know. I know."

"I wish I could actually believe you when you say it. Kenshin, I know you think that we place Dioni in too high a position. However, Dioni has protected our people and our land for generations. Dioni is the reason we have lived a very long, happy and prosperous life."

"I know, father. I know."

"Do you really?" Syousuke asked although they both knew it was more of a statement than a question.

"I do," Kenshin replied simply and turned to walk away.

Yet even as he said it, Kenshin wondered if there would come a day when he would regret his decision. Would he have to sacrifice himself to please Dioni? He did not know but time would tell.

"One more thing, Kenshin."

Kenshin stopped and turned to face his father. His old man looked at him knowingly. "Are you really fine with Sano and Megumi?"

He blinked, taken back by the question. "Sano and Megumi?"

"You know about them...are you fine with it? Do you think he is the one for her? Sometimes, I feel as though they do not suit each other...He is jobless and playful. Hardly serious. Our Megumi is the total opposite," Syousuke said as he watched his son artfully mask his features.

"Sano is a good friend and a loyal one. He loves Megumi. Meg seems to think that he suits her. If they are fine with it, I am fine with it. At the end of the day, it is yours and Dioni's blessings that count."

"Perhaps...and you do see that it boils down to Dioni."

"I do."

This time, when he walked away, his father did not stop him.

In silence, Kenshin made his way back to his room. The hallways were quiet. The household has retired for the night. Kenshin looked at the architecture of his home as he walked slowly to his room. His home was truly a beauty. However, despite the intricate artwork, he could see his mother's handiwork all over the house. He could see her small touches of love, as she would call them. The elegant curtains, the vases of flowers and the portrait of their small family. Kenshin stopped in front of the portrait and sighed. He touched the picture reverently.

There was so much to protect.

Unexpectedly, a vision of Kaoru slipped into his mind. He could still see her, the woman, dripping wet as she lay in his arms. He remembered the soft skin of her body, the gentle curve of her breasts, and the long length of her legs. She had a certain scent, Kenshin recalled...jasmine. Yet, he did not remember seeing any scented mixture near her.

It was the same scent he scented on Tomoe. The scent had been subtle, almost nonexistent but he could sense it. In the midst of plum blossoms, there was a scent of jasmine. There was something about Tomoe that did not sit well with Kenshin. If he was right, his mother and hers were probably friends or acquaintances. He could smell a set up from miles away. A discreet glance had confirmed his suspicion when he saw his mother practically glowing with delight the moment he left the other women and went to Tomoe. It made sense if both women had plotted to have their children together. Yet, it all seems so strange...Kenshin mused as he walked towards his room. As though there is another party in this game and he or she was pulling the strings. Kenshin felt like a puppet and the feeling intensified the more he thought about the evening.

Even before he took the last corner, he sensed two strong kis before his door. He nodded at Aoshi and Sano.

"Hey, Kenshin. What did your father want?" Sano asked as he pushed himself from the wall. His hair was a tad mused and so were his clothes. Kenshin gave both a knowing look and slipped past his friend to open his room door and gesture them both inside. As Sano passed by him, he caught Megumi's scent on his friend and forced the sudden possessiveness he felt aside. He already knew about them, Kenshin thought, annoyed. It was not like him to be angry when he accepted their relationship.

Was this sudden irritation due to his conversation with his father or something else? He was happy for the couple and yet at the same time, Kenshin realised, stunned, he was going to lose his sister. He was going to lose the one woman he was connected with and had not had the chance to bond with in years. Was he ready for that?

How did his father feel when even he felt like punching Sano's lights out? Kenshin thought as he sat on his bed and watched his friend drop his dead weight on it. He simply shook his head and eyed Aoshi, who stood silently before them, his eyes cool and blank.

Kenshin has never questioned Aoshi's loyalty to the Himura clan. He had never needed to. He did not know much about Aoshi but he knew that his father and mother trusted Aoshi beyond reason and as such, he had learned to accept the man as his. It was not hard. Aoshi was a very unusual man but Kenshin found himself liking the tall taciturn man more and more ever since he met him. Aoshi was reliable and responsible. Two of the qualities Kenshin admired most in a high serving soldier.

"Father told me you were the one who investigated Shishio Makoto," Kenshin started as he forced himself to relax. He felt Sano tense behind him before the brunette sat up and looked directly at Aoshi.

"Shishio Makoto? Isn't he the crazy ruler no one has ever tried going against?" Sano asked, his voice curious, his tone cautious.

Kenshin nodded. "Looks like he is expanding his territory and we are the next in his list."

