Heh, my first ever fanfiction, and it's Rurouni Kenshin. Well this takes place 3 years after Kenji (Kaoru and Kenshin's son) was born. I hope you like it ^^



Chapter One

"No! Don’t touch that!" The cry resounded through the Kamiya dojo with amazing force, followed by the deafening clatter of wood and metal hitting the floor.

Yahiko threw himself over the small toddler as the wooden rack came crashing down on top of them, spilling shinai, boken, and katana alike into a twisted heap all around them.

As the dust settled, the young swordsman pushed himself off of the boy, wincing at the sharp pain in his back. His heart was pounding in his ears, terrified at what the circumstances could have been, and shocked they managed to come out virtually unhurt spare a few minor bruises and bumps. He silently cursed himself for not paying attention to the quick little child, who still lay on the floor, his eyes wide with fear.

Himura Kenji was the spitting image of his father, even down to the samurai’s amazing speed and quick wit. His tiny head was a lion’s mane of thick, fiery red hair, pulled back into a tiny ponytail, while his eyes were an amazing pale bluish-violet, not quite the same color of his fathers, being several shades lighter in hue. He even inherited the same doe like gaze, full on innocence and wonder, but Yahiko knew that behind those gentle eyes lay a swift and calculated cunning.

He picked the startled child up off the floor, holding him out at an arm's length, looking him over to make certain the boy was left unscathed by the accident.

As Yahiko grunted his satisfaction and set the boy down onto the floor, Kenshin came racing into the training hall, his face paling as he took in the destruction laying about the floor of the room. "Kenji!" he cried, relief flooding his expressions as the little boy giggled at his father’s panicked look.

"Boom!" he laughed, pointing to the fallen rack and mess of swords.

Yahiko rolled his eyes, grabbing the boy by the nape of his small kimono, "Ya, boom all right," he muttered, shoving the squirming child into Kenshin’s arms. "He’s fine Kenshin, as always."

Kenji clung to his father, one hand tangling into the deep red locks of Kenshin’s hair, his face twisting indignantly at Yahiko’s rough treatment, "No, Yah-baka!" he shouted, pointing a tiny finger in the young samurai’s direction, a small lip protruding in the process.

Yahiko sighed, Kaoru's genetics were not lost on the boy in the least bit. While he may not look like his mother, he definitely inherited her quick temper and fiery spirit. The combination of that element and Kenshin’s wits made the child a time bomb in Yahiko’s opinion.

Yahiko glared at the boy, "Your mom’s going to be pissed when she gets home," he stated, though his comment was more directed at Kenshin, "I can’t believe this is the thanks I get for saving your little butt again," he muttered hotly, walking stiffly out the door.

Kenshin set his son on the floor, knowing that the boy was in need of scolding for putting himself and Yahiko into danger, but the rurouni was poor when it came to lecturing his son, "Kenji-chan, what you did here was very bad, that it was. You and Yahiko could have been hurt." He wished he could call upon the strength of the battousai in situations such as this, thinking maybe the even voice and hard eyes would make his son take him seriously. It was no use though, even the battousai became a puddle of mush before his son, staying hidden deeply inside Kenshin, not wanting to be beaten down by the innocence of his child’s gaze.


**************


Too be continued...

Lol, so what ya think? Is it good for a first timer?

lol, very funny!!! see, i promised that ill read it!!

thanks. I'll just update chapter two.

Chapter Two

The sounds of gentle laugher and excited squeals welcomed Kaoru as she entered the gates of the dojo. She smiled lovingly and gingerly fingered the paper she held in her hand as she proceeded to the source of the ruckus.

Pausing just out of sight, she laughed softly at the scene before her. Sano sat lounging on the porch, grinning wickedly as little Kenji snatched one of Kenshin’s freshly cleaned sheets off the line. He tried to run, but his short little legs became tangled into the damp fabric and he fell to the ground in a heap. Kenshin pounced onto his son’s tiny form and rolled him up into the sheet, rendering the boy completely immobile. Kenji shrieked in glee as his father deposited him into the laundry basket, stating loudly how he would have to scrub that particular sheet a bit harder than the rest.

Kenji’s head popped out of the basket and turned to where she stood partially hidden. A puzzled look crossed his face but quickly gave way to frantic fumbling. "Ma! Ma!" he shouted, spilling himself onto the ground in his excitement.

