Greetings any remaining people who are reading or are holding out hope that I would continue.
I must apologize for the 3 year delay in continuing with this story. My mother was in ill health at the time and when she passed I went into a funk and couldn't write anything. I lost... my drive. Depression can do that to a person. But I hate leaving things unfinished, so I have decided to try and finish this story out. It is near completion anyway.
It will not be updating as regularly as I used to as I am writing other stories on a different site unrelated to this fandom. However, as I stated before, there are only 2 chapters left after this one, so we'll see how it goes.
No worries if I don't hear from anyone, as I don't expect any kind of response due to how old this story was last updated. If you do decide to comment, I will be thrilled but it is not the reason why I decided to pick this back up again so I won't be offended if no one wants to say anything, either.
Quick refresh. In the last chapter Kenshin woke up and defended Yahiko, passing out afterwards. Aoshi, Saito, and Cho discovered Gein's lab in the Yokohama mansion, and we find out that Enishi has indeed returned to his compound outside of Shanghai in the mountains, with Kaoru along for the ride.
Alright, enough with the rambling, onto the chapter!
Tianma Mountain
Kaoru marched along quietly up the winding pathway that cut a narrow swath through thick vegetation. The orange flickering of torches struggled against the thick mist that floated upward, rendering visibility to a near zero.
Her legs were still getting used to being on solid ground and more than once she'd stumbled only to be caught by the firm grip of Banjin or Mumyoi's hand, their touch causing her to glare at them before yanking her arm away.
The continued silence was unnerving and her body shivered as a blast of cold wind swept down and through the massive trees shadowed in the blackness that surrounded them.
A sudden wailing noise erupted that caused the hair on the back of her head to rise.
Banjin and Mumyoi stopped dead in their tracks, eyes darting about as they searched for the source of sound, frowning as the men behind them simply walked around and continued.
"What the hell is going on?" Inui murmured, turning at the sound of Enishi's voice as he answered,
"Scared are you, Banjin? There's no need. It's merely some reeds hung up to mimic ghostly noises."
"Reeds?" Inui repeated.
"The people in this region are a superstitious lot. I don't need them wandering close to my compound, so I created something to make them believe it to be haunted."
"How kind of you to do so," Kaoru murmured.
The girl's sarcastic tone wasn't lost on Enishi and he turned to study her, voice flat though his expression held no malice to it. "Precisely."
He said no more, making a motion for them to continue walking and so they did, traversing up the mountainside, trees giving way to rock and the group slowed to a stop.
Kaoru looked around, wondering what was going on, only to blink as the torches shifted and turned, the light swallowed up as they disappeared into the rock formation.
What the hell?
The sound of shuffling feet continued behind her and she moved forward, the pace slow and plodding until at last they reached the spot where the torches had vanished and surprise lit up her features.
There, within the mountainside, firelight from bolted torches flared within an open tunnel, illuminating what appeared to be a never ending series of stone steps that led upward to Kami knew where.
She felt a slight push on her back and she tossed an ice glare over her shoulder at Inui.
He met her glare with an impatient expression and motioned her to get a move on.
Kaoru turned her gaze back, drawing in a breath before stepping forward.
She began her ascent, carefully treading step by step, noting the tunnel widening the further up they went until at last they exited into the open courtyard of a large palatial estate.
Gray walled double storied buildings lined both sides in a symmetrical pattern stretching outward to bracket around a massive four storied building that was more palace than home, with wide sweeping roofs decorated with green tile to match the vegetation and forest that grew up and around the estate.
Had she not been taken against her will, Kaoru might have even found it aesthetically pleasing. Instead she glared at Enishi, watching as he climbed up a series of short steps before entering then disappearing past a double set of green hued doors.
The rest of the men dispersed in orderly file, retiring to what Kaoru guessed were their barracks on either side of the stone walkway.
Inui, Mumyoi, and Kaoru stood in the central section of the estate, unsure what to do when a lone figure emerged from the still open doorway.
