From: "Jedi Brother Horace" To the ML, Here at last, is part 5. Hope you enjoy it. You can tell me at yenm@iconn.com.ph. Or you could send me flames and make me feel miserable. DARK DESIGNS A Ruroni Kenshin Fanfic Crossover by Jedi Brother Horace (WARNING: This chapter contains many spoilers for the end of the Ruroni Kenshin manga. So don't read on if don't want to know what happened.) Disclamer: Ruroni Kenshin is owned by Nobuhiro Watsuki and Shueisha. Don't sue me cause you won't get a penny. As for what the other series is. Tough luck, I'm not telling anybody yet. CHAPTER 5: Repercussions Dr Genzai rolled in his futon, grumbling to himself, as the first rays of daylight crept through the screen door. Grumpily, he pulled the covers over his head, as if to shield himself from the waking worlds grasp. It was still too early to get up, and his aging bones needed all the rest they could get. After all, it would be just another day, right? *********** Miyako ran ahead, screaming with delight even as Suzume tried to chase her. Behind them, Ayame along with Kenshin and Misao followed at a much more sedate pace, with the former calling out to the running pair. "Mou! Suzume-chan! Miyako-chan! Don't go too far!" The two however continued to chase each other as they neared the Koguni clinic. Ayame pouted, turning to Misao for assistance. "Misao-neesan, they're not listening!" Misao laughed, then reached to pat the young girls shoulder reassuringly. "Aw, let them be. They're kids, you know?" "Yeah, but-" Ayame protested. Misao interrupted her by ruffling her hair. "Come on. Didn't you used to be like that?" The elder granddaughter of Dr. Genzai went red at the onmitsu's observation. True, she loved to play around with her sister when she was small, but as she grew older the childish games seemed to tire her. Misao smiled as the young girl's face twisted in thought. "Just let them play around for a bit. You can be hard on them when they're older." Ayame smiled and nodded in agreement before running ahead to catch up with the laughing pair, forcing a smile out of Misao's face. She then turned to comment about it to Kenshin, but stopped as she saw the serious expression upon his features. "Himura?" she asked with concern in her voice, but the ruroni ignored her and continued to walk down the street, unheeding of her question. He'd been acting more or less the same way since they left the dojo. The two of them had pretty much volunteered for the task of bringing the children, as Kaoru and the two boys were busy with the morning classes, while Sano had gone into town to meet with some of his friends, no doubt to gamble and drink all night long. Seeing as he was deep in thought, Misao chose to gain his attention. The ruroni blinked as he felt Misao's hand on his shoulder. "Oro? Gomen, Misao-dono. What is it?" "Himura, daijobu?" she asked. "You looked serious all of a sudden." He graced her with a smile. "It's nothing, really. I was just thinking." Misao wasn't fooled, she knew exactly what was on his mind. "It's about Saitoh isn't it?" She asked resignedly. The smile on Kenshin's face faded, and he gave her a solemn reply. "Aa." "Chikusho!" she swore under her breath. "If only I'd kept my mouth shut." "Maa maa." The ruroni spoke encouragingly, placing a hand on her shoulder. "I would have found out sooner or later. You have nothing to blame yourself for." "But still I-" she protested. Kenshin gently interrupted her. "Really, Misao-dono, I don't think there's anything to worry about. Saitoh probably has some routine business to finish here." "That's not true and you know it," Misao said pointedly. Kenshin was left speechless by her comment. Misao was right, Saitoh would not have reappeared for any small reason. Whatever it was, he was sure it was something serious, something huge in scope that it required the services of a man of Saitoh's ability. But what? Kenshin thought to himself, as he and Misao trailed after the children. The last time he and Saitoh fought, it had been to test his ability to see if he was of any value in the Meiji government's war with Shishio Makoto. That had been a pretty good reason then for Saitoh to get involved. It couldn't be because of the duel I asked of him years ago. His mind went back to the time right after his battle with Enishi, when he delivered a formal request for a final duel. He'd waited for a long time at the appointed place, but the Mibu's Wolf refused to show himself. The day after, Saitoh was transferred to another post. For