Chapter Thirteen Separation

As Kaoru made her way to the outskirts of town, she felt her body slow without warning. All at once, she ached all over, hear head splitting. She stopped momentarily to bring her hand to her forehead, dazed by the sudden onslaught of pain.

Why hadn't she noticed it before? Her body was still weary and trying to get over her sickness.

'Kaoru no baka. You pushed yourself too far today.' She thought to herself. She had been so emotional today that she hadn't even registered the fact that her body was slowly giving way.

She began walking again, trying to pick up the pace as quickly as she could. She stopped again, leaning against the abandoned dojo for support. She realized that she needed to take it easy or she would surely faint.

"What's the matter little missy, something I can help you with?" A slimy voice reached her ears. She shivered involuntarily. Opening her eyes she found herself face to face with the creepy man she had seen earlier, his gang completely surrounding her.

'I should have known…' Her eyes narrowed as she instinctively moved to a fighting stance. "What do you want?" She bit out, trying to steel her shaking nerves.

His hand snaked out to touch her face. She dodged it easily, her stomach flip-flopping.

She cursed to her self. 'Shit! I don't have my katana. I know self defense, but my I feel like I can barely stand as it is.'

The man motioned to the others, who began to circle closer. Her eyes frantically flitted about, looking for an escape route.

"I asked you what you want, you creep!" She spoke again.

He chuckled evilly, saying, "I just want to know what is so special about you. Why the Hitokiri Battosai would choose you as his woman. That's all."

Her eyes flew open in surprise. "What?" She was very confused. "His…woman…?" Her eyes narrowed again. "You don't know what you are talking about!" She spat.

'I can't let Kenshin get involved in this! They might go after him as well. But, they wouldn't stand a chance against him if they did…' .

"Oh, I know little girl. I've been watching you for sometime. I was intrigued with you the first time I saw you. But then I saw the man you were with, and I just knew you must be something…special."

Again, she shuddered at the inclination in his voice. "Don't touch me." She said as he reached for her again. This time she couldn't dodge. A large man had grabbed her from behind, holding her where she stood. She struggled feebly for a minute as the gap-toothed man moved his hand along her collarbone, licking his lips.

She snarled in disgust. "Keep touching me and you'll regret it!" She bit out between clenched teeth. She felt disgust and panic well within her as she continued to struggle.

"Let me go!" She screamed. "I said, LET ME GO!"

As she said those words, she heaved forward, brining the larger man over her shoulder and crashing to the ground.

Teeth still clenched, she glared daggers at the oily haired man in front of her. "I told you! Now you will pay!"

She launched herself upon him, fist connecting with his head. He fell backward into two other men, bringing all three crashing to the ground. The others stared in surprise as she scrutinized the rest of them.

"You all want to have a try?"

No one answered. The man she had punched stood up, wiping blood away from his mouth.

He snarled at her. "That's it. I'm not playing around anymore." He drew a katana from his waist, the steel gleaming in the torchlight. Her exterior remained cool, but internally she was struggling to remain calm.

"You don't think I know how to defend against one of those?" She said in a casual manner.

"Oh, I bet you do. But what about defending against six at a time?" He snapped his fingers and the other five drew their katanas as well.

The panic within her threatened to over take her. 'If I weren't about to faint, I would have no problem against these assholes!' She thought frantically.

The first one swung. She caught the blade easily between her palms, bringing her foot crashing forward into the man's stomach. One after another, they attacked, each time Kaoru barely fending them off. Her breath was becoming shallower by the minute, and her vision was beginning to blur. She took a sharp intake of breath as she realized one sword had connected with her side. It wasn't a bad cut, more of a scrape, but it bled regardless.

She dropped to one knee, heaving, a hand covering the wound. The men continued to kick her while she was down, until she felt she was ready to vomit.

"Are you ready girl?" One man said as he lifted his katana over his head.

'This is it. I'm going to die…' She thought to herself. She squeezed her eyes shut as she saw a flash of steel, readying herself for death.

It never came.

She heard a gurgle and a heavy thud. Opening one eye, she gasped in surprise. There stood Kenshin, sword dripping with the blood of the man who was about to take her life. She sighed in silent relief.

