Standard disclaimers apply.

Thank you both:
 
Firuze for making this chapter halfways readable with your patience and 
comments.

And Kamorgana for spotting (hopefully the last) spelling and grammar 
mistakes.

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CHAPTER 2: PROGRESS

1849

Two more years passed before Gandalf visited the large area in 
one of the outer districts of Edo again, and he was feeling nervous. 

The time was pressing. 

Again Irie was already awaiting him and lead him the way.

Once again there was a small bundle, this time in Takagi's arms, he 
looked exhausted and Karla was nowhere in sight. 
"Where is Karla?"

Visibly worried Takagi turned to the neighbour room.
"It had been a hard delivery, we had to cut the baby out of her."

"WHAT?" Gandalf hissed. "Let me see her!" He demanded.

"She is already over it, Gandalf-san. She will survive it and she needs her
rest."

One look at Takagi's face told him that he was saying the truth. He 
could look for Karla in a few seconds, he could even stay the next days.
Back home no urgent obligation awaited him.

Two eye-pairs rested on him hopefully as he concentrated laid a hand on the 
babies forehead and murmured his incantations, and again the baby turned her 
head to him, opening her eyes. 

A reaction not normal for new-borns. Again he felt something inside her, 
there was a reaction from her instincts to his intrusion, he dived deeper, and
the reaction got stronger. As if he had burned his hand, he retreated it 
quickly. 

Shocked four eyes rested on him and he felt his voice trembling as he
proclaimed his result. They had waited so long for such a child to be born.
"She is talented and she has the gift. You can raise her in the way we 
discussed."

"As you wish." He had to smile inwardly, the proud reflection in Takagi's eyes 
didn't go unnoticed by him and even Irie showed some outward signs of 
affection, straightening up beside them.

Relieved, they all looked down at the little bundle, her helpless small fists 
moving uncoordinated, and her mouth opening and closing, her tongue in between.

The time had come to plan further steps and Gandalf turned to Irie and Takagi.
"You have good contact with him?"

Irie nodded and Takagi revealed the latest results.
"It is a close contact by now. His father expects some benefits from me for 
his other kids and trusts me, I started to teach them. As you already know, he
is the youngest son of a poor family living on the outskirts of Edo. His 
father is a low class samurai and his mother a farmer's daughter. They don't 
own much and most likely the oldest son will be the heir. The father is a 
rough and uneducated fellow, his wife the typical repressed type. They can 
feel that their last son is different; as a result he is an outcast in an 
outcast family. Though he is only four years old, they can already feel his 
ruthlessness and mercilessness."

Irie frowned.
"How are you planning to get him into your grasp?"

"Due to my influence Yamaguchi has started to train his youngest son and he 
seems promising. When the time is come, I will be in reach and get him into 
my hands, it should be no problem."

For Gandalf and Irie this sounded like a good plan, nearly foolproof. But 
one could never be too sure of the next disturbances that could occur.
They still didn't feel secure and easy, but the first hurdle was taken.

"We are really lucky that she is born now."
Irie seemed unusually relieved, making Gandalf suspicious.

"Why?" Gandalf inquired.

Ashamed Takagi turned his head to Karla's room, Gandalf had never
seen him this sorrowful before though he had the child in his arms that
his leader wanted. What more could bother him?
"Karla won't be able to have another child."

Visibly shocked, Gandalf headed over to her door.
"Is it really this bad?"

"Yes. If you want, you can stay as long as you wish. I am sure you can
help." Takagi offered.

This fit to his plans perfectly.
Carefully Gandalf shoved the door aside, Karla was lying on a futon,
deadly pale and not even noticing him settling down beside her.
She had lost much blood, that was for sure.

****

This time he was prepared, this time he saw the crow coming, Tengu
didn't need to evade... and he could tell that this time the news were bad.

Hagen had slammed his fist against the arm-rest, it broke under the 
fierce attack. The second throne the goblins had to replace this month.
"They've got the girl."

"Damn it. To the hell with her." Tengu cursed inwardly. This wasn't good
for his plans. He had hoped he would have more time. Maybe it was better
to rely on the Second as Hagen had planned it from the beginning.

**** 

Two months later:

Takagi watched Gandalf disappearing in a cloud of fog. It was an interesting
way of establishing a portal, he had never seen someone using the winds
and waters to hide his vanishing. It was effective, unsuspicious if 
someone should accidently watch.

A movement in his arms reminded him of his duties, Tokio wanted something
to eat. It was time to get back to Karla who was still resting most of the
day. She wasn't as pale anymore, but still easily exhausted.
"Come on, Tomoko. Let us go back to mum."

"Ok..."