He was a small man of slight build but his features were youthful and his voice was light and pleasing to the ear.
"Good evening, guests," the simply dressed male greeted with a bow then straightened. "My name is ZhiLan. I will be your guide and assistant during your stay at master Enishi's compound. If you are in need of anything do not hesitate to ask. If I can provide it for you, I will. Now then if you would be so kind as to follow me I will show you to your quarters."
The trio watched as the small man turned before following as instructed.
They entered the first floor, Kaoru noting with some surprise the modern western aesthetics that contradicted the traditional Chinese design of the exterior and her eyes were drawn to the winding staircase that stretched upward in the open foyer.
ZhiLan began the ascent first, while Kaoru remained standing, tossing an annoyed look over her shoulder at Banjin when he nudged her.
Inui and Mumyoi quickly followed suit, climbing up the stairway and stopping when the ZhiLan did.
The small male gave a quick look to make sure everyone had reached the top before pivoting left and down the darkened hallway.
Tapestries lined the walls and the young woman studied the intricate and vivid battles played out.
Men on horseback riding into battle against troops with long spears; Armored soldiers with swords drawn, clashing against the backdrop of a stormy sky; twin dragons spitting fire and ice as they circled one another; A massive tiger stalking through thickened brush, intense golden eyes staring directly at Kaoru and she shivered, snapping her head away from the image.
ZhiLan stopped in front of a set of ornate double doors then reached out, pushing them forward in a controlled manner to reveal a western style room.
Candlelight flickered in the dark, illuminating the silhouettes of a short wooden desk and chair. Her gaze shifted to her left, falling upon a posh bed and beyond that which lay an open doorway.
Turning her head Kaoru spied a beautiful folding screen stretched near a high end vanity.
This was a woman's room. Yet no women had been seen since her arrival. What was going on?
"I see the curiosity in your eyes miss," ZhiLan said softly, drawing the girl's attention back to him. "We rarely have females visit our compound but Master Enishi insisted we have a room to accommodate them during their stay," he paused, motioning over to the open doorway. "There is a tub inside that room along with towels and other toiletries. When you wish for a bath or anything else, simply pull the bell rope next to the bed and I will help you if I can."
Kaoru watched as the servant shifted his arm, following the motion as her eyes fell on a long cloth hanging on the right side of the bed, she returned her attention to him as he spoke once more.
"I will take my leave now. Good day Kamiya-san," ZhiLan said with a slight bow of his head.
Kaoru returned the gesture, watching as the small man left, motioning Banjin and Mumyoi to follow before closing the doors behind him. Her ears picked up no sound of a lock and her eyebrows shot up. Were they really so bold as to think that she wouldn't even attempt to escape? Already her mind was formulating plans.
But first, she would have to become acquainted with her surroundings.
She walked over to the window and peered down, surprised eyes catching sight of a small garden, lit up by torch light, the center of which housed what appeared to be a rather large koi pond.
Her gaze traveled upward to the building beyond the garden.
It was the same type of single story structure that surrounded the front part of the compound. She took note of rooftop, frowning at the lack of anything to latch a rope onto.
Climbing over it would prove a challenge.
Her focus shifted, studying the outline of treetops that lay beyond the building.
Long, thin branches were visible, stretched upward towards the darkened sky.
The young woman knew they were on a ridge but what exactly was the terrain like? How steep was the incline? What direction would she take if she did manage to escape?
It was going to take time and planning to put make her way back to Japan and Kenshin.
Kenshin, she thought as a stab of pain struck her heart.
He was still alive, Enishi had confirmed as much during their little stare down on the ship, and yet Kaoru still worried.
What was his state of mind? Was he searching for her? Did he know she was alive and being held captive on the mainland? And what about Yahiko, Megumi, and Sano? Were they alright?
The uncertainty of it all gnawed at her and the young woman sunk down on the edge of the bed.