Her attention was drawn to his eyes. They were completely amber, anger fringing his otherwise calm features.

The oily haired man stood in fear, eyes wide for a moment. He then adopted a sneer as he positioned himself in a fighting stance. "So, we finally meet, Hitokiri Battosai! I just knew you would come to this whore's rescue."

Kaoru stared indignantly. "Who's a whore?"

Kenshin's eyes narrowed at him. "You must have a death wish." His familiar silky voice sent shivers down the man's spine. Kenshin went into his stance as well, the rest of the gang backing away. None of them wanted to be in the way of the Battosai's sword. The two men stood silent for a time, each one silently daring the other to engage in battle.

Kenshin spoke. "Come. Or are you afraid of death?" He taunted quietly. The man launched towards Kenshin with a scream, striking his sword towards Kenshin's chest. The Battosai easily countered, leaping over the man.

Kaoru watched in fascination. She had never actually witnessed Kenshin in combat before. She had always been the one fighting him. And when he fought Shishio, it was in Battojutsu, meaning it was a single attack fight.

'He's…amazing…' She thought in awe as she watched him dodge, flip and counter with expert precision. It seemed that Kenshin was not exerting himself at all as he danced lithely around his opponent.

The oily haired man was struggling to keep up with Kenshin's speed and stamina, and looked as if he was tiring fast. "If you don't kill me, I will continue to come after her." The man taunted, trying to get Kenshin angry.

The Battosai had had enough. Eyes narrowing, he spoke. "If that is what you wish." With blurring speed and fluid movements, he attacked the man a final time.

Leaping above the man, Kenshin let out his battle cry. "Hitenmitsurugi Ryu! RYU TSUI SEN!" He brought the katana crashing down upon the man's head, killing his in an instant.

Kaoru held her breath. That was the same attack that Kenshin had told her about in his story earlier. 'It's so powerful! It sounded that way, but to witness it first hand…' She shuddered briefly, hoping to never be on the receiving end of that attack, or any of his for that matter.

It was then that Kaoru realized that when they fought, he really had been going easier on her. He had never tried anything like the Ryu Tsui Sen on her, but was sure he could have at any time.

As their leader fell, the Battosai turned to the rest of the men who stood cowering. "If any of you ever come near this woman again, you will meet the same fate." He sounded deadly serious. They ran off crying out in fear as they fell out of sight.

Kaoru watched as Kenshin sheathed his sword, turning to her. His eyes were still fierce amber, with no trace of violet.

'It seems that when he is in 'Hitokiri mode' they are amber. But when he is just Kenshin, they turn the violet color, though not all the way…' She observed to herself.

She was about to thank him for his help when he spoke. "I am sorry, Kaoru, that you had to be pinpointed like this."

She waved her hands in front of her, saying, "No need to be sorry Kenshin! I'm a tough girl, I can handle it! Hehehe…" She laughed nervously.

He eyed her. "I don't think it's a good idea to be around me anymore Kaoru."

Her eyes widened. "Kenshin. What are you saying?" She asked, worry pooling within her. She didn't like where this was headed.

"If my enemies continue to spot you with me, you will constantly be put into this situation. I can't have that."

She reached for him, but he evaded her grasp. She felt her temper rise. "Kenshin, I am perfectly capable of handling men like that! I'm a –"

Kaoru slapped her hand over her mouth. 'I was about to say I was a Hitokiri too! Kaoru no baka!' She berated herself fiercely. "I am a strong girl! I know self defense!" She was right in front of him, staring defiantly at him.

He almost smiled at her defiance. "Kaoru, you were about to be killed. You know it and I know it."

She opened her mouth to say something, but snapped it closed. 'He's right. But it wouldn't have been that way had I been feeling well!' She tried to justify to herself.

"Kaoru." Her attention snapped to him. He was gazing at her with an almost saddened expression. "I am a dangerous man to be around." He turned around and began to walk away.

She felt herself begin to panic. Was he leaving for good?

"Wait!" She called out. He stopped, but didn't turn. "Please don't go. I…" She didn't know what to say.

He turned his head, giving her a sad smile. "Sayonara."

