Sorry it's late guys, but I just had the worst two weeks ever. So here you go, and I hope you enjoy.

Disclaimer: I hold no rights to any of them.

Chapter 19: Fragments

Kaoru sat with her legs folded properly underneath her, her hair draped over one shoulder as she brushed its length distractedly. The hypnotic motion entranced her mind, leaving it clear to think on other matters, her eyes unfocused with a far away look staring into the mirror before her.

"Misao-san." The weasel looked up from where she was lounging in the room. As the lady's handmaiden, she was with Kaoru more than any of the other servants. "What can you tell me about Kenshin's family?"

"Well, milady…" Thoughtfully, almost reluctantly, Misao replied, her body flipping over onto her stomach to raise her head. "his mother, Lady Kinuko, was very sweet and well mannered. She was intelligent and kind, and she gave the best advice. She could always tell when there was something wrong with those around her." The sad note that was always present when she spoke of the late lady reentered her voice.

"How did she die?"

There was silence for a long moment, and Kaoru turned to face the weasel head on. "She got very weak, milady."

"Was she sickly?"

"No, milady. Lady Kinuko was… delicate, and… Lord Kenshin's father, Master Izo, was not…" Looking decidedly uncomfortable, Misao's head ducked down towards the floor.

Frowning, Kaoru felt a small amount of anger begin to bloom within her at the thought this knowledge produced. Kaoru had never met Kinuko, but from what she had heard, she had been a wonderful lady and mother. She did not like the thought of her being mistreated. "Did he beat her?"

"Oh no, milady, you misunderstand." Shaking her head desperately in negation, Misao hurried to explain. "I simply meant that Lady Kinuko's physical traits were not the same as her husband's, and so when she became pregnant with his child, it was always very hard on her to endure."

"Oh, so Kenshin wasn't her only child?"

"Well no, and yes. Lord Kenshin was the only one of her children that survived."

"Then she lost others?" Feeling sympathetic and saddened by the feelings that would no doubt follow such a happening, Kaoru's blue eyes appeared bruised with those imagined emotions.

Nodding, Misao confirmed. "The lady had five miscarriages after Lord Kenshin. During the last one… she would not stop bleeding. She became very weak, and died a few days later."

"How sad."

"Yes, milady."

"How… did Kenshin take it?"

"Lord Kenshin was never allowed to show much when his father was still alive, milady. Anger, fear, sadness, love… these were all emotions that showed weakness. Master Izo despised weakness, especially in his sons. To be honest, Lady Kaoru, I have never seen Lord Kenshin smile, not until you came to stay here." Smiling sadly, Kaoru looked away, thinking of the things he had said to her a few days before. Lightly, Misao's paw touched her arm. "If I may, milady, you are asking because you would like to understand why things are the way they are here, right?" Hesitating, Kaoru nodded. "Then you should know a very heartless rumor spread during the last few days of Lady Kinuko's life. Of course it was not true, but it hurt Lord Kenshin all the same."

"What was said?"

"We did have a physician here, before Megumi-sensei, and he was not as contemporary as she is. He told Master Izo that Lady Kinuko could bear no more children because all of her strength had been taken from her… stolen by her first born. In essence, he blamed Lord Kenshin for her inability to carry a child full term and in turn, her death by saying he took her life to strengthen his own. You see, since Lord Kenshin has never been a sickly or weak child, it was strange that he would inherit her petite stature and delicate looks, and yet preserve a strength that none of Master Izo's other children possessed. They were all strong, of course, but not like our Lord Kenshin."

"Well, that's just ridiculous. I can't believe anyone would be idiotic enough to say something so stupid and untrue." Immediately defensive, Kaoru huffed, missing the smile that pulled at Misao's lips. Sighing, her brightened eyes returned to being sad. "Poor Kenshin, that must have been hard."

"Our lord has not had an easy life, milady."

"Obviously not." Putting away her brush, Kaoru stood and stretched. "From what I can tell, his father was not pleasant." Misao shook her head to agree to the offhand statement. "What about his brothers? Can you tell me about them?"

