Rurouni Kenshin characters are the property of creator Nobohiro Watsuki, Shueisha, Shounen Jump, and Sony Entertainment.
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An Inn in Hokkaido: Chapter 2


by Calger459


Hokkaido, Year 5 Meji

"Here, see, lay the fabric out like so…yes, that's it. Now, Eji-kun is a bit round about the middle, so you'll have to adjust the size of this panel, otherwise the poor dear won't fit in it properly. I took his measurements yesterday; you'll have to help me with the others later. Remember that stitch I showed you? Yes…good! You're getting better at this every day." Sakura beamed at him.

Kenshin bowed his head slightly in embarrassment, red bangs shadowing his eyes. "Sessha appreciates the compliments Sakura-dono, but I'm not that good." He frowned and held the sleeve lining up to the light. "The stitches aren't very neat, de gozaru."

"Maybe not, but you have improved since yesterday. Practice makes perfect, Himura-san, just like with everything else. You're doing fine, I'll be back to check on you later."

Kenshin watched her leave and chuckled softly. She really is a very sweet woman. Turning back to the half-finished yukata in front of him the rurouni continued stitching, humming softly in contentment. He had amazed himself with how quickly he'd picked up the sewing techniques Sakura had shown him. The pattern for the yukata had turned out to be absurdly simple; all the pieces were cut out from one rectangle of cloth which were then arranged into sleeves and a body. Attaching the collar was trickier, but Sakura had shown him how with extreme patience and almost motherly affection. Once he got into the rhythm, Kenshin actually found himself enjoying it. It took his mind off the past.

The other inn employees, four men including him and six women, had accepted him gracefully, paying little attention to his scars or his unusual hair. Kenshin was grateful for this and was soon on good terms with all of them…except for Yan. Kenshin didn't know if Yan had found out about him getting the water that first day or not, but from their first meeting there was a definite tension between to the two men. Yan seemed like a fairly ordinary person. He was close to Kenshin's age and was apparently the son of the local swordsmith. Maybe that's it. Why is he working at this inn, when he should be learning his father's craft? Kenshin held his stitching up to the light and nodded to himself. Yes, much neater now. Does Yan resent that I'm a swordsman? I certainly can't think of what else I've done to anger him.

Kenshin made a mental note to speak with Yan later and glanced out at the fading daylight. Standing up, he laid out the yukata and eyed it critically. It was still missing a sleeve and the collar was only half-attached, but otherwise it didn't look too bad. He felt a small glow of pride in his chest, similar to the way he'd felt when he's first performed the Ryuu-Tsui-Sen to his shishou's satisfaction. He pictured the scene in his mind and smiled; after weeks of straining his legs until he thought they'd break he'd finally managed to jump high enough to strike effectively. It had been one of the few times his master had ever praised him. Strange how I'm connecting Shishou and this woman. They're nothing alike. I guess I really am desperate for some kind of purpose to my life. He shook his head sharply to clear the dark thoughts before they could start. I really need to stop brooding so much.

He left the sewing room and wandered around the inn for awhile, greeting the various guests when he passed them. For such a small village, Sakura's inn was surprisingly busy. The inn had only been half full when he'd arrived three days before; now there wasn't a room to spare. Sakura had moved him in with the other male employees of the inn, further increasing the tension between him and Yan. Speak of the oni…

Yan was coming through the door with buckets of water for the kitchen. He stopped when he saw Kenshin. "Himura-san," he acknowledged tightly.

"Yan-dono, konbanwa." Kenshin waited for a reply but only got an irritated glare in return.

"Do you need to talk to me or something, Himura? I'm busy here."

Kenshin frowned a little. "Actually, yes, I would like to speak with you when you have a moment."

Yan grunted and elbowed past him. "Fine, I'll see you later in the garden I guess."