Kaoru wasn't sure if the gods would hear her but damned if she wouldn't try.
"Please," she whispered as she cast her eyes upward to the ceiling that concealed the sky. "If there is someone to hear my prayer then grant me this hope. I am far away from home and I need your help. If you could tell Kenshin... tell him where I am... help him know I'm alright... and to not worry over me. Because I believe I will be reunited with him."
A wistful smile lit up her features as she felt love bloom in her heart and she rested her hand upon her chest.
The young woman lowered her head, eyes shifting to look back out the window, softness giving way to determination in her voice as she vowed. "One way or another, we will see each other soon."
Tokyo- Kamiya Dojo
"How is he?"
Megumi lifted her gaze from the prone form of Kenshin, finding the concerned features of Sano staring back and forth between her and his best friend. "As well as can be expected, from the state his body is in," she answered then reached out to peel back Kenshin's left then right eyelid in turn, finding them even in size and reactive to movement and she nodded to herself, satisfied at his physical response. "Not to mention the psychological toll Enishi's Jinchuu enacted on his mind."
"Yeah, but he's been asleep for three days, he needs to wake up." Sano suddenly tapped the side of the smaller man's right arm with the back of his hand. "Oi, Kenshin, wake up! Jo-chan needs us to rescue her!"
"You dolt," Megumi scolded, tossing him an angry glare as she rose from the small chair she was sitting on. "Yelling and swatting at Ken-san won't help him heal any faster."
"Bah!" He said with a wave of his hand as he began to pace. "All this waiting around is driving me crazy."
Megumi sighed as she watched him. "I know you've always been impatient when it comes to fighting, but Ken-san needs rest to recover. Besides," she paused, reaching out to touch his shoulder, causing him to stop and focus on her. "There is no way Saito-san and Shinomori-san would leave without him, so you'll just have to bear with the boredom a little bit longer."
Her touch managed to soothe his anxiety, if for only a little bit. "I know you're right. It's just... Kenshin deserves to know that Kaoru is alive and well. But he's still in the dark. He needs to know the truth so that he can heal and help us find her."
A slight smile took hold of the lady doctor's lips as she looked from Sano down to her unconscious friend. "You're quite right. That's why it's my hope that Ken-san awakens soon and we can bring Kaoru home where she belongs. With the family she loves."
A familiar rumble erupted in the small room and Megumi quirked an eyebrow. "Really, Sano? You just ate most of the rice balls I prepared an hour ago."
The street fighter gave a sheepish grin. "What can I say, I'm a growing boy."
Megumi snorted. "More like you never grew up."
"Hey now, that's not nice!"
"I never claimed to be nice, did I?" the doctor countered then shook her head. She grabbed hold of his sleeve dragging him towards the door. "Come on then. I'll make a light lunch. I'm sure the others are as hungry as well."
The pair made their way to the kitchen, finding Yahiko and Misao sitting across from each other, sipping on some tea, while Aoshi remained standing, his tall frame resting near the kitchen's rear entrance, eyes closed as if in some kind of contemplation.
Yahiko spotted the lady doctor and the street fighter first, hopeful eyes studying them as he asked, "Is Kenshin awake yet?"
Megumi shook her head. "He's still unconscious. And before you ask Yahiko," she added, cutting him off before he could speak again, "I can't give you a time line when he will wake up. We have to take it day by day."
"Day by day?" Yahiko repeated, frustration expressed within his voice and upon his features. "We can't wait much longer."
Megumi frowned. "What do you mean?"
"Saito sent a message while you were tending to Himura," Aoshi answered, drawing the group's attention over to him. "The ship has been procured and is set to sail tomorrow. With or without Himura."
"What?!" Sano snapped. "We can't leave without Kenshin!"
"On that I agree," Aoshi replied calmly. "And I have faith that Himura will be on that boat tomorrow."
"But there is no telling if he'll wake up before then," Megumi countered. "And as you stated, Saito isn't going to wait. So how do you propose to stop him?"