"Not much, milady. I was not allowed too near the men of the family, since I was a lady's handmaiden. Anything I could tell you of them is just what I have heard from others or seen from afar. I was able to see Lord Kenshin and Master Izo more often than any of them, but that was merely because I was Lady Kinuko's favorite. Lord Kenshin never came into her pavilion, that wouldn't have been allowed after he hit a certain age, but he did visit her by the courtyard often. Master Izo only ever came to see the lady when… well, she was his wife, so it was late in the evenings."

"Oh, well alright then."

"If you are curious, though, you should ask Sano. He may not act like it now, but he used to be one of the head guards for the palace. In fact, I think Master Shinta appointed him to that position."

"Really, that loafer?" Amused, Kaoru laughed.

"Yeah, I know, it's a little hard to believe. Even for me."

Sliding open the inner shoji, Kaoru smiled. "Thanks, Misao-san, I'll go see if I can find him after breakfast."

X

"Who told you that nonsense?"

Shrugging, Kaoru looked away from where the mutt was sprawled in a patch of sunlight. It had not taken long to find the lay-a-bout, since several of the other residents knew just where to find him. Sanosuke liked to sleep right where he was in the way of the most people. "I heard it around. Seems to me one of the lords thought you were well qualified enough to be trusted with such a dignified position." Checking her fingernails, she jumped when he snorted.

"Yeah, whatever. The master didn't waste any time stripping me of that position once Shinta-sama was dead, either."

"Kenshin…?" Contrite, slightly ashamed of herself for bringing it up, Kaoru's shoulders slumped.

"Nah, the old master." Rolling to flop his front paws off the edge of the veranda, he stuck his chin on top of one and flipped his tail. "He wanted to get rid of me altogether, but Lord Kenshin intervened for some reason."

"What happened?" Sitting down next to him, Kaoru crossed one arm over her lap. "If you don't mind me asking, I mean."

"I don't supposed I do, since I don't know everything myself. One minute I was hearing the news of Master Shinta's death, and then the next I was being called before the old master. He tried accusing me of being part of some kind of conspiracy against his oldest son. Something about using my position to get closer to him, you know, find out the best way to plan an assassination. Which was a load of horseshit. I grew up with the man, I don't know how much closer I could have gotten."

Kaoru blinked, watching as the large mongrel twisted his neck in an action to hide the emotion that entered his voice. "You… were close to Shinta-sama?"

Shrugging, a dismissive roll of his shoulders, Sano spoke offhand. "We were the same age. With no one else to play with, what did you expect?"

"So why would he have thought you were in on some kind of conspiracy?" Thinking of the suggestive way Kenshin had spoken of the situation surrounding his oldest brother's death, she looked down at her lap. If Kenshin had killed him, then he would have known with certainty that Sano had nothing to do with his murder. It didn't sound like, however, that anyone else knew. It didn't seem right to let any of them know now.

"Beats me. I think he was just looking for someone to blame."

"Did they ever find out what really happened?"

"What really happened?" Scoffing, Sano propped himself up on his front legs. "Missy, he was killed in battle. If anyone got anybody killed it was that father of theirs, dragging them all off to war and making them fight for his own greedy wishes." Mumbling a few curses under his breath, he sat all the way up and began scratching his ear.

"They all died in battle? But…" "Tenshi and Shinta-sama were murdered. By their brother."

"Well… except for Lord Tenshi." There was that reluctance again, only this time Sano was completely uncomfortable, and when his mahogany eyes glanced her way they lowered quickly with a sigh. "Don't look at me like that Missy. It isn't something that concerns you. It happened a long, long time ago." Her blue eyes were indecisive, a little painful, but she nodded, looking defeated, and he closed his eyes on an exasperated grumble. "Look, I couldn't tell you anything about it if I wanted to. I was locked up at the time, waiting for Master Izo to make a decision. All I heard when I got out was that Lord Tenshi was dead as well, and that no one was to speak of him or his death ever again." Pausing, he jerked his head. "What do you want to know all this stuff for anyway?"

Pulling the chain of her necklace out from under her kimono, Kaoru fingered the petal hanging from it distractedly. "Was Kenshin there?" Meeting his eyes squarely, she continued as his brow furrowed. "In the battle with Shinta-sama?"

