--Disclaimer: Love-Lee Light Maiden does not own any characters from Rurouni Kenshin. All Rurouni Kenshin characters rightfully belong to their creator, Nobuhiro Watsuki.
Second Chance Screw-upBy, Love-Lee Light Maiden
Written by: Bunny
Edited by: Evlo
Chapter 1: All For Love
"…" indicates talking
…italics… indicates thoughts
--…--- indicates sounds
-o-o-o- indicates change in scenery
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Do you want me to tell you something really subversive? Love is everything it's cracked up to be. That's why people are so cynical about it. It really is worth fighting for, being brave for, risking everything for. And the trouble is, if you don't risk everything, you risk even more.
--Erica Jong
For one human being to love another: that is perhaps the most difficult of all our tasks, the ultimate, the last test and proof, the work for which all other work is but preparation. --Rainer Maria Rilke (1875-1926)
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"Watch your step Miss Kaoru, you could fall and hurt yourself, that you could," warned Kenshin following in her footsteps.
"I can take care of myself Kenshin! I'm a grown woman! You worry too much," Kaoru complained.
"Yes, you are a grown women now Miss Kaoru, that you are," replied Kenshin.
It was late at night on a Saturday evening and Kenshin and Kaoru were walking along a very rough, rocky forest trail. The rest of the gang was back at the dojo letting their stomachs settle from Kenshin's usual fantastic dinner. Aoshi and Misao had even come by for dinner because they were in town. Kaoru wished that she could be relaxing with them, but Kenshin insisted that she came with him to who knows where, so that he could show her something. Oh how she just wanted to sit down and rest her feet! Why tonight out of all nights! She wondered how Kenshin could trudge around like this while carrying a blanket and with his heavy sakabatou (1) at his waist.
"Mou, Kenshin how much longer until we get to where you're taking me?" voiced a now irritated Kaoru.
"Not much longer Miss Kaoru, not much longer. We're almost there, just hold on," he assured. He had noticed for a while now her dragging feet and an annoyed expression on her beautiful face. Well, at least to him it was beautiful. Nothing could compare.
Kenshin couldn't believe that he was actually doing this. Tonight he was going to reveal to Kaoru his love for her. It had taken him such a long time to work up his nerve to tell her, and now he was finally going to do it. He prayed that she would accept his unworthy self. He didn't deserve her, and tried to deny his love for her several times, but he couldn't any longer. He was going to give Kaoru his heart and hope that she didn't break it in return. Kenshin didn't think he could survive another broken heart. But he would never let what happened to Tomoe happen to Kaoru. He would protect Kaoru with his life if need be. And maybe, just maybe, if he was lucky, someday they could make a happy family together.
Family…doesn't that sound nice, Kenshin thought to himself as he fiddled with a ring in his pocket. He had bought it for Kaoru a while ago and now seemed to be the right time to give it to her. It wasn't an engagement ring. Just a…a… a promise ring. A ring to show that he will always be there to support her and love her. For now and eternity.
A gasp broke Kenshin out of his thoughts and he looked ahead towards Kaoru. She was standing in a grassy clearing near the edge of a small lake. The sky above was cloudless and crystal clear; with a full moon accentuating it's features. They were far enough away from the city so that every star lit up the sky in its own brilliance. There were fireflies popping up here and there and to top off the perfect scenery, the lake was as smooth as glass and reflected the evening sky. To wrap it up nicely, the place was breathtaking.
Kenshin smiled as he saw Kaoru's awed expression. He was glad that he brought her here.
"Kenshin this place is… is…wow…it's…"
"…beautiful," Kenshin finished for her.
"No, it's more than that. It's amazing! Gorgeous! No words can describe it! How did you find this place?" asked Kaoru.
"I had some free time while you were teaching at another dojo. I decided to take a walk and stumbled upon this place. It was in the afternoon though, so it wasn't quite as nice," He answered. "I'm glad that you like it Miss Kaoru, that I am." Then he grabbed Kaoru's hand and led her to the edge of the lake where there was a nice sandy beach. He folded out the blanket he was carrying and gestured for Kaoru to sit on it. "Miss Kaoru why don't we sit down and enjoy the stars."
Kaoru gently sat down on the blanket forgetting her past irritation, and Kenshin followed suit sitting right next to her. They sat in comfortable silence savoring each other's presence, as the stars shined above them.
