Chapter 10
Precious Plots
Kenshin watched Kaoru's peaceful slumber with questions swarming his head. He really wanted to know what happened that night that Kaoru was attacked. She had been avoiding this question and he knew he could not rest until he found out the whole truth. Someone had hurt her badly. Badly enough for her to have nightmares and the marks on her back…Kenshin sighed and looked up as he saw Kaoru stir from her sleep.
As she got up, the blanket pooling at the waist, Kenshin could barely remember the reasons he had left her. Watching her as she stretched her arms high up and her braid now messy, he felt himself getting aroused by the mere sight of her. Her eyes still slightly closed with the remnants of sleep caused strange feelings in his heart and images in his mind.
Kenshin shook his head mentally. Kaoru was hurt and he needs to stay focused to find out what has been going on in her life. He looked up again to meet her sleepy eyes and found them focused on his, curiousity alight unhidden.
"Ohayo, Kenshin," Kaoru murmured. She watched her rurouni closely. What the heck! Her rurouni? He was NOT hers!
"Ohayo, Kaoru," Kenshin replied, watching her intently, his thoughts masked. "Or shall I say…Konnichiwa."
It took Kaoru 10 seconds to let the words sink in before panicking. "Konnichiwa? It is already noon?" She was up before he knew it, quickly making her bed and picking up her bathing things.
"Aa. It is. You slept through breakfast."
Kaoru cursed silently as she stretched out to take a ribbon, only then noticing the bandages on her arms. Realisation swept into her mind instantly and she paled. Turning to Kenshin, she motioned her arms as she asked him, "Was I having another nightmare?"
Another? So she had been having this for sometime. "Aa. You scratched yourself last night. Megumi bandaged you."
"I should thank her," Kaoru mused out loud. "Can't believe it happened again. Shuichi always had to stay with me when this happens." She sighed softly, wondering how her friend was at the moment. Was he well? Has he eaten? Blinded by her thoughts, she did not realize Kenshin's eyes darkening dangerously until he started talking to her.
"He did, did he?"
"Eh?"
He got up and walked towards her with every intention of asking her about her nightmare when he stopped. Kaoru looked up at him quizzically. He shook his head and motioned her to the bath. Food is getting cold.
"Have you asked her?" Sanosuke asked, leaning against the wall with a fishbone dangling in his mouth.
Kenshin shook his head. He tried to clear the thoughts of joining Kaoru in the bath in this hot afternoon. Frowning, he looked up. Was it him or was it getting hotter?
"How are you planning to ask, Ken-san? She will not talk willingly," Megumi put in, worry in her eyes.
"We'll have to try to pry it out. I want to know what she was dreaming about!"
The others just remained quiet when suddenly a knock sounded at the door. Yahiko went to get it and returned with two letters to Kaoru. One from Shuichi and the other from…
"Mibu Wolf? Why is he corresponding with Kaoru?" Kenshin wondered out loud.
"Are you reading my letters?" Kaoru not-amused-at-all asked.
Yahiko just grinned and passed the letters to her. As she sat down, she opened Shuichi's letter and smiled as he related that he was fine, no injuries whatsoever and he was coming home soon. Home…Kaoru smiled brightly at his words. He knew how to pamper a girl, she thought happily. The constant Kaoru-hime made her blush slightly and although she knew she told him not to call her so, he did it in his letter claiming he did not 'call' her. Also he made sure to calm her nerves and reminded her to take care of herself.
Kaoru shook her head with a fond smile and proceeded to read Saito's letter. It was just as she imagined it would be. But he had something to add…something she was not thoroughly happy about. Shocked, she turned to her friends.
"Anyone actually seen Misao?" she asked quietly. The others stared at her. "Misao?" Megumi asked quizzically. "Now that you mention it, I haven't seen her for some time. Aoshi-san too."
"Aoshi had to leave to take care of some urgent business for me. As for Misao-dono, I haven't seen her since the festival," Kenshin said wondering whatever happened to the young ninja. "Maybe she followed Aoshi."
"That can't be true. You see, I saw her walking away during the festival. But I thought that she needed time out or something. But Saitou's letter…" Kaoru was unable to continue, still unable to register the news Saitou had sent her. "What's wrong with weasel girl, Jou-chan?" Sano asked, biting the fishbone lightly and uncaring about Misao. "She can take very good care of herself. After all, she is a ninja."
"Don't tell me she got her butt kicked, busu?" Yahiko said, taking the matter lightly as well. Kaoru glared at him. "Don't ever call me names, Yahiko-chan! I detest it! And besides," Kaoru looked back at the letter in her hand. "Apparently she is currently in a clinic in the next town."
They stared at her, unblinking. "Misao-dono is hurt?" Kenshin tried asking softly, but the glimmer of ember in his eyes was evident. Someone had tried to hurt Misao. It could not have been a low life scum who wanted some cash or a good time. It has to be someone good enough to beat her. That means it cannot just be anyone. Someone was either targeting them all or just happens to pass her by. He hoped it was the latter but had a deep feeling that it was the former.
"Saitou doesn't know what really happened. She was bleeding pretty badly and some kids found her unconscious. According to him, some of his sources suspected the person behind the attack had brown hair and green …eyes…" Kaoru's voice lowered down, halting as her eyes scanned the words. Saitou had warned her not to visit Misao and that she was in capable hands. He voiced his fears of it being the same person targeting her. Of course, she missed the look in her friends' eyes.
One person came to their mind…Shuichi Haname.
"I suppose we should visit her then, huh. Well," Sano got up, dusting his pants. "Let's go or Ice man might turn us to ice for not taking care of her." His voice sounded light but no one missed the tenseness of his body. Kaoru shook her head. "I'm not coming."
They stared.
