Standard Disclaimers Apply. The rights to Rurouni Kenshin are exclusively owned by Watsuki Nobuhiro, Sony Entertainment, Shueisha, Jump Comics and other associated groups. Do not sue!!! I am writing this to satiate my urge to write.
Surfacing Hearts Chapter Seventeen: Conflicting EmotionsSano, Megumi, Yahiko and Tsubame left the technical room to look for Aoshi and Misao. When they had founded the couple at the backstage, Megumi explained their current situation. She told them that they should compare notes or in this case, memories. Aoshi and Misao agreed so they settled in one corner to talk.
After cleaning up, the theater was about to be closed, When Dr. Genzai saw their intense meeting, he didn't had the heart to disturb them so he just left the keys to Aoshi and told him to lock up after they are through. At first, Professor Fujita was reluctant in leaving them there, but he decided to let them be because he might gather some useful information about the past.
It took them the whole night, sorting out their memories. There were also the experiences in the Kamiya household and the Aoiya to consider, aside from their fights and adventures. Finally, at daybreak, they had finished everything from their bitter pasts until their last days in the Meiji.
"Okay, so let me get this straight… We were all reincarnated from the Meiji," Sano said, scratching his head as he continued to chew on his fishbone.
"Sano you idiot!" Megumi said hitting his head. "You just repeated what I said."
Yahiko snickered as he boasted, "Heh! I knew it… I was the one who sort-of inherited Kenshin's role."
"Oh really, huh? As far as I know, when Kenji grew older, he was able to beat you as easily as jou-chan did when you were still a kid, training Kamiya Kasshin Ryu," Sano teased.
"Shut up, rooster-head! What do you know!? You left us remember?" Yahiko snapped.
With that said, everybody became silent and bowed their heads.
Misao looked up, observing the emotions playing on each of her companions' faces. Finally, her eyes rested on Aoshi. She held his hand and said addressing everyone, "Yahiko, you can't blame Sano for leaving that time. I guess, we all did part our ways one way or the other. The times had compelled us to do it."
"We all did our atonement for the sins and mistakes we had done," Megumi said sadly.
While looking into space, Sano wrapped his arm around Megumi and said, "Che! You know what? Even if we did part, the time that I had you guys as my family were the best times of my life."
Misao, near to tears, said in an ironically cheerful manner, "Everyone! I'm glad we're all back together! Maybe this is our chance to enjoy the life we were deprived during our past life. Maybe, our atonement did pay off and this is our chance to be happy!"
"Misao," Aoshi said calmly, "We still can't celebrate yet…"
"Kenshin!" Sano suddenly spat out.
Tsubame faced Sano and nodded, "You're right… where is he and Kaoru?"
Yahiko gave Tsubame a cocky grinned and replied, "Probably celebrating a steamy reunion."
"It can't be!!" said Megumi, wide-eyed.
Sano held her hand possessively and frowned, "Don't tell me you're jealous, kitsune-chan."
"Baka…" Megumi snapped but was cut off by Aoshi.
"Kenshin left," Aoshi said matter-of-factly, "Unlike us, their memory is all jumbled up. If my instincts are correct, the scenes acted out on the play are the only episodes that he had remembered. Which means…"
"All he knows is that he died after leaving her to go to Kyoto. He never knew that he and Kaoru-chan lived a happy life together as husband or wife. Baka! Of all the things not to remember, it just had to be their good times!!!" Misao exasperatedly said.
After the words had settled in, Sano's eyes glinted dangerously as he punched the floor, "Teme!!! He better not leave jou-chan again!"
"Kaoru-chan…" Misao muttered as she darted out of the room, dragging Aoshi with her.
"Oi weasel, wait up!" Yahiko yelled as he held his hand out to help Tsubame stand.
Megumi nodded her agreement as she took Sano's hand and followed Misao's lead.
~~~~~
Kenshin sighed as he dropped his bag on the front lawn of his father's rest house in Kyoto. He went straight there after he had arrived from Tokyo. He didn't went to their old house because he didn't want to inform anyone he was there. He just wanted to be alone. To think. To forget.
Their family's rest house is located at a secluded place, hidden in the mountains. His father bought the land after his first big break on the business. The place used to serve as a vacation spot for the family. As Kenshin grew older, its purpose changed when Hiko decided that it was the perfect ground for Kenshin's Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu training.
