This is going to be a disjointed/fragmented chapter. Everyone is doing something and there are so many things going on at once, its the only way to show the near chaos of the situation as well as the desperation. So... if it feels jumpy, its supposed to. Enjoy. KnT
Chapter Twenty-nine
Beginning of The End
Sedgmont, New York
Early Spring, 1818
Daniel sat astride his horse, rocking with the motion of the beasts slow, rhythmic gaits. There was much on his mind, the least of which was not his lovely fiancée. The image of her pale, alabaster skin was becoming something that haunted his thoughts. He was beginning to look upon her with more than just mild interest. She was starting to represent more to him than just a means to an end.
Two days passed since his father sent him looking for Elliot in the meadow, and in that time, he had seen a change in his betrothed. She was at once more lively and less attentive than usual and the combination was confusing as well alluring. She treated him with a distance that baffled him, and although her level of respect for him seemed to be intact, there was something beneath her facade that he couldn't quite put his finger on. Her smiles were hesitant and she refused to meet his eyes for more than the briefest of seconds. She was holding something back. Something elusive... something... important.
'It is almost as if she were someone else,' he thought, shifting in the saddle. 'She seems uneasy around me, like she knows something and is keeping it a secret.' His gaze narrowed and he spurred his horse into a quick canter. 'What kind of secrets can a girl like her know? What does she think she knows?' Daniel felt uneasy. Something foreign slithered beneath his flesh, trying to crawl to the surface, but he quickly shoved it back down. He wasn't in the mood for old memories or new intrusions. He had more important things to do.
'The wedding, its only four days away. I need to make plans.'
"He makes me nervous, Kenshin. The way he looks at me. It gives me the creeps." Kaoru sa't fidgeting with the hem on her skirt. "I feel...naked, you know?"
"It wont be for much longer, honey. I promise." He crossed his front room and sat down across from her. They had opted to observe the strict code of moral conduct while in this time period. They were getting way too many stares with their other behaviors. So, Kaoru never went anywhere without her brother', and Kenshin never entertained her unless there was a legitimate reason to have her in his' house. Today she and Soujiro were delivering bread to the handsome School Master and he'd invited them to stay for some tea. "Do you know if Aoshi has found anything out yet? You see him more often than I do at this point. I can't believe I'm stuck trying to teach all those little mongrels." He sighed and looked at his hands. "Good thing Eddy pops out and gives me a hand or else Id really be in the shit."
"Just call it Father-in-training' experience, big brother." Soujiro laughed and winked at the scowling red-head. "You ought to be an expert in patience by the time you and Kao have any kids."
'Shut-up, pretty boy," was the growling response. "I already learned patience having to deal with you 24/7 for six years. This should qualify me for a Ph.D."
"Testy, aren't we?"
"You could say that." Glittering amber tinged violet crystals bore into laughing blue-gray eyes. "Now, if you don't mind, let's get back on track. Were running out of time and we dont have a decent plan yet."
"I still think nothing is going to happen until after the wedding." Soujiro said, biting his thumbnail. "The Reverend doesn't die until then, and Elliot and I aren't slated to die until well after either. I just don't think you're going to get anywhere until the actual event is passed."
"Oh God," Kaoru wailed. "Are you saying I have to go through with marrying that deranged ape? You have to be kidding."
"Nope, not kidding. Think about it." He said, leaning forward to rest his elbows on his knees. "It makes perfect, logical sense. Daniel doesn't actually start down the path of his eventual spiritual destruction until he commits the murder. We have to wait until that happens."
"No," Kenshin stood and shoved his hands into the waistband of his trousers. "We came to stop the murder of the Reverend, not let it happen so we can reach Hiko through the guilt of Daniel's sin. We can't let that happen."
"I'm not saying we have to. I'm just saying we need to catch him in the act and stop him before it occurs. But he has to have the full intent in his heart before we can reach that part of him that's…" His voice trailed off and he dropped his head.
"The part of him that's your father?" Kaoru stood and moved to Soujiro's side, kneeling down next to him. "I understand how hard this is, Sou. I'm sorry."
"No, Kao. I don't think anyone understands how hard this is. Not really... Not even you, Kenshin." He looked up and met his brothers surprised gaze. "He never was your father... you never accepted him and he never accepted you. But he's been my real father my whole life. As I am in the future, I carry his blood, his genes, I am his DNA and there isn't a damn thing I can do about it." His voice cracked and he looked away. "That murdering bastard is the soul that created the monster that gave me life. How do you think I feel about that?"