"Kaoru…dono, what do you mean you're not coming?" Kenshin asked, shocked to hear her uncaring about her friend. Usually, you could count on Kaoru to be the first one to jump up and run out of the door to attend to her friends' needs. What the hell changed that?
"Tanuki-chan, are you alright? Usually you would rush off to meet her. Look, she did nothing to you," Megumi said tightly, feeling like she wanted to hit Kaoru over the head. Kaoru looked at her coolly. " I know. But I also know she is in good hands. I'll pass. I got much more important things to do now, okay?" She got up and turned to leave when Kenshin grabbed her arms. It was all Kaoru could to bit back the wince that was on her lips as he held the injured part of her hand. Kenshin immediately noticed, cursed and let go of her hand. He watched her silently but she only continued to walk away. Holding her breath, she waited until they left the dojo, still shocked with her attitude.
Kaoru silently begged Misao to forgive her. As soon she felt the coast was clear, she hurried to the police station, wanting to know exactly what was going on. For once, she wished Shuichi was back with her putting her feelings at ease. Kaoru knew at that moment if she had to choose, Shuichi would definitely win. She had to put her past behind her and she has to start with Kenshin. Things were different now. People were after her. It had happened more than once. Unlike Kenshin, Shuichi was not afraid to kill nor was he burdened with endless guilt. Kaoru knew that with her current condition it was not fair for her to burden Kenshin with her problems. She had always played the maiden in distress when she was around him. But this whole problem was because of her and she did not want anyone else to be involved.
Shuichi had willingly protected her, treated her equally, caring for her and yet still managed to confide in her. Although her heart loved Kenshin, he did not treat her the way she wanted him to. Kaoru walked away more determined than ever to get Kenshin Himura out of her life. He had left to get a life and she was willing to let him go again.
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"You looked pissed." Saitou commented to the woman in front of him. She looked like she was determined to kill somebody.
Kaoru growled. She was really angry that he did not allow her to visit Misao. His warning in the letter was clear. "Misao is my friend, Saitou. Why the hell can't I visit her?" she nearly yelled, her fist tightly curled and worry knotted her stomach. Was her friend alright?
"I am merely looking out for you so that my wife would be happy. Of course you would remember this," Saitou said, pulling out a cloth drenched in blood and showing her. Kaoru's eyes widen and her breath caught in her throat. Her face paled immediately as she recognized the sign.
It was the sign of a white tiger. A red dragon circled it. It was the same tattoo she saw on the arms of the men who killed her father and his future bride. The same one on the men who attacked her in the forest that rainy day. Kaoru shivered despite the warm weather, looking down at her hands.
She just could not believe it. Her friend…her friend was hurt because of her. Because of the madness surrounding her family. Misao…gomen nasai. I never thought you would get involved in this situation because of me. But…why Misao? Why not Shuichi or even her? Why her friend?
She looked up to the golden eyes staring back at her unfazed. Did he know? She wondered curiously. "How bad is she?" Kaoru asked softly, lowering her voice till it was barely clear.
"Not too bad. She lost consciousness for a few hours and has already woken up. She won't be throwing kunais soon if that's what you want to know." He slowly took a deep pull of his cigarette and blew it out. Kaoru scrunched up her nose but refrained from saying a word. It was not good to anger a man who has been dutifully helping her.
"Why her? Why not me?" Kaoru asked him, guilt in her eyes. She knew she would not be able to forgive herself if anything happened to Misao.
"Why are you asking me? I am not the one who attacked her." She realized he was sarcastic but ignored it. She noticed how intently he looked at her and flushed in embarrassment. "What?" she asked. He only raised an eyebrow. "What what?" he asked back. Kaoru flushed in anger. "Why were you staring at me?" Saitou looked at her as though she was crazy. "You came her for help. You sit in front of me. Who else am I suppose to look at?" he replied unfeelingly. Kaoru sighed and wondered again why she bothered asking him anything.
"What happened to Arashi Sawamura? I have not heard any news from you," she asked instead, stirring the conversation in a different light. It was rare she never got any news from him yet.
"He is a delicate matter. I have to handle him carefully. Not only the government is involved in this…" his voice trailed of, the hint of mystery caught her and Kaoru stared at him curiously. Saitou caught her looking and stood up. He walked over to the couch in his office, a new addition curtsey of his wife, and sat down there instead. Kaoru followed him. "But also…?" she tried adding to get him to talk.
Saiotu wondered if she was ready. He was hell of surprised when he knew who she really was. The girl many thought he would have been married to. The irony of life. He smirked at that. Looking at her closely, he wondered why he had never noticed it before. The fact that she looked like Naoko Kamiya. He had met that woman many times although he never saw the daughter. Maybe that's why he had a protective instinct around her. Saitou did not fail to notice that he never hurt her even to beckon Battousai into a fight. Plain old instinct. Maybe she should know. Not the whole truth…at least partially, concerning Arashi.
"Arashi Sawamura is not only involved with the top ministers, he is also a top member of a yakuza gang. Amazingly, despite his black market and murders surrounding him, he was never convicted. Your…father was assigned to gain some evidence against him mainly because he…he raped a woman." Kaoru stared at him blankly. Yeah, so this guy raped a woman. But may others had. What makes him important? It was as though Saitou read her mind for he continued, "Not just any woman, Kamiya. She was your…a member of the yakuza he joined and very highly ranked. Of course, no one knew."
"Then, how did you find out?" Kaoru wondered. "She had confided with a maid, someone close to her. Before that maid was assassinated, she told it to my…to the other highly ranked member in the organization. A man who was the next leader had the current one died. That's how I got to know it, but it still a secret."
