Standard Disclaimer:  Rurouni Kenshin characters are the property of creator Nobohiro Watsuki, Shueisha, Shounen Jump, and Sony Entertainment.    


Light of the Snow-Red Village
Part II - Light the Wick: The Early Years - Chapter 3

by Akai Kitsune

~*~

So I watch you from a distance
Getting lost within your world
You pretend to be a princess
As you flutter and you twirl
Fragile as the flower in your hair
Dancing in your castle, unaware
That a single day without you
Would be more than I could bear...
~*~

     Walking through town the next day, Kenshin was grateful to see Hikari happy again. He watched her skip along the streets, twirling and dancing, twisting her small body around the other people. 'She has a grace of a dancer,' he mused.

  'Or a swordsman.'

He pushed that thought away, turning his attention back to - if it had ever left - Hikari. She was now gazing at stalls of the market, some with interest, others without. He smiled, following her.

     "See anything, Hikari?"

She pursed her lips. "Mmm... that ribbon looks like you. All mixed up."

Kenshin blinked, seeing the cloth to which she pointed. True, it was a very odd match... red-orange with a scattered pattern of violet... somethings. "They look like sakura petals, but..."

     "But it looks so pretty!" she finished, beaming.

  "All mixed up." 'What did she mean by that?'

     "Did you want it? I think I might have enough for it." he knelt beside her, pulling out his small, folded pouch. 'Might... there's also a chance this could be the cost of dinner tomorrow, but... to make her happy, I...'

She must have sensed his indecision, for she shrugged, disappointed already. "No, I don't want it."

Kenshin glanced away from the emptying contents of his pouch, holding back a sigh of relief. 'I'm sorry, ume-chan... with the expense of that, I wouldn't be able to feed you later on...'

     "I'd like that one."

The loud voice of a customer caught his attention, and he watched as a young business man pointed - choosing the same flame-and-violet ribbon Hikari had wanted. She watched, woeful, as he handed the shopkeeper the needed amount, at the same time giving the ribbon to the woman beside him, who took it with a small smile.

Kenshin shook his head, smile fading, and brushed a hand through her hair gently. "Daijoubu, ume-chan. I'm sure there's another ribbon waiting for us somewhere, just for you." 'And hopefully, then, I will be able to buy it for her... she looks so disappointed, now.'

To his surprise, the woman stepped forward and knelt before Hikari, holding out the ribbon. "Did you want this, child?"

Hikari blinked for a moment, glanced at her father, who looked just as perplexed, then said quite proudly, "We're not beggars."

The young woman blinked, this time. Kenshin sweatdropped. 'Hikari...'

Hikari stood up straighter, taking a stance as if holding a sword. "We're wandering samurai, on a journey! We don't beg for anything!"

Kenshin abruptly fell over. "Hikari!"

The woman watched her, smiling brightly, one hand curved to her chin as if in thought. Finally she replied. "Well then... what do you say, if this is not charity... but a gift?"

     "A gift?" Hikari repeated. "Tousan?"

Kenshin recovered, relieved that her little display had been stopped. "Aa. It's alright to accept a gift freely given, ume-chan."

Hikari worked that one over for a moment, then bowed awkwardly, taking the ribbon. "A-arigato!" She then flung herself at the woman, hugging tightly.

The woman held back her laughter, for the child's sake. Kenshin smiled gratefully at the couple and bowed his head, thanking in silence. They both nodded. Hikari dashed off, twirling the ribbon through the air, adding it to her previous dance. Kenshin stood, watching her. "Arigato de gozaru."

     "It was nothing." they responded, their eyes following her as well.

     "But... why...?"

The woman smiled back. "I love children; you're very lucky to have a lovely girl like that. I hope that someday, maybe I..." she touched her stomach, subtly.

Kenshin saw, and looked, with more than his eyes. He could barely sense it; a change, a light, that would not have been there before.

Much like when he first saw that light in Tomoe.

Despite the thought, and the grief that came with it, he smiled for her and nodded. "You will. And I will always remember your kindness, rising above your need. We will never forget."

She caught his first hidden message, and covered her mouth. "N-nani...?"

Suddenly, something caught his attention, and he turned sharply. It was alright; his distraction had caused no harm. Hikari was safe, listening intently to a conversation between three men at the nearest stall... 'What could possibly have held her attention so long?' ... two men discussing...