"He’s his father’s son," Kaoru thought, stepping from the shadows, her arms held wide to embrace the energetic little boy. "Hello my little pet," she laughed, "Have you been a good boy while I was away?"

Kenji nodded his head vigorously, his small hands searching his mother’s kimono for any treats she may have brought him from town.

Kenshin stood up, dusting off his hakama and smiling sheepishly at his wife, "Welcome home koishii. Did you have a nice day in town?"

Kaoru nodded, picking her son up and moving closer to the porch. "I got the most wonderful news today Kenshin!" She pushed the paper she held in her hand at her husband, her eyes twinkling in excitement.

Kenshin scanned the paper slowly, "This is a letter from Misao dono."

Kaoru nodded, unable to stand the suspense any longer, "Yes! There’s going to be a festival in Kyoto and she’s invited us to come and stay with them a few days!" She looked at Kenshin pleadingly, her blue eyes dancing in delight at the idea of a festival.

Kenshin glanced at Kenji, worried how such a trip would effect the little boy, but felt himself crumble at the look in Kaoru's eyes. He nodded is agreement, "It sounds like a fine idea."

Kaoru threw an arm around Kenshin’s neck, almost dropping little Kenji, "Thank you so much Kenshin! We’ll have so much fun!" She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before turning away and practically skipping into the dojo.

Kenshin watched them go, his son babbling away in his mother’s arms. "Kyoto," Kenshin thought, "This will be the first time we all have gone back since Kenji was born." He, himself, had gone back every year to pay respect to Tomoe and visit their friends at the Aoiya, the trip was rather long, and he hoped his son would behave himself.

He smiled to himself, thinking that a trip would be a nice change of pace though, and he quietly began to rewash the laundry that sat next to him.

"KENSHIN!" he heard Kaoru shriek, "What happened to my training hall?!?"

"Oro!"

I like it. Very funny too. But one thing confuses me. In the anime, I heard that towards the end, Kenshin died from some poison that couldn't be cured or something.

jaja, is cute, you just have to imagine little kenji, so inocent :bgiggle: even though i cab hardly imagine kenshin as a dad

well he died when Kenji was about 12 or 13. But I'm going to get to it later

nooooooo :bigeyescry: really??? i love kenshin, he is my third boyfriend :tinyum:

Heh, really. Kenshin does die cause that's how the story was written. Well it's kinda funny how some shows leave in the loop hole in the end for someone to write a fan fic. That loop hole usually isn't intentional anyway.

Chapter Three

"Kenji chan, give me that towel," Kenshin pleaded to his son from inside the tub. He tried to make his face as stern and parent like as he could, but once again only succeeded in making the tiny boy laugh at him.

Kenji perched himself near the edge of the tub, his own hair barely dry from his bath. He whipped the only clean towel Kenshin had left precariously close to the water's surface. He squealed in glee each time Kenshin made a desperate swipe for the towel, pulling it away at the last minute, and moving quickly to the other side of the tub.

"Kenji, we don’t have time to play games," Kenshin begged, "Your mother will be angry if we miss the train!" He knew his words were lost on the young ears and his efforts to persuade his son to give in to his wishes were in vain. The game of cat and mouse was far to entertaining for his son to give up, and Kenshin had a sneaking suspicion the boy realized his father was in a dire position. With out that towel, Kenshin would be forced to drip dry and spend half the trip in wet clothing. The samurai mentally kicked himself for not foreseeing this event and properly stocking the bathhouse.

"Kenji," he stated, making another lunge for his son’s arm.

The sudden movement and sound of his father’s voice caused the toddler to jump and panic, tossing the towel into the water.

The two of them watched as the towel slowly sank to the bottom of the tub, a fine film of bubbles covering the surface of the water. "Uh oh," Kenji whispered, his pale violet/blue eyes widening, "All wet."

Kenshin sighed and ran a hand over his wet hair, picturing himself sitting on a train, in wet clothing and listening to Kaoru rave on about how late they were due to this incident. This day was not starting out to be a good one, and it didn’t look like it would get any better any time soon. He gave his son a defeated look, "Yes, all wet," he muttered, fishing the soaked cloth out with his foot.

Kenji regarded his father quietly for a moment, then knelt down before him at the edge of the tub. "What is it Kenji chan," Kenshin asked, moving closer to his son, afraid he may have frightened the boy with his exasperation.

