A Rurouni Kenshin/ On a Pale Horse Crossover
By Ashley Auld
* Disclaimer* All rights to the Rurouni Kenshin Characters
are Watsuki-sama's, Jump Comics, etc. All right to the character
" Incarnations" Are property of Piers Anthony. There are references
made to his book " On a Pale Horse." But you do not need to have read the
book to understand what is happening. =) This is only a little fanfic by
a crazed Kenshin fan, I'm a poor college art student, and not even worth
suing! Enjoy!
Authors Note-
Well, I came up with this fic when I still believed
Kaoru was dead. But I liked the idea of it so much that I decided
to keep on writing it. (Even though it's been established that, yes… she
IS alive) Consider this a "what if this happened" fic. Kind
of like an alternative where Enishi does actually kill her.
I know, it sounds awful, but believe me; this ISN'T going to be depressing!
I'm determined to make it happy! And to appease all those Kenshin
and Kaoru fans out there…well… >=)
A little pre-fanfic know-how about "On a Pale Horse."
The incarnations mentioned in this fic are taken from
" On a Pale Horse." In Piers Anthony's book, he takes these aspects
of life and creates people for them-- much like we imagine there being
a "Father Time," and a "Mother Nature." Here, I will be making references
to human incarnations of " Death," "Fate," "Time," and "Nature." ( So far--
I don't know what other ones I shall bring in from his book yet.)
Oh-- Death also rides a horse, Mortus, which
can also conveniently be a car (limo), boat, etc. Whatever Death
might need as a mode of transportation in the moment.
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" Greetings, Anata…"
Kaoru stiffened. Did Tomoe really remember? Had she been tricking
her the entire time? No-- Tomoe wouldn't do that…Kaoru remembered the first
time she'd seen Kenshin, there had been a small voice that had taken her
over that knew the right thing to say. She didn't know what it was--
but Tomoe may be experiencing the same thing.
Kenshin's mouth was suddenly dry. After so long, he was face
to face with her-- he never thought he would ever see her again.
She was dead, after all. He ran over in his mind the thousands of
things he had wanted to tell her, all the things that had been plaguing
his conscience. So many times when he had been wandering alone, he
thought of all the things that he'd never told her and wished that he had.
And now, she was in front of him, and he couldn't bring himself to say
a single thing. He hung his head, unable to meet her face to face.
Guilt washed over him and an incredible feeling of shame.
Tomoe appeared to not have noticed Kenshin's reactions.
She turned and inclined her head towards Enishi.
" Greetings, My brother…"
" Nee-san… you…" he slowly rose up to his knees. " Nee-san it's
REALLY you!!!??"
Tomoe nodded her head. " Enishi, I'm sorry to have left you so
early in your life. You must have been lonely."
" No-- Nee-san what do you mean? You've always been with me!"
Tomoe closed her eyes and shook her head. Enishi's heart
skipped a beat. She looked so sad.
" Nee-san, don't be sad! DON'T BE SAD!"
" Enishi, I haven't been with you all these years."
" B-But--"
" I've been in Heaven." Her sad eyes cut straight into his heart.
" But-- you're smile… you… you've always been there for me!"
Tomoe just shook her head again and sighed. A panic seized Enishi,
and he frantically thought of something that would make her happy.
" Nee-san… I've devoted my life to avenging you!"
" Enishi…"
A sudden idea surfaced and he rose to his feet excited. " Listen!
Listen Nee-san, you'll be so proud of my Jinchuu!! I destroyed the man
whom you despise! "
Tomoe looked at him in horror, then back at Kenshin. Kenshin
didn't move. She turned back to Enishi; her voice shook slightly,
betraying her feeling of disbelief.
" Enishi… you…"
Enishi took a step towards her, his eyes lighted up with insanity.
" But he recovered. Help me complete it! I'll destroy Battousai's
life! Like he destroyed yours!"
Kaoru watched Tomoe carefully. She was doing a good job
at keeping her composure. But she could see her soul was shaking
slightly. Tomoe looked down at the ground, folded her hands together
and shook her head.
" I won't help you."
" Nee-san…"
" Enishi, Kenshin did not intentionally kill me."
Kenshin's head shot up. Enishi's eyes widened considerably.
" I was the one who threw myself in front of him. He had
meant to kill the man who had kidnapped me."
" But--"
" No-- I brought it all on myself." She turned to Kenshin.
" And-- without realizing it, I'd created so much trouble for you… I'm
sorry."
Kenshin shook his head; still no words would come. Kaoru wondered
what he could be thinking.
" Then… my Jinchuu is--" Enishi looked at his sword, still clutched
in his hands, " No-- I WON'T believe it! I SAW HIM! HE MURDERED YOU! I
WON'T FORGIVE HIM!" He swung around Tomoe and lunged towards Kenshin.
Kenshin didn't move.
" KENSHIN!" Kaoru screamed.
Enishi raised his sword and swung down as hard as he could. He
smiled as he felt it meet flesh. Yes-- and that sweet coppery scent
of blood… but wait--
His eyes opened wide, retracting to mere pinpoints. He smelled…
That scent…
The scent of white plums filled his nostrils. It was the calming
scent of his sister. He watched helplessly as she collapsed before
him by the blow of his sword.
" TOMOE-SAN!" Kaoru's knees gave way and she sunk to the ground.
Kenshin looked up horrified. He'd been expecting the deathblow, but
the spirit of Tomoe had stopped it! How had she done that?
Enishi froze, his breath caught in his throat as he let the sword drop
to the ground.