"No. As a matter-of-fact, he wasn't. He was… with Lady Kinuko… during the last few days of her life." The furrow between his eyes deepened, and something like anger appeared in their depths. "Missy, I don't like what you're insinuating. Lord Kenshin had only one person in this world he looked up to, and I'll tell you right now it was not his father. If you think for one moment that he could have ever killed his own brother just to take his inheritance, then you've just lost all the respect I have for you."

Lips trembling, Kaoru couldn't help the small smile that curved her mouth. "How could I think any such thing when all of his subjects are so loyal?" Unthinking of the impropriety of the action, Kaoru reached out and scratched at the ear he was working on. A little shocked, he tensed, but tilted his head into her nails. "I've just noticed some… mood swings that Kenshin likes to pull, and I thought it might be easier for me to understand and… help him if I knew just what kind of life he has lived. But I can't come to an unbiased decision without asking for all of the details."

"Unbiased, huh?" Leaning a little harder into her hand, Sano felt his leg move without his volition, and consciously stopped it with his toes spread. "Sounds to me like you've already made a decision on how you think of the young master."

Dropping her hand, Kaoru avoided his gaze, blushing when he laughed. "I can't help that I know a different Kenshin than the one you all have seen. I want to better understand who he is, but… it won't change what I think of him."

"And?" Turning his head almost upside-down to peer under the curtain of her bangs, he grinned toothily.

Shoving him, she huffed. "And what?"

Laughing louder, he stumbled back and hopped off the side into the snow. "Listen, I don't know much about what happened, but I do know someone else who knows everything. If you're brave enough to ask him, that is."

X

The scent of tea was intoxicating, and Kaoru let the warmth of the steam waft across her cheeks as she shivered from the leftover cold of outside. Smiling at Tokio, she sipped and sighed gratefully.

"You make the best tea Tokio-san." Pausing, she giggled and leaned forward to hurriedly whisper. "Just don't tell Tae-san I said so."

"Of course not, milady. Your secret is safe with me." Settled down adjacent to her in their cozy home, Saitou's wife seemed well at ease no matter what the situation. This was the second time Kaoru had made an unexpected visit, but not one complaint had passed her lips about her lack of forewarning. Saitou had made more than enough of those snide remarks himself.

Seated himself opposite Kaoru, he was looking ill pleased with her company, and as Kaoru took a breath to steady herself, she knew he was only going to get more agitated when he found out what she was there for. Casting her gaze to the side to avoid the topic for a few more moments, she smiled at the four wolf cubs, piled together on a worn, but clean, futon in the corner. Completely exhausted and played-out, they now took a much needed nap. A small touch of disappointment tugged at her heart that they were not going to be awake for her visit, but she also knew the timing was almost fortuitous as well. Their distraction would only make it harder.

"This is the second time you have come to my house while you and the master were fighting, my lady." Voice full of sarcastic meaning, Saitou broke the silence. "I'm starting to wonder if you think I can solve all of your problems when he won't."

Frowning, Kaoru's jaw clenched. He really was an infuriating man. How Tokio put up with his spiteful attitude she couldn't even fathom. "We're not fighting."

"Really? I heard differently."

"Well you heard wrong."

"Anata." Tokio laid a paw across his, her eyes holding a warning that Kaoru couldn't quite read. Grumbling, he looked away. "You came here for a reason, girl, so say what is on your mind and be on your way."

Stealing herself, she lifted her chin and spoke before she could change her mind. "What can you tell me about Lord Tenshi?"

Ever so slightly his left ear twitched, but his face stayed a passive mask. "Who, milady?" The way he spoke suggested he knew just who she was asking after, but had no desire to even acknowledge his existence.

"From what I understand he is Kenshin's older brother."

"The only brother of our lord that I will recognize is Master Shinta. Those two other pieces of trash are not worth mentioning." Lifting his nose in quite a dignified manner, he closed his eyes.

"Shinta-sama was supposed to be the new master after their father died, wasn't he?" Changing tact, Kaoru shifted into a side topic. "What was he like?"