"I don't know, Sou." Kenshin suddenly felt ashamed and uncomfortable. "He also gave Cleo life, Sou, and she's not the least bit evil or tainted. Neither are you. It's not just blood and DNA, man. It's a whole lot of other things that make up a person. He may have been the sperm donor that sparked your existence, but he didn't give you life or make you who you are. God and Mom did that."
"You think so?"
"Yes. Otherwise, we'd have hated each other, don't you think?"
Soujiro laughed softly. "Yeah, I guess you're right. Hadn't thought about it like that."
"I guess it's time you did." Kenshin turned as the door to the parlor opened and his maid, Mrs. Connely came in bringing a fresh pot of tea. He thanked her and she left. Ever since this whole thing began, she'd been hovering over him like some kind of a mother hen, and he was starting to get irritated. "Thank-you, Mrs. Connely. That will be all."
"Are ye sure, Master Ed...?"
"Aye. That is all. Thank you." He knew she still thought he was going nuts, but he just didn't have time for her. Sighing with obvious relief at her departure, he shut the door behind her. He glared at the two smiling faces that greeted him and chose not to say anything. Instead he just stepped back into the conversation they were having before the old woman arrived.
"Soujiro, I need to you talk to Aoshi the next time you see him. The two of you need to talk to the Reverend. There has to be something we can do to prevent what happens. Remember, Eddy said the Reverend was thrown from his horse into the river. It has to be off the old Binker's Bridge. It's the only bridge around here for miles."
"That's true, but why would he be out that part of town? There aren't any houses out there?" Soujiro scratched his head. "Even the Reverend doesn't know why he'd be there."
"There has to be a reason and we have to find it. You tell Aoshi he needs to shadow Daniel as close as he dares, but not too close. I dont want him getting hurt. Okay?"
"Yeah, okay." Soujiro looked at Kaoru's worried face and his features softened as something floated to the surface. "I'm sorry, Sandy." He said in a low voice. "I wish there was another way."
"It's alright, Ethan. I think I understand now, but we have to be very careful. Daniel is so dangerous. More so now that Hiko is with him."
"Aye, isn't that the truth."
3 hours later...
"Why are ye lurking in the shadows, brother? Do ya really think I can't see you or know yer' back there?" Daniel sat on a stool in the barn, one of his booted feet resting across a low stall post. He'd been combing his horse and stopped to take a rest. "You must think me a great fool if you believe either of those things."
"I have never taken you for a fool...Daniel." The tall lithe figure of Elliot March slithered from the shadows near the barn door. "However, I don't believe you to be an honest or honorable man either."
Daniel laughed, a low cruel sound that oozed over his lips like a dogs saliva. "And you think that surprises me? Comin' from your pious mouth, Elliot, I would expect no less." His green eyes glittered in the lamplight. Dusk was approaching and the sun was setting in the east. "You'd make a fine Reverend, that you would, with all yer' airs and holier-than-thou words. It's a shame you weren't first born."
"Aye, that it is. It makes one wonder, what was God thinking about when he sent your soul to Earth before mine, doesn't it?"
"Be careful where you step, brother o' mine." Daniel's voice hissed and slithered through the chilled air. "There be snakes and all manner of evil spirits lurking in the depths of hell. Tread softly lest you tumble over the cliff and fall in." The threat was veiled, but unmistakable none the less. Glinting green emeralds clashed with the hard, unrelenting waves of a stormy, aqua-colored sea and the brothers faced one another silently, unmoving.
Aoshi flexed uncomfortably beneath the cold exterior of his alter ego's iron will. Elliot March was no light weight, and he understood exactly what needed to be done. Letting him take over control of their respective body had been easier than Aoshi thought it would be, but watching the events unfold from his spectator's point of view was excruciatingly frustrating. 'Get away from him, Elliot. He's dangerous, more than you know.'
Elliot offered his brother a cold smirk as he straightened his black coat. "Interesting Daniel, how you would know so well what Hell looks like. But, then again, perhaps it is not so interesting after all." With that parting comment, Elliot turned and disappeared into the fading light, leaving Daniel to brood over his words.
Aoshi breathed a sigh of relief as he felt the cool persona slip back into the passive seat, letting him once more take control. The sense of playing with fire and cobras tickled his nerve endings and he wondered just how mild mannered this colonial alter-self really was. For all the descriptions the Reverend and Cassandra had relayed of a gentle natured man with a soft spoken personality, Aoshi has a feeling Elliot was not very much different from himself. Logical, calculating, and too smart for his own good, only he'd found a way to live with it and be happy. Suddenly he doubted that Elliot's love for Cassandra was as 'brotherly' as she thought it was.
