Hey, another chap for ya. Notes as usual:

- I must say that in this chap I have ruined the history of Japan XD but it is necessary for the plot, I will comment on what I have changed at the end of this chap because I don't want to spoil anything for ya.

- And someone flamed me for my grammar, you could at least be nicer in delivering your point, I'm aware of my weak grammar but I'm trying hard to improve it. Again I'm not a native English speaker, I'm prone to mistakes so don't bite the head off. But thanks for increasing the number of reviews lol. and just for the record stories are not always written in past tense, I'm currently reading a novel (Handmaid's tale) which written wholly in the present tense.

- Thanks for the wonderful reviewers. Alwayzme your long reviews are not bothering me at all, on the contrary I love them!! but I can not answer all your questions otherwise i will spoil MANY things for you. but thanks for your reviews.

- Warning: Adult theme, well it's not too graphic but it's emmm...suggestive.

- Finally please give Kenshin a chance in this chap!!

Chapter 6: Forgiven

Kenshin narrowed his eyes at the scene before him, and fixed them upon the strange male. Rage flowed through his veins as he noticed his hands holding Kaoru's.

"Ken.."

"You" Kenshin said eyeing Okita "Take your hand off her this moment"

A small smile graced Okita's mouth "Well, Kaoru-chan herself is not complaining. Why should I listen to you?"

Kenshin's angry glare did not quiver. His reply was to move his hand to the hilt of his sword.

Okita's smile did not leave his face "I see" he released Kaoru's hands and made his way to Kenshin.

"No" Kaoru walked in the middle of them, limping slightly "you will not fight" She turned her head to the red haired assassin "just drop it Kenshin, Okita was just being polite, he helped me yesterday"

"Move" despite his cold voice, anger was obvious in his eyes. The look that Kenshin shot her chilled her, but she held her ground.

"No, you will..." Kaoru trailed when Okita placed his hand on her shoulder.

"Kaoru-chan, It's alright" Kaoru noticed that he seemed amused by all this.

"But..." Okita pushed her gently to the side. Facing Kenshin, he unsheathed his sword.

Kaoru was worried about Okita. After all she was aware of Kenshin's strength and talent, and although Okita carried a sword whenever she saw him, it made her wonder whether his skills were enough to match Kenshin's.

Her eyes moved to Kenshin's face. He has a dark look in his golden eyes, they were filled with anger, however underneath she glimpsed an emotion which ran deeper.

Jealousy.

Before she could ponder over the subject any further, the fight started.

Okita was the one who charged.

There is nothing delicate about sword fighting, though there is skill. The skill lies in deception and strength. The former means to persuade the opponent that a blow will come from the left and, when he guards that side, striking from the right, though most sword fights are not won by such skill, but by brute strength.

However, Okita did not count on deception nor strength. His sword seemed lighter and slimmer than Kenshin's. He had sacrificed weight for speed.

And indeed he was fast.

Kenshin realised that as Okita attacked. Instead of sweeping the blade in great curve, Okita lunged with it, trying to drive its point through the muscle of his right arm.

Kenshin dodged. He moved just as Okita whipped the stab towards his arm.

Kenshin kept his gaze fixed on Okita's calm brown eyes. His opponent hefted the sword in his right hand, flicked it forward to touch Kenshin's blade, then he swung.

Kenshin parried easily. Okita was fighting seriously, but Kenshin noticed that he was also judging him as he edged forward and swung blow after blow. It was as if his intentions were to measure the extent of Kenshin's strength.

Kaoru's attention was directed solely on the battle. She was astounded at Okita's strength, he was handling the sword as naturally as a painter would handle his brush. He was so fast that Kaoru started to fear for Kenshin's life. But looking at Kenshin eased her fear slightly. Although his eyes were sharp and calculating, His demeanour was calm.

Her gaze travelled to Okita as he dodged one of Kenshin's strikes. His sword edged toward the lunge, then he whipped back at Kenshin as he sidestepped. Kenshin made the same quick sidestep, so that each of them missed. Instead they clashed, chest to chest. They stayed like that for a minute before Okita moved his sword arm apart and looked quizzically at Kenshin as if to suggest that they agree to break apart. Kenshin nodded, and both stepped backwards.