Slowly his eyelids opened, showing a hesitance that was not natural to his personality. "He was… everything a master should be. More wise than strong. Perhaps a little too kind, but he had other virtues that outweighed his partial naivety. That kindness is what got him killed."

Kaoru was beginning to feel even more confused than when the idea had first been implanted in her head. Kenshin had suggested Shinta's death was caused by his own hand, while Sano bluntly stated that he had died in a battle that Kenshin was never even in. Now Saitou was making it sound, once again, as if he were murdered by someone he was kind to. What in the world could connect all three of these different sides?

"You make it sound like Shinta-sama was betrayed, Saitou-san."

"He was betrayed. By his brother."

"But Kenshin…"

"Do you have enough space in that brain of yours to think past that man?" Angry, Saitou growled. "Lord Kenshin wasn't even there. He was here, with his dying mother. I'm talking about another."

"Another?" Eyes widening, Kaoru could have kicked herself.

"He had three brothers, didn't he?"

"Yes, Saitou-san, only…" Looking down into her lap, Kaoru bit her lip. "Kenshin made it sound like he was responsible."

It was silent so long Kaoru chanced a glance at the wolf, his golden eyes staring straight through her. "He would, because it was his sole duty to protect his oldest brother from any threat." Abruptly he looked to his left, jerking his head at his wife. "More tea." Tokio nodded. "It doesn't seem, however, that he has told you much of anything. I suppose I can do him this one favor, but I have no interest in sparing the golden image you have of him, girl, so be forewarned."

X

The sun was setting, painting the sky in tones of red and orange. Darkness was creeping up fast in the eastern sky, deepening the pretty blue of day into the rich sapphire of night. Gazing away from that majesty of the day's end, Kenshin studied the velvet texture that would soon dominate his lands. Kaoru's eyes looked that way at times, when there was something occupying her thoughts. They had looked that way all day.

At lunch she had spoken of visiting the Saitou residence, to see the boys again. He had seen how close they had gotten on her first visit, so it did not surprise him that she would wish to go. It was strange that she would want to go now with all the snow on the ground. Still raw from the events of the day of the party, he had felt little inspiration to protest. Having spent the entire day by himself, however, he was missing the company.

Unfortunately, her company was no longer as carefree and enjoyable as it had been. Something was changing, and as with every time before, he hated the feeling. Nothing ever stayed the same long enough for him to enjoy it, even now with all of eternity spread out before him, what he found pleased him the most was slipping away from him with the passing of time. Their brief friendship hadn't been long enough, and he already felt sorrow that it was disappearing just like the sun's warm rays over the horizon.

Mostly, he realized, he had only himself to blame. Always he had himself to blame. Every happy time in his life had come to an abrupt end because of circumstances that he himself had created. It was ironic that this time it was brought about by fear that something would occur to change her outlook on their relationship. That she might discover the gentle heart she thought he possessed was as fraudulent as the title of master he had claimed. But instead of another giving away the information he had hoarded, he had practically shoved it into her face. He was not gentle or kind. He only pretended to be because she made him want to be. He was a horrible person, and now she knew it.

She does not know even half of it. Correcting himself, he lowered his head, feeling shame at the kimono still warming his body. Kindness came to her so easily. One hand smoothed over the golden silk. He had to struggle with every inch of the kindness he faked. If she knew… if she even knew that I was responsible for the deaths of four of my family members… four deaths in barely forty-eight hours… then this change would be harsher than a slightly forced smile and a soft greeting. Her caring mind wouldn't be able to even comprehend such a revelation. I never wanted her to know of any such cruelty. Why? Why did you have to blurt out the very thing you wished to keep from her?

Elbows braced on the railing, he dropped his head into his hands, staring blindly through the crevices between his fingers down at the frozen pond. Thoughts chaotic, emotions shutting down, he latched onto one final image, seeing in his mind's eye the painting now locked away within his pavilion. Right here was where his other self had stood, to his left where Kaoru held his hand and pointed. What, he wondered, would she have been pointing at? What kind of response would he have given to it? Would he have simply shown the tender amusement Katsu had portrayed him with, or would he have floundered with his words, amusing her further with his natural awkwardness with intimate conversation? He didn't even know what his brother would have said, so he had no example to follow.