"I'll wait for you there." Kenshin tried to smile but Yan didn't look at him again. Kenshin shook his head at Yan's rudeness and went out into the garden behind the inn. Sakura's garden was modest compared to inns in larger cities, but Kenshin found it quite pleasant, with a little pond and benches to sit on. He sat on one of the benches and stared up at the emerging stars. The chill of fall was in the air and a cool breeze blew through the trees as night fell. Such a beautiful evening. Kenshin listened to the sounds of laughter coming from the inn and watched the shadows of people moving behind the shoji doors. The sounds of friendship and happiness. So close…and yet here I am alone. One of the maids, dressed in a light blue kimono, came out on the porch to light the lanterns. She smiled at Kenshin warmly.

"Himura-san! Why are you out here all by yourself? You'll catch a chill."

"I'm waiting for Yan-dono. Hopefully he'll remember that I'm out here."

"I just saw him inside, would you like me to remind him?"

Kenshin shook his head slightly. "No, I don't want to annoy him. Thanks anyway, though."

The maid smiled and bowed to him as she went back inside, a slight blush on her cheeks as she left. Kawaii!

Kenshin smiled after her. The day before he had looked up from his sewing to find her hovering outside the door, apparently curious about what he was doing. Well that's what she had said anyway; Kenshin suspected that she had been equally curious about him. She was young, only sixteen, and betrothed to a young merchant in the village. Even so, Kenshin had noticed the way she'd looked at him then. And just now…well I certainly can't allow her to think that way about me. She's engaged and…

"Himura-san."

Kenshin looked up sharply, somewhat surprised to see Yan standing right in front of him. How in the--? I should have sensed him coming. Hastily, Kenshin pushed the thought away and stood. For a moment the two men simply looked at one another. After a minute Kenshin realized that Yan was waiting for him. "I…Yan-dono."

"What?"

"I wanted to ask you why you seem so…irritated with me. From the moment we met I've felt nothing but anger from you. Have I done something to offend you?"

"Himura…" Yan trailed off, a little surprised by the directness of the question, then seemed to find his voice again, his eyes narrowing slightly. "You aren't one to beat around the bush, are you?"

"So I've been told." The young man's emotions were easy to read; looking at him Kenshin sensed anxiety, anger, and even a little bit of fear. Of what? "Yan-dono, I do not wish to be your enemy. I only want to help."

"Help?" Yan backed away a step. Now he was angry. "How do you think you're helping? You just show up here out of nowhere and Yuuna-san starts treating you like some kind of prince! You—" he broke off whatever he was going to say, trembling in anger.

Kenshin stared at Yan in shock. He hadn't expected such an emotional response so quickly. "Yan-dono—"

"Stop that! Quit being so damned polite Himura, it's disgusting!" Yan had been slowly backing away from Kenshin as he spoke.

He's afraid of me. Kenshin stared at Yan in bewilderment, uncertain what to say. Yan took another step backwards. His voiced dripped with venom when he spoke again. "Just leave me alone! If you think I don't like you then take the hint and stay away from me!" Yan turned abruptly and bolted into the inn. Kenshin watched him leave with a heavy heart. I've managed to make yet another person miserable. Kenshin grimaced slightly as he remembered that he still had to share a room with Yan. This could be a problem…I had hoped our talk would go better than that. Maybe I should sleep in the sewing room tonight? No…

Kenshin walked back inside and paused at the door to the room the men shared. Eji and Mahiro were already asleep, having finished their chores for the day. Yan was nowhere to be seen. Kenshin mentally sighed in relief and prepared for bed. The boy's fear of him had left him shaken and worried. How ironic, we're the same age and yet I think of him as a boy. He's jealous of how Sakura-dono treats me? That doesn't make any sense. She treats me no differently than any of the others. There must be something else bothering him. Kenshin settled into his futon and stared up at the ceiling. Figures; I'm not tired at all. What should I do? Yare yare…

Some hours later Kenshin awoke to Yan stumbling noisily into the room. The reek of sake filled the air and the rurouni could guess where the young man had been half the night. He felt Yan's drunken glare on his back; his right hand tensed instinctively, ready to grab for the sakabatou should Yan make a threatening move. He didn't though; after scowling at Kenshin for a full minute he picked up his futon and carried it to the far corner of the room. He wasn't quiet about it, and Kenshin could sense that both Eji and Mahiro were awake now. The three men watched and waited, holding their breaths until Yan finally fell asleep, snoring softly.