"Impossible!" Sano denied as he got up from the bed and walked over to the window. He looked out tersely before facing the other two men. In his eyes, he saw Megumi laughing at him and the image changed drastically to her covered with blood. He shuddered. "He has got to be as crazy as the rumours go."

Shrugging, Kenshin eyed his friend thoughtfully. "The rumours about Shishio are vague at best. We know next to nothing about him except for mere basics. He is a man no one has dared to go against. We have never had the need to know him. It looks like that is going to change."

Aoshi still remained silent. In his head, he remembered something he was told a long time ago but he knew he would never say it out loud. To let something like this known will only place the person he cared about most in danger. He would help Kenshin to protect the peace in Khaheleb but he had no intention of providing the sacrificial lamb for it.

"There were rumours that he has an eye on women," Sano said as he sat back on the bed. "Perhaps a female spy?"

Aoshi spoke up, his voice cold and emotionless. "There would be no point. His mistress is one of great beauty of both body and mind. He is well satisfied."

"Hmm...I do not think it is wise for us to simply leave this matter alone. We shall have to find ways to handle it. If we are to face an attack, it is best if we get ready, just in case."

Sano and Aoshi nodded. They both knew how precious their land was. They have both been born and raised here. They would do almost anything to save it. Almost.

Kenshin began to undress and slip into his nightwear. There was a thought lingering in his head and he wondered if he should act on it.

Not yet. It was not the time for him to act on it yet.

"I have a job for you," Kenshin said without turning. Aoshi knew instantly that Kenshin was talking to him and listened carefully.

"At the first rays of light, send a messenger to the Yukishiro household. Tell their mistress that I am going to dine there together with the two of you when dusk settles in."

"Yukishiro?" Sano yelled, making Kenshin frown. The redhead simply shrugged.

"Father and mother seem to have taken a liking to her."

"Sure was a looker. Hey, if I did not have foxy, I would not mind trying her out myself," Sano joked as he remembered the dark haired beauty among the many women in the ballroom.

Kenshin's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Do you have Megumi?"

"Well, of course it just a matter of time...SHIT!" Sano yelled as he realised who he was talking to. The moment he saw Kenshin's eyes swirling with a tinge of gold, he edged towards the door, his freedom and his organs vital to him. "Look, man, I did not mean it in any coarse or disrespectful way. All I wanted to say was the Yukishiro household has a really beautiful mistress and Megumi is really beautiful too. You can't help but want her. She's so really kissable and not that I want to touch her now but you know, I really can't wait until we are married....not that I only think of sex around her but...damn it! Not really helping myself now, am I?" Sano babbled as he reached the door and was about to open it when Kenshin stopped him with one potent look.

"Force my sister into anything and I will have your head, Sano."

"Damn it, Kenshin! I know! I won't hurt Megumi like that!" Sano muttered back and simply pressed himself on the wall when Kenshin glared at him.

"Nevertheless, consider yourself warned."

Trying to laugh, Sano escaped from the room leaving a very amused (internally) and irritated Kenshin behind.

Kenshin took a deep breath and sighed. He truly needed to work on his feelings about Sano and Megumi. The irritation was so sudden and unexpected. He did not understand it at all. He was happy for them, wasn't he? Wasn't he?

"Himura."

Shaking his head, Kenshin looked up and Aoshi and nodded. "There is another thing. There are a few good silver smiths in the town. Hook them up and gather a few more from all over our land. I want you to start gathering a good supply. If we are to face war, we better face it prepared."

Aoshi nodded and left. There was nothing more to say. Even then, he could not help but feel something bad was going to happen.

As he walked down the hall to his chamber, Aoshi realised that this one message was going to be personal. He did not trust any others with it.

XXX

The first rays of the morning light brought a smile to Kaoru's face. She had been up and early, picking up the laundry from the day before and folding them before rushing off to clean the hallways. Several other women were already up and about, greeting each other and chatting merrily as they went about their work. Many knew who she was and avoided speaking to her for their own safety. Yet when Tomoe and Enishi were not around, they would sneak her some stuff and nod to her as a greeting. Kaoru did not mind. She was used to the treatment and knew that the women were only being cautious. The only woman allowed to communicate with her was Tae.

After yesterday's incident, Kaoru was more guarded about her surroundings. She did not want to be caught unaware by Enishi. There was a nagging feeling inside of her that insisted that he would not leave her alone. It was not a nice feeling and Kaoru was determined to be as careful as she could.