" N-Nee…san…" he choked out. A terrible wail of agony soon followed
as he sank to his knees. " What have I done!? Nee-san! NEE-SAN!!!"
"…" She opened her eyes, and looked up at him as he gathered her into
his arms.
" Nee-san… forgive me!" He cried out in anguish, he rocked back and
forth, holding her to him tightly.
" It's not me who you should be begging forgiveness." Tomoe said
softly. " Do you see, Enishi-- what hate does to you? What
it has turned you into?"
" Nee…-san…" He cried. " No-- it wasn't supposed to happen this
way! I was supposed to kill the Battousai!"
" Yes-- and do you see… how mistakes can happen…" She looked up at
him, her soft gaze calmed his heart. " I didn't want Kenshin to be killed…
so I jumped in front of him-- to protect him… as I did just now.
Don't you see? You never mean for these things to happen-- Enishi…" Enishi
slowly raised his head and set his gaze on Kenshin.
Kenshin watched the scene as if he was relieving his own past.
Two tears rolled down his cheeks involuntarily.
" Nee-san… " He whispered, closing his eyes tightly, blinking away
his tears. "What should I do? Help me!"
Tomoe smiled for him. That smile was so small, but it warmed
his heart. She shook her head. " Be brave Enishi-- life will
be difficult from now on. But do the right thing, and I'll be smiling
for you."
" I will nee-san! I will!!" His voice shook with determination.
He held her tightly.
" Do you understand what I am saying?"
Enishi nodded. " Please-- forgive me!"
Tomoe closed her eyes and shook her head. " No no-- don't apologize
to me." She looked over towards Kenshin earnestly.
Kenshin still couldn't manage to speak; he met eyes with Enishi.
Both were filled with anguish, and pain, and self reproach. Without
words, they acknowledged each other, and were somehow linked. From
fighting over and over again-- and in that moment, a strange kind of understanding
took them. As soon as that passed, They tore their gazes away from each
other. Enishi continued rocking her back and forth softly.
" Nee-san… what about you?!" Enishi whispered.
" Me? You don't have to worry about me. I'm fine. I'm already
dead-- remember?"
And she faded from his arms. Enishi looked around frantically.
" NEE-SAN! COME BACK!"
Her voice floated down to him from above. " I'll be watching
you from heaven, Enishi. Do the right thing from now on-- and I'll
be smiling for you."
" Nee-san…"
" I'll always be with you-- even if you can't see me."
Enishi rose to his feet, he called up to the clouds. " Farewell,
nee-san!!"
"T-Tomoe!!" Kenshin finally managed to blurt out. He rose
to his feet. Kaoru watched him wide-eyed. Enishi said nothing, he
only looked away.
"… Anata…" The voice responded.
Kenshin swallowed hard, he had to say it-- or he would never forgive
himself. " F-Forgive me?! Tomoe?"
"…" There was a long pause. And then her voice had a ring of
cheerfulness in it. " Leave the past in the past… You are Himura
Kenshin, the Rurouni… and you have a whole new life before you."
" Tomoe…"
" Please-- be happy with Kaoru-san from now on."
Kenshin bowed his head, a smile swept across his face. " Hai de gozaru
ka."
Even though Tomoe was invisible to the two men. Kaoru could
see her plainly. She had no blood on her. It was evident that
she had put on a show for Enishi, to teach him a lesson. She was
brighter than she looked.
Tomoe nodded to Kaoru. "I can't linger here any more. Heaven
will get suspicious."
" Thank you, Tomoe-san."
Kaoru stood up shakily. She took a deep breath and raised
her hands once more in prayer. She felt the world spinning about
her as she concentrated to send Tomoe back to Heaven. It was going
to take the last of her strength to do so.
Kenshin and Enishi saw Tomoe again, just for a moment as she disappeared into Heaven, and she was smiling.
There was a long silence in the dojo yard. Sano, Aoshi,
Misao, and Megumi all exchanged looks, each silently asking the other if
they'd seen the same thing. Sano of course had NO idea what had just
happened. He hadn't been able to see Tomoe either. But he'd heard her plainly.
Kenshin sighed in relief and looked over to where Kaoru had been standing.
But instead he saw her lying on the ground. She was not moving. "
Kaoru!"
Enishi watched silently as Kenshin raced over to her and took her in
his arms. The tall, silver haired swordsman turned his back on them,
and began to walk towards the Dojo entrance.
" MATTE!" Sano yelled after him, in a flash he was behind him
and grabbed Enishi by the shoulder, yanking him around. Enishi looked at
him straight in the eyes. Sano froze. They were-- normal eyes…
Enishi turned his face away from Sano.
" You don't need to worry."
Sano blinked at the sane tone of voice he used.
" I will not harm your doctor… or anyone else related to Battousai."
Sano let go of his shoulder and he continued walking. " You will not see
me again."
****
" Kaoru? Kaoru?"
Kaoru awoke to the sound of her name being called. She
blinked a few times and then turned her head slowly to see the worried
faces of Kenshin, Sano, Megumi, Yahiko, and Misao. Aoshi stood leaning
against the open doorframe with his arms crossed.
" Kaoru-dono?" Kenshin's voice was filled with concern. She realized
he was holding her hand. She smiled at him reassuringly.
" I'm ok Kenshin… thank you."
She could feel the tenseness in his grip relax slightly.
But he still held her hand.
Megumi stepped forward. " What happened to you? I-- I can't diagnose
any problem because I can't examine you."
" I--ohh..." Kaoru bit her lip. Her eyes shifted to Kenshin.