'Oh Elliot,' He thought sadly as he approached the back door of the Parish living quarters. 'You loved her that much and never told her? Is that why you were so willing to die for her and Edmond? Because he made her happy?' A cold shiver of awareness rippled through his vitals and then squeezed his heart painfully. In letting Elliot confront Daniel knowing the truth of why Aoshi and the others were in Sedgmont, Aoshi had inadvertently uncovered another piece of the puzzle.
'Se wasn't meant for us, my friend.' Aoshi's eyes turned toward the moon and the image of elfin face with large blue-green eyes drifted through his mind. 'There is another... Another.'
'Another?'
'Yes, trust me. You will not be alone after she leaves. There will come another who will knock you off your ass.'
'Is that a good thing, Aoshi?'
'Yes, Elliot. That is a good thing. Trust me. It was for me.'
'Hmmm…'
Aoshi could feel Elliot considering that piece of information so he took the opportunity to enter the door. The Reverend was seated at the table drinking tea. He looked up when he heard the door.
"Greetings, Master Aoshi. Tea?"
"Yes, thank-you." He replied shedding his coat and hanging it on a hook beside the door. Then he moved to the sink to wash his hands.
"Where have you been?"
"In the barn... talking to Daniel." He waited and heard the pause behind him.
"What were you talking about? I didn't think any of you were prepared to approach him yet."
"It wasn't intentional. I was . . . watching him and he discovered me. I was drawn into the conversation." He turned and dried his hands on a towel. "We discussed the fact that it was strange God would send a dishonorable soul as your firstborn when your second son would make a much better heir for your responsibilities."
"He instigated the conversation, Reverend, not I. And it was he who pointed out the fact, although I do not believe he was expecting me to agree with him."
"Surprised him, did you?"
"No, not entirely. It appeared to strike a cord in him."
"A cord?"
"Indeed." Aoshi approached the table slowly, thoughtfully. "He threatened me."
"Threatened you?" The Reverend was aghast, setting the tea pot aside. "What sort of threat?"
"He insinuated that if I didn't watch my step, I may end up slipping and falling off the cliff into the depths of hell."
"And what did you say to that?"
"Only that is was interesting he should have such detailed information on what hell looked like, and then I hinted perhaps it was not such a strange thing after all. That did not appear to set well with him." Of course, Aoshi deliberately failed to mention that the conversation was none of his doing what so ever. The Reverend didn't need to know that.
"Ye shouldn't be doing that, Master Aoshi. If my son is as dangerous as all of you are telling me, then you shouldn't be baiting his wrath this way. You have no idea what he's capable of."
"I beg to differ, sir." Aoshi seated himself at the small kitchen table next to the Reverend who was pouring them both a cup of tea. "I believe Kenshin and Soujiro have discovered one of the key elements in breaking this vicious cycle. Unfortunately, someone is going to have to stay very close to you to make certain your son does not make good on his plans for your demise."
"Hmm," the Reverend took a sip and then looked at the man next to him. If not for the eyes and a certain look about the face, he would never know, this was not his son. "You may be right, yes, but have you and your companions considered that perhaps I am meant to die on that bridge?"
"No." Aoshi's voice was firm, almost sharp. "It is not meant to be. Not one of us has any doubt about that. It is the first sin that takes Daniel down the path to the destruction of his soul and the murder of everyone in his family, Cassandras brother, and Edmond Fetlock. We cannot allow him to harm one hair of your head. Not one."
"I see. Well, if all of your feelings are this strong, who am I to say this is not the right thing to do?" He turned and considered the liquid in his cup. "We will all be together for the confrontation, yes?"
"Yes. All of us." Aoshi suddenly found his own cup very interesting. "After the wedding, either Soujiro or myself will be with you or near you at all times. When the reasons for you to be on that bridge presents itself, we will alert the others and all of us will shadow your ride there. You will not be alone, Reverend. We will not let you die."
"Praise the Lord for Avenging Angels. May the might of their swords protect us all."
"Amen, Father." Elliot March stole a look at his father from inside Aoshis mind. 'We will not fail you, Father. I won't let this happen again. I swear on the blood of our Lord, I won't.'
Daniel was getting nervous. It seemed everywhere he went he was seeing either his brother or Cassandra's brother. He almost felt like they were watching him; like they knew something, but they couldn't know anything. No one knew anything. He was safe. Safe as a baby in its mother's arms. The wedding was tomorrow, and then he would be able to start putting his plan into motion. Already he had begun the preliminary work. At the courthouse he was going over land surveys, looking for property lines and available acreage. He was going to approach the old man about building a house of his own, it was just a matter of where, and he thought he had the perfect spot.