She slid outside to the large compound and started to clear the leaves of the pathways. It was a cool morning and Kaoru was grateful for the weather as the day before had been unbearably hot. Even as she thought about it, her face flamed and she closed her eyes and took in deep breathes to steady herself. Images of Kenshin filled her mind and she sighed at the hopelessness of the situation. He would never return for her. She knew that very well and yet she had allowed herself the luxury to fantasize about him.

Shaking her head, she concentrated on the mess before her when a discreet knock caught her ears. Kaoru rushed to the gates and sneaked a look out. When she saw the young visitor, her lips curled into a delighted smile. Kaoru opened the gate slightly and slipped out.

He watched her, masking the rage and shock he felt at the mere sight of her. She had lost more weight than he remembered. She looked so pitifully thin, her features sharp and narrow. Even though he could still see the fragile beauty he once saw, the woman before him was painfully malnourished and in need of lots of rest and decent food.

"Aoshi-san! It's so good to see you again," Kaoru greeted her old friend, bowing low. Aoshi nodded and resisted shaking her in distress.

"Kaoru-san, you seem...tired," he settled as his eyes studied her, not at all amused. He felt almost hopeless as he watched her grin playfully.

"Well, working is never easy, Aoshi-san. It is quite a surprise to see you here. Is there something wrong?" Kaoru asked curiously, her head tilted to the left as she studied the handsome man before her.

He was her father's student. That was all she knew. Her mother had once told her how good a teacher her father was and Aoshi was his most prized and treasured student. He taught Aoshi not only the skills of swordsmanship but also farming and finance. Aoshi had furthered his pursuit of swordsmanship when his master died but he never stopped looking out for Kaoru and her mother. In fact, he was the one who found out that Kaoru had been suffering in silence. Unfortunately, before his plan of convincing her mother to leave backfired when she attacked her stepfather instead. Ever since Hana was imprisoned, Aoshi disappeared and only appeared once in a while to check up on her. When he did come, he would bring her simple gifts but he kept his identity a secret. She did not know what he worked as and she did not ask. He was a friend and a confidant. He was the only one besides Tae and Yahiko, who cared for her deeply and knew who she truly was.

Kaoru just did not know how true her assumption was. Aoshi did know who she was and one day, she would face the burden of her birth.

"I have come bearing a message from the Himura household. Our young master has wished to dine with her lady, Tomoe, tonight."

Pain, sharp and unexpected, pierced her heart. So her sister has found someone, a person whose ranks far outdo anyone else's. Her desire to escape from this house through marriage has been sabotaged by circumstances and the siblings. She knew she did not have a chance to taste life as they tasted.

"Is everything alright?"

Smiling, Kaoru beamed at him. "Yes, everything is fine. I will tell her lady."

"Kaoru-san, will you not come with me?" Aoshi asked quietly, not a hint of desperation was in his voice although they were in his heart. He cared about her, this woman, whose father raised him and gave him hope. He wanted to pay her father back for all the good he has done for him but Kaoru was too stubborn to allow him.

"Aoshi-san, I would love to. I would really love to. And I will, if you ask me back soon. Mother is finally going to be released!"

Stunned, Aoshi masked his features and allowed a small candle of hope to alight. This was a news he had missed as he was away. "She...is being set free?"

Kaoru nodded, enthusiastically. "I did not believe it at first but it is true. She is coming home. When she does, I am more than willing to accept your invitation, Aoshi-san. For now, I have to stay here. I need to be here."

Oh how she yearned, Kaoru thought tearfully inside. How did she yearn to go with him! If she did not fear the power the Yukishiro's have, she would. But until and unless her mother was imprisoned, she was under the mercy of the Yukishiro household. One wrong move would cost her, her mother.

"Is there something stopping you from accepting my offer?"

Kaoru shook her head and smiled sadly. "Not something, but someone. I want nothing more than to go with you, Aoshi-san, but I am also helpless. I have someone I need to protect at the price of my life. Will you be patient? Will you wait for me?"

He almost smiled at the hope in her voice. He knew he would wait for her forever if she asked him too. He owed her. He owed her family. Aoshi was a man who paid his debts well.

When he was young, he was pretty much left to his own devices. Unfortunately, that only encouraged him to be more trouble than worth. At the sudden death of his parents, no one wanted to take him in. He would have ended up in the streets if not for Master Seichiro. The young master had taken him in, gave him a roof over his head, trained him, fed him and disciplined him. Aoshi learnt more from him than he had from anyone else.

