((AN:The beginning of this chapter was inspired by my friend @Jennzi_Magimachi ! Thanks so much for this! You rock!))

I smiled as I walked through town with the groceries for Kaoru-dono and the others at the dojo. I was sent on an errand by Kenshin to get the groceries for tonight's dinner. And, after vowing to grow up like Kenshin is now, I agreed. I hummed to myself and before I knew it, was surrounded by a group of men. 

"Excuse me," I said politely. "But you are blocking my path. Kindly move out of the way." One of them walked to me groggily.  I could tell he was drunk by the way he was stumbling and the red rims around his eyes. "Little girls are good for nothing but sex," he said. I gasped and my eyes narrowed. "Excuse me?" I said. "Drop!" another man ordered. "You two have had one too many and I really think you should-!" They grabbed me and smirked. "We warned you. Now we'll have to undress you ourselves!" I gasped and whimpered as they tried to rip open my kimono. "OTUSAN!!!" I yelled. "Someone, help me!!!"

"SHUT UP!!!!" the bandit yelled, punching me in the stomach. I coughed and all of the wind was knocked out of me. I cried, about to resign myself to my fate, when suddenly... An arm wrapped around my shoulder, pulling me towards something. Actually, someone..

"Are you alright, babe?" a voice asked from behind me. I gasped as I saw a man that looked to be about in his twenties (if not older) with brown hair and eyes to match. Tied around his head was a red bandanna that was tucked deeply within his messy, bird's-nest hair. He wore a white jacket with black trimmed around the edges and white pants. On both of his arms were red wristbands. In his free hand, he held what looked to me like a giant sword. I tried to speak but was at a loss for words at how beautiful and handsome my rescuer was.

"Ah....ummm....A-ah...." was all that came out. He smiled gently at me. "Good." He then turned to the men who ambushed me, his eyes narrowed. "You men have a lot of guts. Trying to rape the lover of Zanza!" I blushed deeply. Lover?! Zanza?! What the hell was this guy talking about?! The men trembled with fear as Zanza walked up to them. "Oh crap!!!! She's Zanza's lover?!" the one that grabbed me said. "Ahhh!!!!! Run away!!!!" the leader said. In an instant, the men were gone.

I stared a while at my rescuer. For an older man, he had good looks. I blushed deeply. Why was I thinking that?! I had only just MET the guy!!!! Zanza turned back to me. "You alright?" he asked. "Umm...Y-yeah. I-I think so," I replied once I found my voice.  "Good," he repeated as he walked away. "Ah! Hey wait!!!" I called after him. Too late. He was already to far too hear me. I sighed sadly, picked up the boxes I'd dropped, and returned to the dojo.

"Otusan, I'm home!" I called as I walked through the door. He smiled. "Ah! Arigato, Ammara-dono," he said, taking the boxes from me. His smile fell as he stared at me a moment. "What's wrong, Otusan?"I asked. "Your kimono. It's ripped open at the chest," he said. 

I looked away and sighed, covering the exposed spot with my bare hand. "Just some trouble with drunk guys. Some guy rescued me," I replied. He smiled. "Oh? Who was he?" I blushed. "He...Didn't say his real name but...The men called him 'Zanza'," I replied. "Ammara-dono...Are you alright? You're blushing," Otusan said, pointing to my cheeks. I blushed deeper. "I am not! It's just...windburn!" I said.

Otusan put up his hands and smiled. "Alright. If you say so, daughter," he said. I walked outside and saw Kaoru-dono juggling. "Hey, you're really good at that!" the youngest girl said. "Yeah, you're really good at that!" the eldest repeated. She smiled. "I guess I haven't lost my touch, have I?" Yahiko smiled. "I guess every girl has a trait, no matter how ugly they are!" he said. 

Then, the three beanbag balls Kaoru juggled were chucked at Yahiko's face. "OWW!!!" he said. "What'd you do that for?! I was paying you a complement, in case you didn't notice!" "Yahiko, I hate to tell you this, but you won't get popular with girls unless you change that attitude of yours!" Kaoru said. "Oh yeah? Well how are you going to find a guy to marry you with a face like THAT?!" Yahiko retorted. 

