Freedom
Chapter 7
Kaoru's eighteen?


Kaoru laid in her new bed with the covers twisted around her legs. What was that? Kaoru asked herself for the fifth time that night. She just couldn't relax. Even if the men that haunted her were in jail now she was still scared. When she did relax memories of what she went through danced through her head. If not that then new ideas of how she might be caught and tortured came. Either way sleep was just a battle that she didn't care to fight.

This wouldn't happen if Kenshin was here. Kaoru thought. So now I'm reliant on someone else. I'm so weak! Irritated Kaoru threw herself out of bed and walked over to the window. Midway there she realized that she didn't have a window seat like Kenshin did. Maybe I should ask him if I could come back? Kaoru left the room dressed in the yukata that she had forgotten to give back to Kenshin, or didn't want to give back to him, and her raven hair tied in a lose braid. She walked over to the couch, sat down, and turned on the TV.

~*~*~*~*~

It wasn't like Kenshin was having much luck sleeping either though.
Kenshin flipped on his side one last time before grunting and jumping to a shitting position, furiously throwing the covers to the floor in all directions. This is ridiculous! I'm exhausted, but I feel like I've forgotten something.

Kenshin slowly crawled out of bed and walked into the bathroom. Switching on the light, Kenshin looked at himself in the mirror. He wore the t-shirt and hospital pants again.

Kenshin scrutinized himself like he used to do before Kaoru came in to his life. Actually, she broke in. He said.

This was what Kenshin had been doing that night she broke in. He had just gotten out of the shower and pulled on his yukata, which was now missing, and began to stare in the mirror.

That was so long ago. He thought as he began the old ritual.

Staring at himself in the mirror he noticed all the differences between himself and Battousai.

One was his eyes. They used to be amber and narrowed, an evil look that could scare the bravest of men. Now they were a violet color and wide, open to the world, a sadness though that only disappeared when Kaoru was around. His eyes seemed to always convey a conflict that was surging with in his soul.

Another difference was his hair. Still the same red color only worn differently. While he was the Hitokiri Battousai he wore it long and in a high ponytail, but now that he was just Himura Kenshin, he wore it shorter. He fingered the tresses that ended where his neck and back met. Bangs still shadowed his face, but not for the same reason. He used to wear the bangs because it was a way to look like a mystery and a better way to hide yourself, now it seemed like he just couldn't get rid of them, symbolizing that he would always live as a shadow.

Then there was his personality. He actually allowed it to show. Before he only acted as a cold on feeling void that left its soul somewhere else.

But one thing hasn't changed. Kenshin whispered as he allowed his hand to drift over his x shaped scar. This was the scar that linked his to personalities. This was what made sure he never forgot how far he had come from that heartless fool he once was. This was the one thing that would never go away. It was his curse, but it was also his blessing.

No, Kaoru was my true blessing. Kenshin whispered. The scar is only a curse and a gift of a memory.

Kenshin stared at him self for a few moments longer before walking out of his apartment, slipping on some shoes and grabbing his keys before he left. He had already tried sleeping on the couch and found that also useless, so he decided to drive around until morning then he would call Kaoru and make sure she was okay.

~*~*~*~*~

Kamiya Kaoru? the boy asked as Kaoru opened the door.

Yes. May I help you? She asked.

This for you. He asked and then rushed off.

Kaoru looked at the packages before entering the apartment. She then sat down at the kitchen counter and opened one of them up. the first thing she saw was a letter addressed to her.

Miss Kamiya,
I hope you won't mind, but since you will be working for me and have already done so much, I thought it would be kind to help you find out more about yourself. I've tracked down a family member who has provided all this for you. It was found in your house after your father was found dead and you missing. Also there are other interesting things inside.

Kaoru was shocked. Her life was in these boxes, but she was to scared to she what her life was. Just then the phone rang and Kaoru was a little relieved to answer it.

Miss Kaoru? Kenshin asked.

Kenshin! Oh I'm glad it's you. Kaoru announced

What's wrong. Kenshin was concerned by her voice.

