Author's Notes: Thanks to everyone for the review, favourites, and follows! It's so great to see the enthusiasm for this story. I decided to post another one today, but I'm still trying to figure out a posting schedule. I might try for a chapter every couple of days but we'll see. There is more set-up in this chapter. My first task when I started writing was trying to line up the characters from both Ruroken and Persuasion. It was a little difficult, as Persuasion has lots of small characters with very key roles. Anyways, I tried my best and hopefully it works!

Beta: Sumiregusa (who is going to be publishing her first book, visit her profile for more info!)
Rating: T
Warnings: None
Disclaimer: Rurouni Kenshin is owned by Nobuhiro Watsuki. Persuasion is in the public domain, but was written by Jane Austen.

Chapter 2

Anne Elliot, so young; known to so few,
to be snatched off by a stranger without alliance or fortune;
or rather sunk by him into a state of most wearing, anxious,
youth-killing dependence! It must not be, if by any fair interference
of friendship, any representations from one who had almost a mother's love,
and mother's rights, it would be prevented. - Persuasion, Jane Austen

Tokyo (formerly Edo), 1872

After locking and leaving the dojo, Yahiko and Kaoru headed silently down the road. She had mentally prepared herself for this moment and now that it was finally here, she found that she could handle it. The Kamiya-dojo wasn't lost to her, just in the hands of someone else for a short while. Dr. Genzai had assured her that the tenants would take good care of the property and that she had no reason to worry.

"I've been told that the head of the household is a great swordsman, Kaoru-chan," Dr. Genzai had said, patting her hand as he explained the arrangements. "He and his wife will treat the Kamiya-dojo with the respect it deserves."

As they walked down the road, Kaoru and Yahiko passed several of their neighbours. It was no secret that her father had left the dojo deep in debt after he had passed but fortunately no one was careless enough to discuss it openly in front of her. She didn't have much, but she had her pride, and she'd be damned if anyone saw her as a emotional female who had just lost the only home she had ever known.

We will make a new home for ourselves at the Maekawa-dojo, Kaoru vowed. It's only temporary but it will do.

After it had became apparent that Kaoru and Yahiko would no longer be able to afford to keep the Kamiya-dojo open, Maekawa Miyauchi offered to take the both of them into his household. Maekawa had been one of Kamiya Koshijiro's oldest friends and had fond memories of Kaoru growing up. Leaving her and Yahiko, who had been practically adopted into the Kamiya household, out on the streets to fend for themselves had never been an option in his mind. He had approached Kaoru with the offer to take both herself and Yahiko in as kenjutsu instructors and Kaoru had quickly accepted. While teaching, they could make a modest income, minus their room and board, and hopefully in a few short years they would be debt free and able to move back to the Kamiya-dojo.

Yahiko and Kaoru walked in silence towards Dr. Genzai's clinic. Kaoru didn't feel much like talking as she mulled their new situation over in her mind. She knew that once they got settled in their new life at the Maekawa-dojo she would start to feel more like herself. Being sad wasn't in her personality. Even during her darkest times seven years ago, she had managed to pull through, learn from her heartache and be strong. She had done it before and she would do it again. It would just take time and she hoped that Yahiko would understand that.

"Yahiko," Kaoru turned to the younger teen. He looked up at her, and she could see the pain on his face. Yahiko needed her and needed her strength. She offered him a slight smile.

"Thank you for your help." Kaoru placed a hand on the youths shoulder and gave it a squeeze. "I couldn't get through any of this without you. And we will be back. I'm not going to let us be beaten."

"I know," Yahiko said with a determined looked on his face. He clenched his fists. "We aren't beaten."

"We never are. Just think" continued Kaoru. "We will be able to devote ourselves completely to teaching Kamiya Kasshin-ryuu. And passing our school on to others. It's very noble purpose and one we shouldn't take lightly."

Yahiko perked up slightly at that. "Are you really going to let me teach?" he asked. As he had quickly progressed through her teachings he had started wanting to take on more responsibility in the school.

Kaoru smiled. "Of course. I was going to tell you tomorrow, but you are being promoted to assistant instructor. As the Maekawa-dojo takes on new students you will be responsible for teaching them the basic kata. Both Maekawa-sensei and I think you are ready for this."

At the mention of being promoted Yahiko grinned. "Finally!" he exclaimed, excited. He had been anxious to take on students of his own but Kaoru had been hesitant, not knowing the future of the dojo and their school. Now that they finally had some stability again she could move forward with her plans for completing Yahiko's training and allowing him to teach Kamiya Kasshin-ryu. Now all they needed were some students.

One step at a time, Kaoru thought. Once the financial situation of the Kamiya-dojo had become well known, most students had stayed away. No matter how good of a teacher Kaoru was, no one wanted to sign up for an already failing school.

"Kaoru!" A voice called from behind them. Both Kaoru and Yahiko turned when they heard her name. Tae was moving quickly down the street waving at them. Kaoru waved back as her friend crossed over to them.

"There you are," said Tae. "I was worried I would miss you before you left."

