Post by Admin on Sept 28, 2013 17:09:55 GMT
Kren limped along the road leaving a trail of blood from cut allover her body from a fight she stopped to rest under a tree outside of a dojo after a little bit she whent to stand but could not so she closed her eyes to try and rest hoping it would help.
"Excuse me Little missy. You ok?" The lanky brunette looked down at the slumped figure. Worried at the amount of red he was seeing. "You ok? I know a doctor if that would help." Kren opened her eyes "im fine" she lied.
"Missy I've seen more than my share of battle. Not to mention you must be the worst liar I ever saw. I got a doctor friend. She's actually inside this building right here looking after another patient. I'm sure she won't mind." Without waiting for an answer, Sano hoisted the small frame up and cradled her in his arms. Not the first time he had to tend to carry an injured comrade. "Don't worry, I got ya." Kren's eyes grew wide with fear at the thought of a doctor "im fine" she said forcefully but even so she started shaking in fear.
Sano felt the trembling in his arms and suppressed the internal groan. "Just great. Another damaged doll." He thought sadly. A hint of pity touching his face. He needed to calm her down. At least somewhat. In her condition too much fear could lead to shock. "Its ok. I promise missy. She's a good doc. Really nice and gentle. My girl hates strangers and even she likes going to see her." He attempted his best soothing voice. Hoping it was enough. Speeding through the gate he rushed to the main building. Juggling the girl as carefully as possible, he managed to open the sliding doors. He followed the voices echoing off the walls and entered the bedroom he was currently staying at. The door opened and several pairs of curious eyes turned to look. The large bed was occupied by two girls. One a teen, the other a young child. The young woman bolted up in a bed, jostling her pixie cut brown hair. From her current position, it was easy to see her stomach was slightly swelled. The child looked at the intrusion with wide eyes beaming in curiosity. The fox lady was by the bed, a small , and now largely forgotten, packet in her hand.
"What do you have there Sanosuke?" Megumi asked curiously. The child jumped from the bed and run up. Bouncing with an abundance of energy.
"What you got papa? What you got?" She jumped repeatedly, trying to get a better view as to the package in Sano's arms.
"Robin get back here." The brunette on the bed said sternly. The child pouted and returned back to the bed. Holding onto the doctor's arm for support, the brunette lifted herself up. "Put her there Sano. She needs this more than I do." The lean former soldier nodded and set the shaking form on the bed. The brunette and raven haired women knelt down at her side. Both taking a careful examination. "Sano leave the room please. Take Robin with you." Sano nodded and snatched the child up. Ignoring her protests. When the door slide shut, she turned back to the frail form. "We are having trouble gauging the extend of your injuries. Do you mind if we strip you? I promise it will be just us girls." She spoke in a soft comforting voice. Perfected from years of motherhood.
Kren shook her head no the fear was vary clear in her eyes she curled in to a tight ball
"I understand not wanting to be touched. Trust me I know. I'm Mel. This is Megumi. We both have experience treating battle field injuries. Please let us look." Mel practically begged. Not wanting the girl to die. Noting the fear remaining in the eyes, she sighed deeply. Shook her head at the female doctor. She knew from a lifetime of experience, that much fear could only be calmed by a familiar presence. With some difficulty, she stood up. Thinking about bringing her daughter back in. The child helped calm patients before. Her child like innocence and energy always helped lower their guard. Walking to the other side of the room, she opened the door. And found a mass of red hair. Kenshin. He was a very nurturing soul. Maybe he could help calm her down. Worst case scenario it doesn't work and they resort back to Robin. "Hey Kenshin."
"Yes miss Mel?" He asked, setting the vegtable laden basket on the ground. She motioned him to join them in the room. Wordlessly asking for help. The ronin stepped into the room. Gasped in shock when he noticed the prone bleeding form on the bed. "Is she all right?"
At the sound of kenshin's voice Kren's head shot up to look at him but the fear did not leave yet.
The three rushed over quickly.
"Don't strain yourself." Mel gently scolded, kneeling next to the bed. She looked up at the ronin. "I think she might know you." Kenshin looked at the figure, gears turning in his head. There was something familiar, but he couldn't quite place it. He tapped his foot impatiently.
"Listen to what she says. Ms. Mel and Ms. Megumi are good healers. That they are." He tried to be encouraging, while still trying to figure out the mystery now in front of him.
I looked at kenshin and reached out and took his hand in mine i pulled at him trying to get him to sit down so i could get in his lap like i did in the past the last time i saw my hero i needed to see a doctor then too and i was so scared because i was going to need stitches but kenshin held me tight so i could not move and for some reason it felt right like being held by a dad or a brother.
"Hold her hand." Mel ordered. There was something about the way that girl looked at kenshin. Like he was family. It was the same look she had for Aoishi and Misao. The ronin did as ordered. Holding the hand, he felt a gentle squeeze. Something about this was very familiar. Like Deja vu. He put it from his mind. Without another word, Mel and Megumi went to work. They carefully stripped off the girl's outer layers. Dried blood making the garment brittle. She had a few lacerations on her arms and legs, but the gash on her stomach was the most worrisome. Subconsciously Mel brushed her hand across her own abdomen. Thankful she was not bearing that injury at the moment. Megumi went and grabbed her and Mel's kit. Reaching into the brunette's bag, she pulled out the small glass battle and some cloth. Mel took the instruments from the woman. "This will sting." She warned. The resin in the bottle was a mix of several plant's saps and leaves. It would be a bit painful at the application, but was necessary. It was a powerful antiseptic that would also act as a topical anesthesia. Numbing the nerves. Considering the extent of the damage, the girl was going to need a good many stitches. Applying the liquid concoction as quickly as possible, she forced herself to ignore any whimpers. Pitying the patient did little else but distract the doctor. It was mercy to ignore their pain for the good of their health. Mel had to mentally repeat those words a few times as she and Megumi worked to stitch the patient up. Megumi's stitches were much neater. But Mel was able to stitch faster with as few knots as possible. Though nicer looking, having more knots meant the doctor's stitches would be far more painful to remove. That was to be expected. Megumi learned her trade through the family and in mostly controlled settings. Mel learned hers through battlefield experience.
After what felt like hours, the work was done. All wounds were closed and bandaged. A very taxing ordeal for all involved.
Kren had tears streaming down her face but she did not move as long as she held kenshin's hand as she cryed the thing that made her uneak happened her eyes turned gold as she cryed.
"You should get some rest now. Kenshin will stay if you need it." Mel spoke calmly, volunteering the ronin for baby sitting duty. They shared a look. Not because she had given him an order, but because they had both seen it. The girl's eyes had turned gold. Not knowing exactly what that meant, but not willing to take any chances, Mel grabbed a small packet from her bag. With great care she tore open the paper. Gently, she gripped the girl's jaw with her thumb and forefinger, forcing her mouth to open. With speed that impressed even the ronin, the powder was poured down her throat. "Not to worry. Just an herb to help you sleep. Your body requires the rest." With that, she stood, and pulled Megumi from the room. The powder was the most powerful concoction that could be made. The girl was out before they had even stepped out of the room.
Just before she went she called out to kenshin useing the name that she called him after he introduced him self the first time "Shin-kun".
Kenshin looked at the sleeping form on the bed. Something was very familiar about the girl, but his mind had still yet to place it. Something very familiar. But the mystery would have to wait until the girl would be able to speak. The herb should pass from her system in another few hours, but her body might keep itself out a little longer. A way to reserve energy while it tried to fix itself. He sighed deeply and looked down at his lap. A smile hit his lips. Robin had volunteered to keep him company while he watched over the girl. Volunteered wasn't quite the word. Insisted was more like it. She demanded to help take care of the girl. The girl had her mother's eye for detail, and was always very spirited. So he humored her. Though the morning spent playing with her father had taken quite a toll. The child had crawled into his lap and promptly fell asleep after merely an hour on watch. Still, her even breathing as she slept gave him a strange sense of calm. He stroked her long black hair gently, a familiar sensation hit him. He had done something like this before. With the girl that now lay sleeping in the bed.
Kren woke up two hours later the first thing she did was call out "Shin-kun" her eyes turned gold as she started getting scared and crying again because she did not see kenshin and did knot know where she was she stood and slipped out the window and moved slowly to a tree and scampered up and over the dojo wall then went to a bush and hid there crying but she knew that if people sow her eyes there would be trouble.
"You ok lady?" Robin asked curiously. She had decided to help Uncle Kenshin watch the lady. Her mom said the woman had been hurt pretty bad and could probably use some cheering up. So Robin had stayed. But playing games with Papa Sano had taken more out of her than she expected. She fell asleep pretty fast. Only waking up when she heard the lady cry out. She sat up just in time to see the strange lady slip out the window. Uncle Kenshin had been leaning against the far wall, head against his chest and snoring slightly. The lady seemed scared, and she learned it was never good to be alone when you were scared. So she followed. Out the window and over the tree. Her mom would be mad if she found out Robin had left the dojo without a grownup, but didn't the strange lady count as a grownup? Deciding she did, Robin opted not to go back, but continued to follow. She was barely going to be four, but she was already an expert climber. Having been taught by some of the best. she followed the whimpering sounds to a random bush and asked her question. She was sad when she got no response. So she did what she always did to make someone feel better. "Do you know I have three daddies?" The information always seemed to break a person's sad mood. At least for a few moments.
Kren cried harder and laid on her side her eyes held shut so as to not scar the child but she could not stop crying she wanted Shin-kun.
"Please don't cry sad lady. Its no fun being sad. Wanna play a game? You really good at climbing. Maybe we can have a race. yeah. Let's race. But we gotta be back real soon or mommy might get mad. I not supposed to go over the wall without an adult." Robin chatted trying to stop the woman's tears. But they just seemed to keep flowing. "Please don't cry. It not bad having gold eyes. I think they pretty. Uncle Kenshin gets them sometimes." She reached out and touched the shaking girl's hand. Trying to give comfort.
Kren shrank away from her she was deep in my fear at this point the only thing going to snap her out of it was Kenshin.
"Ms. Robin!" Kenshin called softly as he walked down the path. He had woken to find the woman and the child gone. Ice formed in the pit of his stomach the moment he realized they were both missing. He raced out the door, praying the child was safe. He cursed himself for letting his guard down. They didn't know the woman. She was a stranger in their midst. For all they knew she was a spy, purposely sent to the dojo. That little girl was a great pawn to use against too many powerful entities. Was an extremely valuable and tempting target. It had been foolish to let her be anywhere near something they knew nothing about. If anything happened to the child, there would be hell to pay. If she were to harm a single hair on the child's head, the woman wouldn't live to see the next season. Twigs snapped as he rushed around.
"Over here Uncle Kenshin!" The child's voice carried over the air. He honed in and raced to the area. She sat next to a bush and waved him over. A look of confusion hit his face.
"Are you alright Ms. Robin? Did she hurt you?" He tried to keep the panic from his mind. The girl shook her head.
"No. The sad lady ran out the window. Mommy says its not good to be alone when your scared, so I followed. She's really sad." Robin looked at the bush, lip trembling as tears sprung to her eyes. She wanted to help the lady but couldn't. Kenshin snatched the sniveling child up. He turned from the bush.
"Ms. If you are too hurt to walk let me know and I'll come back and help you. If you can walk then follow me. If you don't like either of those options, stay in the dirt." The Ronin's voice was cold as he spoke to the air. Specks of gold flickering in the depths of his violet irises. The Battōsai hadn't fully taken over, but it was slowly leaking into and overwhelming the more docile personality. Even if she was not some spy and she didn't realize it, her actions had placed the child in enormous amounts of danger. More than she probably comprehended. And that angered him. He stood there for a few moments, waiting for an answer.
Kren opened her golden eyes and at seeing Kenshin she stood like a scolded child but the site of Kenshin had been enough to help her calm down her fear and her eyes changed back to there dark purple "Kren is sorry Shin-kun" she then looked at the ground and followed him.
"Kren." He allowed the name to roll around in his head as he walked. But only for a moment. Right now he was very angry. And she needed to know it. "Lets get one thing straight Ms. Kren, if you are to stay in the Dojo, you will not pull anything like that again. You will follow the orders of Ms. Mel and Ms. Megumi. And you will do nothing to endanger Ms. Robin."
"But Uncle Kenshin. She didn't do nothing. I fo-"
"You be quiet now Ms. Robin. Uncle Ken is angry at you now. That he is. You know never to go outside without a grownup. I won't tell your mom this one time. But you must promise to never do it again. That you mustn't." He scolded the child in a soft voice. The gold flecks disappearing from his eyes. He walked through the gate, without looking to see if she was still following. He knew she would. Setting Robin down in the dojo, he ordered her to go to Karou's room. Since they had been displaced from the guest room, it was where they were bedding until the owner of the dojo returned.
"But what if Mommy and Papa are doing the special hug? Ick." She stuck her tongue out. Kenshin just chuckled and pointed for her to go. She dragged her feet, muttering about how she was just trying to help. He waited until the girl was out of sight before turning to the newcomer.
"Look, I don't know who you are. You can stay here for the night. One of the girl's will look at you in the morning. But when your stitches come out I want you gone. Unless."
Kren looked up at him tears forming in her eyes "I understand Shin-kun Kren will leave now so as to not make trouble for the man that saved Kren and gave her a name bye Shin-kun thanks for saving me at the culapsed brige years ago" she sprinted off cafully so as to not disturb the stitches when she reached a tree she climbed it and sat at the top and let the tears fall.
Kenshin sighed deeply. He hated playing the bad guy. Just as much as he hated actually being one. But it was important. If anything else were to happen to that child, especially because of him, he would never forgive himself. "Unless...You do exactly as you are told. You wouldn't know this, but that child is in constant danger. She does not leave these walls without proper escort people too many people would wish her harm. Not her specifically. She just happens to be the chink in the armor of several otherwise invincible people. If you understand what I'm telling you, tell me so."
He still had little idea who she was. The details she gave rang a bell. Still, his mind was very hazy. That and the fact she was injured was the reason he followed her to the tree. He heard her sniffle and knew she was crying. But all he could do was give her the offer. "You know I still don't know who you are. Want to tell me more?"
Kren turn to go down the tree she saw her secint worse fear a snake. She stood and moved to fast the branch snapped and she fell just like she did that day ten year ago her eyes turned gold as she screamed in fear and tarer the sean played out in her mind.
Ten years ago she had just been 6 years old and was running for her life when she saw a snake on a old rotting bridge she was crossing she had screamed and her eyes had turned gold with fear and tarer as the section she was on fell her persowers thought she was dead and left and that is how Kenshin had found her bared under the bridge. She woke to him caring her. when she opened her eyes they had been gold but slowly turned to dark purple he asked her about them and she told him when she was extremely scared her eyes turned gold. He then told her his name was Kenshin and asked her for her name she told him that she did not have one so he named her Kren.
That night we reached a village where Kenshin took her to the doctor and he had to hold her still as she was scared and wanted to run but needed stitches. Kenshin left the next day and she has not seen him sense but ounce her stitches were out she was kicked out of the village because of her eyes.
Kren neared the ground.
Kenshin moved quickly to catch. But not quick enough. It wasn't that he was too far away. He was simply beaten to the punch. The tall man stood straight up, before unceremoniously dumping his human cargo to the ground. Kenshin stared at the visitor from the past. "Aoshi? Why are you here?"
"I believe the deal was she could visit only if I would be allowed to stop by as well. Your no kill policy would leave too many threats. Speaking of threats, who did I just catch?" Ice blue eyes glared at the ground, not exactly thrilled to see a stranger on the ground. Particularly not one that had been sneaking through the trees. Maybe he should have just let her fall. Kenshin walked to the fallen girl and helped her stand up.
"Her name's Kren. I rescued her when she was a little kid a decade ago. You should know what that's like Aoshi-san, that you should."
"I took in family. You brought a stranger into the dojo. I need a little more than assurances that she is no threat to my family." He spoke in his usual low tone. Calm and predatory at the same time. Has hand wrapped around the hilt of one of his swords menacingly. Kenshin took a step forward, placing his body between the two. Aoshi had lost a good bit of his darkness, but he was very overprotective of his family. Especially after what had happened the previous year.
"She's about the same age as your niece. Look for yourself and see the damage her body has sustained already. She is no threat to your family. That she is not." He said the words with complete conviction. After a moment of painful stillness, the hand was removed from the sword. The dangerous air seemed to lighten in an instant.
"Apologies for showing up so late, but I hadn't received her weekly letter and had a bad feeling." Aoshi apologized.
"The letter carrier's horse has been sick for the past few days. No letters are leaving town. You would have know that if you had checked your sources. That you would." Kenshin teased playfully. It was very rare for the man to show much emotion. Which is what made his over worrying ways so amusing. He was calm and collected, unless he lost contact with his family. "It is late. I suppose you will want some tea to recover from such a long journey. I assume you took no breaks and pushed your poor body to its limits." He laughed, gesturing for the man to follow. The two walked back to the dojo. "If you want some tea, feel free to join us Kren." He threw over his shoulder. Knowing she would follow.