     "... away since the war, so you don't know. The legendary manslayer disappeared and never returned."

  'Legendary... slayer?' Kenshin's eyes widened. 'No... no, no, Hikari don't-'

     "Someone else told me that he's gone on a killing spree. He enters towns during the night and murders people at random."

     "They say his laughter echoes through the very shadows of night..."

     "That's why they call him the shadow hitokiri..."

     "Battousai... that's what they call him... a scarred demon with hair of fire..."

Hikari curved her head to the side, peering at them. "Is Batoo... is... is he a bad guy?"

They turned to her, surprised. "Of... of course! But... why are you-?"

  'Hikari, don't-'

Hikari beamed, pointed backwards at Kenshin. "If he's bad, and tries to hurt anybody, my tousan will stop him!"

Confused, they followed her finger. And saw nothing but a flash of movement... before she was grabbed and carried off, a high-pitched wail and a red-orange ribbon trailing behind her. The conversing men, and many others in the market, stared in disbelief.

A sword. Hair of fire.

     "Battousai!"

     "Murderer!"

     "He's stolen a child!"

     "Stop him!"

Kenshin ran, Hikari sobbing on his shoulder, his heart pounding. 'Fool... you fool, you should have watched her... why weren't you watching her?'

  'Tomoe... forgive me, I have put her in danger again...'

He ran, darting through the people and the town at an unattainable speed, as a small crowd followed his dim trail. Hikari's cries died down as she recognized him, though tears still streamed down her cheeks. He ran on, ignoring all but the child in his arms, until the buildings were transformed into trees and the shouts and screams of the village faded into nothingness.

     "... into the forest... I'm not going in there..."

     "... so dark... we'd never survive... he'd slaughter us from the shadows..."

     "... just like Kyoto... the poor child..."

     "... she's dead, forget her..."

     "... hey, you were talking to him... what does he want with our peaceful town?"

     "... damn him... why hasn't the government hunted him down..."

Still, he ran.

~*~

     It was growing dark when he finally stopped, stumbling, and collapsed beside a tree, leaning against it and tilting his head upward, eyes closed. His heart felt like an unceasing drum, pounding and pounding, and his breath came out in shaky, exhausted gasps.

  'Far... we are far... safe... I protect you... forgive me, but I will protect you, no matter what...'

Hikari sniffled, still pressed against his chest, crying softly into his gi, now soaked in tears and sweat. He tried to steady his breath and speak, but didn't have the strength.

Finally, she pulled back, shaking. "Tousan... why? Why did you do that?! I was so scared... they said Batoo... the bad man had got me! I thought he was going to hurt me, but it was you! You scared me, tousan! Why?"

He winced, still trying to speak, and could do nothing but wrap his arms around her, hugging her close. "Su... sumanei... U-ume... chan..."

     "Tousan..." she whispered, voice muffled. "You're so cold..."

Kenshin shivered, holding her closer. 'I'm sorry... please, forgive me... Battousai will never have you, Hikari... he... he is gone...'

  'But... you are so warm...'

Moments passed, in the discomfort and silence of the old forest, until Kenshin regained his breath. "I-I'm sorry, Hikari..." he murmured. "I'm so sorry... I didn't mean to scare you... please forgive me... I just... I wanted you to be... safe..."

  'I protect... protect you... I want to protect you from my shadows...'

     "But... why did they call you the bad man?" she pulled away, eyes beseeching. "Those people said he was bad! Why did they say it was you? You're not bad!"

He shook his head. "Iie, I'm not... who they said... but... Battousai is gone. He doesn't exist anymore. You never have to be afraid of him, ume-chan. He's gone forever."

     "Gone?" Hikari blinked, puzzled. "Where did he go? Far?"

Kenshin hesitated. "Yes... far. He had to go far, so no one could ever find him." 'He must not return, for the sake of so many... and... your mother... I made a promise, to...'

  '... he must never return... ever...'

     "Demo, tousan... was he really that bad?"

His eyes wavered, pained. "Yes, he was. He was bad. But now he's gone. He'll never do anything bad to anyone, ever again."

  'Never... ever...'

She curled up against him, shaking slightly. "You're warmer now, tousan... you were so cold before... that's why it scared me, because... you're always warm... and bad men are cold..."