Their argument ended as it always does. With Kaoru chasing her student through the dojo, yelling. Kenshin smiled, along with Dr. Gensai. "Well I guess I'll go prepare some lunch," he said. Kaoru and Yahiko stopped fighting and turned to him. "By the way, Kenshin, what's on the menu for today?" Kaoru asked. "Let's see...The cooked Burdock root that Ammara-dono brought with the groceries today and...Oh! That's right! The eggplants I picked in the garden yesterday should be ready to eat right about now, I bet!" he said, smiling.

Yahiko sighed. "Man, that's so boring! Can't we afford to go out to eat once in a while?" he whined. Kaoru scowled. "What are you talking about? You're living here for free aren't you?" She asked, her eyebrows lowered in anger.  "Why don't you think before saying things like that?!" I sighed and tuned them out as I walked to my room at the dojo. Zanza...Why would he call me his lover? I thought. Sure he was trying to get those drunks away from me, but why? I'd never even seen the man before! My thoughts were interrupted by rummaging sounds coming from Kaoru's storeroom.

"What's she doing in there?" Yahiko wondered aloud. I shrugged. A few minutes later, Kaoru-dono came out with something in her hands. "What happened in there, did you bump your head or something?" Yahiko asked, his eyebrows raised. Kaoru smiled. "I just remembered! Look at this!" she exclaimed happily. She unfolded the scroll gently and smiled more. "My Grandpa did this- this- whatchamacallit!" Kenshin stared at it wide-eyed. "It's...A doodle,"he said.

Kaoru scowled angrily. "It's an INK PAINTING!!!!" I stared at the painting a while. It had great craftsmanship. Dr. Gensai's eyes widened. "Wow. That sure looks like something. Such execution," he said. Kaoru smiled. "My grandpa was a well-known ink artist in Tokyo, as well as a first-class swordsman. I can sell this for a lot of money!" she said. I smiled at her. "Let's go to Akabeko and have beef stew! What do you say?" Kaoru said. "Cool!" Yahiko said. 

I sighed heavily. "What's the matter, Ammara-chan?" Kaoru-dono asked. "It's just...I bought these groceries so Kenshin could make his dinner. Now I feel bad that he can't," I said. Kenshin smiled. "It's alright, Ammara-dono. I can make dinner next time. Let's just go with Miss Kaoru and have fun. Alright?" he said calmly. I nodded. "Okay." 

-At Akabeko-

I smiled as we walked in. "Akabeko...It's been a while since I've been here." I looked at the small booth and sighed. "Looks like I won't fit. Better get a table for myself," I said. "I wouldn't want anyone to feel uncomfortable." I walked to the booth nearest to Kaoru and the others and sat in it alone. I sighed sadly as I heard them talking. I was still pondering over why Zanza had rescued me. As well as why he didn't tell me his name.  My thoughts were interrupted by a shout of "You're wrong!!!" I turned to the booth beside me and saw the same drunk men that tried to rape me the other day.

"We'll never see free democracy in Japan playing it safe like that! You gotta take risks!" the same guy that yelled before said. "That may be, but it puts too much pressure on Dr. Itagaki," the man in the middle said. "Right," the third guy said. "Okubo, the Lord of Domestic Affairs is a guy who will go up against even the Great Saigon!" The first guy stood. "Yeah, but the doctor should be ready to give his life for democracy!!!" "Don't be a fool!" the middle man said. "What's gonna come outta those romantic ideas?!"

I sighed. These guys were drunk off their ass! I wanted no part in hearing this. Instead, I returned to my food and tea. "I don't know either, but it appears to be just as you say," Kenshin said, smiling. Then...CRASH!!!!! Something hit the back of Kenshin's head with great force. A sake glass. I growled angrily and turned to the man that threw it. "Hey!!!!" I yelled. He turned. "You should apologize when throwing things at people!" I said angrily. 

"Ammara's right!" Yahiko said, standing beside Kenshin. "Before you guys talk about cleaning up the government, maybe you should try looking at YOURSELVES!" The man in the middle scowled. "The issues we're talking about are far beyond some punk-mouthed little kids abilities to comprehend!" Yahiko scoffed. "Oh yeah, right!" he said. "I doubt you even understand what you're TALKING about, ya big drunk!" 

