Author's Note:

Are you taking note of the details? Are you sure you're taking note of the right ones? *Giggle* Well, if you've figured it out, please do not spoil it for those who haven't! *Grin*

Sorry this took so damn long. It's Christmas Season and I've been monstrously busy! Gomen nasai!

Standard disclaimers apply. "Rurouni Kenshin" (c) Watsuki Nobuhiro, Shuiesha, Shounen Jump, and Sony. I do not own RK, pray as I might, every night, it just wouldn't happen that way. No matter how many candles I light, no matter how many chickens I decapitate…

More disclaimers. I would just like to say that although I will be mentioning (and have mentioned) a lot of people who actually existed in Meiji Japan, my account of their lives and personalities are all fictional, except for what I say is true and actual in my closing Author's Notes. Please, no one sue me for libel.

Chapter Five

THE SPY

Before making our way to the train station, we asked around a bit more. Of course, we tried to be discreet about it, pretending we were merely curious on-lookers. It didn't take much effort to gather information, because everyone was just too eager to give an account of the events. They were all mostly cohesive, saying more or less the same thing. "After the "scary guy" had left the area, the screaming had begun." There were some variations as to the appearance of Mr. Scary, mostly differing in degrees as to his creepy-ness, but one thing was for sure, he had a sword and he held a cigarette.

I am reasonable enough to admit that it could be someone else other than Saitoh. I can even say that if it was Saitoh, it was most probably not him who killed Banshio, considering it was done in the light of day and with the whole ward seeing Mibu's Wolf as the last person to come in contact with the deceased. Saitoh was subtler than that. At least, that's what I think.

With our attention removed from Banshio's carcass, we realized that the apartment itself was smoldering, the fire from inside having been put out, perhaps by his neighbors in a desperate effort to keep the fire from spreading. How odd that the fire had been so easily controlled. One would think that a man in flames, thrashing about in a confined space would cause more fiery damage than that.

We waited a bit longer, hoping that we could get a glimpse of the inside of his flat. When the crowd had cleared and there were only guards left at the scene of the occurrence, I hastened to get Kenshin and Kyosuke into Banshio's apartment.

Putting on my most radiant smile, I proceeded to flirt with the guards posted at the door. From the corner of my eye, I could see Kenshin staring stupidly at my coquettish display. Kyosuke actually had to drag the rurouni by the arm to undertake the sneak-in.

While they conducted their investigation and I let out the appropriate girlish giggles to satisfy my audience, I could not help but think of the events in the hotel room.

Poor Banshio…his body isn't even cold and all I could think about is my relationship with the rurouni.

Well heck, it needs thinking!

Kenshin made such a fuss last night about our sleeping arrangements. I had somewhat expected it, of course, but I didn't think that he would put up such a fight. In the course of my convincing him to take the other side of the bed, I realized that I was being rather pushy…rather desperate. I mean, was it just that I wanted him to be comfortable? Or was it actually that I wanted him to sleep beside me? He's supposed to be my bestest (there is no such word, but I can find nothing else to describe it) friend in the whole world. I shouldn't be having thoughts of sleeping with him, or more accurately, I shouldn't be having thoughts of sleeping with him in the non-sleeping sense.

I don't know what got into me when I spooned with him. Maybe I was too drowsy to give it much thought. The fact of the matter is, it felt wonderful being wrapped in his embrace…

Mou!!!! Why does he have to be so damn sweet , anyway? What were his words again?

"Sessha still thinks the world of you. Never worry that your past will make me think badly about you, Kaoru-chan…" he had said. He had called my name with that utterly-too-familiar-for-the-polite-rurouni "chan". I don't know what to make of my feelings when he called me that.

And that other thing… "…Sessha cares for you too much to take anything against you…" How much does he care? He certainly cared enough not to hate me, but…hell! Whatever!

Kenshin no baka! What's the big idea putting my mind in a jumble?

Or maybe…I'm the idiot for being way too presumptive.

Presumptive or…hopeful?

NO WAY! No way the rurouni could love someone like me! It's not that it's impossible, it's just not FAIR to him! He deserves better! Mou!!!! I'M SUCH AN IDIOT!

"Hey! Missy! I asked you what your name was!"

I snapped out of my thoughts and stared at the guard for a second, absorbing his words. It was at that moment that Kenshin and Kyosuke stealthily crept out of Banshio's flat and signaled that they had finished their inquest.

Comprehending the guard's words, I flashed a brilliant smile. "Wouldn't you like to know!" I said with a giggle. "I'd love to stay and chat, but I must go. My father's waiting for me at the dojo."

"Dojo?" Responded the guard with a smug smile. "You practice Kendo?"

"Oh no!" I said, batting my eyelashes at both guards. "Lil' ole me couldn't do such manly things. It's my father. He's Sumo, and he's got an awful temper so I shouldn't keep him waiting."

I saw a flicker of dread in the eyes of both men when I said "sumo" and "awful temper" in one sentence. Hastily, they told me that young girls like me shouldn't keep their fathers waiting for any reason, somewhat scolding me that I was inappropriately wandering the streets alone.

