Cursed

by lossehelin

For a thousand years the village has known of the beast living in the old palace. A beast said to live on human blood. One father knows the truth, and is now bound by word to return a favor he has ignored for thirteen years.

29. Mother's Stories

Thanks and here you go!

Disclaimer: It's mine. It's all mine. (Except for the important stuff… you know, just the characters.)

Chapter 29: Mother's Stories

The situation was even worse than Koshijirou had originally thought. After spending his afternoon listening in on conversations and carefully questioning parts of the staff, it was more than apparent that everyone knew. Some of them, or so he thought he had overheard, even had a bet going on. They were discreet with him, but he could tell they were being tightlipped. Which only made his anxiety skyrocket. Even the thought of his daughter being affectionately friendly with a boy made his stomach knot. To know that she was well beyond that point with this centuries-old, dangerous lord made him want to vomit, or hold him at sword point and demand he keep his mind clean of any primitive, male thoughts when it came to his daughter. For surely he would soon exploit her generous, loving nature. Soon he would take advantage of her naivety and use it for his own gain.

At least, that was what he had wanted to believe, but after nearly three days, Koshijirou was grudgingly accepting a new conclusion. If Kaoru was clumsily stumbling upon any new or deeper emotions for the master of the palace, Koshijirou could clearly see that the lord was even more awkward about discovering his own. No matter how frazzled he seemed to get, however, he was always gentle: gentle when he spoke; gentle with his mannerisms; gentle when he moved. He was still moody, and his daughter still got annoyed with him, but Koshijirou could tell the lord was trying hard to keep his temper in check. A part of him wanted to believe the lord's restraint was only for show while her father was there, but nothing was ever said or done that suggested the master's actions were out of the norm.

There were even many new things Koshijirou had seen that was unwillingly developing in him a level of respect for the palace lord. First being the confirmation of Kaoru's claim that she was the most improper being living now at the palace. While he was sure there were a few of the servants that weren't exactly proper, either, her Lord Kenshin was by far the most formal person he had ever associated with. Kaoru herself seemed to have fallen into parts of the routine and no longer noticed, but Koshijirou wasn't used to the archaic way he spoke, or the small customs he practiced. Apparently it was all part of his noble upbringing, and yet, Koshijirou couldn't help but think that there were parts of his instruction that could not have been common. He was just much too polite and attentive. Although those habits could have been acquired throughout the extensive years of his life, too.

The second part of the lord's characteristics that he admired was the honorable way he treated his servants and the rest of the population that was under his care. According to what he had learned, this was not something he had always performed, but had stepped into just recently. Not that he had ever treated his subjects cruelly, merely with neglect. After so long, Koshijirou was not ignorant to the strength one would have to possess to face such a responsibility. Then to pick it up and carry on with it so diligently. If he had not cared to begin with, it would not have been something he was so proficient at.

What he liked the most, and the least, was the courteous way he addressed and acted towards his daughter. Though she spoke his name without a title as if it were the most natural thing in the world, the lord never said her name without showing her the utmost veneration. He always offered a hand to help her up, always listened politely when she spoke, handled her curiosity with indulgence and hidden amusement, showed no disdain for her training, and dealt with her almost overbearing, nurturing instinct with as much patience as he could muster. He was much too fond of his daughter, but Koshijirou had nothing to complain about when it came to the lord's actions. Except that his emotions seemed to still be in confusion, and that meant there was room for growth. Growth meant his actions would be tested with each new, uncovered feeling, and Koshijirou knew, from experience, that such a testing was hard to deny. Though he was careful with her now, what was going to keep him from dropping that consideration later?

His role as a father demanded that Koshijirou make certain that no such thing would ever happen to dishonor his daughter. The only problem he was encountering to follow through with that obligation was his own indecision on how to go about it. From all that he suspected, and everything that Kaoru had confirmed, Lord Kenshin was far older than both of them. At such an age, Koshijirou was sure the lord would not do well with receiving a lecture. Not to mention he was a frightening being, in both appearance and power. And just how did one go about intimidating a man that was far too used to being the menacing one? How did one go about giving a lecture to someone older, but somehow younger at the same time?