The guy on the end walked up to Yahiko and growled. "Who are you calling a drunk?! We run a crusade for the Democracy!" "Oh please!" I said, folding my arms angrily. "Even a drunk Crusader is still a drunk!!" The waitress who told us about Yahiko the last time we were here, Tae-san, walked over to them. "Excuse me, but...We prefer not to have any trouble,"she said timidly. "What?! " the man said angrily. He raised his hand to slap the waitress. "Shut up! Stay outta this, woman!!!!" I gasped and took the blow for her. I cried out in pain as it hit. "Ammara-chan!!!!" Kaoru-dono yelled.

Suddenly, a hand shot out, steadying me while making sure I didn't fall. "Somehow...I always thought..." a familiar voice said from behind me. "That democracy existed for the weak." I gasped and looked up, seeing the man who had rescued me before. Zanza. In a swift movement, he pulled me closer to him. "Or is it...That the democracy you fools preach...Is the freedom to get drunk, and give innocent folks a hard time with your big mouths?" he continued. The guy who slapped me balled up his fists. "What was that, you son of a-?!" 

Zanza turned to me and smiled. "Are you alright?" he asked gently. I nodded. "Y...Yes. Thank you," I said. This is the second time he's saved me today. I thought. "Hey! Are you trying to pick a fight with us bozo?!" the guy asked. "Heh...I guess I wouldn't mind picking a fight for a change," Zanza said coldly. "Zanza..." I said softly. The man growled angrily. "What was that?!" "Usually, I don't have any choice about who I fight with," Zanza said. "But I can't stand people abusing those who are weaker than them, so something about that kinda bugs me. Especially people who talk about freedom and justice for all. That REALLY pisses me off." He then held me as close to him as possible.

"Plus I thought I already warned you guys....About hurting my lover," he said angrily. I gasped. There he went again with the whole "my lover" thing. WHY DID HE KEEP SAYING THAT?! Not that I mind it, I thought. It feels kinda...Nice to hear him say that about me. "I dare ya to say that again!!!" another man said. "Let's take it outside!" the one who slapped me said. Zanza smirked. "Sounds good to me!" Then, he turned to me. "What's your name?" he whispered softly in my ear. I blushed, feeling his warm breath tickle a soft spot on my ear. That felt good too... "A-Ammara..." I replied.

"Listen closely, Ammara..." he said softly. "I meant what I said. No one hurts my lover. I'll make those guys regret the moment they laid eyes on you." I resisted the urge to scream "HELLO, WE AREN'T LOVERS!!!!!" and nodded at his words. I blushed deeply. The reason he called me his lover...Was because he loved me! But why someone like me? I'm not beautiful...I'm not strong like he is! Sure, I could wield a sword, but other than that, I was completely useless! Zanza gently patted my shoulder, before walking outside to face the drunkards.

-outside Akabeko-

I watched the fighters anxiously. Every so often, I'd shift my gaze from Zanza, who's face was like stone, to the drunkards, who were smirking, confident that they'd win. "This is starting to get a little strange, isn't it?" Kaoru asked, looking at the battle as well. "I'm wondering if it would be wise to stop them..." Kenshin said. "I don't see why you have to, seeing as they're the ones that wanna do this anyway," Yahiko said. Zanza... I thought, my eyes wide with concern. Please come back alive...Please be safe... 

I watched as the first drunkard readied himself to fight. "I won't take it easy on you! Even if you CRY!" he said, smirking. "First, let's see how strong you are..." Zanza pointed to the middle of his forehead. "Right here," he said. "Take your best shot." The drunkard growled and charged Zanza, his fist raised. "I'LL SHOW YOU A THING OR TWO!!!!!" I gasped as I saw the dagger concealed in the man's fist. "TAKE THIS!!!!!!!!" He struck Zanza, and I couldn't see what had happened.

Kaoru was angry. "Unfair! To have a dagger hidden away like that!!!" "Quit yappin'!" said the second drunkard. "By its very nature, a dagger is meant to be hidden!" added the third. Kenshin's eyes narrowed. "There is some truth in what this man says," he said. "But this one doesn't appear to have worked. Look." I gasped as I saw that the blade hit Zanza's bandanna, but did absolutely no damage to him. 