some time Kenshin pondered the reason of his absence, until he realized that Saitoh had finally seen that he would no longer fight as the Hitokiri Battousai. But what was it now? What had prompted the return of the Mibu's Wolf to Tokyo? Whatever it is, he'd best not involve my friends or family in this, lest he answer to me. Kenshin thought fiercely. The last thing he wanted was for those close to him to be swept up in another round of chaos. Bad enough if his wife and daughter would be used as pawns if someone was out to get him. But the fact that Kenshin now felt himself somewhat inadequate to protect them made matters worse. The years of fighting had finally taken their toll on his body. Megumi had pretty much warned him years ago after his battle with Enishi that if he ever again used the Hiten Mitsurugi Ryuu at it's best, he'd either end up crippled or even dead. Kaoru had been crushed at the news, but Kenshin reassured her. It didn't matter to him if he couldn't fight again, he'd seen enough violence to last a lifetime. Life with Kaoru and Miyako for him was enough. Yet now, with his skills now lacking, could he protect his family? Even with the help of good friends such as Sanosuke and Misao, could he still find the strength within himself to protect those he loved? God, why can't there be a moment's peace for me? ".ask him to help you? Ne? Himura?!" Kenshin blinked, immersed in his own thoughts that he'd caught only the tail end Misao's question. "Oro? Gomen, Misao-dono. Did you say something?" "Mou!" she huffed. "I was saying that Aoshi-sama is coming to Tokyo in a few days on some business. If you'd like I can ask him to help you out?" "Iie. That won't be necessary." "Demo-" Misao protested, but stopped as he gently interrupted her. "Thank you for the offer Misao-dono. But I don't think Aoshi should be concerned with such things." Misao looked ready to argue, but relented as he continued. "At any rate, whatever the reason Saitoh's back, it doesn't really matter." "Well, if you say so." Misao let out, deciding not to press the issue. A few minutes later, the group arrived in front of the clinic. Misao and the kids were ready to enter, when suddenly Kenshin rushed in front of them to halt their advance. "Himura? Doushita?" Misao asked, her surprised expression mirrored by that of the children. "Ken-nii?" "Tou-chan?" "Shh.something's wrong," Kenshin spoke warily. Briefly he looked about the surrounding area, before breathing in sharply and speaking in a even voice, "Misao-dono, stay with the children." Misao was now stumped as to why the red headed ruroni was acting so paranoid. She was about to question him again when her eye caught something on the splattered on the walkway. It was dark and murky, the light reflecting off its crimson hue and gathered near the door like a small puddle Blood. Instantly she huddled the children behind her. "Kids, you'd better stay back," she said simply, her tone commanding. Ayame and Suzume readily agreed, but Miyako looked confused. Why were Tou-chan and Misao-neechan acting so funny. She was about to ask about it when she saw Ayame-neechan put her finger before her mouth, telling to her stay silent. Kenshin slowly approached the entrance of the clinic, the grip on the hilt of his sakaba tightened as he took notice of the door's lock. I was right, it's been forced. And by a sword even. Wasting no time, he flung the screen open and quickly scanned the hallway entrance. He then noticed the trail of blood leading to the main room of the clinic, where Megumi usually performed her operations. With haste, Kenshin rushed over and flung the screen doors open. The first thing he saw was Megumi, seated on a chair and hunched over a desk where she usually kept her notes. Kenshin inhaled sharply, fearing the worst he rushed over to the doctor's side. As he was about to reach over to examine her, he pulled his hand away, as he saw Megumi was asleep, breathing slowly as she pillowed her head in her arms. Kenshin let out the breath he'd been holding, his shoulders sagged in relief as it appeared she was unhurt, without any injury upon her person. As he relaxed his posture he heard Misao enter the room, the pitter pat of the children's feet behind her. "Himura." he heard the uneasiness in her voice as he turned around. "Daijobu, she's just aslee-" the statement died in his mouth, as he noticed she wasn't looking at him, her attention caught by something in the far end of the room. He then turned his head to find out as