She was paying the price for breaking the rules… she needed to tell him--
but she wanted to tell him first alone, before she told anyone else. "
It just took a lot out of me to send Tomoe-san back to Heaven. I
guess I exerted myself a little too much. I just need to rest."
That wasn't a lie-- it just wasn't the whole truth. But
Megumi seemed to be fine with that.
" Well-- do you feel feverish at all? Ken-san… touch her forehead."
" Oro--" Kenshin put his hand to her forehead. " I--" He
withdrew his hand, seeming confused.
" Well?"
" Ohh-- I don't know-- I don't feel a temperature. It's the same
as the air."
" Baka--" Kaoru managed a weak laugh. " I don't have a body…
I can't be running a temperature-- I don't even have a pulse."
This didn't seem to encourage them. She sighed and closed
her eyes.
" I'll be fine-- just let me rest."
The group slowly rose and began to file out of the door.
" Himura-san." Misao hung back, Kenshin was reluctant to leave
Kaoru's side. She walked over and put a hand on his shoulder. " Let
Kaoru-san sleep. "
" Oh-- just a little longer…" He gingerly wiped a few stray strands
of hair out of her eyes. Misao leaned over and whispered in his ear.
" Kaoru-san would not want you to worry over her. You need to
be treated by Megumi-san too!"
Kenshin sighed, he actually felt just fine. Only a few bruises
and scratches… Enishi was the worse off from their fight. But he
gave into Misao and reluctantly let go of Kaoru's hand; she was already
fast asleep. Misao nodded with approval and followed him out.
" Do you think she'll be ok?" He asked nervously.
" She'll be fine. " She reassured him.
****
Kaoru awoke a second time to an uncomfortable feeling.
She sat up in bed and looked around her into the darkness. Her drowsiness
from sleep vanished with a rush of adrenaline.
" Is-- someone there?"
She felt a strange presence. Something was watching her.
Kaoru was ready to scream, but then Death suddenly materialized in front
of her.
" Thanatos!" Kaoru's tension eased instantly as the dark figure
nodded to her in greeting.
" Kamiya-san… I---" He shook his head and put one bony hand to
his forehead, as if deep in thought.
" H-Hai?"
" Kamiya-san…" he tried again. " Do you KNOW what you did
yesterday?"
" Yesterday?"
" You let an unauthorized spirit visit the earthly realm-- and
what's more… you let her interact in the affairs of humans… The Archangel
is furious!"
Kaoru inhaled sharply. " They know?"
" Yes they know!" Thanatos threw his hands up into the air and
paced around the room. " And when they come to interrogate you--
they'll know even more…"
" What do you mean."
" I mean THAT!" He pointed to her Grey wings. Feathers littered
the ground and the futon she slept on. " Do you know what that means?"
" That I'm sick?"
" Well, you could say that yes-- it means that you've broken
the rules, that your soul is laden down with sin… that you're wings are
becoming inoperable because you're being pulled down towards Hell-- THAT'S
what it means!"
Kaoru looked at him in shock. "…"
" I'm sorry-- sorry… " Death sighed loudly. " I didn't
mean to get carried away. You're not going to Hell… Not-- yet… at least…"
"… To… Hell?" Kaoru choked the words out. " But-- Kenshin…"
" That's EXACTLY what I mean! Kenshin! Oh God save you…
he's the only one who can! But I doubt he will-- after all the rules
you've broken and twisted."
Kaoru shook her head. " WHY! Why all the STUPID rules?!
I love him! Why can't we just be happy together!?"
" Because you're a Guardian Angel!"
" That means NOTHING to me!" Kaoru yelled at him frantically.
" Rules like that are stupid-- nothing good comes of them! If two people
want to be together, then they should be allowed to! It's as simple as
that! Even a place like HEAVEN, and a person like GOD should understand
that!"
" Well SAY it to the jury when you meet them!"
"N-Nani?"
Death hung his head. " You're to be taken to trial tomorrow--
I don't know when they'll come for you. I suppose tonight is the
time to say goodbye."
Kaoru blinked, it took a moment to register in her mind. " They're--
taking me away? Why?"
" There is a punishment for what you've done--- maybe if you
beg for mercy you'll get off with being stuck doing community service in
Purgatory-- whatever you do, you DON'T want them to send you to Hell… because
that very well could happen."
" Me? Leave here? But-- No! I'm Kenshin's Guardian Angel!" She
banged on the floor with her fists. " THEY CAN'T DO THAT!"
" …" Death sadly nodded his head. " They can-- and… they will.
I just came tonight to tell you. There's really nothing you can do
but wait for them to come. You certainly can't hide from them."
" But-- can't you talk to them!?" Kaoru pleaded. " Straighten
things out?! PLEASE!?"
"… If it was in my power-- I certainly would. But, I will
try to do everything I can to help you. I am partly responsible for
this too…"
" Thanatos."
He kneeled down next to her and wiped a stray tear from her cheek
with a skeletal finger.
" Remember how I said I'd look after you?"
Kaoru nodded deftly.
" Good. I'm sorry it's come to this. Be brave.
And make the remaining time you have on earth, your best."
Kaoru shook her head. " No…" she whispered, still denying that
this was happening. She closed her eyes and envisioned Kenshin's
smiling face. All the vows to him that they would be together forever--
would be broken. " NO! THANATOS NO!" She opened her eyes but he was no
longer there. Slowly she rose from her bed.
" Thanatos?"
No answer…
"Forget him…" she thought. She turned towards the door
and slid it open silently. " Kenshin…" She whispered.