The drunk's dagger fell and his finger and arm fell limply to his side, both bent at odd angles. "Is that all you could do? Even with a dagger?" Zanza asked, not amused by his futile attempts. "MY ARM!!!!!" the drunk yelled, cradling it. "Man, this is nonsense!" Zanza said. "If I don't hold back, it'd be like abusing BABIES!" He raised his finger in a flicking position. "Here, I'll fight you with just one finger," Zanza said. I gasped. Was that even possible? Then again, I DID just witness him break a guy's arm with his HEAD.

The drunk walked two steps and Zanza flicked him in the forehead, sending him flying. He fell like a ton of bricks at Zanza's feet. I blushed. He was AWESOME! "Well that's over," Zanza said, sighing heavily. "Sure was a boring fight." Kaoru's eyes widened. "Just one flick to the forehead!" I gasped as I watched one of the guys flick open a short sword. "Zanza's in trouble!" I said. "Ammara-dono, you mean to tell me this is the man who saved you?" Kenshin said. I nodded. "Yes. So please, save him!!!" I begged. Kenshin nodded and quickly stepped behind the man, his sakabato hilt in his back.

"I was watching from the sidelines for some amusement, but if you're going to pull a stunt like that, won't show any mercy," he said, his eyes narrowed. "Democracy is fine in itself, that it is. But for guys like you, improving yourself is first priority over trying to fix the government." The man with the short sword trembled at Kenshin's words. "Otusan..." I said softly. "Now pay your bill...And go home," he said,his eyes narrowed.

The men took their boss and walked away (or rather, they limped away, due to Zanza). Tae smiled at Zanza. "Oh, thanks ever so! You REALLY saved the day!" she said. He shook his head. "You don't have to thank me." I smiled. Zanza...I understand now, why you saved me. I thought. My heart fluttered in my chest as he turned to me. "It was something I felt like doing. I should apologize for making such a scene," he continued.  He walked up to Kenshin. "So, Mr. Swordsman, did that bump you got on your head go away?" 

Kenshin's eyes widened. "Hm? Oh! Thanks, but it was really nothing." Zanza smiled a little. "I figured. It'd be pretty stupid to be hit on purpose and be seriously hurt." "Huh?" Kaoru-dono said, her eyes filled with confusion. "If you'd ducked at the right time, I'm sure you'd know that girl's face would be covered in blood right now," Zanza said, pointing to Kaoru-dono. "So you didn't evade it on purpose and used your head as a shield. Isn't that so?" 

Kenshin did a close eyed smile, much like he usually does around someone he likes. "You're thinking to much of me, I'm afraid. Zanza kept his gaze firmly on Kenshin. "I think you belittle yourself," he said. Then, he raised his fist. "I kinda like you! How'd you like to go one-on-one?" Kenshin put up his hands. "I'm flattered, but no thank you." he said, smiling. Zanza smiled a little also. "Yeah?" he said, putting his fist down and shoving it into his pocket. "Well if you ever feel like it, then come and get it. You can usually find me hanging out over at the Ruffian Row." He turned to walk away. 

I gasped as I saw the character on his back. "Aku," I said. "What?" Yahiko asked. "That character on his back. It's "Aku", the character that means "evil"or "wicked"," I explained. "But why? I mean, he saved me two times today. He can't be that bad! Can he?" I turned to Kenshin who shrugged. "Maybe he has his reasons for wearing it," he said. Kaoru looked confused. "I can't figure that guy out at all! What do you think? Is he a good guy? Or a bad guy?" she said. 

Yahiko frowned. "Guess that symbol on his back means bad taste," he said. "Oh my goodness!" Tae-san said, her eyes wide as she covered her mouth. "Do you know something about him, Tae?" Kaoru-dono asked. "That ,man! He left without paying his bill!" Tae said. Kaoru and the others gasped. I sighed, taking out what little money I had. "Here," I said, paying off his bill. "It's the least I can do. After all, he did save me today." I bowed after handing over the money and walked away. 

"That was a very nice thing you did back there, Ammara-dono, that it was," Kenshin said, smiling. "W-well, the man probably didn't have any money and-!" I said. He smiled.  "I know...Now, let's go home." I nodded slowly and smiled. Maybe Zanza will return to Akabeko soon and I'll be able to repay him properly. I thought. 

