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Chapter 15: Arrangements

Yahiko huffed irritably and a white puff of mist issued from his mouth to join the cold air of mid-afternoon. It was sunny today but that hardly mattered since the temperature was still well below freezing. The sunshine was the only reason he was now lying on the engawa, though, and he shifted once to try and catch a bit more of the pale rays across his face. The pain in his forearm ached with the chill, his mood plummeted further, and he watched with a foul temper as other servants ran back and forth across the porches and through the snow as they went about their duties.

It had only been a week since he had been injured and no one was allowing him to do anything. At first when Lord Kenshin had come to personally see him the day after the battle his ego had puffed up with so much pride he had thought even timid Tsubame would hit him for bragging. After a few days, however, he began to realize that receiving the lord's attention was not really that big of a blessing. Especially since he had a lady now that could influence his decisions. Getting a rather grand speech of gratitude was great and all, and he still secretly felt lofty for it, but hearing the lady's request to rest and recuperate ingrained in the lord's own words of order really nagged on him. Resting and letting his wound heal was necessary, he knew, since he couldn't actually walk just yet, but it was the way in which she insisted he go about it.

Like at that very moment he was lying on a large cushion with a thick blanket draped over his back and Tsubame was watching over him like a mother hen. Tsubame being there was nice, but she wouldn't let him get away with anything, and just knowing that she was on the lady's side kind of irked him. Plus there was the way everyone else was treating him as if he were fragile and helpless, and the teasing the mutt and a few of his friends directed at him when they saw him bundled up like a baby pissed him off. It was getting to the point where he felt no one recognized the true reason he was in this predicament, and instead they only saw that he was hurt and weak. Huffing again he tucked his nose under his uninjured leg in shame.

"Don't sulk, Yahiko-chan. Lord Kenshin was very impressed with your strength. Aren't you still proud that you saved Lady Kaoru?"

Glancing over the top of his paw at Tsubame's small, tabby stripped form with her fur bristled out to retain heat he grunted. "Proud or not no one else seems to see it that way."

"Is that what is bothering you?" Padding over to sit next to him she leaned her weight just slightly into his side. "Everyone who is important knows what you did and thinks very highly of you. The mistress can't stop bragging on you." Lighting up excitedly Tsubame remembered something that was sure to make him happy again. "If you promise not to tell anyone I know a secret of the lady's."

"Oh? What could she possibly say that's interesting?" Acting indifferent he closed his eyes, but his ears perked up to swivel in her direction.

"She seems to think you would have made an excellent sword master and wishes she could teach you her father's sword style. Fancy you being a samurai like Lord Kenshin and Master Shinta." Awed over the prospect Tsubame looked dreamily skyward. Even after so many years of living to think her Yahiko had even more potential for growth was amazing. To be as strong as Lord Kenshin and wise as Master Shinta… The thought made her blush.

"Yeah, fancy that." Sarcasm clearly enunciated, Yahiko curled away from her and she frowned at the hurt it caused. "I'm sorry to break it to you but nothing good is ever going to happen to us. Face it, Tsubame, we're gonna be stuck like this forever."

Tears were prickling her eyes when she answered softly. "At least we'll be together."

"Not really…" The frustration in his voice brought to light the pain they both carried.

Circling the pillow she nosed her way under the cover and twisted her body so that she was lying with her back pressed into his side. His fur was always warm and the purr that rumbled her chest was instinctual to her kitten form. "Being close to you is enough for me. Things could always be worse, Yahiko."

"Hey, kitty litter!" A voice from across the yard sunk a rock into his gut.

"Speaking of worse."

"How many times do I need to tell you to stay away from my girl?"

Lifting his head up sharply at the declaration Yahiko glared at a medium-sized puma coming there way. "And how many times do I need to tell you she doesn't want anything to do with you, Yutarou."

"You've got her brainwashed, Yahiko-chan. She'll warm up to me after we're married." Jumping down into the snow the tan-colored mountain lion made a show of strutting his way over.