An old abandoned farm on the far outskirts of town. It was once owned by a farmer named 'Binker', but when he fell into arrears on his taxes, the town took it away from him and he'd moved away. No one had bought it since and it lay vacant for nearly ten years. All Daniel had to do was pay the back taxes and it would be his. It was the perfect place for an accident. The woods were overgrown, the property in bad condition. Even the old bridge leading over the river to the property was in dire need of repairs. Anything could happen in a precarious place such as that.
He just needed to decide what kind of accident best suited his needs.
Kaoru had argued with the woman who was her mother all morning. If it wasn't about her dress, then it was about her hair. The woman just couldn't seem to get it through her head that Kaoru didn't need her help to get ready, but first thing that morning, she'd barged into her room, yanked her out of a sound sleep, stripped her naked, and scrubbed her skin raw.
"It's your wedding day, Cassandra. Don't you want to be the perfect bride?" Lydia had never seen her daughter act like this a day in her life and it worried her. "I'm just trying to help you, dear…"
"I can do it myself, Mother. Really I can." Her voice was hard as granite and she closed the door on her mother's stricken face. "If I find something I can't handle, I'll call you."
"Cassandra . . . Please?"
"I said I was fine."
Lydia finally gave up and went downstairs where she found her husband sitting in front of the fire brooding. He'd obviously heard every word of his wife and daughter's exchange. Confusion, worry, and anger took turns wrinkling the lines on his face.
"What should I do, Nathanial? I've never seen her like this?"
"I wish I could answer that, dear, but I can't." His dark hazel eyes stared into the dancing flames as he tried to find a rational answer inside himself for his daughter's behavior. "But truth be told, Lydia, neither Cassandra nor Ethan have been the same since the day they were struck ill."
"What are you saying?" Lydias dark blue eyes widened with frightened concern and she took the chair beside her husband. "You don't think... their possessed, do you?" It was a terrible thought, but every good Christian knew that some of the first signs of demon possession were changes in a loved ones personality.
"Again, I don't know the answer to that, Lydia, but something strange is afoot here. The two of them spend an inordinate amount of time with the School Master. I was not even aware the three of them were associated. Were you?"
"Nay, I was not."
"People are starting to talk, Lydia. They are calling Cassandra an inconstant woman even before she's taken her vows with Master March, and they are looking to us for the cause of her unchristian like behaviors." Nathanial sounded worried and angry. "I am not sure if this will affect our business and spiritual standing in the community or not. We can only pray it does not."
"God have mercy on us." Lydia began to cry, wringing her ever-present white handkerchief in anxiety. "What will we do?"
"See her married and safely under the control of her new husband as every good wife should be."
"Aye, that is the best thing." Her watery blue eyes rose to the ceiling where her daughter struggled to dress in the strange gown with all of its hooks and ribbons, and Lydia prayed God would heal whatever was afflicting her children before it was too late for them all.
Several hours later Kaoru, Kenshin, Soujiro, and Aoshi stood quietly inside the Reverend's office just outside of the chapel. Kaoru was a mass of nerves and so close to tears and vomiting Kenshin was worried she wasn't going to be able to go through with the ceremony. Aoshi was getting nervous that Daniel was going to come looking for him and find the three men inside the rectory with her. No telling what he would do then, but they couldn't leave her like this.
Fortunately the Reverend saved them. He appeared at the doorway, his green eyes gentle and full of understanding. "You three need to leave. Master Aoshi you need to take Elliot's place beside his brother as witness, and Master Seta, you need to stand with young Ethan's mother. She is going to need your support. It is always hard to let a daughter go."
"Yes, sir." The duel reply was given in low voices as the two young men left the small room.
"Master Himura, there is no logical reason for Master Fetlock to be in this room at all. If you are found here by anyone, we will have no explanation what so ever. You must leave through the side entrance and come in through the front doors as if you just arrived."
"I understand," Kenshin nodded and then looked long and deep into Kaorus eyes. "You just remember one thing, Kao," he said as he pressed his forehead against hers. "I love you more than anything else in this world or anyone in the future. And no matter what happens between you and Daniel here, nothing will ever change how I feel about you. You will always be the light of my soul and the heart that beat my blood... Always."
"Kenshin," her voice quavered on the edge of tears and she cupped his face in her hands. "Forgive me."
"Nothing to forgive, honey. This isn't your fault. It never was."
