Belonging

Standard Disclaimers Apply


A/N: Thanks for all the reviews and support! Finally, this story has breeched the 100 mark! (smiles) I thought we'd never get here! Thanks everyone! (hugs) This chapter is LONG and hopefully action packed. It took me such a LONG TIME to write this chapter! (sigh) Thanks so much for all the support! Enjoy.


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Warning! This chaptersortofcontains a lot of BLOOD and GORE, not much but if you're really squeamish about that kind of thing…then consider yourself warned.


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Kaori-Angel – Yes Aoshi will come into the story soon. Next chapter to be more accurate. Thanks so much for the review! I hope you like this chapter and please review!

Kura-sama – Hehehe, as for Kenshin/Kaoru or Aoshi/Kaoru, I honestly haven't decided yet. It will probably evolve as the story goes along, or perhaps I will ask for a reader's vote. I'm glad you reviewed and you liked this story. Honestly, I haven't really been getting as much reviews for this fic as for my other ones but this is my first RK fanfiction and I love it! (grins) I hope you enjoy this chapter, please review!

Clemen – Hi! Here you go, I updated! Thanks so much for always reviewing this story! I mean, it need reviews. I haven't been getting much (cries) but anyway, I love this story and I hope you enjoy this next chapter! Please review! (grins

Cattibrie393 – Thanks for liking the skit! (grins) I'm glad you liked the story, I hope you enjoy this chapter. Please review!

MZ. AMBER EYES – I know! I love Kaoru too! She is my favorite female character in RK! All of my fics are Kaoru partnered with either Kenshin/Battousai or Aoshi! (grins) Anyway, thanks for the review and I hope you enjoy this chapter!

Triste1 – Thank you for the super cool review! You know, I love this story a lot but I haven't been getting that much feedback from this one as with my other stories (I'm sure by now you've noticed that I like receiving reviews! Hehehe) so I usually try to put this fic in the back burner. However I always end up updating it anyway. I like this story a lot and I'm glad you enjoy it! I'm sorry for the grammar. I will have to use my 'English is not my first language' card as an excuse! (grins) I'm glad you think I am able to fit intense emotions into simple ideas! When I read that I was like, YAY! Thanks for that comment! I hope you enjoyed this chapter, please review!

Oro – Doesn't it? I mean, with those brooding blue eyes and his dark hair, Aoshi is definitely a great guy to torture and be made to suffer. He's silent too which doubles his angst factor! (I'm so mean to Aoshi! But I love his character, so kawaii!)

Bubbly Minx – As of right now, I'm not sure which one I would choose. I would probably ask the readers to vote or make a decision as the story enfolds. I love Aoshi but I love Kenshin too! There are too many KK fanfiction out there, I agree. I have even dealt out several KK fics of my own. I also make Aoshi/Kaoru fics coz I love that pairing…(sigh) I really don't know…

Jbella – Oh wow! You're all time fave? (grins) I love this story too but not a lot of people seem to want to review it. (cries) but anyway, Aoshi/Kaoru pairing stories are really rare huh? As for which guy I will give to Kaoru…I'm not sure yet. I suppose it all depends on the reader's votes or how the story further unfolds. I know where I want this story to go but getting there is a mystery for me. I don't outline my stories and I usually wing it. So far it seems to be working alright…so I'm really not sure about who will end up with Kaoru. Anyway I hope you like this chapter! Please review!

Brittanie Love – Hi! (hugs) Thank you, Thank you for always reviewing. Of course I've probably said it a hundred times by now but I really appreciate it! Of course I love your fic! It's fabulous! Glad you updated it!

Kaoru4 – Hello! I do hereby solemnly swear that Kaoru and Aoshi will meet in the next chapter! (grins) Please review!


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Chapter Ten

A little girl lay huddled in the ground, her hands covering her ears as she rocked her small body back and forth, back and forth. "It's coming, it's coming…" she said in a singsong voice.

"What's coming?"

"It's coming, it's coming, it's coming, it's coming…" again and again, the mantra coming from the child's lips had a terrifying repetitiveness to it, as if a broken doll playing over and over again, a particular phrase.

"Rhea, answer us! What do you see?"

Hands grabbed the little girl only to hiss in pain as blood dripped from wounds inflicted by unseen forces.

"It's coming…it's coming…"

"Rhea…! Snap out of it! Control yourself child!"

Suddenly, the little girl's back snapped in an arch and a silent scream escaped her lips. She slumped forward, her black bangs covering her eyes as the small body heaved with each breath as if struggling. "The life of the girl is in danger, it is connected with the life of the ancient scourge of the lands. The old evil will awaken and everything will descend into chaos…"

And then she fell.

Ame leaned in to check the girl's pulse. It was steady and strong. Rhea had only fainted. Ame sighed and carried the little girl back in bed. "Whatever you saw…I pray it does not haunt your dreams," she whispered.


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Kaoru knocked softly at the door of Dr. Genzai's home. She smiled when the door opened to reveal Ayame, who smiled at her and started to chat excitedly about the festival they were going to that night.

Kaoru went inside and took off her shoes, trading them for the house slippers lined up by the entrance. It was the house she'd spent her growing years in, after her parents had died. The truth was, Kaoru barely even remembered them. It was Dr. Genzai whom she remembered raising her.

When she'd become older, she had asked to live at the old house her parents had once shared. It was a connection to the past and to them and she cherished it. She had been surprised when Genzai-san allowed her even though she was barely an adolescent. He had supported her decision and made her move easier, by helping her arrange the house. Making sure she had food.