-At the Dojo-

I smiled at the sight of Dr. Gensai and his granddaughter sleeping. I quickly put a blanket over them. "Sleep well, you three." I said softly. "You seem in a good mood, Ammara-chan. What happened?" Kaoru asked. Yahiko smirked. "I think she's in love with that guy who rescued her!" he said. I growled and blushed. "Shut up, Yahiko!" He simply laughed and stuck his tongue out while pulling at his eyelid (Typical immature anime teasing face. Lol.). 

At that moment, Dr. Gensai sat up. "I fell asleep? Why didn't you wake me? We really should be going," he said Kaoru-dono smiled. "You can stay a little while longer, can't you Dr. Gensai? Little Ayame and little Suzume have fallen fast asleep, see?" Yahiko nodded. "Yeah, I can walk you guys home later, if you want," he offered. Otusan and I smiled. "Well, look at that! It seems Yahiko can be nice every once in a while!" Kaoru-dono said, smiling. Yahiko groaned. "Thanks, but did you have to say every once in a while?" I smiled. Same old, same old. Just an ordinary night here at Kamiya Kasshin Ryu Dojo. 

Otusan smiled as well and lifted his teacup to his mouth. Before he could take a sip, his eyes widened and his head snapped up. "Hm?" "What's wrong, Otusan?" I asked. He stood quickly. "O-otusan?" I said cautiously. "It seems we have a visitor," he replied, calm as can be. He walked down the hallway, and I followed, Kaoru-dono and Yahiko at my side. "Kenshin? Is there something wrong?" Kaoru called.

Otusan stopped in his tracks. "I felt a presence, that I did," he said calmly. I gasped, along with Kaoru and Yahiko. Who could it be? An assassin? A police officer after Kenshin and I? My eyes narrowed slightly. Whoever it is, I thought as I walked behind Otusan. It can't be good. I was battle-ready, my hand on my sakabato, in case of a fight. On the inside, I was also afraid. More for Ayame-chan, Suzume-chan, Kaoru-dono, Yahiko, and Dr. Gensai than myself. If I wasn't able to protect them...No...No, I had to protect them! No matter what it took!

"Who could it be, Otusan?" I asked, following behind him. He stared straight ahead as he opened the door. "Someone very straightforward," he replied as he walked past a stone with bamboo art decorating its surface. "Without shame." He put his hand on the entrance to the dojo. I had a bad feeling about where this was going! "Someone...With a strong will to fight." I gasped. There was only one person who matched THAT description! No...Please God...Let it be anyone...Anyone else, I thought, my eyes wide. Please...Don't let it be Zanza on the other side of that door!

Otusan opened the door and I gasped in horror as my worst fears were confirmed. Zanza stood, a few feet from the doorway of the Dojo. "It can't be! Why? Why are you here, Zanza!?" I cried. He payed me no mind and instead turned to Otusan. "I have come...To fight you," he replied. I gasped. What?! He...He wanted to fight Kenshin?! But why? It didn't make any sense! "I....I don't...understand...." Tears fell down my cheeks, without me noticing. Zanza's face remained cold. He didn't reply. So I tried again. "Why?! Why do you want to fight with him?! You just made friends with him not too long ago! Or have you forgotten that?! Otusan doesn't want to fight! He-!" 

Otusan put his hand on my shoulder, silencing me. "We meet again," he said, smiling. "I thought I already explained I have no interest in fighting you." Zanza lowered his head. "But I can't accept that," he said, walking toward Otusan and I. I gasped as I noticed the wrapped weapon on his back. If he used that here, the children would get hurt! Or worse! "This afternoon was for fun. This time, I've come as a fighter-for-hire," Zanza explained. "So there's no backing down." He raised his head, and I couldn't tell from where I was if he was smiling or smirking. "And...Something else that interests me. My opponent is Battosai the Manslayer. Kenshin Himura." 

I gasped. "How...How did you know that?!" Zanza turned his back and walked away, not even giving me a passing glance. "Imperialist Swordsman of the Chosu Faction. Himura Kenshin, also known as Battosai the Manslayer," he simply said. "Heir to the Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu sword style. Or at least he was, until he taught it to you. Ammara Kai, also known as Ammara Himura. Alias, Chimei Tekina Bara. The Deadly Rose." My eyes widened more at that news. He knew my name as well?! So why didn't he say something before?! Unless...Unless he didn't KNOW before! That's it! Someone must have told him! Someone who must have a serious grudge against Kenshin and I! But who?