There was still hardly any moonlight that night. Only a
sliver was shown high in the air. She could see it was about midnight.
She began to walk along the hallways towards Kenshin's room, wondering
if he was asleep. She had to see him-- she wanted to be held in his
arms and comforted more than anything at the moment. She wanted to
pour out everything to him. Everything that she'd been keeping hidden
for so long. Rule number 3, the truth, her condition… everything.
****
She approached his room. The light of the lamp was on, which
was a good sign. She swallowed hard, gathering up her courage.
" Kenshin?" She called softly through the thin paper door.
" Kaoru?"
Within moments the door slid open and Kenshin stood in the doorway.
" Kenshin-- I…" She swallowed hard. " Just-- wanted to see you…"
Kenshin abruptly gathered her up into his arms.
" K-Kenshin!" Kaoru said surprised.
" Gomen, I just--" He hugged her tighter. " I couldn't
sleep… you made me worry so much!" He held her away from him to look into
her eyes concerned. " How do you feel now?"
" I-- That's what I needed to talk to you about..." She smiled
at him nervously, trying to keep her voice from trembling and thus betraying
the tears that wanted to resurface. She really wanted to be strong
for him this time. But the idea of leaving was so unbearable. She
couldn't control herself any longer; she buried her face in her hands and
wept.
" Oro? Kaoru?!" Kenshin helped her inside and shut the door behind
them. He led her over to the tatami mat near the lantern and sat her down.
He sat close so she could lean against him.
" I'm sorry-- sorry." She wiped the tears away and sighed heavily.
" They come when they want to. Heh--" She tried to laugh, but it just ended
up sounding like another choked sob.
" Kaoru…" Kenshin put his arm around her shoulders. " Tell
me what's bothering you."
" I-- I've been lying to you." She confessed. " And I'm
not ok… my wings changing color are not something to be taken lightly."
" What do you mean?"
" I--" she spoke through her tears. " I broke a rule, a
very important rule for a Guardian Angel."
Kenshin got a sudden, sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach…
he could already guess what that rule might be.
" You-- fell in love with me?"
Kaoru looked up at him shocked. " You knew?!"
" No--" he sighed heavily. " But-- I could guess.
Is that why you avoided me for so long?"
" Avoided your affections? Yes-- I'm not allowed to fall in love
with any mortal, especially my client. But it wasn't so hard
to avoid you when I didn't remember you--"
" --Kaoru…"
" No--listen to me." She gave him a stubborn look; she was determined
to tell him everything. Kenshin reluctantly nodded and she continued.
" Little by little, I gathered my memories back. By reliving past
memories I shared with Yahiko and Misao-chan, and that time you said goodbye
to me-- It was enough to make me remember my feelings for you. They
came so strong that I couldn't ignore them any longer. I couldn't deny
the fact that I was in love with you. Especially when I thought you and
that foreign girl were together… And then my heath deteriorated."
Kenshin was silent, but she could feel his grip on her tighten.
Kaoru took a deep breath, and went on…
" I thought it was just a weird sickness that would pass at first.
But it became really bad. I couldn't fly-- I couldn't do as much
magic…My feathers fell out and changed colors. I've been feeling weak and
dizzy…Oh Kenshin!" She buried her face in his Gi. " I love you so
much and yet to do so is costing me my life!!!"
Kenshin sat completely stunned as she sobbed into his chest.
He rested his hands on her shoulders, wondering how it would be best to
comfort her. Her light frame shook so violently. He realized
that since her death-- she'd become so fragile, like porcelain. Kaoru
the Angel didn't practice Budo… Not yet at least. What reason
did she have to practice? Slowly, he slid his hands around her back
until he held her in a tight embrace.
" Kaoru, I-- I had no idea… if I'd known then I wouldn't have--"
" -- I know…" she cut him off. " Then you wouldn't have
pursued me? I knew that perfectly well. But by that time I was so
in love with you and I wanted to be with you! I didn't care about the consequences.
I thought that if I could be with you-- then I could get through anything.
I really thought that it would be ok. So I never told you about rule number
3…"
" …"
Her arms wrapped around him, she hugged him tightly, wanting
to be closer to him-- but his embrace wasn't enough… she wanted to feel
more. " At first I didn't tell you because I didn't want to smash
your hopes that someday we would… be together…" Her words came out breathlessly
as he responded to her soundless need, she felt his hands running down
her bare back and over her shoulders in soft caresses. The touch
was tantalizing, and aroused such an amazing feeling in her. He was
all she'd ever wanted.
" And?" He smiled, continuing the gentle massage; he could feel her
body quivering with delight at his touch.
"And then--" she whispered. " I didn't want you to know the truth,
because I… wanted you to love me so badly…Kenshin…" She couldn't continue.
" What can we do?" He asked her, His fingers ran through her silky
ponytail, playing with her hair.
" What can we-- Huh?" Kaoru looked up at him slightly shocked.
" No-- I mean… what can we do to avoid you getting sick?"
Kaoru shook her head. "I… don't think anything can be done.
Kenshin--- I…I just… don't want to loose you!"
Kenshin started to rock her gently. " Shhh… you won't loose
me. I'll always be here." He tilted her head upward to meet her gaze.
Deep pools of blue stared back at him, filled with so much love, want,
and fear. He had to do something to ease that fear. "I'm going to
protect you, remember?"
" But--"
He didn't let her finish. His mouth met hers, cutting off
her retort. Kaoru didn't fight it. His kiss made her heart
flutter and all her problems seemed to momentarily disappear. She
opened her lips slightly to allow Kenshin's tongue entry.