"Ain't gonna happen." Growling low in his throat Yahiko's ears pinned back in warning.

"Who's gonna stop me? You? Please. The deal's already been made between my parents and hers. She's got an obligation to marry me. Maybe you'd understand that if you had parents."

"Yutarou-san, that was very rude."

"Don't try talking nice to him, Tsubame." Lip curling in anger and disgust, Yahiko stood slowly into a crouch. "The only language that idiot understands is force."

"Are you insinuating that you'll force me into annulling our engagement? That's a laugh. I heard the poor little kitty got hurt."

"I can still kick your scrawny ass, Yutarou!"

"Yahiko, please. Your injury…"

"I'm fine." Shaking off the blanket, Yahiko growled louder as Yutarou came closer.

"Yeah, let him make a fool of himself, Tsubame-chan. Then you can really see who's the better pick."

"And you really think she'll pick some spoiled little general's son? You've had everything handed to you, even your engagement. What have you ever done to earn Tsubame?"

"Earning is for poor little orphaned boys like you, Yahiko-chan. Money and rank buy what I need."

Tsubame gasped at his side and Yahiko snarled and launched himself from the veranda and straight into the puma's chest. Rolling through the snow they were a bundle of claws, hisses, and sharp fangs. Yahiko's front paw handicapped him and Tsubame whimpered each time he cried out in pain because of it. As it drug on the width of compacted snow widened as they tumbled about and the noise from their fight grew louder and attracted a lot of attention. It was not long before the loud footsteps of a human were heard running up from behind the kitten's anxious form.

"What's going on?"

Twisting to look up at the lady's confused face Tsubame began to cry in her high feline voice. "Yahiko and Yutarou are fighting again. You have to make them stop. Yahiko's injury is bleeding." Sure enough speckles of blood from the tight bandage was dying the white snow red and coating part of the tan hide of the mountain lion as he rolled over the top of it.

"Foolish boys."

Soft brown eyes widened as the lord stepped around Kaoru and she watched him hop off the raised walkway to stalk across the yard towards the wrestling match. Bending smoothly at his knees he knocked the puma aside with a back-handed slap and then grabbed a fistful of the tiger's fur when he tried to scramble after. Lifting Yahiko up by the scruff of his neck he pinned the puma with a warning look. "Sit down." Reluctant to give up the match but uneasy in the lord's presence Yutarou hesitated before sitting his rump down in the snow. Turning to the side Kenshin sat Yahiko down as well so that he was standing between them. "Now. Explain yourselves."

They both began talking at once and each were trying to out yell the other to make sure their side of the story was heard and believed. Becoming irritated, and remembering just why he had never wanted the job of master to begin with, Kenshin lost patience. "Stop!" Both quieted with a whimper. Eyeing each he took a breath and pointed at the mountain lion. "You. What is your name?"

"Uh, Yutarou, my lord. Tsukayama Yutarou."

Kneeling next to Tsubame on the veranda with her hand braced against the kitten's trembling side Kaoru's brow curled. Not one person she had met since arriving had introduced themselves with a surname. Not even Kenshin. Well, I guess Saitou is a surname, but… what makes him and this Tsukayama kid so special?

Kenshin frowned, he remembered the name well. "The son of Tsukayama Yuzàemon?"

"Yes, my lord." There was definite pride in his voice now. Kenshin's frown deepened. Yuzàemon had been a faithful supporter of Tenshi, Kenshin's second to oldest brother, because he had advanced him the furthest. Something like rage trembled in his stomach. Glancing sideways at Kaoru on the porch he tried to take a deep breath. Because of her influence he was slowly learning restraint. No one else that knows the truth is still alive but Saitou. This boy is ignorant to the betrayal that happened, or he would not now feel pride for his namesake.