Chiming my goodbye to them, I skittered off in the direction of Kenshin and Kyosuke.

We took a moment to confer in the town plaza to discuss the information we had gathered. Apparently, the boys had decided that the train trip could wait a few more hours. So we talked, mostly about the case, but Kenshin had managed to lecture me about putting myself in a compromising position. "For example," he had said. "Strange men who lose their heads when a pretty girl flirts with them so brazenly." All I could do from keeping my eyes from rolling around was laugh and tell him to stop being so silly.

Once I had gotten Kenshin to shush about the "flirting for the sake of snooping" issue, we got on to more important things. I asked them what they had discovered in Banshio's apartment.

"It was very strange," Kyosuke said ponderously. "The walls and floor weren't all that burnt. Blackened, yeah, but like the fire had really just been confined to Banshio's body."

"Someone must have poured something flammable on him and set him on fire," I said.

Kenshin gave a half-committal shrug. "That is a given. Kyosuke-san and I even smelled traces of burning oil, but why is it that the rest of the flat did not catch fire?"

"Well, the neighbors said that they had hastened to put out the fire inside his apartment," I pointed out thoughtfully.

"Possibly," Kenshin said. "But…sessha noticed something unusual. The second floor. It was drenched with water."

I arched an eyebrow. "Well, it's only natural. I'm pretty sure the second floor had caught fire as well."

Kenshin shook his head. "There were no burn marks to indicate that. And even if there was, it would make little difference. The entire room had been soaked. Floor, walls, ceiling…who drenches a second floor ceiling, not the roof, but a ceiling, when the fire's in the first floor?"

My eyebrows knotted at the implications of his words. "Kenshin, what exactly are you trying to say?"

"Kenshin thinks the flat had been prepped not to burn," Kyosuke said in a less than enthusiastic tone. "Why it had been prepped, I don't know. Probably to keep the fire from spreading to the other homes, but why do something like that if you're the killer? I'd say that's mighty considerate of whoever he or she is."

I shook my head. "It makes no sense," I said. "I'll ask you again, Kenshin. What exactly are you trying to say?"

"Sessha is not quite ready to discuss it," he replied.

What kind of an answer is that? I know something's been brewing in Kenshin's mind after we met Banshio, but the rurouni was so subtle that I could barely decipher whether it was really there or whether I was just imagining things. Then Kenshin had all those questions about Banshio this morning after breakfast. What's he thinking? I'd have to ask him in private. Whatever it is, he was reluctant to discuss it in front of Kyosuke, that much I am sure of.

Kyosuke raised an eyebrow then took a deep breath. "I think we should check out the body. I've read a paper done by some wacko scientist from Europe saying that crimes can be solved through the examination of a victim's body. It was entitled Dead Men Tell Tales. It sounds crazy, but at this point, it's worth a damn try."

Is he serious?!? Even if there was any merit to Kyosuke's words, don't we need a doctor for something like that?

"Sessha would like to see the body too," Kenshin agreed.

Two against one…what a no-brainer.

I sighed. "Fine. Now tell me, how do you propose on doing that? We don't even know where the body is right now."

Kyosuke scoffed. "The years have dulled your instincts, Kao-chan. You should have flirted the information out of the guards. It'll be too obvious now if you go back to them…"

I scowled, knowing he was right and hating the fact. "I don't have to flirt with those two particular guards again to get that information, you know. There are other guards I can pull a Delilah on…"

It was Kenshin's turn to frown. My, aren't we all just in a good mood today?

"Kaoru, sessha cannot let you put yourself in that situation again…"

I just knew he'd make a fuss about it. Delilah is a biblical character in Catholic and Hebrew scriptures who used her feminine whiles to extract the secret of a divinely strong warrior named Sampson. She had seduced Sampson to disclose the source of his power. I don't know if Kenshin knows who Delilah is, but I can pretty much conclude that he had figured Delilah wasn't exactly virtuous.

"Don't worry about it, Himura," Kyosuke said. "Bamboozling is Kaoru's specialty."

"I resent that!" I cried, my hands going to my waist. I don't know for sure why I had found what he said offensive. Perhaps…he had tickled a nerve? About pretending

It didn't help either that Kenshin had given me this look.

"Eh?" Kyosuke promptly responded in perplexity.

"Anyway," I said, waving off his confusion. "I'll do what I have to do, Kenshin. I can take care of myself. I'm also an expert at bailing out, so don't fuss."

"Sessha does not like it one bit," Kenshin said stubbornly.

I tried to ignore him while hustling them both to get a move on. I really just wanted to get out of Yokohama so we can go back to Edo. Goodness knows what's happening back home. I'm already getting worried about Yahiko and the others.

Taking it from the scene of the crime, we followed the trail of the body by asking various by-standers. It took us less than an hour and a half before a kindly old woman pointed us in the direction of a small patch of open ground just a bit off the edge of the business district.

Before we even got to where the woman had directed us, we could make out something burning in the distance.

Kenshin and Kyosuke quickened their paces. Being in my restrictive kimono, I had to hasten my steps to keep up with them.