well, and his eyes widened in shock as he saw the unconscious form of John Cadwell lain across the operating table. "Nani.Who's there?" Megumi said blearily as she rubbed the sleep out of her eyes, which then widened in surprise as she saw Kenshin and Misao. "Ara? Ken-san? Misao-chan?" Instantly the two blinked out of their reverie and turned to find Megumi awake from her slumber. "What are you two doing here?" She asked as she stood up. "Megumi-dono. Daijobu de gozaru ka?" Kenshin asked in concern. The doctor was confused now. "Hai. Daijobu. Why do you ask?" "Megumi-san, what happened here?" Misao asked and then pointed to the sleeping person of the Englishman. "And what happened to him?" Megumi sighed. "Come on, help me move him and I'll explain everything." *********** Dr. Genzai merely slept, and dreamed. He dreamt of a people. Little blue people. And he was there Papa. *********** Ayame Genzai never liked seeing anyone hurt. Due to her grandfather's profession, she'd seen a lot of people with injuries. Often she and Suzume would observe him treat a patient, but only if they asked nicely and behaved so as not to disturb him. Her heart filled with pride every time he succeeded in his ministrations. No cut or bruise was safe from the healing hand of Dr. Genzai. But on some occasions he refused to let her observe him work. She often asked him why, but all he would say was that it was for her own good. She'd plead and protest, but her grandfather always had the last word. Then one night, she went against his wishes and snuck into the operating room whilst he was treating a patient. She would never forget that night, nor of the man who was lain across the operating table. While half his face and chest wrapped in bandages, his severely burned arm was exposed for all those to see. Ayame nearly screamed, but her grandfather came back and found her musing over the injured man. Rather than give her a scolding, the doctor pulled up a chair and motioned for her to sit down with him. 'I'm sorry you had to see this Ayame,' he said gently, with no hint of reproach in his voice. 'but I want you to understand that.not all wounds are merely cuts and bruises.' She remembered him looking sadly at the burnt patient lying on the table. '.and not all of them can be healed.even by the most skilled doctor." She couldn't remember a time when he sounded so sad and helpless, until that night. Yet his words struck a chord within her, and she looked at the patient not with the timid fear that of a child, but the compassionate gaze of one who's learned the frailty of human life. So it was with great difficulty on her part to watch over the sleeping person of John Cadwell. Looking at the thin white scars that crisscrossed over his pale brown skin, she could feel the very same emotions welling up within her. Kawaisou ni, she thought sympathetically. I sure hope he gets better. The scars on the Englishman had also brought various reactions from those present. Misao gasped in horror, while Kenshin look intrigued as he examined the scars. After moving the Englishman to the guestroom, the two sisters were given the task of watching over him whilst the adults moved to the porch to discuss the events of last night. Ayame was so caught up in her thoughts that she almost failed to catch her younger sister lifting the covers off Cadwell's chest. "Suzume-chan! Stop that!" Suzume froze, and turned to her older sister with pleading look. "I was just gonna look-" "No you won't," she scolded as she yanked her sister's hand away from the sheets. "You're no fun," Suzume pouted as she settled back in her place. For a few moments neither of the two spoke, then Suzume broke the silence. "Ne, Ayame-chan?" "Hm? Nani?" "Why do you think he's got so many marks?" Suzume asked. Ayame assumed a blank expression. "How should I know?" "Well, he's got more marks than Ken-nii. Do you think he's done some bad things?' Ayame looked shock. "Suzume-chan! Don't say such things!" "But Ken-nii has a lot marks too!" the little girl said. "And he told us himself that he's done some bad things." Ayame was about to retort, but fell silent as she considered her sister's argument. "Well Cadwell-niisan did say he was a soldier. Maybe he got those marks while fighting." Before Suzume could ask once more, when a soft groan escaped from the Englishman's lips. Surprised, the two turned to see the Cadwell taking slow labored breaths. "He's waking up!" Ayame exclaimed, then turned to her little sister. "Suzume-chan! Go get