He had his problems to get Tomoko going with him, as always when Gandalf
and Irie came for a visit she was sad when they left. They were like
Grandfathers for her. She had hide behind him while Gandalf had vanished
and now she dug her fingers into his hakama and crying inside. He 
literally had to drag her behind him back to Karla... what was quite
easy, considering how tightly she held his clothes. He only needed
to walk to drag her with him.

As he reached the sleeping room, Karla was sitting awake on her futon,
stitching a new yukata for Tomoko. It was incredible how fast the girls
grew up... Karla had her trouble to keep with the speed.

First, he had tried to convince her to let a servant do the sewing, but
she had refused the offer vehemently, telling him that it was kind of
meditation for her.

With the food they also had endless discussions, Karla was refusing any
help in the kitchen and he was used to excellent prepared meals.
Unfortunately Karla had other ideas of what was good food then he...
finally he had gotten used to *some* meals of her home country and
she had gotten used to cook - and to eat- Japanese food.
There were still things she had problems to prepare correctly, he 
then tried carefully to give her hints... she had gotten sensible
about his 'grousing' as she called it.
Later he got behind the reason why she refused help in the kitchen:
She was afraid someone could mix something under their meals.
From this point of view, he had to agree with her... he had many 
enemies in Japan who 
wanted his position and greedily waited for their chance.
They had seen their chance when he had married Karla, a foreigner,
and they surely would do everything in their power to oppose Tokio...
a half-breed, not as worthy as their own daughters.

But, inwardly he smirked, his decision had been right, throwing all
prejudice, objections and tradition over-board. Karla had proven
to be worthy and he had the most promising daughter of them all.
When this even brought HIM into his family...

"Why are you staring at me like I am an alien? You should know me
by now?" She interrupted his train of thought and brought him back
to present.

She could be really stubborn if she wanted to be... lovingly he greeted
her, laying Tokio into her arms and kissing her forehead.
"How are you today?"

"MUM!" Tomoko finally let go of his hakama and fled to her mother,
placing her head into her lap, nearly making Karla lose her balance.

"Tomoko-chan! Be careful with your mother, she is still weak!"
Takagi tried to pull Tomoko of Karla, making Tomoko crying even more.

He registered Karla's shoulders twitching and wondered what was wrong.
Even Tomoko stopped her protesting and looked up to her mother.

The solution was near as he saw her amused grin, and her snickering
what soon turned into quiet laughing.
"You are too funny, Takumi! What do you think your friends would say
when they see you like this? Taking care of children?"

Luckily no one saw him baby-sitting the last two months.
"That was not nice, Karla."
He grumbled under his breath, but kept his smile to show her that he never 
meant what he said. There was still something important he had to say to her.

He sat down behind her and pulled her back against him that she could 
lean on his chest.
"Gandalf has returned."

"He was here to say good-bye. It was time for him to go and we can't
keep our house closed all the time for outsiders as well as we can't
hide him all the time. Did he say something to you?"
Karla started to play with Tokio's hands who giggled delighted.

"You already discussed Tokio's education with him, he told me nothing
new. I agreed that you visit him from time to time, he gets too old for
this long travels and it would be good for Tokio's education."

Absent-minded, concentrated on her little daughter, Karla nodded.
He hugged her to comfort her before the following news for her.
"Gandalf told you that Tokio is the right child?"

"Yes." She still was absent-minded and he leaned forward to her ear.
"This is important, Karla. It was our last chance."

She tensed in his embrace.
"Our last chance? What do you mean? Will I have to go back? Will you leave me?"

Thanks to all Gods it wasn't like this.
"Karla! With what stupid ideas you come up! There is no need for you 
to go back and no reason for me to leave you.... no, this is different."

He buried his face in her hair, hold together by the comb he had 
given her on their wedding day.
"This was our last child, Karla. You won't be able to get another
child, your injuries when we had to get Tokio were too severe."

She needed two seconds before realisation struck her, and she sat upright.
"I am infertile now?"

"shshsh, everything is alright." He caressed her shoulders to help her 
relaxing.

"But..."

"It is alright with me, Karla. We have Tokio, with her we have the chance
to get him. All we have to do is to take good care of her."

"But..."
She was still too shocked to fully digest it. He was sure that this night
she would cry against his shoulder, he knew she had wanted more children.
And she knew what he wanted... maybe she was afraid that he would take
another wife. 

He kissed her slightly into her hair, taking a deep breath of her scent.
He loved this scent, he could spent hours with his nose buried in her 
hair. She gathered the herbs for her bath and her hair always in the
Norwegian woods, stubbornly insisting that nothing in Japan could reach
the quality of Norway's plants when it came to her personal hygiene.
"No but, Karla. You know... a son isn't that important for me."

"But..."

"No, Karla. I'll have something close to a son through Tokio. That is 
the best heir I could imagine for my family."

"But..."