It was confusing, because as a man dealing with another male showing interest in his daughter, he could not help but think of that possible suitor as a boy. Lord Kenshin was too old to be considered a boy. All of the boys living at the palace were too old to be considered boys. And yet, if he was not a boy, then what was he, for surely he was too old even to be considered a grown man. He was still too youthful to be considered old, too experienced to be considered young, he showed too much potential for growth to be at the end of his life, and yet commanded too much power, authority, and grace to be immature. But when it came down to Kaoru, Koshijirou saw more of his unsure and tentative side; he saw more of the boy.

A boy would need to know where the line was, and what would happen to him if he were to cross it. A boy would need to be made to understand how much a girl's father loves her, how much he would be willing to do for her to be happy and safe. A boy would need to be told that he has to prove how happy and safe he could make a girl before he received her father's approval. A boy needed to fear, just a little, the girl's father and the retribution he would call down upon the boy if he were ever to hurt her.

Of course, a boy would be clumsy and awkward and desperate to please all the time. That was not the case with Lord Kenshin. At least, not that Koshijirou had seen. But he had a feeling that such weaknesses were not for his eyes to witness, and any unknowing glimpses he had caught were not intentional. Sighing, Koshijirou watched Kaoru wipe the sweat off her brow and smile. They were in the hall, training again, but his thoughts were hardly on his movements. It was only luck that kept Kaoru from noticing his distraction. Luck, and years upon years of repetition.

"It's getting warmer, isn't it?" Huffing on her quickened breath, Kaoru laughed and fanned herself as she put away her wooden practice sword.

"The mountain air is harder to breath as well, aijou." Offhand, he followed her to a side wall and replaced his own sword.

"Yeah, but I thought I'd be used to it by now." Frowning, Kaoru pursed her lips. "You don't seem bothered at all, Father."

Laughing, he ruffled her bangs. "Those boys have really kept my lungs in shape."

Defensive, Kaoru jerked. "Well I'm not about to be outdone by a bunch of boys. Come on, let's keep going." Turning to march back over to the rack of practice weapons, Koshijirou laughed harder and stopped her with an arm.

"Now, now, aijou. It is only because I am constantly yelling, not because of their skill. You know you are my best apprentice."

"Hmph." Crossing her arms, she allowed him to lead her outside, but muttered the entire way about extending her training periods.

It was getting warmer outside, only the occasional chill breeze speaking of the past winter. Many of the trees were budding out, the gardens turning green with life, and the only smell of smoke came from the kitchen and bathhouse stoves. It was Sayoko's favorite time of year, and Koshijirou always missed her most during the spring. I wish you could help me with our daughter, koishii. You always knew how to handle her better than I.

"Daddy… can I ask you a question?"

Blinking, he smiled, amused by the childish way she still addressed him at times. She would always be his little girl, and it was comforting to know. "You know you may ask me anything, aijou."

"Well, yeah, but…"

Glancing down at her as they walked, his smile slowly faded. "Aijou… what is bothering you?"

Dark brows curled further together and she struggled with the right words to say. She wanted her father to like Kenshin, so she didn't want to say anything that would give him a reason not to. At the same time, Kaoru knew her father was the best person to ask to help sort out the problem that was still troubling her heart. Kenshin was Kenshin, not anyone before our after the time they were now in, and she cared for him no matter what had happened in his past. A part of her, however, still questioned whether or not it was wrong to care.

"Dad… I've been training with you most of my life, haven't I? I mean… you really wanted this to be a part of me, didn't you?"

"Your mother and I both did. We hoped it would make you both strong, and compassionate." Smiling gently, he squeezed her into his side.

Trying to smile back, Kaoru dropped her eyes to her feet, watching as they stepped in unison with her father's. "The Kamiya Kasshin-ryu… doesn't take life, it's about saving life, right? About protecting and respecting all life and its possibilities. No one is exempt from this, not even our opponents."