" I want to be like this…" Kaoru thought, he left her mouth and
ran soft, wet kisses down her neck and shoulders. " I want to be
with him forever-- But, after all I've done, do I really deserve his love?"
" Kaoru?" He sensed her self-reproach, looking up from his gentle
exploration. He traced the contours of her face with his fingertips.
" I love you… aishiteru, Kenshin." A fresh flow of tears beckoned,
and slid down her cheeks. Now he frowned concerned, as he wiped them
away with his callused thumbs.
" Why are you crying now?"
" Because-- I lied to you…and…" but she was stopped by him a
second time with a long, lingering kiss. Again, Kaoru didn't fight it;
his kisses affected her with such an exciting shiver that sent her whole
body alive with sensation. When he broke away again, he shook his head.
" Aishiteru." He responded, though his voice was shaking.
" I don't care if you lied. I guess I'm partly glad you hid the truth
from me too…"
Kaoru laughed through her tears at that, Kenshin pushed her bangs
back from her eyes, setting one lock of hair behind her ears.
" If you hadn't, then we would probably not be how we are right
now…" He took her left hand in both of his and held it to his lips.
He kissed the knuckles gingerly, and then worked his way down with feathery
kisses to her fingertips. " We'll figure a way through this. As long
as you still love me-- we can work things out." His fingers traced over
the ring he'd given her. " I believe we can get through this." Kaoru blushed
deeply. Her tears stopped.
" Kenshin--" She tore her hand away and threw her arms around
him tightly. Kenshin smoothly swept her up and into his lap. Kaoru
buried her face in his shoulder, she could smell his hair, the rustic,
outdoors scent of his Gi… it was Kenshin's smell, and it ignited her senses
with an exciting, passionate fire. If she would have to leave tomorrow…
this was her last chance to be with him. She didn't care if she was
sent to Hell for what she wanted to do.
"Kenshin--" she repeated his name softly, lifting her head from
his Gi, she pushed his bangs back out of his eyes and smiled up at him.
" Aa?" He looked down into her face. She was so beautiful;
even with the tearstains still on her pink cheeks; they only made his desire
intensify. She needed him more than anything… he was the only one
to ease her pain. She looked up at him with so much trust, love, and longing…
and he realized how much he wanted her in that moment… all of her.
Her whispered voice was so quiet, and so low that it was barely
audible. She swallowed hard. Her hands gripped the cloth of his Gi
tighter as the words left her mouth.
"Kenshin … make love to me."
Kenshin had always been an early riser and this morning was no
exception. He awoke to the rays of the new suns light streaming in
through the open windows. Kaoru was cradled in his arms, still fast
asleep. He closed his eyes again, running over in his mind what had happened
that night.
" It was real…" he thought, " Kaoru and I…" He smiled and looked
over to her sleeping form, lighting kissing her forehead. It was true that
they'd made love. And she'd been so open and trusting too.
Now, he was closer to her than he'd ever been before. "But…"
he also remembered what else she had told him that night. That she
was ill… because she was in love with him. What they'd just done--
was that a mistake? At the time he'd been so smitten that he didn't really
think about it. She was there, crying in front of him, wanting to
be held and loved-- and he hadn't been able to control himself. The
moment had been so perfect, and he'd wanted a smile on that beautiful face.
But, had it really been such a good idea?
" Baka me---" Kenshin told himself. " You always worry
too much. That's what Kaoru says… It's probably true.
I'm sure we'll figure something out- she's my guardian angel, after all."
Kenshin gingerly swept some hair out of her face, setting it
behind her ear. He thought that the motion would have woken her, but she
gave no response to his caress. She continued sleeping soundlessly.
" She's probably just exhausted from last night-- and from all
the things that have been happening." He thought. " I should probably
get started with breakfast, everyone will be awake soon."
He didn't really want to leave her alone in his bed. But
he crept out from under the covers as carefully as he could so as not to
disturb her sleep. He dressed, and left the room. Kaoru didn't
move a muscle.
***
" Yo Kenshin." Yahiko greeted him with a sleepy yawn and stretched.
Kenshin was at the stove, making rice for that morning's breakfast.
" Ohayou Yahiko." Kenshin responded, looking back with a large
smile.
Yahiko looked at him puzzled. " Why are you in such a good
mood this morning? I thought you were sick with worry over Kaoru."
" Oh, it's nothing." Kenshin hummed to himself, it was true.
That morning he just couldn't stop smiling. He was eager for Kaoru
to wake up and join them. But a little disappointed of the fact that
she had no body--therefore couldn't eat… and therefore, he couldn't make
her breakfast in bed. He was preparing some fruit, chopping it into
expert slices and setting them neatly on the platter.
" What aren't you telling me?" Yahiko folded his arms annoyed.
" Kenshin!"
" Yahiko, why don't you go get some water?" Kenshin changed the
subject.
Grumbling Yahiko turned and stormed out of the room. Just
a few moments later, Misao charged in, looking around frantically for something.
" Himura! Himura! Kaoru-san's missing!!!"
Kenshin whirled around shocked. " NANI?! What? But--"
" --She's not in her room!! I woke up and she wasn't there!"
She waved her hands around, wildly gesticulating. Kenshin instantly relaxed.
" No no… Misao-dono…" Kenshin laughed. Misao stopped her
insane runoff and looked at him awkwardly.
" Why are you laughing Himura-san, this is serious!"
" No-- I mean… Kaoru-dono is in MY room. It's ok.
She's asleep."