"Coming Shin-kun" she said and keeping her eyes shut to hide the color because she was still scared and there was a presence she did not know stumbled after them.
Aoshi looked at the girl now sitting on the other side of the table. He didn't know her. Kenshin didn't really know her. And he didn't like the fact she was hiding things. "I am not a fool Kren." He narrowed his eyes. Even if she was innocent, she acted very suspicious. "I noticed your eyes when I caught you. They are the same color as when the Battōsai takes over Kenshin. But right now I don't care about that. The color of your eyes has little relevance to me. But if you want to walk away from this table breathing, I want to know exactly why you are here."
Kren opened her eyes and the gold showed and she grabbed Kenshin's hand "I was walking to find food in the forest but saw a snake got really scared and my eyes changed then some guys chased me cot me and hurt me with there knives the guy in a red headband found me out side hurt and brot me here I did not know that Shin-kun was here and if it makes you feel better when I leave the table I can hold my breath"
Aoshi raised an eyebrow, a smile tugging at his lips. "Your a decent comedian. I'll give you that." Before he could say another word, the tea pot began to whistle. Kenshin quickly removed his hand. Giving the girl a reassuring smile, he went to fetch the tea before it woke anyone. With quick motions, he added tea leaves to three cups and poured the boiling water over them. Picking up the trey, he brought it to the table. Aoshi snatched a cup away. Gave a few quick exhales to cool the steaming brew before taking a sip. His nose crinkled. "All this time Himura and your tea is still horrendous."
"You just got spoiled to Ms. Mel's tea. That you did." Kenshin countered. The tall man nodded. "If you like, you are more than welcome to wake her up and ask her to make a new cup."
"No thanks. I don't have a death wish." Aoshi snickered. Kenshin joined in the laugh. The door to the kithchen was opened. All eyes turned as a tiny figure stumbled through the doorway. Robin rubbed her eyes sleepily and yawned.
"The tea pot woke me up." She complained walking over to the table. She crawled into the raven haired man's lap. "Papa Aoshi, why you here?"
"Just came to check on you and your mom." He spoke gently. His demeanor softened greatly as he held the child. "Kenshin go get some of that melon bread I know she made."
"Mommy said I can't have sweets after bed time."
"Then I guess we don't tell you mom then." He kissed the child's forehead affectionately. Kenshin watched the scene for a moment, before shaking his head in amusement. The head of one of the most powerful shadow organizations. The man reported to be made of stone, with only ice water in his veins. And he was every bit as goofy as any other father.
Kren looked at her hands as tears fell thinking how nice it must be to have a father.
"Why you sad now lady?" Robin asked, noticing the woman's tears. "Is it cause your mommy won't let you eat melon bread either? Its ok, you can eat it too cause Papa Aoshi says its ok."
"I don't think that's the problem Ms. Robin. No it is not." Kenshin sighed. His memory had come back decently. The girl had been alone when he rescued her from the bridge collapse. She couldn't tell him anything about a possible family. So he had left her at the doctor's place. They were nice people. A decent village. And he had to get back to war. She should have been safe and well taken care of. But sometimes it was tough not having actual family. "I think she just misses her family."
"Is that all?" Robin cocked her head, before a large smile was plastered on her face. "She can just share mine. I have three daddies so its no problem."
Kren looked up "I don't have a family the closest to a father figure was Shin-kun" she said "My family kicked me out because of my eyes or so I was told my hole life I don't remember it but I do remember the things each family did to me Shin-kun was the first one to show me real kindness and the last till now" she tightened her grip on her stick as she spoke trying to stop the tears but it did not work.
The news was more than a little shocking to the ronin. The village he had left her in, there was any number of suitable families. It wasn't surprising she would say she had no father. But not having a father figure either was an entirely new idea to him. What exactly had this girl's life been like?
"You a daddy Uncle Ken?" Robin looked at the red head. He gave the child a small smile.
"Not exactly." He answered. The child cocked her head to the side, indicating she didn't understand. A habit she had picked up from her mother. The ronin gave her another gentle smile. "I'm a daddy in the same way Aoshi is a daddy." She looked at him a moment before nodding. Understanding and accepting the answer. Then she hoped down from the man's lap and proceeded to the pantry. Rummaging around for a few moments, she reemerged with two large pieces of melon bread, one in each hand. She walked over to where strange lady sat and placed one in front of her.
"Mommy makes the bestest melon bread. Its real yummy. Papa Ken is here and you have a yummy bread. So you not allowed to be sad anymore. ok." The child demanded softly.
Kren reached up and ruffled her hair "ok" she smiled "lets not talk of the past" she said as her hand reached up to the bandage on her face it was covering the last act of abuse she ever had at the hands of someone who called them selfs family.
The child smiled as her hair was ruffled. It fell when she noticed the woman touch a bandage on the side of her face. Robin was scarcely perceptive at times. And this was one of them.
"Mommy no put that one on you. What happen?" She asked curiously. The room froze. The child was as perceptive as her parents. Noticing everything. But she was still to young to have much of a sense of propriety. Leading to many moments like this. Where she asked a very personal question that couldn't be taken pack.
"That would be a part of my past I'm not ready to relive yet" she said her voice holding much pain in it and her eyes flashed gold for a split secint as she fought the memories down.
"It ok. Your Papa Ken is here now. Papas always make things better. Unless they make mommy mad." The child smiled at the girl. Hoping she would not hurt so much.
"Its late, and lest I face your mother's now mentioned wrath, it's time for bed." Aoshi stood up and walked around the table. Snatching the child up and tossing her over his shoulder like a bag of rice. Her indignant protests changed to sounds of excitement as he bounced her around. "You can stay with me tonight if you so desire." The words echoed in the room as the two departed from the kitchen. The room sat in silence for a few moments, before Kenshin began to clean up the mess.
"I am very sorry for acting so cruel to you Ms. Kren. That I am." He apologized as he put a few dishes in the bucket. He could wash them when the sun was up. When he was finished, he walked over to the still very much pained figure and took your hand. "I don't know what suffering you have dealt with these past years, but it is obvious you still hold a good amount of pain. Personally I think you should talk to Ms. Mel. She will understand that level of pain far more than I. That she will." He released the hand and walked to the door. Stopping for a moment, he turned and looked over his shoulder. "Finish the melon bread and get to bed. Don't leave any behind or there will be hell to pay for going behind Ms. Mel's back. That there will." His words were light and he smiled brightly for a moment. Then he turned away and walked to his own room.
"Kenshin can we talk" Kren asked touching the bandage and coming to a conclusion she pulled it off under neath there was a scar in the shape of a cross.
Kenshin sat up in bed when he heard the door slide open. He was use this, as Robin would often wake him up to start breakfast. But the footsteps that preceded the door opening had been to heavy for the child. He crouched in a defensive manner, preparing to strike. Until he heard the voice.
"Kenshin can we talk." He had not expected her to follow him to the room. Much less to remove the bandage she had so carefully guarded. He bit back a gasp of shock when it fell away to reveal a scar reminiscent of his own. He visibly relaxed and stood up. Walking quickly to where she stood, he closed the door and led her to the tiny table in the corner. There for when the children decided they wanted to draw in his room. He motioned for her to take a seat and attempted to get comfortable himself. When they were both situated, he looked at her, eyes filled with sorrow.
"What on earth happened to you child?"
Before a single word could be uttered, a gentle tapping sounded at the door. Kenshin moved quickly and slid the door open. On the other side stood the young brunette. Apprehension written on lines across her still sleep covered face.
"What's wrong Ms. Mel?" He asked gently, placing a comforting hand on the visibly upset girl's arm.
"She's gone Kenshin. She's gone." From her position, Kren couldn't see anything. But she heard the agitation in the woman's voice. "She was in the bed when we went to sleep. I...I got up to get some water. And...and she was just gone. Kenshin I don't know where my baby is." Her voice was shaking as tears began to fill her eyes.
"Relax Ms. Mel. Aoshi-san arrived a little while ago. She's with him in his room." He reassured her.
"Aoshi-sama is here?" The voice was filled with caution and hope. Kenshin nodded, glad he could put her at ease. A sigh of relief escaped her lips. She couldn't even be angry for being made to worry. There was only room for relief in her heart. "I am so sorry to disturb you." She bowed in apology and turned to leave.
"Before you go to back to bed." The ronin grabbed her arm to stop her leaving. "Could I ask a favor?"
"Of course." She gave him a gentle smile. It fell when he pulled her inside his room. "Kenshin no. You know I'm not like that...oh." She noticed the trembling girl sitting at the table. Pain and fear evident in her eyes. The bandage from her face was gone, revealing an x shaped scar. Similar to Kenshin's. Mel allowed herself to be led to the table and both sat down.
"I hope you don't mind her joining us. Ms. Mel has a gentle way with those that are hurt. That she does." He smiled proudly. Glad he could provide not just his own care, but that of someone who had helped heal some of the most bitter hearts.
"Kenshin is being too boastful. I'm not really that impressive." She laughed sheepishly, before looking at the girl. The laughter died, replaced by a small smile. She placed her hand over the one Kren had left on the table. "I would be more than happy to help if you need anything." She didn't know if the offer would be received. But it needed to be made.
Kren nodded at Kenshin and started her tale.
"After Kenshin left me at the doctors when I was six they treated me nicely till the first time I got scared" she broke down crying and could not continue.
Maternal instinct triggering, Mel wrapped an arm around the shaking girl. Making gentle shushing noises as she stroked her hair in a motherly fashion.
"Perhaps it might help if Ms. Mel was to open up first?" Mel shot a glare at the ronin for daring to make that suggestion. He simply shrugged. "In my experience, it helps someone open up if someone shares their own pain first. That it does." Mel glared at him for another few moments before sighing.
"Would it help if I revealed some of my own past?" She asked quietly.
Kren shook her head head and pulled her self under control but the bit of touch from Mel had sent her in to a fear sickle and her eyes turned gold as she continued. "When they first saw my gold eyes they slapped me the pain was so grate that I forgot my fear and my eyes changed back this went on for two years. Then I started getting scared of the people that that I lived with" she touched the scar "when I was 8 they wanted to make my eyes stop for good they tried to take out my eyes but I fought them and in the end they said I was going to end up growing up as a reject just like my recurer from two years ago then they cut this x on my face and aboundined me in the middle of the woods"
A low growl rumbled throughout the room. Surprisingly, it did not originate from the ronin, but the young woman that had attempted to sooth Kren. Mel subconsciously clenched her fists. Nostrils flaring as her blood began to boil. Kenshin watched her wearily, hoping she could keep herself calm. But the fright of waking up without her child had left the girl's emotions too raw. He watched her eyes carefully, hoping and praying that the universe would balance her. It had been months since the last change. The only one he had ever seen. But that one time had been enough. Even the battosai was weary of what the girl held locked inside. Shining turquoise orbs began to darken, melding into a turbulent grayish purple mix. Like the sea in a storm. He grabbed his elbow forcefully.
"Ms. Mel?"
"How could they abandon a child? Try to mutilate her like that? Because of her damn eyes!" Her voice was low, and held a bit of a snarl.
"Ms. Mel, you do not want to chance your daughter seeing this. That you do not." He said sternly. They locked eyes, and he willed with all his might to keep the gold out of his own. It was never pleasant when the beasts they kept caged busted out. Especially not in close proximity to one another. The words finally reached the girl's mind, and she forced her body to lock up. Forced the muscles to tense and her heart to slow. After a few deep breaths, the shining turquoise returned to her eyes. Kenshin smiled in relief, then turned to Kren. "See Ms. Kren, those people are very wrong. I live a decent life as Ms. Karou's helper. Ms. Mel has changing eyes as well and she is a perfectly respectable inn keeper." He tried to lighten the mood. Hoping it would work.
Kren grabbed Kenshin's hand and yawned.
"I guess someone is tired." Mel laughed, her anger boiling under the surface but relatively under control. "I guess I should let you get to sleep." She got up and went to the door. Murmured goodnight as she crept into the hallway and disappeared. Kenshin stared at the girl he had been left with.
"If you want, you are welcome to stay here tonight. That you are." He offered, knowing she could probably use some comfort. "I must apologize though. Tomorrow I must escort Ms. Megumi out of town and will not be back until evening. You will be left in the care of Ms. Mel. Please be respectful and listen to her. She will let no harm come to you while you are here. That she will not." He promised, then moved to bed. Crawling in, he made himself comfortable.
Kren sat in the corner of Kenshin's room and was soon asleep. Kren woke up screaming at midnight from a nightmare.
"Sh little missy. It's ok. There's nothing to worry about." Sano whispered to the whimpering figure. He crouched to be at eye level with her, but still managed to tower over her. His eyes bulged when she began screaming. Her eyes flew open around the same time his hand clamped down on her mouth. Silencing her. "Quiet little missy or you'll wake the dead. Or at the very least Mel. The girl's a sweetheart, but disturb her sleep. Scarier than any oni you could think of." He chuckled for a moment. "I'll remove my hand if you promise no more screaming. Deal?"
Kren reached up and hugged Sano crying in to his shoulder when she was done she looked up at him "sorry I had a nightmare" her eyes had turned gold again from the fear of the dream.
When she clung to him crying, Sano could do nothing but chuckle nervously. He stroked her hair as he had observed others doing. Hoping it would be of some comfort. When she had finished crying and apologized, he pushed her away gently and sat down next to her. "Sorry, but I'm still relatively new to the whole comforting thing. I was never really the guy that stayed around more than a few hours. You know strip down, do my business, and leave the woman relatively satisfied. And I can see how wildly unnecessary and inappropriate that confession was." He chuckled nervously again. "You want me to go get someone? The fox lady, or the ice man maybe? He doesn't look it, but he is amazing at helping with nightmares. But then again he is with Robin, so he might kill anyone that attempts to open the door. So I guess you wanna tell me about it? I mean I really suck at taking care of people. I'll prolly make it worse, but if you feel like talking I'm here. And don't think your keeping me from anything either. Mel will probably also kill me if I wake her up trying to get back to bed. So safer I just stay here for a little bit. So if you wanna talk. You know. Talk." He cut himself off, knowing he had blathered on far longer than necessary. But the chick obviously needed some help. He just really wished one of the others had stumbled upon her. Though he was learning, and was a far cry from the misogynist jerk he had been, comfort was not really his area of expertise. He made people hurt. He didn't do the fixing.
Kren crawled into his lap for being 16 she was small she told him about the x scar on her cheek and that the dream had been about that. As she talked her eyes slowly turned back to purple when she finished her fear was gone.
"Wow, and I thought I had a pretty messed up past." He forced a laugh, saddened by how much heavier the atmosphere had become. He thought about what to say. If anything. Attempted silence was unbearable for the few seconds he attempted it. " I used to be a member of the Sekiho Army." He blurted out. It had no real relevance to what was going on, but babbling like an idiot was still preferable to the painful silence.
Kren nodded and snuggled up in his arms "can you tell me a story" she asked yawning.
"If you want." He shrugged, and thought a little bit. He smiled at the memory. "There once was a king. He was a powerful and wealthy man. Full of hope and ideals. He praised the hard work and commitment of the common folk. And was loved by all for his kind and just ruling. Now it was well known that the king was incredibly wealthy. He had vaults filled with gold and silver. He owned more jewels than there were trees in the forest. But it was a closely guarded secret that the king was greatly depressed. For as much wealth as he possessed, he lacked the one thing that is truly desired. A family. Now it was true that the king had once taken a bride. A lovely young noble woman who blessed him with three children. But a sickness swept through the land. It spared the king, but stole from him all that he held dear. The king did not want the people to know the depth of his sorrow, so he buried it deep. When in public he would constantly smile. He would tell jokes and laugh. But inside his heart was hurting. At night, he wept into his pillow. Mourning the loss, and believing never again would he be granted true happiness.
But one day while he was riding through the forest, he stumbled upon a group of bandits attacking a pair of women. As a upright man he could not allow this. Though greatly outnumbered he jumped off his horse and engaged the scoundrels. But there were too many. He became overwhelmed in an instant, and all seemed lost. Until one of the women joined him in the fight. She moved as swiftly as the wind, and proved more than his equal on the battlefield. Only when it was all done with, and the ruffians lay unconscious around their feet, did he look at his ally. In that moment his heart stopped. Her eyes sparkled like the most magnificent set of jewels. So beautiful that the sky itself must have felt envy. Feeling tongue tied for the first time in his life, he asked her she was. She admitted she was the princess of a neighboring land. She had been betrothed to a pig of a man, and refused to marry him. He wanted her so that he could sit upon the throne. He was a bastard of a man and would have made a terrible ruler. She refused to be a pawn and let her kingdom be hurt by allowing such a monster on the throne. She chose instead to flee with her most trusted servant. The plan had been to go back to the servant's home country. There she would search around and find a suitable man. One that was worthy to help her rule. They had been sneaking through the forest when they had been set upon. Hearing her tale, the king was moved. he invited them into his home to rest. While she was there, the king surprised himself by opening up his suffering. He shared the torment of having lost his family. She comforted him with her gentle and compassionate nature, and the two fell in love. They married in secret, announcing their marriage only when it felt right. But the man she had been betrothed to was not pleased. He was angry at having been humiliated and vowed vengeance. He hired a group of wicked men to kidnap the queen.