  "... bad men are cold..."

Kenshin closed his eyes, wrapping one arm around her shoulders. "Aa. Fear... makes you cold, sometimes." 'And you, ume-chan... there was danger, and my heart froze...' "But I'm here... there's nothing to be frightened of. It's all right now."

She sniffled again, tears falling anew. "So scared, tousan... so cold..."

     "Shh... shh... sumanei... sumanei... daijoubu..."

~*~

     She fell asleep not long after, as the sun set and shrouded the forest in darkness, and he rose, carrying her with him. He would not return to the village; too risky, too dangerous for her, now. There was nowhere to go but onward.

  'She'll be hungry in the morning,' he mused. The thought was echoed for himself as his stomach growled. 'Oh, Hikari, if only I had been someone else... I would not have to worry so much about our safety in town...'

Suddenly, a presence caught his attention, approaching. Two, close by, familiar.

Three...?

     "Are you sure about this?"

     "Yes. I want to find him. It'll be all right..."

He relaxed, slightly; the couple from town, not an angry crowd. Stepping back, he prepared himself to run just in case, though theirs were the only souls he could feel for a great distance.

Theirs, and the soft heartbeat of the child resting against him.

The pair stumbled through trees and into the clearing with only a small lantern between them, and were startled to find his eyes on them, his questions clearly stated in their depths.

     "E-excuse me..." the woman bowed apologetically. "We came on behalf of the village, to apologize for your treatment. There was no excuse."

     "You came on your own," he corrected, keeping his distance. "The others would have attacked me. And they had a perfectly good excuse, because of my actions." he took his eyes off of them for a moment, gazing down at his daughter's face. "Perfectly good excuse. I cannot be angry with them for trying to save a child from a monster."

The woman's eyes darted from side to side, nervous. After a moment to regain her composure, she spoke again. "I met no monster today; merely an unfortunate father trying to please his child as best as he could." she placed a hand against her lower belly again. "A gift was given, and one returned. There was... a terrible misunderstanding. We are so far from the old capital... we know little more than rumours and stories. Many can't help but believe them."

Kenshin nodded faintly. "I am... familiar with the problems that come with my identity. I've adjusted."

     "It is regrettable that you have to adjust to such things." she murmured. He merely smiled, finally accepting their presence as one without danger. "We have a home far enough from the village... would you accept our hospitality for a night, at least? You look as if you have nowhere else to go." He hesitated, as if he were about to refuse, and she continued quickly. "We're quite well off, and our home is protected. You have nothing to fear from the others. We will tell no one."

Kenshin glanced back at Hikari as she slumbered on, blissfully unaware of the world around them, and sweatdropped as his stomach growled again. "I... part of me wants to move on, to leave this place before I cause more trouble... but I must think of Hikari." he gave a slight bow, one hand moving to support Hikari's head to prevent her waking. "Thank you for your kind offer. I... will accept."

The couple smiled, nodding, and together they left the forest, memories of their initial entrance still fresh in their minds.

~*~

     She was warm when she woke; warm, and nestled in something soft. Her eyes blinked tiredly, and she rubbed them, trying to wake up. It was a little dark, and she couldn't see much.

     "Tousan? Tousan?"

The door slid open, and a soft light spilled through. Kenshin stood in the doorway, smiling. "Good morning, ume-chan. You're up early today."

Hikari brightened, jumping up to hug him. "Tousan! Where are we?"

He pulled her into his arms, carrying her out into the hall. "Remember the couple from yesterday, who gave you the ribbon? They allowed us to stay for the night."

Her small black head bobbed understandingly. "Ribbon! Tousan, where's my ribbon? You can put it in my hair today-" she squirmed for a moment and slipped back to the floor, returning to the room. She glanced around, searching, and caught sight of a small pile of folded clothes beside the futon, a brightly coloured piece of material resting on top. Hearing her father's concerned call, she grasped the familiar copper ribbon and hurried back to him. "Ne, Tousan? Can you do my hair?"

His eyes softened, and the smile faded. "Oh, ume-chan... I'm sorry... it's my fault."

She blinked, confused. Her eyes were drawn slowly, and, seeing why he neglected to take it from her, they widened. "My... ribbon... tousan...?"