Damn! It's times like this that I wish I could just hitch up my skirt and take big, comfortable strides. But people in Japan make such a big hullabaloo about ankles. They'd probably scream bloody PRUDENCE PATROL if I show legs.

In their pursuit to body snatch, my men practically left me behind.

Gritting my teeth to forestall my words of irritation, I ambled to catch up to them. "W-Wait up, you guys!" I cried.

I saw them halting in their tracks ahead of me, just behind a small crowd, and before I could thank them for waiting, I realized that they had stopped because the scene had struck them.

It was apparent from where we stood that the bonfire was a pyre. Someone's body was being burnt to ashes, and ten to one, it was Banshio's. The two men who had hauled off Banshio's body earlier on a cot were standing nearby. The stretcher had been rolled up and set aside.

Amidst the smoke and flames was the most astounding sight of all.

Saitoh, Mr. Scary himself, stoically watching the cremation, contributing to the smoke with the cigarette he held.

Saitoh shifted.

"Shit!" Kyosuke hissed. "Hide!"

And hide we did, placing our persons behind the other onlookers as casually as we could.

"Goddamit, he is here!" Kyosuke whispered in my ear.

"Now don't panic," I said. "He doesn't know we're here--"

"Saitoh's out to kill us!" Kyosuke shrieked silently.

I felt him grabbing the sleeve of my kimono frantically.

His hysteria continued. "He knows we're the brats who took his precious Shinsengumi down. He's out for revenge! Retribution! He'll give us the ole Aku Zoku Zan and we'll be totally done for!"

Grabbing his arm, I pulled him from the crowd.

He went on. "I just bet he's got that May 1869 incident branded into his brain, and it's fueling his need to get rid of the lot of us. It's a psy-game! He's doing us in one by one, slowly but surely, so that we'd be…"

I swung back my hand and made it connect with his cheek. I had hit him hard enough to make his face swerve, effectively shutting him up.

Holding his dishonored face, he scowled at me. "Hey! What's the big idea?" He demanded.

"Get a hold of yourself!" I hissed. "Don't you dare freak out on me!"

I heard Kenshin give his signature "Oro!" behind me.

Glaring at Kyosuke, I waited for his response.

I could see him finally calming down. "Sorry…I was just…sorry."

"It's alright," I said, nodding my head. "It can happen to anyone. I'd expect you to do the same to me when I begin to show signs of losing my marbles."

"Yeah, and then get the crap beat out of me by your boyfriend slash bodyguard," he grumbled.

"Maa…sessha will not beat you so hard, you know."

I turned to Kenshin in mild surprise. Is he responding as my so-called bodyguard or my so-called boyfriend?

Kenshin flashed me his rurouni smile.

Mou! These men are driving me nuts!

Our trip back to Edo was filled with thought. None of us said much, which was just as well. All we had were more unanswerable questions. Like, what is Saitoh's part in all of this? Is he on the same case as we are, or is he merely biding his time before he finished us off?

It would not be like Saitoh to do his dirty work for all to see, but the very thing that made him what he is just might account for it. Saitoh is a self-righteous bastard with his own set of morals. Aku Zoku Zan may have more to do with it than anything else, and it would be consistent with his personality to let the world know that he was teaching the Shikeigai brats a lesson we would never forget. It might lead to his demise, but I wouldn't be at all surprised if he considered it his last and finest accomplishment, to eradicate the ones largely responsible for the downfall of his brethren.

I'm itching to ask Kenshin about his thoughts on Banshio, about why he was asking those odd questions about our now deceased friend. Furthermore, I have to know why Kenshin wanted to see the body so badly. Kenshin does everything for a reason. Even his laundry routine serves a purpose greater than clean linen.

I must admit, the silence did eventually bore me. Mt. Fuji through the window of the train could only occupy me for so long, so I engaged Kenshin and Kyosuke in casual conversation, to which both men were not very responsive.

Sighing to myself, I finally fell quiet. I suppose after everything that's happened, neither would be in much of a mood to talk. It was the wild goose-chase, I think, that ticked them off the most.

We arrived in Edo a little more than two hours later. Quickly disembarking, we headed to the dojo, the silence no less troubled from the time we got on and off the train.

Sano and Yahiko were abroad, welcoming us from our trip.

I was pleased to discover that my home had not been wrecked and that it was relatively clean. It seems that I had taught Yahiko well. No chance that the rooster head had anything to do with it.

Yahiko's welcome was thwarted with a frown the moment he saw Kyosuke saunter up behind us.

"Tsubame left some miso here this morning for you guys when you returned," Sano said, a sliver of grass hanging from his mouth.

"That's sweet of her," I said, climbing the porch. "Where'd you store it?"

"It was really good," Sano said without batting an eyelash.

I should have known. "Did you at least share some of it with Yahiko?" I asked him with a disapproving scowl.

"I didn't want to disturb him in his training," Sano replied.

"Greaaat," I said sarcastically, giving Kenshin a knowing glance.

Kenshin smiled placidly and hauled our bags over on the porch.