Soft breathing could be be heard from Sano's lap Kren had fallen asleep "thanks uncle Sano" she muttered in her sleep.
Hearing the girl's words as she drifted off brought a smile to the tall brunette's face. He chuckled softly. "Well well, first I become a dad, then I become an uncle. Not even two years and my life is completely Topsy turvy. If only Captain Sagara could see me now. Well he'd prolly punch me for knocking up his daughter." He laughed, smacking a hand against his lips to stifle the noise. It had been far louder then expected. With great care, he picked the girl up and set her in bed. Tucking her in and making sure she was comfortable. "I'm getting pretty good at this." He mused out loud, another smile on his face. "Goodnight little missy. I'll finish the story tomorrow if you still wanna hear it."
Kren woke up the next morning to Magumi opening the door "morning Magumi" she called siting up she smiled at her feeling a little more trusting this morning the x on her face was an angry red from not being treated when she got it but in the dark no one had noticed.
"My goodness!" Megumi gasped, noticing the angry red welts on the girl's face. Quick as lightening she opened her bag and grabbed some fresh bandages and ointments. She slathered the goo into the wounds, ignoring any sounds of protest and quickly re-bandaged the wound. When that was done, she stood up. All the franticness gone from her movements. Instead, she now moved like a dancer, graceful and precise. "Sir Ken and I will be going out of town for the day, so I'll be leaving you in the care of Mel. She's no doctor like me, but the girl is fairly impressive for someone without formal training. Now do you feel well enough to go to the kitchen for some breakfast? If not I can have someone bring you a tray. I would do it myself but I'm running a bit late. Poor Sir Ken is having to wait at the train station alone." She sighed theatrically before looking at the patient. Waiting for the girl to respond.
Kren stood up "thanks for every thing Magumi" she said and walked out the door bumping in to Sano.
"Well hey little missy. Good to see your feeling better this morning." He greeted cheerfully.
"Little missy! Little missy!" The child perched on his shoulders bounced happily.
"Hey only dad can say that."
"Mommy says if I can't say it then you can't either." She stuck her tongue out, even though there was no hope he would see it. Then she turned her attention back to the stranger. "You wanna go swim with us lady? Papa Sano and Papa Shi gonna take me to the river. We swim and fish and play. Wanna go?" The child offered, bouncing around with a surplus of energy.
"I will go but I will just watch ok" Kren's eyes turning gold at the thought of water one of the ways she was abused. She grabbed her stick it was more of a staff and followed them when we reached the river she sat and did some simple stretches as to not hurt the stitches and then stood and pulled her staff in front of her and started waving it around like there were invisible enemies.
"Wow. You real good at that." Robin complimented the moment the woman had paused. She had climbed out of the water and watched the woman practice her combat moves. Curious and impressed. "You almost as good as mommy. And she's almost as good as uncle Ken. And Uncle Ken is almost as good as daddy. And Daddy is the best in the whole wide world. So I guess. I guess that means you ok." The child scratched her head, confused by her own logic.
"Robin, what were you told before we came to the river?" Aoshi asked, sidling up to the child. She hung her head for a moment in shame.
"I has to stay with you or papa Sano." But the guilt vanished in a moment. Replaced by excitement. "But the strange lady is real good. Not as good as daddy or uncle Ken. But still good." She turned back to the woman. "Don't be sad that daddy is better than you. Mommy says no matter how strong, there's always someone stronger." A look of deep contemplation fell across the child's face. "But I don't think she meant daddy. He's real strong. He can pick papa shi up with one hand. He's real big too. Bigger than papa shi. and uncle ken put together."
"I think you should go swim with Sano again." Aoshi interrupted the child's bragging rant. She pouted a bit. "I'm sure he's getting bored by himself."
"Ok." She answered happily, demeanor changing in an instant. She laughed as she sprinted back to the water. Aoshi watched as she jumped from the banks, into the brunette's waiting arms. Then he turned back to the newcomer.
"Sorry about disrupting. I'll let you get back to your practice."
"Thats ok I'm done and this is all just for show any way with out an oponit I cant really tell if I'm getting better and judging how I was found I would say I did not get better" Kren said looking at the ground and clinching her staff.
"Would you care for a work out partner?" Aoshi offered. "With Misao in another city and Mel in her condition, I could use a new sparring partner." He walked over to a nearby tree. After a few moments of judging, he selected a suitable branch. With one well placed punch, he separated it from the tree. Holding his prize, he walked back to the girl.
Kren nodded and readied herself.
Aoshi began a gentle swaying. Moving farther and faster with every passing moment. His figure began to blur as he picked up speed, before disappearing into what looked like thin air.
The first strike was low. He felt the branch connect with her leg. Not enough to do damage. Just a lit tap to let her know she had been hit.
Kren blinked not sure how it happened but moved to late to block it.
Moving in a half circle, Aoshi tapped the other leg. Swinging the stick up, he felt it connect with her elbow. All soft blows. But all letting her know in a real fight she would have lost three limbs by now.
Kren sighed in frustration but did not give up but missed every time.
Aoshi was begining to enjoy himself. She wasn't as fast as any of his students, but she was very spirited. She made several attempts to strike, each one a complete miss. He slowed down to half speed and even allowed a few near hits. The game came to an end when he the sound of crying reached his hears. He recognized it instantly. Dropping the stick, he ran down to the river bank. Robin sat in the shallow water bawling her eyes out. A trickle of red fell from her forehead. Sano was next to her, doing his best attempts to sooth the child. Aoshi rushed into the water, ignoring the cold as it soaked into his pants.
"What the hell happened?" Aoshi hissed as he knelt down.
"Her foot caught on a rock and she fell." Sano explained.
"Idiot you were supposed to be watching her!" Aoshi growled.
"I was jackass. The water is fucking murky and I couldn't see shit."
"That wouldn't have mattered if you were close enough to catch her. And nice language in front of her."
"Well I'm sorry I freak out when my kid is in pain and crying."
"Your kid? Who the hell do you think she's been calling papa her whole life?"
"Stop fighting!" Robin shouted. She hated when her family fought. Especially Papa Sano and Papa Shi. Every time they were around each other too long, they went for each other's throats. She looked over to the woman on the shore. Her mom was always able to get them to stop with a few words. She had told her if they fought when she wasn't around, get a grownup. And this woman was a grown up. "Strange lady make them stop."
Kren could not stand seeing Robin upset she considered her a little sister as she got annoyed Kren's eyes flashed to bright blue and in one swift movement she had knocked them both on top of the head "listen to the two of you" she yelled "your upsetting Robin onii-chan you should be ashamed of your self" she turned to Robin "come here onii-chan lets get you cleaned up" she said pulling out a little headband and a strip of bandage.
The two males looked at each other in surprise. Neither expecting such a reaction. They shook the daze out of their minds quickly. Sano made a few grumbling remarks. Aoshi remained silent, occasionally shooting a glare at the other man.
Robing pushed her way through the water towards the girl. She sat and let herself be patched up.
"I want mommy." She sniffled. Looking over at the door, a fresh batch of tears filled her eyes. "They always like this. I hate it. I wish daddy was here. He could make them stop. Can you take me to mommy?"
Kren nodded and crouched down "clime on" when she did Kren jumped up after telling the too jerks she was taking Robin to the dojo and jump from thing to thing till we got back and she landed in front of Mel.
The moment she saw the bandage, Mel's eyes went wide. Forcing the reaction away, she grabbed her child.
"Thank you." She muttered, before turning to the little one in her arms. "Are you ok baby?" She cooed, soothing the hurt child. She kissed the bandage and hummed a lullaby. When Robin relaxed, she looked back up at the girl. "What happened?"
"I fell and hit my head." Robin interrupted. "Then Papa Sano and Papa Shi started fighting. Papa Sano said bad words."
"Is that true?" Mel asked Kren, hoping it wasn't. It was much to early for them to be at each other's throats.
Kren nodded "I stopped them though I just could not see Robin onii-chan upset"
"Thank you. They can be pretty difficult together. Normally I don't let them go alone, but I'm sadly at the no energy stage at the moment." She laughed. Her demeanor hardened when the two men walked in. Both had slightly slumped shoulders and downcast eyes. If they were dogs, their tails would be between their legs. "So, did you boys have fun?" The dojo went quiet. An uncomfortable heaviness settled over the area.
"He got all pissy because I don't have his super human speed." Sano broke the silence.
"That's right. If you did, Robin wouldn't have gotten hurt. I still don't know what she sees in you." Aoshi responded in his typical calm manner. The tone only served to fluster Sano further.
"Maybe she wouldn't have gotten hurt if you hadn't been so busy flirting."
"I don't flirt." Aoshi's eyes narrowed. "I would never betray Misao in such a manner."
"Oh you mean like asking her best friend to marry you?" Sano accused. Mel shook her head, snickering slightly.
"Are you really going there?" Mel asked, raising her eyebrow. The anger on Sano's face quickly fell, replaced by a sense of shame and doubt. "You know what, I really don't have the energy to deal with you two right now. See I just got a letter from Robin's daddy." Both men looked at her in surprise. "Yup. Seems he made a present for her fourth birthday and would like us to go get it. And seeing as how you two insist on acting like children, neither of you is going to be invited. Hey Kren, how would you like to join me and Kenshin on a trip to the mountains?"
Kren nodded and looked down and said "thanks aunt Mel"
"Not a problem. We'll need to get you a few things in town since its a bit away. Just let me grab some money. Robin sweetie, you are going to keep Papa Shi company ok?" The child nodded happily. Mel walked over and placed the child in Aoshi's arms. She cocked an eyebrow at his surprised face. "Hey you volunteered, when you questioned Sano's ability." She then turned to the other male. "And you rooster head are going to spend the afternoon cleaning the training room. I don't want a single speck of dirt or so help me I will rip out every hair on your body." Sano gulped at the threat. She only used that nickname when she was really pissed. There was no way he was going to object to anything she said at the moment. For his own safety.
Mel rushed off to go grab her small coin purse. Leaving the two males to glare daggers at each other, while Robin kept excitedly making plans about what they were going to do. After a minute Mel reamerged. She went straight up to Aoshi. "Make her a hot bath right now so she won't catch cold. Give her lunch no later than an hour from now, then set her down for a nap. Then you two can play after." She kissed the little girl's forehead. "Mommy loves you." Without another word she grabbed Kren's arm and lead her out of the dojo. They walked down the street in silence for a minute before Mel cleared her throat. "I am really sorry you had to deal with that. Those two are not exactly what you would call on friendly terms."
"Really aunt Mel I could not tell" said Kren with a laugh and her purple eyes sparkled.
Mel joined the girl in laughter, rather happy to see a pleasant emotion on her face. "Yeah, this was supposed to be Sano's vacation time away from Aoshi. It rarely gets to this level. But I do normally have Misao to back me up when they get too crazy. But enough about me. Kenshin says he knew you ten years ago. So I'm guessing you to be around 15 or 16?"
"Im 16 barely I turned 16 about a week ago" said Kren.
"Ah. Well happy birthday then. I guess I have to bake you a cake when we get back. If you don't mind me saying, you're a pretty small for your age. But then again that's just coming from someone who grew up too fast. Guess how old I am. Just so you know most people get it wrong."
"28 I think" she said just then we were surrounded but a group of bandits.
"You have got to be fucking kidding me." Mel hissed in frustration. "Ok guys, here is the deal. Back the hell off now and I won't break your fingers."
The group snickered. They slowly circled in, making their intentions very clear.
"You know what? Fuck it." Mel sighed in irritation. Moving quicker then most eyes could follow, three kunai were pulled from inside her shirt. She flicked them at the group. Three daggers. Three bodies hitting the floor. Seeing their comrades fall, a pair charged at her. She sidestepped and brought her elbow into one of the man's stomach. Just as he doubled over in pain, she managed a well placed kick to his companion's temple. The two that remained standing began to tremble with fear. Still brandishing sticks in an attempt to seem intimidating. "So Kren. You gonna take the last two out, or are you just gonna let me have all the fun?"
Kren's eyes flashed green and the two were down in one swoop leaving the leader which she faced thinking about aunt Mel and her unborn child she grasped her staff with both hands and pulled it apart reviling two reverse blades what happened next Kren was not sure but the next thing she know he was down and she was putting her staff back together.
"Very impressive. With a little training we could probably get you up to Sano's level." She laughed before looking down at the ring of unconscious forms. "You know we should probably go tell the cops these guys are out here." Mel began walking towards a building with an old style lantern hanging on its porch. She slowed her pace to let Kren catch up. "As an aside, I don't really know if I should be insulted or not that you think I'm 28. I'm only a year older than you."
"Sorry you asked" Kren reminded her.
"So I did." She chuckled. "Though I shouldn't be surprised. People thought I was in my early twenties when I was 13. Excuse me a second." She walked into the building and went up to the desk. A young officer sat at the table tending to some paper work. Sensing a presence next to him, he looked up. A blush spread across his face when he realized who it was. The pair exchanged a few words and Mel walked back out into the street. "Poor Yuki just doesn't know when to quit." She remarked as the pair ventured into the market.
Kren followed her and moved closer to her Kren's eyes starting to turn gold with fear as we reached town and she found herself wishing papa was here. Kren stopped right where she was and relised that she had just thought of Kenshin as her dad.
"You ok?" Mel asked, nothing the tension now spreading through the girl's body. "If this is too much you can go back home and I'll just get you a few things. Don't push yourself before your ready. That's how I ended up in a bit of trouble."
"Im fine" she said taking mel's hand.
"If you say so." Mel responded, giving the girl's hand a reassuring squeeze. The girl's fright was putting her into mother hood mode. Something she had mastered fairly well. "First of all, what do you want to wear? Would you like the basically ninja outfit I'm wearing, or a kimono like Megumi wears? we can decide on colors after that. Also, if something catches your eye, don't hesitate to tell me." Noticing a very familiar building, her face filled with glee. With great haste, she pulled them both inside. Bouncing with excitement in much the same manner as her daughter. The shop was immaculately clean and smelled of pine needles. There were bolts of fabric and stacks of ready made clothing on display. Mel pulled them to a small table that held an assortment of sweets. Robin and Sano are in love with the hard candy here. Would you like something?""
Kren shook her head no "for close can I have something like papa" she said not realizing she had called Kenshin dad.
"In the same color? Though I am going to have to suggest a more modest top. You are a girl after all and it wouldn't be wise to show off your chest like that." Mel laughed happily.
"Papa top is fine did you think i was taking of uncle sano" she said.
"No, I assumed you were talking about Kenshin. You do realize his top is very open right? But if you insist then we can just get some undergarment. Let me go talk to seamstress. See what she can do." Mel walked to the back of the shop. She found a middle aged woman measuring out a bolt of cloth. The two struck up a conversation. She gestured to a pile of clothing on a table. Mel rummaged through it. Selecting a few pieces, she returned. "Ok I managed to find some slacks like Kenshins. They should probably fit you as is. They are dark green though. On the bright side they should bring out our eyes nicely. And I found a matching top in much the same style. Though again, its a bit more modest. Try them on." She handed the clothes over and gestured to the changing room.
Kren changed and when she came out she looked like a stick of dark celery "no im not wearing this out in public i look like food" she said.
"That's because you're trying to hard to imitate his style. Baggie clothes don't just make you look frumpy, they actually hinder your battle abilities. First off, you are wearing the shirt inside out." Mel laughed. "But I agree the color doesn't quite work. So I found these." She handed her a pair of bright white slacks in the same style as Kenshin's. She then handed a top that was also the same style. This one in a beautiful dark blue. "This will definitely bring out your eyes. Make all the boy's heads turn." She smiled happily as she pushed the girl back into the dressing room. "Now hurry up please. I'm getting very hungry. And sadly I get cranky when I'm hungry."
Kren pull out a apple and toss it to her and got changed and came out it fit just right.
The apple was already a core by the time Kren reemerged. "That is perfect. And I knew it would be because I already bought them. I also bought you a sleeping yukata and a simple kimono if the need arises for you to have one. Do you want to do more shopping or can we go home? I'm having a different type of hunger pang if you catch my drift." She chuckled softly as she shifted the packages in her arms.
Kren nodded and took the packages from her and followed her.