"May I interrupt?" The Reverend's gentle voice drew the lover's attention away from each other as he approached and laid a hand on each of their shoulders. "Perhaps it is not so in your time, but in ours, it is customary for a man of God and his new bride to be married for a full month before they copulate. Have no fear. Daniel will not touch you."
"I hope you're right, Reverend." Kenshins voice was raspy with emotion. "I have a feeling Daniel never was very careful or tender in his marital rights as a husband. I don't much care for the idea of him touching the woman I love any more than Eddy did him touching Cassandra."
"Of course, forgive me." The Reverend was still having difficulties associating his eldest son with the monster these young people described him to be, but the simple fact that they were here told him it had to be true. "I will do all I can to make sure he doesn't hurt her."
"Thank-you." Kenshin nodded, and then brushed his hand down the smooth cheek of his beloved. "If he does hurt her, Master March . . . I promise you, once we are finished with saving you, I will kill him regardless of what it costs me or Edmond."
"But that will defeat the purpose of saving his soul, Master Himura. Is that not the ultimate goal?"
"Aye, it is, but I can still kill him afterward." Amber orbs locked and held the surprised gaze of the reverend. "Vengeance belongs to the Angels," he said. "And though I harbor Edmond's demon wolf, there is something else inside of me that answers to higher purpose."
"Hmm," The Reverend gazed thoughtfully into the fierce yet beautiful face. "I suppose even Arch Angels can fall in love."
Kaoru just knew she was going to throw up on Daniel the moment she took his hand to stand in front of the Reverend. Bile burned the back of her throat and swallowing just seemed to make it worse. In a desperate attempt to calm herself, she tried to concentrate on Kenshin's face in her mind. It helped a little, but she was still scared to death.
It was all like a bad dream. She could hear the Reverends rich baritone voice speaking the words that made her/Cassandra Daniel's wife. It was the worst nightmare she could imagine and there was nothing she could do about it. Her mouth worked of its own accord, saying the vows and promising to love, honor, and obey until death parted them. She was numb and she could feel Cassandra cringing and shuddering inside of her skin and she wanted to cry for both of them, but she just kept thinking about Kenshin. He and Edmond wouldn't let anything bad happen to her. She had to believe that. If she didn't, she knew she would panic and the whole situation would fall to pieces.
'Help me, Cass,' she whimpered inside her heart. 'Im so scared.'
'I know, Kaoru. I'm scared too, but the Reverend was right. Daniel didn't start demanding his marital rights until after his father' death. He didn't wait the full month, but he did wait until we buried that poor man.'
"Thank God. I don't think I could have stood being touched by him. How did you?'
'I didn't . . . it almost drove me out of my mind. Only my security of Elliot and my love for Edmond saved me. If I hadn't had them, I would have never survived.' Her tone turned comforting. 'Hang onto Kenshin, Kaoru. He will never desert you.'
'I know, but what if . . . what if something happens and he's too far away to help me?'
'He'll never be too far away. Never. He won't allow it.'
"...and now, before this gathered company, and in the eyes of the Almighty God, I pronounce you Man and Wife. You may kiss your Bride."
Kaoru was jolted back to reality as she was turned to face her new husband. Daniel's emerald green eyes glittered lustfully into her wide, frightened sapphires and a smirk curled his handsome mouth. She could see what he was thinking and again felt the threat of vomiting rise in the back of her throat. His rough hands rose and cupped her face almost tenderly and then he bent down to her and chastely brushed his lips across hers. She shuddered and felt icy horror flood her veins.
'It's started,' She thought. 'It's really started. God help me . . . help all of us."
TBC
To everyone who came forward and offered me sympathy and support over the illness of my cat… I had to put her sleep. On 4/26/05 she left me and went to heaven. The days since have been very trying and I miss her more than I can say. I have, however, finally gone and gotten myself a new cat. He's a 4 year old boehemoth. He's a gray tabby… called a 'maine coon'. He stands almost 3ft tall toes to toes and weighs in around 23lb or more. He's big purr-baby and loves to just 'plop' and cuddle. He's a life-saver to me… His name is 'Bob'. No, I didn't give it to him, he had it already, but he's so big, the boys often call him 'Bob-zilla'.
Again, thank you for all the kindness and caring.
God bless you all.
Tsuki-san
Luraia Soul:God bless to a sweet and special friend who has been here since the beginning. May I bow and offer a humble Arigato to your words of praise and support. You are long remembered and well loved, my shin-yuu. I hope this story will not be the last of us.