He was surprised when the small boy took his face into small hands and peered closely into his violet eyes. The tiny fingers moved slowly over the ridges and creases of Kenshin’s features, tickling the bridge of his nose, the arch of his brow, and the line of his lips. The hands came to rest flat against the scar on his cheek, and pale eyes met violet again in an innocent question. "Owie," Kenji breathed, tracing the scar with a small finger, his brows furrowed with worry. Frowning, the boy leaned close and softly kissed the center of the X shaped scar, and rested his cheek against his fathers wet hair.

Kenshin swallowed against the lump in his throat, his body frozen by his son’s intimate gesture. He closed his eyes, his heart swelling with love for his remarkably compassionate child, "Not anymore Kenji chan," he whispered into the boy’s ear, "Not anymore." He pulled away from the boy and took his face into both hands, planting a kiss on each cheek.

Little Kenji suddenly giggled at his father’s affection and threw his arms around the man’s neck. "Better! Better!" he cheered, completely unaware his sudden movement caught Kenshin completely off guard and threw off his balance. Kenshin slipped in the tub, his arms protectively clasping his son into his arms as he lurched backwards into the water.

Kenji sputtered as he swallowed some water, clutching his father’s neck desperately. "Uh oh," he repeated, holding up a wet sleeve of his new kimono. "I know, I know all wet," Kenshin sighed.

sooooo sweet!! :supbear:

Chapter Four

Kaoru gave both son and father a dirty look as she settled herself onto the train. She could hardly believe how much trouble the two of them could manage to get into with out proper supervision, and sometimes considered hiring a baby-sitter for them. She was one woman, living in a house full of men, and in her mind she had four children, a three year old, thirty three year old, twenty two year old, and a fourteen year old. Each one was strong willed and stubborn, courageous and bold, but none of them were capable of taking care of themselves all alone, at least not properly. They relied on Kaoru to give them the attention they craved, as a wife, big sister, little sister, and mother. Though that thought touched her heart, she still could not believe how much trouble they could be sometimes.

"I swear you two," she muttered, eyeing both father and son, "Always playing games at the most inappropriate times."

Kenji clung to his father’s new black gi, his hands knotted into the collar tightly. He stared at his mother with wide, blameless eyes, his head cocked to one side in question, "Oro?"

Kaoru shook her head and Kenshin laughed, putting on his best rurouni grin. Trying to tell him the truth about what happened in the bath would only seem like an excuse and it was best not to argue with his wife right now on what actually constituted a game or an accident. "Aa, it’s okay koishii, we made it with some time to spare," he offered and hoping she wouldn’t give him anymore hassle about how wet his clothes still were.

Kaoru rolled her eyes, "Where’s Yahiko, he should have been here by now!" Her irritation was growing with the absence of her student, though she knew he was saying goodbye to Tsubame at the Akabeko.

Kenji stood up on his father’s lap at the mention of his pseudo-brothers name, "Yako!" he shouted over and over again, bouncing on his father’s thighs in excitement, his pale eyes dancing.

Kenshin grimaced as the jumping became more intense, his muscles beginning to protest the abuse, "Maa, maa Kenji chan," he groaned, trying to still the boy.

As if on cue, the dark haired swordsman appeared, throwing a knapsack into an empty seat next to Kaoru and sitting down with a loud thump. "Hiya squirt," he said, ruffling Kenji’s red hair and allowing the boy to crawl onto his lap. "Where were you," Kaoru snapped, glaring hard at the young samurai.

Yahiko returned her dark look, "I had stuff to do. I made it here on time, so why don’t you shut up and enjoy the ride busu," he retorted.

Kenji looked back and forth between the pair, his little mind working quickly, "Bu-su?" he repeated, liking the way the word fell from his lips. "Busu!" he shouted suddenly, causing people to turn and look at the small family, "Busu! Busu! Busu!" His voice became louder and louder, drawing more and more attention.

Kaoru's face turned a dark red while Yahiko roared with laughter, "I’m surprised he didn’t pick that one up sooner!"

"Mou!" Kaoru cried, taking her son from her student and shushing him.

**********

Kenji sat staring out the window of the train, trying to take in all the sights and sounds as the world whizzed by him. He was frightened at first, when the train lurched to a start, crying out to his mother and hiding his face in her neck, but as the trip continued, his fear gave way to curiosity, and he found courage in his adult’s reassuring smiles.