-o-o-o-
Meanwhile…
"Hey Rooster-Head where's Kenshin and Ugly?" questioned Yahiko as he glared at so-called 'rooster-head.'
"How should I know Brat?! What they do is their business, not mine," Sano tossed over his shoulder. He was sitting outside with his trademark fishbone sticking out of his mouth, wondering how he could sneak away to go spy on Kenshin and Kaoru without being noticed. He wanted to see the look on their faces when Kenshin told her and she (hopefully) accepted him. Sanosuke was Kenshin's best friend, so naturally Kenshin asked Sano if he should tell Kaoru how he felt about her. Sano whole-heartedly agreed. It was obvious to everyone (except to the two in question) that they loved each other and he wondered why Kenshin hadn't done it sooner. Or Kaoru for that matter.
"Oh I bet Sir Ken, being the gentleman he is, swept Kaoru off her feet and took her away to pronounce his everlasting love for her. Ohohohohohohohohohoh!" Megumi jokingly said as familiar fox ears popped up. Sano choked on his bone. How could that fox have known! He hadn't told anyone. Was it that obvious?
"What's wrong Rooster-head? You sound like you choked on a horse," Misao told to a wide-eyed, blue faced, coughing, Sano.
"Shut up Weasel-girl." --Cough cough-- "Nothing's wrong. My food just went down the wrong pipe, geez."
"WHAT DID YOU CALL ME!?!"
"Uh-oh, Sano's in for it now," Yahiko snickered.
"Serves him right, he should know better," said Megumi.
"Poor Sanosuke," interjected Tae while Tsubame just shook her head.
"Run Uncle Sano." "Yeah RUN!!!" cheered a giggling Ayame and Suzume, as they sat next to Dr. Genzai.
All the while a stoic Aoshi just sat there watching the amusing interaction without a hint of emotion. Misao was chasing Sano with her kunai (2), Sano was running from Misao, and everyone else (not including him) was either laughing their heads off, snickering, or just smiling at the scene.
He knew exactly why Sanosuke was choking on his food. Megumi had accidentally guessed what Kenshin was doing. Even though Kenshin was formerly the Battousai, and always hid his emotions from the world with his "rurouni mask," when he was preoccupied he tended to let his emotions 'slip' a little. Even though that wasn't often, the couple times that he did let them slip were just enough to let Aoshi guess what he was planning. Sano's reaction to Megumi's joke was just enough to confirm his suspicions.
So Himura is going to tell Kaoru…It's about time, Aoshi thought as he drowned out the noise and calmly sipped his tea. Good, he's finally being honest with himself.
-o-o-o-
Ah ha ha Battousai, there you are. After all these years I have finally found you, a younger man thought, as he hid in the forest surrounding the lake where Kenshin and Kaoru were. And look at this; you've brought your precious women along with you. Perfect. I, Imuno Kunrei, will make you suffer Battousai. Suffer like I did all those years ago when you killed my father and my eldest brother. I will get my revenge. Payback is hell Battousai, but that is exactly what you deserve.
-o-o-o-
Hmm, I guess I better do it now before I lose my nerve! thought Kenshin. He pulled out the ring from his pocket. It was a silver and gold-banded ring with the bands intertwining with each other. Simple yet elegant, just like Kaoru.
"Miss Kaoru, I bet you're wondering why I brought you here."
Kaoru looked away from the sky to focus her attention on Kenshin. "Actually Kenshin now that you mention it, I am kind of interested to know why."
Kenshin took a deep breath and looked Kaoru in the eyes, while at the same time grasping her hand. "Miss Kaoru, ever since I met you, you've been a wonderful, kind, and caring person. Not just to me, but to everyone." Kenshin then slipped the ring on her slender middle finger.
--gasp-- "Kenshin, what is this for?" Kaoru asked as she gazed at the sparkling piece of jewelry.