Lere: My beautiful, brazilian touchstone. How my heart weeps and cries with happiness whenever I see you. Your beautiful face looks at me from a special place beside my computer where I see you everyday. You are faraway but never far from my heart or thoughts. Thank you for your prayers, and may God be with you and yours always. I may not write often, but you are with me always.
Lolo Popoki: Hai, things are rising for the climax...and it has been an emotional ride in more ways than you can imagine. Thank you for coming with me. I am pleased and humbled that you enjoyed it enough to stay for the long haul. Thank you for your concern and support. It is so appreciated. I am starting to feel much better. :) God bless.
Lendra-Chan: My sweet Alendra. 3 3 Your stories have kept my days from fading into dullness and my heart from washing into darkness. You make me laugh and cheer because you have come so far and youre getting so good. I have grown to love you so dearly as a friend and a deshi-san. You will be in my heart forever, young one. Thank you for being with me and letting me help you. I hope this old sensei had something of value to teach you. God bless, koishii.
Rain Angst: My sweetest, dear friend. Without you and your cabin there are so many days I would have been lost. So many times I ducked my head into the mists, trudged up the hill, and disappeared into that beloved retreat we conjured up. I often fancied us sharing our hot chocolate and marshmellows in front of a roaring fire while trading mushy Kenshin stories. Thank you, dear one. You mean the world to me. God Bless... I love you dearly.
Paisita: My Beautiful, sweet friend. I remember reading your first reviews when you were constantly apologizing for your english. You were so endearing and so honest. I loved you from the very beginning. You have gone out of your way to write me personal letters...I have saved every one of them. Each one came at a time when I truly needed an emotional boost, and you gave it to me, whether you realize it or not. You have helped so much. God bless your caring heart and may your life be filled with the roses of love and good fortune. Mi Amor.
Kaoru4: I hope to write more fanfics...Im just waiting for lightening to strike and bring me an idea. Thank you for reading and being there for Bad Kid with me. I have enjoyed you so much. Youve always had something interesting to say, and Ive looked forward to it. :) I have greatly appreciated your support through the difficult times. Sometimes writers are emotional, unstable people... but we try not to be. Friends and family are important to us. Thank you for being a part of both of those things. God bless, shin-yuu.
Sephiress: My beloved, Dana. Why should I forgive you for something I am worse at than you are? There is nothing to forgive, Saiai-koishii. You know how much I love you and that I am always here for you, and I know if I need you, you are there for me. In fact, since you wrote this review, we have talked. I think we are both better now. :) I saw something somewhere (dont remember whereBduh) that you cut your hair. How short? I loved your hair! You were so beautiful...ah, well, you will always be beautiful. I hope to see you again soon. Much love to you always, koishii. By the way... I look up to you too...and not just because youre taller than me either. You are a wonderful person with a strong soul, and a damn good author in your own right.
OneBlackTear: Thank you, about my kitty. :( It was horrible. I am getting better. I have gotten me another kitty. His name is Bob. He is a Maine-coon. Hes huge...literally. About 30 pounds... and hes not fat. God bless... thank you for your support... and for being with me through Bad Kid. Everyone whose been here for this story is part of my internet family. So, if youre here, youre my kid. Luv ya.
Ice Angel Kaoru: God Bless you. :) Everything you said really hit home for me. Ive sat and read and re-read your review at least 20-25 times because it was so true and it had so many little pearls of wisdom in it. Thank you a hundred times over. Usually flames dont bother me... I think the last two months has just been so overwhelming that my skin has gotten thin and I just wasnt up to it. It seems like everything is/has been getting to me. Like nothing was going right and everyone was on my back about something and everything was going wrong. The flames was just one more thing that I couldnt deal with.
Yes, I have gotten hit with the creative bug in the shower. :) Actually, been hit with it in stranger places than that... Im still waiting at the moment. LOL Hopefully I wont have to wait very long.
I did get me a new kitty. Hes a 4 year old Maine-coon that weighs in at 30 pounds. Hes just a big loveable baby. Just what I needed. Oh, and BTW... thanks for the Butterfly thing... it made me laugh. :D
Reingnashii: A while or not... it is nice to see you again. God Bless, and thank you for all your support through out this story. It is, and always has been, humbly appreciated. :)
Aine of Knockaine: A broken hip? After getting run over in the driveway? that is way more than just the luck of 9 lives. That proves there is a Kitty-Kami. God bless your old kittys heart. 23 years old? I thought 19 was pushing the envelope... WoW! Holy Buckets! We are all lucky to have them stay with us for such a long time. I treasured my old kitty...I miss her so much. But I did finally go out and get me a new kitty. Hes a 30 pound Maine-coon. Large breed... His name is Bob (no, I didnt give it to him...but were still laughing about it.), and hes 4 years old. Hes a big baby that loves nothing more than to sprawl out all over your lap, stomach, chest...whatever part of you is available. And he purrs like a bulldozer. I love him already. Hes just what I needed. He loves to snuggle. Decrease in the stress factor.