"Himura-san?"

"Hai, Mahiro-dono?"

"What's with Yan? It's been awhile since he's gotten drunk like this."

Kenshin felt a slight pang of guilt, though he knew it wasn't really his fault. "I'm not sure de gozaru. Hopefully he'll be fine by morning."

"Could both of you be quiet?" Eji muttered grumpily, turning over in his futon. "Some of us would like to sleep."

"Gomen, Eji-dono."

"Yeah, yeah…"

Kenshin smiled slightly. Both boys were asleep again in minutes. It's just as well that he didn't try anything. The last thing I need is to draw attention to myself. Kenshin rolled over and stared at the ceiling, once again finding sleep slow in coming. He tried to think of other things, the beauty of the mountains that afternoon, the pretty girl lighting lanterns for him, but his mind kept stubbornly returning to the young man curled in the corner of the room. Yan-dono…

~***~

Sakura eyed his work critically, running her hands along the seams and giving them sharp tugs in strategic places, nodding to herself as she did so. "Excellent, Himura-san…did you make one for yourself yet?

"Hai, Sakura-dono."

"Well let's see it!"

Kenshin selected one of the finished yukata and handed it to her. She tested the seams of this one too, then held it up against him to check the length. "I'm very impressed, Himura-san. It's only been a week and you're already halfway through!" She fingered the other yukata on the rack thoughtfully. "Where is the one for Yan-kun?"

"I…haven't taken his measurements yet."

"Oh, why's that?" She glanced at Kenshin and was surprised at the rurouni's dark expression.

"He won't allow me to, de gozaru. I tried yesterday and he told me very plainly to stay away from him."

Sakura sighed wearily. "I was afraid of this. He knows these need to be ready in a week. That boy has been nothing but trouble from the beginning."

Kenshin took the yukata from her and hung it with the others. "I've been meaning to ask about that, Sakura-dono. He is a swordsmith's son, correct? So why—"

"Is he here?" she finished for him, turning to face him. "Yan is…troubled, always has been. I don't know all the details to be honest with you, but when he was young his father decided that Yan didn't have the patience or skill to learn the swordsmith's art. Out of a favor to his father I let him work here. I've regretted it ever since. I've heard from the others that you've been having troubles with him."

"Since the day we met. I tried to talk to him about it a few days ago. It didn't go well."

"Eji-kun said as much." Sakura looked up at him, her eyes full of concern. "This isn't the first time he's gone out drinking like that. You must have made him very frustrated."

"Sakura-dono…"

She waved her hand. "No Himura-san, it's not your fault. I'll take his measurements; you should probably stay away from him for now. For his father's sake I can't allow the fool to get himself hurt."

Kenshin frowned. "'His father's sake'? What about Yan-dono's? Surely he has skills other than gathering your well water. He's obviously very unhappy here. Hasn't he tried to find something outside his father's trade?"

Sakura hesitated, then looked away. "You are a swordsman, Himura-san. You would know these things better than I."

"He knows kenjutsu?"

"Not really…he started taking lessons last year from a man who was staying for the season. Yan's father found out and put a stop to it. Since then, though, I think that he's continued to practice what little he learned in secret."

Kenshin frowned. "His father may have reason to be afraid. Yan-dono has impressive control over his ki. The night we spoke he managed to sneak up on me in the garden, which is no mean feat. He may have learned much more than you or his father suspect, Sakura-dono."

She bowed her head. "The wars to the north of us have been growing closer by the day. There's been talk of the battle coming here. Yan's father wants him to stay out of it, so…"

"I understand. Where is he now?"