"And what is the son of General Tsukayama doing fighting one of my personal servants?" Part of the pride on Yutarou's face disappeared, and he ducked his head in a more obedient gesture.

"My lord, I was merely trying to protect the honor of my affianced. Tsubame-chan and I are engaged to be married." Confused, Kaoru looked down at Tsubame, but her head was buried in her paws. "I have tried to be patient and understanding of her pity towards this lowly servant boy, but he has misunderstood her sympathy and taken it for affection. He has misled her and now he thinks to take her from me. I will not allow him to ruin her reputation."

Studying the hint of only partial honesty in his eyes Kenshin redirected his gaze to the tiger on his other side. There was no deference in his posture, only a tense desire to pounce the puma again. Anger radiated from his black eyes. "Yahiko." The tiger's muscles were so rigid he jumped when he was addressed and he darted a side look up. "Were you aware of Tsubame's engagement to Yutarou-san?"

Jaw trembling as he tried to fight against the tide of the conversation the helpless feeling that all would no longer be well settled in his chest. If Kenshin were to order him away from Tsubame he would have to obey. Even though he had been recognized for his bravery and strength by saving the lord's lady, rank was still rank and Yahiko had none. Features contorting as if he had eaten something foul he forced out the words that were expected of him. "Y-yes… my lord." The pain in his foreleg was no longer the main ache in his body.

"And you pursued her anyway?"

"Yes, my lord." Sinking down into the snow he hated to even imagine the look of triumph on Yutarou's face.

Kaoru shifted and Kenshin's golden eyes looked up at her frown. The kitten was curled in her arms now and her face was hidden in the crevice of Kaoru's elbow. Flitting his sight between Yutarou and Yahiko, one pleased the other defeated, he sighed. "I shall resolve this issue right now and afterwards I will stand for no more of this." Both nodded. "Good. Tsubame-san." Soft, pointed ears twitched and she peeked around the fabric of Kaoru's haori sleeve. "It is your right to choose."

"But, my lor…"

"Quiet!" Pinning the puma with another glare, his voice dropped warningly. "I will not tolerate any interruptions." Pausing to make sure they both clearly understood he addressed the kitten again. "Now, Tsubame-san, is it your wish to keep the engagement between Yutarou-san and yourself?" Looking half frightened she shrunk back into Kaoru's arms a little further. "Be honest. I am not looking for an answer you would give out of fear."

Yutarou was now the angry one and a part of Tsubame knew that marrying him had been the wish of her parents before their death, but… Looking down at Yahiko with his dark eyes peering hopefully back she also knew her mother would have never wanted her to be miserable. Without Yahiko she would be miserable. Besides, their lives now were nothing like the way they had been back when the arrangement had been made. What difference was rank and status now when they could no longer leave the palace walls?

"I do not wish it, my lord." Answer soft but firm Tsubame met the amber eyes of her master. "I never have."

"And the reason?" Pressing her further Kenshin wanted no room for doubt. "Be clear. I will not have this happen again."

"Yes, my lord." Becoming more sure by the minute, Tsubame sat up in Kaoru's arms. We are so lucky to have such a caring lord. Just like Master Shinta was. "I am grateful that Yutarou-san's family thought me suitable to marry their son, but I do not love him. I…" Suddenly embarrassed that she would have to announce her feelings not only in front of the lady but the lord as well, she ducked her head and continued shyly. "I am in love with Yahiko-kun."

Kaoru was smiling again and it eased his irritation. "Then it is decided."

"No, my lord, it is not."

The disbelieving annoyance that jerked Kenshin's mouth worried Kaoru, but the audacity of this other kid felt just a bit like someone who was used to getting his way. "Are you saying you would question my judgment on this matter, Tsukayama-san?"

"The engagement was agreed upon by our parents. Just because she says she doesn't want to marry me doesn't mean a thing."

"Are you serious?" Unable to keep her tongue any longer, Kaoru huffed angrily. "Why you little brat."