"We are just heading to Dr. Genzai's to drop off the key," said Yahiko. He glanced down the street. "But I can do that and meet you at the Maekawa-dojo." Kaoru nodded and Yahiko left leaving the two women alone.

"How are you Kaoru?" asked Tae as soon as Yahiko was out of listening range. Tae took Kaoru's hands concern written all over her face. Kaoru sighed unable to hide her feelings from her oldest and dearest friend.

"I'm better than I thought I would be," admitted Kaoru. "I'm still angry and I feel like if I stop I'm just going to cry. But then I remind myself that it's only a few years and I can do this. Today was hard, but it's almost over and I just want to move on."

Tae smiled softly at her friend. "That's the spirit. Come on, I'll walk you to the dojo."

They walked in silence for a bit. Kaoru could see Tae struggling with something and then not being able to handle it anymore asked her what was on her mind. "Out with it Tae, what is it?"

"I'm sorry Kaoru, but I can't help it. Do you know who is renting the dojo?" Tae asked eagerly. Their neighbourhood was relatively quiet and news that an important government official would soon be living among them had caused quite a stir. No one knew anything about the new Kamiya-dojo residents and rumours were running rampant.

"No, not really. Dr Genzai thinks he's with the police. He's being transferred to Tokyo with his wife and they wanted a large traditional house. I don't know much more than that." Kaoru shrugged.

"I wonder if he is a war hero from Kyoto?" mused Tae. "I heard many of them from both the Ishin Shishi and Shinsengumi went into the police force after the fighting ended."

"I don't know," said Kaoru slowly, surprised at the turn in conversation. They had a common understanding to not discuss Kyoto and in particular anyone who came from that city. It just seemed to trigger too many painful memories from over seven years ago.

Tae pressed on. "Surely Dr. Genzai must know something! How interesting it would be to have someone from Kyoto here in our little neighbourhood." Kaoru just shook her head, trying to fight off the memories surfacing that just the mention of Kyoto would inevitably bring. She didn't need to relive those days, after all the pain she had put herself through the last few weeks packing up the dojo. She tried to push the memories back but they broke free, flooding her with thoughts best left buried.

The look on his face, as she tugged him past their current location towards the river, after realizing that he had never been to a lantern festival. Holding his hand as the boats floated by. The look in his eyes as he brought his lips close to hers, equally as nervous about their first kiss.

The look of pain on his face when she told him that she didn't love him.

"Tae!" Kaoru almost shouted. "I don't know anything about people from Kyoto! Would you please stop it!" Kaoru picked up the pace, feeling her emotions close to the surface. The cool facade that she had been trying to portray was cracking and right now she wanted to go lay down and not get up for a few days.

"Kaoru, I'm sorry," Tae apologized. "I was just asking a question."

"You of all people should know not to talk to me about anyone from Kyoto!" Kaoru attacked angrily, knowing that she was letting some of her frustrations out on Tae. Bitter feelings came forward. If Tae and her father hadn't interfered, who knows what would have happened.

She could have been happy with a home and family of her own.

Or she could have been living alone, trying to support several children without a husband and disowned by her father. Thoughts of Yahiko and how far his once-proud samurai family had fallen entered her mind.

Seeing the expression on Kaoru's face, Tae realized what exactly Kaoru was upset about. "Kaoru," she said firmly, "what your father and I did in ending your engagement…"

"Was for my own good," said Kaoru. "I know that."

"Then what is the problem?" asked Tae, a stern expression on her face.

Kaoru sighed, giving up. It was no use to bring up these old wounds. Those days are past, thought Kaoru. And I've forgiven Tae. It had taken a long time, but Kaoru had managed to forgive her friend for the part she played in helping to break off her ill-fated engagement.

"It's nothing," said Kaoru. "It's been a long week and I'm just feeling it." She offered Tae a slight smile.

Tae's look softened and she took Kaoru's hands again. "You are strong, Kaoru-chan. Never forget that."

They walked forward again, Tae changing the subject to the Akebeko and the new recipe's they were trying at the family run restaurant. Kaoru listened and nodded as her friend told her about the new customers that were coming in to the popular restaurant.

Soon they reached the gates of the Maekawa-dojo. Kaoru turned to her friend.

"Will you come in?" asked Kaoru. "I'm sure Sayuri would be happy to have you for tea."

A pained expression quickly crossed Tae's face at the mention of Sayuri. Besides Tae, Sayuri was Kaoru's closest friend, and the two girls had grown up together. Sayuri could be challenging at times, and most of the neighbourhood avoided her if they could, not wanting to listen to the constant complaints.

"I have to get back to the restaurant to prep for dinner." Tae quickly gave her excuse. Kaoru sighed, wishing more people would give Sayuri a chance. Tae said her goodbyes and hurried away, leaving Kaoru alone. Turning towards the gates, Kaoru looked at her new home and with no hesitation, pushed them open and stepped inside.

Glossary

Kenjutsu - umbrella term for all schools of Japanese swordsmanship

Kata - literally "form", are the detailed choreographed patterns of movements practised either solo or in pairs.