The two trotted down the dirt path towards home. The circle of unconscious bandits no longer crowding the road. Mel was a bit anxious and kept up a brisk pace. They got to the dojo in no time. The found Aoshi one the porch, a sleeping Robin huddled in his lap. Sano was sitting a good bit of distance away. His eyes went wide when the girls walked in.
"Mel I didn't expect you back so-"
"Bedroom. Now." She demanded, cutting off whatever excuse he was attempting to say. She grabbed one of his jacket flaps and pulled him into the building with her. A very feint blush appeared on Aoshi's face. He forced it away after a moment.
"Did you have fun shopping?" He asked. Not so much curious as simply passing the time. "Don't worry about waking her. This little girl could sleep through cannon fire."
"It was fine we got what we needed" she said "can i tell you something weared that happened on the way Aoshi" she asked.
"Be my guest. I'm used to all manner of weird things."
"Well as we were walking we got surrounded but a gang of people aunt mel took out most of them but i some how got rid of two of them and there leader with out a scratch but when i was facing you or anyone before this i was not able to land a single hit let a lone not get a scratch at all" she said.
"Did you feel a change? Like something came over you? Maybe you noticed your eyes changed color again."
"Well my eyes did feel wearied and all i could think was im not let someone hurt my family" Kren whispered the last part but he still heard it.
"Just as I thought." He sighed slightly. " Sometimes a person's life is really difficult. They face a harsh reality and in order to survive, something dark grows inside of them. Its not inherently evil. Just self preservation. A part of their personality that allows them to stow their humanity and truly tap into the vast amount of power stored inside. Its a part of them that focuses only on survival of them and those they care about. It doesn't care about ideals, or mercy. Nothing but being able to fight out of even the most dire situations. Not everyone will do this. In fact most people can't. It requires a certain blood line to have the ability. Mel and Kenshin both have it. And now it seems you do as well." He snickered slightly. "Personally I'm surprised at how weak you are."
Kren glared at him getting mad as her eyes flashed blood red "i did not chose to have these eyes uncle they have made my life hell up till now" she snapped at him "i was abused my hole life because of my eyes both physically and emotionally. When i was three i got scared a lot. The village i was staying in at the time the people thought that my eyes meant that there was an evil spirit in me and that i should be cleansed from the inside out so till they kicked me out they raped me every day. The next village was not any better the people would hold me under water till i past out." Kren's eyes had changed again there colors were now different from the other. One was red the other gold as she remembered the past and the fear that went with it "they would make me sleep in a cage at night and there thought that it was fun to see me get raped by the village dogs. After three years i ran away and found papa after papa left me with the doctor every thing was fine till i got scared because of a snake then the doctor saw my gold eyes for the first time. He started rapeing me at knife point every night and one night he raped me like all ways and then told me i would be good for nothing and tried to kill me giving me this scar before i got away" Kren took the bandage of so he could see the x on her face "now till uncle sano found me out side i have been rape most of the times i was attacked and maybe that makes me weak but i survived so at lest my heart is strong" as she finished she had drown a crowed mel and sano were standing at there door and Kenshin had just gotten back when she had started yelling at Aoshi.
Aoshi ignored the crowd that had gathered. "I agree you have a very strong heart. But never the less you are weak. Physically. You were raped repeatedly and never had the strength to stop your attackers."
"Aoshi-sama stop." Mel spoke softly, eyes brimming with tears.
"No. I made a statement and I am simply clarifying it. How many attempted rapes have you stopped? BY now it has to have been in the dozens. But then again you did have the proper training. And that was all that I meant. She has not been properly trained and is weak because of it. If you don't want her to end up like you did, I suggest one of you take her under your wing and give some proper training." With that, Aoshi stood up. Carefully cradling the still sleeping child in his arms, he moved into the dojo. His eyes softened when he noticed the tears streaming down his niece's face. His heart tightened in pain, but he forced himself to walk away. He had taken the conversation too far. Revealed personal information that was not his to share. His footsteps echoed in the hall as they slowly faded away. All at once it seemed Mel's strength fell away. She collapsed to the wooden floor, sobbing as memories once again flooded her mind. Sano knelt down next to her. Holding her shaking form as he tried to calm her. Kenshin looked between both girls. He had definitely walked in at a very bad moment.
He moved to the porch quickly. "Do not cry Ms. Mel. It will hurt your eyes. That it will." After a minute, Mel pushed Sano away. Not wanting to be touched. She gave him an apologetic look, and he nodded in understanding.
"Aoshi-sama is wrong Kren. Getting raped doesn't mean you are weak. It just means that the rapist was stronger. And no matter how strong you are, or how hard you train, you will always find someone stronger. But he is right about you needing training. You have power but little control. The more you master your powers, and learn to tap into them, the safer you will be. You really don't want to end up like me."
But Kren was not listening her eyes were gold again but there was a hint pink panic in them. Kren did the only thing she could think of after reliving that she turned and ran out the gate and down the path till she reached a tree with a burned out center she crawled in. It was just as she left it she crawled in to her bed and cried telling her self she was stupid and an ident for thinking she could find happiness with them at the dojo that every thing was going to turn out the same after a wile they would hurt her in some way she was a fool to trust at all.
"Aoshi-sama can be a real bastard sometimes." Mel said softly. She had followed the girl, worried for her safety. Kren was crying rather hard, so she thought it best to keep a bit of distance. "He means well, but he was never one for subtly. Thats not an excuse. Just an explanation. The fact that he even spent so much time thinking of you is actually a compliment." She chuckled humorlessly. Taking a deep breath, she tried to choose her next words carefully. "We are leaving for the mountains in the morning. You already agreed to go and I'm not back out. Robin likes you and wants you to meet her daddy. And I would like the companionship." She turned to leave, but her feet were hesitant to move. "Sweetie, the dojo is like a family. We make stupid mistakes and hurt each other. But when it comes down to it we love and take care of each other as well. We aren't like a family I guess. We are a family. So if you ever feel like talking, or even just exchanging more war stories, Aunt Mel is here for you....Except at meal time. I scare everyone away at meal time." She stood there a few moments, hoping the joke was appreciated.
Kren kept crying the past flashing through her head she wanted Kenshin and Sano but could not stop crying as the memories got more vivid she ended in a full blown panic attack and that is how Sano and Kenshin found her.
"She just kept getting worse." Mel admitted to the two sadly. "You know on one hand I should be really disappointed that I couldn't help her. But on the other I completely understand. I was more comforted by Aoshi-sama than Masukame or Omine. Kenshin you should talk to her."
"Wah?" The ronin was taken back by the request. "Why me Ms. Mel?"
"Because she see's you as a father figure." Mel explained. Kenshin nodded, not surprised by the realization. Like he told Robin, he was a daddy in much the same way that Aoshi was. Even if she was not biologically his, he was responsible for her welfare. He moved closer and sate on the ground.
"Good afternoon Ms. Kren. It troubles me deeply to hear about your past. That it does." He said solemnly. He sighed deeply and hoped he could make things better. "First of all, I would like to apologize. I did not know the type of people I was leaving you with. Had I known, I would have kept you with me. Or given you to some allies that I had that would have treated you right."
At the sound of Kenshin's voice her breathing started to return to normal with in mear moments she was in Kenshin's lap with her head press against his chest where his heart was it was the same way she had sat in his lap when she had to get stitches ten years ago and she was not much bigger then she was then too.
"You are still very small Ms. Kren. That you are. And it's not smart for someone of your stature to go around without knowing how to protect herself. Starting when we return from the mountain, Ms. Mel is going to train you. Her style is much more suited to someone your size. Is that acceptable?" His words came out a bit scolding, but Kenshin meant no harm. He merely had concern for the girl's safety. Aoshi was right. A girl like her needed to be able to protect herself.
It Kenshin's words she got up and did a childish thing she asked Sano to pick her up without words the memories had traumatized her to act like a kid again.
Sano chuckled lightly at the girl's actions. He scooped her up in the same manner he would have done for Robin. "So learning to be a dad really does pay off." He smiled at Mel, who simply rolled her eyes. The trio returned to the dojo. Sano took Kren into the room she was staying in and laid her on the bed. "You might want to get some rest little missy. Bid day tomorrow." He smiled down at her and turned to leave the room. He looked at Mel, waiting for her to follow.
"I'll be there in a minute hon." She answered the unspoken question. Sano shrugged and walked into the hallway. Kenshin stayed, wondering what was going on. Mel sat next to the bed. For a few minutes, she simply sat there in silence. Eyes weary. Finally she cleared her throat. She level a gaze at the girl.
"I'm sorry, this is going to be rude, but have you figured out yet what any of us meant when we said you shouldn't end up like me?"
Kren nodded "but it might be to late that cut across my stomic that you stitched was the last rape persons way of making sure i would not have his kid but i put my hand on on my stomic I'm sure I'm going to" she said looking down.
"So why are you so afraid to open up to me? We have literally shared a good many experiences. Only difference is I was lucky enough to be trained from a young age to defend myself. And I have slightly more strangely complicated relationships." She smiled at the attempt at humor. It fell after a moment, replaced by a bit of sadness. "I'm warning you now it will be difficult. You will see him in the most innocent things she does. Will see him when you brush her hair, because that is where she got it from." She sighed and placed a gentle hand on the girl's stomach. "Trust me though it won't be as terrible as you think. Its easier to carry and bear the child when you are surrounded by people that love and care about you. They take away enough pain that you will see how much of a joy she is." A single tear fell down her cheek. She brushed it away absentmindedly and forced a smile. "Well I think I should probably head off to bed. We do have a big day tomorrow." She forced herself to stand on shaky legs. Worried, Kenshin helped guide her across the room. She dismissed him when she got to the door. Choosing to walk slowly, and albeit somewhat clumsily, away from the room. The ronin watched her as she walked, anxious to help at the slightest sign that she needed it. When she vanished into a room, he closed the door and turned back to his new ward. Walking over, he took a seat by the bed.
"I think Ms. Mel is hurt by how little she can help you. That she is." He explained. "She is used to being able to help others. Especially those that suffered as she did. It pains her that she can't care for another victim. But I suppose as time goes on you will start turning towards her more and more for advice. After all, she is the one teaching me and Sano to care for children." He laughed a bit, rubbing the nape of his neck. When the laughter subsided, he looked down at the girl. "As an aside I feel that I should warn you. As you have figured out, Ms. Robin was not a child of consent. The man you will meet tomorrow is Ms. Robin's biological father......And Ms. Mel's rapist."
Kren looked up at him "at lest he still cares about robin" she said a tear sliding down her face.
"Well that is because he is a decent man. And it is great for Ms. Robin to have such a man in her life. But the monster that did that to you. It is far better for your child to not be influenced by such a foul thing. That it is." He spoke softly. "I must ask one favor though. You must keep what I have just told you a secret. Ms. Robin doesn't know the details about her conception."
Kenshin wiped the tear away gently. "Its actually a little funny, but until close to two years ago, he didn't know he had a child."
Kren nodded "can i sleep with you or uncle Sano tonight" she asked
"I think uncle Sano might be busy with Aunt Mel right now. But I would be happy to stay with you Ms Kren. That I would."
Kren crawled in to his lap and put her head on his chest listening to his heart beat and was soon asleep. she woke up screaming in her bed at midnight after dreaming of her water abuse.
"Shh Ms. Kren. Shh. It's ok. I'm here." Kenshin spoke in a quiet tone as he stroked her hair soothingly. Sad to say, but he had expected the nightmares. They never fully went away. "Go back to sleep Ms. Kren. It was all a bad dream. We won't let anything happen to you. You are safe with us."
The night passed by quickly after the particular incident. Soon the sun was flashing down on the landscape below.
"Rise and shine you two. We have a long day's travel ahead of us." Mel said happily as woke the pair up from their slumber. She went about gathering up and packing what they were going to take. Kenshin assisted as they packed a large picnic lunch. Kren sat at the kitchen table. After the previous day, neither wanted to provide any chance for her to be strained even further. Mel and Kenshin chatted as they worked, constantly trying to draw the young girl into the conversation.
"You know, I am actually excited for this trip. That I am. Clean air, beautiful surroudings-" Kenshin's musings fell away when he noticed Mel's shirt had slipped a little. Revealing several fresh hickies on her shoulders and neck. A slight blush hit her face and she gave a nervous laugh.
"He always makes them more prominent when I go see any guy." She shook her head. Kenshin gave a knowing smile and helped pack up the rest of the food.
"Ok. All Set Ms. Mel. Go get Ms. Robin and I will go grab the horses." Kenshin devised the plan. He walked out of the building and she walked into the hallway. After a few minutes, Mel reappeared in the kitchen with Robin in hand, and Aoshi and Sano in tow. The two where weighted down with all the luggage of the trip. Mel grabbed Kren's hand and lead her to the front gate, with the pack mules following close behind. The ronin lead four beautiful horses to the front. A small grey mare, 2 good sided brown stallions, and one enormous black stallion. The brown horses were a decent size, but this monster dwarfed them. One of the brown horses was
loaded with the cargo. It was to be their pack horse. Handing Robin over to Sano, Mel climbed up onto the black stallion. Sano passed the little girl up. She was situated comfortably in front of her mother on the large beast.
"Do you know how to ride Ms Kren?" Kenshin asked curiously. "If not we can share a horse, or you can ride Snow dust." He gestured to the grey horse. "He is really sweet and easy to handle. That she is."
Kren's eyes had turned gold and she was hiding be hide Sano trying not to think of the past she did not here Kenshin's question.
"Well if you're gonna be like that little missy." Sano chuckled. In one motion turning around and picking her up. Hauling it to the smallest horse he perched her atop. "Snow dust is calm. You'll be fine. Now Moon shadow over there is the crazy one." He smiled pointing at the black stallion.
Kren promly started to fall off and hit the ground.
"And that has got to be the shortest attempt at riding I have every seen. How did you even fall off missy? She wasn't even moving." Sano looked at the girl, scratching his head in confusion. "Oh well. Guess it was just lucky she's so tiny. Well you know what they say. If you fall off a horse, get back on." He pulled her up from the ground and placed her back on the horse. This time he held her steady until Kenshin jumped up and sat in front her. Taking hold of the reins, he looked over his shoulder.
"You might want to hold on to me Ms. Kren. That you would."
Kren held on to him and he could feel the tears on the back of his shirt she was scared and started having a hard time breathing.
"It's ok Ms. Kren. No reason to be scared. Snow Dust is already walking. Nice and slow. No need to rush." He said i a calming tone as he let the horse trot lightly. The sound of heavy hooves sounded behind them, and the large behemoth of a horse galloped by.
"Whee. Faster mommy! Faster!" Robin chanted as she was bounced around in the saddle. Laughing along with her mother. Kenshin laughed as the two bounded away.
"See, It's fun. Don't worry, the horse won't hurt you. We can keep a steady pace. I'll only speed up if you tell me too. Do not feel bad about being scared. Ms. Mel and Ms. Robin aren't scared because they have been around that horse their whole lives."
"Come on slowpokes!" Mel called from a dozen yards ahead. Laughing as the horse continued to gallop.
Last time she had been around horses was when someone wanted her dead they had tied her up and tossed her in to the hurd hoping she would get trampled and she was.
They traveled like this for hours. Occasionally stopping to rest the horses or work the kinks our to their muscles. When the sun was low in the sky, a decent sized house appeared in the distance. Robin began to bounce around in her seat. Excited to be here once again. Her mother was a bit more weary. The path became more broken, and the terrain a bit more rugged. That was as far as the horses could go carrying their human cargo. Mel dismounted and helped Robin to the ground. Kenshin did the same for Kren. The ronin held the reins of his mount, gently guiding it along. Mel did not even bother. Her horse would not one. It had been here before and wouldn't get lost. As they drew closer to the house, a figure appeared in the yard. It was a difficult to discern anything about the figure. Except something red on it's body. At the sight, the little girl began bouncing around more erratically. Mel held her hand firmly. They were not on easier ground yet, and she would not allow her daughter to get hurt because she didn't pay attention to where she was running. When they came to more level ground, Mel finally released her hand. The child bolted immediately,
"DADDY!" She yelled excitedly, running to the figure. As the rest drew closer, the figure began to take a more definite shape. The man was truly an imposing firm. He was giant. Standing taller than any of them by at least a couple heads. A giant red cloak was wrapped around his muscular frame. He moved to meet the small child. For a man of his size, he was terrifyingly swift. His angular face broke out in a smile.
"My little bird." He said proudly, voice booming across the area. The child grabbed one of his massive hands, and he easily lifted her high of the ground. She squealed in delight. He pulled her into a hug, her tiny body practically disappearing against his massive frame. When he set her down again, the others had arrived. "Mel-chan. Very nice to see you again. And my stupid student has seemed to follow you like a dog. I do hope you have house trained him." He chuckled loudly, a rumble deep in his chest. Then his eyes turned to Kren. His nose crinkled in distaste. "Can't say I am pleased you brought along someone else. Personally I would have preferred the tall guy with blue eyes. At least he could fight." With that he picked the child up and carried her into the house.