I just got two boxes form Mr. Toyogawa. It contains things from my pass, but I'm scared to look inside. Could you come over? Kaoru figured that it might be easier if someone was around.

Sure! I'll be right there. Kenshin said happily and hung up the phone.

Kaoru hung up the phone and walked into her bedroom with a large smile on her face. Guess I should change out of his yukata, that way I can keep it.

~*~*~*~*~

Have you found her yet? A man said as he stood in the shadows of an alley way.

No, but we do know that a cousin of hers was contacted. Another man said as he walked further into the alley.

I thought all the Kamiya's were taken care of. Susumu said menacingly.

Y-yes, but it seems that one has been overlooked. he answered.

Then you need to make sure this cousin is never heard from again. I don't want our little one finding out more information then she probably already has. Susumu told him. Both knew this meant to kill the Kamiya's cousin.

Yes sir. It will be done. He said as he turned and left.

Susumu faded back into the shadows once again allowing his mind to wrap around the world that he had developed to torture the Kamiya girl.

~*~*~*~*~

Kenshin walked down the hall to Kaoru's door, but this time a little bit happier. He was amazed at how just the thought of her made him bounce with joy.

Reaching out to knock on the door, Kenshin stopped in midair. I'm nervous. Kenshin said as he hardly contained a laugh. I'm actually nervous. I've never been nervous. I've always been so sure of my actions, but now, I...I just don't know what to expect, I don't know how I should act, and I don't know how she will act. Kenshin took a deep breath and steadied himself. Go ahead, just knock.

~*~*~*~*~

Who is it? Kaoru asked as she walked to the door. She knew it was Kenshin, but she'd always wanted to say it.

It's Kenshin, Miss Kaoru. He responded from the other side of the door.

Hi Kenshin. Come on. They're over here. Kaoru said as she threw open the door, grabbed his hand, and tugged him over to the kitchen counter. I haven't moved them yet.

Have you opened them? he asked.

No. I'm scared. What if I find something out that hurts? Kaoru admitted.

Then I will be right here to make it stop. Kenshin grabbed one of the boxes and walked over to the couch, followed closely by Kaoru. Kenshin sat down with the box on the floor and opened it. Lying on the top was a golden locket in the shape of a heart with flowers etched into the delicate metal. Kenshin looked up at Kaoru and with his eyes asked permission to pick it up. When she nodded he gave her a reassuring smile and picked it up. Kaoru sat down beside him and leaned in as he released the lid and allowed it to open.

That's my mom and dad. Kaoru said as she leaned in closer. and that's me she said as she pointed to the little baby in the woman's arms.

Kenshin handed it to her as he looked back into the box.

Kenshin look. Kaoru placed her hand on his back.

What is it Miss Kaoru? Kenshin asked as he looked up.

Kaoru placed her thumb on the lip of the lid opposite of the picture and flicked it open. Kaoru gasped as she saw a small folded up piece of paper. Slowly Kaoru took it from its spot and unfolded it. She then handed it to Kenshin. Please read it.

Are you sure? He asked. When she nodded, he began to read.

Dear Kaoru,
If you're reading this then I have not succeeded at what I had wished and have left you alone. I can only imagine what your life has been like, but I hope the information I can give you will help you become stronger.

Kenshin flipped it over and continued to read.

Inside of our photo album is a letter explaining what really happened and why we had to leave you. Please know that your mother and I always loved you and always will.
Love
Daddy.

Kenshin handed it back to Kaoru and she quickly refolded it and placed it back in the locket. After closing it she placed it on the table. So is the album in there?

Kenshin noticed that she wasn't showing much emotion and wanted to ask her about it, but he decided not to and looked into the box pulling out a slender black binder.

I guess it's small because we didn't have much time to fill it. Kaoru said in a matter of fact tone. Kaoru took the binder from Kenshin's hands and laid it on her lap. With a deep breath she slowly opened it revealing a larger version of the picture in the locket. I wonder... Kaoru murmured as she removed the picture from the paper and set it on the table. She then noticed that there was a smaller piece of paper. Slowly she removed that to reveal a large rectangle had been cut out of the middle of the pages. She saw that inside was a letter written on smaller pages. Kenshin...will you please read these? Kaoru asked as she handed them to him.