Shinta… if you were here, would she prefer you over me? Biting back the jealousy the thought created, he focused instead on the well known tremble of regret in his chest. Not once in his life had he been allowed to show what he felt, and even after he was left with no one ranked higher than he to show their disapproval of such weaknesses, he was so used to ignoring their appearance that he dealt with them the only way he knew how. Kaoru had brought about those feelings into full view, however, and it was getting harder and harder to stop them from showing. Now that he was remembering such past events that had succeeded in numbing him completely, he was nearly shocked, and yet at the same time curious, by the intricate network of emotions their memory produced.

Shinta… did you have any regrets in the end? Did you blame me, just like father did?

"I've already spoken with Father, little brother. I will not allow you to go, so do not bother arguing." Their combined footsteps echoed along the walkway, stilling as Kenshin stopped to look off across the yard. "You need to be here… with your mother."

"My place is at your side, Shinta-sama. It is the oath I took. I cannot let you go into battle without my sword to protect you."

"Your mother is dying, Kenshin." Grabbing him by one shoulder, Shinta turned his younger brother so that they were once again facing. "Your place is by her side. Father understands this…"

"Then why isn't he there?" Pulling his arm angrily from Shinta's grasp, Kenshin fought desperately to control the rage contorting his features. It was the only show of emotion Shinta had seen on his face in many, many years. It was nearly a relief.

"Leaving is the only way he can deal with her death. Please, little brother, do not let her pass on alone." His emotions were once again under control, and Shinta sighed, frightened for his favorite little brother. Their father's influence had not been kind to the sweet boy he remembered, and now his mother, the only other person that kept the madness from taking him fully, was about to die. The monster their father wanted was on the verge of being born, and Shinta wished with everything he was that there was another way to stop it. "Forgive me, little brother, but just this once I am going to order you to stay." Sharp amber irises narrowed, and he could read the shock that did not touch his eyebrows. "I feel that you are too emotionally compromised to adequately fight and protect your lord. You are to remain here at the palace and watch over our more vulnerable residents."

Hesitating before he left, Shinta patted him on the arm, and then walked away, adjusting the armor he already wore.

Fingers combing upwards through his hair, he tugged at the strands still tightly bound into the plait Kaoru had done. By his mother's side he had sat, for three days, and on the fourth, she was gone; a peaceful passing in the night, her hand held loosely in his. That small hand had been so fragile, and he remembered thinking that someone of her delicate nature should have never borne children to begin with. Like a beautiful, fragile, china doll, she needed to be put away, safely displayed for others to gaze upon from afar. If such a thing had been done, then she would have lived, and he would never have been. His ugly life had been traded for the beauty of hers. What kind of fairness was that? All of those dark whispers had been right. Kinuko died because of his birth.

In the same vein, her death was the cause of Shinta's.

"Lord Kenshin… I know this is a bad time, but… we have just received news from the master. Shinta-sama has fallen…"

A harsh breath gasped through his throat, tightening his chest to the point of pain. Kinuko had praised him, to the end, happy that he was such a wonderful son; a wonderful brother. Shinta and his family were to be his to look after, she had said, he needed to protect them from harm, because they were his family as well. Shinta would look after him, and it was to Shinta he needed to look for guidance from now on. Not to their father.

With only two small sentences that path his mother had set him on had dropped out beneath him. A path he had been more than willing to follow had cut short, leaving him blinded and lost, unsure which way to go. There was no cliff, only a wall; a wall too high, too long, and too deep to bypass.

What was he to do? His life had been pledged to his oldest brother, but with his death there would be a new master to serve; Tenshi, his next to oldest brother. Such a master would tyrannize the people and lands under his care, but Kenshin had no say in such things. He was the youngest… not even able to voice his opinion on matters that would never concern him.

A meeting had been called. Today his father would officially announce Tenshi as his new heir and then they would talk war. It was how things were done. Shinta had barely been dead for a full day and they were moving on. It was a transition many could not handle, but a necessity made so by the war they fought. People died quickly. Shinta's death proved that.