Looks like I need to check out E-bay for RK series. Seriously. O.O
God bless, sweet friend. Im so glad you stayed with me. I hope I can keep you around. Ive grown quite attached.
Unknown Beedee: Im not going to give up on writing, honey... but what about you? I havent see you write anything for ages. Or are you writing somewhere else? Im worried about you. I liked your writing...you had enormous potential. I know, Im just an old lady, and I wash back and forth on my own writing because of personal life issues... but youre young. Dont be like me. Write... I miss seeing you... God bless, young one. I have never forgotten who you were. I always remember you basing your assassin story on bad kid. I wished you had completed it the way you wanted.
Beowulf31486-Thank-you, dear friend. Your kind words in this time of struggle for me mean the world. I am so happy that you've stuck it out with me to the end of this fic. I hope to see you in other places I write. I've grown accustomed to your 'face'. I hope this chapter was worth the wait.
Kean-Dearest Kean… one of my steady-stones. I was almost moved to tears when I read your review. Thank-you so much… the fact that you care about me as a person as well as an author makes me feel special in a way. I have always relied on your honest opinions to help me over the rough edges. God Bless, dear friend. May we continue to travel together.
Psychotic Catster-My favorite wild child. J. Yes, my kitty is in a better place. Thank-you for your concern and support. As for Kenshin's 'wolf' personality, I like him very much myself. Sort of the hard-core guy with a really big heart… but still just a little scarey. If and when I ever publish, I'll let you guys know on my homepage. God bless, sweetling… you are right, chocolate can cure just about anything
LegolasEstelStar-Precious friend… you are that to me. Thank-you for everything you said. It meant so much. I hope you had fun at Grandma's. As for me, I'm getting back to normal (whatever normal is). I'll be starting to write again soon, I hope. There is so much I want to do… I even have a new idea for another fan fiction. God bless, dear one. I hope you and I travel together for a long time.
ImmortalBlood- Still loving your name. J It's been a pleasure to have you among my fans/reviewers. You often don't say much, but what you do say is important to me. I have a new kitty now… he's making my life much easier. Thank you for caring.
Lynn-Minmay-Thank you for being there for me and with me. I've come to look for your name in my reviews and it always makes me happy to see it. My Novel, if it ever gets published, is called 'The Dragon God'. It is my ode to fantasy literature and has been inspired by many things…including my experience here on fan fiction. If it ever goes to public, I'll let you know. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I know… I hate seeing the story come to an end too.
RkfaN930-I'm fairly certain I will keep writing fan fiction. It is my first love after all, and I have so many wonderful, precious friends here now… I wouldn't know what to do without you guys either. God bless, dear one.
En route- It is always nice to know that someone is waiting if I need them. God bless you and thank you for everything you've done for me. I hope this chapter was worth the wait. Take care. Perhaps one day I can return all the kindness you've showed me.
Pixel the evil Fairy- My Fern Gulley Girl. You will be that forever. I'm so glad we had the chance to meet and exchange teases and jibes. You've been so much fun to have around. Thanks for everything and thanks for not being offended when I nick-named you. J I'll never forget who you are, and I'll always be looking for you in my reviews.
JD Fielding-My beloved Ototosan. I have been thinking about you so much lately. I put you and Jen's pictures on my screen saver (the album pics) and so I see your face frequently. The last we talked you were starting to get better from your wound infection… I hope that is completely healed now. God bless you for being there for me. You know how much I love you, but do you know how much you really mean to me? A lot. I have had dreams of meeting you in person… wouldn't that be wild? J
I can't believe the story is almost over. It's been two years of my life writing it almost, and you've been there the entire time…plus long before. You are always in my thoughts… every day. Take care, sweetling. Hug Jen for me. Your neesan… Tsuki
Steph-Here's hoping your horses back has mended. Slipped vertebrae on such a big animal? Poor guy, that must have been so painful. Anyway… thank you, sweetheart. You've been such a good friend and a great fan all this time. I am so happy I got the chance to know you. I hope we have the chance to stay together … granted I write something worth reading again. J God Bless and much love.