"That's right. No one has the right to say whether or not another deserves to die. But you must be careful, aijou, not everyone believes this."

Nodding in a way that suggested she had heard this many times before, Kaoru looked up. "Those people are the reason for this style, though, right Father? If everyone believed that, then there would be no reason to learn how to fight."

"Sadly, this is very true. There are still too many people who believe that swords are meant to kill, not protect." Briefly his mind went back to the lord and the angry words he had hissed after being questioned about his samurai origins. It seemed like such a long time ago now that winter was over.

"So we are meant to protect those that cannot protect themselves, but… what about those that do not know of our technique or do not believe in its non-killing principle? Do we still protect them, even if they have killed others? Even innocents?"

Koshijirou stopped on the veranda and gave her a long, considering look. "Are you saying you would not, that you would take his life or let it be forfeit because he has killed others?"

"No, of course not! I only meant…" Swallowing, she tilted her chin away, her dark blue irises searching without seeing the beautiful garden spreading out next to them. "No matter what I would always protect a life if that life was in danger. I just… I just want to know if it is right to want to do more." Looking up suddenly, her eyes were surprisingly intense. "Would a master of the Kamiya Kasshin-ryu shun someone who took many lives, on and off the battlefield? Someone who, even now, carries that burden with him? Would it be wrong if you did not?" Watching her father's mouth open to reply, she spoke quickly over him, almost afraid of his answer. "Would it shame all of the lives he condemned if you couldn't? Is it wrong to want to forgive him?" Lip trembling, she finally looked away, her fingers twisting together.

Eyes widening, Koshijirou could guess every single reason why she was asking him such a question, and every one of them frightened him with their conclusion. Spirits, Sayoko… what do I do now? A glow, like the sun filtering through pink flowers, made him half-close his eyes against the light. Flinching partly to the side, he strained to see what was the cause through his lashes. Carefully the beam rocked to the side and he was saved from its blinding ray, the glint bringing his attention to the necklace laying against Kaoru's chest. Sunlight was hitting it, causing it to shine, and Koshijirou was struck by just how beautiful it was. And warm… like Sayoko.

Taking a deep breath, he shook his head. Thank you. Placing a hand at Kaoru's back, he encouraged her to the edge of the walk. "Come, little girl. Why don't we sit down?" Obediently she did as he asked, her eyes still avoiding his. Sighing loudly, he smiled crookedly at the perfectly manicured garden, remembering a time before his daughter. "Have I ever told you about how I met your mother?" Startled, Kaoru shot him a look, but shook her head. "She grew up on the other side of the mountain. We probably would have never known one another if not for the last war." Smiling as her blue eyes widened, he nodded. "Yes, Kaoru, your father fought in the war… and my sword took many lives."

"But the Kamiya Kasshin-ryu…"

"Was not created until afterwards." Taking her hand in his, he held it between both of his own and patted it soothingly. "I invented this style for you, and this new era of peace we had created. War is an awful thing, Kaoru, and I hope you never have to witness it. That is why I worked hard for my dream to become a reality. I want this style to become more of a truth than the one we all know now. Death will never bring peace. Only life will. Your mother believed in this too, and she encouraged me to never give up.

"The day I met her was a beautiful day, just like this one, in her home town, beneath the cherry trees. I was on my way home, the war was finally over, but I ended up staying there with her for another two weeks. On the day I left we made a promise, I would come back for her as soon as my dream was complete, and she would wait, no matter how long it took. It took me ten years, aijou, but she was still there when I came back. She was still waiting." Smiling, it was his turn to glance out over the garden, unseeing. Long moments later the joy slid from his face and he returned his attention to her. "I don't know the right answer to your question, aijou, but let me ask you… would an apprentice of the Kamiya Kasshin-ryu shun her master if she knew he had at one time killed to protect instead of saved?"

Slowly she shook her head, though not out of indecision. "Not at all. Mama didn't shun you, because she knew you were trying hard to atone for the sins you had committed. And I think… no, I feel like this style you invented was not only for me and for everyone living today, but to honor all the lives you took in order to create this peace I can now enjoy."