He was always there, looking after her. Letting her grow and make her own decisions. He let her make mistakes, he let her stumble but he was always there to catch her just before she fell.

There were times when she would go back to this house, just to relive her childhood and visit with the man who had taken such good care of her.

Ayame, Suzume, Genzai-sensei, they were such a big part of her, just as Sano, Kenshin, Yahiko, Tae and Tsubame were. Kaoru was very happy she would be able to spend her birthday with them. "Anou, Ayame-chan, is Ojiisan here? He asked me to come over an hour ago but Yahiko had a misunderstanding with a yukata…" she said wryly.

Ayame nodded, "Daijoubu. Grandpa is here. He was putting Suzume for her nap so she can go tonight."

Kaoru arched an eyebrow at the young girl. "And what about you? Shouldn't you be taking a nap as well?"

"Hai, but I came to open the door for you first!" Ayame said with a grin as she tugged Kaoru forward. "Let's go see grandpa."

"You seem very excited about the festival," Kaoru commented as she allowed the girl to pull her forward.

"I am! Suzume can't wait to go and we bought new kimonos! We will take lots and lots of pictures, especially of you Kaoru-san! We'll make a little book about it for you to remember your birthday by!"

"That's a wonderful idea!" Kaoru grinned, thinking she'd have to spend extra time with her appearance tonight. Maybe she could conspire with Tae to take a picture of her and Kenshin together? It would be their first picture as a couple! And then pictures of their whole group! This day was going to be so fun!


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Kenshin closed his eyes and pressed his forehead against the cool tile of the bathroom wall. His heart was pounding and he had no idea what was wrong with him. He had already gone hunting and fed his blood hunger, but the gnawing did not cease. It only intensified with each pump his heart made. He felt as if his body was on fire.

Each day that passed it grew stronger.

He remembered yesterday night. He had been trying to teach Kaoru how to cook upon her request. He could still remember the small gasp she let out as she accidentally cut herself, blood welling out of her index finger in a small, scarlet drop.

Before he realized what he was doing, he'd grabbed her hand and was sucking on her blood.

He cringed in horror at the memory.

He had been feeding off of her.

His mind and heart recoiled at the horrendous thought that he'd actually debase the girl he loved in such a way. Still, a cold calculating part of him, the darkness Shishou had told him was inside him, it was rejoicing at the sweet taste of her blood. It sang to him and it seemed his hunger would not be appeased by anything else.

"I can't…" Kenshin whispered as he slowly slid to the ground, holding his knees to his chest and trying to block out the excruciating agony he was feeling. It was as if every fiber of his being down to the minute cells that made up who he was, were all screaming for Kaoru's blood. He had always known that his darker side was attracted to her as well…but to see her as food?

Did he really see her as food?

No, it was something else…he couldn't explain it.

He loved her, he cherished her…but lately that feeling was being colored by a darker need, an obsession to possess that it almost bordered on hate.

A small whimper escaped Kenshin's lips and his body arched back in a bow as pain sliced through him in a wave of electric shock that threatened to peel of his skin.

He'd never felt like this before.

He clawed at his skin, trying to get to his inside and rip out whatever it was that seemed to be punishing him, clawing it's way out to the surface.

ran down in his face and arms in rivulets, as his fingernails became claws that ripped his flesh and tore it apart.

skin felt too tight, pulled back so harshly it was going to break.

A small soundless scream escaped him until he finally, gratefully, surrendered to the darkness.


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Kaoru surveyed her appearance on the full-length mirror in her room. She stared at her reflection almost dazed at the dazzling sight. She didn't look like herself at all. The kimono she was wearing mesmerized her as it shone beautifully even under the unflattering glare of the fluorescent light.

It was the most beautiful kimono she had ever seen and Kaoru felt like a princess. It was made of a dark fabric with lacquered threads and embroidery in silver. The design was of tiny fireflies or balls of light floating over mysterious landscape that had an otherworldly quality to it. There appeared to be three larger circles, like moons looming over the shadowy scene.

Kaoru had looked at it for a long time, a sense of familiarity gripping her.

The kimono was surely tremendously expensive and she had been surprised when Dr. Genzai had given it to her as a birthday present. She had tried to give it back, uncomfortable with the thought of taking something so astoundingly lovely. She suggested that perhaps Suzume or Ayame would enjoy wearing it when they were of age.

Dr. Genzai had smiled, looking into her eyes with that look she sometimes saw that made her think he was sad beneath all of his happiness. "It belongs to you Kaoru. Your mother wanted you to have it."

"My mother…" Kaoru whispered as she ran her palms down the front of her kimono. The fabric felt like water beneath her palms, fluid and cool. Its texture was like silk, but not exactly. It seemed better somehow, softer. Her hair was caught up in a silver hair ornament studded with sapphires forming a symbol she did not recognize. Touching it gave her a feeling of nostalgia as if there was something important that was missing. "Perhaps this belonged to my mother's as well…"

The outfit was a bit too extravagant to wear to a simple festival but Kaoru didn't care. It was a perfect time to showcase it and Dr. Genzai had even suggested she wear it tonight. She was excited to see everyone's reaction, especially Kenshin's She wanted him to see her as beautiful.


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Finally, the day of the festival arrived and little Ayame and Suzume were excitedly jumping up and down as they waited outside the Kamiya compound for the birthday celebrant to appear. They were fresh and bright, alert due to their earlier nap and they couldn't wait to get to the festival grounds and buy cotton candy and try the games.