"There will be no need to stop him," Aoshi said with confidence before closing his eyes and lowering his head down once more. "Himura will awaken before it is time to depart."
Inside Kenshin's mind
Kenshin sat against a rickety old fence, similar to the one in Rakinmura and he wondered, Why am I here?
He blinked slowly, vision clearing, revealing a landscape of white.
His mind was aware of the snow but he felt not the stinging bite of the large flakes that danced around him, an old memory merging with the new and he lifted his gaze at the sounds of footfalls moving softly towards him.
The new visitor did not surprise him and he favored her with a warm smile. "Tomoe."
The lady stood not more than three feet before him, her features questioning though her voice was soft, "Are you still too tired to stand?"
He shook his head slowly at her question. "No. I just need to rest for a bit."
Kenshin cast a quick glance down to his sheathed sword. "I've carried this sakabato for fifteen years... I've kept my promise to you, Tomoe."
"I know, Kenshin."
"And... I will probably continue to do so... so long as there is life left within me."
"This too, I know."
He saw it then, the softest smile bloom upon Tomoe's face and relief filled him. "You have finally smiled for me, Tomoe."
"Yes, I smile for you, Kenshin," she replied, pausing briefly before adding, "The part of me that resides in you will always smile... so long as you smile for me."
Her tone was reassuring and he found strength in her words. "Is that so?"
"Hai, it is," Tomoe said, a request floating from her parted lips, "Please take care of Enishi, if you would... the Tomoe that lives inside him isn't smiling yet."
She began to turn but then stopped and looked over her shoulder at him. "There is one more message I have for you."
Kenshin studied her with puzzled eyes. "Message?"
"The one you love... is waiting for you."
The rurouni's eyes widened. "For me?"
Fear seized hold of his heart for a second and he leaned forward. "Is she really..."
His voice died, unable to finish his thought, hope filling him as his first love shook her head.
"No... she is in the world of the living. So go to her. Your friends will take you where you need to go. You must wake up and join them... before it is too late."
Wake up, Kenshin murmured, the strength within him growing with every passing second as the light grew brighter and brighter around him.
Kaoru... His Kaoru was alive.
I need to wake up. Get up, Get up, Get up!
He rose to his feet, tilting his head back as a soothing warmth flooded his being then washed over him, light giving way to...
Kenshin's eyelids fluttered open, the familiar scent of fallen leaves and incense wafted through his open window and his lips pulled into a smile.
The dojo.
Home.
His home with Kaoru.
Kaoru...
She's waiting for you. Go to her, Tomoe's voice whispered in his mind, reminding him of who was most precious to him.
Tossing the covers off, the rurouni rose up from the futon, finding his clothing folded neatly beside him and he dressed quickly.
Tying his obi, he pivoted, determined eyes scoping the room before landing on his sheathed sakabato. He walked over and reached out, gripping the saya tightly before sliding it underneath the silken belt.
With purposeful strides Kenshin exited his room.
His ears picked the sound of raised voices coming from the direction of the kitchen and he marched down the engawa, the conversation now audible as he heard Sano exclaim,
"That damn cop! If he thinks he can just go off without Kenshin, he's got another thing coming!"
"Will you calm down," Megumi's exasperated voice followed. "Ranting about things you can't control isn't helping!"
"Helping?!" Sano snapped. "I'll show that rotten bastard what help..."
The fighter's voice trailed off, his eyes widening as he stared beyond Megumi frowned but turned to follow his gaze, gasping at the sight of Kenshin standing at the kitchen entryway.
"Kenshin!" Sano and Yahiko sounded at once.
"Ken-san!" Megumi added as she moved towards him.
"Himura!" Misao cried, jumping to her feet.
Aoshi remained silent though his eyes opened and he lifted his head, watching as the samurai's friends and adopted family gathered around him, joyful voices chattering at the samurai who gave a patient smile and listened.