When Kenshin went inside the small hut, the first thing he did was to check the supplies. After he opened the cabinets, he let out an audible sigh of relief, "Phew! I am glad we still have canned goods and stocked kome [uncooked rice]. This should last me for about a week, I hope that by that time, I would be ready to explain things to Tae."
Kenshin paused for a moment and then continued thoughtfully, "Hmm… maybe not… I can't really stay here in Kyoto, my old school won't accept me." Duh! he yelled at himself inwardly. I know… I'll just call Tae at the factory to remind her to continue placing the revenues on my bank account so I could move to Europe. That's right… I need to move somewhere so far that maybe… just maybe… this separation may become bearable. Everything in here reminds me of Kaoru. Damn! I think I am going out of my mind… it seems that everywhere I look, I see her face. He nodded to himself in agreement, "That's right… I need to move somewhere far… This the best for the two if us. Meanwhile, I need to clear my mind."
He brought his bags towards his room, dropping them lazily on the floor. He opened his closet and pulled out his training gi he used when his father taught or sparred with him. He donned his blue gi and hakama, picked up his sakabattou and headed straight to the waterfalls.
When he had arrived on his destination, he decided to sit down first and clear his mind before continuing with his training, Father, I miss you so much, especially now that I'm really all alone in the world. Funny isn't it? I spent more than ten years in my past life wandering around Japan alone, and now, I've been alone for two days and I feel like…
It's because your heart had been more empty now that you've lost Kaoru, argued his inner voice.
Huh? I know… but it's the right thing. I shouldn't allow us to expect things that aren't meant to be.
If it's the right thing to do then why are you so unhappy… why is she unhappy? How could something that you say is so right be so painful?
I don't know… I don't know!!! Kuso! I should be clearing up my mind not confusing it even more.
If you didn't leave her in the first place… none of you would be miserable and confused, his inner voice reprimanded.
Kenshin frowned at his thoughts so he decided to postpone his meditation until his inner voice would shut up. He picked up his sakabattou and started with the basics of the ryu.
~~~~~
Kaoru laid on the bed with her hair, strewn all-over the pillow. She had been staring at the vase for hours just allowing her tears to fall. She felt as if her whole body was against her. She feels so heavy that she can't even lift up her hand to wipe away her tears. She just let them trickle down Kenshin's pillow, hoping that somehow, it would reach Kenshin and that we would know of his pain.
As the vase blurred from her sight, she began reminiscing.
As Kenshin and her were taking a late night walk, they found an old abandoned shrine in the outskirts of Tokyo.
"Kaoru, are you sure we should go in?" Kenshin asked, raising his eyebrows.
"Oh come on, Kenshin. Where is your sense of adventure?" Kaoru asked with mischief on her eyes.
"It's just that…"
"Kenshin… Don't tell me… Oh no! Baby… are you scared?" Kaoru asked in a mocking voice.
Kenshin playfully narrowed his eyes, scooped up Kaoru from where she is standing and ran inside the shrine. He sat her on top of his lap in front of the shrine. Kenshin stared at Kaoru's eyes as the moonlight illuminated it with a sapphire glow.
Kaoru stared into the sky and gasped, "The moon is so beautiful."
"Not as much as you are," Kenshin replied in a husky voice as he lowered his head to place open mouth kisses on her neck.
Kaoru moaned in pleasure as Kenshin sucked a sensitive spot on the hollow of her neck. Kaoru turned to face him and captured his lips with her own for a passionate kiss.
Kaoru turned and straddled herself on Kenshin's waist as they continued with their tongue dance. Kenshin caresses her back gently, sending tiny bolts of electricity up and down her spine. Then, Kenshin trailed her kisses down to her jaw, her neck, her collarbone…
In between the kisses, Kenshin murmured, "I love you, Kaoru."
~~~~~
Misao and the others frantically slammed the door open to Kaoru's house. They immediately ran towards Kaoru's room, not bothering to check if Kenshin was still there. When they opened the Kaoru's room, they were surprised to see her in a deep trance staring into space.
"Kaoru?" Misao called out in a soft voice.
No response.
"Kaoru…" Misao stepped closer and sat on the bed. Touching her friend's cheek, she called out again, "Kaoru?"
