Epilogue.

    Tomoe walked into the dojo with a smile.  "Good news.  Benjiro and I have an apartment, so we can move out of here next week."  She smiled happily at the familiar scene in the yard.
    Kenshin looked up from the laundry as Kaoru spoke up.  "That's wonderful!  Congratulations!"  Her rhythm in practice was not broken, and Yahiko managed to keep the pace as well.  He had been learning much about patience and determination since he had begun to apply himself.
    "Sit still you chickenhead!"  Sanosuke grunted as Megumi forced his hand back down and smiled up at Tomoe.  "We're very happy for you, though it won't be the same without you here. "  Megumi tightened the fresh bandage on Sanosuke's fist.
    "Oh, I'm sure you'll be glad when we're gone.  You'll have the room free again, and I think you'll be needing it."  Tomoe smiled.  "Benjiro's with our landlord, but he promised that he would tell his students to come here to learn Kamiya Kasshin Ryu."
    Kaoru dropped her bokken from where she was practicing and vaulted over to the other woman.  "Thank you!  Oh, thank you so much!"
    Tomoe fell as step backwards at the force of the younger girl's exuberant embrace.  "Really, it's the least we can do after you've put us up for so long."
    "We appreciate it very much, Tomoedono."  Kenshin smiled.
    "So, where is this apartment of yours?"
    "You are not bumming off of them, Sanosuke!"  Megumi's voice was scornful.
    Tomoe laughed.  "It's on the other side of town.  I'm afraid we won't get to see each other every day, but we will certainly visit and of course, you are always welcome."  The smile didn't fade from her face.
    "Oh, and my brother sends his regards.  Apparently, he's doing rather well in Kyoto in the police force. He says it's very strange operating on the side of the law, for a change."
    It was only after a long and arduous fight that Enishi had learned his sister was in fact, alive.  He had brought her to a doctor al those years before, leaving her on the doorstep before collapsing himself from exhaustion.  The doctor had separated the two of them, sending her to a hospital, and he had believed his sister dead.  She'd sensed he had survived, but gave up on ever seeing him again until he'd sought out Kenshin.  It was after that whole mess that they'd found each other.  It would be interesting to know who was buried in the grave Kenshin had believed to be hers, but she saw no point in digging up such a mystery.
    "That's good to hear.  I'm glad things are finally going well for you again."  Megumi smiled as she cradled Sanosuke's hand in her own.  "And I'm sure Sano will be glad to volunteer if you ever need anything done, like emptying your pantry!"
    Tomoe could have sworn she saw Fox ears on the other woman's head.
    "Well, I'm going to go out to lunch with Benjiro to celebrate.  Would you all care to join us?"
    "You're paying?"
    "Sanosuke!"
    "Ow!!"
    "Serves you right!"
    Tomoe glanced at Kenshin, and they all shared a laugh -- with the exception of Sanosuke and Megumi, of course, who were too busy glaring at each other.  "No, but Benjiro will.  Between the new job and now the apartment, I'm sure he'll not mind.  Besides."  And now Tomoe smiled knowingly at Megumi, sharing a secret she was ready to tell the others.  "Good news tends to come in threes."
    The Akabeko was to be open very late that night.