Megumi-neesan!" The little girl nodded and was out the door before Ayame turned back to check on Cadwell. Before she could blink, the Englishman's breathing stopped and he lay still for a moment. Surprised, Ayame moved closer to see what was wrong. The Englishman's eyes then snapped open. In a flash, a strong hand took hold of her slender wrist and she found herself face to face with the Englishman. His gray blue eyes were fierce with rage, and a hideous growl escaped from his bared teeth. Terror. Ayame had never felt so much of it her entire life, 'til now. Then just as quickly, the bestial scowl on Cadwell's face disappeared, only to be replaced by an expression of shock. A look of horror then crossed his features, as he saw his hand gripping the young girl's wrist, along with the fearful expression in her face. Gently, he released his hold on her. With haste Ayame gave herself some distance. Cadwell stood up, his features still held that horrified expression, which was now tinged with a look of guilt. "Fo.forgive me." he said uneasily. "Are you hurt, child?" Ayame did not answer, too terrified as she cowered further away from him until she was leaning against the wall. "Wait a moment," Cadwell continued as blinked in recognition. "You're Dr. Genzai's granddaughter aren't you? Please forgive me child. I didn't mean." At that moment the screen door opened. "What's going on here." The words died on Megumi's lips, as the scene before left her speechless, as did Kenshin and Misao, who stood behind the doctor with Miyako and Suzume at their side. Hastily Misao rushed to Ayame's side. "Ayame-chan, daijobu?" she asked as she cradled the young girl in her arms. The onmitsu then turned a fierce glare in the Englishman's direction, but before she could voice out, Kenshin stepped forward to diffuse the situation. "Misao-dono. Why don't you take the children outside?" Though the ruroni's voice was gentle, there was a faintly pleading tone telling her not to make the situation worse than it already was. With reluctance Misao stood up and guided the children outside the room. As she stepped out she fixed the Englishman with another hard stare before closing the door. Cadwell's face fell as he, Kenshin and Megumi were left alone in the room. The young doctor then whirled on the Englishman. "Alright Cadwell-san! Just what did you do to frighten Ayame-chan?!" Kenshin once more took the role of peacemaker. "Maa maa. Megumi-dono. I'm sure it was all just a mista-" "No my friend," Cadwell interrupted in a guilty voice. "She is right. There is no excuse for what I have done" Kenshin looked at him in surprise, as did Megumi, who still had an angry expression upon her features. "Though she surprised me with her presence, I should have known better than to frighten her so." He then got on his knees and prostrated before them. "Please forgive me for my actions. It was an act of stupidity on my part." The two blinked at his show of humility. Megumi's anger slowly faded, as she realized that the Englishman was truly regretful of his actions. In one motion she sat down and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Oh do get up, Cadwell-san. There's no need for that," she said in a firm voice. Kenshin then sat down himself. "She is right, Cadwell-dono," he said reassuringly. The Englishman raised his head up, a look of relief crossing his handsome features. "Thank you," he said simply, though there was a nervous edge to it. Megumi smiled and then continued. "In any case, we accept your apology. Though I think Dr. Genzai will want your head when he wakes up." *********** Dr. Genzai sneezed, but paid it no mind, and continued to dream. Besides, he had to figure how to rescue Smurfette from Gargamel. *********** Kenshin winced at her statement, expecting Cadwell to react similarly. Much to his surprise, brief laughter escaped from the Englishman. "Yes I'm sure he will," Cadwell said with a hint of amusement, the tension in his muscles fading. Another smile graced her face before she spoke seriously. "Now on to a new subject. How are you feeling?" "I'm alright," he said simply, inspecting the bandage around his arm. "I assume I have you to thank you for the treatment, Sensei?" "Think nothing of it. I'm just glad you're awake. I was afraid that drug they gave you would have put you to sleep for good." A questioning look appeared on Cadwell's face. "Drug?" he asked in confusion, when the events of last night finally came back to him. The yakuza he fought, that girl and her partner