Her eyes widened further as he turned again and began to walk.

"Kenshin!"

He didn't stop and she fisted her hands, calling, "I will still be targeted you know! Everyone has seen us together! We don't know who knows! What if I am targeted again and you aren't there?" She was desperately trying to find excuses for him to stay. But he kept walking, until he disappeared from her view.

She stood there, numb. He was gone. Just like that. She was upset. She was sad. But most of all, she was angry.

"How can he just leave like that? He doesn't even know who I am! I can take care of myself…" She trailed off as a lone tear escaped her eye. She wiped it away ferociously. She stormed off towards the mansion.

'If he thinks he can just up and leave just because he thinks he is DANGEROUS to be around, well he's got another thing coming! Don't worry Kenshin; I'm not going to leave you alone just because of that! I will stay by your side! Just like Tomoe did!' As she walked, she was surprised with herself and the determination behind her thoughts.

When had Kenshin come to mean so much to her? When did he burrow his way so deep within her heart? When did being with him become as necessary for her as breathing?

She shook her head. 'I have no idea. And that's why I need to get him back.'

Kaoru sighed, leaning on the doorframe of the Akabeko, staring at the street as people walked by. It had been a week since she had seen Kenshin and she was beginning to believe he really wasn't coming back. She was depressed, to sat the least, moping about as she did her job on autopilot.

"Hey Busu! It's time for my training!" Yahiko popped up beside her, trying to get a rise out of her. She didn't even acknowledge him as she silently made her way to the kitchen, taking off her apron. Grabbing her shinnai, she exited the rear entrance of the kitchens.

"I want you to do your regular exercises. When you are done, we will spar." She instructed in a rather monotone voice. Yahiko sighed and began his regular routine of warm-ups.

Kaoru turned her attention to a straw and wood dummy. Stepping into a fighting stance, she closed her eyes in concentration. She felt her anger pool within her.

After a moment, her eyes snapped open and she lunged forward, crying, "Kenshin no BAKA!" She struck the dummy full force. It didn't stand a chance against even a wooden shinnai in her hands. It splintered and cracked in half, falling to the ground in two pieces.

From his hiding spot in a nearby tree, Kenshin nearly fell out as she screamed her battle cry. His eyes were like saucers. "She's still really angry with me!"

He had been watching her the whole week. He had tried to stay away from this part of town, but always found himself wandering, his body subconsciously leading him here. He finally gave up had a stake out in this tree everyday, keeping an eye on Kaoru to see how she was doing. He ignored the strange looks he received from passerbies.

"What, are you a stalker now Kenshin?" A voice startled him enough that he DID fall out of the tree, landing squarely on his head.

"Itai!" He said in pain as he sat up and rubbed the back of his head.

"That's gonna leave a mark." Sanosuke said matter of factly as he looked at Kenshin. "Hey Sanosuke. What brings you here today?" He asked lightly.

Sano gave Kenshin a look. "I could ask you the same thing."

Kenshin smiled innocently. "There's a great view of the city from here. I was just enjoying-"

"Cut the shit Kenshin. I know why you are there." Sano cut him off.

Kenshin blinked at him as he continued, "I don't know why you insist on putting Kaoru and yourself through this. She is miserable without you there."

Kenshin allowed another look at Kaoru, who had irritation written all over her face as she continued to practice. "Really? She looks pretty angry, if you ask me."

The ex-gangster shook his head. "She's a woman. That's how they handle these things."

Kenshin blinked again at him. "Have you been with many women?"

Sano glared at him. "Well, no, not really."

"Then how would you know about the way women handle these things?"

Sano grumbled in annoyance. Kenshin laughed out loud, knowing he was getting the best of his friend.

Sano grabbed Kenshin by the collar, saying, "Look, I've known Jou-chan for a while! I know that's how she's feeling, ok?"

Kenshin was smiling as he tried to calm the other man. "Maa maa, Sano, I know that." Sanosuke released him as Kenshin's expression turned more serious. "I just think I am too dangerous for her to be around."

Sano snorted. "Don't think that I don't know who you are, Hitokiri Battosai." Kenshin looked at him in surprise. He didn't think that Sanosuke recognized him.