Kaoru nodded her head. Arashi has to be punished for he had rubbed the wrong people the wrong way. She could not do anything about it. If his name was on her father's list, so be it. She was just doing her job. However…
" I have been helping you for quite some time, even before Kenshin left me. Why is it that I am only being pursued now?" Kaoru asked evidently toying with the question before asking him. Saitou sighed. How could he tell this girl that the one who wants her dead is her own uncle? Arashi had eliminated each member of the Kamiya family and only the last generations remain. Saitou realized that with the yakuza not headed by the right leader, trouble was brewing. Word had spread out that another member of the Kamiya line is alive and many are waiting for the heir to take the previous leader's place.
How can he tell a girl who doesn't even know or remember her past?
"Maybe they realize you have names," Saitou said before getting up. Kaoru realized the meeting was over and bowed down slightly. "Arigato and gomen nasai for earlier," she said, blushing. Saitou only nodded. As he turned around, Kaoru took a step forward and her feet got caught at the edge of the carpet. She stumbled instantly, reaching out to grab on something and instead fell on Saitou. Stunned, he fell on the couch with her laying on him. Just then, the door opened and an officer walked in. The young chap looked stunned to see his superior in an intimate position with Kaoru, blushed and stammered before hurriedly closing the door when he noticed Saitou's glare. Kaoru on the other hand froze before she quickly got up. Her face red, she murmured a string of apologise as she rushed out.
Saitou remained on the couch before he sat up straight. Tokio would be amused. But he knew for sure now that an even hotter gossip would be circling the town. And by noon tomorrow, he was right.
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Misao was quite bad but the good news was she was awake and healing nicely. She was in no condition to be moved and was glad to see her friends. She noted instantly that Kaoru was not among them but didn't ask. They all realized this and told her that Kaoru was determined not to come. Misao only nodded.
"Maybe it is for the best," she said softly, her eyes looking intently on the ceiling. The words of those men rang in her ears.
"I know you don't mean that, weasel girl. You want her to be here. Damn, I don't know how Jou-chan can be angry at you too to not follow us!" Sano said angrily, both at Kaoru and the men who hurt Misao.
"No. I meant it. It is better," Misao stressed as she turned her attention to them. "When I was attacked, one of the men made a comment I can't seem to forget. They said something that sounded suspiciously like : That would show that Kamiya girl. We'll get rid of her slowly by starting with this one…or something like that. That's why I feel it was better if she did not come. They might have been waiting for her."
"So someone is after Jou-chan…but who? Why?" Sano asked out loud.
"That answer is something we can get if we get Kaoru to tell us what happened. And you know, the description of the attacker who hurt Misao-dono is suspiciously like Haname." The rest nodded. They too suspected the same as Kenshin.
"I don't know how you guys are going to manage it, but get her to open up," Misao said tiredly. They nodded before focusing on her again.
"Why didn't you join us for the festival, Misao? You missed a lot. Or were you hanging around Aoshi-san?" Megumi teased lightly, fox ears appearing at the top of her head.
Misao did not reply. Aoshi's rejection still stung like crazy and she looked away. Realising this, the rest kept quiet. It was a touchy subject and they decided to let the couple work it out. Turning away, they bid Misao farewell and walked back.
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Saitou was right. To a certain extent. By breakfast, news about him and Kaoru spread like wildfire. Tokio was amused when he told her the story but she was laughing out loud when she returned from the market. The sympathetic faces and sad knowing glances made her burst out laughing. She even got certain things cheaper than usual. People really do believe the stories they hear, she thought.
On the other hand, Kenshin and Sano were shocked to hear the rumours. Kenshin was furious when he heard from Tae that rumours of Kaoru and Saitou had spread around town. Kaoru was having an affair with Saitou. Tae did not believe it but many people did. Mostly because Kaoru had taken in 3 men with her before and another one did not make a difference. Kenshin fumed angrily. He wondered who had started the rumours.
"You know, I thought it was odd he sent her letters," Sano said absently as they walked back with the groceries. Kenshin glared at him and he sweat dropped instantly. "Not that that means they are having an affair or anything…" he said hastily seeing the ember eyes of Battousai. Kenshin sighed.
He too had thought it was odd that Saitou would write to Kaoru. What exactly happened between them? He wondered as they walked back. As they reached near the dojo, the gates opened and Saitou walked out. Kenshin and Sano immediately froze. Saitou, who sensed them only smirked as he walked towards them.
Dammit, they better not start fighting. Jou-chan doesn't like it when they do, Sano thought as he watched them closely. Kenshin had tensed visibly and Saitou still looked relaxed.
"Battousai.." Saitou smirked. Kenshin's frown deepened.
"What are you doing here?" he demanded, his body ready for any sort of action.
"Why…visiting Kaoru of course," Saitou said mockingly, his eyes never leaving Kenshin. He decided against using honorifics or even teasing Kaoru just to see the effect it had on Kenshin. The effect was immediate.
"Leave Kaoru alone," Kenshin warned the moment he realized Saitou did not refer Kaoru as tanuki-girl. Possessiveness took over. Even he did not call Kaoru without honorifics when he stayed with her before.
"That is not my choice." Saitou blew the smoke softly as he walked past Kenshin, enjoying the torment. "I never noticed and I wonder if you ever did…" Saitou's voice trailed of.
Kenshin knew better than to take the bait but decided he wanted Saitou to complete that sentence. "What?" he growled.
"Kaoru has a slim waist."
It took Kenshin a moment to digest that thought and instantly anger filled his entire being. But Saitou only smirked and disappeared. How would Saitou know? Kenshin wondered. How would he know Kaoru had a slim waist?
"He's just baiting you, Kenshin." Sano said warningly, a hand gripping Kenshin's shoulder. "There's no way Jou-chan would let him touch her. Remember, she preferred you to him." Darn it! If Kenshin started now, he would never get lunch!
Kenshin contained his anger but he could not stop feeling jealous. Now, instead of just Haname, he had to take care of Saitou too. When had life turned so complicated!