Misao blinked. " In… YOUR room?"
Kenshin nodded and went back to preparing breakfast. It
took Misao a moment to piece two and two together.
" So-- wait… she's in your room… sleeping, in YOUR bed… Himura-san…
did you--"
"-- So, where did Enishi go?" Kenshin hastily changed the subject,
again. " Did the police find him?"
Misao crossed her arms. " Oh! Well, even though Enishi didn't
kill you, he's still wanted for killing Kaoru-san, destroying various private
properties, and trafficking illegal weapons to Japan. We have no
idea where he's gone but---hey WAIT!" She pointed an accusing finger at
him. " NO FAIR CHANGING THE SUBJECT!"
And instantly she was between him and breakfast, she stuck her
face up close to his nose, her eyes huge and watery.
" So-- did you? Ya know-- DID you?!"
Kenshin blinked back, " Umm- Misao-dono… I don't think that I
should--"
" YOU DID, DIDN'T YOU!?" Misao laughed, she slugged him playfully
on the arm. "Wow-- Kaoru-san sure is lucky! Now-- If ONLY Aoshi-sama would
be so bold!!" Her eyes were all starry as she clasped her hands together,
blushing furiously. " Ohhh-- But I really shouldn't THINK about that
sort of thing… ya know? Oh hoho-- It's SOOOO shameful… but-- then
again…SO ROMANTIC!"
Kenshin regarded her with a large sweatdrop. He easily moved
the girl aside to continue his preparations.
" What's so romantic?" Asked Yahiko as he walked in with the
bucket of water.
" Kenshin and Kaoru just Mrrrfffffffff!!!!!" Kenshin's hand hastily
swept over Misao's mouth before she could give too much away. She
waved her arms at Yahiko, trying to get the words through. Yahiko,
unbeknownst to Kenshin, did know something about adult life. And
the red faced Rurouni gave it all away. He snickered.
" Sooo--- finally got busu in the sack didn't ya?" Yahiko snickered.
Kenshin let go of Misao; she gasped for breath and turned around in a rage.
" HIMURA! DON'T DO THAT AGAIN YOU--" Then she stopped in mid
sentence and looked back at Yahiko.
" Y-Yahiko… you…say that again…"
Yahiko blinked. " Umm-- what?"
" That part when you called her busu…. Say busu again."
Yahiko tilted his head confused. " Ok…busu."
Misao waited silently, and Yahiko instantly understood.
There was no rain cloud. He said it again louder. "Busu!"
Nothing happened.
Kenshin narrowed his eyes. " Yahiko-- say something more
offensive…"
Yahiko grinned, " This is my specialty!" He yelled up towards
the ceiling. "Kaoru is a pigheaded, boar-faced, ugly OLD HAG!!"
Still, nothing…
Misao exchanged looks with all of them.
Kenshin remembered what Kaoru had told him the night before.
" I couldn't fly-- I couldn't do as much magic…My feathers fell out and changed colors. I've been feeling weak and dizzy…Oh Kenshin! I love you so much and yet to do so is costing me my life"
And…she hadn't moved a single muscle that morning when
he'd awoken. Kenshin instantly dropped his knife and dashed towards
the door.
" Something is wrong…" he muttered.
" Maybe she just lifted the curse?" Misao called after him.
" Naw-- Kaoru wouldn't do that." Yahiko said concerned, they
both followed after him.
Kenshin was across the yard and at his door in the blink of an
eye.
" DON'T COME IN!" He yelled at Yahiko and Misao who had just
left the door to the kitchen. They saw him open the door to his own room
and disappear inside, shutting the door behind him. The two exchanged
glances and then dashed towards Kenshin's room.
Kenshin was at Kaoru's side in an instant.
" Kaoru-dono!" He called.
No answer.
He shook her. " KAORU!"
Still… no answer.
" HIMURA!" Misao threw open the door with a bang.
" GET OUT!" Kenshin screamed. Misao froze in instant shock.
She'd never seen him so angry, especially when his anger was…for the first
time, focused at her. Yahiko quickly grabbed her by the shoulder
and yanked her out, closing the door behind her hastily.
Kenshin returned to Kaoru. He gingerly lifted her slim,
fragile body up and cradled it to him.
" Kaoru-- wake up!" He whispered. He rocked her back and
forth, pleading, demanding, and entreating... But she was like a
rag doll… limp and completely unresponsive. He shook his head; tears
welled up in the corners of his eyes. She'd shown signs that morning
that something was wrong-- but-- he should have known! What had he
done?! "KAORU! WAKE UP!!!"
Then he saw it-- her wings. He stared for a full minute,
horrified. They were a dark, coal black. Not just the feathers--
but the wings themselves hung lifeless at her back.
****
Misao hung back from the door when they heard a wail like no wail
they'd ever heard before. It was a wail signaling complete agony
and despair. She saw Yahiko had gone a very pale white. An uncomfortable
lump rose in her throat as she grabbed at his shoulders.
" Yahiko! What's happening?! WHAT'S WRONG WITH KAORU-SAN!?"
Yahiko didn't respond. Desperate for answers, Misao slapped
him.
" WAKE UP! TELL ME WHAT'S WRONG!"
" I DON'T KNOW WHAT'S WRONG!" He bellowed back at her.
Misao took a small step back in shock at his harsh tone, but didn't realize
there was no porch where she stepped, with a cry she felt herself falling.
But before she hit the ground she was gathered up into someone's arms.