"You are quite insightful for someone so young." Kissing her temple, he hugged her tightly. "Has this alleviated your worry, Kaoru?"

"Maybe a little, but…" Still unsure, still haunted by the knowledge of everything Kenshin had done and thinking of how little her father's past compared to it, her tone was undecided. "Father, you never…"

"Slaughtered entire villages and burnt them to the ground?" Voice shockingly cool, Kaoru pulled away to stare.

"How did you…?"

"You forget, our village has many stories. I was forbidden to tell you most of them by your mother. That is simply one of them. Though… I would not have repeated that one to you even if she had allowed it." Emotions he had wished to protect his daughter from were tightening the frown lines around her eyes and mouth. It made him wonder who had told her such a thing. He had been so sure that the master would never want her to know of his past. Still thinking of his wife, he sighed. "That is why you were raised mainly on your mother's stories. They always seemed to be a positive answer to the negative of ours. Even this story."

"What?" Stunned and breathless, Kaoru blinked. "What kind of answer could there be to that?"

"Do you not remember?" Surprised, Koshijirou sat back.

Thinking, she shook her head. "No… I remember…" Separating the parts of her mother's story that she could remember and Tomoe's true story, Kaoru scrunched her nose in thought. "The sorceress' husband went off to war and never came back, leaving her with their child."

"That is not much, aijou. Would you like me to tell you the rest of the story? Refresh your memory?"

"Yes. Please."

"Alright, let's see how well I remember them…"

X

Even though the sun was on its downward descent, everything felt warmer, happier, better than before. The glow of orange in the sky was soothing, the smell of the ocean on the breeze refreshing, and the smile on Kaoru's face was a fierce echo of the excitement and glee in her heart.

Running, nearly bouncing, down the veranda, Kaoru raced her way from one side of the palace to the other, leaving her father to find his own way to the dining hall. It was all blindingly apparent to her now. All of the reasons she had thought up for her turmoil, everything she had fretted and worried about, none of it mattered. And now that she knew an even larger piece of the story, the truth about why she had felt as she had was clear. It was the relief that had followed, the joy of getting to share and reassure, that had done it. Kaoru had been afraid, torn by the thought of picking a side.

If she chose Kenshin, than that meant she couldn't care for Tomoe. If she decided that it was Tomoe she wanted to care for, or the people Kenshin had killed, than that meant she couldn't care for Kenshin. The thought had ate away at her, turning her guilt against her. But that wasn't why she was there. She didn't have to choose a side, because she cared for all of them. She wasn't meant to be biased. That wasn't what the Kamiya Kasshin-ryu was about. She was so glad, because she couldn't stop herself from caring. Not for any of them.

Passing by her own pavilion without stopping, she rounded the corner and spied Kenshin on the other side coming out of his office. Still giddy, still unable to stop her grin, she slowed her dashing steps. Golden eyes looked up at her, and his mouth opened slightly in surprise, but his lips quirked, pleased with her presence. It occurred to her in that moment that he had once again left her to find out everything from someone else. Idiot. I'm really going to have to start demanding the full truth from you from now on. Though she did have to wonder if he even realized Tomoe did not know.

"Ah, Kaoru-dono. Did you wish to walk together to the dining hall…?"

Caught off guard, Kenshin grunted as her full weight slammed into his chest. Midair, her arms wrapped tightly around his middle, and he thought he heard her giggle, but was too preoccupied with trying to keep his feet under him. Overbalanced, he stumbled back, slamming his weight into the wall behind him and trying to catch himself with both hands. Slanted at an awkward angle, his knees bent on either side of her, wings squashed into the pavilion, and tail caught under one foot, he stared wide-eyed down at the crown of her head. For a second her arms tightened like clamps around his ribs, and then her cheek was sliding against the silk of his kimono and she was looking up at him. Sapphire irises were bright, and she laughed.