"What's he still doing here?" Yahiko asked, pointing a rude finger at Kyosuke.

"Kid takes after you, Kao-chan," Kyosuke said, pushing past Yahiko.

Yahiko glared at him and cried, "Hey! Kenshin hasn't invited you in yet!"

Mou! I suppose I'm going to have to resign myself to the idea that the brat considers Kenshin to be the man of the house.

"He never would, so I'm inviting myself in," Kyosuke snapped back.

Rolling my eyes around, I deferred my comments for another lifetime. Why can't these boys just get along? Yeah, I know. I'm one to talk, but at least I acknowledge the fact (once or twice…that's more than anyone can boast) that Kyosuke isn't so bad.

"Why you--!" Out came the shinai.

"Alright, break it up," I said, taking a firm grasp of Yahiko's weapon. "Save it for when you're ready to take on Kenshin."

Yahiko's eyes lit up. I knew that would put him in a good mood. "So, are ya gonna test me today?"

I pretended to give it a thought then shook my head on cue. "Nahhh. Do you expect me to believe you're ready when you've only been practicing for a day? It'll be a waste of time to test you. Ask me again some other time."

Yahiko stamped his foot but did not say anything, well…at least audibly. He was grumbling something unsavory, I'll wager. He stomped off, probably to go to the dojo for more training. It's amazing, but Kenshin's little ploy seems to be working really well.

"Sanosuke," Kenshin called to him with his bright smile. "I trust you did what I asked of you."

"Sure did," said the ex-gangster. "Was busy the whole day, yesterday."

"Oro! You were busy the whole day sending a little message…?"

Sano scowled. "Have you ever tried catching a pigeon in a coop? It ain't easy you know! Not to mention the fact that I had a terrible time trying to attach that message of yours…the damn pigeon didn't like me all that much."

"I suppose…" I began with a glimmer of mischief in my eyes. "…Pigeons and roosters don't always get along."

"Hahaha," Sano said sarcastically. "Very funny."

"Sessha would like to discuss certain matters," Kenshin said pleasantly. "Please settle down while I get the tea."

Quietly, he padded out of the room.

"It's spooky what he can hide behind that polite façade," Kyosuke remarked as he took his seat.

I frowned and knelt in front of him. "It's not a façade. He really is polite. The only reason he gets mad at you is because you keep being such a jerk to me."

Sano nodded. "She's probably right. Besides, have you ever seen him with a real enemy? He still manages to get in those funny inflection endings and honorifics, except maybe when he goes Battousai, but that's pretty understandable."

Kyosuke looked at both of us curiously. "Is he really invincible?" He asked quietly.

Sano and I looked at each other for a moment, and then I spoke.

"No, he isn't. But he is a phenomenal fighter. I'm just afraid it'll catch up on him bad one of these days," I said, my eyebrows knotted. You should see the rest of his scars, I added in thought.

"The guy hasn't killed a soul in more than ten years," Sano contributed. "And I'm not saying that's a bad thing, but that's what gets him so beat up every time he has to fight."

Kyosuke blinked in surprise. "You're kidding, right?"

Sano shook his head. "Nope."

Kyosuke grinned broadly, breaking the solemn atmosphere. "So he can't really kill me for dissin' you, ne Kao-chan?"

I glared at him. "Don't push your luck! He might not be able to kill anyone, but he sure as hell can beat the crap out of you!"

Kyosuke laughed.

A little while later, Kenshin arrived with the tea and we were able to get down to business.

"So did you get to talk to that other guy in Yokohama?" Sano asked us, sipping his tea gingerly.

"Yes," Kenshin replied upon seeing that Kyosuke and I were a bit reluctant to start on that subject. "We spoke with him, but he's dead now."

Sano sputtered on his drink, a bit of his tea spilling on him. "Excuse me?!?"

"He's dead," I repeated for Kenshin in a sad tone. "We were able to speak to him twice, and then we found him dead outside his apartment this morning."

"Oh my God," Sano said in disgust. "That's horrible!"

I nodded. "It is."

"Well, I hate to sound like a jackass, but did you at least learn anything from him?" Sano continued.

"Nothing from him directly," said Kyosuke a bit hesitantly. "But we have a lot of info about his death…ugh! I tell you…it was more than I needed to know, even if we didn't get to see his body up close and personal."

Just the thought of it makes me shudder.

Kenshin stayed silent, but I once again felt Kenshin was not telling us something. It's very strange.

"Saitoh was there," I told Sano. "Remember what he said the other day about being out of town? Well he was…"

Sano blinked in surprise. "Whoa, hey…Saitoh? What the hell was he doing there?"

"We do not know," Kenshin said quietly. "But apparently, he was spotted twice coming and going from Banshio-dono's apartment, and then we saw him watching Banshio-dono's cremation."

"Cremation?" Sano asked. "Jeez…weeeeeird."

Kenshin chuckled. "Maybe Banshio-dono requested such a burial in his last will and testament."

Ookay…it's SO not like Kenshin to be joking about something like that. Something is DEFINITELY up. My curiosity is killing me! When, oh when can I speak to the rurouni privately about it?