" Aoshi-sama?!" She looked up at him quickly. Apparently
he'd heard Kenshin and come to see what the matter was. Aoshi narrowed
his eyes, still holding onto Misao protectively. Misao looked back towards
the closed door, tears in her eyes. " Himura-san told us to stay
out… but… what's wrong with Kaoru-san? Has she lost her powers?"
"…" Aoshi was silent, a few moments later Kenshin burst out of
the door holding a wrapped bundle protectively in his arms. Kaoru's eyes
were closed, and he supported her head on his shoulder. Yahiko looked
away from her ghostly pale face, he was horrified at how limply she hung
in Kenshin's arms…
" Kaoru-san." Misao whimpered. " What's wrong with her?"
Kenshin turned to Yahiko.
" Yahiko-- I'm taking Kaoru to see Megumi-dono. Please
take care of things until I get back."
" Ahh-- oh, Kenshin wait!!"
But Kenshin was already out of the yard. Yahiko dashed
over to the door, hoping to catch him. But the Rurouni was already
out of site. For once, Yahiko cursed Kenshin's god-like speed.
" What's wrong Yahiko?" Misao asked as he trudged back over to
her.
" Megumi and Sanosuke have already left on their honeymoon.
They left last night after hearing that Kaoru was going to be ok-- They
should be in Yokohama by now."
" Should we go after Himura-san?"
" It may be best…" Aoshi remarked.
Yahiko bit his lip. " Something's happened to Kaoru-- what
could it be?"
"… Kamiya-san is ill." Aoshi said slowly.
" What do you mean?" Misao asked him. She was still being
held in his arms. He let her down and then turned towards the open
dojo gate.
" You haven't noticed?" Aoshi asked.
" Huh?"
" That she no longer flies?"
Misao looked to the ground. " Well-- not really…"
" That she would go and cry where no one could see her, all alone?"
Yahiko shook his head. " Kaoru-- cry? Why?"
" Her soul is dying… it's becoming burdened… I don't know the
reason why-- it could be in connection to her relationship with Battousai.
Considering that the two were together last night may also be a deciding
factor for her current condition."
" Aoshi-sama… Why didn't you say anything earlier?!" Misao was
appalled.
" Kamiya-san seemed to be doing her best to keep her illness
a secret…" Aoshi muttered. " I didn't know why she wanted things
that way, but I saw no reason in complicating it by getting involved."
" Come on." Yahiko ran out of the dojo, heading down the street
towards the clinic.
" MATTE!" Misao called. " I'M COMING WITH YOU!"
"…" Aoshi turned back towards the dojo, deep in thought. " The first time she died, he almost died with her. But-- if she is to die a second time… will Battousai ever recover?"
CHAPTER 22- To Save the One I Love
" FATE! I'M COMING IN!" Thanatos slammed open the door of Fate's
hut in purgatory. Fate's home was something that looked very much
like what a spider would make. The walls, furniture, everything…
it was all made of very tightly woven threads. Colorful tapestries
lined the walls and rugs covered the floor. Fate was comprised of
three different, feminine aspects inhabiting one body. And she always
kept the place looking immaculate.
" Thanatos! To what do we owe this pleasure?" The middle aspect
walked into the room. " The girls and I were just about to sit down
to dinner, care to join? There's enough food for four."
" Sorry ladies…" Death said through clenched teeth. " But---
there is more pressing business at hand that I need an explanation too."
The middle aged lady looked at him startled for a moment and
then nodded her head in understanding.
" Oh-- of course, I'm sure we can put off dinner for a moment
or two." She gestured to the couch. " Please, have a seat."
Thanatos sat, and Fate sat in front of him. Promptly, Thanatos
put his skull between his hands and shook his head, as if trying to rid
himself from an awful headache. Fate saw that something serious was
indeed going on. She changed to her older, grandmotherly aspect.
" Thanatos-- please, tell us what's wrong." Atropos said.
Thanatos looked up at her.
" This question is for Lachesis…"
Promptly, the middle aspect appeared before him once again.
" Ok--" Thanatos began. "When you came to visit several months
ago. I asked you if there was anything to be done to save Himura
Kenshin from his supposed death. You said that there was one thing
that would."
" Yes--if Kaoru Kamiya returned to him."
" But-- You told me that if she returned to him, they would be
happy together! Live a happy, normal life with kids, a dog, and a dojo….
That's what you said!"
" Yes--'
" Well, WHAT HAPPENED!??" He bellowed at her.
Fate hastily rose her hands up and threads appeared on her fingers
in that familiar cat's cradle. She looked into them and instantly
recognized his distress. There was a very large, very ugly looking
tangle in the thread of Kenshin's life.
" I told you…" she began "That future would occur only
under the said conditions. Those conditions being, that she came
back to him alive and healthy…"
" Well--- she did!"
" I said ALIVE and healthy! Kamiya-san may have been healthy,
but she certainly wasn't alive. I hadn't anticipated a tangle like
this one. I've been so busy recently I haven't been checking up on
his threads. Oh-- Oh dear… this looks very bad."
" W-What?" Thanatos said hoarsely.
" It's really hard to see, the tangle is so bad..."
" Well? Where does the tangle start?"
" It starts after she's taken. Himura Kenshin's fate becomes
very obscure…"
" How do you mean?"
" I mean-- there's no way of knowing what he'll do!"
" How in the world did such a tangle occur in the first place?"
Fate shot him an accusing look. Thanatos hung his head.
" I happened because we've meddled in the life of a human-- who's
fate was to die… and now he's alive when he shouldn't be-- I never should
have agreed to help you-- Just LOOK at the mess you've created!!!"