"Kaoru, over the past year, I have protected you and while doing so, have grown to deeply care for you as well. It is selfish of me to say this but… I hope that you feel the same way towards me. I would just like to say Kaoru that…I lov-"
"So, I have finally found you Battousai!" came a cocky voice behind them. Startled, Kenshin whipped his head around and grabbed his sakabatou to face the intruder. Imuno, to add onto his other strengths, was a master of masking his ki. So Kenshin never sensed him coming. The man in question was a man around his early twenties. He had long, jet black hair and penetrating black eyes to match. He was a little taller than Kenshin, but the way he carried himself stated that he was a warrior, and knew the ways of battle. "You don't know how long I have waited for this moment. For years I have trained under the strictest of conditions and taught myself self-discipline, just so that I would be ready for this day. But you are not the cold-blooded killer that I remember from my childhood. It seems that you have grown soft Battousai."
"Who are you?!" demanded Kenshin. It seemed that his past had come to haunt him once again. It always seemed to come back at the worse of times. But who was this young man? The man had stated that he knew him from his childhood. But Kenshin didn't remember any boy in his past. He had eliminated all of the witnesses. He had left none alive at all of his assignments.
"Ha Ha Ha. I see that you do not remember me. But perhaps you may recall my brother and father. The ones that you murdered in cold blood!!! My name is Kunrei. Imuno Kunrei."
"KUNREI!!!"
"Ah, I see that you do remember, bravo."
"You are the son of Jayron Kunrei!
"Yes, I am the youngest child of Jayron Kunrei. I…"
"YOU IDIOT!!! YOU TOTALLY RUINED OUR MOMENT!!! HOW COULD YOU RUIN EVERYTHING!!!" screamed an enraged, scarlet-faced Kaoru. Right when this 'Imuno' character had interrupted Kenshin at, what she was sure of, his proclamation of…something or another, she had been furious. How could he interrupt the only 'romantic' moment they have had in…in…forever! She had been fuming with anger ever since. Luckily, she always brought her trusty bokken (3) with her everywhere she went. At that moment, she had it out and ready for action. She was going to beat some sense into this stupid, stupid, moron of a man.
"And who do you think you are talking to ME that way, you filthy wench!?!" replied Imuno. Who did she think she was? Didn't she see the obvious threat he was? He would have to put this woman back into her rightful place. But, little did he know that this comment only made Kaoru's anger rise.
"PREPARE YOURSELF!!! HAAAA…" Kaoru yelled, bokken high in the air, charging at the man in question. He merely sidestepped her attack and with the handle of his sword, forcefully swatted her aside. He unsheathed his sword and brought it down forcefully, fully intending to slice through the girl's arm.
--Ching--, the clash of metal on metal sounded throughout the chaotic atmosphere.
"You are here to face ME, Imuno. Let's keep it that way," ordered Kenshin. His eyed had now turned from peaceful lavender to fierce, glowing amber. As soon as those words were said, the two samurais got into their beginning stances and started the battle.
-o-o-o-
The dojo had now quieted down from its previous activities. Dr. Genzai, his grandchildren, Tae and Tsubame had all gone back to their respective homes. Now the only ones left where Sano, Megumi, Yahiko, Misao and Aoshi. With much difficulty, the group had managed to settle down Misao from trying to kill Sanosuke. Now the dojo was calm, everyone outside, just looking at the stars. Until…
"So Sagara, what romantic location did Himura take Miss Kamiya to?" asked Aoshi. The two had gone away so suddenly, Aoshi hadn't had the time to track their movements. The question had been irritatingly picking at his mind for hours so he decided to pop the question. He didn't care if Himura's plan would be revealed.
"HOW COULD YOU POSSIBLY KNOW!?!" Sano exclaimed. His eyes were as large as saucers and his mouth was hanging all the way to the floor. "I mean it is pretty obvious…but does everybody know?"
"Himura finally got the guts to take Kaoru somewhere!?! It's a miracle!" chirped Misao as she learned the big news.
"Ohohohohoho. So I was right after all Rooster Head. Sir Ken did take her somewhere. You can't keep secrets from me. Ohohohoho," Megumi remarked as familiar fox ears once again decided to pop out.
"Finally! It's about time! But I still can't see what Kenshin sees in an ugly girl like Kaoru. I mean she can't even cook rice right!" Yahiko put in. He didn't want to be left out of the conversation.
Now Sanosuke felt like the biggest idiot ever. He just let the secret out. Ohh, Kaoru was going to get him now. He might as well share all of the juicy details. "Yes, okay, alright. It's true, Kenshin did take Kaoru somewhere, and to top that all off, he was going to tell her that he loves her."