"So what's our next move, Kenshin?" Kyosuke asked.

Interesting…Kyosuke has unwittingly made Kenshin our leader.

"We'll be checking out Nakagura Daisuke," he replied. "But maybe tomorrow. We've had a little bit too much for the day."

"I guess…" Kyosuke responded. "So, are we just going to bum around here the whole day?"

"You may do with your day as you please, Kyosuke-san," Kenshin replied. "But I have some errands to run, and I would like to request Kaoru's company in accomplishing it."

Oh good! Time alone with Kenshin. "Of course, Kenshin," I said graciously.

"Can I come too?" Kyosuke asked.

Damn! I hope Kenshin says no.

"Sessha would rather you didn't," he answered rather bluntly. "It would be much safer and less aggravating for Kaoru and sessha if you hid in the dojo. Sanosuke will stay here to look after you and Yahiko."

"I just knew you'd say that," Sano said in a resigned tone.

Kyosuke scoffed. "Fine. Whatever, Himura. Leave me with an amateur, why don't you. I suppose the zanza will have to do."

Sano arched an eyebrow in his direction and leaned forward in a menacing manner. "You know, I don't really have to protect you, you little piece of shit. Between taking care of you and Yahiko, it's no contest. I care about the kid and I don't feel beans for ya."

"Shees…" Kyosuke said, inching away from Sano. "Koa-chan, it seems you've housetrained all your men pretty well…"

"Want me to sick 'em on you?" I asked him through grit teeth.

"I'm kidding! For heaven's sake…"

I gave him a sneer. "Well then, shut the fu..."

My own voice trailed off as I remembered my promise to keep my Bakumatsu lingo to a minimum. I could even feel Kenshin and Sano's eyes on me, just waiting for me to go foul mouthed again.

"Fluff up…" I finished like an idiot. Oh man…that was so stupid.

Kyosuke burst out laughing and rolling on the floor.

"Nice save, Jou-chan," Sano muttered. "Couldn't have done it better myself."

"Maa…cut Kaoru some fluffing slack."

This caused Kyosuke more hilarity.

"Kenshin!" I cried, truly embarrassed. "I'm trying here!"

Kenshin smiled broadly and stood up. "It has been duly acknowledged. You get top marks for effort, Kaoru."

Why do I suddenly feel like I'm nine instead of nineteen?

"Sessha will be leaving shortly, Kaoru. Will you really accompany me?" He asked.

"Yes," I replied immediately. Anything to steer away from Kyosuke's infernal cackling.

Kenshin nodded. "Very well. Sanosuke, will you be so kind as to settle Kyosuke-san in the spare room and bring our bags to their proper places?"

"Next thing you know he'll be asking me to do the laundry," Sano grumbled, using one hand to grab our luggage.

Taking this as an affirmative response nevertheless, Kenshin gestured for me to walk with him.

Ignoring Kyosuke who was still spasmodically laughing on the floor, I sauntered over to Kenshin's side so we could begin his so-called errands.

It was obvious from the beginning that Kenshin wanted to talk to me about something, but it was rather surprising that he would bring me to the field patch connecting to the riverbank. In its own way, the wide space ensures that no one would hear us, but the calming effect of the river's constant flow, the few couples scattered about and the animated figures of some children playing in the distance made for an intimate atmosphere.

I was beginning to feel a bit nervous.

Kenshin picked a soft thatch of grass and knelt on the ground, pushing aside some dried twigs and pebbles on the space beside him, and then he looked up at me with his rurouni smile. "Please have a seat, Kaoru-dono." That "dono" put me at ease at once, but I chided him for it anyway. "Mou! There you go again!" I scolded, taking the place he offered.

"Maa…maa…this unworthy one is still trying to get used to it," he said, tilting his head to the side to look at me.

I refrained from saying that he had been so comfortable calling me "chan" last night. "So what's this about, Kenshin?"

He was going to start, then he hesitated.

"Kenshin?" I prompted him.

His eyes altered. Not the color, but there was a certain gleam that spoke of changing ones mind, like it had gone from one decision to another. Like I said, I'm pretty good at interpreting expressions, but I could only go so far. I'm not a mind reader, and in spite of my skills, I still cannot be sure if there was any indecision there at all. It may have just been a sudden memory on his part that popped up and just as quickly went away.

"Kaoru, I'm sorry about what happened to Banshio-dono," he suddenly said.

I blinked. I had certainly not expected he'd say something like that about Banshio. "Yeah, well, I hate to say it but I didn't know him well enough to really grieve. He seemed like a good guy, though. And he is a person. For that alone, it's sad that he had to die."

He nodded. "There was something about Banshio-dono that bothers…bothered me," he said quietly.

I chuckled. "I could tell."

He was astonished by this. "Could you?"

"A lot of times you are a mystery, Kenshin, but I'd like to think I know you well enough to sense some things about you," I said. "You had all these questions about Banshio this morning, and then you…wanted to see his body? What was up with that?"