"How are you feeling?" Megumi began first, studying the redhead with a clinical eye.
"Better than I have in a long time," Kenshin answered. "I had a visit from an old and dear friend who told me the truth."
"Friend?" Yahiko said as he studied the older male with confused eyes. "What friend? And what truth? Do you know that..."
"Kaoru is alive?" Kenshin finished for him, ignoring the soft gasps from the bulk of people in the room as he continued. "Hai, I know. Tomoe told me."
"Tomoe told you?" Misao murmured. "Like in a dream?"
"Something like that," Kenshin admitted as his gaze shifting over to Aoshi. "Shinimori-san, do you still have the diary, Kaoru-dono requested?"
"I do," Aoshi replied.
"Then we must make sure you bring it along for the trip to Shanghai."
"How did you know Enishi returned to the mainland?" Sano asked, studying his best friend with surprised eyes.
"Because that is his base of operations and his stronghold," Kenshin answered, the grip on his saya tightening as his features and tone grew serious. "We must pack and move quickly. I'm sure Saito-san is eager to leave and we must not be late to meet him."
The group watched the samurai exit the kitchen, their gazes shifting around to study one another before nearly grinning and heading out as well to make preparations for their journey.
Yokohama Port
Saito stood on the top deck of the Fujin Maru, his gaze focused on the setting sun and his wolfish features turned grim.
He hated waiting while his prey continued to evade capture.
Worse still, the Battosai had remained comatose and unresponsive and while the policeman understood the reason for the delay, the duty of his office was to pursue and bring Enishi Yukishiro back to Japan to face justice. With or without Himura.
His jaw clenched and he took one last drag from his cigarette before tossing it over the side.
If he's not here by the morning, then I'll have no choice but to go on ahead without him.
"Hey, Saito?! Check this out!"
The tall man sighed at the sound of Cho's voice but turned. "What is it?"
Cho grinned, making a motion with his head towards the side. "Looks like someone decided to wake up from their nap."
Saito started forward, marching past the blond, stopping at the top of the gangway to look down, finding the Battosai and the others holding bags as they stood on the dock below.
His lips drew up into a smirk as he studied his former enemy. "Hmph... so you finally decided to wake up, Battosai? Took you long enough."
"I am sorry for making you wait," Kenshin replied evenly, looking up at the form of the police officer. "But I am here now and ready to rescue, Kaoru-dono."
Saito gave a slight nod of his head. "And are your friends all coming along?"
Kenshin cast his gaze around his friends and family before nodding. "Hai, they are. Do we have permission to board?"
The lieutenant's smirk fell but answered, "Permission granted."
Kenshin let the others go first before grabbing the bag at his feet. Tossing it over his shoulder, the redhead climbed up the gangway, stopping once his zori landed upon the deck.
"The first mate will see you to your quarters," Saito addressed the group before turning to Kenshin. "Himura, a word."
The rurouni caught the questioning look of his friends but flashed them an assuring smile before moving to follow the policeman.
He stopped when Saito did, looking up at the taller man when he asked,
"Are you sure you're well enough to do this?"
"Hai," Kenshin said. "I am not completely healed but I am rested and ready to fight."
Saito studied him for a moment before flexing his jaw and looking beyond the deck. "Make sure you rest up some more while we travel. You'll need to be at a 100 percent to take on Enishi when the time comes."
"I will be ready to face him with all I have, this I promise," the redhead replied, watching as the officer nodded then headed off back towards his subordinate Cho.
His ears caught the shouts and commands of the captain to his crew, knowing they were preparing to leave port and begin the journey that would take them to Shanghai.
Kenshin drew inward, his thoughts lost on his beloved and her plight, his eagerness to reach her fueled even more by his concern over her safety and he looked up into the darkening sky. The first dots of starlight were growing visible and his heart sent out the words he could not say in person yet.
Be strong, Kaoru. Be strong and brave, my koishii. I will be with you soon, I promise.