Closing his eyes for a moment, he asked forgiveness. A second death now weighed briefly on his conscience, and he knew without needing to see the sadness that would decorate his brother's golden eyes if he were still alive. Yuriko, Shinta's heavily pregnant wife, had taken her own life in the night. The baby had gone with her.

"My lord." Eyes almost as hard as bronze snapped open, pinning the owner of the voice with their heavy stare. A name tossed up within the depths of his mind, and he recognized the leader of the elite guard; Saitou Hajime. He was a man loyal to his late brother. "I would like a word, if I may."

"I am on my way to a meeting, Saitou-san. Izo-sama does not tolerate tardiness."

"Of course, my lord, but it is on a matter that I think you will want to know before entering the meeting."

"Be brief." Continuing onward, he left the taller man to walk after.

"But also cautious." A slight nod of his head when Kenshin looked acknowledged his suspicion. This was a topic that was not for everyone's ears. Stopping, dark pupils scanning the walkway, he jerked his head for Saitou to carry on. "If I may be frank, young lord, it is no secret that I do not care for you." Kenshin looked away, unsurprised, his hand twitching as if to move him past the statement. "My loyalties are for Master Shinta and no one else, but… he trusted you, and since I like your remaining brothers even less, I have no choice but to transfer my services to the only surviving male heir I feel is the least evil. If only because I have seen how loyal you were to Master Shinta, I will follow you."

"Is there a point to this?"

Irritation crossed the warrior's features, and Saitou's lip fought the snarl that threatened to curl it upward. "Your brother did not die by the sword of an enemy, my lord."

Something cold drained the blood from his face.

"Nor, do I think, did his wife commit suicide."

Shaky hands fisted into the cloth of his kimono.

"Give me your proof."

There was no denial or disbelief in the amber eyes staring back at him, and Saitou felt relief and satisfaction that the boy respected the devotion they both had for their now dead master. "The proof I have seen with my own eyes. Shinta-sama was stabbed in the back by a blade that was meant to protect it. His wife was slipped a tonic that she was told would help her rest. A tonic I have been informed was prescribed by our own physician, the same man who claims ignorance of the origin of the poison found on Yuriko-dono's lips."

"The name."

Looking dead into the eyes of his new master, Saitou could see the death his announcement would bring about. No sympathy entered his heart as he whispered the identity of the perpetrator.

The rage that trembled in his gut nearly frightened him. It was the very same violence he had wished to keep secret from Kaoru, but it was unmerciful, burning a vision of red behind his eyes until it was as dark as the blood that once decorated his blade.

Saitou was now far behind him, his footsteps quick, light, and though fast, unhurried. Nothing in his entire life had ever been this clear. Nothing within him argued the outcome, there was only one, and all parts of his conscience demanded it.

The door slid open easily, his eyes adjusting to the dim lighting inside, and even as he registered the other presences in the room, he could focus on only one. The katana at his waist was suddenly in his hand, his feet already taking him the last few steps to his destination, and even as his free hand reached for the thick braid his brother wore his hair in, he thought of how appropriate it was that Tenshi had his back to him.

One quick yank on the braid brought his brother's head back with a snap, the yellow of his eyes bright with shock. Jaw grinding, anger bursting into fire, Kenshin buried the entire length of his blade into his spine. Light glinted off the steel, the action so quick that not one drop of blood marred its splendor. The shock on his brother's face melted into a curious wonder, and, suddenly sick with desire to make his revenge satisfactory, Kenshin retrieved his katana, jerked Tenshi up by the braid, and severed his head at the neck.

Blood did spray this time, splattering the bulky stature of his remaining brother, as well as much of the floor and walls. Ignoring the unholy terror emanating from Isamu's personage, Kenshin dropped the head with a thump, and stared blankly across the room, the anger slowly dissipating until nothing but numbness filled the void.

At the head of the room, bending over a map, was their father. A quick glance up was all he spared to the display, his voice sharp with disapproval when he spoke. "You're late, boy."