(Im working on writing the rest please tell me what you think so far)
"Excuse me Little missy. You ok?" The lanky brunette looked down at the slumped figure. Worried at the amount of red he was seeing. "You ok? I know a doctor if that would help." Kren opened her eyes "im fine" she lied.
"Missy I've seen more than my share of battle. Not to mention you must be the worst liar I ever saw. I got a doctor friend. She's actually inside this building right here looking after another patient. I'm sure she won't mind." Without waiting for an answer, Sano hoisted the small frame up and cradled her in his arms. Not the first time he had to tend to carry an injured comrade. "Don't worry, I got ya." Kren's eyes grew wide with fear at the thought of a doctor "im fine" she said forcefully but even so she started shaking in fear.
Sano felt the trembling in his arms and suppressed the internal groan. "Just great. Another damaged doll." He thought sadly. A hint of pity touching his face. He needed to calm her down. At least somewhat. In her condition too much fear could lead to shock. "Its ok. I promise missy. She's a good doc. Really nice and gentle. My girl hates strangers and even she likes going to see her." He attempted his best soothing voice. Hoping it was enough. Speeding through the gate he rushed to the main building. Juggling the girl as carefully as possible, he managed to open the sliding doors. He followed the voices echoing off the walls and entered the bedroom he was currently staying at. The door opened and several pairs of curious eyes turned to look. The large bed was occupied by two girls. One a teen, the other a young child. The young woman bolted up in a bed, jostling her pixie cut brown hair. From her current position, it was easy to see her stomach was slightly swelled. The child looked at the intrusion with wide eyes beaming in curiosity. The fox lady was by the bed, a small , and now largely forgotten, packet in her hand.
"What do you have there Sanosuke?" Megumi asked curiously. The child jumped from the bed and run up. Bouncing with an abundance of energy.
"What you got papa? What you got?" She jumped repeatedly, trying to get a better view as to the package in Sano's arms.
"Robin get back here." The brunette on the bed said sternly. The child pouted and returned back to the bed. Holding onto the doctor's arm for support, the brunette lifted herself up. "Put her there Sano. She needs this more than I do." The lean former soldier nodded and set the shaking form on the bed. The brunette and raven haired women knelt down at her side. Both taking a careful examination. "Sano leave the room please. Take Robin with you." Sano nodded and snatched the child up. Ignoring her protests. When the door slide shut, she turned back to the frail form. "We are having trouble gauging the extend of your injuries. Do you mind if we strip you? I promise it will be just us girls." She spoke in a soft comforting voice. Perfected from years of motherhood.
Kren shook her head no the fear was vary clear in her eyes she curled in to a tight ball
"I understand not wanting to be touched. Trust me I know. I'm Mel. This is Megumi. We both have experience treating battle field injuries. Please let us look." Mel practically begged. Not wanting the girl to die. Noting the fear remaining in the eyes, she sighed deeply. Shook her head at the female doctor. She knew from a lifetime of experience, that much fear could only be calmed by a familiar presence. With some difficulty, she stood up. Thinking about bringing her daughter back in. The child helped calm patients before. Her child like innocence and energy always helped lower their guard. Walking to the other side of the room, she opened the door. And found a mass of red hair. Kenshin. He was a very nurturing soul. Maybe he could help calm her down. Worst case scenario it doesn't work and they resort back to Robin. "Hey Kenshin."
"Yes miss Mel?" He asked, setting the vegtable laden basket on the ground. She motioned him to join them in the room. Wordlessly asking for help. The ronin stepped into the room. Gasped in shock when he noticed the prone bleeding form on the bed. "Is she all right?"
At the sound of kenshin's voice Kren's head shot up to look at him but the fear did not leave yet.
The three rushed over quickly.
"Don't strain yourself." Mel gently scolded, kneeling next to the bed. She looked up at the ronin. "I think she might know you." Kenshin looked at the figure, gears turning in his head. There was something familiar, but he couldn't quite place it. He tapped his foot impatiently.
"Listen to what she says. Ms. Mel and Ms. Megumi are good healers. That they are." He tried to be encouraging, while still trying to figure out the mystery now in front of him.
I looked at kenshin and reached out and took his hand in mine i pulled at him trying to get him to sit down so i could get in his lap like i did in the past the last time i saw my hero i needed to see a doctor then too and i was so scared because i was going to need stitches but kenshin held me tight so i could not move and for some reason it felt right like being held by a dad or a brother.
"Hold her hand." Mel ordered. There was something about the way that girl looked at kenshin. Like he was family. It was the same look she had for Aoishi and Misao. The ronin did as ordered. Holding the hand, he felt a gentle squeeze. Something about this was very familiar. Like Deja vu. He put it from his mind. Without another word, Mel and Megumi went to work. They carefully stripped off the girl's outer layers. Dried blood making the garment brittle. She had a few lacerations on her arms and legs, but the gash on her stomach was the most worrisome. Subconsciously Mel brushed her hand across her own abdomen. Thankful she was not bearing that injury at the moment. Megumi went and grabbed her and Mel's kit. Reaching into the brunette's bag, she pulled out the small glass battle and some cloth. Mel took the instruments from the woman. "This will sting." She warned. The resin in the bottle was a mix of several plant's saps and leaves. It would be a bit painful at the application, but was necessary. It was a powerful antiseptic that would also act as a topical anesthesia. Numbing the nerves. Considering the extent of the damage, the girl was going to need a good many stitches. Applying the liquid concoction as quickly as possible, she forced herself to ignore any whimpers. Pitying the patient did little else but distract the doctor. It was mercy to ignore their pain for the good of their health. Mel had to mentally repeat those words a few times as she and Megumi worked to stitch the patient up. Megumi's stitches were much neater. But Mel was able to stitch faster with as few knots as possible. Though nicer looking, having more knots meant the doctor's stitches would be far more painful to remove. That was to be expected. Megumi learned her trade through the family and in mostly controlled settings. Mel learned hers through battlefield experience.
After what felt like hours, the work was done. All wounds were closed and bandaged. A very taxing ordeal for all involved.
Kren had tears streaming down her face but she did not move as long as she held kenshin's hand as she cryed the thing that made her uneak happened her eyes turned gold as she cryed.
"You should get some rest now. Kenshin will stay if you need it." Mel spoke calmly, volunteering the ronin for baby sitting duty. They shared a look. Not because she had given him an order, but because they had both seen it. The girl's eyes had turned gold. Not knowing exactly what that meant, but not willing to take any chances, Mel grabbed a small packet from her bag. With great care she tore open the paper. Gently, she gripped the girl's jaw with her thumb and forefinger, forcing her mouth to open. With speed that impressed even the ronin, the powder was poured down her throat. "Not to worry. Just an herb to help you sleep. Your body requires the rest." With that, she stood, and pulled Megumi from the room. The powder was the most powerful concoction that could be made. The girl was out before they had even stepped out of the room.
Just before she went she called out to kenshin useing the name that she called him after he introduced him self the first time "Shin-kun".
Kenshin looked at the sleeping form on the bed. Something was very familiar about the girl, but his mind had still yet to place it. Something very familiar. But the mystery would have to wait until the girl would be able to speak. The herb should pass from her system in another few hours, but her body might keep itself out a little longer. A way to reserve energy while it tried to fix itself. He sighed deeply and looked down at his lap. A smile hit his lips. Robin had volunteered to keep him company while he watched over the girl. Volunteered wasn't quite the word. Insisted was more like it. She demanded to help take care of the girl. The girl had her mother's eye for detail, and was always very spirited. So he humored her. Though the morning spent playing with her father had taken quite a toll. The child had crawled into his lap and promptly fell asleep after merely an hour on watch. Still, her even breathing as she slept gave him a strange sense of calm. He stroked her long black hair gently, a familiar sensation hit him. He had done something like this before. With the girl that now lay sleeping in the bed.
Kren woke up two hours later the first thing she did was call out "Shin-kun" her eyes turned gold as she started getting scared and crying again because she did not see kenshin and did knot know where she was she stood and slipped out the window and moved slowly to a tree and scampered up and over the dojo wall then went to a bush and hid there crying but she knew that if people sow her eyes there would be trouble.
"You ok lady?" Robin asked curiously. She had decided to help Uncle Kenshin watch the lady. Her mom said the woman had been hurt pretty bad and could probably use some cheering up. So Robin had stayed. But playing games with Papa Sano had taken more out of her than she expected. She fell asleep pretty fast. Only waking up when she heard the lady cry out. She sat up just in time to see the strange lady slip out the window. Uncle Kenshin had been leaning against the far wall, head against his chest and snoring slightly. The lady seemed scared, and she learned it was never good to be alone when you were scared. So she followed. Out the window and over the tree. Her mom would be mad if she found out Robin had left the dojo without a grownup, but didn't the strange lady count as a grownup? Deciding she did, Robin opted not to go back, but continued to follow. She was barely going to be four, but she was already an expert climber. Having been taught by some of the best. she followed the whimpering sounds to a random bush and asked her question. She was sad when she got no response. So she did what she always did to make someone feel better. "Do you know I have three daddies?" The information always seemed to break a person's sad mood. At least for a few moments.
Kren cried harder and laid on her side her eyes held shut so as to not scar the child but she could not stop crying she wanted Shin-kun.
"Please don't cry sad lady. Its no fun being sad. Wanna play a game? You really good at climbing. Maybe we can have a race. yeah. Let's race. But we gotta be back real soon or mommy might get mad. I not supposed to go over the wall without an adult." Robin chatted trying to stop the woman's tears. But they just seemed to keep flowing. "Please don't cry. It not bad having gold eyes. I think they pretty. Uncle Kenshin gets them sometimes." She reached out and touched the shaking girl's hand. Trying to give comfort.
Kren shrank away from her she was deep in my fear at this point the only thing going to snap her out of it was Kenshin.
"Ms. Robin!" Kenshin called softly as he walked down the path. He had woken to find the woman and the child gone. Ice formed in the pit of his stomach the moment he realized they were both missing. He raced out the door, praying the child was safe. He cursed himself for letting his guard down. They didn't know the woman. She was a stranger in their midst. For all they knew she was a spy, purposely sent to the dojo. That little girl was a great pawn to use against too many powerful entities. Was an extremely valuable and tempting target. It had been foolish to let her be anywhere near something they knew nothing about. If anything happened to the child, there would be hell to pay. If she were to harm a single hair on the child's head, the woman wouldn't live to see the next season. Twigs snapped as he rushed around.
"Over here Uncle Kenshin!" The child's voice carried over the air. He honed in and raced to the area. She sat next to a bush and waved him over. A look of confusion hit his face.
"Are you alright Ms. Robin? Did she hurt you?" He tried to keep the panic from his mind. The girl shook her head.
"No. The sad lady ran out the window. Mommy says its not good to be alone when your scared, so I followed. She's really sad." Robin looked at the bush, lip trembling as tears sprung to her eyes. She wanted to help the lady but couldn't. Kenshin snatched the sniveling child up. He turned from the bush.
"Ms. If you are too hurt to walk let me know and I'll come back and help you. If you can walk then follow me. If you don't like either of those options, stay in the dirt." The Ronin's voice was cold as he spoke to the air. Specks of gold flickering in the depths of his violet irises. The Battōsai hadn't fully taken over, but it was slowly leaking into and overwhelming the more docile personality. Even if she was not some spy and she didn't realize it, her actions had placed the child in enormous amounts of danger. More than she probably comprehended. And that angered him. He stood there for a few moments, waiting for an answer.
Kren opened her golden eyes and at seeing Kenshin she stood like a scolded child but the site of Kenshin had been enough to help her calm down her fear and her eyes changed back to there dark purple "Kren is sorry Shin-kun" she then looked at the ground and followed him.
"Kren." He allowed the name to roll around in his head as he walked. But only for a moment. Right now he was very angry. And she needed to know it. "Lets get one thing straight Ms. Kren, if you are to stay in the Dojo, you will not pull anything like that again. You will follow the orders of Ms. Mel and Ms. Megumi. And you will do nothing to endanger Ms. Robin."
"But Uncle Kenshin. She didn't do nothing. I fo-"
"You be quiet now Ms. Robin. Uncle Ken is angry at you now. That he is. You know never to go outside without a grownup. I won't tell your mom this one time. But you must promise to never do it again. That you mustn't." He scolded the child in a soft voice. The gold flecks disappearing from his eyes. He walked through the gate, without looking to see if she was still following. He knew she would. Setting Robin down in the dojo, he ordered her to go to Karou's room. Since they had been displaced from the guest room, it was where they were bedding until the owner of the dojo returned.
"But what if Mommy and Papa are doing the special hug? Ick." She stuck her tongue out. Kenshin just chuckled and pointed for her to go. She dragged her feet, muttering about how she was just trying to help. He waited until the girl was out of sight before turning to the newcomer.
"Look, I don't know who you are. You can stay here for the night. One of the girl's will look at you in the morning. But when your stitches come out I want you gone. Unless."
Kren looked up at him tears forming in her eyes "I understand Shin-kun Kren will leave now so as to not make trouble for the man that saved Kren and gave her a name bye Shin-kun thanks for saving me at the culapsed brige years ago" she sprinted off cafully so as to not disturb the stitches when she reached a tree she climbed it and sat at the top and let the tears fall.
Kenshin sighed deeply. He hated playing the bad guy. Just as much as he hated actually being one. But it was important. If anything else were to happen to that child, especially because of him, he would never forgive himself. "Unless...You do exactly as you are told. You wouldn't know this, but that child is in constant danger. She does not leave these walls without proper escort people too many people would wish her harm. Not her specifically. She just happens to be the chink in the armor of several otherwise invincible people. If you understand what I'm telling you, tell me so."
He still had little idea who she was. The details she gave rang a bell. Still, his mind was very hazy. That and the fact she was injured was the reason he followed her to the tree. He heard her sniffle and knew she was crying. But all he could do was give her the offer. "You know I still don't know who you are. Want to tell me more?"
Kren turn to go down the tree she saw her secint worse fear a snake. She stood and moved to fast the branch snapped and she fell just like she did that day ten year ago her eyes turned gold as she screamed in fear and tarer the sean played out in her mind.
Ten years ago she had just been 6 years old and was running for her life when she saw a snake on a old rotting bridge she was crossing she had screamed and her eyes had turned gold with fear and tarer as the section she was on fell her persowers thought she was dead and left and that is how Kenshin had found her bared under the bridge. She woke to him caring her. when she opened her eyes they had been gold but slowly turned to dark purple he asked her about them and she told him when she was extremely scared her eyes turned gold. He then told her his name was Kenshin and asked her for her name she told him that she did not have one so he named her Kren.
That night we reached a village where Kenshin took her to the doctor and he had to hold her still as she was scared and wanted to run but needed stitches. Kenshin left the next day and she has not seen him sense but ounce her stitches were out she was kicked out of the village because of her eyes.
Kren neared the ground.
Kenshin moved quickly to catch. But not quick enough. It wasn't that he was too far away. He was simply beaten to the punch. The tall man stood straight up, before unceremoniously dumping his human cargo to the ground. Kenshin stared at the visitor from the past. "Aoshi? Why are you here?"
"I believe the deal was she could visit only if I would be allowed to stop by as well. Your no kill policy would leave too many threats. Speaking of threats, who did I just catch?" Ice blue eyes glared at the ground, not exactly thrilled to see a stranger on the ground. Particularly not one that had been sneaking through the trees. Maybe he should have just let her fall. Kenshin walked to the fallen girl and helped her stand up.
"Her name's Kren. I rescued her when she was a little kid a decade ago. You should know what that's like Aoshi-san, that you should."
"I took in family. You brought a stranger into the dojo. I need a little more than assurances that she is no threat to my family." He spoke in his usual low tone. Calm and predatory at the same time. Has hand wrapped around the hilt of one of his swords menacingly. Kenshin took a step forward, placing his body between the two. Aoshi had lost a good bit of his darkness, but he was very overprotective of his family. Especially after what had happened the previous year.
"She's about the same age as your niece. Look for yourself and see the damage her body has sustained already. She is no threat to your family. That she is not." He said the words with complete conviction. After a moment of painful stillness, the hand was removed from the sword. The dangerous air seemed to lighten in an instant.
"Apologies for showing up so late, but I hadn't received her weekly letter and had a bad feeling." Aoshi apologized.
"The letter carrier's horse has been sick for the past few days. No letters are leaving town. You would have know that if you had checked your sources. That you would." Kenshin teased playfully. It was very rare for the man to show much emotion. Which is what made his over worrying ways so amusing. He was calm and collected, unless he lost contact with his family. "It is late. I suppose you will want some tea to recover from such a long journey. I assume you took no breaks and pushed your poor body to its limits." He laughed, gesturing for the man to follow. The two walked back to the dojo. "If you want some tea, feel free to join us Kren." He threw over his shoulder. Knowing she would follow.