He pulled his gaze from me to look at the river. "It is a long-shot but…I think Banshio may have known more than he let on. Perhaps Banshio…"

His voice trailed off.

I waited patiently.

When he did not go on, I leaned forward. "Yes?"

"He was a good man," Kenshin finished.

Forestalling a sigh, I let it go. It would be useless to pry. Kenshin is not fickle-minded, and once he has decided not to tell me what's on his mind, then he wouldn't until he saw it fit to be divulged. So then, what are we doing here? It seems to me that he didn't bring me here to talk about Banshio…

"Do you think Saitoh knows of you?" He asked me.

The mere thought of it made my stomach knot in anxiety. "Maybe…likely. But I hope not. I have these scars on the back of my thighs, courtesy of Saitoh. Sometimes I can feel the welts on my fingertips when I bathe, and it reminds me of how cruel he was. I'm not afraid of him when he talks to me, but I think if he ever shows signs of attacking me again, with a whip, I'd pass out from sheer terror."

"I will not let him harm you, Kaoru," he said in quiet resolution.

I cocked a smile. "I'm quite sure of that. But tell me, Kenshin. What if Saitoh does have something to do with all this? What are you going to do?"

"It depends," he said ponderously. "If he is actually solving the crimes…I would give him my full support, and I would use my connections to muscle my way into the investigation."

I chuckled. Go figure.

"But," Kenshin continued. "If by some strange twist of fate he is actually responsible for the murders, I will use my connections in another way."

There was no need to ask what "way" he was talking about. "Are you planning to find out whose side he's on then?"

Kenshin shrugged and then sighed. "It would be of little use. We would never know for sure until the end. Do you understand what I mean by that?"

Yes. I do. In the Saitoh-esque circle of life, the wolf can actually manage to work for both sides, hence getting what he wants either way, a garou finally sated by his brutal sense of justice. Prosecute the murderer or annihilate the Shikeigai…he could have both without having to answer for the deaths.

Forcing a smile to my lips, I placed a light hand atop Kenshin's fingers. "Bah…we don't need his help. We can figure this out by ourselves, ne?"

His palm shifted upward to clasp mine. His fingers twining with my own. "Sessha is afraid of the price we'd have to pay for that…"

Blushing, I desperately tried to ignore the effects that our intimate contact was having on me. "We won't let it get to that, ne? We'll protect each other…" I made a motion to pull my hand back.

I felt his grip tighten, and when I looked up at him, the gleam I had seen before he had started talking about Banshio shone clearly in his gaze. This is the real reason he brought me here.

Could it be? Would he really? Maybe I can let him…and let myself…

Oh no…oh no…what is this? What is he going to say to me? What…what am I thinking?!?

"Kaoru…" he began slowly. "…Chan…"

OH KENSHIN NO!

Never minding his grip, I swiped my hand away, getting to my feet abruptly. "You know what? I'm hungry. We've forgotten about lunch! Poor Yahiko! He must be starving. If it weren't for that rooster head, we would have had some of Tsubame's great miso. Come on, Kenshin. I'll cook something up at home. I promise to make it taste good. Nothing toxic this time, ne?"

Oh God! Just keep rambling, Kaoru. I told myself.

He stared up at me, with hurt in his eyes…

Kenshin you idiot! I'm sorry…I'm so sorry! But you shouldn't. You just shouldn't! I'm NO GOOD FOR YOU!

A smile worked its way to his lips, but the pain in his expression had been permanently branded into my mind. None of his clueless grins could hide it anymore.

Perhaps I'll never know what he was going to tell me, and maybe I'm just being presumptuous, but that look…it could mean a world of wonderful things I could not hope to be worthy of.

It bears asking however, why do I feel like I'm making such a big sacrifice?

THE HITOKIRI

My lips feel strained. I'm tired of smiling so much, but what would anybody have me do? It felt so much like a reject, though I had not lost hope. For a split second, I had seen something in Kaoru's eyes that fueled my need to tell her how I felt.

She's in the kitchen now, preparing a late lunch for all of us. I had offered to help her but she insisted on cooking alone. She suggested that I check the laundry because Sano might have stuck his own dirty clothes into the pile while we were away.

I could have told her that the laundry can wait, but I was more inclined to take a hint. She did not want to be alone with me.

Maybe it had been too soon after all.

What she said, about sensing things about me, I had not thought her intuition was that strong, unless of course…she was having the same thoughts.

I chuckled to myself. That would be wishful thinking. She already said before that she had only been pretending…

"So Himura," called a voice I already knew to be Kyosuke's. "D'you finish your errands?"

He sat beside me on the porch, tucking his legs beneath him as he made himself comfortable. I normally did not like his company, but at this moment, his notorious insensitivity was better than having to deal with my somewhat battered emotions.

"No," I replied in half-truth. "I did not finish it, but perhaps I would be able to some other time."

"It's been a harrowing four days for you, hasn't it?" He asked casually.

Goodness…does he really care?

A little groan escaped me as I said, "You have no idea."

"Yeah, well, life's a bitch."

That sounded more like Kyosuke.

