Disclaimer: I know I forgot to do this in the last chapter but, I DO NOT OWN KENSHIN OR ANY OF THE CHARACTERS, but I do own the story so please do not use it.

Chapter 2 Things Change

It was nearly an hour before Kenshin and Yahiko returned with Sano's limp form dragging behind them. During the time that they where gone I had somehow managed to befriend Kaoru, who chattered nonstop the whole time. I didn't bother me, I had absolutely no friends here in Tokyo so it was nice to talk to someone. Kenshin entered house and took the man I knew as Zanza to one of the many rooms in the house.

"Miss Megumi," said Kenshin returning with Yahiko at his side, "If you are ready I will escort you home, but your more than welcome to stay here tonight."

"Thank you for your generosity," I said bowing my head, "but I do not want to over stay my welcome."

"Kenshin, can I go with you to take Miss Megumi home," asked Yahiko.

"I'd rather you not Yahiko, It's late, and you Have training in the morning," said Kenshin patting Yahiko on the shoulder. With that Yahiko turned saying his goodnights and disappeared into another room. Kenshin walked toward the door and I fallowed behind him, waving goodbye to Kaoru.

"Come back any time Megumi," she called as I walked threw the gate to the street.

Once Kenshin and I had gotten out on to the street I directed him toward my small cottage which was about twenty minutes away from the Dojo. As we grew nearer to the place where my cottage stood, I noticed a foul smell filled the air. It wasn't until I turned the final corner to my home that I realized that the foul smell was my burning cottage. Seeing my home ablaze I darted into the house and tried to save as many of my possessions as possible. I had only managed to grab a few kimonos and a photo of my family before Kanryu appeared behind me. I turned my eyes wide with fright as he knocked me to the ground, and pulled a gun from his belt aiming it at my face. He was just about to pull the trigger when Kenshin came running at him sword in hand. I didn't waste time gathering the things I had managed to save and running from the burning building. It was only moments after I had fallen to my knees coughing from the smoke when Kenshin appeared, sword still in hand, dragging an unconscious Kanryu behind him. It was only natural with the commotion that my burning cottage was causing that the police had shown up. Kenshin quickly explained to the captain what had happened and I watched as they arrested Kanryu. The captain and Kenshin returned to my side, helping me to my feet the captian assured me that Kanryu was going to be locked away either for a very long time or he would be executed for his crimes.

"Thank you," I said with tearful eyes, I had lost everything I owned and I had no where to stay, and now that I had no job I had no chance of finding a new place.

"Miss," said the captain, "do you have anywhere to stay?"

I opened my mouth to tell him no, but before I could Kenshin interrupted, "she can stay with us at the Dojo."

I looked at him with utter disbelief a man I had only known for a few hours was offering to let me stay in his home.

"come on Miss Megumi its been a long night I'm sure you want some rest," he said beginning to walk back toward his home. when we got back Kaoru was waiting on the front porch looking rather confused.

"Kaoru, can you put on some tea and I will explain what has happened this evening," Kenshin asked noticing the confusion on her face. When Kaoru returned a few minutes later with the tea Kenshin began the story. By the end of the story Kaoru's eyes where wide and her mouth was slightly agape, she looked at me with sympathy.

"I just don't understand why any one would do that," Kaoru said looking at me with sympathy. I had remained silent threw the whole explanation, partly due to the shock of the evenings events.

"I can explain that," I said as I began my story of how I had spent all my time working under Dr. Kanryu, who Until last year had never let me leave the office. I worked, ate, and slept in that office for almost 4 years before he trusted me enough to live on my own. Dr. Kanryu was secretly running a drug ring selling opium. In the last few months that I had been working for Kanryu, he began forcing me to make the horrible drug, and when I refused he began harassing me. When Kanryu began harassing me it was the last straw I knew I couldn't blow the whistle on his drug ring but I could have my "stalker" dealt with, so this is where I enlisted Zanza's help.

"well, that's that," said Kaoru, "Megumi you can stay here as long as you like."

"thank you for your kindness," I replied bowing my head, "but I feel ashamed to take advantage of your hospitality like that, so in the morning I'll go in search of a job so i can pay you for your trouble and get back out on my own."

"honestly," said Kenshin, "you can live here as long as you please and we don't expect anything, as long as you contribute to the work around the Dojo you will earn the right to stay here."

"And you would be doing more than Sanosuke and Yahiko ever do," piped in Kaoru, "they never help around here, but we still keep them around."

"And if you truly wish for a job I could talk to Dr. Genzai I believe he is looking for an assistant Doctor," Kenshin said smiling.

"Thank you so much," I said my eyes watering, "I haven't felt this welcome since before I lost my family in the war."

"It's no problem," said Kaoru, "now fallow me and I will get you some bedding and show you your room."

As I lay on my futon in my new room I thought to my self, In one night I got friends, a family, and a new life its true one night can change your life forever. That was the last thing I thought about before drifting in to the first peaceful nights sleep I've had in years.