They were all going to have dinner at the Akabeko first and both girls had in their hand, a small something they had bought especially for Kaoru.

Sano leaned against the wall and smiled indulgently at the two girls. They looked very cute. Ayame's hair was caught up in a half ponytail with a peach ribbon that exactly matched the fabric of her yukata. Suzume had on a bright pink yukata decorated with little hearts and her hair was in its usual pigtail, held by heart shaped clips.

The two girls looked adorable and Sano couldn't help but lean over and pinch Suzume's chubby cheeks while she was talking to Ayame.

"Sano-nii!" Suzume complained, rubbing her cheek and glaring at Sano.

Ayame laughed and pinched Suzume's other cheek.

"AI!" Suzume complained, covering both her cheeks and running behind her grandfather only to have Ayame chase her.

"You sure instigate chaos well, don't you?" Yahiko commented as he walked out ahead of Kenshin.

Sano glanced over at the young boy and grinned, "Yo, nice threads man!"

Yahiko's face turned crimson and he glared at Sano before looking away, tugging at his own yukata in embarrassment.

"Ken-nii!"

"Kenshin-Onii-chan!"

"So…Yahiko, you are so whipped," Sano commented as he joined the boy. Sano had declined to wear a yukata and like Kenshin, was dressed instead in simple jeans and a plain shirt.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Yahiko said as he marched forward, studiously ignoring Sano.

Meanwhile, Suzume had managed to make a perch for herself atop Kenshin's shoulders and was holding on to his hair for balance while Ayame settled beside the redhead, holding his hand.

Sano started laughing at the uncomfortable look in Yahiko's face. "I didn't think you were the type," he gestured at Yahiko's clothes.

"Tsubame insisted," Kaoru piped up from behind Yahiko.

Kenshin turned to look at her and froze as his heart rate doubled at the sight of her. Oh my God…she's beautiful…he thought to himself as his eyes locked with Kaoru's. Something painful twisted inside of him and Kenshin did not understand the anger that pulsed beneath the surface of his consciousness.

"Wow Jou-chan…where'd you get the kimono?"

"Genzai-san gave it to me," Kaoru said.

"No my dear, I was merely returning something that rightfully belonged to you," the old man corrected.

"Wow, look at the pretty hair tie!" Ayame pointed out giggling. "Can I borrow it sometime Kaoru-neesan?"

Kaoru nodded smiling, "Of course!"

"No, no Kaoru. It is yours. No one should wear it but you," Dr. Genzai interrupted. "Come now Ayame, remember how you also have a special ornament that only you are allowed to wear?"

Ayame nodded, "Oh yes. Gomen!"

"Why isn't anyone allowed to wear it but her?" Yahiko asked, curious.

"It's a symbol of who she is."

"Who is she?" Kenshin's voice did not change nor did his expression shift, but Dr. Genzai had been watching him closely and he saw the amber eclipse the violet in the redhead's eyes.

"She is simply Kamiya Kaoru, as you are Kenshin Himura," the old man explained in a voice that was tinged with sadness.

The awakening was beginning as was predicted, but Genzai only hoped nothing bad happened to either of them. They had their past but they also had the life they were living now. It seemed somehow unfair to the two of them, but there was also Aoshi who had waited hundreds of years for this.

The lines of destiny had been drawn and Kaoru's actions that fateful day years and years ago had only forestalled the inevitable. The day of reckoning would soon arrive and there was nothing anyone could do to stop it.


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Soujiro was hidden by the darkness, his powers easily calling upon the shadows to hide his presence. He stared transfixed at the sight before him. Lady Kaoru was wearing a kimono Soujiro recognized. It had been her favorite because the design depicted the lands of Makai. It had been a gift from her mother.

in the darkness, Soujiro could make out the three moons and the covered mountain peaks of his world. The ornament that adorned Kaoru's hair was also one he recognized. Only members of the Kamiya family were allowed to bear the insignia that was incorporated into the design of the hair piece.

So that man, the one she called Dr. Genzai, was the watcher.

At least someone had kept her safe. But why would they allow Battousai to live in such close proximity with his lady? Soujiro frowned as he thought this over.

"Aoshi would be happy to see her."

Soujiro glanced at Megumi.

"I never let anyone know, but I liked her. I knew she would be good for him."

"Megumi…"

"I grew up with Aoshi as my fiancée. I didn't love him but I liked him well enough as a friend, a distant friend but a fried nonetheless. I have watched his anger build, the only thing keeping him sane is the thought of seeing Kaoru again. She is here now, and she wears the clothes of our world, if he could see her now, he would be happy."

"It would be like taunting him Megumi-san. Lady Kaoru does not remember him and is in love with the redhead."

"Her soul is bonded to Aoshi…that is forever Soujiro. There is no escaping that fact."

Soujiro smiled. "Perhaps after this we can all finally return to our world."

"I hope so. I've never liked this world and I don't think I ever could."


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"Let's go!" Suzume ordered as she wiggled her feet impatiently, hitting Kenshin accidentally in the face.

"Oro!"

Yahiko and Sano laughed at Kenshin with his startled look with the bottom of Suzume's slippers plastered against his cheek.

"Suzume hurt Ken-nii!" Ayame gasped as she tugged at her grandfather and pointed at her sister.

"Gomen nasai Ken-nii!" Suzume said her face scrunching up in worry. Dropping a small kiss at the top of his head, she patted his cheeks with her tiny hands to offer him comfort.