They drew back six or seven paces, then Okita skipped forward. As fast on his feet as the lightning, and cut at Kenshin fast. Kenshin's blade met the cut hard and he saw Okita draw back with a flinch.

They stepped away from each other again, their breathes were loud gasps of air. Okita was about to lunge when he stopped abruptly and started to cough. Falling on his knees.

"Okita!" Kaoru called out his name as she limped toward him. But before she reached his side Kenshin gripped her upper arm.

"Don't" his golden eyes were shining with anger and rage.

"Release me, Kenshin" Kaoru tried to pry her arm away "can't you see he's sick"

"I'm...fine, Kaoru" she heard Okita's voice and turned her head toward him. He stood slowly, using the sword to support his weight "you are good" he said to Kenshin with a smile, and Kaoru noticed blood trickled from the corner of his mouth "but this fight is done for today, though It's not over"

"Okita..." Kaoru began.

He smiled at her "Sorry if I caused you any trouble Kaoru-chan" He sheathed his sword "I shall see you again" he said as he turned toward the gate.

"No, you won't" Kenshin dark voice echoed through the bright day.

Okita halted his steps and tilted his head side way, amused "that is not for you to decide"

With that, he left.

Kenshin sheathed his sword, and before Kaoru could give him a piece of her mind he seized her by her upper arms, shaking her.

"You were with him all night?" he hissed angrily, his eyes were dangerous.

"I.." the bone-chilling glare he trained on her was enough to make shiver "yes I was" Kaoru said stubbornly after a moment.

Who does he think he is? Questioning me.

Kenshin's calloused fingers dug into her arms, as he tightened his hold "you spent the night with him, where did you both sleep? In a common whore house?" he was practically shouting now.

Kaoru's eyes were wide with disbelief "you..how could you..?" hurt written all over her face as she bit her lower lip.

Kenshin ignored the hurt look which was apparent in her blue eyes. Anger blinded him "Maybe Iizuka was right, you are nothing but a whore"

Slap.

Kaoru stared at him, tears trickling down her cheeks. She did not know how but suddenly she managed to pull her right arm free from his firm grasp and slap him.

Kenshin released her and touched his cheek. His eyes were like fire, burning with pure rage.

"Why Kenshin...why?" her voice was broken, tears glazed her eyes which were full of pain and grieve. His words hurt so much that her heart ached.

Not waiting for an answer she limped toward the main building. But just as she limped past him, his fingers cupped her wrist painfully, pulling her toward his body.

"This," he whispered dangerously "will not go unpunished" with that, he released her hand abruptly.

Sleep did not come to Kaoru that night. She kept tossing and moving, trying to find a comfortable position.

He will be disgusted when he finds out

You are tainted, no one will want you now

You are nothing but a whore

Her hands flew to her ears, covering them, as she curled herself into a ball under the blanket. She tried to ignore the voices inside her head, but they kept becoming louder and louder.

No

She wanted to scream, to drive away those words, however, the room in which she slept, was a large one, so she shared it with other two women. The last thing she wanted was to scare those poor women, who work hard everyday.

Kaoru bit her lower lip. Pain gripped her heart and her chest tightened at the thought of Kenshin's words. She tried to convince herself that his words meant nothing, that he meant nothing to her. But it was in vain. She cared for him. Even after his cruel words she still cared.

Nevertheless, she felt, for the first time in two weeks, that she wanted to return to the Meji era, to her friends...

To her Kenshin.

Next day.

Kaoru inwardly cursed her bad luck as she smiled at one of Ishin shinshi members and served his food.

Of all the days, today was her turn to help serving lunch to them. In any other day she wouldn't mind it, some were really nice and chatty. But her plan to avoid Kenshin in the next few days came crashing down on her.

The room buzzed with chattering and laughter. Her partner was chatting happily to other members of Ishin shinshi.