Suddenly a thought hit him. Why was he reading these? Can you read Miss Kaoru?

Kaoru asked shocked.

I'm so sorry Miss Kaoru. I didn't mean to insult you. Really I didn't Kenshin stopped when Kaoru put her hand on his mouth.

It's okay Kenshin. I...I can only read certain words. I never went to school and no one really cared so I didn't learn that much. Last time I went to school was when I was eight. Kaoru admitted.

Oh...don't worry Miss Kaoru. If you want to learn then I'll teach you later. Kenshin smiled when he saw her nod. Ok so why don't I go ahead and read this.

Dear Kaoru,
I guess you found this. I wrote this so you could learn what really happened.

It started when I was only twenty, before I married your mother. My brother's son, got this wonderful idea that he could make a lot of money if he went against this one gang. I don't know the details, but the gang got so upset that they decided to take revenge on the whole family. Hence there is a death warrant for anyone with the Kamiya name.

I then met your mother. I tried to tell her to leave me, I told her that as soon as we married that she would be in danger, but she didn't care. Soon we did marry and then later you were born.

One night before your mother died I heard a noise out side and went to investigate. Outside I found a note saying that my family had been marked. I immediately ran inside only to find your mother lying on the ground. The doctors said she was poisoned.

I tried to ignore the threats after she died, but it got to be to much and I began to worry about your safety. So now I write this for you before we make our escape. If you have this then I have a good feeling that your life has not worked out the way I wanted it to at all. I just hope that your life is a happy one.
Once again, We love you,

Mom and Dad.

Kenshin set the pages back into the album and looked at Kaoru. Are you okay?

Huh? Uh...yeah, I'm fine. Shouldn't I be? Kaoru asked.

Kenshin turned to face her better and grabbed her hands. It's okay if you're not okay. Miss Kaoru if you're upset then I'll understand.

Kenshin...I don't know what to feel anymore. Kaoru admitted. She felt numb and heartless. when Kenshin took her hands she felt her heart warm up, but not enough to tell her how to feel.

Why don't we look through the other box? Kenshin asked as he got up and grabbed the other box. He walked back to the couch and set the box next to the other one. He removed the lid and took out the first thing. It was a newspaper.

Look Kenshin! Kaoru said as she pointed to the headline in large print.

The Kamiya Curse. Kenshin read aloud. Kaoru it talks about finding your father in the hotel room.

Kaoru asked shocked.

Yea it says here that they aren't sure why, but another Kamiya was found dead in a hotel room shot multi...oh my. Miss Kaoru, I'm so sorry. I'm being so inconsiderate. Kenshin announced once he felt Kaoru's aura change to an unsettling one.

No Kenshin. Please tell me what it says. I need to know the truth. I've lived a lie my whole life. Now it's time I know. Kaoru looked to the floor in front of her with a very solemn look on her face.

Kenshin sighed before he began to read more information for Kaoru. He was shot multiple times. According to the man at the front desk of the hotel said that Mr. Kamiya checked in along with a little girl. The little girl turns out to be his daughter Kamiya Kaoru, but she has not been seen since the murder. Kenshin stopped and looked over to Kaoru to make sure that she was okay They now that it's in connection with the string of deaths that took the lives of a total of twelve Kamiya's. Now the total is up to thirteen maybe fourteen if Kaoru is not found. The young girl Kaoru would end the line of Kamiya's.

Wow. I'm the only one left. Kaoru got up and walked over to a window in the living room. I knew my parents were gone, but I don't even have uncles, aunts, grandparents, or cousins. Kaoru said as she watched the cars whizz by on the streets below. Kaoru couldn't help, but think of even in this large world she was alone, no one around.

Kenshin got up and came to stand behind Kaoru. What about your mother's family?