XiaXue- God bless, sweetie. I knew what you meant. No apologies needed. It's been a blast having you around. I hope you stay… for a long, long time.
Erica6060-Did you enjoy this chapter? It's getting so close to the end that I'm almost afraid I've forgotten to do something.
BelleDayNight-Here's hoping this finds you in a better state of mind than when we last chatted. I have had you on my mind for days and days… We've come a long way, you and I, and I wouldn't have missed it for the world. You are one of my dearest friends and I respect your talent and ambition to the deepest part of my soul. God Bless, sweetling… talk soon?
Catti-dono-Aishiteru, Saiai Catti. Where have you gone? I apologize for not getting to your new chapters. I promise I will this week. I promise… Write soon. Please?
Chibi-sick- Thanks for the stuffed animal and the twizzlers. I love both. J
Desanera-I blush in the aftermath of your praises. Offer a humble 'thank-you' and hope you enjoyed this chapter. Thanks you for caring. God bless…
Royal bluekitsune-Thank you, thank you… you always say the nicest things. Did you like this chapter? I hope so. I hope you hang my fanring for a long time.
Vesca-Thank you. I love the study of reincarnation, and I always wanted to write a story about it. I'm glad you're enjoying it. Hope this chapter was worth the wait.
Animegurl7831-thank you for hanging out and for all of your great support. Hope you like this chapter. As for KK fluff… its coming.
Rath141419-How was this chapter? Good enough?
RogueSummerLover-I am feeling much better. Thank you for your concern and sympathies. My kitty died, but I keep telling myself she's in a better place. I miss her…
Anna Sakurai-I'll take your advice on 'Sueric' if you send me a link. For some reason I can't find the author name. Thanks for the heads up. I love Inuyasha. I think I need to write some more about that Anime. Hmm….
Kanna-chi-Thank you for your advice. I am feeling better… I don't usually end up in the hospital, I just get very tired and the pain in my joints gets bad. I hope your sister is alright. Being in the hospital is the pits.
BlueUnknown-Thank you for your heartfelt emotional support. I appreciate you being there. I'm so glad we had the chance to cross paths here. I hope to see you around for a long time.
Kawiineko4eva-Thank you for your prayers and patience. I hope this was worth waiting for.
KuronuesLove52-2 days… WoW! I tried re-reading it and it took me longer than 2 days. You have some major stamina there, kiddo. Thanks for taking the time and I humbly hope you enjoyed this chapter. God bless, and thank you for your prayers. Everything helps.
Kodora Fairy-Banned from fan fiction? By whom? I had wondered where you went. I missed you. I enjoy your 'smiling' reviews. They always leave me feeling better about myself and what I've done. Thank you for your support over my kitty. God bless… take care. I hope to see you again.
Darkdragon66-Sorry about getting you in trouble. J I'm flattered you stayed up late just to read my story. Thanks… God bless. Hope you don't get grounded.
Serlgee- Grandpa gave your dog away? How awful. That must have been devastating… It's always nice to meet an Inuyasha fan who has taken the time to read my RK fics. Thank you… and thank you for your concern and support in this difficult time for me. God bless…
Christian wei jr-thanks for pointing out my stumble in theology. You are, of course, right. I was just trying to find a way to get the Reverend's beliefs across. Thank you for reading and reviewing, and thank you for your support. It means a great deal.
Captain Stu-Here's the update, sweet friend. Was it worth the wait? Thank you so much for you kind words and support. It I ever do get this beast published, I'll let you guys know. Thank you for believing in me.
Ashley-Thank you from the bottom of my old lady's heart for everything you said. Reading your review and the thoughts you sent me on the death of my kitty… God bless, they mean the world to me. And as for publishing 'bad kid'? It has actually crossed my mind… I'm trying to write a full-scale fantasy novel at the moment and it's an undertaking like nothing I've ever done. Thank you for your confidence and support.
Hakushin-Thank you for taking the time to leave me such a nice review. Thanks for your support on the death of my dear kitty. I hope school didn't completely burn your brain out. Enjoy your summer vacation… I hope to see you again.
Polaris fire star-I missed you! So sorry about your computer. I hope everything is alright now. Did you like the new chapter?
Jessikitty-Thank you, Jessi. Thank you for the wonderful praise and the kind words about my story. Most people just say 'great story' or whatever. You went much farther. Thank you… and thank you for the support over my kitty. She did indeed finally pass away. It was for the best.
Luna987-You read this thing in one sitting? Holy sh-t! Thanks… and thanks for you concern and support over my kitty. Hope to see you again. God Bless…