Kenshin laughed, "Hai, daijoubu!"

Kaoru watched her friends and family with a smile on her face. Her heart felt too full with happiness that it seemed close to bursting. She loved each and every one of them and as she listened to Kenshin remind Ayame of the small crack on the pavement she should avoid, Kaoru had visions of herself as a mother with Kenshin as her husband.

He would make such a wonderful father.

She blushed at her thoughts. What was she thinking? She was only turning eighteen for goodness sake, and Kenshin and her relationship hadn't even been a full month yet and she was making plans for their family? Her cheeks heated up in consternation but her heart refused to acknowledge the embarrassment. It was feeding too much on the mental image of Kenshin carrying their own child over his shoulder while they walked to celebrate a festival.

"Kaoru-chan…"

Kaoru blinked and glanced over at Dr. Genzai. She'd been so lost in thought she'd completely been ignoring the older man. Her pink cheeks flamed up even more, "Gomen nasai! I'm sorry, what was that again?"

Dr. Genzai smiled and patted Kaoru's hand. "My dear child, I am very proud of the woman you have become."

Kaoru rested her head on Dr. Genzai's shoulder. He was the man who had raised her as his own daughter and she loved him like a father. "Do you think my parents would be proud of me?" she asked softly.

"I'm sure they are…I know they are."


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They had dinner at the Akabeko for free. Tae had told them to order anything they wanted and not worry about the price because it was to be her gift to Kaoru. Kaoru had tried to decline, especially after seeing hearing the amount of food Sano and Yahiko had decided to order, but Tae had brushed all of her worries aside and told her that the whole Seikihara family wanted it so.

Sano and Yahiko let out excited shouts as they began ordering.

Kenshin watched Kaoru from across the table as she reminded Yahiko and Sanosuke to behave and have some shame. He was amused at their familiar antics and was completely comfortable within their chaotic gathering, and yet there was a side of him he led apart. A side he did not share with his family; his vampire heritage, the darkness inside of him.

The wounds he had inflicted on himself earlier had healed over, the flesh closing in, his vampire blood repairing ripped tissues and skin. It bothered him that he was hungry for Kaoru's blood.

It was more than a physical need.

It was more like a soul deep hunger to taste and conquer. And underneath all the desire was the anger and hatred that pulsed so strongly even now. H

e could feel Dr. Genzai's concerned gaze on him once in a while and he wondered if the man sensed the turmoil inside of him. He'd always felt like Dr. Genzai knew more than he let on…but Kenshin had never really been sure and before now, he'd never really wanted to find out, content in the knowledge that he was accepted into their fold.

He did not know why but the longer he stared at Kaoru's kimono; the more he wanted to rip it off of her.

It was not even in a sexual way.

It was as if he was angry, the darkness in him expanding.

He could feel his canines itching to elongate and pierce her skin. To feast once more on her hot red blood that felt so delicious sliding against his tongue and flowing into his mouth.

His eyes narrowed briefly before he caught Kaoru looking at him with concern in her eyes.

"Daijoubu?" she mouthed.

He smiled at her and nodded. "I'm fine."

She smiled back warmly, the look she gave him charged with intimacy and love, before turning her attention to Ayame who was asking her a question.

Kenshin watched her and wondered if he would be able to truly make her happy. Did he deserve her? It was in his nature to destroy, to choose his own survival over anything else. He might not want to but Shishou had already proven that his dark instincts were strong.

He might be putting Kaoru in danger.

"I know enough to know you'll never hurt me,"

Kenshin sighed mentally. He would never intentionally hurt her but he just might. He lived in fear of that day.

"Please don't pull away. Whatever happens, we can manage it together."

He felt like he needed her strength to keep the darkness, the insanity at bay…and yet the feelings she were invoking within him were mixing in with a hatred and anger he did not recognize but seemed embedded into the very fabric of his soul.

"I love you, Kenshin."

He loved Kaoru, more than he could ever say.

"Kenshin, loving someone is about enduring even the harshest of pain, because you'd rather have that than nothing at all…"

He would endure anything for her…but he was unwilling to make her suffer.

"I feel empty without you. Do you understand that?" Kaoru said as she beat her fist once against his chest to emphasize her point. "Empty, Kenshin! I feel a void inside of me and it hurts when I think of you!" she buried her face in his chest and inhaled his scent. "I'd rather have you and be hurt than continue to feel this emptiness inside my heart. As long as you're near me, nothing matters…"

But if he left to try and avoid making her suffer…he would end up hurting her even more. It was a confusing situation. His hand curled over the small box he had in his pocket. It was his gift to Kaoru and he would give it to her tonight.

No matter what happens…she would know how much he loved her.

With all of his life


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After dinner, Tae and Tsubame were excused from their duties by their parents and after going upstairs into their living quarters to prepare, both girls went down wearing beautiful kimonos and the whole group went to enjoy a night at the festival. Tae and Tsubame were both raving about Kaoru's beautiful kimono and how much it suited her, how she looked like royalty.

Sano had to agree with them. In all the years he'd known Jou-chan, he'd always thought she was sort of a scruffy tomboy. He'd never really thought she could look aristocratic, but with her dressed up like this, she was stunning.

Judging by Kenshin's gaze, the guy thought so too.

Sano snickered.

He noticed Yahiko's dazed stare as he took in Tsubame in her peach floral yukata and elbowed the young man in the ribs.

"Stop drooling," he admonished with a smirk.

Everyone laughed as Yahiko's face turned tomato red and he launched himself at Sano.