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When they entered the house, they saw Kaoru sweeping the floor absentmindedly. Kenshin signaled Sano to leave him which the ex-gangster did rather happily. Sano was glad to be able to go to the clinic to visit Megumi who started helping out Gensai-sensai again. After Sano left, Kenshin walked over quietly towards Kaoru, watching her moments closely. Ever since their return, he did not get to spend much time with her and now he had her all to himself. Kenshin was determined to get the truth from Kaoru.
Slowly, he slipped his hands around her waist from behind, startling the kenjutsu instructor. Kaoru shrieked and tried to pull away but he half-heartedly restrained her. Nuzzling her neck slightly, he kissed her cheek causing Kaoru to pale considerably. She tried to maim him but he avoided her attack and quickly turned her around for a peak on her lips.
Unfortunately, his plan did not work. When Kaoru saw it was him, she gasped and his tongue, on their own accord, slipped in to deepen the kiss. She tried to push him away, but her body had a mind of its own as he hands slipped behind his head to pull him closer. Kenshin moaned his consent, happy to have her so close as he hugged her body tightly. He could feel her curves and his hands stroked her body appreciatively. Kaoru murmured a protest when his lips left hers but moaned happily as he nibbled her ear.
Kaoru tried to control her body's urges but failed miserably. As Kenshin kissed her, all coherent thoughts flew away leaving her knees weak and she held on him for support. As she enjoyed his kiss, suddenly memories swarmed her head causing her to groan in pain and push him away forcefully.
Kenshin was stunned when Kaoru suddenly pushed him away forcefully. His eyes widen in worry as he watched her fall to the ground supporting her head. She gripped it painfully and he did not know what to do. Thinking of bringing her to Megumi, he tried to carry her but she protested, pulling away, the pain increasing ten fold when he moved her. Kenshin watched helplessly, truly at lost in handling the situation.
"Kaoru, we got to get you to Megumi. Let me bring you," he pleaded, holding her carefully.
"Iie. Dame. It'll go away. Please…don't move me," she gritted her teeth in pain. Kaoru did not know what happened. Pictures flashed in her head mainly about a man in her dreams. She gasped in pain and just as suddenly as it came, the pain disappeared leaving her slumped tiredly on the floor.
Carrying her carefully, Kenshin headed towards the clinic, determined to have Megumi take a good look at her. Just as he walked away, he noticed a figure lurking near a corner. He turned to have a better look, only to see a flash of brown hair. Feeling like they were being watched, Kenshin hurried towards the clinic, making a mental note to check the surroundings of the dojo after he returns.
The clinic was thankfully not too busy. Megumi, seeing his panic-stricken face hurried over to check Kaoru. She shooed him out of the room before checking her thoroughly more so her wounds to see if they were healed. Satisfied, she cleaned up and walked out of the room nodding briefly to Kenshin. Walking away to tend a bleeding patient, she signaled him to go to Kaoru's room first.
Kenshin nodded, although he felt worried about Kaoru. Seeing Sano walking out from the girls' room, he signaled Sano to follow him to Kaoru's room. They both walked in, wondering what was wrong with Kaoru only to see her trying to get up from bed. Kenshin immediately rushed to her side.
"Don't push yourself, Kaoru. You are not very well."
"I'm fine, Kenshin. I told you I did not need to go to the doctor." Kaoru looked up and saw Sano watching her closely. Huffing, she shook her head. "I can't believe he roped you into worrying about me, tori-atama. I think you have better things to do than sitting here worrying about me." Sano shrugged. He felt Kaoru was not telling him something, keeping a secret that is hurting her. He hated the feelings of uselessness and helplessness around her. Usually, he would be able to help out with brute strength but now…his strength seemed worthless. It is time for Kaoru to spill the truth before he lost control.
However, before Sano could open his mouth, Megumi walked in briskly. She sat down tiredly next to Kaoru, watching the dark-haired woman with keen observant eyes. "There is nothing physically wrong with you, Kaoru-chan. In fact, I don't know what is wrong with you. It has nothing to do with the functions of your body. They are fine. However, I feel your problem is more towards being emotional. Something is bothering you. I…no, we want to know what and why," Megumi said sternly and firmly, leaving no room for protest. She also did not expect one after her speech. Obviously, she was mistaken.
"If I am physically well, I do not need to stay here. As I have mentioned to Kenshin, I did not need a doctor. The baka just dragged me here. So, if you will excuse me," Kaoru said getting up from her futon, 'I will take my leave. There are thing in the dojo that need to be taken care of." She was about to more when Kenshin pulled her back down, not too gently. He pushed her back onto the futon, eyes angrily taking in her startled form.
"You, Kaoru, are not going anywhere until you have answered our questions. What happened that night and what are you hiding from us?" Kenshin growled. Kaoru knew that she could not just get up and leave. With three pairs of eyes watching her, she curled up looking at the ceiling. They waited patiently. Or maybe not.
"What the hell happened to you, Jou-chan? Can't you see we are worried? That we care? Since you mixed with that murdering bastard you seem to have forgotten us! Just open that damn mouth of yours and spill the truth!" Sano yelled, patience flown out the door. Kaoru, slightly shaken by his outburst watched him closely. Though he looked like hell, she could not forgive his words. "Shuichi is not a murdering bastard! Watch it when you talk about him! He took care of me better than all of you!" She sighed taking in deep breaths, finally deciding to give in. There was no point in hiding in after all. She just…hated thinking about that night so much. Looking determinedly away from them, she spoke softly, hesitantly.
" My past isn't as clean as you might think it is. I…I actually have a very rare disease or so otou-san had said. He said," at this Kaoru closed her eyes, " it was a disease I inherited from my mother. I don't remember her…at all."
Megumi brushed in impatiently. "Of course you don't remember her. She died when you were young! What has that to do with what happened to you?" Kaoru glanced at her, anger building up slowly.