Kenshin leaned back, his hands tucked into his gi, smiling softly as he watched his son’s curiosity perk here and there at this new experience. He never tired of watching his son, content to bath himself in the purity and innocence that embedded itself deep in the pale violet of his young eyes. With each angelic giggle or cherub smile, Kenshin could almost feel himself growing younger, his entire past forgotten by the light he saw in his child’s eyes. Never in his wildest dreams could he have imagined feeling so at peace with himself, nor could he imagine knowing such happiness.

Kenji squirmed in his mother’s lap. He made a small sound, almost mouse like, and yawned big. His eyes began to droop, shutting occasionally, only to have them snap back open in attempt to ward off the sleep that threatened him.

Kenshin chuckled to himself as he watched his son battle against the lull of the train. He was actually surprised the boy made it this far, out lasting both Yahiko and his mother, both long since napping softly in their seats. Still, curiosity was a good companion to insomnia, and little Kenji was obviously intrigued by everything that was going on. Kenshin felt his own eyelids grow heavy, his families peacefulness and contentment infecting him. He waited quietly, observing his son through lowered lashes, until he was certain the boy had fallen asleep. Only then did he let himself doze off.

i told you i would read it, and i did! i love it.its very good. :moji:

Thanks ^^ Well Here's chapter 5, hope you enjoy it!

Chapter Five

Kaoru san! Himura san!" A high pitched voice echoed above the monotonous drone of the train station, drowning out the noise of people walking and talking. The group turned to see a short, boyish figure darting in and out between other patrons, shoving a few of them out of her way as she approached.

Kaoru smiled wide and deposited Kenji into Yahiko’s arms, running to meet the girl who called her name, "Misao chan," she shouted gleefully, throwing her arms around her friend in happy reunion. The two women jumped up and down for a moment then began a boisterous chatter amongst one another.

"I’m so happy you guys made it!"

"Thank you for inviting us Misao chan!"

"How are things in Tokyo?"

"How’s the Aoiya?"

"Wow, I can’t believe you’re here! It’s been so long!"

"You need to visit us!"

"I really like your hair Kaoru!" The men folk, who finally caught up to the women, stood spell bound, looking back and forth between them as the random chatter continued. Though the conversation dumbfounded them, it was apparent that Misao and Kaoru understood each other perfectly, with out bothering to answer each other’s questions and comments. Kenji scrunched up his face and buried it into the collar of Yahiko’s gi.

Yahiko patted the boy softly on the back, "I know Kenji chan, pretty scary huh?" Kenji whimpered in response.

"OH MY GOSH!" Misao squealed, her attention drawn to the small form in Yahiko’s arms, "Will you look at that!" With out thinking, she plucked Kenji from the boy samurai’s arms, holding him out at an arms length to get a better look at him. She laughed mightily, and spun the boy around, "No one can say he’s not yours Himura, that’s for sure! He’s your spitting image!" She hugged the boy tightly to her, crushing his tiny body against her ninja outfit.

"Uh, Misao dono," Kenshin started wearily.

Kenji’s eyes were the size of teacups, his little mouth drawn into a startled circle on his tiny face. He had no idea who this strange woman was that tore him away from the arms of one of his trusted family members and threw him around like a doll. Her voice hurt his ears and her obnoxiously loud laughter frightened him.

A friendly child by nature, usually unafraid of strangers and use to people ogling him in the street for his exotic looks and unmatched cuteness, he often took admiration in good stride. This time, however, it was different. This strange woman went far enough to take him out of his brother’s arms, to touch him as if she knew him somehow, like she had the right to carry him away from his family members saftey.

His stunned shock lasted only a few seconds, before the confusion and fear gave way to panic and anger. His deeply imbedded fighting spirit surfaced, and his small mind told him to get this little woman away from him, to fend her off and return to the safety of his mothers arms. As Misao hugged him to her, cutting off the circulation to his small limbs, he took the opportunity to bite her as hard as he could on the shoulder. He crushed his jaws together until they hurt, hearing her scream in pain as he did so, and only let go once she let her grip release him.

Kenshin sprang forward to catch his son as he fell, grabbing the back of his little kimono just before he hit the ground. The boy’s pale eyes darkened into a deep purple, his tiny body shaking in fear and anger as he hung from his father’s grasp. "NO!NO!NO!NO!NO!NO!NO!NO!" His small voice echoed across the train station, drawing attention the scene that they created. A small group of people surrounded them, whispering amongst one another, watching to see what would happen next.