"Yahiko, I don't think Tsubame enjoys seeing violence," Kaoru pointed out, much to Yahiko's consternation.

Kenshin smiled and took Kaoru's hand as their little party walked on, Ayame and Suzume skipping ahead as they excitedly talked about what they would buy and all the games they would try out.

"Everyone seems to be in love, neh?" Sano commented to Tae.

Tae smiled at him and patted his hand. "Don't worry Sano, you'll find someone of your very own as well."

He smiled at Tae and put his arm around her. He knew Tae missed her boyfriend Hideki, who was currently finishing up his studies overseas. "So did you hear from Hideki?"

"I received a call from him last night. He has exams to study for so we didn't talk that long but he tries to call at least once every two days."

"That guys loves you to distraction you know. Just be sure to invite me to the wedding neh?" he teased.

Tae smiled and elbowed him in the ribs. "Knowing you, you'll probably by-pass the ceremony and head straight for the reception."

"You know me too well!"

Tae laughed and stared at Kaoru and Kenshin. "Is it me…or do they look closer than normal? I've sensed a change between them…do you think…?"

"I think so. It probably happened a couple of days ago. I saw them come back home in the rain…"

"How romantic!"

Sano nodded thinking back to that day. The image of the annoying snob flitted through his mind.

Megumi…she looks like a kitsune.

"Sano, why do you think they haven't told us yet?"

"Maybe they want to keep their happiness private for a little while."


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The festival itself was almost magical. The lights and colorful stalls proved a wonderful oasis in the middle of the dark night. People, young and old, milled around as they sampled different candies and sweets and shopped, flitting from one stall to another in search of a bargain. Tae and Kaoru were in their element, giggling and laughing as they dragged Tsubame along and tried on hair accessories, bracelets and all sorts of things that the male species considered useless. Several times, the group would stop and ask a stranger to take a photo of them.

Megumi watched them with a weary eye and stifled a yawn.

Soujiro and Megumi were milling along with the crowd, trying to blend in. Although it was a little hard when he and Megumi kept getting interested looks from the passers-by. By human standards, Soujiro and Megumi were both flawless and especially beautiful and they could not help but attract a certain amount of admirers wherever they went.

Megumi's lip curled slightly in distaste. As if she would ever stoop so low as to love a human. It was like a human making love to an animal. It was unheard of and revolting. She shuddered at the thought.

Soujiro glanced at her. "Are you not enjoying the festival?"

"It's a plebian affair. I would not be caught dead participating in such a lowly gathering, especially with mortals," she scoffed.

"You dislike even the children?"

Megumi looked at the two little girls laughing and shook her head. "Ayame and Suzume are not mortals Soujiro. They are descended from Reikai. I'm surprised you did not sense it."

"I did. I just wondered if you were able to."

"Of course I would. I am a princess of my clan. My blood is noble and strong. I am no ordinary Kyuketsuki."

She was annoyed and Soujiro was quick to placate her temper. They were silent for a while as they lagged a little behind to avoid detection from the group they were stalking. It was difficult to keep a low profile when people kept turning to look at them so they had to walk a little way away than necessary from Kaoru's group.

"Do you think she would miss them? Her friends?" Soujiro asked.

"I believe that she belongs with us, with her own kind. She does not belong here in this world…but nor did she belong in Makai…but she chose to stay in our world for love of Aoshi. Perhaps she will miss them…I do not presume to guess her actions. Kaoru and I have different views of the world."

Soujiro sighed. "I hope she would go willingly, for our Lord's sake. I don't think Shidôsha would be able to take her denial of him." He sighed. "I think perhaps that is the reason why he stays away from her as of now."

"Hmmm…" Megumi murmured as she glanced at the tall buffoon she had met before. His hair was still in that ridiculous gravity defying style and he was talking with a rather ordinary looking woman. Megumi felt annoyed, probably it was because she saw him again when she was hoping not to.

Soujiro followed Megumi's line of sight and smiled to himself. "Isn't that…what is his name again, Gwanro?"

"Sano. Sanosuke Sagara," Megumi clarified.

"Ah…"

"Why do you ask?"

"Nothing Megumi-san…and what of the little boy? What is his name again?"

"How should I know? He's only a human. Why should I bother remembering him?"

"He did save your purse…"

Megumi sighed, irritated. "Ruriko something…I don't know…Soujiro, I can no longer see Kaoru…the redhead has disappeared with her also."

Soujiro tensed. She is alone with the Battousai!

"Soujiro…"Megumi blinked when she realized he was no longer beside her. She stiffened, her eyes widening as her presence detected an aura that should not exist in this plane. "How in the world could this happen? How did I not detect it before…?"

There was a loud scream and pandemonium descended on the once peaceful night.

"Kaibutsu!"


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Kaoru smiled shyly at Kenshin. They had left the festival grounds and were now in a secluded spot, under a large Sakura tree. The moon was beautiful and the stars were twinkling brightly overhead as winking at her and congratulating her for her good fortune.

"I've never felt this happy before…" she confessed as she turned to look at Kenshin.

A small breeze fluttered past them, loosening tendrils of Kaoru's midnight black hair and making them flutter. Kenshin reached out and tucked them behind her ear.

Kaoru blinked as another image supplanted that of Kenshin. A tall man with dark hair and blue eyes looking at her as he tucked her hair behind her ear, admonishing her gently for being untidy.

"Are you alright?" Kenshin asked, his hand cupping her cheeks, his thumb smoothing over her soft skin.