"Then I will speak to both of your parents."

"My parents are dead, Kenshin-sama." Confessing sadly, Tsubame turned into Kaoru's embrace. "They cannot break off the engagement. I have been left in the care of Yutarou-san's family."

Though he felt a moment of pity for her his main sensation was of relief at the announcement. That would make things even easier. "No, Tsubame-san. Your care is now the responsibility of your master and that would be me." Crossing his arms he stared down the impertinent mountain lion and wished he could do more to put him in his place. However, even though General Tsukayama was dead and all that was left to the boy was his mother, he did not feel like stirring up any resentment for something so ridiculous. "As her primary caretaker I have the right to annul your engagement. Run home and tell your mother I will speak with her tomorrow."

Looking sullen but still insolent, Yutarou curled up a lip at Yahiko as he struggled to stand. "Fine, see if I care. Who wants a woman that would rather have a piece of servant trash over a general's son anyway?"

Unable to stand his pompous attitude Kenshin abruptly turned his attention to the tiger. "That reminds me, Yahiko-kun, I have spoken with Kogorou-san and Soujirou-san, and they have both agreed you would be a good addition to the palace guard."

"What?" Eyes widening, Yahiko stared up at the lord in disbelief. Yutarou dropped his jaw in shock. "Really?"

Finding himself pleased with the boy's excitement, a strange occurrence as he was just a servant, Kenshin curled his brow into a frown at the urge to smile. "Of course. This is not a matter I would speak of lightly."

"But, the palace guard are… I'm mean you have to be…"

"As soon as you are completely healed you will begin your training. It will be modified, obviously, so you will not learn their original swordsmanship or weaponry, but there are other matters you must learn besides fighting that are required. Do you think yourself up to the task?"

"Yes! Yes, of course!"

"Then I am pleased." About to turn away he stopped when Kaoru dropped down into the snow in only her stockings. Exasperated and forgetting completely about the puma and the satisfying outrage he was stewing in Kenshin sighed. "What are you doing?"

"We need to get Yahiko-kun back up onto the veranda so I can re-bandage his wound." Bending down next to his limping form she smacked the tiger upside the head once. "Since the idiot decided it necessary to fight while injured." Ducking, Yahiko narrowed his eyes, but the next moment she was smiling and wrapping an arm around his middle to lift him. "But I am glad you've got your priorities straight when it comes to Tsubame-chan. She's such a lucky girl to have you looking out for her."

"Shut up." The uncomfortable reply was softened by his own smile and Kaoru flashed a grin at Kenshin as he stooped to help her. The return look on the lord's face showed a certain amount of serenity she had never witnessed there before. It was as if he were more certain of himself and situation. As if resolving the fight had put some things into better perspective. The look made her feel calm, and yet unsure at the same time.

X

"Your wounds are healing nicely, Kenshin-sama." Happy with the thought Kaoru put away the supply of extra bandages and reached for her haori. It was getting late and she was beginning to feel tired, though that might have had a lot to do with the cold. It always made her feel tired.

"They have been well tended to." The comment was off-hand but she was still pleased. "How about your own, Kaoru-dono? There haven't been… any complications?" The worry in his voice curled her lips and she shook her head ease his mind.

"No. Megumi-sensei's medicine has helped to keep them clean and uninfected. It'll take awhile for my fingernail to grow back, but Megumi-sensei doesn't seem to think I'll have any problems with it, either."

"Good."

Lingering, Kaoru briefly fingered the collar of the haori he had given her before her touch slipped to the chain of her necklace. Briefly her eyes dropped to look at it and she fleetingly wondered if she shouldn't ask him about her memories. Deciding against it, she tried to distract herself by dredging up a different topic. "So… do you think the mother of that boy today will be difficult about the engagement? I mean, I find it a little strange that he would even still be holding onto such an arrangement after so long."