Kaoru felt rather than saw Kenshin's intense stare on her. Currently there was three men between her and him. She hoped that the food would run out by the time she reached him, so the other woman would serve him.

Kenshin's eyes did not leave Kaoru for a minute. He watched as she smiled and chatted with one man, he watched as her small, delicate hand reached out to pass him his meal, as her body bent to fill the plate of another. He was conscious of her attempt to delay their encounter as long as possible.

The corner of his mouth curved upward slightly. Was she scared of him?

His eyes travelled over her figure. She was wearing a yellow kimono, which suited her perfectly. Her midnight raven hair was pulled on her usual ponytail by a light-purple ribbon. Kenshin was aware of the stares which other men trained on her, was aware of their whispers as they eyed her body. She was beautiful and young, possibly the youngest among the women. She wears her hair differently, she behaves differently. Her sapphire eyes were captivating. Those qualities made her the centre of attention.

And he hated it.

The problem was that she was not aware of their intentions. She naively thought they were just being friendly with her.

There was nothing more he wanted than driving his sword through their eyes to stop them from eyeing her the way they were doing now. She was his to see, his to touch and his to possess.

Yes she belonged to him.

Kenshin did not know if she was only a whim to him, if she was only something to fulfil his needs and then to be discarded and forgotten.

What he knew that the moment she comforted him near the well, he started to want her. Her feelings and attitude toward him puzzled him. It was obvious that she cared about him, that she acted differently with him. He wanted to know the reason behind that.

Either way, her actions made him want her more, all of her, body and soul.

And soon, he will make sure this is known to all, specially her.

She was now serving the man next to him.

"Ah, Kamiya-san you have the most dazzling eyes I've ever seen" the man, which Kenshin did not bother to remember his name, said.

"Thank you," Kaoru smiled as she handed him his plate "My mother's eyes were the same colour"

"Then you mother must be beautiful just like you"

"Yes she was very beautiful" Kaoru agreed.

"Say Kamiya-san" he continued "Today is my day off, do you..."

"I don't have all day"

Both Kaoru and the man whipped their head toward the source of the cold voice.

Kenshin.

"I said" Kenshin repeated "I don't have all day, so be quick" he eyed Kaoru.

Kaoru smiled apologetically at the man before moving in front of Kenshin.

Kenshin's amber eyes scrutinized her face as she filled his dish. Her head was bowed slightly, avoiding his eyes. But when she handed him his food, their eyes met momentarily.

Kenshin saw the hurt in her eyes. On the other hand, Kaoru glimpsed mixture of emotions in his. Anger, rage, again jealousy and something else. Something she did not understand.

His fingers brushed against hers briefly but Kaoru withdrew her hand immediately. She stood up without looking at him.

He was the last to serve.

Kenshin eyed her as she left. His sharp eyes did not miss the apparent confusion she felt when their eyes met.

Again, he gave a lopsided little grin.

Kaoru was walking quietly as she made her way toward the back yard of the inn.

The landlady will kill me.

Kaoru stepped outside in the cold night. The half moon shone brightly in the dark sky.

Kaoru sighed in relief.

My life will be spared, it hasn't rain yet. She joked to herself.

The landlady had asked Kaoru politely to move the clothes inside the inn, because earlier in the day, black clouds covered the sky.

And Kaoru, mind occupied with other things, had simply forgotten.

Kaoru shivered as the night's breeze riffled her hair and lifted her green shawl, which she had hastily dropped over her shoulders. She only remembered the task when she was about to sleep, so under the shawl, only a thin sleeping yukata covered her body.

Kaoru stopped near the clothes-hanger and placed the basket on the ground. She reached her hands and started to remove the clothes one by one. Kaoru scowled.

Mou, even at my dojo I never used to do these things.

Her frown turned into a sad smile.

Yes, Kenshin was always there, taking simple pleasure while doing those chores.

Kaoru wondered if he was still looking for her or thinking about her.

She bent down and folded the garment into the basket. Her raven hair was down and kept getting on the way as she stooped down.