"I may not know much, but I know one thing; I haven't seen Jou-chan as happy as she has been around you since the day I met her. Yes, you may be a dangerous man to be associated with, but Kaoru is very loyal. Once she has…attachments to someone, she doesn't just let them go. Don't worry about her, Kenshin. She knows how to defend herself. And if she can't, you will be there." Sanosuke turned to walk away.

Kenshin called to him. "Sano. What if I can't always be around to protect her?" He questioned.

Sanosuke grinned. "That's what I'm around for."

Kenshin smiled after the other man. Sanosuke certainly was a good friend to Kaoru. Kenshin had no doubt that he spoke the truth when he said that.

Sighing, Kenshin turned his attention back to where Kaoru and Yahiko were practicing. Like he had everyday for the past week, he felt the desire to go over to them, to wrap Kaoru in his arms and hold her like that forever. But he stopped himself. No. He needed to maintain his distance. It would be difficult, but he knew it was for the best.

"Kenshin no baka." He said out loud.

'One moment you are trying to maintain distance, the next you are offering her your support, saying you will protect her, and then pulling away again. Which one will it be?'

Megumi poked her head into the Akabeko, looking for her sister.

Tae saw her and waved to her. "Hello Megumi-chan! How are you? What brings you here today?" The small auburn haired woman asked.

Megumi smiled at her. "Hello Tae-san. I am doing well. I am looking for Kaoru. Is she around?"

Tae nodded. "She is in back with Yahiko. I think they just finished his training lesson."

"I see. May I go back to her?"

Tae smiled as she nodded. "Yes, of course. I noticed that your bruise is almost gone." Megumi nodded. "Yes, I can still see it, but it is disappearing quickly."

"I'm so glad."

Megumi sighed. "Me too, Tae-san, me too." She entered the kitchen in search of Kaoru.

Said girl turned and greeted her older sister with a smile. "Nee-chan! What are you doing here?"

"I was just coming to buy the groceries and thought I would see how you are doing." Megumi answered. She was actually a bit worried about Kaoru, knowing she was hurting inside with the absence of Kenshin.

"Say, Kao-chan, I was wondering. It's been awhile since we went somewhere together for fun. Do you want to go shopping a bit with me today? You could help me pick out the food for dinner."

Kaoru smiled. It was pretty slow today. Maybe she could ask Tae for the rest of the afternoon off. "Sure, Nee-chan, I would like that."

She needed to get her mind off of Kenshin for a while. She found Tae, who excepted what Kaoru had asked, knowing it would do the girl some good to get away from here for a bit. Kaoru said her goodbyes as she and Megumi exited the restaurant.

"Tae-san really is a Godsend." Kaoru commented as they walked.

Megumi nodded in agreement. "She truly is. She had always stood by us, like a mother."

Kaoru looped her arm through her sister's, enjoying her companionship.

They walked in comfortable silence for a while when Kaoru spoke. "Do you really think that I will never see him again?"

Her voice held gloom and Megumi looked sympathetically towards her, responding, "I don't know Kao-chan. Himura-san doesn't seem like that kind of person. He probably just needed some time to think. I'm sure you will see him again." She smiled encouragingly at her sister, who tried her best to return her smile. Kaoru wished she could believe Megumi's words, but wasn't so sure.

Kaoru was lurched forward as Megumi picked up the pace, dragging her to a shop window. "Come on Kao! Let's go window-shopping. We have some time before we need to get the food." She said excitedly, trying to cheer Kaoru.

Kaoru smiled. "Alright, Nee-chan. Let's go."

"I told you! Just go talk to her you idiot!" Sanosuke had Kenshin by the collar again, shaking him ruthlessly.

"Sanosuke! Let the poor man go before you kill him!" Gensai sensei shook a finger at him. Sano gave a sheepish look as he did so.

Kenshin wobbled slightly, before smiling at him. "Ok, ok. I will. But can I get my tofu first?"

Kenshin had wandered to the tofu stand to buy some food. He had to cook for himself all week since he hadn't returned to the Akabeko. To tell the truth, he was getting a little sick of his own cooking.

