Guard Duty (12/26 earlier Sunday evening)

(Kenshin)

When I knock on the door, Yagi-san’s face is the one that peeks out, pale in the winter moonlight.

“The guards have been removed,” she says, less a question than a statement.

I nod. “Yagi-san, I heard tonight…” she gets even paler, and for a moment I wonder if she’s going to faint. “He’s fine, as far as I know.” Aoshi-san didn’t tell me much, but that’s typical for him! But with that I can see some -relief-. “But regardless, your protection has been re-assigned, even though those who target you are still around.”

“Yagi-san, this one will watch this house, or help you relocate to the dojo until the danger has passed.” Even had I not promised Saitou, this one protects those in his sight.

She hesitates. “I can’t leave this house. If he comes here, and… it’s empty…” she looks away from me. If Kaoru-dono was here I’d tell her that it’s another one of her foolish stands, as he’s not coming back. “But you can’t do this, Himura-san. You have your own family.”

I smile, “I’m certain Yahiko-kun will happily take a shift or two.” Not really, but after grumbling, he will. And certainly Saitou will restore the sword police as soon as possible?

“Then we’ll remain, with our thanks, Himura-san.” She still looks weary, and starts to turn away. “I don’t know but… something feels more unsettled tonight. It’s not just the sword police leaving, it’s…” she smiles a bit, as if confused. “You remeber those nights, from the old days? Where it seems like something was… happening.”

I laugh a bit, she’s not wrong, if Aoshi-san was active tonight as well. “You worry so much, Yagi-san. Go and rest? This one will be here.” She nods, and after offering food (which I refuse, knowing that my Kaoru-dono will leave something out for me), latches the gate behind her.

I find a place up a tree that gives me a good view of the streets, as well as the yard. It’s late, so it won’t be to terribly long until dawn.

(OOC – Kenshin is watching the house)