who tried to capture him, and the mysterious figure who came to his aid. Eyeing the unfamiliar room around him, a question formed on his lips. "Tell me sensei, just where am I?" "At the Koguni Clinic Cadwell-dono," Kenshin answered. "Megumi-dono told us your mysterious benefactor brought you here." The Englishman's brow furrowed in thought, so the mystery man had brought him here, safe from whomever whose intent was to bring him harm, and where he would receive treatment for his injuries. Yet who was he? He thought to himself. And why did he come to my aid? "Cadwell-san?" Megumi's voice broke his train of thought. "Oh, beg your pardon, Sensei. What was that?" "Just what happened to you last night?" She asked with concern in her voice. "Is it something we could help you with?" For a brief moment, the thought of telling the doctor and the swordsman the truth of last night events entered his mind, but just as quickly he shook it off. No. I can't involve them in this. This affair is my responsibility alone. His thoughts raced to form a story that would hopefully fool them and let the matter drop for now. He needn't have worried, for as he was about to speak, Misao's enraged voice rang throughout the clinic compound. "I don't give a damn if you've got jurisdiction!! You just can't come in here and-" The three looked up in surprise, as a new voice piped in. "Ojou-san, please. This is police business so would you just-" "Police business my ass! You're not coming in her-" Megumi decided she had enough, and rushed to the door to see what was about. "What's going on here?!!" Misao was standing in the middle of the hallway, her arms and legs outstretched in an effort to block the policeman, a young man of about twenty, from proceeding any further. Beside her, the three girls held their ground as well. Left wanting for an explanation, Megumi spoke in her most commanding voice. "Alright? What's going on?" Misao spoke up. "This jerk just barged in here like he owned the place! I was just-" Megumi calmly interrupted her. "Misao-chan, that's enough," The ninja girl looked ready to protest, but a look from Kenshin, who'd just come out, silenced her. Satisfied, Megumi then turned her attention to the confused police officer. "How can we help you officer?" The officer bowed in her direction. "Shingen Moriya, of the eighth precinct, ma'am. We were just wondering if your patient could answer a few questions for us." "Patient?" Megumi looked confused, when realization struck her. "You mean John Cadwell-san?" "Yes, that's him," officer Moriya confirmed. "We received word that he was being treated here-" "And just how did you know that?!" Misao said hotly. Kenshin was about to restrain her once more when a new presence entered the picture. "We are not at liberty to discuss how we obtain our information with anyone, weasel girl." A very cool and disdainful voice said from around the corner. Megumi and Misao became pale as snow, while Kenshin's eyes narrowed into slits. A moment later, a tall lean man wearing a blue police uniform, his dark hair slicked back with but a few strands hanging over his thin gleaming yellow eyes, strode into the hallway. Saitoh Hajime. "Shingen, step aside. I'll handle these fools." "Hey!" Misao spoke in irritation once more. Behind her, the three children huddled behind her in fear of this man. "Saitoh," Kenshin said evenly. "Battousai," the Mibu's Wolf greeted pleasantly, despite the malicious smirk on his lips. "Good to see you again, and you as well Takani-sensei." "Skip the formalities, Hajime-san. It doesn't become you." Megumi said with as much restraint as she could muster. "Yare yare. You try to be nice for once, and all you get in return is hostility." Megumi suppressed the urge to throttle the insufferable man. "Enough of the sarcastic remarks. What do you want?" "Isn't it obvious? I want to talk with your patient, the Englishman." "I'm afraid that won't be possible. He just woke up, and not up to having visitors I'm afraid." "I'm afraid you don't understand, sensei. I need to talk to Mr. Cadwell. At once." "She told you to get lost jerk!" Misao said irritably, and was about to launch another tirade when Kenshin silenced her once more with a hand on her shoulder. "Saitoh," the ruroni spoke while looking him in the eye. "Why don't you tell us what's going on?" "This is no concern of yours Battousai," Saitoh said coolly, though there was a hint of irritation in his voice, a clear sign of his impatience. "I'll ask you now to get out of my