"You know what I'm really hoping to gain from all of this?" Kyosuke asked me in a matter-of-fact tone.

Arching an eyebrow at him, I tried to give a correct answer. "Umm…your neck, maybe?" I suggested a tad sarcastically.

He ignored my reply. "Some closure. Just something that would tell me, once and for all, that I could leave my past behind me. Don't you feel that way, Himura?"

It behooves me to think that I have anything in common with him, even if it's probably true. "I do not think it could ever be left behind. To be able to live with it…maybe that's what needs doing…"

"Nope, not good enough," Kyosuke said, shaking his head. "Nightmares…do you have nightmares?"

The last thing I want to do is bond with him. I'd rather not go into such things with him. "I-I'm not in the mood--"

"I have nightmares," he continued, completely disregarding my words. "Usually about Saitoh, and my parents, and a whole bunch of terrible things."

Is it so utterly impossible to have a decent conversation with this man?

"And in the dreams I'd cry for help and no one comes, not for anything," he went on. "It sucks when that happens in real life, don't it?"

"Of course it does--"

"Makes you realize that we truly are alone surviving in this world, ne?" He said, once again interrupting me. "If you want something done, you gotta do it yourself."

I grit my teeth and tried to get my two Sen in. "I would like to believe other--"

"You're kinda lucky to have a family, you know."

I give up. It's absolutely futile.

Of course, Kyosuke kept on talking. "Even if it consists of a brat, a rooster head and that bitch."

"Now wait just a minute! Who are you calling a--?"

"When it comes down to it, even if we are alone, it's good to have a bunch of people who just might be able to lend a hand."

"Oro!"

Kyosuke got to his feet. "Well, it's nice that we had this talk. Your words have inspired me to go on."

What words? I barely got to say anything!

"You ain't such a bad guy when you don't have your sword to my throat, Himura," he said. "I'll remember your advice. I think I'll go harass Kao-chan in the kitchen now."

He's an idiot. I thought as I watched him walk away.

Wait a minute…harass?

I got to my feet in a hurry.

Kaoru will need my protection.

My eyes flew open in the darkness of my room.

How long has it been since we all went to our respective rooms to sleep? Not so long I'll wager, probably an hour or two.

It barely matters. I could feel his presence. What was he doing here at this time of night? I would have to ask him.

Getting out of bed, I grabbed my sakabatou and stepped out of my room, not caring if I was dressed in my sleeping robe.

I scanned the front lawn.

No, the gate is locked. He wouldn't be able to get in unannounced unless he climbed over the wall. He's outside.

Quietly, so as not to disturb anyone else, I made my way across the stone path and opened the gate.

Just as expected, a billow of smoke greeted me.

"Took you long enough," Saitoh muttered, standing calmly beyond the threshold.

Through the moonlight, I could make out the shadow of his tall and skinny form, the glow of his cigarette complimenting the golden shimmer of his eyes.

His ki emanated no immediate threat. Although it was alert, I could tell that he had no intention of doing anything untoward. However, I wouldn't put it past him that should I give him reason to draw his sword, he would be more than willing to take up the challenge.

"What are you doing here this late?" I asked, sounding a bit irritated. Now that I sensed no danger, I allowed myself the banality of being annoyed for being roused from my sleep unwontedly.

"Aren't you going to invite me inside, Battousai?" He asked, his voice conveying a sneer.

"I'd rather not," I said grumpily, stepping out in the street with him. "You have already disturbed me. I do not wish for you to disturb Kaoru and Yahiko as well."

"Fine, be that way," Saitoh responded. "I'll have you know that I had no intention of speaking with Tanuki or the brat. I came here to talk to you."

"For what reason, pray tell?"

"How much do you know of Tanuki-chan, Battousai?" He asked.

I fell silent. It took all of my skill to control my own ki. I did not wish for him to know how much his question had rattled me. "Enough," I replied neutrally. "That is a strange question, Saitoh. Why do you ask?"

"I find it hard to believe that you do not know the answer to that," he responded, sucking on his cigarette. "You do know she's in danger, don't you?"

My silence, I imagine, spoke volumes.

"I know who she is, Battousai."

His tone made my heart jump, and on instinct, I clasped the hilt of my sakabatou, the steel clicking faintly inside its sheath.

"If you touch her…" I growled, glaring at him. If he even dares…I'll cut him so quick he won't even know…

"No need for that, Hitokiri Battousai," Saitoh said with a chuckle. "Unless you really want to, you know I'll be more than happy to oblige, but I have more important thing to do right now. I have no intention of harming her at this time, though I have to admit, I'm hankering to teach that philly of yours a lesson for being the deceitful bitch that she is."

"State your purpose, garou," I said, not loosening my grip on my sword. "You're boring me with your innuendoes."

He scoffed. "I wish you'd call the rurouni back, if only for his patience."

The rurouni has no place in this conversation. "Get to the point," I snapped.

"Very well," Saitoh said, blowing out more smoke. "I need her for bait…"

Rage came over me.

