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[choshu-leader.livejournal.com]

The sword has left his sheath.

Comments

*locked*

[unsheathedsword.livejournal.com]

Only for a short time, Katsura-sama. There is much I need to think upon.

Re: *locked*

[choshu-leader.livejournal.com]

What has happened, Kenshin? Izuka said he found Yukishiro-san alone when he went to check on the house.

Re: *locked*

[unsheathedsword.livejournal.com]

...Izuka...

It is... Some information has come to light. A hunch, a faint suspicion. I need time to think, to sort things out, and Tomoe is safest in Otsu. I have left word in town that I intend to return as soon as I can.

Re: *locked*

[choshu-leader.livejournal.com]

Tomoe is safest when she is not alone, Kenshin.

I'll see if Izuka can spare a few weeks to stay with her, or if perhaps we can do a double-check and see if we can find family.

Re: *locked*

[unsheathedsword.livejournal.com]

Or perhaps find some woman equally alone and send her to keep Tomoe company. You may take whatever pay she asks for out of what you pay me the next time I am needed.

I will not be gone long. I merely... There is someone I need to speak to. Somewhere I need to go. To make sense of everything.

He paused, almost as if fighting back words on the tip of his tongue.

...Katsura-sama?

Re: *locked*

[choshu-leader.livejournal.com]

The problem with that is that women-spies have become very fashionable as of late. Perhaps my wife will make the trip, it would be safer for her in hiding.

Mmm. Be careful, Kenshin.

...Yes?

Re: *locked*

[unsheathedsword.livejournal.com]

He had a momentary reaction to the words, a darkening of his expression, but he shrugged it away quickly.

That might be good, yes.

He smiled ever so faintly at the words and nodded.

I was.. going to say the same. To be careful. There is still a traitor in our midst. But I may have his scent.

Re: *locked*

[choshu-leader.livejournal.com]

I will speak to her.

*he smiles as well, kindly*

I will take great care. But you are not meant to be sniffing out rats, Kenshin.

Re: *locked*

[unsheathedsword.livejournal.com]

If you need me, I shall be in the mountains near Kyoto. Not too far away. Please, tell no one else. Just.. to be certain.

He paused, his smile vanishing.

Normally, I might not. But this rat has made things personal. He has given me a score to settle.

Re: *locked*

[choshu-leader.livejournal.com]

You know I would never give you away, Kenshin.

*...frowns*

What's happened?

Re: *locked*

[unsheathedsword.livejournal.com]

Not intentionally. I am sorry if that is what it sounded like. But until I am sure of who the traitor is, I would prefer no one else know where I am. Just.. in case.

He looked at the man for several moments before he had to look away.

Things have become personal. I will explain more later. For now... I need to sort things out. Understand where I am.

Re: *locked*

[choshu-leader.livejournal.com]

I was simply letting you know that I could be trusted.

*a nod*

Very well. Contact me when you return.

Re: *locked*

[unsheathedsword.livejournal.com]

You are one of few that I am certain I can trust.

He paused a moment before bowing.

Keep Tomoe safe for me, please. And send word to her that I have told you personally that I will return to her as soon as I can.

Re: *locked*

[choshu-leader.livejournal.com]

And I trust you in turn.

*bows his head*

She will be well looked after, I promise you, Kenshin.

Re: *locked*

[unsheathedsword.livejournal.com]

Thank you.

...Carry my apology as well. That I said nothing to her about my departure. I lost myself, and I left while she slept. It was a foolish thing to do.