She pushed a strand behind her ear, concentrating on the task at hand.

Then she stopped abruptly.

Someone was there.

In the lull of wind, she had sensed some movement behind her. So, slowly she turned her head to the side.

There was no one.

Kaoru straightened from her crouching position, her eyes scanned her surroundings.

"Who's there?" she asked nervously.

Silence.

You are only imagining things Kaoru, just get this job done and go to sleep.

Kaoru sighed and turned again to the basket.

Then she yelped in surprise.

Kaoru placed her hand over her mouth and stumbled backward. But she somehow managed to keep her balance.

There, just few paces away from the basket stood Kenshin.

Kaoru stared at him in bewilderment. What is he doing here?

Kenshin took one step toward her. Instinctively, Kaoru took one back.

"What do you want Kenshin?" Kaoru asked defiantly. But in reality she was scared. The way his eyes roamed over her body sent shiver up her spine. She wrapped her arm around herself.

Kenshin ignored her question as he took another step closer to her shaking form, then another and another.

Kaoru stepped backwards matching his own steps "Kenshin, what do you.." Kaoru stopped herself as her back hit a tree "..want" Kaoru blinked, Kenshin had disappeared.

Suddenly he appeared right in front of her, mere few inches separated them.

Kaoru's breath hitched in her throat as his long fingers curled around her neck, backing her forcefully onto the tree.

"I want you" he hissed, placing his other hand on the trunk beside her head.

"Kenshin what are..." her voice was trembling.

Kaoru thought he would not hurt her, after all he was still Kenshin. She thought she could handle him. However, one look into his wild golden eyes told her otherwise.

"Yes Kaoru" he whispered as he leaned toward her, letting his lips brush against her ear "I want you, I want to possess you. You belong to me"

Kaoru's eyes were wide. He wanted her. Different emotions surged through her mind. Anger was the main one.

"I belong to no one"

His calloused fingers tightened around her jugular, immediately her anger was replaced by fear.

Would he hurt me?

Kaoru's hand went to his fingers trying to pry them away "Ken..shin...you're hurting me"

At all of a sudden, he withdraw his hand and seized her painfully by her shoulders turning her so that her back was to him. He twisted her right hand behind her back and pressed her against the trunk with his body. Her shawl slid off her shoulders.

Kaoru bit her lip to stop herself from screaming in pain.

"You remember Kaoru" his voice was low "I told you, you will not go unpunished"

"What..what are you going to do me?" Kaoru's voice was fearful.

She felt him smirk behind her.

"Are you scared Kaoru?"

She did not answer.

"Aaahh.." Kaoru cried out as he applied more pressure to her twisted arm.

"Answer me" this girl was driving him crazy. He never felt the why he was feeling now. Being so close to her made him lose himself to...

Lust.

His left hand travelled to her neck, he grasped the white bandage and ripped it off her neck.

"No!" Kaoru gasped, starting to struggle.

Kenshin ignored her as his left hand sneaked around her waist, bringing her lower half closer to his.

Kaoru went still in his arm as she felt something hard pressing against her backside.

"No please..Kenshin.." she began to tremble uncontrollably. She clenched her eyes shut, in which tears squeezed from.

Not again please.

Her plea went unnoticed by the assassin as he Kissed her neck. He could feel her shaking against his body but, he wanted her, he wanted her right here, right now.

Lust overwhelmed him.

Kenshin closed his eyes as he began to kiss her neck and sucked at her scarred skin. His hands travelled over her body, exploring.

Her scent was intoxicating.

Jasmine

Then he felt a metallic taste in his mouth. He pulled away slightly and glanced at the her neck.

His eyes went wide.

Blood flew from the wound and trickled down her neck.

He released her hand and backed away. His eyes never leaving her bloody wound. Then, he lifted his own hand and touched his lips. When he stared down at it there was blood on his fingers.

Kaoru's blood.

He raised his other hand and for a moment he saw them covered in blood...her blood. He blinked rapidly.

There was no blood.