"Just because I told you fleetingly about my past doesn't mean there isn't more to it. I told you, I don't remember her at all. In fact, I don't even remember having a childhood. My memories…there were only since I was a teenager. I can't remember anything about spending time with my family or having any friends."
"But how can that be? Why can't you remember? If you have a short term memory, you would have forgotten us too," Sano asked clearly confused with the whole thing. Kenshin just remained silent.
"Apparently, I spent my life sleeping. Or so otou-san tells me. When I awoke, I could not remember a thing. I didn't even know he was my dad. But he said I was his daughter and he trained me…took care of me. He loved me and I loved him. But my memories of him only started at that age.
He was planning to remarry to this beautiful woman called Sayuri. I really liked her. But one night, we were attacked by some men. They…they…raped Sayuri and…burnt my dad alive. I…still don't know until today why they let me live. They only said I didn't know an important truth." Her tears poured down freely. She sobbed silently. Kenshin stared at her, bewilder and horrified.
"Why didn't you tell us? Why didn't you tell us how he died?" he asked her, unable to comprehend why she had never told them the whole truth…why she never told him. They all told her their part of the story. Why didn't she trust them to? "Why, Kaoru?"
"Because it had not mattered. He died, that was what you all needed to know and I need not live that memory again. Not until you left. I…it was raining. I could not sleep…
FLASHBACK
The rain beat the young woman as she walked towards a clearing in the forest near the edge of a mountain. It was a spot that she remembered well as her father used to bring her there to train a few years back. Despite the cold weather, she was determined not to go home as memories of the three men…especially Kenshin caused her to feel weak and useless. She had tried, oh how she had tried to go on but life just seemed to stop for her.
Alone again.
Just like after otou-san death.
After Sayuri's death.
A cold house…no noise…no laughter.
Kaoru shuddered, more because of the repulsion of returning to the dojo than the cold of the night. She walked slowly, careful to not slip. Determination yelled out from every part of her body. However, by the time she reached her spot her energy was drained. She panted, watching the scenery before she felt the presence of people around her.
Her body tensed and her face immediately paled at the sight of a man she recognized among the others.
Ryou.
The man who had burnt her father alive.
He smirked evilly, walking towards her slowly, a predatory look in his eyes. And Kaoru knew she was the prey. Fear seeped into her body, numbing her feet. She could not move. The man's eyes taunted her. He was going to toy with her. She knew it. Just like he toyed with Sayuri and her father.
"What do you want?" she said, trying hard for her voice to come out brave but failed. She had faced Kamatari, Shoujo Amakusa, Jin-eh and even Enishi. But they were Kenshin's enemies. Facing them was only to help him. This man…this man had killed her family. Her loved ones. He was not like Hiruma Gohei who tried to taint her family style. But Kaoru knew she would fight till the end. She would not give up to this murderous heartless bastard who took her family away.
"My, my…what a lovely lady you grew up to be, Kaoru Ojou-sama. I am glad I waited this long instead of just taking you that day," he said, his eyes gleaming as he took in her form. Her gi was plastered on her petite body showing her curves clearly in the rain. Kaoru's grip on her bokken tightened.
"Don't mock me! I remember you! You killed my father and Sayuri."
"Your father? Your father? But I did not even touch him, ojou-sama. But my master did," Ryou looked at her calmly. He walked nearer and Kaoru backed away, bokken tightly clenched in her hands. Fear slowly fading away.
"Liar."
"Oh…I don't lie. You see, I left you alone back then for a reason. You are an important person, ojou-sama. However, my master decided your importance is short-lived. You are only a hindrance to his plans for the future. So…I can eliminate you whenever I want." He took a step closer and she backed away.
"So, why now? Why today?"
"You think I am an idiot. That I would attack you when Battousai is clearly living with you. My chances of ending your life was only a mere 50. But now…my plans have finally paid off. My man has managed to get you here alone. No more Battousai to save your pretty neck," Ryou said sadistically reaching to touch her but she hit his hand away. Instantly, he deflected her move and expertly hit her wrist which almost caused her to drop her bokken. Kaoru winced at the pain but held on tightly. She turned and raised her bokken to aim at his neck but he avoided her attack only to deliver a kick causing the air to be knocked off. Kaoru instantly regained her composure and swung her bokken once more entering a familiar line of the kata her father last taught her. She held her ground, panting and knew whe was no match for him. But she was not planning to give up so soon. Even though she knew she was out-numbered, Kaoru pushed away the fear in her heart and focused on Ryou. He grinned. With one move, he hit her leg causing her to fall down. As he tried to reach her, she turned away, getting up on her feet. Instantly without a breather, she swung her bokken and hit his stomach. Ryou growled and held his stomach. With a wider grin, he moved quickly towards her, almost invisible. Appearing suddenly before her, he twisted her arm and hit her wrist.
Kaoru screamed and let go of her bokken. Two men immediately held her hands as he walked closer. He stoked her cheek gently before tilting her head sharply. Kaoru bit back another wince. "And what a pretty neck that is." She screamed in pain as he bit her exposed skin so hard that it bled. He looked up, wiping the blood from his lips. "He was a fool to let a pretty thing like you go. At least he should have tried you first." Kaoru spat at him angrily, coming instantly at Kenshin's defense. "He is a gentleman, unlike you, you beast. What do you plan to do? Rape me while I am kept down by two men twice my size?" She tried to sound bravado despite the building fear. He was right. Kenshin wasn't there to help her. "Get your hands off me!" He only laughed trailing his hands lower until he grabbed her breast painfully, a form of punishment. "Rape you? Oh my dear, as much as you are appealing, I like woman who come to me…willingly. No…your price is much more beautiful to hear." She winced and spat on him. Ryou only wiped it away as he took a few steps back. "Feisty, aren't we? Well, we'll have to put an end to that. It really is too bad Battousai didn't break you when he had the chance. You, my dear, are a fun toy."