He had been surprised to find that Sanosuke had worked at the stand, and had immediately tried to flee. Sano had caught him before he had the chance. He glared at Kenshin as he handed him the tofu.

Kenshin laughed a bit. "I said I would talk to her. But what about you? Have you talked to Megumi lately?"

Sanosuke's jaw dropped and he turned red. Sanosuke hadn't talked to Megumi since he found out she was making opium for Kanryu.

"You know, red is a good color for you, Tori-Atama." Kenshin teased. Sano ground his teeth together and was about to give chase when he stopped in his tracks, gaping over Kenshin's shoulder. Kenshin gave a curious look and turned to see what had caught Sano's attention. He gaped as well.

There stood Kaoru and Megumi, both with irritated expressions on their faces. Sanosuke blinked at Megumi, and then narrowed his eyes when he saw the bruise on her face.

"We need to talk." They said in unison. With that said, they headed off together, leaving Kenshin and Kaoru alone. Kenshin gulped as he observed Kaoru's expression. He suddenly found the ground very interesting.

"So Kenshin. Having to cook for ourselves lately, are we?" She crossed her arms, tapping her foot.

He smiled nervously at her. "Are you angry with me, Kaoru?"

She huffed. "Angry? Now what ever gave you that idea?"

Kenshin suddenly became aware of the crowd of people near the stand who had begun to tune into their conversation, obviously expecting a fight. He grabbed onto her hand, dragging her away.

She let out an indignant sound. "Where are we going?"

"Back to my house. Away from the crowds. They are too nosy."

She remained silent as she allowed herself to be led through the crowded streets. They finally came to rest in front of a small wooden house. He let go of her hand, turning to look at her. Still, she said nothing.

"Do you want to come in?" He finally asked.

She stared at him, crossing her arms. "I don't know. Are you a dangerous man?" She said half sarcastic, half playful.

He closed his eyes and groaned. "Uh. What is it with women and their sarcasm?" He questioned the sky. She huffed and stalked by him, letting herself in.

Stopping momentarily, Kaoru observed her surroundings. It was pretty small, but very clean. It looked as if it wasn't very lived in. It didn't surprise her in the least, knowing he was always out on the job. There was a tiny kitchen towards the rear, and a small bedroom to the right. The rest was an open space, where there wasn't much of anything. He probably kept it that way so he could practice his kenjutsu indoors.

"Please, sit down." He indicated to a mat on the floor near a wall. She complied, seating herself so she was comfortable. "Would you like some tea?" He offered.

She looked at him. He certainly was a gracious host. But that's not why she was here. "Kenshin, why don't you sit with me? We need to talk."

He sighed. Right to the point, wasn't she? No use in trying to stall with her. He sat next to her, folding his hands in his lap. "What did you want to talk about?" He asked, staring straight forward.

She stared forward as well. "Why won't you let me be near you anymore? I thought we were friends."

He sighed. "Of course we are. But that's the problem. That's always been my problem. I can't really have friends. My kind of life doesn't allow for that."

"And you think mine does?" She blurted before she could stop herself.

He turned to look at her, confusion written on his features. She was blushing in embarrassment.

"What do you mean?" He questioned.

She frantically searched for an answer. She found one pretty easy. "Kanryu doesn't like me to get close to people. If he found out, I would never be able to keep my job here in town."

Kenshin sensed it wasn't quite the truth, but let it slide anyways. She would tell him when she was ready. "I understand."

They both sat in silence, brooding upon their own thoughts.

"It's not fair." Kaoru's voice broke through the silence.

"What's not fair?" Kenshin turned to her again.

She looked at her hands. "Life."

He smiled, nodding in agreement. "That's very true."

"I just want to be free. Free to be myself."

He stared at her, and then slowly nodded. "I wish the same thing, actually."

She turned to look at him, asking, "What is your dream, Kenshin?"

He blinked. "My…dream?" He answered slowly, processing the question.

"Yeah. If you could do anything, what would it be?"

He thought a moment, and then answered, "I would find a way to help others. And I wouldn't be a Hitokiri anymore."

She listened and then asked, "Why are you one now?"