His eyes darted to the broken girl near the tree. She slid down the trunk, crying softly. Her hands were wrapped around her body, as sobs racked her form.

Suddenly, she seemed so vulnerable and fragile. It is as even the slightest, gentle touch would break her, if he hadn't done so already.

He took one step toward her, then stopped clenching his hands tightly.

"Kaoru"

No reply.

He clenched his teeth and bowed his head.

"Kaoru" his voice was a mere whisper "I'm sorry"

He walked away from her.

He didn't want to stay, the longer he stayed the more he felt disgusted with himself.

Kaoru lied on her futon, one hand covering her eyes and the other rested on her stomach. She was fully dressed, her raven hair sprawled around her.

The sun had not set yet, but she retired early to her room. Two women were with her in the room, talking randomly.

It has been three days since that incident, three days since she last talked to Kenshin, three days since he almost rap...

Kaoru clenched her fists. She did not want to think about it. But no matter how hard she tried to push it away, the pain was still there.

Kaoru I'm sorry.

He did apologize back then. She heard him. Nonetheless, she couldn't find it in her heart to forgive him.

Kenshin avoided her as well, he didn't show up during food serving for the last three days.

Kaoru wondered if he was eating at all.

Cut it out Kaoru, he hurt you, you shouldn't worry about him.

Kaoru heaved a sigh.

She saw him once talking to Katsura in the yard, she did not know if he saw her or not.

"I wish I could go" she heard one of the women "but I'm on duty to serve dinner today"

"I have plenty of work undone" the other said "I don't think the landlady will allow me to go to the festival either"

So there is a festival today. Kaoru thought.

"I remember last year's Gion festival" one of then continued "the paper lanterns illuminated the whole Kyoto"

Gion festival? Kaoru heard of this festival somewhere. It wasn't held in Tokyo or else she would have remembered it. But this festival is...

Kaoru shot out off the futon and turned to the women, startling them.

"Today is Gion festival?" she questioned urgently.

Both of the women blinked before one answered "Yes Kaoru-chan, today is the first day of the festival"

Kaoru cursed under her breathe. How could I have forgotten about it?

She stood to her feet "Where is Katsura-san?" she asked.

"We're not sure, but I heard he will go somewhere tonight, but what do..."

Kaoru did not wait for her to finish, she ran out of the room not bothering to tie her hair.

Kaoru was running in the corridor when she came upon the landlady "Ayami-san, do you knowwhere is Katsura-san? It's urgent"

"Calm down Kaoru-chan, is everything ok?"

"Please, I will explain later"

The landlady sighed "He is in the main building, with Iizuka"

"Thank you" Kaoru headed for the other direction, but before she disappeared behind the corner the landlady called her.

"Kaoru-chan"

Kaoru stopped turning to her, one hand on the wall.

"Don't get yourself into trouble, dear"

Kaoru smiled weakly and nodded "I will be fine"

"Let me in I need to talk to Katsura-san NOW"

Katsura and Iizuka were talking when they heard the commotion outside.

Katsura rose to his feet and went to the door, sliding it open.

He saw one man holding the dishevelled Kaoru by her arm.

"What is this all about it?" he questioned impatiently. Iizuka came behind him.

"Sorry Katsura-sama, this girl is demanding to meet you right now" the guard answered.

"Katsura-san you have to hear me, it's important" Kaoru said.

"Release her" Katsura ordered "come Kamiya-san" he extended one hand to her.

The guard released Kaoru and she went to Katsura. He lead her inside placing his hand on her back.

The door was closed behind them.

Inside, Katsura ushered Kaoru to sit as he and Iizuka took their usual places around the low table.

But Kaoru did not waste any moment "Kyoto will be burned today"

Iizuka eyes were wide.

Katsura narrowed his eyes at her "How did you know abo.."

"I'm not done" Kaoru interrupted "Shinsen Gumi will attack today, they will attack the inn, you have to be ready"

Both of the men were astonished.

"Girl don't just throw things out of your head" Iizuka warned. How did she know?