way, or I'll have all of you arrested for interfering in police business." Misao by this time had lost her cool. The impudence of this man to walk into the clinic and make demands of them! Prison be damned, she was going to give Saitoh Hajime a piece of her mind. She never got the chance, as the voice of John Cadwell stopped her. "It's alright, everyone. Let him through." All of them turned to find the Englishman standing in the doorway of his room. "Cadwell-san! You shouldn't be up!" Megumi exclaimed, but the Englishman ignored her. "I appreciate your concern my friends," he replied. "But I'm sure it wouldn' t hurt for me to hear what the officer has to say." At that he directed his gaze towards Saitoh. "It wont I assure you," the Mibu's Wolf said coolly, returning Cadwell's steady gaze. *********** Dr. Genzai shifted in his sleep once more. Now he had to figure out how to get Brainy and Jokey to stop fighting. *********** "I can't believe that jerk! He's got some nerve barging in here and threatening us like that!" Seated on the porch, Misao looked ready to explode with all her ranting. The kids wisely backed away from their oneechan, afraid of what she was capable of in such a state. The onmitsu then continued, "Just give me a chance and I'll pump him full of kunaOWWW!!" "That's better," Megumi sighed in relief. "What did you do that for?!!" Misao hissed whilst glaring at Megumi as she held her ear where the doctor had pinched it. Megumi returned the scowl with but a neutral stare. "In case you hadn't noticed, you were getting a bit too loud Misao-chan." The onmitsu looked ready to retort, but shut her mouth as she realized the doctor's point. Satisfied, she continued. "Anyway, it's no use getting angry about it now. Wouldn't you agree? Ken-san?" "Aa," the ruroni replied absently from his place beside them. At that Megumi frowned. Though he appeared relaxed, she could tell the ruroni was in a state of deep thought as he eyed the door of the Englishman's room. They'd been there for nearly and hour. Saitoh's aide, Moriya stood by the door as a sentry whilst he and Cadwell had their discussion. The thought had bothered him, was John Cadwell part of the reason for Saitoh's return. It seemed likely, as it was becoming clear that the Englishman was not all he appeared to be. After he'd left the dojo, Kenshin was convinced that John Cadwell was nothing more than a simple English merchant who'd served in the army for a brief time. But as he saw him that morning, lying in the clinic, the ruroni had changed his view completely. His thoughts turned back to when he saw the Englishman's bare chest. Kenshin had known even back at the dojo that Cadwell had a strong build, even with all his clothing. Yet he never imagined such an incredible physique. To have such a build, he must have done undergone some intense activity. But what? The ruroni immediately ruled out martial arts. Though much of the East had opened their doors to Westerners, it seemed unlikely that a gaijin would be allowed to learn the secrets of any Eastern fighting styles. And only truly hardened practitioners could hope to develop such a hardened physique. Just like shishou. If not that reason, then what? The scars around the Englishman's body had also intrigued him. Megumi had related to him as much her disbelief over them. He wondered, though Cadwell had said he'd been a soldier, such scars didn't appear to have been merely the reward of a life in military service. Some of them he could attest, were the result of some very violent encounters. Kenshin concluded the Englishman led a very dangerous life, more than he wanted to let on. It was plain to him that the Englishman wished to hide such facts, as evidenced by his reluctance to tell them of last nights events a little while ago. Though he hid it well, Kenshin could see Cadwell's refusal, and was probably constructing for them a falsehood of sorts. Why would he hide it? Why is Cadwell-dono trying to hide these things? His musing were cut short, as the door to the Englishman's room opened, and Saitoh stepped out. Immediately Kenshin and the others stood up, as the Mibu's Wolf approached them. "Thank you so much for your cooperation," he said with a smile, though one could tell it was far from pleasant. "Think nothing of it," Megumi said with mock enthusiasm. "And I do hope you'll be able to assist us with such cases in the future." "When hell freezes over," Misao mumbled under her voice, then yelped as Megumi suddenly elbowed her. "If you've no