His wife, Lady Hana was a beautiful woman, whose heart was gold. She did not complain about having a stranger under her roof. They were newlyweds but they opened their heart to him. When Kaoru was born, Lady Hana left her to his care, trusting him with her life. It humbled him.

Due to circumstances, he only visited Lady Hana discreetly nowadays. No one knew about his visits. He was sure Kaoru was not aware of it. Even then, it was not shame that kept him discreet but secrets. There were so many secrets waiting to be uncoiled and he needed to maintain a certain standard to deceive the people around him.

"I will wait as long as you ask me to, my lady."

Kaoru blushed and smiled. Then, she turned fearfully to the back when she heard footsteps approaching.

"It is time for me to go," Aoshi said quietly, a silent goodbye. Kaoru nodded.

"I hope to see you soon."

"Expect three for dinner."

"I will send the message," Kaoru promised and bowed as he left. She straightened her back and watched as his silhouette finally disappeared.

If anyone had ever asked her if she was interested in Aoshi, she would have denied it vehemently. She was not interested in Aoshi romantically at all. However, she did care for him in a very platonic way. Most of Kaoru's earliest memories were of him and her family. She could still remember an incident when she was three. It was vague and blur, but it was still there.

Young Kaoru had always watched her father training his students. She had watched with the dreams of one day being his student as well. She could imagine herself holding a sword and wielding it with the same mastery as her father and Aoshi. For a child, Aoshi was already very impressive. Yet, when she had asked her father, he had gently but firmly denied her request. No amount of tears could change his decision. Kaoru was not one to give up. The young child had started sneaking in and wielding the wooden swords with as much strength as she could. She tried all the moves she had seen her father teaching Aoshi.

That was how Aoshi had found her. He had been so amused. He was a young boy of 12 at that time. Although his mask was firmly in place, he did not scold or admonish her as she had feared. Instead, he taught her how to hold a sword properly. It was during one of their training sessions that her father had found them and was shocked to see his daughter practising with his key student. He was shocked, but he was also proud. Proud enough that he took his daughter's words seriously and started her training.

That was one of the fondest memory Kaoru had of the two of them. Over the years, since he mother remarried, Aoshi kept a low profile and then left to train. It was three years later when he stumbled back into her life and fought her silent horror.

The mere thought of her past chilled Kaoru despite the growing warmness in the air. She knew she was lucky. Her mother could have turned a blind eye and kept her position as a mistress of the house secure. However, her mother loved her and did the only crime many shunned.

Kaoru turned and secured the gates carefully before slipping into the shadows and sneaking to the back. She needed to tell Tomoe about Aoshi's message and she knew how to make her stepsister content. With a long and tired sigh, Kaoru made her way towards Tomoe's room and stopped in front of her chamber. There was a woman waiting there, a tray in her hands. She nodded at Kaoru and Kaoru nodded back.

"Would you please tell Lady Tomoe that I have been given a message from the household of Himura of a matter concerning tonight's dinner?" Kaoru asked the young maid.

The dark haired woman nodded and gave her a tentative smile. She then knocked three times before slipping into the chambers.

Tomoe was a light sleeper and she woke to the sound of three sharp knocks. She rose on her bed as the young maid entered. Her sheets dropped to her waist, exposing her naked upper body. She was not in the least ashamed of it and neither was the maid. The young woman had seen enough of naked flesh to blush. She helped arrange the pillows at Tomoe's back and filled a small basin with water. Taking a cloth, she wiped Tomoe's face and upper body.

The young woman proceeded to place the tray on her mistress' lap knelt on the ground.

"My lady, greetings."

"Rise," Tomoe commanded and settled back on the softness of her pillows to enjoy her morning meal.

"The maid Kaoru has come bearing a message from the household of Himura. It concerns tonight's meal," the young maid gave her message.

Tomoe barely paused in her eating. Outside, no one could say she was affected. Inside, her whole being was jumping with joy. She had done it! She had done what her mother could not do! She had caught the eye of the future ruler of the people. Everyone knew that if a man was interested in a woman, the courting period starts as soon as possible. It was more so if it was the ruler. Tomoe could barely contain her excitement but she knew how to play the power game well. With Kaoru, it was always worth playing it.

"Leave. When I am ready, I shall hear her message."

The young maid nodded and left the room. Outside, she paused and nodded at Kaoru, her eyes sympathising with the blue eyed woman who was got down to her knees and bowed low on the ground, her head touching the floor. Kaoru knew, if Tomoe walked out at that moment and did not see her submissive, she will find ways to torture Kaoru.