"I'm not lying" Kaoru glared at him, then she turned to Katsura "please Katsura-san, you have to believe me, I'm telling the truth. And Kyoto, you have to do something about it, many people.."

"I have talked to Miyabe about it, he said Kyoto will be safe"

"You have to do something more, I don't know what, you have to prevent it"

Katsura was at loss for words, this girl wasn't an ordinary young girl. Her knowledge arouse suspicion.

"Katsura you shouldn't just believe her words" Iizuka protested "she might be setting us up"

Kaoru glowered at him "don't you dare to accuse me" she snapped "I'm trying to help you here, and believe me it's not for your sake"

"Listen you..." Iizuka rose to his feet but Katsura raised his hand.

"Enough Iizuka" he directed his attention to Kaoru "Kamiya-san how did you obtain all this.."

"Kenshin" Kaoru's eyes scanned the large room "Where is Kenshin?" she asked anxiously.

"Himura-san is on duty tonight"

"I have to warn him, Shinsen Gumi will be everywhere tonight" she said worriedly "where is he?"

Katsura hesitated for a moment "He can be anywhere, his mission supposed to be after sunset"

"I need to find him" Kaoru said "please Katsura-san tell me where is he supposed to...to kill?"

"I'm sorry, I'm afraid I can't"

"Please for Kenshin's sake tell me" Kaoru pleaded.

Katsura regarded her carefully, she was genuinely worried about Kenshin, but she could ruin Kenshin's job or distract him. On the other hand, if her word were true this could be a small reward for her help.

"Kyoto bridge, the one in town"

Kaoru smiled, bowing politely to express her gratefulness "arigatou Katsura-san"

With that she left the room.

Katsura stared behind her.

"This girl" he said absent mindedly "this girl could really make a difference"

Unknown to him, Iizuka was seething with anger.

Kaoru ran as fast as her feet would allow. It was getting darker now but she was desperate to find Kenshin. Kenshin's words, the older Kenshin, ran through her mind. She remembered him telling them about what happened to Kyoto and Ishin Shishi the night of Gion festival. This is is the night when Shinsen Gumi defeated Ishin Shishi.

I have to warn Kenshin.

She slowed down her pace when she reached the centre. Shinsen Gumi were everywhere. To anyone, it appeared that they were only patrolling. But Kaoru knew their true objective.

She walked past a group of three. They stopped talking as she approached. However they let her walk without interfering.

They must think I'm heading for the festival.

As soon as she rounded the corner and into an alley, she began to run again. She was nearing the bridge.

When she emerged from the dark alley, another group of Shinsen Gumi were there. This time they saw her running.

"Hey girl" one of them called.

Kaoru stared at them.

What should I do? Should I run? No, no I should act normally.

Three men detached from the group and approached her

"What are you doing here?" the one who seemed in charged asked.

"I..I'm heading to the centre of town for the celebration" Kaoru tried to sound calm.

"Why were you running?" he questioned as he eyed her from head to toe, probably wondering about her state of disarray.

"I'm late, someone is waiting for me"

The man narrowed his eyes at her "fine, you may go"

Kaoru nodded.

That was easy...so easy...

She started to walk again. But...

She did a mistake.

"Girl" the same man called.

Kaoru stopped.

"The town" he said slowly as he unsheathed his sword "is in the other direction"

Kaoru stood still. Fear tightened her muscles and tensed her spine.

She was heading toward the bridge which was situated opposite to the centre of town. This was a big mistake. They saw through her lie.

"Who are you? And what is you purpose here?" he asked as he stepped slowly toward her, a glint of the setting sun hit the blade.

Kaoru took few steps backward.

"There is nowhere to run" and he was right, Kaoru was aware of the remaining soldiers moving toward her.

What should I do?

"If you don't want to speak" the man said, he was close now "then I must obliterate any source of suspicion, so DIE" he raised his sword and plunge.

Kaoru squeezed her eyes shut and turned her head.

This is it.

"ahhhh" she heard a scream which wasn't her own.

She opened one eye.

The man who was supposed to kill her laid motionless on the ground at her feet.