I don't know her last name. Any ways I remember her saying that she was an orphan. Kaoru didn't bother to look at him as she spoke. I'm alone in a world that cares nothing for the weak.

You can't mean that. Kenshin said as he laid a hand on her shoulder. People care for you.

Who Kenshin? Kaoru's sadness began to whirl around. Finally feelings for her parents death and the lack of a life that she had begun to show them selves. Tell me Kenshin! Who cares about a little girl with no family. Who cares about a woman that is so messed up in the head that she can't even deal with things with out losing herself. Kaoru turned from the window to face Kenshin and began to yell. Who would care about me. I can't read, I can't write, and...I'm lucky enough to know how to add and subtract! Kenshin I am an uneducated psycho freak that has no hope!

Kenshin took a step back. He was shocked that Kaoru was screaming at him. He couldn't stand that she was thinking like this.

I have no identity. Everyone thinks I'm dead. Why wouldn't they, I've been missing for years. Go ahead Kenshin, tell me. Tell me who in this world would care about a fucking freak of a person like me! Kaoru kept on screaming at him.

I do! Kenshin screamed back as he grabbed her below the shoulders and pulled her to his chest. I care about you Miss Kaoru. Kenshin dropped his voice's volume to normal and pulled her into a tight embrace, he even allowed his eyes to water, but not to flow down his face. Come here. He said as he stepped back and pulled Kaoru over to the couch.

Kaoru was too shocked to argue with him. Her anger began to dissipate as Kenshin sat on the couch and pilled her to sit on his lap. Soon tears trickled down her face as she was cradled to Kenshin's body. Why Kenshin?

Why not? Miss Kaoru, we all care about you. Sanosuke, Mr. Toyogawa and myself. Kenshin allowed her to cry for as long as she felt necessary. When he felt that she was calmed, he placed his index finger and thumb on Kaoru's chin and gently lifted it so she looked him in the eyes. Do you believe now that people care about you?

Kaoru's voice was soft as she thought over what he was saying.

Kenshin leaned closer and kissed her on the cheek. When he pulled back he gave her a smile. Do you want to continue.

Y...yes please. Kaoru said as she scooted off of Kenshin's lap to sit beside him, but still really close. She reached into the box again and pulled out a piece of paper. It's a birth certificate.

Kenshin asked a he leaned over her.

Hey I can't see. Kaoru said as she tried to push him away, letting a giggle escape.

Sorry. Just thought I'd lighten the mood. He gave her a smile and sat up.

Kenshin... This is mine. Kaoru looked closer at the paper. And look at this! It says that my birthday is...tomorrow!

Are you serious? Kenshin took the paper from her hands. You're going to be eighteen.

Just then the phone rang. Kenshin, could you get that? She asked him. I want to look at this.

Yea sure. He said as he got up and walked over to the phone.

Yes may I please speak with Ms. Kamiya? the voice asked.

Kenshin immediately recognized the voice. Mr. Toyogawa! I'm sorry sir that I didn't recognize sooner.

Himura, this is what I like about you. He responded with a loud chuckle.

And what is that sir. Kenshin said as Kaoru came to stand next to him.

Your loyalty and respect. He said. Now, Himura, what are you doing with the Ms. Kamiya, or should I even ask? He said implying something that both knew.

Kenshin blushed and turned away from Kaoru while allowing his bangs to cover his eyes. Sir with all do respect, I think that why I am her at Miss Kaoru's home has nothing to do with why you called.

You're right, so may I please speak with her? He asked his employe.
Kenshin looked over at Kaoru and she nodded her approvement. She then took it out of his hand and placed her hand over the speaker. What did he ask you? Kaoru asked Kenshin.

Nothing. Now don't keep him waiting, Miss Kaoru. Kenshin smiled as he placed a hand on the back of his head and laughed.

Kaoru rolled her eyes and turned around. She then put the phone to her ear. What do you want?

Ms. Kamiya...I don't know how to tell you exactly. Mr. Toyogawa stalled.

What is it. Kaoru asked wishing that he would jump to the point.