"Coming Shin-kun" she said and keeping her eyes shut to hide the color because she was still scared and there was a presence she did not know stumbled after them.
Aoshi looked at the girl now sitting on the other side of the table. He didn't know her. Kenshin didn't really know her. And he didn't like the fact she was hiding things. "I am not a fool Kren." He narrowed his eyes. Even if she was innocent, she acted very suspicious. "I noticed your eyes when I caught you. They are the same color as when the Battōsai takes over Kenshin. But right now I don't care about that. The color of your eyes has little relevance to me. But if you want to walk away from this table breathing, I want to know exactly why you are here."
Kren opened her eyes and the gold showed and she grabbed Kenshin's hand "I was walking to find food in the forest but saw a snake got really scared and my eyes changed then some guys chased me cot me and hurt me with there knives the guy in a red headband found me out side hurt and brot me here I did not know that Shin-kun was here and if it makes you feel better when I leave the table I can hold my breath"
Aoshi raised an eyebrow, a smile tugging at his lips. "Your a decent comedian. I'll give you that." Before he could say another word, the tea pot began to whistle. Kenshin quickly removed his hand. Giving the girl a reassuring smile, he went to fetch the tea before it woke anyone. With quick motions, he added tea leaves to three cups and poured the boiling water over them. Picking up the trey, he brought it to the table. Aoshi snatched a cup away. Gave a few quick exhales to cool the steaming brew before taking a sip. His nose crinkled. "All this time Himura and your tea is still horrendous."
"You just got spoiled to Ms. Mel's tea. That you did." Kenshin countered. The tall man nodded. "If you like, you are more than welcome to wake her up and ask her to make a new cup."
"No thanks. I don't have a death wish." Aoshi snickered. Kenshin joined in the laugh. The door to the kithchen was opened. All eyes turned as a tiny figure stumbled through the doorway. Robin rubbed her eyes sleepily and yawned.
"The tea pot woke me up." She complained walking over to the table. She crawled into the raven haired man's lap. "Papa Aoshi, why you here?"
"Just came to check on you and your mom." He spoke gently. His demeanor softened greatly as he held the child. "Kenshin go get some of that melon bread I know she made."
"Mommy said I can't have sweets after bed time."
"Then I guess we don't tell you mom then." He kissed the child's forehead affectionately. Kenshin watched the scene for a moment, before shaking his head in amusement. The head of one of the most powerful shadow organizations. The man reported to be made of stone, with only ice water in his veins. And he was every bit as goofy as any other father.
Kren looked at her hands as tears fell thinking how nice it must be to have a father.
"Why you sad now lady?" Robin asked, noticing the woman's tears. "Is it cause your mommy won't let you eat melon bread either? Its ok, you can eat it too cause Papa Aoshi says its ok."
"I don't think that's the problem Ms. Robin. No it is not." Kenshin sighed. His memory had come back decently. The girl had been alone when he rescued her from the bridge collapse. She couldn't tell him anything about a possible family. So he had left her at the doctor's place. They were nice people. A decent village. And he had to get back to war. She should have been safe and well taken care of. But sometimes it was tough not having actual family. "I think she just misses her family."
"Is that all?" Robin cocked her head, before a large smile was plastered on her face. "She can just share mine. I have three daddies so its no problem."
Kren looked up "I don't have a family the closest to a father figure was Shin-kun" she said "My family kicked me out because of my eyes or so I was told my hole life I don't remember it but I do remember the things each family did to me Shin-kun was the first one to show me real kindness and the last till now" she tightened her grip on her stick as she spoke trying to stop the tears but it did not work.
The news was more than a little shocking to the ronin. The village he had left her in, there was any number of suitable families. It wasn't surprising she would say she had no father. But not having a father figure either was an entirely new idea to him. What exactly had this girl's life been like?
"You a daddy Uncle Ken?" Robin looked at the red head. He gave the child a small smile.
"Not exactly." He answered. The child cocked her head to the side, indicating she didn't understand. A habit she had picked up from her mother. The ronin gave her another gentle smile. "I'm a daddy in the same way Aoshi is a daddy." She looked at him a moment before nodding. Understanding and accepting the answer. Then she hoped down from the man's lap and proceeded to the pantry. Rummaging around for a few moments, she reemerged with two large pieces of melon bread, one in each hand. She walked over to where strange lady sat and placed one in front of her.
"Mommy makes the bestest melon bread. Its real yummy. Papa Ken is here and you have a yummy bread. So you not allowed to be sad anymore. ok." The child demanded softly.
Kren reached up and ruffled her hair "ok" she smiled "lets not talk of the past" she said as her hand reached up to the bandage on her face it was covering the last act of abuse she ever had at the hands of someone who called them selfs family.
The child smiled as her hair was ruffled. It fell when she noticed the woman touch a bandage on the side of her face. Robin was scarcely perceptive at times. And this was one of them.
"Mommy no put that one on you. What happen?" She asked curiously. The room froze. The child was as perceptive as her parents. Noticing everything. But she was still to young to have much of a sense of propriety. Leading to many moments like this. Where she asked a very personal question that couldn't be taken pack.
"That would be a part of my past I'm not ready to relive yet" she said her voice holding much pain in it and her eyes flashed gold for a split secint as she fought the memories down.
"It ok. Your Papa Ken is here now. Papas always make things better. Unless they make mommy mad." The child smiled at the girl. Hoping she would not hurt so much.
"Its late, and lest I face your mother's now mentioned wrath, it's time for bed." Aoshi stood up and walked around the table. Snatching the child up and tossing her over his shoulder like a bag of rice. Her indignant protests changed to sounds of excitement as he bounced her around. "You can stay with me tonight if you so desire." The words echoed in the room as the two departed from the kitchen. The room sat in silence for a few moments, before Kenshin began to clean up the mess.
"I am very sorry for acting so cruel to you Ms. Kren. That I am." He apologized as he put a few dishes in the bucket. He could wash them when the sun was up. When he was finished, he walked over to the still very much pained figure and took your hand. "I don't know what suffering you have dealt with these past years, but it is obvious you still hold a good amount of pain. Personally I think you should talk to Ms. Mel. She will understand that level of pain far more than I. That she will." He released the hand and walked to the door. Stopping for a moment, he turned and looked over his shoulder. "Finish the melon bread and get to bed. Don't leave any behind or there will be hell to pay for going behind Ms. Mel's back. That there will." His words were light and he smiled brightly for a moment. Then he turned away and walked to his own room.
"Kenshin can we talk" Kren asked touching the bandage and coming to a conclusion she pulled it off under neath there was a scar in the shape of a cross.
Kenshin sat up in bed when he heard the door slide open. He was use this, as Robin would often wake him up to start breakfast. But the footsteps that preceded the door opening had been to heavy for the child. He crouched in a defensive manner, preparing to strike. Until he heard the voice.
"Kenshin can we talk." He had not expected her to follow him to the room. Much less to remove the bandage she had so carefully guarded. He bit back a gasp of shock when it fell away to reveal a scar reminiscent of his own. He visibly relaxed and stood up. Walking quickly to where she stood, he closed the door and led her to the tiny table in the corner. There for when the children decided they wanted to draw in his room. He motioned for her to take a seat and attempted to get comfortable himself. When they were both situated, he looked at her, eyes filled with sorrow.
"What on earth happened to you child?"
Before a single word could be uttered, a gentle tapping sounded at the door. Kenshin moved quickly and slid the door open. On the other side stood the young brunette. Apprehension written on lines across her still sleep covered face.
"What's wrong Ms. Mel?" He asked gently, placing a comforting hand on the visibly upset girl's arm.
"She's gone Kenshin. She's gone." From her position, Kren couldn't see anything. But she heard the agitation in the woman's voice. "She was in the bed when we went to sleep. I...I got up to get some water. And...and she was just gone. Kenshin I don't know where my baby is." Her voice was shaking as tears began to fill her eyes.
"Relax Ms. Mel. Aoshi-san arrived a little while ago. She's with him in his room." He reassured her.
"Aoshi-sama is here?" The voice was filled with caution and hope. Kenshin nodded, glad he could put her at ease. A sigh of relief escaped her lips. She couldn't even be angry for being made to worry. There was only room for relief in her heart. "I am so sorry to disturb you." She bowed in apology and turned to leave.
"Before you go to back to bed." The ronin grabbed her arm to stop her leaving. "Could I ask a favor?"
"Of course." She gave him a gentle smile. It fell when he pulled her inside his room. "Kenshin no. You know I'm not like that...oh." She noticed the trembling girl sitting at the table. Pain and fear evident in her eyes. The bandage from her face was gone, revealing an x shaped scar. Similar to Kenshin's. Mel allowed herself to be led to the table and both sat down.
"I hope you don't mind her joining us. Ms. Mel has a gentle way with those that are hurt. That she does." He smiled proudly. Glad he could provide not just his own care, but that of someone who had helped heal some of the most bitter hearts.
"Kenshin is being too boastful. I'm not really that impressive." She laughed sheepishly, before looking at the girl. The laughter died, replaced by a small smile. She placed her hand over the one Kren had left on the table. "I would be more than happy to help if you need anything." She didn't know if the offer would be received. But it needed to be made.
Kren nodded at Kenshin and started her tale.
"After Kenshin left me at the doctors when I was six they treated me nicely till the first time I got scared" she broke down crying and could not continue.
Maternal instinct triggering, Mel wrapped an arm around the shaking girl. Making gentle shushing noises as she stroked her hair in a motherly fashion.
"Perhaps it might help if Ms. Mel was to open up first?" Mel shot a glare at the ronin for daring to make that suggestion. He simply shrugged. "In my experience, it helps someone open up if someone shares their own pain first. That it does." Mel glared at him for another few moments before sighing.
"Would it help if I revealed some of my own past?" She asked quietly.
Kren shook her head head and pulled her self under control but the bit of touch from Mel had sent her in to a fear sickle and her eyes turned gold as she continued. "When they first saw my gold eyes they slapped me the pain was so grate that I forgot my fear and my eyes changed back this went on for two years. Then I started getting scared of the people that that I lived with" she touched the scar "when I was 8 they wanted to make my eyes stop for good they tried to take out my eyes but I fought them and in the end they said I was going to end up growing up as a reject just like my recurer from two years ago then they cut this x on my face and aboundined me in the middle of the woods"
A low growl rumbled throughout the room. Surprisingly, it did not originate from the ronin, but the young woman that had attempted to sooth Kren. Mel subconsciously clenched her fists. Nostrils flaring as her blood began to boil. Kenshin watched her wearily, hoping she could keep herself calm. But the fright of waking up without her child had left the girl's emotions too raw. He watched her eyes carefully, hoping and praying that the universe would balance her. It had been months since the last change. The only one he had ever seen. But that one time had been enough. Even the battosai was weary of what the girl held locked inside. Shining turquoise orbs began to darken, melding into a turbulent grayish purple mix. Like the sea in a storm. He grabbed his elbow forcefully.
"Ms. Mel?"
"How could they abandon a child? Try to mutilate her like that? Because of her damn eyes!" Her voice was low, and held a bit of a snarl.
"Ms. Mel, you do not want to chance your daughter seeing this. That you do not." He said sternly. They locked eyes, and he willed with all his might to keep the gold out of his own. It was never pleasant when the beasts they kept caged busted out. Especially not in close proximity to one another. The words finally reached the girl's mind, and she forced her body to lock up. Forced the muscles to tense and her heart to slow. After a few deep breaths, the shining turquoise returned to her eyes. Kenshin smiled in relief, then turned to Kren. "See Ms. Kren, those people are very wrong. I live a decent life as Ms. Karou's helper. Ms. Mel has changing eyes as well and she is a perfectly respectable inn keeper." He tried to lighten the mood. Hoping it would work.
Kren grabbed Kenshin's hand and yawned.
"I guess someone is tired." Mel laughed, her anger boiling under the surface but relatively under control. "I guess I should let you get to sleep." She got up and went to the door. Murmured goodnight as she crept into the hallway and disappeared. Kenshin stared at the girl he had been left with.
"If you want, you are welcome to stay here tonight. That you are." He offered, knowing she could probably use some comfort. "I must apologize though. Tomorrow I must escort Ms. Megumi out of town and will not be back until evening. You will be left in the care of Ms. Mel. Please be respectful and listen to her. She will let no harm come to you while you are here. That she will not." He promised, then moved to bed. Crawling in, he made himself comfortable.
Kren sat in the corner of Kenshin's room and was soon asleep. Kren woke up screaming at midnight from a nightmare.
"Sh little missy. It's ok. There's nothing to worry about." Sano whispered to the whimpering figure. He crouched to be at eye level with her, but still managed to tower over her. His eyes bulged when she began screaming. Her eyes flew open around the same time his hand clamped down on her mouth. Silencing her. "Quiet little missy or you'll wake the dead. Or at the very least Mel. The girl's a sweetheart, but disturb her sleep. Scarier than any oni you could think of." He chuckled for a moment. "I'll remove my hand if you promise no more screaming. Deal?"
Kren reached up and hugged Sano crying in to his shoulder when she was done she looked up at him "sorry I had a nightmare" her eyes had turned gold again from the fear of the dream.
When she clung to him crying, Sano could do nothing but chuckle nervously. He stroked her hair as he had observed others doing. Hoping it would be of some comfort. When she had finished crying and apologized, he pushed her away gently and sat down next to her. "Sorry, but I'm still relatively new to the whole comforting thing. I was never really the guy that stayed around more than a few hours. You know strip down, do my business, and leave the woman relatively satisfied. And I can see how wildly unnecessary and inappropriate that confession was." He chuckled nervously again. "You want me to go get someone? The fox lady, or the ice man maybe? He doesn't look it, but he is amazing at helping with nightmares. But then again he is with Robin, so he might kill anyone that attempts to open the door. So I guess you wanna tell me about it? I mean I really suck at taking care of people. I'll prolly make it worse, but if you feel like talking I'm here. And don't think your keeping me from anything either. Mel will probably also kill me if I wake her up trying to get back to bed. So safer I just stay here for a little bit. So if you wanna talk. You know. Talk." He cut himself off, knowing he had blathered on far longer than necessary. But the chick obviously needed some help. He just really wished one of the others had stumbled upon her. Though he was learning, and was a far cry from the misogynist jerk he had been, comfort was not really his area of expertise. He made people hurt. He didn't do the fixing.
Kren crawled into his lap for being 16 she was small she told him about the x scar on her cheek and that the dream had been about that. As she talked her eyes slowly turned back to purple when she finished her fear was gone.
"Wow, and I thought I had a pretty messed up past." He forced a laugh, saddened by how much heavier the atmosphere had become. He thought about what to say. If anything. Attempted silence was unbearable for the few seconds he attempted it. " I used to be a member of the Sekiho Army." He blurted out. It had no real relevance to what was going on, but babbling like an idiot was still preferable to the painful silence.
Kren nodded and snuggled up in his arms "can you tell me a story" she asked yawning.
"If you want." He shrugged, and thought a little bit. He smiled at the memory. "There once was a king. He was a powerful and wealthy man. Full of hope and ideals. He praised the hard work and commitment of the common folk. And was loved by all for his kind and just ruling. Now it was well known that the king was incredibly wealthy. He had vaults filled with gold and silver. He owned more jewels than there were trees in the forest. But it was a closely guarded secret that the king was greatly depressed. For as much wealth as he possessed, he lacked the one thing that is truly desired. A family. Now it was true that the king had once taken a bride. A lovely young noble woman who blessed him with three children. But a sickness swept through the land. It spared the king, but stole from him all that he held dear. The king did not want the people to know the depth of his sorrow, so he buried it deep. When in public he would constantly smile. He would tell jokes and laugh. But inside his heart was hurting. At night, he wept into his pillow. Mourning the loss, and believing never again would he be granted true happiness.
But one day while he was riding through the forest, he stumbled upon a group of bandits attacking a pair of women. As a upright man he could not allow this. Though greatly outnumbered he jumped off his horse and engaged the scoundrels. But there were too many. He became overwhelmed in an instant, and all seemed lost. Until one of the women joined him in the fight. She moved as swiftly as the wind, and proved more than his equal on the battlefield. Only when it was all done with, and the ruffians lay unconscious around their feet, did he look at his ally. In that moment his heart stopped. Her eyes sparkled like the most magnificent set of jewels. So beautiful that the sky itself must have felt envy. Feeling tongue tied for the first time in his life, he asked her she was. She admitted she was the princess of a neighboring land. She had been betrothed to a pig of a man, and refused to marry him. He wanted her so that he could sit upon the throne. He was a bastard of a man and would have made a terrible ruler. She refused to be a pawn and let her kingdom be hurt by allowing such a monster on the throne. She chose instead to flee with her most trusted servant. The plan had been to go back to the servant's home country. There she would search around and find a suitable man. One that was worthy to help her rule. They had been sneaking through the forest when they had been set upon. Hearing her tale, the king was moved. he invited them into his home to rest. While she was there, the king surprised himself by opening up his suffering. He shared the torment of having lost his family. She comforted him with her gentle and compassionate nature, and the two fell in love. They married in secret, announcing their marriage only when it felt right. But the man she had been betrothed to was not pleased. He was angry at having been humiliated and vowed vengeance. He hired a group of wicked men to kidnap the queen.