"I as well. Truth be told I was surprised that he would demand a marriage that would no longer gain him anything." The tone of his voice changed as his words held an emotion she couldn't comprehend, and she realized it was the first time she had ever heard him speak about anything even partially concerning their age or circumstance. "I am hoping that the reality behind the situation is something a little more simple. Like boyish rivalry, or even that he truthfully liked the girl enough to be envious of her relationship with Yahiko-kun. That will make it easier to speak with his mother, and will cause no problems later on with her, her connections, or the rest of her family."

"It's kind of sad, though, to think he might actually have a crush on Tsubame-chan and has harbored it as long as he has." Kenshin was noncommittal on this thought so she chewed her lip before shifting her muscles to stand. "I wish you luck, whatever the original intent turns out to be. I do think it's great that you're going so far out of your way just to make Tsubame-chan and Yahiko-kun happy."

Frowning, he looked away from her to resume an old habit from before their fight. "Making them happy was never my purpose. I will simply not tolerate those two fighting and causing such a disturbance at random times of the day."

Shrugging, Kaoru smothered her smile and cast her voice indifferently. "Either way they're both happy with the outcome. Tsubame-chan was already talking about wedding arrangements and Yahiko couldn't stop bragging about his entry into training for the palace guard. Whatever your reason I am glad they are pleased." Dropping her gaze she concentrated on picking at a scab that was covering one of her nearly healed fingers. "Especially Tsubame-chan. Living with the knowledge that you are going to marry someone you do not care for is not an enjoyable experience."

Sharply his attention returned to her and when she looked up to say goodnight she was surprised by the fixed set of his gaze. "Has your father chosen someone for you to marry, Kaoru-dono?"

Blinking in brief surprise, Kaoru gave a small, abrupt laugh. "Once upon a time when I was like six he did make an arrangement with another family from the village, but…" Shrugging, she made a face and waved her hand through the air. "he was a snotty, evil little imp. When we turned fifteen it became apparent that it was not a trait he was going to grow out of so Father ended the betrothal. Thankfully. I think I would have ran away first before marrying that idiot."

"Hmm." The sound was not disbelieving but it was not a satisfied sound either. "And did your father have any trouble with his parents?"

Wincing, Kaoru let out a breath. "Well, he was one of Father's students, and obviously if we were married then he would have been promised our dojo as my dowry. So, when Father decided against the wedding it really upset him and his family and he quit the dojo… along with everyone else. His family is pretty influential in the village and no one likes to go against them, so... Anyway, that's the reason why Father had to travel across the mountain to the other village to find students because all of ours quit over two years ago. We had to survive on whatever money we had saved… and we had to sell a lot of stuff too."

"Hmm." Another unnecessary noise that sounded not quite pleased. "Has this… boy given you any trouble?"

Lifting a brow Kaoru glanced over his facial features questioningly. "Not that it matters now but Enishi gives everybody trouble. He excels at it."

"Enishi?" Eyes narrowing, Kenshin sat up a little straighter and his voice turned just slightly accusing. "That is the name you compared me to your first evening here!"

Biting her lip, she knew she was supposed to be contrite but his reaction was threatening to make her laugh. "I did?"

"Yes. You did." There was no doubt now that he was definitely not pleased.

"Sorry. I take it back. Really, I do. Enishi is… well a few words that are not decent for polite society."

"Do you really consider my company polite society, Kaoru-dono? With the lax way you conduct yourself around me I have to wonder."

Full on laughing, Kaoru covered her face with one hand. "Fine then. Enishi is a big jerk that's never going to change. Neither you nor I were used to each other when we first met. We're getting along much better now that we've been around each other awhile, and whatever kind of society you are," She shrugged with a smile. "I really enjoy your company, Kenshin."

If he hadn't reacted she wouldn't have thought twice about what she'd just said, but with his bangs falling away from his face as he tilted his head she could clearly see the change to his features. Contemplation softened his eyes, wonder parted his lips, the muscles in his face relaxed, and she couldn't decide if he was angry or offended. Either way it was an expression that made her nervous.