Stepping over the decapitated body, Kenshin slung the stray blood from his blade with one quick whip of his arm and took his own seat at the back of the room. "My apologies, Father."

"Don't let it happen again."

"Yes, Father."

"Isamu." Isamu jumped, tearing his eyes from the dead body of his brother to stare at the master, trying hard not to look at the dangerous monster in his peripheral vision. "Look sharp, boy. It seems you are my new heir."

A sudden tingle of presence jerked his head up off his hands, and the wings at his back drew in protectively as he recognized the soft footfalls of Kaoru's gait. A few feet from him she stopped, unmoving, and he could feel the weight of her gaze traveling up his spine. Emotions and thoughts so tangled and confused, he could think of nothing to say or do, and instead stood perfectly still as if she might not notice him at all and turn to leave him there alone.

Somewhere, in the back of his mind, he didn't really want to be alone, but he was afraid of what she might see if she stayed. His anger had proved countless times that he liked to say all the wrong things while under its influence. Already once he had made her cry because of his irritation, and just recently pushed her away by implanting a seed of doubt in her mind. What, he wondered fatalistically, was going to happen this time?

Quietly she stepped closer to his side, her gaze leaving him to look out over the landscape and at the thin sliver of sun still left. A deep breath pulled into her lungs, and slowly, happily, she let it out with a sigh. Tentatively, she glanced at him, her blue eyes judging his mood, her lips offering a gentle smile. Unable to move, the pain in his chest raw from repeated abuse, he waited for that moment that would bring his life full circle. Surely sometime soon his bad karma would kick in and ruin a moment that seemed too ethereal to be genuine. Closing his eyes, he looked away.

Something soft touched his hand, disappearing when he jerked, then boldly encircling his palm before he could pull completely away. Surprised, he peeked around a wing at her, then down at their joined hands, fascinated by the fingers curled around his own. They were strong, and warm, and just firm enough to suggest she was not going to let go. Curious, confused, he met her eyes a second time, expecting sympathy and fear, saddened already by the change he was sure to find.

Nothing but affection and understanding stared back at him, a desire to comfort, and perhaps a touch of sorrow for his pain. Relaxing, relieved and grateful, he stared as her smile became warmer, happy with his reaction. Suddenly she looked away, and he was briefly upset with the loss of her interest, but then her free hand pointed, stealing his breath as a sure sense of déjà vu smacked him square in the chest. The only difference was her attention was focused skyward, not Earth bound.

"Look, Kenshin, the first star of the night." Arm still help up at an angle, she smiled over at him, her hand squeezing his briefly. "I've heard you can make a wish on it and it'll come true." Dropping her arm, she wrapped his hand in both of hers, her smile widening. "Come on, Kenshin, you have to close your eyes for it to work." Looking down at the pale skin covering the red scales on his hand, he nervously curled his fingers around hers. "Well? Don't you have anything you want to wish for, Kenshin?"

Raising his head towards the single star shining bravely alone in the young night sky, his fingers tightened, and he closed his eyes.

X

A/N: Again, I apologize, but it has felt like I haven't been allowed a break for a week. First my car, then my boyfriend's truck, and then Christmas decorations, and then I had to work the weekend, and its just felt like everything that could go wrong has. I'm so tired, and I think I'm going to have to go back to the doctor, again. Argh, I hate going to the doctor. It's so expensive and unpleasant. I feel like a cat having to go to the vet, or something… lol. Anyway, enough of my problems, this story has enough of its own.

So, we get to see a little of Kenshin's past. Kind of an introduction really, on how he ended up with the curse landed on him. This is the true start of his downhill path into the heartless monster Izo eventually turns him into. His family got drastically smaller by the end of this chapter, though. I feel kind of bad about what I did to poor Yuriko and her unborn baby, but if a brother is trying to take over, he's not really going to leave any legitimate young heirs that will contend with him later on. Now it looks like we're down to Isamu, and I still haven't even got to Yumi yet, and not one mention of the poor sorceress. This is such a busy mess. I hope it's coming out alright. Well, time for supper, I'm going to post, and please leave me a review and tell me what you thought.