"shshshsh, don't think about it now, Karla, just rest a bit more.
Here, have some tea."
In wise foresight he had already prepared a strong, calming tea in advance,
it proved useful now.

He took good care that she drank all of the tea, there was also one
cup left for Tomoko. Patiently he held Karla tightly until he noticed
her relaxing muscles as she fell asleep. 

****

Yamaguchi stifled his anger as much as he was capable of -what wasn't much. 

His youngest son was only an annoyance, he had thought that maybe he would 
develop into a normal child, but it had proved that he had been wrong. 

Again his son had beaten up a boy from the neighbourhood, only because of
a brawl about a ball. The other boy had to be taken to hospital and he had 
to pay for the treatment. 

He had wanted to punish him for that, but the wild fire and determination 
still burning in Hajime's eyes had let him retreat his hand. 

This boy didn't need to be toughened through an education as bushido
demanded it, he was already tough enough. While Katsu had been afraid 
when watching his first execution and had complained about the coldness 
when staying out in winter, Hajime had smiled during the decapitation and 
watched the man's death closely and had endured the coldness of winter,
though they let him sleep outside without a blanket. 

----FLASHBACK----

Katsu was holding his hand tightly, they were on the way to Kuwura's 
execution and they were close to the execution place, the streets crowded. 

Katsu had to get stronger and tougher  and it was a good possibility to 
get him used to the sight of blood and death. 

Actually Hajime was still too young, but he had taken him with 
them, he was walking high on his heels. 

They had reached the place and Yamaguchi buried a way through the crowd 
for him and Katsu to get into the first row and have a good view. 
He shoved Katsu in front of him and laid both hands on his shoulders. 

Kuwura was laid by two men into the place.

"Father? Is this the criminal?"
Astonished Yamaguchi glanced aside, Hajime had managed to follow them and 
was standing by his side, interested eyeing the man. Katsu began to tremble 
under his hands, he saw no need to answer his younger son. 

The man was roughly forced to kneel down and expose his neck, Katsu's 
trembling got stronger while Hajime leaned interested forward. 

The executioner drew his sword and Hajime took even one step closer. 
Katsu wanted to turn his head away and Yamaguchi laid his hands 
on Katsu's cheeks to prevent that he looked away. 

As the executioner lifted his sword, Hajime leaned forward while Katsu tried 
to get out of his father's strong grip. 

The sword moved down on the neck, the head fell to the ground, the blood 
squirted forward and the corpse broke down. 

Katsu squirmed under his grip and moaned while Hajime had taken one step too 
close and was covered with blood-stains. 

Excitedly his younger son turned, his eyes filled with interest.
"This was thrilling, Father! Will there be another one soon?"

Katsu was still trembling and squirming, trying to fight his gagging. As 
he looked up, Yamaguchi noticed some horror and fear in his eyes. No. His 
older son wouldn't dare to throw up in front of all these people and embarrass
him by this! In the last second Katsu managed to control himself.

As they walked home Katsu kept on complaining about the coldness, it was 
winter, while Hajime kept talking enthusiastically about the execution.

When his wife saw him with their sons she clapped her hands together
"Hajime-chan! What have you done?"

"We watched the execution, Mother, it was...."

"Hajime-chan, you ruined your cloth, I will never get this blood out of it."

"But it was so exciting and..."

"Do you know what cloths cost?"

"But..."

"Your Mother is right, Hajime-chan. Go to the yard and think about what
you have done. There will be no dinner for you and you will sleep outside. 
Maybe this teaches you to behave."

"But..."

"GO OUT OF MY SIGHT."
Yamaguchi and his wife observed how their youngest strolled away and 
Katsu headed for the bath-house.

"Why can't Katsu be more like Hajime?"

"I don't know. But I feel always strange when Hajime is around, I can almost 
feel his keen eyes watching me. It always sends a shiver down my spine."

"Maybe keeping him hungry and letting him sleeping outside will keep him down."

----END FLASHBACK----- 

This boy was far from normal. If he wouldn't fear that Takagi retreated his 
support, he wouldn't train him at all.

****

Four years had passed since he had examined the bundle in Takagi's arms 
and he had come to observe the progresses she surely had made in this time.
She should be four years old yet, her sister six and HE should be eight 
already. How fast children grew up... 

Karla was standing between her husband and Irie, they were discussing 
something, obviously important, judging from their serious and concerned
expressions. 

There was no chance to get rid of Irie, this cunning old bastard had his 
fingers involved everywhere, trying to obtain the most possible influence 
and power.

"Hello everyone."

"Hello Gandalf-san."

The greeting was warm as he was used it from his friends and allies.
"How is everything going?"

"According to our plans, better than assumed to be honest. Tokio is 
making fast progresses and is really talented. If she continues like this, 
we are raising the most powerful sorcerer of the future here." 
Irie was excited, a rare sight, and Gandalf made a mental note. 