He sighed, turning to face forward again. "I believe that my role in this era will help to bring about the new one. The government needs me to help them."

She continued to look at him. "So you think that the way to a new era is through the sword?"

"Yes. But, I also believe that one day, there won't be a need for such action, and I will be able to put it away." He looked at her from the corner of his eyes. "What about you? What is your dream Kaoru?"

'It's more like yours than you realize, Kenshin.' That was what she wanted to say. But she said instead, "I want my own dojo. I want to begin my own style of kenjutsu. I already have a name for it."

"What is it?" He asked when she did not name it.

She blushed a bit. "The Kamiya Kasshin Ryu."

He processed the name. "The sword that protects."

She looked down. "Pretty silly dream, ne?"

He shook his head. "No, Kaoru. It's not silly at all. If everyone in this world had that dream, we would all be much happier. I prefer that dream to the life we live with now."

She looked up at him, surprised by his answer. "You really don't think it's stupid?" she asked in a hopeful voice.

He turned fully to look at her. "No Kaoru. It's a beautiful dream that I hope we can see one day."

Her heart skipped a beat. She was about to respond when a knock sounded at his door, startling her. Kenshin seemed unfazed, as he had sensed it coming.

"Himura-san! You are needed at the General's office."

He looked apologetically at Kaoru as he stood. " I am sorry Kaoru, but I must go." She smiled, slightly disappointed that their conversation was cut short.

Kenshin turned to leave, but stopped to look at her. "Will you be at work tomorrow?"

She nodded and he smiled. "I will come and see you then, and we can continue our conversation." And he was gone. She smiled at his words.

She sat for a while in his house, leaning against the wall. She was curious and decided to snoop around. She new it was rude, but she couldn't help herself.

She made her way to the bedroom, where she found his sleeping roll and blanket folded neatly in the corner. Tiptoeing to the blanket, she squatted beside it. She picked it up, careful to keep it folded. She brought it to her face, inhaling deeply. It smelled just like him. She blushed as thoughts raced unbidden in her mind.

"Kaoru no baka! Stop this!" She smiled as she berated herself, putting the blanket down.

She turned to go when she yelped in surprise. "Aaah!" She put a hand to her heart as she saw Kenshin leaning against the doorway, a smirk on his face.

"Kenshin! Gods! Don't scare me like that! You always do this to me!" She brushed by him, trying to run to the exit before she died of embarrassment. He caught her by the arm. She turned her bright red face to look at him.

He had a mischievous look on his face. "So, what were you thinking just then?"

She turned redder, if that was possible. "I…nothing! Gotta go!" She tried to loosen herself from his grasp, but he wouldn't let go.

He pointed to his katana at his waist, saying, "I forgot this."

She continued to struggle and his smile broadened as he asked, "Say, you know how to cook, don't you?"

She stopped struggling and looked at him. "Um, a little."

"Would you mind?" He indicated to the kitchen.

She blinked. "You want me to cook for you?"

He nodded, smiling. "If it wouldn't be too much trouble. I mean, I'm so sick of my cooking, I could choke."

She continued to blink at him, still embarrassed that he had caught her snooping. "Aren't you going to be gone long?" She asked.

He shook his head. "No. I should be an hour, tops. I already know what Yamagata-san wants."

She stared at him, and then shrugged. "Ok, but don't blame me if you die from my cooking. You already said it was bad before."

He laughed, adopting a look of mock defense. "I did not! I told you it was good, and you know it."

She smiled. "All right. Any requests?"

"I'm sure whatever you make will do just fine, Kaoru."

He turned and headed towards the doorway, stopping briefly to say, "Oh, and if you feel the need to bury your head in my clothes, I keep them in the little drawer in the bedroom."

Kaoru's face turned bright red all over again. She buried her face in her hands as Kenshin's loud laughter rang in her ears. When she looked up, he had left.

Her eyes narrowed. "Why that…that jerk!"

'He did catch you smelling his blanket, Kaoru…' She thought sheepishly to herself. She took a few deep breaths to calm her self and then turned towards the kitchen. Rolling up her sleeves, she said, "All right. Let's see what he has to work with."