The beautiful hair tie was in tatters, shredded on all sides from their fearful rush through the forest the previous night, and covered in dirt. She knew he was upset, how his eyes lowered, seeing her disappointment. She knew she shouldn't cry; it would only upset him more, and she didn't want that.

But... try as she might, she couldn't hold back the tears...

His arms were around her in an instant, gentle whispers of apologies in her ears, almost tearing the unhappiness from her mind. But... such a pretty ribbon... destroyed so easily, before she could even wear it...

  'So pretty... and... it was a present, just for me...'

     "Ume-chan... it will be alright. I'll fix it for you, and it will be fine." his words were soothing, and she suddenly felt much better. "We'll clean it up, and stitch the sides to make it all better."

She pulled back, eyes alight. "Just like a doctor?"

He smiled. "Aa. A little bit."

Pulling her into his arms again, he carried her out, and met the young woman in the hall.

     "Good morning, rurouni-san." she greeted softly, a tray of steaming tea in her hands. "Breakfast will be ready in a few minutes, if you will follow me." her eyes met those of the sleepy child. "Good morning to you too, little one. Did you sleep well?"

     "Morning." Hikari rubbed her eyes, the ribbon still clenched in one small fist. "The bed was comfy."

Kenshin smiled. "Aa. We have been well treated beyond deserve."

     "The kind receive what they deserve." her voice was almost like a song; soft, bright. She sounded like a wild bird, carefree and content. He wondered why the sound, forming the words of man rather than beast, wasn't unusual to him. Casting a long, sideways glance at his daughter, he realized there was no need to wonder at all.
Instead, he bowed slightly, and nodded at the woman who had most likely saved their lives - and at the very least, their stomachs - that day, graciously accepting her offer. "Arigato."

     "Tousan!" Hikari suddenly wailed. "My tummy says it's hungry!"

And the woman suddenly smiled, a gentle sort of satisfaction in her expression, as Kenshin laughed out loud for the first time.

~*~

     "Will you stay for a little while, rurouni-san?"

They were both very, very kind, Kenshin decided; a little too much for him. He was not accustomed to kindness, and the courtesy of strangers was a gift he met rarely in the world he lived in. He met the gaze of the young woman, caution and thanks in his eyes. "I thank you, but we should probably move on. My presence brings danger..." he lowered his voice. "To both her and yourselves. The sooner I leave, the safer we all will be."

The couple, whom he had not yet been introduced to despite staying at their home for the night, exchanged glances, and the mother-to-be sent a tender glance at the girl attempting to cover her face with rice. "I must ask... has it been this way her whole life?"

Kenshin's eyes flickered for a moment; a warmth in the night, holding two fragile lives given solely to him... then a dark, raw pain, as past shadows snatched those lives away. "Not... not all. In the beginning... it was... different." he closed his eyes, to hide the pain, the shame, the tears. "Better for her. For all of us."

There was a pause. "I'm sorry."

Kenshin smiled, almost bitterly. 'Songbird voice,' he thought to himself. 'Her name should be Kotori.'

  'So sad... yet so happy, at the same time.'

     "Were you in my position," he asked quietly, carefully so as not to sound angry, "Would you have done differently?"

She gave him a little smile. "I cannot say. I will never be in a position like you, whatever good or bad comes with it."

     "More good than bad." his voice was less than a whisper, his eyes on his daughter again. Never leaving her, really.

     "I'm glad."

     "Though..." his words came almost involuntarily, unwanted. "Sometimes, I... I... sessha..."

Suddenly, little hands came up and covered his mouth, cutting off his words. Hikari's face, indignant and decorated with rice, frowned up at him. "Tousan," she demanded, eyes narrowed in an attempt to look stern. "Eat breakfast, it's getting cold."

Whatever he was going to say faded from his mind, and Kenshin pulled the sticky fingers from his face, smiling brightly for her. "Gomen, ume-chan. I'm lucky to have you to take care of me."

Her head bobbed in agreement, turning back to her own food. He looked at the couple, the smile weakening slightly. "More than lucky."

The woman nodded again, reaching out to take her husband's hand. "I hope that someday we will understand this fortune." He squeezed her hand in return, softly and gently, as if she was fragile.

     "Aa." She was fragile to him, Kenshin saw. Just as fragile as the young - far, far too young - woman who had been his wife.