"Visiting his father. Are you going to talk to him again?"

Kenshin looked thoughtful. "Not just yet. Confrontation, especially coming from me, seems to only make him angry and frustrated. I should let him make the next move. If you could get those measurements for me I would appreciate it. Good night." Kenshin bowed to her and left, heading for the mens' quarters. I have to let Yan come to me, if that is what he wants. This is his problem as a man to deal with. If possible, I can't allow myself to become involved.

~***~

Kenshin stood alone in the bamboo grove and concentrated on his breathing. Listen to the world around you, his shishou had told him, and then shut all it out. Focus on your ki, and the movements of the sword. Let the kata come, as they will, until they are as natural as your breathing. Kenshin closed his eyes and held out the sakabatou. Sometimes its weight still felt a little strange to him, even having fought and practiced with it for nearly four years. The dull edge was longer than on a katana, and a little heavier. It affected his speed and as he leaned into a basic stance he could feel the awkwardness in his form. This was the first chance he'd had to practice since arriving at the inn, and his muscles protested a little as he completed a first form.

This won't do at all. I can't allow myself to get out of shape, out of practice. My form has grown sloppy enough as it is.Still not quick enough. Gritting his teeth in frustration Kenshin swung through the next few forms with ever-increasing speed, forcing the sakabatou to fly as fast as his katana once had. He twisted and spun through the bamboo stalks, his sword flashing with almost blinding speed.

Kenshin landed hard and slid the sword back into its sheath. He paused only an instant for breath, then leapt forward into a battou-juutsu attack, slicing a particularly thick bamboo stalk neatly in two. The sword was back its saya in the next breath. Kenshin sped into more advanced kata, now breathing hard, his movements growing sharper and faster. He struck at the bamboo as if they were opponents, leaving a small trail of destruction in his wake.

"Hiten Mitsurugi Ryuu, Ryuu-Shou-Sen!" Kenshin braced the sakabatou on his knuckles, mentally wincing as the blade bit a little into his hand, and thrust the sword into the bamboo. He felt the resistance of the reversed edge and pushed through it, feeling the satisfying crack of the stalk flying apart. Good, he thought, turning to survey the damage. His heart was pounding in his ears and his lungs seemed to be on fire, but he felt pretty good otherwise. Examining the bamboo stalk, he was a bit relieved that his skills hadn't diminished all that much. It has been a few months since he'd actually fought anyone, and practice sessions had been few and far between.

I can just hear Shishou now. "Baka Deshi, I've seen barn cats fight with more precision! And what was that Dou-Ryuu-Sen? Turtles leave deeper tracks than that! Five hundred strikes and fifteen of the Dou-Ryuu-Sen done correctly , starting right now. Then maybe I'll let you catch us some dinner!" Kenshin found himself laughing softly at the memory, even though he'd been less than thrilled at the time. Hopping mad would have been more accurate, actually. His shishou has been merciless, some might even have said heartless, in his training of Kenshin. The rurouni knew deep down though that if Hiko hadn't been so hard him he might never had survived the Bakumatsu. Speaking of a certain attack I haven't done in awhile…

"Dou-Ryuu-Sen!" The tip of the sakabatou struck the ground in front of him and Kenshin projected his ki outward, blowing a running trench several feet long in front of him. Rocks and bamboo went flying. Kenshin was far from pleased though; he'd missed his intended target, a small boulder, by a good two feet. Damn it. As Shishou and Sakura-dono are wont to say, practice does make perfect…

Nearly an hour later Kenshin collapsed at the edge of the grove, completely worn out. He'd made himself run through every kata , form and attack of Hiten Mitsurugi Ryuu he knew, and that was all of them. Minus the ougi, of course. Kenshin had left his master before learning the succession techniques, but he couldn't go back for them now. Not after the way we parted. I was an ignorant fool, and he was too stubborn. Even if I begged him now with my head to the ground he wouldn't teach me, I know that. I misused our school; I can't be forgiven for that, ever. Kenshin leaned back against a bamboo stalk and closed his eyes, feeling the wind blow across his sweaty face and ruffle the flame-bright hair he'd chopped short a few months after the war ended. The breeze on his bare neck felt wonderful, and he felt his eyes grow heavy with exhaustion. Maybe a little nap before I return to the inn; when I get back Sakura-dono will probably need help with—