Kaoru nodded. "Yes…" She touched his hand and turned her face to kiss his palm. "Thank you."

"For what?"

"For making me so happy."

Kenshin stared at her for a long moment and neither of them moved. Suddenly, Kaoru found her self crushed against his chest, his arms holding her tight against him. "I love you Kaoru…I love you so much it hurts me."

Her arms lifted to returns his embrace. "I love you too Kenshin. I never thought I'd be able to love someone as much as I love you…"

They stayed that way for a long time before Kenshin finally let her go. He smiled at her shyly as he peered at her through the fall of his bangs. He took out the small box he'd kept in his pocket and presented it to her. "Happy birthday koishii…"

Kaoru took the box a bit hesitantly, before she opened it. Inside was a necklace. Kaoru stared at the pendant for a long time. The pendant was of an unsheathed sword with a jasmine blossom curling around it.

Kenshin had had it especially grafted. It was symbolic for him. He was an unsheathed sword and she was the one who calmed his inner demons and served as his own sheathe.

"It's beautiful Kenshin…" Kaoru whispered as she felt tears in her eyes. She smiled at him, her bottom lip trembling. "Would you put it on me?"

Kenshin took the necklace and watched Kaoru turn her back to him and gather the heavy fall of her fragrant hair, exposing her neck to him. He found that his hands trembled and he closed his eyes to calm the bloodlust that was starting to color his vision.

Kaoru looked over her shoulder at him, "Kenshin?"

He smiled at her and opened his eyes, "You're beautiful." He settled the necklace around her neck and secured the lock at her nape. He brushed her skin with the pads of his thumb and inhaled her scent. He kissed her neck and pulled her closer to him, feeling his heart pound.

"Don't ever leave me Kenshin, promise?"

"You have all of me," he promised.

Kaoru settled against him and sighed.

It was such a perfect night.

And then they heard the screams.


.

"Genzai-san! I know you are the Watcher! Why would you let Lady Kamiya be with Battousai!" Soujiro demanded when the old man intercepted him.

"He is Himura Kenshin, not Battousai."

"He is the very same one. The same soul resides within his body! He is Battousai! You left my lady in his presence. The man who killed her!"

"Kaoru is safe with him," the old man said, "Battousai has not yet awakened."

Soujiro made a move to leave and make sure that his lady was safe but Genzai detained him.

"Your Shidôsha was ordered to keep his distance. As her watcher I have authority to relay the same order to you. Your presence threatens to awaken the demon Battousai. He is dormant in Kenshin right now but your interference may awaken him at an inopportune time."

"If his power is in slumber, then they are both in danger from the demons. They have breached the barriers."

"Do you know how these creatures managed to breach the barriers? They are demons and should not have been able to come to Ningenkai!"

"No, but these are low class demons; Volucris, the winged creatures and Haurio, the devourers. They are types of Kaibutsu that are very easily summoned from their realm by spells."

"And who has the power to do this?"

"Anyone. The spells are easy…even humans with minimal Ki can summon them. All that is needed are sacrifices of blood."

"You must help keep them in line…"

Human screams could be heard intermixed with the shrill sound of the Volucris' trills.

"Hai…they grow stronger with each kill." Soujiro said.


.

"Kami-sama, what are those things?" Kaoru whispered horrified as she watched the onslaught of attack centered on the festival. She and Kenshin were far enough away that they were not in harm's way but that didn't register to Kaoru.

She could hear the screams and the unearthly shrills and yells coming from the creatures that swooped down again and again like birds of pray picking up their food. She closed her eyes when she saw one of those flying monsters lift up, holding a figure of a woman in it's talons, cleanly biting off it's head.

"This isn't real…it can't be happening…" Kaoru swayed, feeling faint.

Kenshin for his part, stared at the bloodshed happening before his eyes. his senses were much keener than Kaoru's and even from this distance, he could clearly see every detail of what transpired.

"Kenshin! Sano, Yahiko and the others are there!" Kaoru said, panicked. She made a move to run towards the foray but Kenshin caught her arm, detaining her.

"Don't. Its too dangerous!"

"I can't just stand there! They're my family Kenshin! They're our family!"

"You're my life. I don't want you in danger!" He pressed a quick kiss to her forehead. "I'll go…stay here where it's safe…"

In the shadows, burning red eyes watched as the redhead left the girl defenseless and alone. A small smile appeared on the man's face, insanity clearly written on each groove of his features. "Hello Battousai…time to wake up…"


.

"What the heck is happening?" Sano exclaimed as people pushed passed him, rushing in a tidal wave of humanity that seemed unmindful of the harm they were causing in their wake. He caught Suzume and held her up before she got trampled over and was glad to see that Tae was hanging on to Ayame while Yahiko was helping Tsubame.

Suzume was trembling, "Sano-nii, I'm scared, we have to run now!"

Sano glanced at her and then at Ayame who was seemed to gesturing to Tae to run.

"Do you know what's going on?"

"Bad things…bad things!" Suzume said.

There was a big roar and Sano's eyes widened when he saw exactly why those people seemed to be running for their lives. "Oh shit!" he exclaimed. "Tae, Yahiko, run!" he shouted as he took off.

Oh Kami, what were those things?

Sounds of screams and flesh being torn to pieces echoed into the night, but Sano did not dare look back. When Tae started to lag behind, he grabbed her hand and hauled her after him. "Tae, please you have to run…we have to…" he said as he gritted his teeth and pushed his way through the stampede. "Oh shit, Jou-chan and Kenshin!"