Soft breathing could be be heard from Sano's lap Kren had fallen asleep "thanks uncle Sano" she muttered in her sleep.
Hearing the girl's words as she drifted off brought a smile to the tall brunette's face. He chuckled softly. "Well well, first I become a dad, then I become an uncle. Not even two years and my life is completely Topsy turvy. If only Captain Sagara could see me now. Well he'd prolly punch me for knocking up his daughter." He laughed, smacking a hand against his lips to stifle the noise. It had been far louder then expected. With great care, he picked the girl up and set her in bed. Tucking her in and making sure she was comfortable. "I'm getting pretty good at this." He mused out loud, another smile on his face. "Goodnight little missy. I'll finish the story tomorrow if you still wanna hear it."
Kren woke up the next morning to Magumi opening the door "morning Magumi" she called siting up she smiled at her feeling a little more trusting this morning the x on her face was an angry red from not being treated when she got it but in the dark no one had noticed.
"My goodness!" Megumi gasped, noticing the angry red welts on the girl's face. Quick as lightening she opened her bag and grabbed some fresh bandages and ointments. She slathered the goo into the wounds, ignoring any sounds of protest and quickly re-bandaged the wound. When that was done, she stood up. All the franticness gone from her movements. Instead, she now moved like a dancer, graceful and precise. "Sir Ken and I will be going out of town for the day, so I'll be leaving you in the care of Mel. She's no doctor like me, but the girl is fairly impressive for someone without formal training. Now do you feel well enough to go to the kitchen for some breakfast? If not I can have someone bring you a tray. I would do it myself but I'm running a bit late. Poor Sir Ken is having to wait at the train station alone." She sighed theatrically before looking at the patient. Waiting for the girl to respond.
Kren stood up "thanks for every thing Magumi" she said and walked out the door bumping in to Sano.
"Well hey little missy. Good to see your feeling better this morning." He greeted cheerfully.
"Little missy! Little missy!" The child perched on his shoulders bounced happily.
"Hey only dad can say that."
"Mommy says if I can't say it then you can't either." She stuck her tongue out, even though there was no hope he would see it. Then she turned her attention back to the stranger. "You wanna go swim with us lady? Papa Sano and Papa Shi gonna take me to the river. We swim and fish and play. Wanna go?" The child offered, bouncing around with a surplus of energy.
"I will go but I will just watch ok" Kren's eyes turning gold at the thought of water one of the ways she was abused. She grabbed her stick it was more of a staff and followed them when we reached the river she sat and did some simple stretches as to not hurt the stitches and then stood and pulled her staff in front of her and started waving it around like there were invisible enemies.
"Wow. You real good at that." Robin complimented the moment the woman had paused. She had climbed out of the water and watched the woman practice her combat moves. Curious and impressed. "You almost as good as mommy. And she's almost as good as uncle Ken. And Uncle Ken is almost as good as daddy. And Daddy is the best in the whole wide world. So I guess. I guess that means you ok." The child scratched her head, confused by her own logic.
"Robin, what were you told before we came to the river?" Aoshi asked, sidling up to the child. She hung her head for a moment in shame.
"I has to stay with you or papa Sano." But the guilt vanished in a moment. Replaced by excitement. "But the strange lady is real good. Not as good as daddy or uncle Ken. But still good." She turned back to the woman. "Don't be sad that daddy is better than you. Mommy says no matter how strong, there's always someone stronger." A look of deep contemplation fell across the child's face. "But I don't think she meant daddy. He's real strong. He can pick papa shi up with one hand. He's real big too. Bigger than papa shi. and uncle ken put together."
"I think you should go swim with Sano again." Aoshi interrupted the child's bragging rant. She pouted a bit. "I'm sure he's getting bored by himself."
"Ok." She answered happily, demeanor changing in an instant. She laughed as she sprinted back to the water. Aoshi watched as she jumped from the banks, into the brunette's waiting arms. Then he turned back to the newcomer.
"Sorry about disrupting. I'll let you get back to your practice."
"Thats ok I'm done and this is all just for show any way with out an oponit I cant really tell if I'm getting better and judging how I was found I would say I did not get better" Kren said looking at the ground and clinching her staff.
"Would you care for a work out partner?" Aoshi offered. "With Misao in another city and Mel in her condition, I could use a new sparring partner." He walked over to a nearby tree. After a few moments of judging, he selected a suitable branch. With one well placed punch, he separated it from the tree. Holding his prize, he walked back to the girl.
Kren nodded and readied herself.
Aoshi began a gentle swaying. Moving farther and faster with every passing moment. His figure began to blur as he picked up speed, before disappearing into what looked like thin air.
The first strike was low. He felt the branch connect with her leg. Not enough to do damage. Just a lit tap to let her know she had been hit.
Kren blinked not sure how it happened but moved to late to block it.
Moving in a half circle, Aoshi tapped the other leg. Swinging the stick up, he felt it connect with her elbow. All soft blows. But all letting her know in a real fight she would have lost three limbs by now.
Kren sighed in frustration but did not give up but missed every time.
Aoshi was begining to enjoy himself. She wasn't as fast as any of his students, but she was very spirited. She made several attempts to strike, each one a complete miss. He slowed down to half speed and even allowed a few near hits. The game came to an end when he the sound of crying reached his hears. He recognized it instantly. Dropping the stick, he ran down to the river bank. Robin sat in the shallow water bawling her eyes out. A trickle of red fell from her forehead. Sano was next to her, doing his best attempts to sooth the child. Aoshi rushed into the water, ignoring the cold as it soaked into his pants.
"What the hell happened?" Aoshi hissed as he knelt down.
"Her foot caught on a rock and she fell." Sano explained.
"Idiot you were supposed to be watching her!" Aoshi growled.
"I was jackass. The water is fucking murky and I couldn't see shit."
"That wouldn't have mattered if you were close enough to catch her. And nice language in front of her."
"Well I'm sorry I freak out when my kid is in pain and crying."
"Your kid? Who the hell do you think she's been calling papa her whole life?"
"Stop fighting!" Robin shouted. She hated when her family fought. Especially Papa Sano and Papa Shi. Every time they were around each other too long, they went for each other's throats. She looked over to the woman on the shore. Her mom was always able to get them to stop with a few words. She had told her if they fought when she wasn't around, get a grownup. And this woman was a grown up. "Strange lady make them stop."
Kren could not stand seeing Robin upset she considered her a little sister as she got annoyed Kren's eyes flashed to bright blue and in one swift movement she had knocked them both on top of the head "listen to the two of you" she yelled "your upsetting Robin onii-chan you should be ashamed of your self" she turned to Robin "come here onii-chan lets get you cleaned up" she said pulling out a little headband and a strip of bandage.
The two males looked at each other in surprise. Neither expecting such a reaction. They shook the daze out of their minds quickly. Sano made a few grumbling remarks. Aoshi remained silent, occasionally shooting a glare at the other man.
Robing pushed her way through the water towards the girl. She sat and let herself be patched up.
"I want mommy." She sniffled. Looking over at the door, a fresh batch of tears filled her eyes. "They always like this. I hate it. I wish daddy was here. He could make them stop. Can you take me to mommy?"
Kren nodded and crouched down "clime on" when she did Kren jumped up after telling the too jerks she was taking Robin to the dojo and jump from thing to thing till we got back and she landed in front of Mel.
The moment she saw the bandage, Mel's eyes went wide. Forcing the reaction away, she grabbed her child.
"Thank you." She muttered, before turning to the little one in her arms. "Are you ok baby?" She cooed, soothing the hurt child. She kissed the bandage and hummed a lullaby. When Robin relaxed, she looked back up at the girl. "What happened?"
"I fell and hit my head." Robin interrupted. "Then Papa Sano and Papa Shi started fighting. Papa Sano said bad words."
"Is that true?" Mel asked Kren, hoping it wasn't. It was much to early for them to be at each other's throats.
Kren nodded "I stopped them though I just could not see Robin onii-chan upset"
"Thank you. They can be pretty difficult together. Normally I don't let them go alone, but I'm sadly at the no energy stage at the moment." She laughed. Her demeanor hardened when the two men walked in. Both had slightly slumped shoulders and downcast eyes. If they were dogs, their tails would be between their legs. "So, did you boys have fun?" The dojo went quiet. An uncomfortable heaviness settled over the area.
"He got all pissy because I don't have his super human speed." Sano broke the silence.
"That's right. If you did, Robin wouldn't have gotten hurt. I still don't know what she sees in you." Aoshi responded in his typical calm manner. The tone only served to fluster Sano further.
"Maybe she wouldn't have gotten hurt if you hadn't been so busy flirting."
"I don't flirt." Aoshi's eyes narrowed. "I would never betray Misao in such a manner."
"Oh you mean like asking her best friend to marry you?" Sano accused. Mel shook her head, snickering slightly.
"Are you really going there?" Mel asked, raising her eyebrow. The anger on Sano's face quickly fell, replaced by a sense of shame and doubt. "You know what, I really don't have the energy to deal with you two right now. See I just got a letter from Robin's daddy." Both men looked at her in surprise. "Yup. Seems he made a present for her fourth birthday and would like us to go get it. And seeing as how you two insist on acting like children, neither of you is going to be invited. Hey Kren, how would you like to join me and Kenshin on a trip to the mountains?"
Kren nodded and looked down and said "thanks aunt Mel"
"Not a problem. We'll need to get you a few things in town since its a bit away. Just let me grab some money. Robin sweetie, you are going to keep Papa Shi company ok?" The child nodded happily. Mel walked over and placed the child in Aoshi's arms. She cocked an eyebrow at his surprised face. "Hey you volunteered, when you questioned Sano's ability." She then turned to the other male. "And you rooster head are going to spend the afternoon cleaning the training room. I don't want a single speck of dirt or so help me I will rip out every hair on your body." Sano gulped at the threat. She only used that nickname when she was really pissed. There was no way he was going to object to anything she said at the moment. For his own safety.
Mel rushed off to go grab her small coin purse. Leaving the two males to glare daggers at each other, while Robin kept excitedly making plans about what they were going to do. After a minute Mel reamerged. She went straight up to Aoshi. "Make her a hot bath right now so she won't catch cold. Give her lunch no later than an hour from now, then set her down for a nap. Then you two can play after." She kissed the little girl's forehead. "Mommy loves you." Without another word she grabbed Kren's arm and lead her out of the dojo. They walked down the street in silence for a minute before Mel cleared her throat. "I am really sorry you had to deal with that. Those two are not exactly what you would call on friendly terms."
"Really aunt Mel I could not tell" said Kren with a laugh and her purple eyes sparkled.
Mel joined the girl in laughter, rather happy to see a pleasant emotion on her face. "Yeah, this was supposed to be Sano's vacation time away from Aoshi. It rarely gets to this level. But I do normally have Misao to back me up when they get too crazy. But enough about me. Kenshin says he knew you ten years ago. So I'm guessing you to be around 15 or 16?"
"Im 16 barely I turned 16 about a week ago" said Kren.
"Ah. Well happy birthday then. I guess I have to bake you a cake when we get back. If you don't mind me saying, you're a pretty small for your age. But then again that's just coming from someone who grew up too fast. Guess how old I am. Just so you know most people get it wrong."
"28 I think" she said just then we were surrounded but a group of bandits.
"You have got to be fucking kidding me." Mel hissed in frustration. "Ok guys, here is the deal. Back the hell off now and I won't break your fingers."
The group snickered. They slowly circled in, making their intentions very clear.
"You know what? Fuck it." Mel sighed in irritation. Moving quicker then most eyes could follow, three kunai were pulled from inside her shirt. She flicked them at the group. Three daggers. Three bodies hitting the floor. Seeing their comrades fall, a pair charged at her. She sidestepped and brought her elbow into one of the man's stomach. Just as he doubled over in pain, she managed a well placed kick to his companion's temple. The two that remained standing began to tremble with fear. Still brandishing sticks in an attempt to seem intimidating. "So Kren. You gonna take the last two out, or are you just gonna let me have all the fun?"
Kren's eyes flashed green and the two were down in one swoop leaving the leader which she faced thinking about aunt Mel and her unborn child she grasped her staff with both hands and pulled it apart reviling two reverse blades what happened next Kren was not sure but the next thing she know he was down and she was putting her staff back together.
"Very impressive. With a little training we could probably get you up to Sano's level." She laughed before looking down at the ring of unconscious forms. "You know we should probably go tell the cops these guys are out here." Mel began walking towards a building with an old style lantern hanging on its porch. She slowed her pace to let Kren catch up. "As an aside, I don't really know if I should be insulted or not that you think I'm 28. I'm only a year older than you."
"Sorry you asked" Kren reminded her.
"So I did." She chuckled. "Though I shouldn't be surprised. People thought I was in my early twenties when I was 13. Excuse me a second." She walked into the building and went up to the desk. A young officer sat at the table tending to some paper work. Sensing a presence next to him, he looked up. A blush spread across his face when he realized who it was. The pair exchanged a few words and Mel walked back out into the street. "Poor Yuki just doesn't know when to quit." She remarked as the pair ventured into the market.
Kren followed her and moved closer to her Kren's eyes starting to turn gold with fear as we reached town and she found herself wishing papa was here. Kren stopped right where she was and relised that she had just thought of Kenshin as her dad.
"You ok?" Mel asked, nothing the tension now spreading through the girl's body. "If this is too much you can go back home and I'll just get you a few things. Don't push yourself before your ready. That's how I ended up in a bit of trouble."
"Im fine" she said taking mel's hand.
"If you say so." Mel responded, giving the girl's hand a reassuring squeeze. The girl's fright was putting her into mother hood mode. Something she had mastered fairly well. "First of all, what do you want to wear? Would you like the basically ninja outfit I'm wearing, or a kimono like Megumi wears? we can decide on colors after that. Also, if something catches your eye, don't hesitate to tell me." Noticing a very familiar building, her face filled with glee. With great haste, she pulled them both inside. Bouncing with excitement in much the same manner as her daughter. The shop was immaculately clean and smelled of pine needles. There were bolts of fabric and stacks of ready made clothing on display. Mel pulled them to a small table that held an assortment of sweets. Robin and Sano are in love with the hard candy here. Would you like something?""
Kren shook her head no "for close can I have something like papa" she said not realizing she had called Kenshin dad.
"In the same color? Though I am going to have to suggest a more modest top. You are a girl after all and it wouldn't be wise to show off your chest like that." Mel laughed happily.
"Papa top is fine did you think i was taking of uncle sano" she said.
"No, I assumed you were talking about Kenshin. You do realize his top is very open right? But if you insist then we can just get some undergarment. Let me go talk to seamstress. See what she can do." Mel walked to the back of the shop. She found a middle aged woman measuring out a bolt of cloth. The two struck up a conversation. She gestured to a pile of clothing on a table. Mel rummaged through it. Selecting a few pieces, she returned. "Ok I managed to find some slacks like Kenshins. They should probably fit you as is. They are dark green though. On the bright side they should bring out our eyes nicely. And I found a matching top in much the same style. Though again, its a bit more modest. Try them on." She handed the clothes over and gestured to the changing room.
Kren changed and when she came out she looked like a stick of dark celery "no im not wearing this out in public i look like food" she said.
"That's because you're trying to hard to imitate his style. Baggie clothes don't just make you look frumpy, they actually hinder your battle abilities. First off, you are wearing the shirt inside out." Mel laughed. "But I agree the color doesn't quite work. So I found these." She handed her a pair of bright white slacks in the same style as Kenshin's. She then handed a top that was also the same style. This one in a beautiful dark blue. "This will definitely bring out your eyes. Make all the boy's heads turn." She smiled happily as she pushed the girl back into the dressing room. "Now hurry up please. I'm getting very hungry. And sadly I get cranky when I'm hungry."
Kren pull out a apple and toss it to her and got changed and came out it fit just right.
The apple was already a core by the time Kren reemerged. "That is perfect. And I knew it would be because I already bought them. I also bought you a sleeping yukata and a simple kimono if the need arises for you to have one. Do you want to do more shopping or can we go home? I'm having a different type of hunger pang if you catch my drift." She chuckled softly as she shifted the packages in her arms.
Kren nodded and took the packages from her and followed her.
The two trotted down the dirt path towards home. The circle of unconscious bandits no longer crowding the road. Mel was a bit anxious and kept up a brisk pace. They got to the dojo in no time. The found Aoshi one the porch, a sleeping Robin huddled in his lap. Sano was sitting a good bit of distance away. His eyes went wide when the girls walked in.