Kaoru was by no means a pushover. She was tired of people running her life. Yet she knew that she had many loved ones. She had her mother, Tae and Yahiko. If she did not at least chain her pride and allow them to push her around, they will hurt the people she loved. Knowing that made her a forced submissive but Kaoru had no choice in the matter.

She stayed in that position for a long time. Her legs cramped and her body ached.

The door opened and Tomoe stood at the threshold, dressed in a red silk robe, watching the woman who had turned her life into one tornado of mess. Her lips curved into a smug smile at the sight of Kaoru bowing low to her and she used her feet to lift Kaoru's face.

It was all Kaoru could do to maintain the fear in her eyes and a tremble on her lips. Tomoe thought it was fear. Kaoru knew better. She felt anger, hot and cold, burning inside of her. Part of her wanted to pull Tomoe's leg and watch the woman fall flat on her back. The evil and meaner side of her wanted to chop the leg off. Silently, she counted to ten, keeping her eyes just shy of starring into Tomoe's making it seem as though Tomoe had the upper hand.

"You had a message?"

Kaoru swallowed. She could not talk properly but it seems that Tomoe was in the mood for games.

"My lady, greetings," Kaoru started, struggling to form her words and push them out of her mouth. "A messenger of the household of Himura had gone to bear an invitation to dinner. The young master would like to dine with you. He will be bringing two companions."

"Did he tell you who they were?"

Kaoru was glad Aoshi had enough foresight not to. She did not know who to expect. It showed that she was much lower in position and power.

"I do not know, my lady. I was not told."

Pleased, Tomoe moved her leg and stepped on Kaoru's hand. She placed her entire body weight on it and smiled perversely at Kaoru's chocked scream.

"Anything the matter?"

Kaoru shook her head and wanted nothing more than to burn Tomoe to crisp right at that moment.

"Playing so early in the morning, sister?"

The voice, so cultured and dripping with honey turned Kaoru's insides into a coiled spring, ready to jump away. As she could not move, she hoped that Enishi would not take much notice of her in front of his sister.

"Eni-love, come here," Tomoe invited, her arms wide open and her brother hugged her tightly and kissed her cheek.

"Greetings, sister."

"Greetings, Enishi. I have good news. We have guests for dinner tonight. Young master Himura seems to have taken an interest in me."

Enishi grinned, fast and quick. "He would be a fool not to. You are perfect, sister."

Tomoe kissed his cheek appreciatively. "We have lots of work to be done. We have an early start, I see."

"I will help."

"Of course. I will change and meet you outside. We shall walk."

Enishi nodded and moved away to let his sister walk back into her room. When she removed her foot, Kaoru had enough mind not to pull her hand and massage it. She left it where it was. Pleased, Tomoe closed the door.

Every instinct screamed at Kaoru to run the moment the door closed but she kept still, knowing Enishi could be pursuing her if goaded.

"Rise, Kaoru."

As she had no choice, Kaoru rose and stood before him, her hands clasped in front of her. She kept her eyes partly on the ground and another, wearily on him.

He reached out and took her injured hand. Kaoru instantly tried to pull it back but he tightened his hold and smirked when pain shot through her.

"You are my maid. I do as I want to you."

"I am your maid and not your mistress. My duty is to serve the master and mistress of this house in the chores. This is not my duty."

Enishi only kept grinning. He leaned close and whispered darkly into her ear.

"You have no say. You have no rights. If I ask you to strip and take me in your mouth, you will, do you understand me?"

The image in her head sickened her but she stood her ground.

"Lady Tomoe would not take well to you bedding me. I will not take well to it too. Please, Lord Enishi, leave me alone," Kaoru pleaded, yet her eyes told a story of defiance.

He knew. He knew his sister would not approve of him bedding Kaoru but he would change that. After all, his sister was moving away. He had the house and Kaoru to himself. Enishi knew he could be patient if he wanted to.

"I know the ropes. When the time comes, you will be begging me to take you."

He turned and left, leaving a frightened and more determined Kaoru behind.

She will fight to leave. She will take her mother and leave. She would leave everything and everyone. She would take Tae and Yahiko, of course. They could live together in her old home.

That dream kept her sane. Kaoru was very afraid of what might happen if someone takes away her dream.

XXX

Was he insane? Kenshin thought as he slipped down from his horse and waited by the river. It was a hot afternoon and the sun was shining brightly, throwing light onto all it touched. The sky was clear and the air smelled fresh and flowery. Far ahead, he saw a pack of birds sailing the sky, playing with one another and dancing on their wings. He heard the sounds of nature and breathed in the perfectness of the day.