"You've done your homework, that you have. Maybe it's part of your research as a fighter-for-hire," Kenshin said. He smirked. "Don't need research for that. It's simple to know. What kind of style the Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu style is and.... The reason why the merciless manslayer became a wanderer. What made him vow not to kill. I don't know that. I don't know the answer to these things. That's why I'm here. I'm asking for a straight duel with no strings." He smirked after he said that. 

I gasped and tears filled my eyes, only to fall once again. "This...can't be!" I said. This wasn't the Zanza that saved my life! This wasn't the Zanza who...said he loved me... After a long silence, Otusan finally replied. "I don't know about you either," he said. Zanza's eyes widened. "I can't seem to figure out why a man like you, who hates abusing the weak, would be a fighter-for-hire," Otusan continued. "You wear the symbol for bad. Few people would wear it proudly, and yet you do. What could've twisted your logic so much, I wonder."

Zanza's eyes widened more. "What...did you say?" He closed his eyes and shrugged off Otusan's words. "Never mind...Sappy stories aren't meant to be told before fights," he said. I gasped. Sappy stories? Did Zanza have a reason for the way he was acting? For why he became a fighter-for hire? His voice sounded pained, so I could only imagine the hatred and despair he had gone through in his life. From the way it sounded, he lost someone he really cared for. Someone who was like family to him. Someone...He wanted to protect. "Zanza..." I said softly.

"Right now I'm thinking of only one thing...Defeating the manslayer. The one who is said to be the strongest of the Imperialists!!!!" he yelled. "I will defeat you with everything I am!!!" I covered my mouth. This couldn't be happening! If he fought Otusan, what could I do? Who could I protect? Who would...I side with? I couldn't pick either! Both I really cared for! I couldn't let either of them get hurt! Zanza...Otusan...Please...Please don't do this! I screamed mentally. 

"I suppose I haven't introduced myself. My name is Sanosuke Sagara! In the Underworld, I'm known as Zanza!" He unwrapped the paper from his weapon and revealed a sword. A HUGE one at that! I cried. "Stop....Please...." I said softly. "PLEASE STOP THIS, ZANZA!!!!!" I begged. He turned to me. I hit my knees. "Please...No more...I've...seen enough bloodshed...Enough pain and suffering. Enough battles and wars and fighting...I DON'T WANNA SEE ANYMORE!!!! SO PLEASE STOP!!!!" I choked through my sobs.

"Zanza...Isn't my name, Ammara," he said, turning the large sword. "It's a nickname I got from my Zanbato." I gasped. "Zanbato? What the heck is that?" Yahiko asked. "It's the largest sword ever created long ago," Kaoru-dono explained. "in order to slay the enemy, horse and all, in one swoop! But it's said that no one's ever mastered it, due to its sheer size and weight."

Sanosuke lifted his Zanbato into the air and scoffed. "I suggest you get out of that no killing mumbo jumbo philosophy right now, Mr. Swordsman. Or otherwise..." Otusan stared at Sanosuke, his face like stone, his expression unchanging. "YOU'RE GONNA DIE!!!!!" Sanosuke yelled, charging at him. "He's so fast! Even with such a heavy weapon!" Kaoru-dono said. "NO!!!!!! STOP IT!!!!!" I yelled, running forward and spreading my arms, aiming to take the blow for Otusan. "Ammara-dono!!!" he yelled as he grabbed me and leaped into the air. We landed safely on a nearby tree branch.

Sanosuke swung  again, and again, Kenshin and I landed safely onto the ground. "Ammara-dono...I thank you for trying to help me, that I do," he said softly. "But this one feels he should take care of this alone. You just focus on protecting Kaoru-dono and Yahiko. Alright?" I nodded slowly and stood in front of Kaoru-dono and Yahiko, ready to deflect any attack that came our way. I watched in silence as Sanosuke and Kenshin stood locked in a standoff. "I have learned all of your moves. This time, you will not escape," Zanza said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Draw your weapon!" Sanosuke commanded. 

Otusan grabbed the sword at its hilt. I gasped. Was he really going to hurt Sanosuke?! No... He can't! Please, don't do it, Otusan! Please...I....I don't want to see him hurt... I thought, more tears falling like rain. Sanosuke raised his Zanbato above his head, while Otusan readied his sword to use Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu. But, just as Kenshin was about to draw his weapon and end the match once and for all...