"Sorry." Jumping back just as quickly, she laughed again and took off down the walkway. "I need to go talk to someone real quick, Kenshin, so go ahead and start eating without me! I'll be there in a bit!" Left staring after her, he blinked rapidly, still stuck in his frozen, uncomfortable posture.

"That was… interesting."

Hurriedly standing straight, Kenshin belatedly remembered the other two that were with him. Glancing at the lion, he opened his mouth, but was at a loss on what to say.

"Yes, I think she gets a bit… impulsive when she's happy about something." Standing next to Kogorou was the cheetah, his voice matter-of-fact. "At least, that's how she was when I told her something that made her happy." Meeting Kenshin's shifting gaze, Soujirou ducked just slightly. "It scared the life out of me, too."

"And Soujirou-kun told me what I should have heard from you."

Blinking, Kenshin relaxed. "I see."

Looking back after Kaoru, he shook his head, closed his eyes, and smiled ruefully.

X

Bounding up the steps to the shrine, Kaoru was so impatient to be inside she forgot to knock like she always did. Bursting through the doorway, she scanned the interior, pulling up short when she couldn't find Tomoe anywhere.

"Tomoe-dono?"

"This is rather sudden, Kaoru-chan."

Jumping as the voice sounded next to her, Kaoru turned, blinked, then threw her surprise to the side and smiled widely. "I hope you don't mind, but I'm just too excited to wait."

"Oh?" Curling an arm around her shoulders, Tomoe left the door open and led her, like always, to the still living sakura blossoms. "And what has you so excited that you would nearly bust my door down just to share?"

Nearly gushing, Kaoru sat, allowed Tomoe to situate herself comfortably, then just smiled at her. She wanted to just tell her what she knew without explaining, but she grudgingly admitted to herself that some details would have to be revealed. After all, what reason would this sorceress have to believe that what she was about to say held any truth at all? Clearing her throat, Kaoru briefly touched her necklace, reveled in a moment of delight, then started where she thought would be best.

"My Dad came to visit me."

Amused, Tomoe petted her hair. "That's nice, dear. You enjoy getting to spend time with your father, don't you?"

Nodding happily, Kaoru suppressed a giggle. "Yep, and its even better now, because Kenshin's decided to let him visit whenever he wants to."

"Really?" That same sound of amazement and partial delight that always soaked her voice when Kaoru told her something she did not expect about Kenshin showed itself.

"Uh-huh, but that's beside the point. Just today, Dad reminded me of some of my mother's stories that she used to tell me when I was young. It's been so long that I've forgotten most of them, but after hearing this one again, I thought you might like it."

Black eyes widened and Kaoru knew that this was not what the sorceress had expected from her. Amused indulgence soon followed, and Tomoe inclined her head. "Then by all means, please tell away."

"Great! But first I wanted to explain something else I've learned." Tomoe shook her head at Kaoru's energy, but waved a hand for her to carry on. "It's about Kenshin, and it's not an excuse, but I want you to know anyway, because it helps the story."

Confusion was slowly taking the place of enjoyment, and Tomoe's smile slid from her face. "What kind of story is this, Kaoru-chan?"

Biting her lip as her anticipation simmered down, Kaoru shifted and brushed at her bangs. "An old one my mother heard from her mother…" A frown puckered the woman's brow. "Just hear me out… what I wanted you to know first is that… the only reason Kenshin did everything you told me by himself was because he was trying to keep the others from having to." Grabbing at Tomoe's hand to keep her attention, afraid she would try to ignore her, Kaoru leaned forward earnestly. "Kenshin wasn't originally supposed to attack the villages. His father was going to send a group of others to do it, but when Kenshin found out he volunteered because he wanted to protect them from that dishonor. It's not an excuse, but I wanted you to know that it did upset him. It torments him still."

Revulsion and disbelief contorted her features, and Tomoe yanked her hand away. "If he was so bothered, then why did he not let any of them go? Why didn't he help any of them escape?"