If she even impressed Irie, there was a huge chance that she would be chosen 
in the very end.

Gandalf wondered what was eating Takagi, his grumbled features were 
unmistakable.
"When you mention powerful sorcerers.... Hiko is making problems again."

"This man who interferes with our interests?"
Gandalf wasn't on the latest stand of information.

"Interference isn't quite the right word. Let us say he doesn't agree with all
our decisions."

Frowning Gandalf nodded. Only a very powerful wizard would dare to oppose the 
High Council and not agreeing with the decisions WAS an opposition. 

But they needed him, he was inevitable. Sooner or later they would have to 
deal with him, they were dependent from him. Not that he would like the 
thought. For now he wanted to deal with something more pleasant
"Where is Tokio?"

Karla pointed behind her, where a little girl with a light-green 
yukata... kimono? -he was never quite sure how to distinguish these Japanese 
clothes- was playing. 

She had just grabbed something from the pond she was kneeling at and 
jumped up. "Mum! Look what I have here!"

Excitedly the little girl charged towards her mother, a frog in her hands, 
holding it out to her mother, then she suddenly noticed the two strangers 
standing beside her parents. 

The expression on her parents faces worried her and dropping the frog she 
ran behind her mother, hiding behind her, digging her little fingers into 
her kimono.
                       
Calming Karla laid a hand on her hair.
"Tokio, don't you remember them? This is Gandalf and this is
Irie. They are here just to see you."

"Really?" 
The little hands relaxed and the grip on her mother's kimono loosened.

"Really, Tokio-chan. There is no need to be worried, you can go back playing."

After being reassured by her mother, Tokio charged away and they watched the 
little girl running back to the pond, kneeling down by it, touching the 
surface and staring into its depths, a concentrated expression in her 
features. As if she was observing something. 

Gandalf frowned. "Your daughter is unusually gifted." 

"Thanks."

"We think she has the potential to fulfil the task, you should see to get 
him into your home as soon as possible."

"He turned 8 this year and his family tries its best to let him feel that he 
is not welcome. I have enough influence on his father to convince him to
educate him further. But I think they will take the chance to expel him soon, 
I will be there then and take him with me"

"Good." 
Gandalf was pleased how they handled the matter, everything seemed to be 
according to plan...  as if one could plan something like this.

Irie heightened a hand, he had an important message in store.
"We found the Second one."

He had the full attention of all.
"Who is he?" 

"Where is he?" 

"What will we do?"

Irie had to stifle a laugh about the excitement he had caused and tried to
cool them with smoothening movements of his hands.
"There is no need to panic, dear allies. I will try to answer you all: 
He is a young boy, just turned two. He had a horrifying past, he was given 
back by his parents, but luckily was found by a kind family who raises him 
well." He paused and lowered his eyes to the ground. "We have to pay attention 
that nothing serious happens that could disturb him. I don't have to mention 
how sensible his inner soul is due to his nature."

Annoyed Gandalf shook his head in disapproval. Irie must have known that 
the Second had arrived but hadn't told him yet. Again he had to recall 
that there was no need to distrust his friend.
"To think that such a mighty creature is so easily disturbed."

"A great power always means always a weakness in return. You can't receive
this power without paying a price in return."

"Yes, you are right."

"Who has an eye on him?"

"Hiko-sama."

"Hiko will take care of him?" Karla's features were clear, disapproval
reflected in them.

"We need someone powerful enough for the boy." 
Irie explained the choice.

"I am sure you don't need to tell him this."

Irie had to laugh, knowing the self-confident man too well.
"Yes, Karla, you are right, he knows very well what he is capable of doing."

Takagi had a close eye on Tokio who was dangerously near the pond. 
"Didn't you want to pay him a visit for training, Karla? Maybe this is the 
right time now."

"Yes, he promised to show me some of his healing spells and the
herbs he uses. Furthermore he wanted to see Tokio and the progresses 
she makes. I will ask him about the boy then." She turned to her little 
daughter. "Tokio! Come, let us go and visit Uncle Hiko!"

Delighted the girl jumped up and ran giggling towards her mother.
"Visiting Uncle Hiko?"

Karla picked her up and arranged her on her back.
"Yes, Uncle Hiko."

Within seconds they were at the small, secluded clearing in a forest around 
Kyoto; leaving the men behind at the Takagi-estate. Hiko barely raised an 
eyebrow about the unexpected appearance of the woman with her daughter. 

Carefully Karla put Tokio down who already struggled to free herself, she 
knew that the impressive man had something in store for her as always. As soon 
she felt the ground beneath her feet she ran towards him as fast as her 
little legs allowed her "Hiko."

"See who is there. Tokio-chan as lively as ever." 

Tokio had reached the man and cuddled his leg, much to his disapproval. 
"And Karla, of course."