Unfortunately, it was not all too perfect. The desire to see Kaoru had won and he was here again, hoping for a glance. He wished his thoughts were filled with Tomoe. He wished he could spare her his heart and mind but he simply could not do it. There were no intimate feelings for her in him. When he had held her, he did not feel as he did with Kaoru.

Perfect. Content. Happy. Want.

She made him feel things he did not think he would ever feel with another woman. It was an odd feeling and he chose not to question it. Kenshin was not prepared to hear the answer. All he knew was that he wanted Kaoru and he wanted her badly enough to sneak out of his home, put Shishio and Tomoe at the furthest part of his mind and seek her out.

He hoped he would not disappoint.

She did not.

Kaoru walked over to the river, her hips swaying in an absent minded feminine manner. Her hair was tied high on her head and she wore a pale green robe on that day. She hummed loudly, a melody only she knew and created out of thin air. On her head, she held a clay pot, in need of cool water.

She knew she was lucky that day. Things had gone on fairly mild after the morning show. Her hand had healed, no bruises and no marks whatsoever. The women were kind enough to shoo her away to get water. They insisted it came from the river so that she could take a few moments of much needed break. She kept thinking of Aoshi and how he seemed so much like a gallant knight. He had put a smile on her face today. She wished she could spend more time with him but their time has always been limited. A part of her was thrilled that he asked her to stay with him and another was sad that their relationship could not moved forward into something less platonic. Though unfortunate, they had made their choices to love each other as siblings do.

Perhaps it was the smile on her face.

Perhaps it was the twinkle in her eyes.

Perhaps it was the glow on her face.

Whatever it was, Kenshin knew his heart stumbled at the sight of her humming and skipping on her way to the river. She seemed more alive, somehow. She seemed more animated than he had seen her. What was she truly like? He wondered as he eyed her from his hiding spot. He did not allow the fact that he was actually hiding from her to bother him. He was more interested in watching her.

She hummed, she twirled, she danced.

Kaoru was so rarely happy and she basked it in, knowing it would not last long. She placed the pot down and put her hand inside. She drew out a cloth full of packed food and thanked the women in the household for caring so much about her. Despite their fear, they had cared enough to put food in her belly.

The simple food was mouth watering. Dishes and desserts so rarely given made her savour each bite. She knew better than to linger around, so she ate quickly, relishing in the taste of good food and a filled belly. As she brushed off her meal, she knelt and drank the cool river water, quenching her thirst and cooling her body.

Heavenly, she thought as she looked skyward and allowed the water to drip on her face. It felt so heavenly.

It was a sight he had seen only in the eyes of the poor. Kenshin had not seen anyone enjoy a simple meal so much in a long time. The way she had devoured it and the pleasure that her faced shown with made him realise that she was probably denied the basic human comforts. Kenshin would give anything to put that look her face. He would give almost anything to put another look on her face, a look from the contentment of love making.

He blinked.

He did not actually think that. He did not actually look at a woman and think that he wanted to make love to her. What in the world was wrong with him? She was just a woman, was she not? He looked at her carefully. She was just a woman...

He could not look away. He simply could not move his eyes away from her. She should not look so beautiful but she did. Compared to Tomoe, Kenshin felt Kaoru's beauty was more real and more human. He felt her beauty was not the sophisticated beauty Tomoe carried. It was more of a rare, exotic beauty that made men take a second look and keep on looking. Kenshin did not bother to move his eyes away. He kept on looking. He had never met a woman he wanted, no desired, to make love to. He wanted her in his bed, around him. He wanted her to want him.

He kept his eyes on her even as he watched her raise her robe to her knees, teasing him with the sight of her shapely legs, long and white. It seemed to glow in the brightness of the sun, her red cheeks giving her more colour than he saw in any of the women who came to the dance last night. She would have outshone them all.

It came to him as a shock that he was besotted by her. She was simply a woman, a maid perhaps. She was not a woman his mother would approve of. She was a woman, probably shunned by others. Yet here he was, watching her like a love sick fool. What was wrong with him? Was he simply projecting because she had denied him? He thought of it and shook his head, his red locks falling over his shoulders. Did he want her because she did not want him? Kenshin frowned at that thought, stopping all other thoughts of her beauty in his mind, concentrating only on his feelings of her.