"Awwww," both Megumi and Misao cooed.
"But the question is Sagara, where exactly did he take her?" Aoshi again asked.
"Oh, yeah. He took her to this lake somewhere out in the forest. Real romantic place. The stars, a beach, the lake, no loud noises, the works. It's a little ways from here, but not more than a fifteen-minute walk. If I remember right it's in that direction," Sano pointed out into the night.
--Ching-- Suddenly the group heard the sound of a sword fight coming from the direction that Sano was pointing towards.
"That noise came from the same direction!" Misao pointed out.
"You're right! It did! How much do you want to bet that it has something to do with Kenshin?" said Yahiko.
"Well lets not just stand around, lets go make sure they're all right!" chimed in Sano. After his words kicked in, the group got up and left, dashing towards the sound of the ringing steel.
-o-o-o-
The two opponents were merely blurs of red and black as they attacked each other ruthlessly, with on slots of blows. Kaoru, now calmed down, could only watch helplessly with her sapphire blue eyes as the battle raged on.
When will Kenshin's past stop haunting him? Why can't he just live a peaceful life like any other man? Kaoru thought as she tried her hardest to see what was going on in the battle. She couldn't focus on either of the men even though she herself was a swordswomen. This one's different, she observed. Usually no one stands a chance against Kenshin and his Hiten Mitsurugi sword style. This opponent has Kenshin fighting with everything he's got. He must be extremely good.
Just as she finished her thought there was a large crash and wood splinters were flying through the air. One of the fighters had been brutally flung through one of the nearby trees, leaving a gaping hole in the forest. If only she could see who it was.
As the dust cleared Kaoru stared in horror at what she saw before her. Kenshin was the fighter who had been catapulted into the tree. He was now lying in a heap, clothes torn, body bloody and battered. All the while his opponent was in mostly the same condition; breathing hard and using his sword for support.
Tossing out all other thoughts Kaoru ran to Kenshin, praying to Kami (4) that he would still be alive. When she got to him she gasped and immediately kneeled next to him. His ponytail had broken, throwing his long red tendrils everywhere. The only remains of his magenta gi were a few strips of cloth, now hanging on his badly torn, once white, hakama. His exposed golden-tan skin had a great deal of wounds, ranging from mere scratches to deep gauges, all of them bleeding profusely. But what bothered Kaoru the most was his shallow breathing. The only other time she had seen him in this bad of state was after the battle with Shishio Makato.
"Kenshin! Kenshin!!! Speak to me Kenshin! Are you all right?!" Kaoru exclaimed as tears welled up in her eyes. "Kenshin?" she whispered, softer this time.
Kenshin slowly lifted up a weary eyelid as his lavender eyes took in his surroundings: Kaoru was next to him on the verge of tears, her ebony locks and creamy white skin made her look like and angel. To him, she would always be his angel.
Kenshin don't get distracted! He scolded himself. Imuno is still out there and he won't stop until I'm dead or I defeat him. Finding his voice, Kenshin decided to voice his thoughts.
"Kaoru you shouldn't be here, --cough--," he warned in a raspy voice. "He's still out there --huff huff-- this isn't over yet --huff huff-- you could get injured."
"But Kenshin look at yo-" Kaoru started to say before she was cut off by a battle cry.
"BATTOUSAI!!! YOU WILL PAY DEARLY FOR YOUR DEEDS!!!" yelled Imuno as he thrust his katana straight for Kaoru. Before she could register what was happening, Kenshin shot his left arm out to protect her. Instead of the attack piercing Kaoru's chest, it went straight through Kenshin's arm.
"Leave her out of this Imuno!!!" warned Kenshin in an icy tone, accompanied by a deadly glare.
"Fine! Then let us finish this once and for all!" retorted Imuno as he withdrew his sword from Kenshin's arm and got into his final stance. Kenshin followed suit, getting into his own ultimate attack stance.
All Kaoru could do was watch, still shocked by the earlier turn of events. When she finally came to her senses a moment later, and was about to tell Kenshin to stop, both men vanished. Immediately, the clashing of the steel swords was heard, and the shouts of ultimate techniques were shouted.
"Amakakeryu no Hirameki (5)"
"Shurajou Amatsu (6)"
In an instant, the fight was over. Imuno lay unconscious on the ground with a large indentation across his chest. Kenshin was a few yards away, still in his follow-through position.
