Different Lives

by tir-synni

 

A/N: A little note mentioned in the beautiful RK yaoi story He Who Chases Demons, written by Kentaro, was the inspiration for this fic.  Kentaro commented that there was an excellent chance Kenshin and Sanosuke would have gotten together if Kaoru hadn't met Kenshin first.  And if you watch them interact in the anime, you see the possibility, as well.  I love Kaoru.  However, I have serious doubts that she and Kenshin were meant to be.  I think it's high time that someone protected Kenshin, instead of the other way around...and I think Sano is just the one to do it.

 

Different Lives

Prologue

 

      Again, someone had taken up the infamous name of Battousai.  Ten years after the war had ended and the legendary assassin had vanished, rumors existed.  Predators preyed upon those rumors, twisting and manipulating them to their advantage.  Over the years, many warriors had attempted to claim that awesome title.  However, their inevitable defeat always silenced them in the end.  As Himura Kenshin traveled throughout Japan, he heard many such rumors.  When he walked through his latest town and heard the newest warrior taking up his name, he had been exasperated, truthfully.  But quickly the newest rumor spread.  The imposter and his followers had easily been taken out by a local hired thug.  Again, nothing new.  While this not surprise Kenshin, it did relieve him.  He was grateful that no one else would be hurt, but he had not wanted to come out to defeat this latest murderer himself.

      Kenshin silently walked through the crowded streets, head bowed.  Strands of crimson hair covered his face and hid his telltale scar.  He preferred it that way, and it made it easier to listen to the gossip around him.  Looking at him, one would never be able to tell that he was listening, but he had discovered during his hitokiri days that it was always good to know what was going on around you...and even better if no one suspected you of doing it.

      "Ugh!  What a horrible man, calling himself by that name.  Simply over an old grudge!"

      "Those people he murdered....Was the school affected by it?  Did they lose any customers?"

      "No, he took care of that man quick enough.  Personally, he frightens me almost as much as that imposter did.  Have you heard what he wears?"

      "No, what?"

      "The symbol 'wicked' on his back.  How horrid!"

      And thus all talk ran.  All spoke of the fake Battousai and the young man who had stopped him.  Against his will, Kenshin found himself intrigued.  This great strength they spoke of him possessing....He sounded like an interesting person.  Too bad he wouldn't get the chance to meet him.

      Indigo eyes averted, Kenshin silently continued on.  No one noticed the petite redhead slipping around them.  No one ever did.  This was simply the newest town in Kenshin's journey.  He would be leaving it soon enough.

      Or so he thought....