"Oh Misao!" Kaoru cried, her face strained in remorse, "Are you okay?" Misao brushed away the tears of pain that welled in the corners of her eyes and pulled at the corner of her shirt, twisting her head to try to see the wound. A double set of teeth marks, perfect to a mold, imbedded deeply into her flesh, which was already becoming swollen and purple around the bite mark. She sucked in her breath, knowing that she would have a nasty bruise by the end of the day, but thankful the little lion hadn’t broken the skin.

Yahiko doubled up on the ground, laughing so hard he had to clasp his stomach in pain. It was about time someone else was on the receiving end of one of Kenji’s ferocious bites, though the boy had never bitten him that hard before. He knew what was going to happen the minute the girl grabbed Kenji out of his arms, the boy would not stand for manhandling, especially not from a complete stranger. It did not surprise him in the least that instead of crying out like the small child he was, that Kenji chose to fight back. Crying didn’t suit Kenji, he rarely cried about anything.

"You’re such an idiot, weasel girl!" Yahiko laughed.

Karou smacked the boy across the back of his head, "Yahiko, it’s not funny," she shouted, "Show some respect!"

Yahiko snorted, rubbing his skull and glaring at her, "She deserved it! Scaring poor Kenji like that!"

Kaoru balled up her fist, but didn’t bash him like he expected her too. He was right in a sense, but it still didn’t make her embarrassment at her son’s behavior go away. He acted like a wild animal, biting Misao so hard he nearly broke the skin. This was not the introduction she had planned for her friend and son, not at all.

Misao gave Yahiko a dirty look, but turned to where Kenshin was attempting to calm his traumatized son. "Yahiko CHAN is right Kaoru," she apologized, "I got so excited seeing him, I forgot he had no idea who I was. I’d react the same way, I think." She glanced at her shoulder again, then gave Kenji an apologetic smile, hoping he’d accept her peace offering.

Kenji bared his teeth at her in response, then wrapped his fists so tightly into his fathers long, red hair that the man winced in pain.

"Kenji chan," Kenshin groaned, trying to untangle the small fingers from his hair, but failing miserably as the boy just grabbed for more hair, not wanting to be taken away from the safety of his father. "Kenji, it’s okay," Kenshin tried again, "But it was not nice to bite Misao dono, that it wasn’t." He sighed in defeat as the boy continued to scowl at the girl, ignoring his father’s reassurance.

ouch! poor misao

whooo...i love this fanfic. You should update more often

yes! its cool! write more please!

okay, okay. Here's the next chapter

Chapter Six

The group made their way to the Aoiya, stopping only once so Misao could buy a gift for Kenji, hoping to smooth the waters somehow. Luckily for her, he was easily persuaded when it came to sweets, and immediately found himself clutching the hem of her shorts, begging for more of the strange western treat she called chocolate. Karou protested giving him anything at all, afraid he’d see it as a reward for behaving like such a barbarian, but Misao insisted, accepting the entire fault for her rash actions.

By the time they made it to the Aoiya, Kenji’s round cheeks and short fingers were covered in the sticky substance.

"Kenji chan, don’t rub your eyes," Kaoru warned, pulling a small hand away from the eye he was trying to scratch. He fussed at her for her interference, yanking his arm away. Karou sighed as she watched her son drag a messy hand across his brow, matting together the fine hairs of his eyebrow and lashes together in sticky clumps of brown. It was then that she noticed that the sweets had made it somehow into his ear and hair. She sighed at the mess that lay before her and looked at her husband, who smiled at his son, "He’s going to need a bath," she muttered, giving Kenshin a hard look.

Misao giggled at the worn look on Kaoru’s face, but thankful she wasn’t the one who would have to clean the child up, it was the privilege of an aunt to give things that would cause the parents suffering. Laughing, she reached for the door of the Aoiya, but was knocked back as it flew open with amazing force. She found herself crushed into a massive bear hug, her breathing cut off.

"Your back! We’ve missed you Misao!" Okina laughed merrily, hugging the girl harder.

Misao sputtered, gasping for breath, "I was only gone two hours, geez gramps!" She wrenched herself free of the vice like grip of the old man.

Yahiko raised his brows and leaded closer to Kenshin, "That old guy hasn’t changed a bit," he whispered.