He stumbled when he felt Tae fall forward as a man who had been running behind her pushed past her. "Asshole!" Sano growled as he assisted Tae. He was jostled and poked and Suzume almost fell from his arms, but he managed to keep upright and help Tae who was using her body to shield Ayame from the brunt of the human tidal wave. Suddenly, the direction the stampede shifted. Up ahead, more of the bat like creatures appeared as well as several large monsters that vaguely resembled giant gorillas but were much larger and scarier.

Tae whimpered. "Where's Tsubame? Sano, my sister!"

"I'm sure she's fine," Sano lied. "Yahiko will protect her." He didn't need a hysterical Tae right now. They were already in deep shit as it was without worrying about anyone else. Silently, he prayed that Yahiko and Tsubame were indeed safe and as far away from this as possible.

"Over there," Ayame pointed out calmly to the side. There were less people there and more room to move.

Sano blinked. Why hadn't he realized it before? "Let's go…"

All around them were screams as people were picked up off of where they stood and dismembered, their body parts raining down on the crowd belong. The bits and pieces of human flesh were picked up by the gorilla looking things and to Sano's horror, were actually eaten by the monsters.

"Oh Kami-sama…I can't believe this is happening…" Tae sobbed as she ran with Sano.

The crowd was thinning and Sano realized that they were at the very end of the human stream. Blood covered the ground in red, booths were destroyed and body parts were littered here and there. He felt a feeling of foreboding and heard an unearthly trill. He looked back, just in time to see a flying thing the size of an eight-year-old child with wings like that of a large bat, swoop down towards him it's talons extended.

"Grandpa!" Ayame and Suzume cried out in unison.


.

The winged creature seemed to slam against a barrier of some sort, preventing it from reaching Sano and Suzume. The creature was thrust back several feet and it let out an enraged shrill that curdled Sano's blood.

He leaned over, catching Tae before she hit the ground. His friend had fainted and Sano almost wished he would as well. He couldn't possibly carry Tae,Suzume and Ayame all at once. He tried to cover all three of them, using his body as a shield.

"When it gets me, I want you to run as fast as you can away, okay? Don't turn back…" he said as he hugged the little girls. "I'm sorry Tae…"

Suzume was clutching his shirt tightly, her little knuckles turning white. "Grandpa…grandpa…help…"

Ayame shook her head, "We won't leave you! Grandpa will come save us, you'll see!"

Another horrifying screech before the creature tried to attack them once more, it was again thrown off by an invisible shield.

Sano blinked. He noticed that the small woven bracelets on each of Suzume and Ayame's wrists were glowing.

The creature flew up higher in the air before it tried to dive for them again. Once more it was repelled but Sano saw that it had gotten closer to them than before. Again, the creature attacked and was repelled. Ayame cried when she felt the bracelet her grandpa gave her, melt against her skin and vanish in a puff of smoke. Suzume's bracelet followed suit.

The monster seemed to grin in triumph as it rushed for them again, confident in the knowledge that this time it would succeed.

"Contego!"

An outrage shriek as it was thrown off. It seemed to hit an invisible wall and was electrocuted. It lay in the ground writhing and letting out sounds that Sano knew would haunt his nightmares for a very long time.

Sano began to crawl away but Megumi stopped him. "Don't move fool! You will leave the protective barrier I've erected. Stay still!"

He blinked, recognizing the voice and the face that went with it. "Me-Megumi?"

Megumi sighed at how helpless they were as she ran to stand guard in front of them. She summoned arcus, a bow and arrow made from Ki energy. She could have easily attacked these demons with her claws and fangs but she did not want to get dirty. She strung her bow and let her arrow fly picking off the Volucris one by one.

"Weaklings…" she muttered under her breath as she killed off another Kaibutsu, watching it disintegrate from the contact with the tip of her arrow. She almost had not made it to them in time. It was a good thing that the elder watcher had given his granddaughter's some sort of protective charm. It had given Megumi enough time to reach them. She'd had to help several other stupid humans who had formed a circle around the young children and were using their bodies as a shield to protect their young. It was a pitiful attempt but Megumi had to respect that they were intelligent enough to try and protect their children. She had found herself helping by erecting a protective spell around them that greatly depleted her Ki. Along the way, there were others she had saved but Megumi would never admit it to anybody.

If Soujiro found out, she would never hear the end of it.

"Thanks…Megumi…for saving us, it was you who saved us, right?"

Megumi glanced at Sano who was crouched over the fallen body of the woman he was talking with earlier and the two small children from Reikai. "Of course it was me, who else has enough power around here?"

"What exactly are you"

She ignored him and let another arrow fly.

"Well, uhm, good job…on killing those things…" Sano didn't know what to say. Everything was surreal. Ayame and Suzume were clutching at him while Tae was lying down on the ground after fainting from the stress. The girl he'd met a few days ago had turned out to be something or someone who could actually fight monsters that Sano did not even believe existed but was now trying to attack them and eat them. "Thanks for helping…"

"I do not help humans. I'm doing this for those little girls."

"Ayame and Suzume?" Sano was confused, "They're humans too."

"That's what you think," Megumi said as she shot another arrow. Stupid demons, why won't they give up? Something or someone around here is acting like wedge that is keeping the portal to the gateway open. It's the bridge that allows these creatures to pass into this world.

Until they found that wedge, the demons would continue to manifest.

"Where in the fuck are those Oniwabanshu!"


.

"Kenshin!"