Karla and Hiko nodded a short, cold greeting and Hiko turned to one of 
his shelves, in the highest the subject of Tokio's interest was lying, 
children's memory was astonishing sometimes. 

He picked up a small figure made of clay.
"Here is something for you."

With shining eyes she looked up to him and excitedly she took the small 
figure, giggling happily.
"A bunny! Look, mommy what I have here! A bunny!"

Karla stifled a grin about her enthusiastic daughter and patted her on 
her head.
"I see, Tokio-chan. It is very nice."

But Tokio had already forgotten the world around her and took her little 
toy to play at the ground nearby.

"She makes big progresses." 
Hiko watched the girl closely as she bounced energetically around a trunk 
with her bunny.

"Yes, Gandalf has noticed it when he first saw her. She is unusually 
talented." Karla sighed. "Unfortunately she is also very lively and energetic,
it is a problem to get her quiet for some minutes, but when she is, then she 
is like hypnotised ."

"It will settle down when she is older."

"I hope so. She is so different from Tomoko in this age. With Tomoko we always 
knew what happened next, but with Tokio you are always in for a surprise."

Hiko uncorked the bottle of sake standing by his side.
"She will need it in her further life." and took a draught directly 
from the bottle.

Disapproving Karla eyed him.
"You are drinking far too much alcohol, Hiko."

"Mind your own business, woman."

"I heard you have an eye on the boy."

"Irie, the old gossiper, told you, am I right? No, you don't need to answer. 
Yes, I have an eye on him to take the required actions when necessary."

"I hope you don't miss the right time, you know how sensible his nature is,
Hiko."

"You think that I am not the right one for this task."

"I haven't said this. I just want you to be extraordinary carefully about him."

"I don't need you to tell me this, Karla. Mind you own business, I'm sure 
Tokio is troublesome enough."

She knew it was useless to discuss this matter with him further and
stretched her hand for her daughter.
"Come, Tokio-chan, we want to see what Uncle Hiko has for us."

Enthusiastically, her toy tightly pressed against her chest, Tokio jumped 
forward.
"More toys?"

Hiko had to laugh loudly and Karla scolded her daughter.
"Tokio-chan! You already got one! Don't be so impertinent, we are guests here.
He'll show us some herbs that could be useful for you."

All of a sudden Tokio's excitement was gone. "Oh." 

And Hiko's laughter increased. 
"Your daughter is really eager to learn."

The deadly glance from Karla made his laughs turn into a wide grin.
"Don't be upset, everyone starts low."

****

They heard what happened only two year later. The boy's family 
had been captured by slave traders and was murdered on the way to the city, 
Hiko had just arrived in time to save the boy and take him under his care.

It seemed that the boy's basic nature was a very gentle and peaceful one. 

As they got the news, Karla immediately prepared to visit him together
with Tokio. Takagi watched her preparations while she instructed him.
"Maki has to take this herbs every two hours to lower her fever. I hope 
I'll be back then already, but one can never be sure."

Takagi nodded in approval and took the package.
"I'm eager to hear what you think of him."

"Come. Tokio-chan." She turned back to her husband. "Me too, me too."

****

As always, Hiko was barely surprised by their appearance and Tokio 
charged at Hiko at once, nearly tripping over another child and
surprised Tokio stopped dead in her tracks about the unusual sight. 

Red hair? 
Giggling, Hiko and his toys were forgotten, Tokio stretched out one hand to 
touch his hair, distrusting the child stepped away but was stopped by Hiko.
"There is no need to worry, Kenshin. This is Tokio-chan, a very nice girl and 
fun to play with. I'm sure you two can enjoy some time together."

He shoved them away to talk to Karla in quiet and peace.

"Hello, I'm Tokio." Serious, but obviously giggling Tokio bowed clumsily to 
the boy in front of her, and before he could react she grabbed his hand, and 
pulled him behind her to the next place where she knew that one could play 
perfectly.

Karla showed her surprise openly.
"He is a Jinn?"

"You haven't been told?"

"No, I didn't know."

Both watched the two children, Tokio touched his hair with wondering big eyes.

"He seems to be very small for a boy of his age. He could be a girl and 
even when he is almost of Tokio's age, he looks a lot younger 
than her though the gap  is only one year."

"He is a boy, believe me." Karla merely raised an eyebrow at the offensive
undertone.  "But you are right, he has a very fragile built, it 
will be an advantage for sword-fighting."

"You want to train him personally?"

"I think anything else would mean a bigger risk." 

"You might be right, but isn't this a heavy burden, a great responsibility 
for you?" 

Hiko threw his head back into his neck.
"No, I'm perfect for this task. What about you? You have to raise this 
little girl only for one purpose and will pick up the other boy later. 
Isn't this a great task as well?"