"I-I'm sorry, that was completely rude…" His dazed voice cut her off softly.

"As long as you did not mean for it to be disrespectful…" He looked away when she glanced up. "I do not mind."

"Really?" Pleased, Kaoru smiled. "Great! Will you call me Kaoru?"

Becoming very uncomfortable Kenshin hunched his shoulders defensively. "It would not be seemly, Kaoru-dono."

"I don't see the difference."

"As a lady staying in my palace you will be treated and addressed properly or it in turn suggests my hospitality and respect towards you is questionable. My respect for you will never be questionable."

"Even though this lady likes to argue like a man and practices swordsmanship?" Teasing him for his noble thought patterns she crossed her arms and gave him a playful look.

Recognizing the sarcasm in her voice, a feat he was getting better at, Kenshin nodded solemnly. "Warrior maidens are still women and thus shall be honored accordingly. Wielding a sword, after all, is merely a more dangerous way of dancing."

"You make it sound like you've known other women warriors!" Intrigued, Kaoru groaned in frustration. "That's really unfair! You can't just bring up a subject like that this late at night. I'm tired and I want to go to bed." Pointing a finger, she pursed her lips on an exaggerated frown. "We're going to finish this conversation tomorrow." Grinning and repressing a laugh, he nodded solemnly. "Goodnight, Kenshin."

"Goodnight, my lady."

Shutting the shoji with a huff Kaoru walked through the hallway and out the tsumado to the open walkway. There wasn't much distance between his pavilion and her own to the east, which was good since it was incredibly cold, but it gave her enough time to order her thoughts. Soft particles of drifted snow were dusting the outreaches of the planks and when she looked out into the darkness she could just barely see the large white flakes falling from the heavens. It was a gentle coating of snow tonight, more calming than beautiful, but it would still add several inches to the already accumulated blanket. Soon it would be level with the veranda.

A soft glow illuminated the clouds slightly off to her left, and as the light caught her eye she slowed to a stop to stare. The rest of the palace as well as city was off in that direction, but she couldn't think of anything besides an open fire that would give off such a glow. It was too late for anyone to still be awake, and in this weather such a fire would be pointless and difficult to make. Curious, Kaoru glanced once over her shoulder at the partial hint of candlelight from Kenshin's pavilion, and then back towards the mysterious shine. It didn't look to be that far away.

Navigating the maze of buildings and walkways and trying her best to stay up on the boards and out of the snow Kaoru made her way towards the peculiar sight. At the very edge of the palace where the mediating structures that separated the it from the city stood she stopped and blinked as she found the source. It was the shrine she was not allowed near. The shrine no one was allowed to go in. Something was wrong, however, because the door was standing wide open, and the glow of light was coming from inside. Someone was where they should not have been.

Kenshin will want to know. I'll just go and peek inside to see who has disobeyed him and then leave. There shouldn't be any harm in that. They may not even need to be punished depending on what they're doing. I may be able to save whoever it is from a scolding. Misdirecting her thoughts away from her own curiosity she set herself a mission and stepped down into the snow.

Almost upon the door and she realized an important fact that had so far escaped her observations. There were no footprints leading up to the doorway, and since the shrine was not connected to any of the other buildings by a walkway anyone wishing to go inside would have to walk through the snow to get to it. Unless whoever it is can fly. Like Kenshin or Aoshi or that owl I met in the woods. Carefully stepping up the stairs she glanced over all that she could see of the inside to search for movement.

So far all that was visible was a tree. It was a large tree with bare branches. Briefly she wondered how it received any rain to live on with the roof and walls covering it from all sides, but then she thought that perhaps Kenshin came and watered it. He was the only one allowed inside, after all. Then she wondered why it was concealed. Was it so delicate it could not be submitted to the outside elements?