Kenshin inhaled sharply, train of thought broken, as he felt the spike of someone's fighting ki nearby. It had appeared suddenly, and was moving slowly towards him. He wasn't too far from the inn, but he hadn't told anyone he was coming out here. He couldn't imagine who it could be, other than a bandit. Oh just what I need right now. Kenshin remained where he was and pretended to be asleep. Just worn out from practicing, pretty foolish for an ex-hitokiri, ne? To sleep unguarded out in the open. If you're smart you'll take that as a warning sign and leave. The ki moved forward steadily and Kenshin tracked it carefully. Twenty feet…fifteen…ten…Does he even know I'm here? He must; I feel danger from him. The ki paused only a few feet away. Kenshin could now hear breathing, and the soft rustle of cloth amongst the bamboo stalks. Then he felt it almost as if he could see it: the flare, the increase in intensity of the other's ki that signaled the intention to attack. You have some skill with your ki, but not enough. Not nearly enough. You poor fool. Kenshin's eyes flew open and the sakabatou snapped out of its sheath, striking the charging bandit full across the chest. The man went flying back with a strangled cry and Kenshin was on him immediately, sword turned so the blade edge rested against the attacker's throat.

A second later Kenshin realized his mistake. "Yan-dono!" The boy stared up at him with wide, terrified eyes. Kenshin found he couldn't move; his sword was still against Yan's throat. So close…I could have…no! Kenshin yanked the blade away and stepped back. "What are you doing out here?"

Yan stared up at him, still on the ground. His jaw worked, but at first nothing came out. Then: "Wha…was…just…w-watching you, didn't mean to…sorry…" He stuttered to a halt and just lay there, trembling.

Kenshin stared at him a moment, then slowly re-sheathed his sword. Yan winced as the blade slid home with a sharp snap. "What do you mean, you were watching me? For how long? I didn't sense you coming until a few minutes ago, and then you attacked me."

Yan slowly sat up, one arm wrapped around his waist where the sakabatou had struck, breathing shallowly. He scowled stubbornly up at Kenshin.

"Yan-dono, please answer me. Why did you try to sneak up on me like that? I…I could have…" Kenshin couldn't finish the sentence, his insides twisting at the mere thought of what he'd almost done. Why did I turn the blade like that? I did it without even thinking! If I had…killed him… I can't believe this is happening!

Yan was watching him with wide, uncertain eyes. He seemed to be calmer, though. "Himura-san…you left the inn and I was curious to see where you'd gone, then I saw you practicing and…please!" Suddenly he was at Kenshin's feet in an awkward bow. Kenshin gasped in surprise. After the way Yan had been treating him all week, such a display of submission seemed strangely out of character. "Please teach me to fight!" His voice was pleading. "Your sword…I've never seen a style like that! Please, I beg you; I don't want to die when the war comes here! My father thinks I'm weak, but I know I'm not! Himura—"

"No."

Yan looked up him, confused. "What?"

Kenshin looked at him gravely. "I swore to never kill again. That is why I fight with a reversed blade. That is why you are alive right now. My sword style was meant to kill, it cannot do anything else. I will not teach another how to fight that way." He scowled down at Yan. "Why did you try to ambush me?"

Yan slowly stood, one arm still clutching his chest. "That was foolish of me, I'm sorry."

"I could have killed you." Kenshin's statement was flat and toneless.

"You thought I was a bandit? Himura…" he laughed nervously, then seemed to come to a realization. "Well see, that's the perfect reason to teach me! I need training…I guess I just assumed that you knew who I was. I wasn't actually trying to hurt you or anything; I just wanted to test you. Or myself. Something like that, anyway." Yan attempted an embarrassed grin, which faded when he saw the look in Kenshin's eyes.