Okina straightened his kimono and turned to their guests, his arms held wide, "Welcome back my friends! It’s been quite sometime!" He smiled a goofy, lopsided smile as he gazed at each of them, his eyes finally resting on little Kenji. "Who do we have here?"

Misao tugged at his sleeve, lowering her voice, "Don’t pick him up gramps, " she motioned to her injured shoulder, pulling down the collar so he could see the imprints of their first meeting.

Okina rolled his eyes and approached the little boy, who fisted a hand into his father’s hakama.

"Who might you be?" he asked, smiling at the boy, "A mini Himura san indeed!" Kenshin smiled and patted the boy’s head, "This is my son, Himura Kenji."

Okina nodded, standing up, "That’s for sure, except I’d say you’re the cleaner of the two." Everyone laughed, except Kenji, who just stood there, his face, hair, and hands covered in chocolate, not certain what everyone thought was so funny.

"Misao gave him some sweets," Kaoru smiled, "I’m afraid he is in desperate need of a bath."

Okina grinned and patted Kenji’s head, "Children will be children. Why, Misao had to take at least three baths a day when she was his age!" The old man’s eyes twinkled in mischief, "Now she’s down to about two a day, but we have hope that she’ll some day grow up and only need to bath once a day."

Everyone burst out laughing, except Misao, who clenched her fist in humiliation, "That’s not funny old man!"

**********

jaja, thats cool

thankies. I am writing the next chapter right now :)

ok, ill wait for it

o about the end to the kenshin anime- the original manga ended quite happily while the anime ended in tragedy.

the reason the two endings are different is because the artist wasn't finished with the third story arc of the MANGA when the studio wanted to start the third story arc of the ANIME. so the ppl in studio sorta did what they wanted to do. which would naturally be different so- if you want the story to go on just write a fanfic as if you were continuing the manga instead of the anime

love
dani
dude

yes, I know what happens in the end in both Anime and Manga. But thanks for the infomation anyways

o ok... that's kool!

well umm...i really like your story you're a really good writer!!

umm... my personal fanfic (yyh- hiei/yukina title:girl of eternal suffering) starts off rough but the main part the story is better formulated in my mind. could some ppl check it out plz! it sux so far but it'll get better!

promise!

love
dani
dude

Chapter Seven

Evening closed rapidly on the Aoiya, the last traces of sunlight slowly fading behind the buildings that lined the streets of Kyoto. The sounds and smells of supper cooking wafted through the air of the Aoiya, causing hungry stomachs to growl and complain in anticipation. Kaoru chopped up vegetables with a sharp cutting knife, being strictly forbidden to actually participate in the cooking part of the dinner preparations. She didn’t mind, contented to chat with Misao as she stirred a pot of stew in the corner.

Outside, Yahiko concentrated on some practice swings, while Kenshin engaged his son in a game of chase. Okina and the other members of the Oniwaban, minus Aoshi, sat on the porch, cheering little Kenji on as he desperately tried to capture his father. They all roared with laughter as Kenshin used his god like speed to vanish from his son’s view, only to turn up suddenly behind him, swatting him sharply on the behind.

Kaoru could hear the merry sounds and longed to become a part of it. She quickly finished her kitchen duties, chopping up all the vegetables with amazing speed and excusing herself politely. She walked softly down the hall, finding a quiet place just inside the door to watch the melee going on outside.

Watching Kenshin play with children was one of her favorite past times, ever since he came to live at the dojo with her. She wasn’t sure why, but maybe it had something to do with the fascination of how such a potentially dangerous man could become so enamored in silly children’s games. She was convinced he actually enjoyed behaving like a wee child himself, never becoming embarrassed when caught in the midst of a childish game. Any other grown man would not be caught dead doing such ridiculous things, but Kenshin didn’t care.

He was completely content to chase balls, blow bubbles, draw in the sand, or run around on all fours, laughing and smiling like an idiot the entire time.

"Making up for lost time, perhaps," she thought to herself, knowing her husband had little recollection of his childhood before he was adopted by Hiko and taught to wield a sword.

Children were attracted to her husband, he told her once it was always like that, they followed him around, even as the Hitokiri Battousai, begging him to play with them. Even then he obliged them, though Kaoru found it hard to picture the younger, darker side of Kenshin behaving the way he did now with children, but she didn’t doubt him in the least. He was the same man, an undying love of all things innocent and pure.