A stunned silence smothered the area. A chilly wind blew, announcing the beginning of spring and the end of winter. Kenshin looked up at the sky, the tip of his sword dragging on the ground. He took a deep breath of the fresh, crisp air. Then, as if all the life had been sucked out of him, he collapsed onto the ground.
"Kenshin!" screamed Kaoru, as she ran over to the injured man. She kneeled next to him and cradled him in her arms. "Say something! Anything! Please Kenshin! Please tell me you're not dead!" she choked out, as tears spilled over her long lashes. She held him even tighter as her body shook with sobs.
Something wet and cold landed on his face. It felt so nice against his hot skin. But soon, the rest of his senses kicked in, and he realized that it wasn't as good as he first thought. He could now hear Kaoru's sobs and feel her arms wrapped around him. He strained to open his eyes; they felt like bricks of lead. Slowly but surely he managed to open them, only to see Kaoru's red, tear streaked face. It pained him to see her this way. He would do anything to see her smile right now.
"Kaoru," he strained to say, "Miss Kaoru --cough-- I'm glad you're okay." Lifting her head up, Kaoru looked at his face.
Her own face shone with a bright smile seeing that Kenshin was alive. "Kenshin…you…you really are alive! Oh, I'm so glad!!!" she exclaimed, as more tears, this time tears of joy, streamed down her cheeks.
"Miss Kaoru," he began again as he lightly caressed her face, "I don't know what I would have done if you were hurt. You are so precious to me." A small smile broke out on his face. "Miss Kaoru…uh…--sigh-- Kaoru…I need to say this now, because I don't think I have much time left…"
"KENSHIN DON'T SAY THAT!!!" Kaoru reprimanded him, her whole body trembling.
"Kaoru, you know as well as I do that I am very badly injured, and even now, I can feel myself loosing grip with reality."
"Kenshin, please, please don't say that, please," she begged.
"Shhh…Miss Kaoru, sshhh, listen to me" Kenshin hushed, "Before Imuno came, I was telling you something." Kenshin had a loving sincere look in his eyes that made Kaoru's heart skip a beat.
He really doesn't have much time, she thought. His voice and eyes are fading with every word he says.
"Kaoru, like I said before, you are a wonderful, kind, and caring person, and while I have realized that, I have also truly, --gasp-- madly, --gasp-- and completely --gasp—fallen… --gasp-- in…lo…" As his voice faded away into the night sky, his hand fell limp and cold in Kaoru's grasp.
"Kenshin? Go on Kenshin. Kenshin?" she said in desperation. "Oh Kami…Kenshin? No! Please don't leave me Kenshin! KENSHIN!!!" Kaoru screamed out as realization struck her. He was gone. There was no going back. She would never see him again. Never hear his handsome voice, feel his calloused hands, smell his sandalwood scent, and she would never, get the opportunity to taste his lips on hers. And…she would never…never…get to tell him that…that…she loved him.
End of Chapter 1: All For Love
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1. Reversed-blade sword
2. Throwing knives
3. A wooden practice sword
4. Kami means God. So praying to Kami would mean praying to God
5. This is Kenshin's ultimate technique and in English this translates as the Dragon's claws from which one can't escape
6. This is Imuno's ultimate technique and in English I THINK this translates as heavenly carnage but if it does not, feel free to tell me, I would appreciate it, thank you
PLEASE DON'T KILL ME!!! THIS IS NOT THE END OF THE STORY!!! It's only the beginning --evil laughter-- Mwahh ha ha ha. -- cough-- Sorry about that I, uh, kind of got into the moment, that's all. Don't worry; Kenshin is not gone for good. What kind of author would I be if I just let him drop off the face of the earth (or out of the story for that matter)? I hope that this is a good first chapter. This is my very first FanFiction and I have worked very hard on it! I really, really hope that you all liked it. Did you? Well please review. Even if it's just a "Good job" or "It needs improvement" I would appreciate it. Oh yeah, if you have any advice or corrections you can e-mail me too. Also, just to let you know, I might not be able to update as soon as you might like because of school (EVIL). But, I will work hard on my story and will try not to make you wait too terribly long. Well anyway…once again, I hope that you liked Chapter One of Second Chance Screw-up, until next time…