"Mel I didn't expect you back so-"
"Bedroom. Now." She demanded, cutting off whatever excuse he was attempting to say. She grabbed one of his jacket flaps and pulled him into the building with her. A very feint blush appeared on Aoshi's face. He forced it away after a moment.
"Did you have fun shopping?" He asked. Not so much curious as simply passing the time. "Don't worry about waking her. This little girl could sleep through cannon fire."
"It was fine we got what we needed" she said "can i tell you something weared that happened on the way Aoshi" she asked.
"Be my guest. I'm used to all manner of weird things."
"Well as we were walking we got surrounded but a gang of people aunt mel took out most of them but i some how got rid of two of them and there leader with out a scratch but when i was facing you or anyone before this i was not able to land a single hit let a lone not get a scratch at all" she said.
"Did you feel a change? Like something came over you? Maybe you noticed your eyes changed color again."
"Well my eyes did feel wearied and all i could think was im not let someone hurt my family" Kren whispered the last part but he still heard it.
"Just as I thought." He sighed slightly. " Sometimes a person's life is really difficult. They face a harsh reality and in order to survive, something dark grows inside of them. Its not inherently evil. Just self preservation. A part of their personality that allows them to stow their humanity and truly tap into the vast amount of power stored inside. Its a part of them that focuses only on survival of them and those they care about. It doesn't care about ideals, or mercy. Nothing but being able to fight out of even the most dire situations. Not everyone will do this. In fact most people can't. It requires a certain blood line to have the ability. Mel and Kenshin both have it. And now it seems you do as well." He snickered slightly. "Personally I'm surprised at how weak you are."
Kren glared at him getting mad as her eyes flashed blood red "i did not chose to have these eyes uncle they have made my life hell up till now" she snapped at him "i was abused my hole life because of my eyes both physically and emotionally. When i was three i got scared a lot. The village i was staying in at the time the people thought that my eyes meant that there was an evil spirit in me and that i should be cleansed from the inside out so till they kicked me out they raped me every day. The next village was not any better the people would hold me under water till i past out." Kren's eyes had changed again there colors were now different from the other. One was red the other gold as she remembered the past and the fear that went with it "they would make me sleep in a cage at night and there thought that it was fun to see me get raped by the village dogs. After three years i ran away and found papa after papa left me with the doctor every thing was fine till i got scared because of a snake then the doctor saw my gold eyes for the first time. He started rapeing me at knife point every night and one night he raped me like all ways and then told me i would be good for nothing and tried to kill me giving me this scar before i got away" Kren took the bandage of so he could see the x on her face "now till uncle sano found me out side i have been rape most of the times i was attacked and maybe that makes me weak but i survived so at lest my heart is strong" as she finished she had drown a crowed mel and sano were standing at there door and Kenshin had just gotten back when she had started yelling at Aoshi.
Aoshi ignored the crowd that had gathered. "I agree you have a very strong heart. But never the less you are weak. Physically. You were raped repeatedly and never had the strength to stop your attackers."
"Aoshi-sama stop." Mel spoke softly, eyes brimming with tears.
"No. I made a statement and I am simply clarifying it. How many attempted rapes have you stopped? BY now it has to have been in the dozens. But then again you did have the proper training. And that was all that I meant. She has not been properly trained and is weak because of it. If you don't want her to end up like you did, I suggest one of you take her under your wing and give some proper training." With that, Aoshi stood up. Carefully cradling the still sleeping child in his arms, he moved into the dojo. His eyes softened when he noticed the tears streaming down his niece's face. His heart tightened in pain, but he forced himself to walk away. He had taken the conversation too far. Revealed personal information that was not his to share. His footsteps echoed in the hall as they slowly faded away. All at once it seemed Mel's strength fell away. She collapsed to the wooden floor, sobbing as memories once again flooded her mind. Sano knelt down next to her. Holding her shaking form as he tried to calm her. Kenshin looked between both girls. He had definitely walked in at a very bad moment.
He moved to the porch quickly. "Do not cry Ms. Mel. It will hurt your eyes. That it will." After a minute, Mel pushed Sano away. Not wanting to be touched. She gave him an apologetic look, and he nodded in understanding.
"Aoshi-sama is wrong Kren. Getting raped doesn't mean you are weak. It just means that the rapist was stronger. And no matter how strong you are, or how hard you train, you will always find someone stronger. But he is right about you needing training. You have power but little control. The more you master your powers, and learn to tap into them, the safer you will be. You really don't want to end up like me."
But Kren was not listening her eyes were gold again but there was a hint pink panic in them. Kren did the only thing she could think of after reliving that she turned and ran out the gate and down the path till she reached a tree with a burned out center she crawled in. It was just as she left it she crawled in to her bed and cried telling her self she was stupid and an ident for thinking she could find happiness with them at the dojo that every thing was going to turn out the same after a wile they would hurt her in some way she was a fool to trust at all.
"Aoshi-sama can be a real bastard sometimes." Mel said softly. She had followed the girl, worried for her safety. Kren was crying rather hard, so she thought it best to keep a bit of distance. "He means well, but he was never one for subtly. Thats not an excuse. Just an explanation. The fact that he even spent so much time thinking of you is actually a compliment." She chuckled humorlessly. Taking a deep breath, she tried to choose her next words carefully. "We are leaving for the mountains in the morning. You already agreed to go and I'm not back out. Robin likes you and wants you to meet her daddy. And I would like the companionship." She turned to leave, but her feet were hesitant to move. "Sweetie, the dojo is like a family. We make stupid mistakes and hurt each other. But when it comes down to it we love and take care of each other as well. We aren't like a family I guess. We are a family. So if you ever feel like talking, or even just exchanging more war stories, Aunt Mel is here for you....Except at meal time. I scare everyone away at meal time." She stood there a few moments, hoping the joke was appreciated.
Kren kept crying the past flashing through her head she wanted Kenshin and Sano but could not stop crying as the memories got more vivid she ended in a full blown panic attack and that is how Sano and Kenshin found her.
"She just kept getting worse." Mel admitted to the two sadly. "You know on one hand I should be really disappointed that I couldn't help her. But on the other I completely understand. I was more comforted by Aoshi-sama than Masukame or Omine. Kenshin you should talk to her."
"Wah?" The ronin was taken back by the request. "Why me Ms. Mel?"
"Because she see's you as a father figure." Mel explained. Kenshin nodded, not surprised by the realization. Like he told Robin, he was a daddy in much the same way that Aoshi was. Even if she was not biologically his, he was responsible for her welfare. He moved closer and sate on the ground.
"Good afternoon Ms. Kren. It troubles me deeply to hear about your past. That it does." He said solemnly. He sighed deeply and hoped he could make things better. "First of all, I would like to apologize. I did not know the type of people I was leaving you with. Had I known, I would have kept you with me. Or given you to some allies that I had that would have treated you right."
At the sound of Kenshin's voice her breathing started to return to normal with in mear moments she was in Kenshin's lap with her head press against his chest where his heart was it was the same way she had sat in his lap when she had to get stitches ten years ago and she was not much bigger then she was then too.
"You are still very small Ms. Kren. That you are. And it's not smart for someone of your stature to go around without knowing how to protect herself. Starting when we return from the mountain, Ms. Mel is going to train you. Her style is much more suited to someone your size. Is that acceptable?" His words came out a bit scolding, but Kenshin meant no harm. He merely had concern for the girl's safety. Aoshi was right. A girl like her needed to be able to protect herself.
It Kenshin's words she got up and did a childish thing she asked Sano to pick her up without words the memories had traumatized her to act like a kid again.
Sano chuckled lightly at the girl's actions. He scooped her up in the same manner he would have done for Robin. "So learning to be a dad really does pay off." He smiled at Mel, who simply rolled her eyes. The trio returned to the dojo. Sano took Kren into the room she was staying in and laid her on the bed. "You might want to get some rest little missy. Bid day tomorrow." He smiled down at her and turned to leave the room. He looked at Mel, waiting for her to follow.
"I'll be there in a minute hon." She answered the unspoken question. Sano shrugged and walked into the hallway. Kenshin stayed, wondering what was going on. Mel sat next to the bed. For a few minutes, she simply sat there in silence. Eyes weary. Finally she cleared her throat. She level a gaze at the girl.
"I'm sorry, this is going to be rude, but have you figured out yet what any of us meant when we said you shouldn't end up like me?"
Kren nodded "but it might be to late that cut across my stomic that you stitched was the last rape persons way of making sure i would not have his kid but i put my hand on on my stomic I'm sure I'm going to" she said looking down.
"So why are you so afraid to open up to me? We have literally shared a good many experiences. Only difference is I was lucky enough to be trained from a young age to defend myself. And I have slightly more strangely complicated relationships." She smiled at the attempt at humor. It fell after a moment, replaced by a bit of sadness. "I'm warning you now it will be difficult. You will see him in the most innocent things she does. Will see him when you brush her hair, because that is where she got it from." She sighed and placed a gentle hand on the girl's stomach. "Trust me though it won't be as terrible as you think. Its easier to carry and bear the child when you are surrounded by people that love and care about you. They take away enough pain that you will see how much of a joy she is." A single tear fell down her cheek. She brushed it away absentmindedly and forced a smile. "Well I think I should probably head off to bed. We do have a big day tomorrow." She forced herself to stand on shaky legs. Worried, Kenshin helped guide her across the room. She dismissed him when she got to the door. Choosing to walk slowly, and albeit somewhat clumsily, away from the room. The ronin watched her as she walked, anxious to help at the slightest sign that she needed it. When she vanished into a room, he closed the door and turned back to his new ward. Walking over, he took a seat by the bed.
"I think Ms. Mel is hurt by how little she can help you. That she is." He explained. "She is used to being able to help others. Especially those that suffered as she did. It pains her that she can't care for another victim. But I suppose as time goes on you will start turning towards her more and more for advice. After all, she is the one teaching me and Sano to care for children." He laughed a bit, rubbing the nape of his neck. When the laughter subsided, he looked down at the girl. "As an aside I feel that I should warn you. As you have figured out, Ms. Robin was not a child of consent. The man you will meet tomorrow is Ms. Robin's biological father......And Ms. Mel's rapist."
Kren looked up at him "at lest he still cares about robin" she said a tear sliding down her face.
"Well that is because he is a decent man. And it is great for Ms. Robin to have such a man in her life. But the monster that did that to you. It is far better for your child to not be influenced by such a foul thing. That it is." He spoke softly. "I must ask one favor though. You must keep what I have just told you a secret. Ms. Robin doesn't know the details about her conception."
Kenshin wiped the tear away gently. "Its actually a little funny, but until close to two years ago, he didn't know he had a child."
Kren nodded "can i sleep with you or uncle Sano tonight" she asked
"I think uncle Sano might be busy with Aunt Mel right now. But I would be happy to stay with you Ms Kren. That I would."
Kren crawled in to his lap and put her head on his chest listening to his heart beat and was soon asleep. she woke up screaming in her bed at midnight after dreaming of her water abuse.
"Shh Ms. Kren. Shh. It's ok. I'm here." Kenshin spoke in a quiet tone as he stroked her hair soothingly. Sad to say, but he had expected the nightmares. They never fully went away. "Go back to sleep Ms. Kren. It was all a bad dream. We won't let anything happen to you. You are safe with us."
The night passed by quickly after the particular incident. Soon the sun was flashing down on the landscape below.
"Rise and shine you two. We have a long day's travel ahead of us." Mel said happily as woke the pair up from their slumber. She went about gathering up and packing what they were going to take. Kenshin assisted as they packed a large picnic lunch. Kren sat at the kitchen table. After the previous day, neither wanted to provide any chance for her to be strained even further. Mel and Kenshin chatted as they worked, constantly trying to draw the young girl into the conversation.
"You know, I am actually excited for this trip. That I am. Clean air, beautiful surroudings-" Kenshin's musings fell away when he noticed Mel's shirt had slipped a little. Revealing several fresh hickies on her shoulders and neck. A slight blush hit her face and she gave a nervous laugh.
"He always makes them more prominent when I go see any guy." She shook her head. Kenshin gave a knowing smile and helped pack up the rest of the food.
"Ok. All Set Ms. Mel. Go get Ms. Robin and I will go grab the horses." Kenshin devised the plan. He walked out of the building and she walked into the hallway. After a few minutes, Mel reappeared in the kitchen with Robin in hand, and Aoshi and Sano in tow. The two where weighted down with all the luggage of the trip. Mel grabbed Kren's hand and lead her to the front gate, with the pack mules following close behind. The ronin lead four beautiful horses to the front. A small grey mare, 2 good sided brown stallions, and one enormous black stallion. The brown horses were a decent size, but this monster dwarfed them. One of the brown horses was
loaded with the cargo. It was to be their pack horse. Handing Robin over to Sano, Mel climbed up onto the black stallion. Sano passed the little girl up. She was situated comfortably in front of her mother on the large beast.
"Do you know how to ride Ms Kren?" Kenshin asked curiously. "If not we can share a horse, or you can ride Snow dust." He gestured to the grey horse. "He is really sweet and easy to handle. That she is."
Kren's eyes had turned gold and she was hiding be hide Sano trying not to think of the past she did not here Kenshin's question.
"Well if you're gonna be like that little missy." Sano chuckled. In one motion turning around and picking her up. Hauling it to the smallest horse he perched her atop. "Snow dust is calm. You'll be fine. Now Moon shadow over there is the crazy one." He smiled pointing at the black stallion.
Kren promly started to fall off and hit the ground.
"And that has got to be the shortest attempt at riding I have every seen. How did you even fall off missy? She wasn't even moving." Sano looked at the girl, scratching his head in confusion. "Oh well. Guess it was just lucky she's so tiny. Well you know what they say. If you fall off a horse, get back on." He pulled her up from the ground and placed her back on the horse. This time he held her steady until Kenshin jumped up and sat in front her. Taking hold of the reins, he looked over his shoulder.
"You might want to hold on to me Ms. Kren. That you would."
Kren held on to him and he could feel the tears on the back of his shirt she was scared and started having a hard time breathing.
"It's ok Ms. Kren. No reason to be scared. Snow Dust is already walking. Nice and slow. No need to rush." He said i a calming tone as he let the horse trot lightly. The sound of heavy hooves sounded behind them, and the large behemoth of a horse galloped by.
"Whee. Faster mommy! Faster!" Robin chanted as she was bounced around in the saddle. Laughing along with her mother. Kenshin laughed as the two bounded away.
"See, It's fun. Don't worry, the horse won't hurt you. We can keep a steady pace. I'll only speed up if you tell me too. Do not feel bad about being scared. Ms. Mel and Ms. Robin aren't scared because they have been around that horse their whole lives."
"Come on slowpokes!" Mel called from a dozen yards ahead. Laughing as the horse continued to gallop.
Last time she had been around horses was when someone wanted her dead they had tied her up and tossed her in to the hurd hoping she would get trampled and she was.
They traveled like this for hours. Occasionally stopping to rest the horses or work the kinks our to their muscles. When the sun was low in the sky, a decent sized house appeared in the distance. Robin began to bounce around in her seat. Excited to be here once again. Her mother was a bit more weary. The path became more broken, and the terrain a bit more rugged. That was as far as the horses could go carrying their human cargo. Mel dismounted and helped Robin to the ground. Kenshin did the same for Kren. The ronin held the reins of his mount, gently guiding it along. Mel did not even bother. Her horse would not one. It had been here before and wouldn't get lost. As they drew closer to the house, a figure appeared in the yard. It was a difficult to discern anything about the figure. Except something red on it's body. At the sight, the little girl began bouncing around more erratically. Mel held her hand firmly. They were not on easier ground yet, and she would not allow her daughter to get hurt because she didn't pay attention to where she was running. When they came to more level ground, Mel finally released her hand. The child bolted immediately,
"DADDY!" She yelled excitedly, running to the figure. As the rest drew closer, the figure began to take a more definite shape. The man was truly an imposing firm. He was giant. Standing taller than any of them by at least a couple heads. A giant red cloak was wrapped around his muscular frame. He moved to meet the small child. For a man of his size, he was terrifyingly swift. His angular face broke out in a smile.
"My little bird." He said proudly, voice booming across the area. The child grabbed one of his massive hands, and he easily lifted her high of the ground. She squealed in delight. He pulled her into a hug, her tiny body practically disappearing against his massive frame. When he set her down again, the others had arrived. "Mel-chan. Very nice to see you again. And my stupid student has seemed to follow you like a dog. I do hope you have house trained him." He chuckled loudly, a rumble deep in his chest. Then his eyes turned to Kren. His nose crinkled in distaste. "Can't say I am pleased you brought along someone else. Personally I would have preferred the tall guy with blue eyes. At least he could fight." With that he picked the child up and carried her into the house.
(Im working on writing the rest please tell me what you think so far)