This son of a bitch doesn't know what he's taking about. "How do you intend to do that? Dangle her on a giant fishing pole? Saitoh, in case it hasn't crossed your sadistic brain, Kaoru is vulnerable enough as she is. She's bait whether or not I want her to be so. However, I would not, in any case, make that fact official for your ends. I will not allow her to be subjected to such a thing. Find some other way to draw out the killer."

"I had hoped to use Kyosuke, because I knew this is precisely how you'd react," Saitoh said smugly. "But you insist on hiding him, now I'll have to find him all over again, and unless I do so, I will press you for Tanuki-chan."

So, Saitoh doesn't know Kyosuke is right here in the Kamiya dojo. But considering Saitoh's reasons, maybe I ought to turn the little nuisance over.

"Kaoru has no obligation to help you," I said.

"If she'd rather get killed before we catch the ones doing this…"

"She'd be in more danger under your custody," I put in curtly. "I'd rather not trust her well being to you, Saitoh. Your conflicting interest on the situation doesn't leave much to be desired. I will take care of her myself."

Saitoh pulled his gaze away from me. I could tell that I had displeased him. "Have it your way, Battousai. If you'd rather work against me than with me…"

"I work for Kaoru alone, no one else."

Saitoh chuckled. "Does she know you're stark raving crazy about her?"

"I'm working on it."

He flicked his cigarette away and turned to leave. "Guard her well, Battousai. Though I doubt if that will do any good. She'll be killed while you're not watching."

I vaguely remembered Banshio mentioning something about people and the things they say. "Back in the Bakumatsu, I would have considered words like that from Battousai a threat…" he had intoned.

This isn't the Bakumatsu, and Saitoh isn't Battousai. He's Mibu's Wolf, in the Meiji…a combination that has proven to be dangerous in its inherent incompatibility.

The warning has been duly noted, but whom should I be wary against?

THE SPY

Helpless…so helpless…

Bound by fear, stronger than I.

Scarlet. Unyeilding.

I couldn't move. I couldn't do anything, even with the blood. Gods…especially with the blood

. Faces forgotten,

But forced into memory.

Best be forgotten.

I don't want to remember. Remembering has brought me nothing but pain. I could do nothing to make it stop, except maybe to forget.

The scream of a child,

Needles through my tender ears.

Silence it…oh please…

It was piercing, and nothing but my own howls could drown out the sound. A macabre chorus that fueled the torment.

Wipe the blood off,

You were powerless, too weak.

Wash off the traces.

If only I could.

Louder than the screams

The whimper of suffering

Potent for the guilt

Makes the blood stain deeper. There was nothing I could do. I was helpless…

Ceiling.

I'm looking at the ceiling of my room.

Oh, thank God I'm awake. Thank God it was just a nightmare.

I gathered my senses, realizing that I was gasping and panting for breath, perspiration making my robe a bit soggy.

Ugh! I'm not certain what a dream like that can do to my sanity, but it sure is a bitch on silk!

Sighing, I got out of bed to change into more comfortable clothing.

Silently so as not to disturb anybody (because heaven knows these paper-thin walls betray everything!), I opened my clothing trunk and rummaged for a fresh robe.

I was startled from my task when I saw a shadow shift outside my room.

Cautiously, on my hands and knees, I crawled towards the door.

I was plenty nervous. With Banshio's death being so fresh in my mind, paranoia certainly abounded with a vengeance, and as I got closer and closer to the shoji, my thudding heart doubled in the intensity of its beating. I was almost resigning myself to my fate when I managed to slide my door open. Through the crack, I caught sight of the bright red hair.

Sighing in great relief, I shook my head and stuck my head out of my room.

There was Kenshin, leaning on the wall beside my door as he sat. On guard I imagine. The sakabatou he held only added to the effect.

"What are you doing here?" I asked him in a slightly drowsy voice.

He looked up at me, promptly startling me out of my sleepiness when I came upon the vicious glow of his amber eyes.

"You need protection," Battousai answered me in his gruff drawl.

When he offered no other explanation, I sighed and settled beside him, comfortably leaning against the frame of the door. "So…what was it that made you decide to do this?" I asked playfully. "Nightmare? An awful memory? Both?"

"Saitoh," he replied.

Again, he made no further explanation.

One of the down sides to his being Battousai is that he doesn't talk much.

"Kenshin, we don't know for sure if Saitoh is the bad guy in this one," I pointed out, just in case he's forgotten.

"We don't know for sure he isn't," he said, right back at me.

Mou! I couldn't sleep knowing he's right outside my door, wide awake and guarding me! "Kenshin, go back to be--"

"No."

Jeez…what a grouch Battousai can be.

"Then I'll stay right here with you," I said stubbornly. "I'm not going to get any sleep anyway, knowing that you're out here."

Making myself comfortable on the threshold of the door, I sat there, hoping that he would change his mind seeing that I needed sleep but was too bullheaded to get back to my futon.

He did not say anything.

I can be just as quiet.

So quiet, in fact, that a little while later, my eyes drooped of their own volition.

The last thing I heard before completely passing out was the voice of Battousai, bidding me goodnight.

 

 

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