As though sensing the tension in the air, Kaoru looked around her and frowned. Someone was there but she could see no one. There were something in the air, paling and fading but she could sense it. She turned and stared but nothing or no one came to sight. Troubled, her smile vanished and she quickly filled her pot with water and balanced it expertly on her head. Whatever the problem was, Kaoru did not want to get involved. She had her own set of problems and any new ones will only serve to complicate her life.

She gathered her things and rose to leave. She turned and screamed!

Kenshin blinked when he saw her eyes widen and her lips part to scream. It amused him to see her shell shocked as she already was; one hand on her heart and another balancing the pot of water on her head. She practically glared at him, her indignation of being frightened to death humming in her blood. He was sorry he had scared her but he had no choice but to show himself. He was not ready to see her leave.

"What in Dioni's name were you trying to do?" Kaoru cried out, taking a few steps back to place some distance between them. Kenshin simply smiled, happy to hear her voice. He drowned all other thoughts about her and simply concentrated on her voice.

"I just wanted to greet you. I was about to do so when you turned around and saw me," he replied innocently, his eyes huge and wide, childlike with mischief. She frowned but could not stop the smile that tugged on her lips.

"You could have greeted me from afar."

"It would not have been as pleasurable," Kenshin countered as he invaded her personal space, taking a step closer to her. Kaoru swallowed and took a step back, confused at his sudden advance.

"What are you doing?" she asked, breathless and panicky. He simply grinned.

"Helping you."

"How?"

He stopped before her, her back against a tree and his feet touching her own. Their breaths mingled and she forced herself to maintain eye contact with him. Big mistake. His deep amethyst orbs held her captive and she lost all thread of thought.

He smirked, a knowing curve of his lips.

"I wanted to carry your water for you," he murmured close to her ears. Kaoru blinked and stared absently at him before his words registered into her head. Growling, she pushed him away and started walking away.

"Kaoru-san!"

Kaoru turned and glared at him. "You were different yesterday."

Kenshin fell into step beside her, forgetting all about his horse. "Different?"

"Nicer," she replied as she kept on walking. "What were you doing by the river?"

"I was waiting for you. I wanted to see you again. I told you yesterday, Kaoru-san," Kenshin said as he paused in his step. Kaoru too sighed and stopped.

"You have not asked about me."

It was a statement and since it was true he did not answer. "Does it matter?"

Kaoru shook her head. "It does. It matters very much. Your family, I suppose they are good people?"

Baffled at her change in topic, he nodded. "Yes, very good people. They believe in love and justice."

Kaoru laughed, low and painful. "Do you believe in justice?"

Carefully, Kenshin worded his words. "Justice is in the hands of the ruler and of Dioni. Justice can wear a person down. But I have justice at work and I believe in it. I wonder if I will be as good at it."

She did not understand why he wanted to be good at judgement. "You have people below you?"

He nodded. He remembered that she thought he was a servant and still, he did not correct her. He was afraid she would pull away and shut down if she knew who he was.

"I do not believe in justice. Justice is for the rich and the powerful. The poor have none. The oppressed have none," Kaoru said calmly, as she started walking once more. She felt, rather than saw, Kenshin's frown.

"I do not understand. You believe the rulers are not ruling well?"

"They have people below them, who have people below them and so on. There is no justice when people can be bought. I know it. I am a victim of justice, after all."

"Kaoru-san," Kenshin said softly, his hand gripped her arm to stop her from walking. He gently took her pot of water from her head and placed it down. He turned and looked into her sad blue orbs, the fragility in those eyes hurting his heart. "What happened? Would you not tell me?"

Kaoru smiled and shook her head. "It does not matter. You should ask and then you will not see me again. It is important that you know who you are dealing with. As you said, your family is very good. I will now say this, they will not approve of you being here with me. Please, do not make this any more difficult on us. Stop seeing me and stop following me around. I cannot afford to get involved with you. You too cannot get involved with me. Your master would not be happy. I need to leave. You came with a horse last time. If you brought yours this time, you need to get it back. I have work to do."

"Do you always decide for people?"

Kaoru shook her head. "Only when they are too slow to decide for themselves. I think I like you, Kenshin-san, but we do not belong. Excuse me."

She turned, took her water and left Kenshin staring at her retreating back.

It started as a playful teasing and he hoped he could walk her back. Yet she had broken off the thread he started and walked away.

Kenshin hoped dearly that his feelings for her were not due to rejection. He had to examine them quickly and soon. He hoped Sano had information on her or he has to ask Aoshi for help. Beyond that, he had another woman to think about.

Life was such a mess.

XXX

"Enjoy yourself."

Kenshin grinned and kissed his mother's cheek. "I will."

