This took a longer to write than I intended because I've been busy packing and moving. I tried to make this as close to the actual series as I could, event wise, but naturally some things had to be tweaked and changed because of the new character addition.
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Days dragged by slowly as Kenshin remained unconscious. Takani Megumi rushed to Kyoto as soon as she could to take care of Kenshin. Everyone took time out of the day to spend time with him, Amaya preferred to visit at night, aware that Kaoru was uncomfortable around her.
"It's been a long time, Kenshin," Amaya whispered to the unconscious man, placing her hand on his forehead. The moonlight danced across the floor as Amaya sat at Kenshin's side. "I remember the last time I saw you. You and Keiji were discussing a job, while sparring—wooden swords, Keiji insisted, in case things got out of hand. Do you remember?
"I was on my way back from town, and some lowlifes were following me home and harassing me. You helped me get rid of them, gave me the sword, and showed me some moves to help defend myself." Gently, Amaya moved her hand from his forehead to hold his hand and smiled to herself.
"You left shortly after, emotionless as usual, but I knew. I knew that deep-down you cared. That you wanted to make sure I was safe, I just never said anything. I...I always hoped that if you'd change your ways," Amaya paused as she bit her lip. "It was silly, really."
"Oh Kenshin," Kaoru's voice rang from outside the Shirobeko. The door creaked slightly as it opened, letting more moonlight in. "Amaya..." She said with surprise in her voice and narrowed her eyes at the other woman who was retracting her hand from Kenshin's.
"Looks like neither of could sleep," Amaya gave a friendly smile, and excused herself. She walked past Kaoru towards the exit, feeling Kaoru's eyes on her back until she left for her room.
Amaya sighed as she slid the door shut, and paced the area between the far wall and the door. Eventually, she sat against the far wall, leaned her head against it, and dozed off. As always, the memories rushed in, filling Amaya's mind. However, the flashes were different than the usual bittersweet ones. She was there; witnessing, experiencing, feeling.
His eyes were fierce and unrelenting, and Amaya heard herself give a bloodcurdling scream before falling to the ground. Suddenly, her perspective changed and she watched her own death. Her body lay limply in a pool of her own blood, broken.
"Miss Kamai?" Questioned a resonating yet familiar voice from the sky. Amaya was now kneeling at a grave, but not her own. She felt the tears well up, and couldn't contain them. They began to flow freely and openly.
"Miss Kamai!" The mysterious voice rang out again, but stronger. When Amaya opened her eyes, she realized that she had been dreaming.
"Miss Kamai, are you alright?" Kenshin's kind eyes showed worry as he placed a hand on her shoulder. "You were screaming, that you were."
"K...Kenshin?" Amaya paused, needing time to separate her nightmares from reality. "You're awake!"
"He sure is!" Sano shouted as he strolled in with Kaoru, Yahiko, and the others; who had been celebrating at the Shirobeko.
"Are you sure you're alright, Miss Kamai?" Kenshin asked the woman, who avoided the question with a simple smile.
"Who as Kana?" Kaoru asked sincerely about the name Amaya had shouted. "Was that your brother?"
"No," Amaya paused. "He was...just an old acquaintance, that is all. Please, don't let me ruin your party. I really should try to get some sleep, I was thinking of leaving for Tokyo tomorrow."
'No way!" Yahiko cheered, as Sano poured her some sake.
"You need to celebrate with us," Sano grinned. "We're headed to Tokyo too, you should wait to leave, and come with us! I bet you could tell us stories about Kenshin!" Megumi lifted an eyebrow and narrowed her eyes towards Sano and Amaya.
"Oh no, I wouldn't want to impose upon Miss Kaoru," Amaya stood up and smiled.
"I'm sure the Missy would be fine with it," Sano turned to face Kaoru, who seemed speechless. "Right Kaoru?"
"Well," She said, nervously, "I suppose you can stay with us for awhile, but don't expect to mooch off of me, you'll have to work. Sanosuke mooches enough for both of you."
Amaya nodded, and agreed to stay with the group. She accepted the sake that Sano had poured and drank it, watching the festivities from the corner, which lasted all hours of the night, until everyone had fallen asleep.