"We can handle it and we are still within the schedule." 
She cast a punishing glance aside. 
"At least we don't let it happen that his family was killed."

Unmoved Hiko shrugged his shoulders and observed the serious boy and the 
cheerful girl once more. She had managed to let a small smile appear 
around his lips.
"It had to happen, it wasn't avoidable. The only thing I could do was 
saving his life."

Karla murmured to herself.
"He is a Jinn, that is dangerous. Why don't they take care of him by 
themselves?"

Hiko had heard her silent wondering.
"I am sure they had a reason for what they did."

"Maybe. Maybe this is part of a bigger plan that wasn't told us."

"We will see. I took my own precautions."

"Your own precautions?" Irritated Karla frowned.

"Yes."

It was clear to her that Hiko wouldn't explain himself.
"Due to the nature of the little boy it would be best Tokio and I reduce 
our visits and leave his education in your hands."

"I was just about to suggest this..."
He was interrupted by Karla who jumped up with dismay.

"Where are the kids?"

Even Hiko seemed to be touched in his dignity.
"This stupid boy! I told him not to go far away if not for bringing me water
or sake."

Karla paled.
"Water? Did you say water?"

"Yes, but why?"

"Tokio has an unhealthy obsession with water, that is the reason. Where is the 
river?"

But Hiko had already charged down a small path, Karla high on his heels. They 
came too late. 

Both children had already managed to get rid of their cloths, and a squeaking 
Tokio was chasing a screaming Kenshin through the small pond gathered on this 
place.

Hiko managed to grab Kenshin by his neck, holding him like a wet kitten high in
the air.
"Stupid pupil. Don't you know that it is dangerous to play near the river?"

Kenshin looked wide-eyed at him and shook his head, and sighing Hiko set 
him back on the ground
"Come on, enough playing, get dressed, it is time for your daily training."

As Kenshin gathered his cloths, Karla tried to catch a giggling Tokio in the 
pool and finally got hold on one of her arms, it was enough to drag the girl 
out of the water. What was rewarded with heavy protests much to Hiko's 
amusement.
"A wild thing you got there."

Breathless and wet from head to toe, Karla picked up Tokio's cloth while 
struggling with the girl in her arm. "Unfortunately you are right this time."

Hiko chased Kenshin the way up to his hut.
"I am ALWAYS right, Karla." and vanished behind the next corner, giving her 
no chance to reply. 

She was slightly upset about his arrogant behaviour but her first concern 
were dry cloths and calming Tokio. 

She breathed deeply when she arrived home, already awaited by her husband.
"My Gods, Karla! What happened? You look like you fall into a river."

"It was nearly like this. Tokio discovered the pool by Hiko's house and she 
and the boy had their fun in it."

Takagi knew his daughter and he could imagine that Karla had her share of 
trouble to get Tokio out of the water, she was still squirming in her
mother's grip.
"How is the boy?"

"I am not sure. I hope the latest events had no disturbing influence on him. 
But I am sure that Hiko will give his best with his education though I doubt 
this is enough. As the council mentioned last time, someone tries to interfere
with our plans." she hesitated, this was an important news for her husband. 
"He is a Jinn."

"A Jinn?" 
Shocked and with dismay Takagi was taken aback. He was belonging to the 
inner workings of the clan and they hadn't told him about this. 

He needed a few seconds before he re-gained his dignity and equanimity.
"A nice detail, they have hidden from us, don't you think?"

"I am sure they had their reasons. Maybe it was for his safety and protection."

"Or they didn't want too many people to know. This is a very delicate 
matter and there might be some traitors among us. We should trust Hiko, though
he is unbearable sometimes, he will handle  this to our satisfaction."

Takagi nodded, he had heard it as well and he shared his wife's thoughts 
about the self-confident sorcerer and strange ermite. He needed some time to 
digest this news.
"As you are here now, can you take care of Tomoko? I want to visit 
Yamaguchi and look for his youngest."

Karla set a sulking Tokio back on her feet, stubborn the girl bite her lower 
lip and stood rooted to the place.
"I'll look after Tomoko, no problem. You can make your visits."

****

He was training with a branch in the back of his parents house when this 
friendly man arrived. 

Secretly he admired Takagi, he was a noble man, exactly how he imagined and
what he expected from a Samurai. 

With a posture that indicated his dignity and pride he always entered the 
house, his manners were refined and self-confident, he knew who he was and he 
displayed it with every movement. 

Hajime was the first who had spotted him and hastily he ran to the entrance 
to greet him. 

As Takagi passed him with a nod while he bowed deeply, Takagi took the katana
and wakizashi out of his hakama as it was common custom and handed it over to 
him. 

Astonished and honoured he took the swords from him, usually his older brother 
was quicker than him and got the privilege to take care of them while 
Takagi was there.
"Hello, Hajime-kun. Are your parents home?"