"Kenshin! Where'd you go?" Ayame and Suzume called. I gasped. No! The kids were awake now! They could be hurt! "Uncle Kenshin....Aunt Ammara...What are you guys doin'?" I gasped. "No! It's too dangerous! Ayame! Suzume! Please, get back inside!" I begged as I ran for them. I quickly put them behind me, pulling my sakabato, ready to protect them at any cost. "Sanosuke! Listen up! If you harm even one hair on these girls' heads, I'll-!" I was interrupted as Sanosuke scoffed and put his weapon off to the side. 

He walked over to me, dragging it slightly against the ground. "It's my personal belief that women and children shouldn't be involved in any way," he said. "So...You were never going to hurt them?" I said, lowering my sakabato. He smiled. "No. Nor was I intending to harm you. If that attack had hit you or these children...Well...That would've stood against everything I stood for," he said. He touched my cheek gently and patted it before turning away and leaving, his Zanbato slung over his shoulder. I blushed deeply and watched him walk away. 

I smiled. Sanosuke wasn't heartless after all. He did care for me, even if he didn't seem that way before. "Besides, there's an evil presence lurking about this place," Otusan said. Suddenly, the tree branch he and I landed on earlier fell. I heard a groan from the other side of the fence. Yahiko blinked. "What happened?" he asked. "Seems like someone was over there," Kaoru-dono replied. Sanosuke smiled slightly. "You really ARE the Battosai. But remember what I say to you...I, Zanza, the fighter-for-hire, never let my mark escape," he said, his expression changing. "I will be back for you." He turned and began to walk away yet again.

I gasped and ran up to him. "Wait, Sanosuke!!!" He turned. "What now?" he asked, slightly irritated. "Look, I already told you, I won't harm those girls." I shook my head. "No, it's not that. Why? Why do you insist on fighting Kenshin? What do you have to prove? You aren't a bad guy, I know it! So why? Why can't you abandon this foolish fight?! Why not just leave Kenshin alone?!" The tears wouldn't stop falling, but I didn't care. At the rate he was going, Sanosuke would leave with a lot of wounds,or even a grave, if he wasn't careful! 

Sanosuke frowned and walked over to me yet again. I closed my eyes, not knowing what he'd do. Then, I felt a gentle swiping motion on my right cheek and eye. And again on my left. I touched my cheek and felt nothing. Sanosuke had wiped my tears away. "Tears don't suit a beautiful face like yours," he said. "Crying will only ruin it." I blushed deeply and nodded. "And as for why I can't abandon this fight...It's because I'm the fight merchant. I don't walk away from a fight, no matter what. And I will never turn my back on one, nor will I let my mark go. I understand how you feel, but I won't go back on what I said. I will return and fight Battosai again."

I hung my head and nodded. He's a grown man...I couldn't stop him, even if I wanted to....I just wish...He wouldn't take it so far... I thought. I know I've only just met him, but....I feel like...I want to protect him, no matter what. I feel like I want to...Be with him. Stay by his side, no matter what. I sighed as Sanosuke completely disappeared from my sight. "Zanza, huh?" Otusan said, his eyes showing concern. "I wish I knew...Why you hate the Imperialists so much." 

"It appears I will have to fight you again one day, yes it does," he said sadly. "Kenshin!!!" the girls yelled as they ran up to him. Kenshin smiled as he picked them up. "Well now. Ayame. Suzume. How about I take you home now and grandfather and Yahiko?" They smiled. "Really? Yaaay!!!" they said in unison. "Thank you, Uncle Kenny!" I giggled and smiled, watching them. 

-Later that night-

I sighed as I tossed and turned. I couldn't sleep! Every time I tried, I found myself staring at the "Aku" mark on Sanosuke's back. I sighed sadly. I knew he and Kenshin were going to meet again. It was only a matter of time. But why? I thought. Why did this have to happen? And how did Sanosuke know about us, for that matter? Who we were and our old nicknames? Who would have such a grudge against us that he'd hire Sanosuke to fight Kenshin?

I turned over once more and sighed. "This doesn't make any sense," I whispered as I yawned. "Guess I'll...figure it out more...in the morning." After a good while of tossing and turning, I finally fell into a dreamless sleep.