So young they had both been, it seemed. But so perfect.

Not wanting to overlook his daughter's advice, he picked up his chopsticks and finished his breakfast, anxious and at the same time reluctant to return to the road. The gentle, bird-like wife was watching him, subtle and curious, searching for something. He was aware of her eyes on him; aware, and silently overlooking the fact. She needed to see this, what a family could be without her. She needed to know she was essential, irreplaceable. A calm, in the storm of the new era.

  'She is a songbird...' Kenshin thought distantly, '... but Tomoe was a swan.'

~*~

     "We're sorry you can't stay longer."

Kenshin was only distantly aware of the husband's words, as Hikari struggled to put on her sandals. He smiled, helping her and answering at once. "We will be alright. After this long, we know the road well."

Hikari glanced up and beamed. "Hai! Roni like us know the road."

     "Rurouni, ume-chan." Kenshin correctly gently.

She blinked at him, then nodded cheerfully. "Rurouni. Like Ha-chan, tousan."

The couple was lost in the exchange, so Kenshin stood, bowing to them. "Thank you for your hospitality. We would have both been hungry on the road ahead."

The woman smiled back at him. "We have enough; it's best to share with those in need. I'm sure my friend will agree." she pressed a small wad of paper into his hands, nodding her head once. "Take care, rurouni-san."

     "You, as well." he returned, the silent message passing between himself and the couple. Take care of your child. His eyes met those of the husband, and his mouth quirked a little. "Don't worry about us. We are content."

     "Be happy." the mother-to-be said softly, her hand brushing through the child's hair, now cleansed, tied up in her mended ribbon, and pleasantly smelling of jasmine. 'Too kind, really,' Kenshin thought vaguely. 'Far too kind to us.'

     "We're happy, ne tousan?" Hikari tugged on the sleeve of his gi. "Ne?"

He leaned down and picked her up. "Of course we are, ume-chan. We're happy."

 "As long as you are with me, I will be happy..."

~*~

     The said their goodbyes, and it wasn't until later, far along the path, as Hikari danced around him, that Kenshin opened the package the woman had given him. To his surprise, it contained a large sum of money - comparable to Mitsuyo's gift - and a short, elegantly handwritten note. He smiled ruefully, wishing his own skill wasn't severely lacking and had better skills to teach Hikari. Shaking his head, he read over her message.

  There is a Shinto temple not far from here, to the south. You may consider taking that path, bearing this note with you. They will treat you graciously, and perhaps give your daughter some skills that you yourself may not be able to teach. Best of luck to you.
       - Mizuno Hanako

Storing the package in the sleeve of his gi, Kenshin couldn't help but smile again. He reached down and placed a hand of Hikari's shoulder, halting her dance. "Ume-chan, how about going south?"

     "South?" she peered up at him, curious. After a moment, she shrugged and laughed. "Let's go south, tousan!"

He chuckled, taking her hand. "Aa. We'll go south, then."

  'Farewell, Kotori-dono. Perhaps we'll meet again.'

~*~

     "Sakura, sakura..."

  'The wind is cold,' Kenshin thought briefly, curving his hands into the sleeves of his gi. 'Going south was a good plan. Perhaps it would be best to find a place to spend the winter soon, rather than traveling. It will be a harsh season this year...'

  'We are lucky we met the Mizuno family... otherwise, I don't know how...'

     "Tousan, you're not singing!" Hikari suddenly scolded, little hands rested on her hips.

He shook away his thoughts, knowing that perhaps just then wasn't the time for them. "Ah... sumanei, ume-chan. What were you singing, 'Sakura, Sakura'? I can't remember that one. Can you teach me?"

One thin eyebrow curved upward, and she looked almost shocked. "Tousan! Everyone knows 'Sakura Sakura'! You have to know it too, or you'll never have any fun. I'll teach you." she hurried back to his side and grasped his hand, swinging it back and forth in time with her own. "Repeat after me. Sakura, Sakura... okay, repeat!"

     "Sakura, sakura..." Kenshin murmured, eyes closed.

  'Oh, love...'

  'Tomoe, sing with her... it is snowing Tomoe, can you sing with her?'

  'Is that your voice I hear, on the wind?'

  "Sakura, sakura..."