"They say children can see one’s true heart," she thought quietly, smiling to herself as she thought of the two little girls left back in Tokyo. Ayame and Suzume adopted Kenshin as their brother the minute he stepped foot into the dojo, following him around with unfaltering devotion and love. They engaged him games little girls played, and he never objected, laughing with them, caring for them as if they were his own. They never had any doubts about his character or motives, they understood him better than any of the adults he surrounded himself with.

The bond Kenshin shared with Kenji was very different though, she could see her husband’s chains fall free every time he held, touched, or laughed with his son. Kenji was the keeper of his father’s newly found joy, while Kenshin was the protector. They were inseperable, tied to each other in more than just blood, but in soul and heart as well, and strangely enough, as young as Kenji was, he seemed to understand this. He was remarkably sensitive to his father’s moods and needs, so much it made Kaoru envy the relationship they had to some extent. It sometimes seemed as if Kenji could feel his father’s pains and regrets, and responded to him, offering the healing touch only he possessed. They needed each other, no, Kenshin needed Kenji, the roles reversed somehow.

She chuckled as Kenshin once again disappeared before Kenji, this time hiding out of sight from him, leaving the boy standing in the middle of the yard with a perplexed and frustrated look on his face. Little Kenji would not be so easily defeated, and he remained motionless, his features twisting into intense concentration. His large eyes darkened slightly, and he turned slowly, peering carefully into the shadows of the yard, looking at something only he seemed to be able to see. "You can’t hide from him," she thought to herself as Kenji squealed and took off running into the shadows cast by the large gate of the back yard. She heard Kenshin laugh, and the startled gasps of the men on the porch. Kenshin immerged from the shadows, a tiny body attached to his leg, both laughing hysterically as they made their way back to the center of the yard.

"I’m not certain what surprises me more, the Battousai with a child, or the Battousai looking truly at peace with himself," a deep, yet monotone voice said from behind her.

Kaoru turned slightly, her eyes fixing on the tall, dark form of Aoshi. His face remained stoic, impossible to read as he continued to follow her family’s game play, trying to analyze and make sense of what he was actually seeing before him. She shrugged it off, having given up on trying to understand the man a long time ago. He was absolutely impossible read, but she knew she had nothing to fear from him. He was a good and honest man, a true ally in times of need.

"It does seem strange doesn’t it," she answered quietly, "But he deserves the peace he now has, doesn’t he?"

Aoshi answered her with a grunt and the two of them continued to watch as Kenshin fell to the ground, falling over the small form of Kenji attached to his leg. The boy pounced onto his stomach and proceeded to beat him relentlessly with a small twig. Kenshin put his arms up in front of his face, crying out in mock distress as the brittle stick tickled his wrists with each feather light hit. Kenji giggled maddeningly at his father’s helplessness, bouncing up and down now on the man's stomach.

"He never did possess a hitokiri heart," Aoshi stated.

Kaoru nodded again in agreement. Her husband may have been the most feared hitokiri in Japan, but he was nothing more than a machine, a tool used during a time of war. His true heart was that of a gentle and compassionate man, but in order to complete his duties, he buried that part of him away. He could not hide his true self away for long though, the guilt and horror of his occupation became too much for his kind heart to bear. He branded himself a monster, untouchable and unhuman, doomed to wander the world and repent for his sins the rest of his life.

Healing was a slow process for Kenshin, the wheels of motion set into spin by Tomoe, his first wife and the woman who showed him a ray of light and hope inside his dark world. Destiny brought him to Kaoru’s after ten years of wandering, and inside the gates of the dojo he learned to love again and be loved. The completion came with the birth of Kenji, Kenshin’s life finally coming full circle and starting anew once again, but this time through the light inside his child’s eyes.

Kaoru smiled as Kenji suddenly yawned big, discarding his brutal weapon and laying his head down upon his father’s chest, both still lying in the dusty yard of the Aoiya. He was finished playing, too tired to move anymore, the events of the day finally catching up with his young body. Kenshin raised his head slightly to look at his son, smiling, he rubbed the boys back until his eyes closed into sleep.

Kaoru pushed herself away from the wall she was leaning on, turning slightly to Aoshi, "Children heal the heart Aoshi san," she stated, watching the blue eyes that still remained fixed upon child and father. She thought she could see a spark of something in them, maybe envy or regret, but she wasn’t certain. She turned away from the man, leaving him with his own thoughts, and went to retrieve husband and child from the yard.