Before Kaoru could reply, she felt her gi being pulled out of her hakama. In a blink of an eye, her gi was torn away from her body leaving her skin exposed to the rain and wind. Only her breast bindings remained. Kaoru gasped and tried to pull away from the men but they were too strong. Their grip tightened painfully as she struggled. Laughter rang all around her causing Kaoru to cry out in despair. A maddening feeling rose in her and her legs no longer supported her. Ryou looked mercilessly at her.
"Those bindings are hindering a wonderful view, don't you think so, Ojou-sama?" he asked teasingly, enjoyment clearly in his voice. Kaoru's eyes widen. "Please…please no! Please! I beg you!" He only laughed, taking out his sword and in one slash, she felt not only her bindings undone but also her skin being cut. She screamed. Regaining herself, she tried to cover her chest but her hands were still tightly gripped. Tears poured down. "It is such a pity master wants you dead. Not only that, he didn't want it to be quick. I guess that's why he chose me. It is really too bad you know. After all, I would have loved a piece of you." Sighing over dramatically, he untied a whip around his waist. "This is really going to hurt. Let me take the liberty in telling you that."
That was when Kaoru knew the meaning of pain, of torment and of suffering. He scourged her, whipping her body like she was some sort of animal. Tears and screams of pain only excited the man above her. After what seemed an eternity, he pulled her up roughly kissing her lips. Kaoru had no strength left to fight him of. Trying hard to escape had drained all of it. His lips were rough. It was apparent the kiss was one of punishing her. For what, she did not know. Only one thing she knew. She screamed for Kenshin and he did not appear. She pleaded him for help, he did not come. She cried for him and he failed to be there.
I will always protect you, Kaoru-dono.
Lies! Lies! All of them lies!
Her whole body could barely take the strain. She heard Ryou taking out his sword. She felt the tip of it on her skin. He drew designs on her, smirking as she cried out in pain at her already torn flesh. "Too bad it as to end one way or another," he sighed and she saw from the corner of her eyes as he raised it up, ready to strike her. She closed her eyes, waiting for her untimely end.
So…this is it, I suppose. Curiously, she felt the blow would be more of a welcome. Kaoru didn't think she could go on with whatever was left of her. She couldn't be bothered anymore. What was she fighting for, anyway? Who was she living for? There was no one to go to. No one will miss her. Maybe…just maybe she was destined to die as horribly as her father. Maybe…and she waited for the last blow.
The blow never came. Instead she heard the clanging of swords. Opening her eyes, she saw a man with black coat standing above her, protecting her. He easily sliced through the men. A rain of blood covered her. Now the forest was not only covered with her blood but theirs as well. She felt a surge of disgust overwhelming her. She felt like she heard him telling her to get away from there. She crawled away or at least tried to. Painful…every part of her body hurt like hell. She felt her body burning. Yet she thought nothing of it. Her eyes watching her saviour. He fought without hesitation. Killing without a thought. She wanted to tell him to stop, but no words formed. So she watched.
A sudden movement caught her eye. Kaoru turned to see Ryou planning to strike her rescuer from behind. Not knowing how to save him, she sprinted towards them. A rush of adrenaline causing her to forget her wounds. She raced towards him and blocked his body with her own just as Ryou brought his sword down, slicing her arm. Kaoru screamed in pain. He turned.
With blind rage, he fought with Ryou. Dodging and attacking until he gave the finishing blow. That was not before Ryou successfully pushed Kaoru over the cliff. She was too weak to scream. But she remembered his face as he jumped down, reaching over and hugging her slight battered form just before they hit the water. Kaoru blacked out.
END FLASHBACK
The room was quiet as Kaoru related her story which they wanted to know so much. She felt better now that she had told them. They won't bother with it anymore.
"Gensai-sensei warned me that that night had an unwanted effect on my body. Scars would be one of them although Shuichi's medicine had healed many of it. My back now doesn't look half bad. That's what he always said. However…" Kaoru sighed and looked at them. "I cannot engage in a real battle anymore. I can hold a bokken and go through my steps but I cannot fight with my right hand anymore. The blow on my hand had weaken my muscles considerably. It will be months or even a year or two for me to be able to use my hand without worry of any damages. So, I have to rely on my left hand."
Kenshin, Sano and Megumi stared at Kaoru. They could barely believe what she had told them. So much had happened in such a short time that they had left. Unable to accept it Kenshin raised Kaoru's chin so her eyes could meet his.
"Why? Why did you take such a reckless decision to go out on such a night? Why Kaoru especially since you know we care for you? WHY?" He nearly felt like shouting at her, shaking her shoulders in an attempt to make her realize the error of her ways. Kaoru only looked back sadly.
"Why? Need you ask that question, Kenshin? Don't you remember your words to me? How can you forget them so easily? You told me you never had any feelings beyond friendship. You told me Tomoe meant more to you than anyone in the world. You told me I was more of a landlady than a lover. You saved me because you owed me for giving you a home. Isn't that what you told me, Kenshin? Looking into my eyes, you swore that I was no one special. I refused to believe it at first but you proved me wrong. You left! You left when I begged you to stay! That night was no ordinary night, Kenshin. It was…my father's death anniversary and Sayuri's too." Tears that filled her eyes flowed down freely. Kaoru did not look away from Kenshin's eyes as she uttered every word he told her that faithful night. She remembered them…always will.
Kenshin's hand fell to his side. He averted his eyes. Fingers clenched closely, he let anguish and anger wash calmly over him. "Gomen nasai. I …never meant to hurt you. I love you, Kaoru."
"Lies! All a bunch of hypocritical lies!" Kaoru yelled suddenly closing her ears. "Don't lie to me! Lust…I can understand that. You might not have bedded any woman and I seem willing to you. But don't say that word, Kenshin. For the life of you, you don't know what it means!"