     "Tousan, don't fall asleep. There's more. 'Shining bright in sunny March'."

     "Shining bright in-" he suddenly faltered, sensing something nearby.

     "What's wrong?" her voice, concerned and a little annoyed, clouded the flash of warning his mind had given. "Did you forget?"

He turned to face the forest, gently pulling her body behind his. "Hikari... hush for a moment and stay behind me."

     "Tousan?" she sounded frightened, now. He wished she didn't have to be. Carefully, he placed one hand on the sword at his waist.

  'Just like the old days in Kyoto,' he thought woefully. 'Defending those that need protection from a group of enemies who are filled with greed and corruption... but those I defended could have fought for themselves if need be. Hikari... she's depending on me.'

  'Do I strike first? Do I wait?'

  'Tomoe... where is your song now?'

And then, he didn't have much time to think at all, because seven men jumped from the trees with swords in their hands.

Curving one arm around Hikari's body and pulling her away, he drew his sword and defended against one, dodging the others carefully. He flipped backwards, his sword hand up in front of his body, and eyed each opponent.

  'Bandits,' he surmised. 'Trying to steal from a poor, defenseless man and his child.'

  'Fools. They wouldn't get much from me, anyway.'

     "What do you want?" he demanded, shifting Hikari so he could move with her. She was astonishingly quiet, yet he could feel her shaking in his grasp. He didn't risk looking at her.

One thief stepped forward. "So, the freak stripling can fight after all. I thought you were a weak gaijin... or a geisha, perhaps." the others laughed mockingly. Kenshin didn't answer. "Give us any money you have with you, and we might just let you and the brat go free. Resist like you did before... and we'll cut you up." he licked the blade of his sword, letting it cut his tongue. He only smiled as the blood trickled down his chin. "Though that may be more fun. Ever tasted the blood of a child, boys? It's quite pleasant."

Kenshin backed up, eyes darkening. "You will not touch her."

     "Is that your answer, geisha? You'll regret it later."

The red-haired swordsman didn't react. "I will answer with my sword. Anything I have belongs to this child, not to idiots I meet on the road who have no honour left."

The leader spat, reddish liquid staining the ground at Kenshin's feet. "I'll really have fun killing her now. Get 'em!"

There was a flash... and suddenly, four men went down, groaning in pain. The bandit leader blinked, turning, and Kenshin stood in their place, fierce amber eyes staring into his own. "Leave us. I do not wish to fight."

     "Chikusho!" the bandits swore, charging again. Kenshin dodged and parried, easily evading their attacks.

  'Simple minded, with no more than basic skills. They should have relied on surprise attacks and let me pass.'

  'They will not make this mistake twice.'

Hikari shrieked abruptly, clutching his arm, and he turned, startled. There was a dagger flying towards her head. Twisting his body, he blocked another sword strike and pulled her from harm's way, as the tanto hit his right shoulder. Cursing his own ignorance, he whirled around and slammed the sakabatou into the chest of the man behind him, hurling him in the direction the dagger had come from. He felt a sharp pain at his back; a vertical slash on the left side. He jumped, landing in a low branch of one of the trees, and placed Hikari in the nook of the trunk. "Stay here," he whispered hoarsely, pouncing down upon an oblivious bandit before she could respond or object. He rushed forward, blocking another knife aimed at him, and knocked the next man to the ground, sword blade glinting. Using the fallen body as an extra aid, he pushed himself into the air and raised his sword, eyes set on the last man. The leader, the mocker.

  'You, who threatened her-'

  'This is your punishment-'

     "Ryu Tsui Sen!"

He felt the man's fingers snap beneath the weight of his sword, their tendons shattered beyond repair. There would never be another sword held in his hand again.

Gazing around the clearing, then at himself, eyes dark and golden, he realized with disgust that the leader's sword had grazed his side. Idiot. Had he really become that weak? Tomoe would shake her head when he came home.
Her eyes suddenly came to his mind, black and cold as a winter snowfall.

It was snowing.

Her voice was in the wind.

  "Sakura, sakura..."

He blinked, and his eyes were violet again. "Hikari!"

     "Tousan?" she called to him, slowly trying to slide out of the tree. "Can I come down now?"

He clenched his teeth against the pain, nodding slowly and wondering why it hurt so much. "Aa... it's safe now, ume-chan."