further business here officer, I suggest you leave now." Megumi tried to be polite as possible with her dismissal of him. "Yare yare. I know when I'm not wanted." Saitoh then made a signal to Moriya who came to his side as they walked to the door. Seeing as he was leaving, Kenshin decided to get some answers from him before he did. "Saitoh." The Mibu's Wolf didn't turn to face him as he spoke. "Battousai, as I said, this doesn't concern you. And don't worry, I see no reason to involve a liability such as you." With this he gave a sideward glance coupled with an evil smirk. Misao by now more than wanted to land a Kecho-Geri on the man's face, but the children held her fast, and lost her chance as the police man walked out the door. "Well am I glad to be rid of that psychotic cop," Megumi commented as she turned around, but stopped in surprise. "Cadwell-san? What are you doing?" Kenshin and Misao had turned too to find the Englishman standing outside his room, putting on his white jacket. The Englishman merely smiled at them as he approached. "Thank you for everything sensei, but I must take my leave now." Megumi protested. "But your wounds haven't healed-" "I appreciate your concern," he said, interrupting her gently. "But I'm fine really, thanks no doubt to your treatment." Kenshin then took his chance to enter the conversation. "Cadwell-dono, just what business do you have with the police?" "Nothing you should worry about, my friend," he said reassuringly. "Merely some trouble I've been having with the crew on one of my trading vessels." A lie of course, Kenshin could see right through it. But he decided better than to force the issue, no sense in getting involved until he had a better knowledge of what was going on. Cadwell then turned for the door, but stopped in his tracks as he saw Misao, who stood a few feet from him, a look of distrust on her face. Huddled around her were Suzume and Miyako, who looked at him with wide-eyed curiosity. Ayame however, hid behind the onmitsu, for reasons Cadwell very well knew. Sighing to himself, he got on his knees and gently called out to her. "Ayame, come here child." The young girl blinked, as did Misao and the other children, Kenshin and Megumi however, had a knowing look on their faces. Tentatively, she peeked over Misao's shoulder to look at the Englishman. His face now held a kind expression, with a gentle smile gracing his lips, totally unlike the fierce and frightening scowl she'd seen before. With nervous trepidation, the young girl disengaged herself from Misao to approach him. The onmitsu looked ready to protest, but a gentle hand on her shoulder stopped her. Surprised, she turned to look at Kenshin, who bore a reassuring look. Misao looked pensive, but said nothing as she turned back to watch Ayame. The smile on John Cadwell's face widened as the young girl finally came up to him. "I have something to show you," he said as he reached into his pocket. Ayame, though still nervous, wondered what it could be. The Englishman then pulled out his hand, and opened his fingers to show what was hidden. Ayame gasped, as did the others. It was a small piece of jewelry, the golden frame shaped like a bird, whilst in the middle a blood red stone was set, smoothed and polished. Ayame hadn't seen anything quite like it, it was like something out of a dream. Megumi and Misao were left their jaws hanging, they'd seen jewelry before, but nothing quite this exquisite. Kenshin looked amazed, while thinking how Kaoru would react to something so valuable. Miyako and Suzume were wide eyed with fascination, wanting something like that for themselves. The Englishman smiled at the girl's apparent interest. "Beautiful isn't it?" "H.hai," the elder Genzai sister let out in her stupor. "Then it's yours," he said simply. Ayame once again gasped, as did the others. "C.Cadwell-oniisan?!" Gently he reached out and took one of her hands, placing the jewel in it. "An old friend gave it to me, as a reminder." The young girl was speechless. It was obvious to her that the jewel was very special to him, yet he was giving it to her? She couldn't think of taking such something precious. John Cadwell smiled as he saw the obvious distress in her eyes. "Think of it as a gift Ayame, from me to you." He paused briefly, then continued. "And as an apology, for my earlier foolishness." Ayame stared at him, struggling for something to say, but after a moment realized there was only one thing she could say to him at the moment. "A.arigato.gozaimasu." The