"You assumed wrong." Kenshin couldn't believe this man's arrogance. "The problems you have with your father regarding kenjitsu are no concern of mine, nor should they be. If the war comes here, there will be others to fight for you." Kenshin walked past the stunned Yan and headed back towards the inn. The young man fell in step behind him.

"Wait a minute! Don't I have any potential at all? In the garden last week, you didn't know I was coming did you? Which means I'm not hopeless, I can learn! You of all people should know how important it is to know how to fight in these times. If you won't teach me, then I bet you know someone who will! Himura!"

Kenshin stopped mid-step. "'You of all people?'" He turned to face Yan. "What did you mean by that?"

Kenshin almost groaned at the look of hope that entered the boy's eyes. "Himura-san, everyone knows! You fought in the Bakumatsu, right? They say the new government is looking for you, I assume that's why you're in this backwater town sewing yukata."

"You assume a lot, don't you." Kenshin kept walking, a knot of dread forming in his stomach.

Yan followed. "Of course. It isn't hard; how many swordsmen have red hair and crossed scars? I've heard the rumors. And that demonstration I saw a few moments ago—"

"Stop it." Kenshin's voice was low and dangerous. They were in sight of the inn now and within earshot of several townspeople, who were looking at them curiously. "Stop right now, Yan-dono. Whatever is on your mind you don't want to say it."

Yan now had the grace to look intimidated. "Uh…look, Himura-san I know I've been really rude to you, I'm a little touchy on the whole sword issue, but it took me awhile to realize who you were. You are the only hope I have. Besides, I have your secret." He grinned slyly.

Kenshin stopped just outside the inn, silent. Yan hesitated, then walked past him and through the door. The young man was speechless with shock when a heartbeat later he found himself shoved against the wall of the front entranceway, the hilt of Kenshin's sword pressed firmly against his ribs. His confidence evaporated as he stared into the swordsman's eyes. Where before they had been a gentle lavender, they were now an angry, icy blue-violet. "Yan-dono, let's make one thing very, very clear. If you ever go running through this inn or anywhere else shouting my name, whatever you think it is, you will regret it. I will not teach you; that is my answer. I suggest you accept it."

Yan's heart was in his throat, and he realized just how badly he'd misjudged Himura Kenshin. The fierce eyes that bored into his own promised not death, but something else nameless and just as terrifying. Slowly, the hard blue eyes softened back to lavender and he felt the sword lift from his chest as Kenshin stepped back and continued down the hall to the men's quarters.

~***~

Sakura watched silently as Kenshin hung the last yukata for her approval. He'd been very quiet the past few days. Even her usual gentle teasing and jokes, which had always gotten him smile and laugh before, had no affect on him. By now everyone in the inn had learned about the "incident" in the front hall earlier in the week, though only Kenshin and Yan knew the full details. Where before the staff and customers of the inn had accepted Kenshin without question, they now whispered behind his back, or even avoided him altogether. The two swordsmen who'd been staying at the inn had taken one look at Kenshin (from a safe distance) and then left rapidly, fear in their eyes and the whisper of "hitokiri" on their lips.

At first, Sakura had refused to believe the rumor mill her inn had become. How could this sweet, gentle man with the soft eyes and impeccable politeness possibly be the feared Hitokiri Battousai? As she watched him now though, eyes narrow and tense, his sword propped against the worktable in easy reach, she found she could believe what her customers were telling her. This man was said to have killed hundreds of men, was so skilled and powerful with his sword his attacks had been compared to the strike of lightning. The deliverer of Tenchuu during the darkest days of the Bakumatsu no Doran. No wonder he'd been reluctant to give his name to her. From the moment she'd first laid eyes on him she'd sensed that he had secrets, but never had she imagined anything like this.