Kaoru heard the other men screaming. She glanced around and saw them one by one falling dead. A crimson blur was moving between them. He was so fast.

Kenshin.

Kenshin slashed his blade across the last man's abdomen, disembowelling him. The man screamed and fell to the ground, head first. Without hesitation Kenshin drove his sword through his neck silencing him immediately.

Kenshin whipped his sword in the air and sheathed it.

He turned to face Kaoru.

No words were exchanged. They stood silently staring at each other.

Kaoru did not know how to react, everything she wanted to say fled off her mind. Words escaped her. It is only when Kenshin averted his gaze that she spoke.

"Kenshin" she took one step forward.

Kenshin looked at her.

Shame.

This was what Kaoru saw in his amber eyes. Shame and guilt filled them, dimming their natural radiance.

"What are you doing here Kaoru?"

Yes Kaoru you are supposed to warn him, this is your priority.

"I came to warn you" Kaoru said as she walked toward him "Kyoto will be burned tonight, that's why Shinsen Gumi are everywhere and the inn, they will attack this night"

Kenshin stared at her in disbelief "Katsura, Katsura can do something about it" he replied "I have to tell him this moment"

"I already spoke to him, he is the one who told me your whereabouts"

Kenshin did not speak, he only stared at her.

"Why did you come, Kaoru?" he questioned softly, he knew the answer but he wanted to hear it from her.

Kaoru hesitated for a moment "I...I wanted to warn you, I was worried" she looked away, after what happened she didn't know how to act, how to behave with Kenshin.

Kenshin clenched his hands. After that night, after what he almost did to her. She still cared, she still acted kindly toward him. Guilt gripped his heart as he bowed his head.

Kaoru glanced at him again "Kenshin..." his bangs covered his eyes, obscuring her view. She knew he was feeling guilty. Her heart sank at the sight of his bowed head and clenched fists.

She stepped closer to him.

"Kenshin..." just as she reached her hand to him Kenshin took hold of her wrist and pulled her to his chest. His other arm encircled her waist.

Kaoru went still in his arms, being close to him reminded her of that night.

"I'm sorry, Kaoru" he whispered "I did not mean to hurt you" his head was buried in her raven hair. After hearing his words she relaxed.

Kaoru knew that it was hard for him to apologize, he was a proud man. Nevertheless, he was aware of his mistake.

For that Kaoru forgave him.

Fireworks lit the dark sky above them as Kaoru stood motionless in Kenshin's arms.

Shinsen Gumi attacked the inn that night, but Katsura did heed Kaoru's words so Ishin shishi were ready. The battled was bloody and and resulted in countless casualties in both sides, but in the end Ishin shishi succeeded in driving them away.

Meanwhile Katsura was meeting with Miyabe Teizo of Choshu to appeal to him to consider the consequences of burning Kyoto on public safety. Katsura told him that Shinsen Gumi were leading an attack against him and that if they did not assemble their men together, Miyabe might be the next to fall. Their discussion lasted for most of the night, but eventually Miyabe yielded to Katsura and Kyoto was spared.

Yes Kyoto was spared and with it, the lives of thousands of people.

Back then, it seemed to Kaoru that she did the right thing by telling Katsura about the attack, after all she led them to victory. However, what she did not consider was the effect this would have on the future.

What impact would this night have on Japan? On Kyoto? On the Meji era?

And most important of all how would it influence her life and Kenshin's?

"There is no better explanation" Said Iizuka in a relatively loud voice "she is a spy, how else would she know about burning Kyoto?"

"Iizuka, she warned us about the upcoming attack on the inn" Katsura responded calmly "you understand that many lives were spared thanks to her"

"Still this girl knows a lot, you can not overlook that" Iizuka insisted "even our own soldiers did not know about the plan to burn Kyoto"

Kenshin who sat silently against the wall, eyed Iizuka suspiciously.

They were meeting in one of the rooms inside the new inn. Of course they have moved to a new location after the festival.