"But he did!" Words jumping over the top of her own, Kaoru snatched Tomoe's hand back. "I mean…" Toning down briefly in sadness, Kaoru admitted to her own lack of knowledge on the subject. "I don't think he let a lot of them go because that would have tipped his father off, but I can't say I know for sure that he didn't, either, but… I do know that he let at least part of one village go."

Suspicious hope twitched the muscles in Tomoe's face. "How would you know such a thing? Did he tell you this to placate you?"

"No. My father told me, remember? The story I wanted to tell you that my mother knew."

"If it is just a story, then how do you know it is true."

"Can I tell you the story first, before I explain?"

Jerking her head away, Tomoe closed her eyes, but nodded shortly.

"Ok, it starts off telling of a sorceress." Smiling, Kaoru watched the reactions her friend gave to her, knowing she had her full attention with just that one sentence. "A beautiful sorceress with great powers and a pure heart. Never did she use her powers for evil, but only for good. Many sought her out for those powers, many tried to win her heart, but her heart was already taken." Sapphire eyes looked over to the four remaining petals on the tree. "It was a boy, her childhood friend, who could claim her love, and when they were grown, they were happily married. But a neighboring lord was planning a war to gain more lands, and when the threats reached towards their peaceful hometown, the sorceress' husband left to defend his family… leaving behind his wife and their child." The glow of the petals was getting stronger, and as the words poured from her mouth, she heard her mother's voice and not her own. "But he would never come back."

"Weak from childbirth, the sorceress left her newborn child in the care of her most trusted friend and told her to flee and protect her child while she searched for her husband. With the sorceress gone, the village had no protection against an attack, and before everyone was ready to leave, the son of the neighboring lord came. The remaining men tried to fend him off, but he would not be bested.

"Night fell, and everyone cowered inside their homes, hiding from the man combing the streets and rooftops. As the last ray of sun disappeared over the horizon, he finally came to rest at the center of the town and called out a challenge. It was only the sorceress he had come for. If she were to show herself, then everyone else could go free.

"But the sorceress was not there. She was gone, looking for her love. Still holding the sorceress' newborn child, the trusted friend made a decision. Passing the baby off to another woman in demand that she care for the child as if she was the most precious thing in the world, the trusted friend stepped out to meet the man. Boldly she claimed that she was the sorceress, and she would gladly give him her life as long as he kept his word and let the others go free. A deal was struck, her sacrifice made, and the man personally made sure every last living person was gone from the village before burning it to the ground.

"Into the night the others fled, and the woman with the baby kept her word and loved the child as her own."

Blinking as the words left her, Kaoru continued to stare at the tree until a soft intake of breath pulled her attention back to the sorceress. There were tears in her eyes, but a mixture of other emotions on her face. "How can you expect me to believe such a story is true? How can you be so cruel as to want me to believe such a fairy tale?"

"But…"

"My baby is dead, along with everyone else in my village. That story is only a that, something to tell a child. Of course it has a happy ending, because sad stories are just not told to children. The truth is never told to children!"

"But…" Needing her to listen, Kaoru reached out a hand to touch her shoulder. "you have to believe me, because…"

"I don't want to hear any more of it." The tears were falling, and she seemed desperate, angry, irrational. "My old heart cannot take such abuse."

"Please." A flicker warped the outline of her appearance, and although Kaoru was unsure where the knowledge came from, she knew without a doubt that the woman was about to disappear. Jumping forward quickly, she wrapped both arms around her shoulders and held her tight. Tomoe struggled, but Kaoru was by far stronger. "Please, just listen. I thought the same thing, but don't you see all of the similarities? Hisano was your best friend, and she was the only body you could find, right? And how was she killed? Almost in an execution style. Why would he do that to her alone and no one else?"

"Because he was cruel. Look what he did to my Akira." Defeated, torn, and sobbing, she stopped trying to fight.

"I don't have any answer to that, except for his own desperation. By that point I am sure Kenshin was overwhelmed by the pain and sadness and frustration he felt at his inability to do anything to fight his fate. I'm sure it was easy to lose himself to those emotions, and receiving a wound as telling as the one Akira-sama gave to him was more than likely the trigger that set them off." Pausing, Kaoru listened to her cry. "Besides… I have another reason to believe what my mother told me was true."