They stared at her. Pain, hurt, betrayal were unmasked on her face. "I am not lying! I love you, Kaoru! I always have. Since the day you asked me to stay! I have been madly in love with you!" He grabbed her shoulders, trying to shake some sense into her.
"NO! NO! Lies! If you love me so much why did you leave me? If you love me so much, why did you tell me I meant nothing to you? Why? How can you live with yourself saying one bunch of lies after another at me! How?" Kaoru cried, trying hard to pull away. Images of that night flashed before her. Everytime she cried for Kenshin, he never came. He, who promised to always protect her, he never came! Liar! Liar! Liar!
Kaoru was stunned when Kenshin suddenly pulled her into a tight, choking hug. She stopped crying, wondering what he will do. He stroked her hair softly, caressing her gently, lovingly. "Am I only a toy for you, Kenshin? Am I just another girl you drag to bed?" He took a deep breath. "There has been no other girl, Kaoru. Once, there was Tomoe. But now…there is only you, koishii. I love you." She tried to protest but he shook his head. "Listen to me, koishii, I do truly and deeply love you. I lied when I said I only loved Tomoe. I lied when I said you meant nothing. But I am not lying when I say I love you. Because I do and being apart from you ate me alive. I didn't feel like I was complete. I was restless and I could barely sleep wondering how you were. When I heard you were attacked, I wanted so much to come.
I never expected you to get hurt without me. One bad thing after another kept happening that I was convinced I had to leave you. Sano and Yahiko too thought it was best to leave, for you. Because we all cared. But now I know my decision was wrong. I was wrong to believe I could protect you from far. You got hurt even worse. Give ME a chance, koishii," Kenshin said looking deeply into her eyes, pouring out his soul. "Give me a chance to make you love me again, trust me again. And I will never leave you."
Kaoru wanted at that moment to stay in his arms forever. But she knew, she would be a danger to him then. Then, there was also Shuichi. Tears threatened to fall again as she wondered why fate was so cruel to the both of them. Pushing Kenshin away, she looked down. "Gomen nasai, Kenshin. As much as I want to, I cannot come back to you."
Kenshin paled. "Naze? Naze you cannot return to me? Give me a chance?" He felt a deep fear growing within him. A fear of losing her.
"I just can't! Please, just…leave me alone."
"It's him, isn't it? Haname?" Kenshin asked wanting her to deny it but the look in her eyes broke his heart. "I see…but I won't give up. I will not let him marry you, Kaoru. I made a mistake once and I am prepared to redeem myself. He will not have you." They all knew Battousai was the one speaking now as Kenshin got up and walked out the door.
"You know he will not let you go just like that, Kaoru?" Megumi said softly. She could barely look at Kaoru.
The young woman nodded. "But it has to be like this, Megumi."
"Naze?"
"Because, I love him so much too. I love him so much, I am now willing to let him go." So he will be safe.
Sano shook his head slowly. He did not know what to think or do anymore as she walked out of the room, too shocked to say a word. But he knew one thing, he will do all he can to make up for abandoning her like that.
Gomen nasai, Jou-chan.
Gomen nasai.
He walked outside and spotted Kenshin leaning against a wall. Sano slowly made his way towards him and stood by his side. They were quiet for a while. Both knew that Kaoru did not need their comfort then. She had got it from the man who saved her.
Shuichi Haname.
Try as Sano might, he can't find himself hating Shuichi. But he also can't find himself liking or trusting that guy. There was something he was hiding and Sano wondered how he would ever find out about it.
"It was a trap."
He turned when he heard Kenshin's voice speaking softly beside him. "What was?" Sano asked keeping his eyes on his red-haired friend.
"The man who tried to attacked Kaoru the night she was sick. He said it was a revenge against me…but now…after hearing her story…" Kenshin did not complete his sentence. He did not need to. Sano understood.
"He was planned to chase us away. To keep Jou-chan alone. Those darn idiots expertly predicted our moves." He felt like punching something or someone but Sano held back.
"I don't understand why anyone would want to hurt Kamiya-san. What is this betrayal Ryou was talking about?" Kenshin wondered out loud, questions flooding his mind. Kaoru's account of that night had answered some of his questions but opened a whole lot more. Why? Why Kamiya-san?
"Sheesh, you'd think she knew the answer. Her father must have been doing some illegal stuff without her knowledge." Sano looked away and stared at the closed door before them. "Wonder what he was doing that got him killed?"
"Stay with her, Sano. I am going out to get some information about Kamiya-san." Kenshin made a move to leave, a hand on his sakabatou.
"Hey, where are you going? I wanna come too!" Sano yelled following his friend. Kenshin shook his head with a weak smile. "Iie. I don't think you want to meet Saito, do you?" Sano gulped and halted his steps. He wasn't in the mood to face Saito. "Neh, I'll just pass then. Be careful."
Kenshin nodded and gave a slight wave before walking away.
As he approached the dojo, he scanned the area quickly but found no traced of anyone being there. He frowned, knowing he had felt someone watching them as they left to see Megumi. Finding nothing, he continued walking just missing the sight of a brown-haired man heading towards the other side of town.
Reaching the busy police station, Kenshin instantly demanded to meet Fujita Goro but one of the rookies told him that Saito had left and won't be returning until the day after next. He did not know where his superior went and agreed to relay a message from Kenshin who wanted an immediate meeting with Saito. The rookie looked at the retreating back of the red-haired swordsman and wondered if a fight for Kamiya-san's heart was taking place.
Kenshin growled in frustration. Rubbing his temples as he closed his eyes, he did not notice that he accidentally ran into a pretty woman with a young child. Apologising profusely, he was startled when she recognized him.
"Himura-san, am I right?"