Kaoru's scream rang in Kenshin's ear and sent his heart pounding. His eyes surveyed the darkness and spotted Kaoru being held hostage by a dark figure with burning red eyes.

"Let her go!" he said, his heart in his throat.

Fear warred with rage inside of him. Oh no. He was losing control. He could feel it slipping as the rage and darkness inside of him fought to come out.

The desire to kill sang in his blood and he could almost feel the sweet satiny glide of his blade as it entered his opponent's body.

The smell of blood excited him.

The man smiled and pressed his sword against Kaoru's neck. "Don't you find this scenario a little ironic, Battousai?"

"What are you talking about? I'm not Battousai!" Oh but a part of him recognized the name and reached for it. Kenshin pushed it down, shoving it aside in his mind and concentrating on the matter at hand. "Let Kaoru go!"

"So it's true then…what they say. You no longer remember who you are. Did you know we used to work together? We were sent to rid the world of the demons, they used us as pawns and then they tried to eliminate us when we got too strong."

"I don't know what you're talking about…Kaoru doesn't have anything to do with this! Let her go!"

The man laughed. "If only the Shidôsha could hear you now. He was said to have spoken almost those very same words to you once."

"I don't understand!"

Kaoru whimpered as the edge of the knife cut through her skin.

"That's why I'm here Battousai. To make you understand and to help you remember." He pressed the tip of his blade harder against Kaoru's neck forcing her to tilt her head upwards. "It's funny how you were in the same position as I am right now, a long, long time ago. This same girl…only you were the one holding the sword to her throat."

"You're lying! I met Kenshin when we were younger and nothing like that ever happened," Kaoru gritted out.

"Foolish girl! Not in this lifetime no! It was the life you last had." He looked at Kenshin, "Do you remember Momban? Have you forgotten your Nedan Battousai?"

"Stop calling him that! His name is not Battousai! He is Ke-" whatever else Kaoru was about to say was sucked out of her as she felt her throat constrict. She gasped as she tried to get in air to her lungs.

Kenshin's eyes narrowed. "Let her go! Let Kaoru go now!" he said in a low dangerous tone.

Jin'Eh smirked as he saw the darkening of his violet eyes, amber eclipsing the purple color of his irises. The pupils were starting to contract as the vampire awakened.

So, the key is this girl…very well.

"As you wish, Battousai…" he thrust Kaoru away from him and she fell to the ground gripping her throat.

"Kaoru, are you okay…?" Kenshin asked. He froze in horror when he saw her fighting for breath. "What did you do to her!" he demanded angrily as he went to Kaoru's side. She was panting, clutching and clawing at her throat as her chest rose and fell in labored breaths.

"It's just a little Ki manipulation technique. It's called Shin no Ippou. I have blocked the pathway to her lungs and she will find it harder and harder to breath with each passing second…dying of asphyxiation is very, very painful you know…"

"Stop it now or so help me I'll kill you with my bear hands…!" Kenshin growled out.

"I can't stop the process. The only way to save her…is if you kill me."

Kenshin stared at him. The man's eyes were red, like dark blood. Insanity rolled off of him in choking waves and the smell of blood that permeated his person had a sickening quality to it.

Kenshin could also sense the powerful undercurrents of Ki running through the man's body. Kenshin was strong, but he wasn't sure if he would be able to defeat this Jin'Eh.

And he had no sword to fight with.

"Time's running out Battousai…if you don't hurry, even if you defeat me, your little Kaoru would already be dead…"

A snarl was released from Kenshin throat and he found to fight back wave of dark energy that consumed him.

He was slipping away, his consciousness receding and giving into the animalistic pleasure of the bloodlust and the need to protect Kaoru.

Jin'Eh smirked. "That's it Battousai, get free. You're the only one who can defeat me in time to save the girl…"

"Ke-Kenshin…" Kaoru wheezed, falling to her back as she fought for breath.

Time stopped and Kenshin stilled.

The very shadows of the night seemed to rush towards him as a small whirlwind revolved around him; a visual manifestation of his released Ki.

He looked up and cold amber eyes met Jin'Eh's insane red ones.

"Die…" was all he said before he disappeared from view.

Jin'Eh smiled.

Finally...


.

A/N: I know, I know, using Jin'Eh is pretty unoriginal but he was the perfect choice for that part. You'll find out why in the next chapter. Wow, this is a pretty long chapter isn't it? It was very, very hard to make and it took me a really long time to get this finished. Hopefully, this will make up for the long wait for this update. If you guys have any questions or need any clarifications see the chapter I uploaded that has all the definitions. If you still want to ask me the question or ask me to clarify some stuff, I would be glad to. Don't hesitate to ask it on your reviews and/or E-mail me the question. Thanks! Aoshi will finally show up in the next chapter! FINALLY! It took a long time…but his part of the story starts in my next update.

Volucris – Those bat-like creatures attacking the humans. It's a Latin word that means 'flying creature'.

Haurio – Those Gorilla like things Sano was referring to. They feed on dead flesh of corpses. I made them up. The word means Devour in Latin.

Arcus – Latin word for Bow and Arrow. Made up of Ki. Blame it on too much Inuyasha. (grins)

Oniwabanshu – I already mentioned in the earlier chapters that the Oniwabanshu were like the police of the three worlds. They help keep the youkai in line and also protect the humans from the activities of the other worlds.

Contego – Latin word for ' to protect' or 'shield', Megumi said it to invoke a force field around Sano and the others to protect them from attack.


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