Damn that Yan and his foolish ambitions. "Himura-san, this looks excellent. I'm hoping for a good turnout for the inn's anniversary. Are you going to stay for it?" She gave him a broad smile and a hopeful look. They both knew that Kenshin's usefulness was essentially over now that the yukata were finished.

Kenshin attempted a small smile. "I would like to, Sakura-dono. It might be better for me to move on, though. I never meant to bring trouble to your inn, but it seems I have anyway."

"Nonsense! You've done me an invaluable service, Himura-san. Don't worry about that business with Yan. His behavior towards you has been inexcusable, and he will be dealt with. Besides, I know Hokkaido winters. You don't want to be travelling when the snows come. You might as well stay the season. I know we would welcome your presence here."

The rurouni bowed his head, eyes shadowed by his hair. "I appreciate the offer Sakura-dono, and I know you might like for me to stay. But the others…"

"Will move past whatever suspicions they have about you. Don't you remember what I told you when you arrived? I don't care who you are or what you've done. As far as I'm concerned you're just another young man in need of work and a place to call home."

"Demo…"

"No 'buts'. Take the rest of the day off, you've more than earned it. I'll see you later tonight, alright?"

Kenshin hung his sakabatou at his side, straightened his new yukata, and left the inn. He tried very hard not to think about the fact that he was wearing bright pink in the middle of the day. As comfortable as the garment felt to him (he was still amazed at how well the yukata had turned out, all considering) he still squirmed over the color. I look absurd. Still, Kenshin had to admit that a nice, long walk was what he really needed. Thinking about the yukata was better than brooding over Yan and the situation at the inn. A part of him wished he'd been more forceful about refusing Sakura's offer, but the other half of him was relieved that she was still willing to let him stay. I have no doubt that by now she knows exactly who I am. I should just go, before things get any worse. Kenshin had to be honest with himself, though. He was tired of running, tired of hiding. He'd done plenty of that both during and after the revolution, and he was sick of it. Part of my promise to Tomoe was that I would use my sword to protect rather than destroy. I can't do that if I keep running from every difficulty and conflict that arises in my life.

Kenshin lifted his head with an exasperated sigh. I took a walk so I wouldn't think about these things yet here I am, worrying over the same issues. I'm hopeless.

"So where do you think you're going?"

The sarcastic, arrogant tone of that voice was all too familiar to Kenshin by now. "Nowhere in particular, Yan-dono. Just on a peaceful walk around town. Alone."

Yan, also dressed in pink yukata, fell into step beside him. The day after their little "chat" in the hallway Yan had avoided Kenshin like the plague, clearly afraid of him. Now though, his usual arrogance seemed to have overcome his nervousness at being around the ex-hitokiri. Oh great, that must mean he wants something. "Alone? Well that's no fun, is it? Especially since you're work is done here. You'll be leaving soon I imagine."

"I don't see how it's any business of yours de gozaru."

"Ah, sarcasm; it suits you."

"Does it." Kenshin walked a little faster. To his annoyance, Yan easily kept pace.

"Come on, Himura-san, didn't you listen to the guy that came in this morning? There's been a peasant uprising in the village to the north of us; apparently they've sent in military to deal with it. It's only a matter of time before the fighting comes here. What will poor defenseless souls like me do then?"

Kenshin decided in that moment that he was hungry. Turning abruptly, he took a seat at a nearby yakisoba stand and ordered two bowls of noodles. Yan looked at him in surprise. "You're buying dinner for us?"

"No, you are. I don't get paid, unlike you Yan-dono."

Yan grunted and took a seat beside him. "Jeez, you'd think you'd be rich or something by now, with all you supposedly did for this new government."

"I would appreciate it if you wouldn't talk about that particular subject here, de gozaru yo." Kenshin sipped at his noodles and watched Yan out the corner of his eye. "I wanted to talk to you about something more relevant. Such as why your father prevented you from learning either his craft or kenjitsu."