"No, they are on an errand with my siblings."

Takagi scarcely stifled a laughter about the boy's excitement.
"Then I will wait for their return."

Astonished Hajime stepped back. This man waited for his parents to return? 
He was a noble man, in contrast to his own father. Why would such a man wait 
for him? His parents were happy about so much luck of knowing Takagi and 
decided to use this for their advantage. 

Takagi was a high member of the Bakufu and maybe he would be 
able to do something for their eldest son or could even arrange a 
prosperous marriage for their daughter. As always they hadn't mentioned him, 
their youngest son with one word.

Takagi seemed to wait for something and quickly Hajime remembered his
duty as a host.
"You want some tea, Takagi-sama? I could prepare some."

Shuddering Takagi remembered the last tea he had been served here, the 
bad taste had lasted long on his tongue and only some teasing from Karla, 
mentioning an over-sensitive, grumbling, and over-cared man she once knew, 
had stopped his complaints.

Cautious and suspicious he nodded and took a place beside the yard, where 
Hajime had indicated him to sit down before he charged away. 

As he had expected, it took some time before the boy came back
and he used the time to close his eyes and meditate a little bit, he 
didn't like the sight of the wrenched house and the untidy yard. 

He woke up when he noticed footsteps coming closer and Hajime stood in front 
of him with a cup in his hands. 

Thanking he accepted the cup and inwardly shuddering he tried the first sip 
only to rip his eyes open in astonishment.
"This tea tastes fair.y well."

"Thank you, Takagi-sama."
The boy seemed to be a better cook than his mother when this wasn't a
lucky coincidence and shuddering  Takagi recalled Tokio gathering 
poisonous plants and serving them to him on a plate together with some 
mud from the pond. The frog she had placed on top had already saved its
life by this time by hopping away. 

Shaking his head he got rid off the ugly memory and looked at the boy in 
front of him. There was a branch lying in the yard and he had no doubt about 
what Hajime had done before he came.
"Why don't you show me some moves, Hajime-kun."

With respect in his eyes the boy looked at him.
"You want to see MY moves, Takagi-sama?"

Usually his parents sent him away and shoved him aside when Takagi was there 
and his older brother and sister were introduced closer to Takagi.

With his chest proudly straightened, Hajime picked up the branch and 
performed some moves under Takagi's watchful eye. Sometimes Tagaki 
interrupted him and gave him hints to improve. He got the strange feeling 
that Takagi put more interest and effort in him than he ever did in his 
brother what motivated him more.

They were suddenly interrupted by Hajime's parents and siblings, and grinding 
his teeth he saw his father approaching him. 

He knew that his father was fuming mad at him and waited for his punishment.

****

Yamaguchi was coming home from an stressing errand with his family and what 
did he had to witness? His useless, good for nothing younger son was showing
this respectful Takagi his ridicules moves. 

What was even worse was, that he was better than his older brother. It 
frightened him how good his younger son was and how quickly he was improving. 

It enraged him to no end and frustrated him. He found no other canalisation 
than grabbing Hajime by his cloth and hitting him hard in his face with his 
fist. 

From the corner of his eyes he noticed Takagi twitching shortly under the 
rough treatment and with effort he managed to get his rage under control 
and pushed his younger son away.

"Go and get us some tea, Hajime-chan."

Takagi registered Hajime's burning eyes as well as Yamaguchi's stare.
"DO WHAT I TOLD YOU! WHY ARE YOU STILL HERE?"

Maybe this was the conflict he had awaited so long.

"You can't command me around!"

"I AM ON THE END OF MY TETHER WITH YOU, HAJIME-CHAN!!" He grabbed his 
younger, rebellious son by his arm and discretely Takagi turned his 
head aside as Yamaguchi started beating Hajime. Takagi never heard one
cry from the boy no matter how hard his father hit him. Karla would
be shocked to death witnessing this scene and she would be shocked for 
sure when seeing the remains of the beatings.

"WILL YOU OPEN YOUR MOUTH AND EXCUSE YOURSELF FOR YOUR STUBBORNNESS?
WILL YOU SAY ANYTHING?"

Takagi registered that Hajime tried to fight back, but in this young age he 
was too weak to do anything against the physical dominance of his father.

Frustrated, obviously not getting what he wanted from his son, the father 
kicked him away, and shocked Takagi witnessed as Hajime was slammed against a 
post. The cracking of a bone breaking was not to be over-heard.
Hajime closed his eyes tightly, holding his arm, bravely trying not
to cry in pain or even worse to shed a tear.
"GET OUT OF MY SIGHT, I DON'T WANT TO SEE YOU HERE ONE MORE TIME.
GO AND HELP YOUR MOTHER."

