It's been brought to my attention that Kenshin and Enishi fought during a Samurai X ova director's cut episode (Reflections?). I am aware and have changed the ending to fit into the ova episode; a lead off, if you will.

Disclaimer: I don't own Rurouni Kenshin

Chapter Thirteen:

//"A-ki-ra."

He turned, his face red. "Hina-geshi. You scared the life out of me."

She chuckled. "Oh Akira you're so fun to hide from."

"Honestly Hinageshi." He flipped a bowl over and put some rice in it for her.

She sat down next to him. "You're here to see Tomoe, right?" She chewed.

"Sh-shh. Keep it down." He glanced around.

She closed her eyes. "What? You're part of the Shogunate right? So what if you're here to see Lord Yukishiro's daughter?" Opening one eye she looked at him. He was sweating some; nervous. "I mean it's not like you're going to propose to her or anything. After all I don't think Lord Yukishiro would appreciate a memeber of his own organization marrying his daughter." She slapped him on the back. "But I'm a new memeber so what do I know."

Akira placed his rice bowl back on the table. "Maybe you're right Hinageshi. Perhaps I'm not strong enough to take Lord Yukishiro's daughter's hand."

Hinageshi lowered her eyes. "I'm sorry Akira. I know how much Tomoe and you enjoy each other's company." She looked up at him. "Forgive me"

He patted her on the head. "Yea, I'll forgive you."

"There you are Hinageshi." Tomoe slid open the door behind them. She glanced between the two. "You're not bugging Kiyosato are you?" She sat on his other side.

Hinageshi was going to say something but Akira interupted her. "We were just having a nice chat, weren't we Hinageshi?" He smiled brightly.

She nodded.//

Ayame and Suzume ran around after Lila in the front lawn. Shinta sat under a tree, a shiruken in hand. It was his mom's. The weapon having a feather sketched in it. /She's out there somewhere. Maybe she's looking for us. Why are we still here. We need to find her./

"Kids." Kaoru called from the dojo. "Lunch is ready."

Shinta got up and brushed himself off. He looked at Lila. She was smiling, laughing even. She hadn't laughed like that since their last night as a family in their village.

Lila was up on the step but turned back. "Shinta?"

He shook his head. "I'm coming Lila." When he got close, she took his hand. "Mama's ok. She'll find us."

"Huh?" He looked at her for a moment. "You're right. Plus we have dad, right?"

She nodded. "We'll be ok, Shinta.

Sano opened the door and glanced inside. "Hey Kenshin, missy has lunch."

"Ok Sano." Kenshin stood and walked out with him.

"Is it going to be ok to leave her alone in there?"

"Yea. I doubt she'll be waking up anytime soon."

Phoenix listened to their steps as they faded before she opened her eyes. She touched her side. Controlled breathing was necessary to keep the pain minimum. She tried to get up but the pain shot through her veins. /Just like last time./ Laying back down she slowed down her breathing. /I can't lay around like this. Kogoro is surely to make a move immediately. Not to mention the government officals who will certainly be looking for me./ Holding her breath, Phoenix tried to get up as quietly as possible. She made it to her hands and knees before stopping. Blood darkened her bandages and dripped through. Reaching her katanas she used them to help her up.

Kogoro was dressing and choosing his weapons.

"Lord Kogoro."

"Ah Shadow. You've returned."

"Yes, my Lord. I've found Phoenix as instructed. She's severely wounded, currently resting at the Kamiya dojo."

"You don't say? I could have guessed that much."

Shadow glanced down. "The government is also looking for her. May I ask again what you plan to do?"

Kogoro looked at him. "I have a feeling I'm not going to have to do anything. She'll come to me because she knows she has too." He smirked. "That's what family is for after all, right Shadow?"

Shadow nodded and disappeared.

After dinner the kids went back out to play. Kenshin and Iwao were on their way to check on Lina when Shinta's voice rose from the yard.

Kenshin was joined by Sano and Kaoru at the front entrance. Shinta shielded Lila, Ayame, and Suzume behind him.

"I'm not going to ask again..."

"Saito, you're scarying them." Kenshin stepped off the deck. "What does the Miburo want here?"

He smirked. "The Battousai, I'm sure you'd know. Recently the government's been under attack. I've been sent in search of that attacker and for that reason am standing here."

"Who is it that the government believes has been attacking them?"

Saito glanced around as he continued. "The Tokugawa Shogunate's very own number one assassin, Phoenix."