"I say she must be killed"

Kenshin touched the hilt of his sword, trying to restrain his anger. Iizuka was testing his limits, for the past half an hour he was trying to convince Katsura that Kaoru was a danger to them and Kenshin was getting impatient with his false assumptions. Still Kenshin did not want to lose his temper like he had in the previous meeting.

Katsura sighed "Iizuka, why are you making such fuss over Kamiya-san? She did not cause any harm. I understand her knowledge is suspicious, however, based on her action we can not condemn her "

"But.."

"No buts, I might consider observing her activities again. But Kamiya-san is innocent until she proves use otherwise" Katsura rose to his feet and made his way to the door "I will personally question her about how she came upon those information" with that he stepped outside.

Kenshin stayed for little longer glaring at Iizuka.

Iizuka gulped and shifted on his position "Battousai don't stare at me like that, I'm only thinking of everyone's safety"

"You better think of your own safety first"

In the kitchen Kaoru was chatting to one of the women when suddenly Kenshin appeared at the door.

All the women stopped their chores and glanced at him.

He halted by the door, his golden eyed scanning the occupants of the kitchen, and when they settled on Kaoru he strode toward her.

The women started to whisper and blush as he passed between them. They were all ignored by Kenshin.

He stopped few paces away from her, then he reached out his hand and grasped hers.

"Come" he pulled her toward the door.

"Kenshin, what's wrong?"

No answer.

The whispers around them increased, and Kaoru smiled nervously at them.

When they exited the kitchen, he kept pulling her until he found a secluded place in one of the rooms.

He pushed her against the wall and slammed his hands on either side of her head. Trapping her.

Kaoru flinched.

"Kenshin what is the..."

"Tell me now, how did you know about the plan and the attack?" he demanded.

Kaoru thought for a minute. Should I tell him? Should I tell him the truth? But Kaoru felt she was not ready, she felt he was not ready to hear it.

"I heard few soldiers talking about it in the town" she actually prepared an answer before hand, she knew he would question her "you know I almost go their everyday, and one day I heard two soldiers of Shinsen Gumi discussing the matter" please, please believe me.

"Why didn't you tell me immediately?"

"I sought you out but you were out" she replied trying to sound convincing "I knew about it the day of the festival, when Kyoto was supposed to be burned" she lied.

Kenshin stared at her. Her story seemed logical, if any of the other women told him the same story he wouldn't think twice about it. But the fact that it was Kaoru, made him restless. Doubts and mystery surrounded her already, and this only worsen her case.

Kenshin moved his right hand and placed on her cheek, caressing her gently "don't get involved in those matters Kaoru. It's complicated and dangerous"

Kaoru gazed at him, he sounded worried. She placed her hand on his. Her sapphire eyes looking directly at his amber ones "I just ..I just don't want you to get hurt Kenshin, I want to help you"

Guilt found its way again to his heart. After all he did, she still thought of him.

He leaned closer to her, his mouth nearing hers.

He placed a soft kiss on her lips first, then he covered her mouth with his. Her mouth parted under his, though he felt her breathing quickened and sensed her tension. He touched her hair tenderly, trying to calm her. It felt like silk against his rough fingers.

Kaoru noticed how gentle his kiss was and how he was trying to calm her. And despite her fear, Kaoru found herself wanting this moment to last forever.

No cliffy this time, hope this makes it up for last time.

Ok I want to bring your attention to Gion festival. This festival is held on Kyoto on JULY every year and it lasts for 3 days. Now my story takes place on Autumn around the end of October. So that was incorrect. Anyway, I hope that's fine with you all cuz I'm not writing to give you a history lesson lol

I deliberately did not elaborate in the festival matter, I did not want to focus too much onto it, after all it has to be included because it will affect something in the near future.

And here is where my story will take a COMPLETELY different road from the OVAs, Katsura was supposed to lose and disappear somewhere, whereas Kenshin and Tomoe should be living as a husband and wife. But Kaoru changed a vital incident, so things will turn out differently.

And I hope you forgive Kenshin for what he ALMOST did to Kaoru XD

Please review.