How abasing for a boy to help in the kitchen, Takagi noted disapprovingly.

Hajime opened his eyes, they seemed to be watery, but not one tear rolled down
his cheeks. His spirit didn't seem to be broken, he was rebellious as ever.
"I wouldn't want to stay here any longer anyway."

Takagi's chance was near. he watched Hajime leaving and started his
task as soon as he was far away not to follow the conversation.
He had to clear this sensible matter now.
"Yamaguchi-san. You know, it is not my business to interfere with your family,
but I would like to ask you a favour."

Yamaguchi looked suspicious now, he was an uneducated fellow, but he wasn't 
stupid. He must have expected that someday Takagi would demand something in 
return for what he had did for his family.
"I never told about my own family, Yamaguchi-san, this is a delicate
matter and I want you keep this a secret between you and me."

Eagerly Yamaguchi nodded, but Takagi knew from experience that this man
was far more communicative than it was good for his own sake. He made
a mental note to tell his followers to care for Yamaguchi as soon as 
possible. Furthermore he couldn't left unpunished what he had just witnessed.
The world wouldn't miss this man.
"You know, I am blessed with everything a man could ask for: I have influence,
I am wealthy, I have a wonderful wife, I am blessed with two unique daughters.
But..."

Yamaguchi seemed to pick up every word from his lips, the old gossiper
thursting for news he could spread.
"... but I haven't got a son and I never will have one in my life."

Yamaguchi's mouth stood open and his eyes widened. This very personal
information was the last he had thought to hear most obviously.
"You see, Yamaguchi-san,... you are blessed with two sons and one daughter.
Your eldest son making you proud, he will carry on your family, and your
youngest being only a burden for you."

Eagerly Yamaguchi nodded.
"Yes, Katsu-san is the perfect son, the best one could wish for himself.
But Hajime-chan..." Disgusted he waved his hand.

"You got one point, Yamaguchi-san. Still since I have no son on my own I
would like to ask you to give me Hajime-kun." Calculating on the effect,
he wasn't disappointed, he made a break before he quickly continued.
"Of course I'll support you" what wouldn't be long, counted from now on 
"and your family finances in compensation for this great loss."

Yamaguchi's eyes flashed in joy, this was his chance to get rid off his
son and even have some benefit out of it. In the end Hajime had been good
for something.
"That is a fair offer, I think. Will you take him with you right now?"

"Wouldn't want you to discuss this with your wife first?"
Inwardly Takagi was shocked about this man's roughness, but he didn't
bat an eyelid.

"What could she say? She will do what I tell her to do."

And she hadn't been enthusiastic about her second son also, Takagi added 
inwardly.
"If this doesn't bother you, I would like to take him with me yet."
His arm needed medical treatment, Karla was an expert in treating
battle wounds as he knew from his own experience.

Yamaguchi nodded and didn't even turn his head as he shouted.
"HAJIME-CHAN! DRAG YOUR USELESS BUTT OVER HERE."

This man was in need of some manners if he wanted to live longer.

"What is it, father?"
Hajime appeared, holding the broken spot of his arm, obviously his mother
had done nothing about the wound until now.

"I am not your father any longer, you'll go with Takagi-sama."

"What?"
The boy looked as if he wouldn't trust his ears what was completely
believable from Takagi's point of view.

"You don't belong to the Yamaguchi-family any longer. Takagi has no own
sons and asked me for you and I agreed. See yourself as being adopted
by him from now on."

The poor boy obviously thought he was dreaming and Takagi stood up to end
the awkward situation.
"Your father said it right, Hajime-kun. I'll go back home now and you 
can come with me. You can live at my house from now on. We can pack
your things and leave."

"He has nothing he can take with him."
Yamaguchi quickly interfered, obviously happy to get rid off his younger son
and to have Takagi in 'life-long debts' with him for his generosity.

One look at Hajime told Takagi that Yamaguchi was speaking the truth.
He had no things that belonged to him here.
"Then come on, we can leave."

Without any protest, Hajime followed him outside, never looking back to
his family who had gathered to watch him leaving. All with a relieved,
satisfied smile on their faces.

"Didn't want to say good-bye to your parents and siblings, Hajime-kun?"
Takagi wanted to know as they were on the main-street.

The lanky boy just shrugged with his shoulders.
"For what?" Unmoved, he looked back into the side-street lying behind them.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

started: July 2002
finished: November 18th 2002
first posted: February 25th 2002

And thank you both, my faithful reviewers =^^=.

Firuze: I am still nervous about this story, it is so different from my other
stories.

Kamorgana: I am so happy that you like this fic... and I hope you'll keep
liking it. I think it is one of the best I've written so far, I've put so
much time into this... so I feel kind of proud if someone likes it =^^=.


I hope you enjoyed it =^^=.


Ja ne,

Mara