He watched her climb to the ground, wishing his body would obey him and help her, and slowly he looked down at his own body again.

More than just a graze. The tanto was still deep in his shoulder; he could feel it grating against the bone when he moved. Perhaps moving was a bad idea. He held one hand over the cut in his flank, to feel the flow of blood.

Quite a lot of blood, apparently. The air around him shimmered slightly, as rain began to fall from the skies.

     "Tousan... are you okay?" she stood beside the tree, still shaking with remembered fear. She needs comfort, his mind screamed. She needs to be held.

But... his hands were covered with blood.

  'No... oh, no. No more blood... no more blood on my hands...'

She watched, horror glimmering in tear-filled eyes - black eyes, Tomoe's eyes - as he stepped towards her and staggered. He leaned heavily against a tree, his wounds aching and bleeding.

But even as the physical pain sought to drive him to his knees, it was her eyes that made him fall.

     "Tousan... tousan!"

He felt her small hands touch him, pressing down on the wound in his side, and he reached out to push her away.

  'Do not... do not stain your hands, Hikari... don't get blood on your hands...'

  'The fear in her eyes... that look... I...'

  'I swear I felt the same fear in my own as my family died...'

  'Do not steal this innocence... get up, fool, she needs you...'

He felt his consciousness fading... fading away to darkness...

  'Tomoe... forgive me, I... I cannot stay awake...'

  'Have I failed you, Tomoe? Or... have I protected her?'

  'I don't understand... I can't... please, someone, protect her from this...'

  '... protect her...'

  "Sakura... sakura..."

Tomoe's voice was in the wind, soothing, gentle, with the promise of rest. It faded, and he let his eyes close.

  "... how I love to see them..."

~*~

Notes: The Mizuno couple - I recently have been delving into Guy Gavriel Kay's amazing books, for example "The Sarantine Mosaic". His books often contain women who are extremely clever and intelligent. I wanted to make the wife kind of like that; intelligent and kind, with a sharp personality and an ability to read almost anyone. However, my clever wordplay was used up when I was writing Mitsuyo, so Hanako ended up just being a kind, perceptive person. I enjoy writing the women that Kenshin meets, rather than the men, so her husband is an Aoshi kind of guy. ^_^ Strong and silent. To be honest, I didn't really want him involved. I considered making him a foreigner, but that didn't work out. As for Kenshin's bird comparison... I read once in a fanfic involving Kaoru's insecurities because Tomoe was like a swan (as opposed to the tanuki-girl, ^_^). I thought of this AFTER I wrote in Kenshin's comparison of Hanako to a songbird, and I apologize to those of you who recognized it. The similarity was totally unintentional.

The bandits: Much like in Shinta's days as a slave, there was probably a lot of problems with the samurai factions after the war ended. With one half of the government ruined and the other trying to gain power, a lot of the samurai probably either went ronin, or became businessmen. Because of the continual battles for power and glory in the chaotic era, it's likely that many samurai became bandits when they were unable to accept the other options. ^_^ Or maybe Kenshin's bandits only wanted to fight and kill. That happens too. The leader's comparison of Kenshin to a geisha is one of my favourite parts, and it emerged when I read a fanfic by Jan Story, called "Innocent Heart", in which it is indicated (though not explained) why the slaves were so happy to take Shinta away; with red hair and violet eyes, he was fairly exotic, and would make a good display in a... shall we say, "questionable" teahouse in Edo. This is my assumption; the name "Autumn Moon" sounds like a place that would turn Shinta into a Kamatari-type crossdresser. ^_^ Not exactly what we want, but it brought to my mind the image of Kenshin, painted and decorated like a geisha. With pale skin and his exotic (for a Japanese) features, he would fit the part very well, which makes the insult even worse. Not something he'd wish his daughter, at her tender age, to hear.

The song 'Sakura, Sakura' is actually an old Japanese song that children sing. I wanted something sweet and short that Hikari would have learned in their travels. Kenshin probably knew it as well, but feigning innocence is something he's quite good at, and having her teach it to him was too perfect. ^_^ Children love knowing something adults don't, and Kenshin most likely realized that this would please her. Though it ended up making her unhappy... strange how things turn out.

More to come soon!

Thanks for reading.
Akai Kitsune

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