The information that I gave you was given to me by a cousin of yours. He began.

My cousin? Kaoru shrieked as she tuned to Kenshin who stood behind her. Kenshin, I do have family!

Kenshin was about to say something when his boss spoke and Kaoru turned away again. Let me finish Ms. Kamiya. That cousin though was found...dead this morning. She was shot last night.

Kaoru's mouth dropped and slowly she could feel tears fall from her eyes. She whispered.

Kenshin watched her back as her arm dropped to allow the receiver to drop to the floor. He then gasped as he saw her start to descend to the ground. Miss Kaoru! Kenshin lunged forward and grabbed her shoulders. Kenshin sat down on the floor and pulled Kaoru on to his lap.

She twisted around and as Kenshin wrapped his arms around her she buried her head in his chest. Oh why me?

Kenshin reached for the phone and put it to his ear. Sir, thank you for your call.

Is she okay? He asked.

How would you feel right now? Kenshin asked. When he got no response Kenshin spoke again. Good bye sir. Kenshin slowly got up and took Kaoru with him, hung up the receiver and scooped Kaoru up into his arms. He then walked down a hall and into her bedroom and placed her on the bed. Then he pulled the cover over her body and walked away.

She's dead. Kaoru whispered in a barely audible voice.

What did you say Miss Kaoru? Kenshin said as he turned back around.

Kaoru didn't move as she stared out the window. I thought for a moment that maybe I had family, but no. She's dead. I was so close, only to become so far.

Kenshin walked over to the bed and kneeled down on he floor in front of her. I told you that you're not alone. Kenshin placed his hand on her cheek and smiled when she placed her hand over his. I'm going to leave and come back tomorrow so we can celebrate.

Celebrate what? Kaoru mumbled.

Your birthday. Kenshin got up and leaned over to kiss her cheek. I'll bring Sanosuke.

Kaoru just nodded as Kenshin left. Kaoru was alone and noises that were just noises began to haunt her and make her believe that they were more. They've killed my cousin. They want to end the line of Kamiya's which means I'm next. Kaoru allowed those words and everything that she discovered that day to flood her mind. She had no time to sleep. there was just to much to work out. They can still hurt me even in jail.

~*~*~*~*~

A.N.~
Ok another chapter. My first week of school is over, but it was so crazy! Friday after noon my friend passed out and I was the only one in there for a little while. They took her to the hospital and everything. I've never been so scared, because she started to shake also. Luckily I was calm and able to take care of her until they got there. I cried and everything afterwards though. So, If I sound somewhat spacey, then you know why.

For The Reviewer's~

Angle1~ Is Kenshin sweet or what? I like your idea too, but you'll just have to wait and see!

AnkaraStark~ Ok here it is. Hope this satisfies your hunger! lol! (If that sounded mean then it was said wrong. Believe me I'd never say anything rude to my reviewers! ~_~)

Kaoru Himura7~ I loved how Kenshin carried Kaoru also. You don't know how upset I was to end it, but I guess the story would have been a little dull if she didn't walk sooner or later. Any ways, I have this little pic in my head of you stepping into my story and lecturing Kenshin! Haha ^_~

Kawaii Kokkei Tsuita no Neko~ Oh please don't explode! Didn't someone say that anything worth anything is worth waiting for? Lol.

Azura Dea~ Did you go crazy? Or did I take to long? If you did go crazy its okay, because I already am! Lol ^_^

SamuraiX Koneko~ If your review sounds obsessive, then I love those kind of reviews! Haha. Wow Nobuhiro Watsuki? what a honor!

Koniko-chan~ Yea Don't you just want to walk up to Kenshin and give him a big hug and kiss? Haha!

In My Head~
Like I said, my head is mush! Any ways, Thank goodness my friend is okay! Also, Inu Yasha starts showing again on Cartoon Network with new episodes this week. go to www.cartoonnetwork.com for more info.! I'm so happy! Lol ^_^

Dark Kishi,

There are no bad reviews, only unwritten ones!

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We Can Cross The Line.