"Make sure Sano behaves," Lady Aya warned as she gave Sano a knowing look. The tall brunette laughed and winked playfully making her shake her head.

"I will be at my best," he promised with a cheeky grin. Lady Aya shook her head.

"Which is your worst and a little better. Do you really want to bring him along?" she asked her son and he nodded automatically.

"I need someone to make me laugh and look foolish so that I will look better," he said teasingly and earned a shout from Sano.

They bundled into the carriage and just before they left, a man placed a discreet letter on Sano's hand. Sano nodded his head and slipped the paper into his pocket. Kenshin looked at him thoughtfully but he simply shrugged. Knowing his friend wanted to talk privately, he let the matter drop.

Kenshin, Sano and Aoshi took their leave and soon they were on their way. Kenshin could not help thinking of the afternoon incident, playing it over and over again in his mind. There was something about Kaoru that drew him to her but she seems hell bent to break it off before it starts. Whatever the problem was, he needed to find out and fast. His mother's excitement with him seeing Tomoe that night could only mean she was thinking of weddings and grandchildren already.

They stopped in front of a huge gate. It was not as big as Kenshin's but it was still very impressive. It was well carved and well cared for. The beauty of the building made Kenshin smile and ran his eyes over it appreciatively.

They dismounted and waited as they were announced. Sano leaned forward and whispered urgently into Kenshin's ear.

"We have news on her."

Excitement filled him and Kenshin was tempted to tell the guard to wait as he interrogated Sano but he forced himself to calm down. It would not do to alert Aoshi about his current predicament unless they truly needed to. As it was, Aoshi spared them a glance, which meant he knew they were up to something.

"Did you need to tell me now?" Kenshin hissed. Sano smirked playfully but his eyes were serious.

Shit! That could only mean that whatever Sano's men found was not good news. Sano himself did not know what the news was and was as eager to find it out as Kenshin was. But they had no time. They could hear the noises inside and braised themselves.

The gates opened and three men waited for them. The one in the middle was flanked by the other two. He was clearly the master of the house. His dressing and commanding manner separated him from his men. He was a tall man, with whitish hair and dark glasses. He bowed at his guests and greeted them.

"Greetings, Lord Himura. I have heard a lot about you from my sister," Enishi said as he rose and met Kenshin's gaze.

Kenshin smiled and nodded. He felt an edge of unease with the young man but filed the thought away for later consideration.

"Your sister is an impressive woman," Kenshin replied and saw that his response pleased the man. Interesting, the bond was deep here. "My people, Sanosuke, son of Sagara and Aoshi, son of Shinomori."

Enishi nodded curtly at them. Sano and Aoshi both bowed deeply and straightened. They too felt ill at ease with the white haired man.

"We have been awaiting you. Shall we?" Enishi invited, his hand extending towards his house.

Kenshin followed him, Sano and Aoshi following closely behind. There was a certain feeling in the air. He could sense it and that thought bothered him. What was this feeling of anticipation? Was he really that excited to meet Tomoe?

"You have a beautiful home."

"Yours as well, my lord. My sister sang praises of it."

There it was again. This man really had a sister complex.

They walked into the main hall and lined up carefully were all the maids and servants of the Yukishiro household. Each was bowed so low down that Kenshin was afraid they might hurt themselves. In the middle stood Tomoe; tall, beautiful and regal. She looked like a woman his mother might want for him and that thought made him feel irritated inside.

"Lord Himura."

"Lady Tomoe."

Kaoru's body tensed. That voice...that voice sounded so perfectly familiar but it can't be...

"You may all rise."

The order was given in a curt, commanding voice. They were his people. They listened to him. The servants and maids raised their heads.

"This is Lord Kenshin, son of Himura," Enishi introduced, his hand gesturing directly at Kenshin. "His two companions are Sanosuke, son of Sagara and Aoshi, son of Shinomori."

And in the midst of so many faces, shocked amethyst eyes met stunned sapphire orbs.

As realization hit Kaoru, her face turned white with utter terror.

XXX

Author's Note:

Yay! Finally they meet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You have no idea how much I wanted to rush this scene and get it started but I had to bring the story out! I really hope you all enjoyed this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it. It was so much fun! It was more fun when I read all your reviews! Thank you guys so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you a lot! Your reviews were like breaths of fresh air and made me want to write more. If only exams were not around the corner...Sigh. Ok....so...I hope you all enjoy this chapter and I can gain more feedback from you. Thank you all for reviewing and have a great, fantastic and awesome day!