Englishman smiled once more, and stood up. He then bowed to the still staring trio of Kenshin, Megumi and Misao, and headed out the door. *********** Dr. Genzai let out one last yawn, as he strode into the main room of the clinic, to find his grandchildren, along with Kenshin, Miyako, Megumi and Misao standing there. "Ohayou, minna," he greeted. "Did I miss anything?" *********** "Report." "Meiya and Higun.have failed." "...Fools." "T-they were wronged my lord! If that traitorous heretic hadn't come in, they would have." "They were careless and stupid. Don't make any excuses for them." "H-hai.But we still have a chance my lord.We can still capture that gaijin." "Baka.It would be futile now, not with that Shinsengumi bastard watching over him." "He is no threat to us my lord." "Then you're even more of a fool than I thought, if you think Saitoh Hajime is merely an annoyance." "F-forgive me my lord!" "Enough! The Englishman will have to wait. What matters now is capturing the other chosen candidates.I assume you have that taken care of." "Yes my lord. The next two will be in our hands before tonight is over." "I hope so, for your sake." *********** "Onward!" the young boy cried as he pointed his shinai straight at the setting sun. He then shouted over his shoulder, "Oi! Come on you two! We haven't got time to dawdle!" Behind him, a young woman wearing a blue travelling kimono trudged along the dirt path. Behind her, a smiling youth followed, wearing a slightly tattered gi and hakama, whilst in his hands he carried a large straw hat. The woman merely glared at the boy's constant nagging. "Would you stop rushing us?! Mou! It's still a two day walk to Tokyo you know!" The young boy looked pleadingly at her. "Demo neechan! I just can't wait to see Kaoru-sensei again and everyone again!" With that, he took to a dash as they were crossing the bridge over the river. "Outa! Matte!" Ignorant of her pleas, Uki Higashidani looked ready to give chase, when a hand on her shoulder stopped her. Surprised, Uki turned to her companion, who still wore that reassuring smile on his face. "Daijobu, Uki-san," he said sweetly. "I'm sure Outa-san is just enthusiastic to train again." She sighed. "Well, you're probably right." His smile grew wider, as he eyed the young Higashidani swinging his shinai around. "Just look at him Uki-san, he'll be a fine swordsman one day." "Sou da ne," Uki replied, then sighed once more as she looked fondly at her little brother. Little by little, Outa was becoming the very image of Sanosuke. Uki then smiled in amusement, as she remembered the reactions of the people in the Kamiya dojo, when she revealed his relation to them. She wondered briefly, how he was doing in the New World. The news of his departure had saddened her when she'd heard it from Kaoru-sensei. She'd been hoping for another meeting, hopefully to convince him to stay with them, so they'd be a family once more. Outa still had no knowledge of his elder brother, and she hoped she'd spring the surprise on him when the time came. Wherever you are niichan. I hope you're happy. Her companion's voice then woke her from her thoughts. "Ara? Uki-san? I think you should stop Outa-san from doing that." Uki blinked, then turned to see what he was pointing out. Her eyes then bugged out, as she saw her younger brother, balancing himself on the bride support railing. "Outa!" Uki screamed as she rushed to his side. "Get down from there!" The young man watched with amusement, as Uki tried to keep her brother from falling into the river below. He then turned his head to look softly at the sun sinking within the horizon. The sight seemed to bring a sense of peace, as he let out a wistful sigh. "Did you feel such contentment on your journey, Himura-san?" he said to no one in particular. "Sojirou-san!" Uki yelled at him. "Help me here would you!" The former Ten-ken smiled sheepishly and rubbed the back of his head in response. "Hai hai." #### End of Chapter 5 An apology. I should have finished this long before, however, I got lazy and uninspired. So sue me. Hopefully such a thing will not occur in the future. Til then. I'm a prick. Jedi Brother Horace --------------------------- ONElist Sponsor ---------------------------- GRAB THE GATOR! FREE SOFTWARE DOES ALL THE TYPING FOR YOU! Tired of filling out forms and remembering passwords? Gator fills in forms and passwords with just one click! Comes with $50 in free coupons! Click Here ------------------------------------------------------------------------