Kenshin scratched the back of his head, realizing this woman looked so familiar. She laughed merrily. "Oh, don't worry. I am sure we have not been introduced. I am Tokio, Hajime's wife."
"Oh…buddha!" Kenshin muttered. "Huh?" "Iie..gomen nasai. You're Saito's wife. It's a pleasure to meet you." So this is the woman who married Saito. I wonder if she is like Buddha. She has to be!
"The pleasure is all mine, Himura-san. I have heard a lot about you. From Hajime and Kaoru-chan."
"You are close to Kaoru-chan?"
"Only recently. You see, she comes to my husband for legal help and he works hard on the leads she provides."
Kenshin's eyes knitted in confusion. "Leads?"
Tokio stared at him. "Oh, dear. You didn't know what she was doing? I am so sorry. I should not have opened my mouth. I guess, it was some kind of secret."
"Whatever the secret is, it's killing her. If you know anything, please tell me so I can help her," Kenshin said gravely, hoping that this woman might produce some information that will help him.
"Well…I…I should not be discussing Hajime's work. This young woman means a lot to both of us. I am afraid I cannot be of any help." She was about to leave when Kenshin blocked her way. Bowing deeply, he asked once more. "Please, help me. She is hiding something and it's killing her. Saito would know the answer but he is not around. I cannot wait for him to return. Help me…help Kaoru." He hoped he managed to convince her. Tokio sighed. Signaling him to follow her, she led the way to her house.
"Her father was a government SPY!????" Sano yelled when Kenshin related his information.
The three other people in the room sat in silence as he went on. "Tokio-san told me that Kaoru has been taking over her father's work ever since Saito came into the picture. She provides names, he eliminates them. Since she has known Saito even before Shishio, that is after he came to…see me, I can safely guess their cooperation has been going on for more than a year now."
"These names, they caused him to get killed, right?" Yahiko asked trying to assess the situation. "Does that mean the man Saito was after hurt Kaoru to stop her?"
Kenshin shook his head. "I have no idea. As far as I've known this involves mainly around a yakuza gang. It is not a very old gang but it is well known among the poor. The White Dragons. I do not know how it is related but many of Kaoru's hit list was in that gang. Now, only one person remains. According to Tokio, it is Arashi Swamura."
Sano whistled. "That is one hell of a dangerous man!"
"But how can Kaoru do all this behind our backs. We were here most of the time but…she never said a word!" Megumi wondered out loud. It was all just too much to grasp at once.
The simple, next-door-girl who opened her heart to them had come from a shabby not to mention dangerous background. Mysteries of her past just seems to deepen. Her disease, her father's murder, her future mother also murdered and she herself was a near victim. Not to mention she was helping the government…helping Saito Hajime, the one man who still wants to fight with battousai. It was all too much to grasp.
"My only concern if one of this man's men was Shuichi. Not only will Kaoru's life be in danger but also she will get hurt emotionally." Kenshin gripped his hands tightly. He was not about to let Kaoru get hurt once more by him or anyone else.
"Maybe she will get hurt."
They turned towards the voice, startled to see the tall dark-haired man standing there with his white coat.
"Aoshi-san, welcome back. What do you mean exactly?" Megumi asked afraid to know the answer.
Aoshi looked directly at them.
"Shuchi Haname is dead."
The silence in the dojo was broken by Yahiko's unbelieving voice. "What do you mean he is dead? Shuichi can't be dead! He only left a few days ago. He promised Kaoru he will come back! She would know if he died!"
Aoshi nodded.
"She would if he did die recently. Shuichi Haname…the real one died 12 years ago."
He let his words sink in before cries of disbelieve rang across the dojo. "12 years ago???????????"
"Please, explain Aoshi." Aoshi nodded curtly.
"Apparently, a child by the name of Shuichi Haname was born in a village quite far from here. It is a small one. The child died from an illness. A month after he died, a young boy appeared claiming his name. As you can see, it is Shuichi…or whatever his real name is. I cannot find any direct detail connecting or surrounding this man. However, he is known to be a member of The White Dragons."
Kenshin closed his eyes thoughtfully. "That is the second link we have with that group. Why is both Kamiya-san and Haname involved in the same gang. I do not think it is just a coincidence."
"There is more. The White Dragons are apparently having a dispute now over the reign of their new leader. They are broken into two groups. One is led by Arashi Sawamura and the other is unknown. However, Sawamura's craze for power is known everywhere."
"Three people connected to one yakuza gang…it is not a mere coincidence. And for it all to revolve around Kaoru makes it very dangerous for her. She should not have involved herself in it." Kenshin's displeasure was clearly written on his face.
"So, why not just tell busu and get it over with? She will kick that guy to oblivion and won't be in danger anymore," Yahiko said prepared to get rid of Shuichi. Megumi shook her head. "Any more pressure on her might make her snap. She is unstable now since we forced her to tell us what happened that night. I feel bad about it…but…"
"We will not mention anything about Shuichi Haname for now. However, I want to talk to her about putting her life at risk by continuing her father's work."
Kenshin got up and left. No one stopped him as he walked away. They knew they could not do so and were equally unwilling to do so. Kaoru had purposely put her life in danger and that was unforgivable. They still could not believe she did that.
Aoshi too got up to head for an inn when Megumi told him about Misao. His whole figure tensed and he quietly required about her condition and where she was. Megumi told him just as softly and watched him leave through the door. She prayed things might go well for them.
She did not turn when she felt a pair of strong arms encircling her slim waist. She only smiled contently and leaned on Sano's strong chest. Snuggling, she gave a happy sigh. "Thank you, kitsune."
"Huh?" Megumi looked up at him.
He smiled before kissing her softly. "For giving us a chance."
She smiled back. "That's because you promised to find some sort of work. Which, I don't see you doing?" Sano laughed softly at the teasing scolding he received.
"Oh, I got some work. It's called getting Jou-chan out of this mess!"
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