A dark shadow flitted through her peripheral vision and Kaoru ducked instinctively. There was someone inside. Lightly tiptoeing the rest of the distance to the doorway Kaoru hid beside the open door jam and peeked her head quickly around the corner. The origin of the glow instantly attracted her attention and she focused on it instead to allow her eyes blinking to adjust to the sudden light. The aura was nearly pink and did not flicker like a candle or flame but seemed to radiate from a couple of blossoms blooming from a branch of the tree. Surprised, she gasped and was quickly distracted as warmth slowly began heating the skin of her chest. Glancing down at her necklace she saw that the glass petal was glowing brighter in reaction, and something unexpectedly clicked together in her mind.

Kaoru had walked up these steps before, had opened this door, and had skipped happily inside. Her large blue eyes had at one time stared up at this tree in wonder and amazement, had envied the pretty glass petals, and had plucked one sparkling piece from a branch to take with her.

But then the light disappeared, a shadow falling over her figure from behind. Turning around quickly, her hand clutched to her chest, she stared upwards, for the being was much taller than she.

Shaking her head Kaoru cupped the bauble of her necklace in one hand and clutched at it desperately. Something had happened before that. Something… no, someone else had spoken with her.

"What a beautiful little girl you are."

Jumping, blue eyes shot to the shadow standing behind the trunk of the tree.

"Do not be frightened, young one, I, nor anyone else here, will hurt you." Stepping closer the figure resolved itself into the form of a woman and her lips were curved ever so slightly into a smile. "That petal in your hand was not meant to fall for many years yet."

Suddenly afraid she had done something wrong Kaoru's bottom lip pulled downward. "Am I in trouble? I only wanted to keep one. They're all so pretty."

"I do not suppose it has fallen, yet, either, so do not fret. As long as it stays in your hand and never shatters on the ground I do not mind if you keep it for now. One day, though, I will need it back. Will you take good care of it for me until then?" Nodding eagerly Kaoru clasp the glass petal between her palms. "There is another that you must ask, however, young one. You see, this petal does not belong solely to myself. It holds power over another here. I have given you my permission to keep it, but he must allow it as well. Be a polite little girl and ask the lord, too." A slender finger pointed behind her, and Kaoru whirled around to stare up at the shadow now standing over her.

Smiling, she held up the petal for his scrutiny.

"Can I keep it?"

There was a tinge of displeasure in his gaze, but the gold hue of his irises was not directed upon her but the other woman now retreating back into the branches of the tree. A large, clawed hand curled around the back of her head, his sharp nails tickled her neck, and he led her gently back out of the shrine. As if keeping her from danger.

"Come along, little one."

"It is nice to see you again, my young jasmine-scented girl."

X

A/N: I really like it when I get to writing and everything comes out smoothly and then ideas just run through my head and I think, oh, oh, I could put this here and it works just so perfect! Sigh. I also like getting to introduce other stuff in small increments that way I give little hints as to where all of this is going. Sometimes I wonder if they aren't too small at times and no one even notices, but I guess sometimes that's the point, so you can think back after you find out later and think, oh yeah, I remember him saying something about that. Anyway…

I wanted to have some tension and back story for Yahiko, and Yutarou popped into my head. I didn't originally want to make Yutarou be such a jerk, but I also wanted to make sure he had that rich and spoiled attitude. He still answers to Kenshin, though. Ha-ha-ha-ha. I'll have some more stuff about him later. I just kind of randomly made Kaoru say something about Tsubame and wedding arrangements, and it got me to thinking about some future stuff that would ease the plot along, but then I thought… would it be too weird having Tsubame and Yahiko get married even though they're all over a thousand years old but still technically stuck in ten-year-old bodies? I'm thinking that one over, and any input you have would help. So it may or may not be in there. It's not necessary, though, for the story, so it's just a side thought. Well, hope that you liked, and see you in the next chapter. Please leave a review and tell me what you thought.

They're so cute now that they're getting along!