Shakily, wanting to believe, Tomoe rested her head on the strong shoulders of the girl holding her. "Tell me."

"The village you grew up in, it was named Chisaki, right?" The sorceress nodded. "The name of my mother's village is Shinsaki." Tomoe tensed against her. "New blossoms to replace the old. Shinsaki is just on the other side of the mountain, about a weeks journey from here. Father says it is a beautiful place, with hundreds of cherry trees and many wonderful gardens. Mother's family has always lived there, and the stories are passed down each generation. Every family living there knows the stories of the sorceress and the life of the sorceress' child."

"Her life?" The hope was finally winning in her voice, and Kaoru was grateful.

"Uh-huh." Smiling, Kaoru let go. "The child grew up to be as beautiful and loving as her mother, her powers just as great, and for a time she lived at the emperor's court. It was there that she met her husband, and after they were married, they came back to her hometown, now rebuilt, and lived out the remainder of their lives with their children."

Exhaling heavily, Tomoe repeated the last half of her sentence, her eyes closed. "My baby was alive." White hands came up to cover her face. "He didn't kill my baby."

"No." Joy coming back full force, Kaoru grinned. And then it was her turn to be surprised when the sorceress grabbed her and hugged her fiercely.

"Thank you so much, little girl. You have given me the greatest gift anyone could ever give."

X

Kenshin waved a hand at Tae as she brought out his tray of food. "I will wait for Kaoru-dono."

Pausing, Tae bowed her head, but Koshijirou, sitting on the other side of Kaoru's empty cushion spoke up casually. "Kaoru said something about talking to someone before she came to the table and not to wait. Knowing her it'll probably be late before she gets back, so I'd go ahead and do as she said."

"I do not mind if you wish to go ahead and dine, Kamiya-san." Gesturing for Tae to serve Kaoru's father, Kenshin turned his head away and looked out the open shoji. "But I wish to wait."

Immediately Koshijirou was suspicious, and his mind set to work riffling through every scenario the situation would lead to. Sighing, he shook his head and decided, reluctantly, to let it go. Unfortunately, there was a side of him that did respect the lord, even if he didn't fully trust him, yet.

Tae was looking at him curiously, wondering if she should serve him or if he wished to wait as well, and Koshijirou smiled. "I think I will go ahead and eat. Kaoru already asked for the bath to made ready for me after dinner, and I don't want the water to cool and ruin all that hard work if I wait."

"It would be no trouble to reheat, Kamiya-sama, if you do wish to wait, though."

Shaking his head, he patted the table. "It's alright. Kaoru was rather excited when she left and I doubt that energy will be gone when she comes back. I think I shall let the lord take the full brunt of her enthusiasm while I relax for a change."

Kenshin lifted a brow, but Tae giggled and Koshijirou just smiled. Saying a brief thanks for the meal, Koshijirou dug in as Tae retreated, leaving them alone in the room. Still preoccupied with the view outside, Kenshin ignored the man, his mind playing and replaying Kaoru's attack on him not long before. She was quite enthusiastic, like her father said, and impulsive, as Soujirou said, but Kenshin could not say that he minded. It was that energy and life that he enjoyed so much. And he felt so much better about her actions, now that he knew she had not thrown aside their friendship for the cheetah. In fact, from what he understood, her joy was for the words Soujirou had spoken about him. Just him.

Eyes closing, his smile widened. You are such an idiot.

"I was thinking about heading home tomorrow afternoon." Lazily Kenshin's attention returned to the present, unwilling to give up on his thoughts so abruptly.

"If you wish, but you are free to stay longer."

Shrugging, Koshijirou sipped at his tea. "But I may come back whenever I want, and I had not planned on staying this long to begin with. I do have my own responsibilities to my students. I can't be gone too long or they will start to wonder."

"Very well… but Kaoru-dono may be sad to see you go."