Again, no response.
Megumi gave an audible sigh and said, "She can't hear you Misao-chan. She is so depressed that she can't hear any of us."
"But… we need to know what happened!!!" Yahiko demanded.
"I know, but Kaoru's not ready yet."
"Do you think she'll snap out of it anytime soon?" Sano asked worriedly.
"I don't know, Sano. I just don't know."
Author's Notes:
Thank you to all those who read my fic and special thanks to those who left a review! ^_^
Sorry if I changed the format. I had to or else it would have taken up too much space.
SakuraCherryBlossom- thank you for that. I am glad to hear that my characterizations are effective. I really worked hard on them and I am happy to know that you readers appreciate it! Manina- if a guy comes up to me and use that excuse I'll whack him to death! ^_~ Oro101- So how did your exams go? Are they finished? Michy- I hope this chap answers your question. Macy- really? Actually, I used to be my fave song. Gypsy-chan- thanks! Note to self: make sure Gypsy-chan is happy at the end of the fic. ^__^ if you have the time, let's discuss our fic, ok? Shin-chan- it did make me happy! Thanks!
Fey2Kim, Saiera- hehehe, things Kenshin make people do, ne? Omochi- I think is is commitment-phobic. ^_^ hehehe… Torai- Writing a Soujiro Misao fic is part of my plans but I won't write one any time soon. I am busy doing a new fic entitled 'Be Still My Heart'. Aki- Thanks for the review. Just read your fic, the mirror. Sorry if I haven't gotten the time to review so I am telling you right now. That fic was so majorly hot! I will review it as soon as hook on the internet! Thanks for the review. Keep em coming! Violet Goddess- I love doing Kaoru's POV. I guess I can relate with her more that's why I love her so much. Hehehe… thanks for the compliment. Dfourthhorseman, Battousai angel- I think it is okay for Kenshin to leave as long as he returns to her, ne? Knk4ever- Actually it is the other way around. The reviews made me so happy! Chibigreenwizardmon- Love your new jingle. I will have to use that when I write a parody. Hehehe. Cute one! KuroNeko-Sama- I was just wondering. Does Neko mean cat? ArtemisMoon- Yup, Sano will always be Sano. Tan Kimiko, Takato Taikashi, Bunny- Please don't beat him up… too bad. We need that cute bishie! Hatokirei- The remaining chaps will all be K/K. JML- ::sweatdrops:: gomen ne. what does hidoi mean? Hehehe… sorry. Shiari, E-chan Hidake, Midori-chan- Sorry for making Kenshin leave. I just think that they need to be separated to learn the value of their love one and well… I needed a catalyst so that they'd be able to sort-out their memories on their own. Lizzie, Claria, AngelsExist- of course! This is not an angst fic and I don't want my beloved readers to cry. Well, actually, I think I am the one who is going to cry first if they become truly separated. Kraci- Thank you for all encouragement. Yes, that was from the second ova. Actually I am not fond of using sessha. ::shrugs:: Demon Wolf- I'm sorry to say that Kenshin and Kaoru will be together again so you can't still him. Well, unless you gag him and tie him. Hehehe… I think it would be more convenitent. Rei2-Sorry about the link. I will do it next time. I love incorporating other elements besides waff. I think it gives the readers more insight on the characters. Hana-chan- You aren't answering my mails which means one thing. You are definitely enjoying your birthday gifts huh? Hehehe, which one is your fave? Or are you just busy with the college exams? Marstanuki- Sorry for that but I had my reasons. I hope your migraine is gone! I think it is caused by the changing weather. You know, rainy then, sunny. Onna- please email me at kokoro@kookoo.ph so we can talk about the link. ^_~ Love your site! Susan- yup you did torture Kenshin quite well in your latest fic but I am glad to know that they are together. ^_^ Marta- well, there isn't much Tsubame and Yahiko waff here because they hardly know each other because Tsubame lives in Kyoto, right?
Special thanks to Hana-chan for pre-reading!
To everyone:
Thank you very much for all your wonderful reviews. My jaw literally dropped when I read all your support. Thank you for that, I will always continue writing! Thank you also for those who took the time to read and review my other fics. You make me so happy!. Anyway, if you have the time, please also review my one-shot 'The Smile of a Goddess'.
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