"Oh, that." Yan suddenly looked somber; he stared into his noodles. "I don't know. He's such a stubborn fool, every time I go over there we just fight about the same old things. His excuses aren't any more convincing now then when I was a kid."

"He fears for your safety, I imagine." Kenshin set down his bowl. "He doesn't want to see you hurt, or have you hurt others. I don't think I would either, were I in his position."

"How the hell would you know!" Yan glared at him fiercely. "Don't tell me you're a father!"

"No."

"Then you can't possibly know how he thinks, Himura-san. Swords are his business for gods' sake! I can't understand his attitude; all I know is that I'm sick of it, and of his control over my life. He's training my elder brother in swords but not me, so he set me up with Yuuna-san's granddaughter because there are no sons in that family. I can't stand that girl and he expects me to marry her! All so I can avoid some stupid military draft the new government invented. Not that he ever asked me of course. What an idiot!"

Kenshin regarded him thoughtfully. "Yan-dono, I believe he just wants to prevent you from having to stain your hands unnecessarily. Do you take killing so lightly?"

Yan blinked in surprise. "Killing?" He met Kenshin's gaze for a moment, then looked away. "I…suppose you would know about that."

"Aa. More than enough to tell you that it is not something you want a part of if you can help it, ever. Kenjitsu is perfecting the art of killing, of turning one's body into a tool of murder. While it's true that being a fighter means being able to protect yourself and others, it also means that you face the possibility of having to kill to protect those you care about. This is not a burden you should accept lightly. You have natural talent for the sword—" Yan looked up in shock, "—which your father saw in you from a young age. If you chose a good master, you could become a fighter for the people, one who protects instead of destroys. But you could just as easily choose a bad master, or twist the principles of a good master into something evil."

"What…what are you saying?"

Kenshin's eyes were gentle. "Think about your own personality, Yan-dono. If handed the power to grant life or death at will, how would you react? What kind of swordsman would you be? Think about that, and then maybe you'll realize your father probably understands you better than you understand yourself. That's how it is between fathers and sons." Ne, Shishou? Kenshin stood to leave and gave Yan a slight bow. "Sakura-dono has invited me to stay for the season; I am thinking of accepting her offer. I will see you later tonight, Yan-dono."

He left a shocked and silent Yan staring sightlessly into his untouched bowl of noodles.

Glossary:
Konbanwa: good evening
Yare yare: "oh well" or "oh brother…"
Kawaii: cute
Shoji: rice paper sliding doors
Hai: yes
Saya: Japanese term for a sword's sheath
Baka Deshi: "stupid pupil", what Hiko always calls Kenshin
Tenchuu: Heavenly justice, what the Choshu assassinations were supposed to have been achieving
Oni: ogre or demon
Demo: but
Ne: right (as in correct)


Notes:

Poor Kenshin, he gets all kinds, doesn't he? I really didn't mean for this story to get so angsty, but I've always found those to be the most interesting of fanfics, so I guess that's why the plot took a turn for the dark in the middle of this chapter. I picked up this neat book about the common people of Japan during the Meji era. The new Meji government was obsessed with Western culture and technology, and began to emphasize the military heavily, spending money on that at the expense of the peasants (one of the many reasons uprising were so common in the north and south in 1870's and beyond). Part of this military movement was a draft (1873) for all young men who either weren't the eldest son or inheritor of a family. Many fathers, especially farmers who couldn't afford to lose manpower (to do so meant certain starvation), forced their younger sons to marry so that they wouldn't be drafted. This little historical detail gave me extra conflict for Yan to have with his father. All this is supposed to be building to the reason Kenshin is so attached to his pink gi…yes, something will happen to the yukata to make it a gi, I'm not saying what yet ;) Oh, about the Kenshin practice session…I've always wanted to write/read one of those, and it makes sense that he would need to keep his skills up. Kenshin is really, really good…but not that good. You think he was able to kick Gohei's henchmen's butts right out of the blue in episode 1? I don't think so! I hope you liked it, please R/R!
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