"I do not think so." Studying the leaves swirling around in his cup, Koshijirou frowned. "At least, not so much now that she knows I may come back often. Besides," Sipping again, he replaced the teacup on the table and picked up his chopsticks. "she has informed me that she is quite happy here."

Pleased, Kenshin was hard pressed to keep his features neutral. "I am glad to hear that."

"Though I am glad that she is happy, I must admit…" Looking up to stare out the door, Koshijirou's voice was carefully low. "I am wary as well." The lighthearted emotions of seconds before faded, and Kenshin could feel that same trap closing in on him. It made him uncomfortable.

"Wary, Kamiya-san?"

Nodding, he continued to stare at the blushing colors of sunset. "Yes. As her father I wish for nothing more than my daughter's happiness, but she is very young and unable to clearly judge all of her decisions yet."

Something bristled in his chest and his own voice dropped an octave. "You are afraid she will make a wrong decision?"

Seemingly unaffected by the implied threat, or ignoring it, Koshijirou sipped some more at his tea. "I am afraid of the possibility, yes, but… if I had your word that you would look out for her, then my mind would be at ease." Blindsided, Kenshin's head pulled back. "You always treat my daughter with great respect, and her happiness seems to be important to you. Since I am not around all the time to watch my daughter, I worry for her. Sometimes she can be very rash, and she still needs guidance every now and again. If it is not too much trouble, I would ask you to promise me you will protect her from herself and others. Kaoru is just much too sweet and caring to deal with dishonor."

Uncertain and feeling as if most of this conversation was meant for him in more ways than just a simple promise, Kenshin let a few seconds pass by before giving the reassurance Kamiya was asking for. "You have my word."

His tone was serious and Koshijirou felt the apprehension strumming his nerves loosen. Letting out the breath he was holding, he thanked whoever was listening for the strength and wisdom to word his fears in a way that did not offend. "Thank you." Stomach churning queasily, he decided against trying to finish off his food. "If you will excuse me." Standing slowly, he tried his damnedest not to rush too quickly out the door and ruin his false composure.

Too involved in his own thoughts to notice anything strange about the father's behavior, Kenshin barely noticed the two kitchen aides come in to clean off the dirty dishes. Darkness crept into the room, the light breeze acquiring a nip, and as the first stars began to appear Kenshin smiled, hearing light footsteps on the walk.

"Kenshin." Surprised, Kaoru stopped in the doorway. "What are you still doing here?"

"I decided to wait. Since we did not get to walk together, I thought we might at least get to dine together."

"You haven't eaten yet?" Walking over to sit down, she glanced at the empty spot on her other side. "What about my father, did he wait too?"

"No. He has already been and gone and I think he said something about soaking in the bath."

"Well." Grinning, her eyes were bright with the enthusiasm Koshijirou had hinted of. "Looks like it's just the two of us."

Smiling, he found he was greatly pleased by the idea. "I guess so."

X

A/N: So I was trying to find an appropriate name for the reborn village, but I was having such a hard time and it was taking too long, that I finally just slapped it together. Since shin means new or fresh, and the saki from Chisaki is a form of saku (I suppose) meaning blossom, I sewed them together and probably created my own word. I apologize if it isn't correct.

Alright, this chapter was fun! From her dad, to the story, to Kaoru almost knocking Kenshin over, and then the talking to. XD Always so fun. I tried to make sure it wasn't a traditional get in the face and lay down the law, because that just wasn't going to work with Kenshin, and Koshijirou knew it. Asking politely and not even insinuating that Kenshin was the one he was worried about dishonoring his little girl was a better way to go about it.

So, yay! Kana lived! But that leaves so much stuff open to play with! I love playing! And Kenshin isn't worried so much about the Soujirou thing. Which is great. Of course, he did just get clobbered by Kaoru right in front of him. Alright, next we get to see a little of Dad's life, a sneaking shadow, and some more mommy stuff. Of course, there's always room for development between our ignorant couple. Leave a review, and I'll see you all soon!