He grabbed his scythe and started for the door. " I know! That's
why I've got to do something-- but… Damn it-- I can't DO anything to help
her! If Kaoru could only STAY and be healthy-- then things would work out
fine… but only God can change the rules!"
" But his fate is obscure-- he may pull through this… or not…
there are several loose ends here… all leading to the inevitable."
He shot a horrified glance at her. " Inevitable?"
" Death." She said matter-of-factly. " But-- there are other
ends that lead off other places."
" Argh--" Thanatos punched the wall. " What about the Kamiya
girl!?"
" I have no idea."
" WHAT?"
" I SAID-- " And Fate turned into the older aspect. " I
have no idea what happens to souls after they die. It's not my department.
We keep track of peoples LIVES… not their deaths. As far as I know-- Kamiya
Kaoru-san could end up in Heaven, Hell, or Purgatory… but I have no way
of predetermining her future."
" Only Kenshin's future…"
" Yes--but the tangle makes it a little difficult right now to
predetermine."
" Oh-- this is just great… JUST GREAT!" He angrily yanked the
front door open. " I come here to find answers and leave with more
questions..." he muttered under his breath as he slammed the door behind
him in parting, leaving Fate more than a little rattled.
****
People who were out and about early that morning barely had time
to blink as Kenshin raced down the street. Some claimed to have seen
a red "streak" race by-- but no one was able to identify it… and merely
passed it off as nothing more than a trick of the light.
For Kenshin though-- his fear was very, very real. Kaoru
was shockingly light in his arms. She had always had substance before,
especially last night when they'd made love. But this time-- she
seemed nothing more than a frail, empty soul… as light as a simple blanket.
" Kaoru-- hang on!" Kenshin's voice shook as he clutched her
tighter. " Please-- be ok!"
It had taken him seven minutes total to make it to the doctor's
clinic. Megumi always opened early, but he was surprised to find
the front gate tightly shut.
" Today of all days…" he muttered under his breath. He
banged on the door. "MEGUMI!!!"
He impatiently waited, rocking Kaoru gently. But he heard
no footsteps approaching. He banged again and bellowed.
" MEGUMI!! IT'S KENSHIN! I NEED YOUR HELP! NOW!"
Still there was no answer. Then Kenshin remembered her
honeymoon. He swore under his breath as he turned from the door in agitation.
Dr. Genzai certainly couldn't help her--- he didn't know of her existence.
How could he treat someone he couldn't see? And…
The worst thought of all…
" Can this be treated?" Kenshin swallowed hard, allowing the
thought to take hold, shaking him to the core of his own soul. She
looked so peaceful and innocent, lying there with her head resting lightly
against his shoulder. A few strands of hair running across her cheeks,
her lips slightly parted…
A lump rose in his throat as he looked at her, gazing at her
more and more-- she was so alive yesterday… last night… just when he was
getting optimistic about things… this had to happen. And-- was he
the reason? What could he do to help her?
"Kaoru…" Kenshin sank to his knees. He held her head up
close to his to rest his cheek against her own. He shut his eyes
tightly, willing to keep the tears from rising. He rocked her back and
forth gently. " Kaoru… can you hear me? Please-- wake up…Please!!" He raised
his head towards the heavens, watching the white clouds harmlessly floating
by in the gentle breeze. The sky was a deep cerulean blue.
Kaoru's favorite color was blue…
" God…" He whispered upwards hoarsely. " I haven't asked
for much-- no… I've never asked for anything from you before… But-- make
Kaoru wake up! Please! Make her wake up and recognize me!!!! Kami-sama…Onegai!"
And, miraculously, he heard something-- something very light
that you could mistake for a breeze that whistled next to your ear.
But Kenshin knew it wasn't that. His body froze as he heard a sigh
escape Kaoru's lips. Frantically, he brought her away from his face,
still cradling her in his arms.
" Kaoru! Kaoru!!" He called, shaking her slightly. Relief
washed over him as he saw her crack her eyes open slowly. She looked up
at him, confused for a moment, and then her mouth drew up into a faint
smile.
" Ken…shin…" she whispered.
" Kaoru…" He shifted himself so that she could sit more comfortably
in his lap. He held her tightly, still supporting her head.
" Kaoru--" he repeated, his voice merely a whisper. " Don't move--
I'll find a way to make you better! I will…" Tears were in his eyes now.
He clenched his teeth, doing everything in his power to keep from breaking
down completely in front of her.
Kaoru blinked. " I… can't-- move…"
" Shhh--- it's ok! It'll be ok!"
She remembered then about last night. And new what was
happening. She had crossed the line completely just as Death had
warned. Her eyelids were so heavy… but no… she couldn't sleep now--
she knew they were coming for her. She'd thought that things would
be ok last night-- but now, she wasn't even able to move a single muscle
in her body.
" Kenshin…"
" H-Hai?"
She tried to her best to smile at him reassuringly. " No--
no… don't cry…Kenshin… It'll---be ok." He looked down at her; his
red hair created a canopy around both their faces. His eyes shimmered
with unwanted tears. And his lips curled back around clenched teeth,
desperately trying to control his sobs. That look gave Kaoru such
an incredible heart wrenching pain in her chest. It was unbearable.
Tears sprung from her eyes as well… she knew she was going to leave him
soon. She had to say goodbye-- while she had the chance too.
" Kenshin." She whispered again, she strained her left hand to
move. To reach up and touch his face. But it wouldn't respond to
her silent demand.
" Just one last touch…" she thought in earnest. " Let me-- touch
him… one last time! God-- please!!"
She felt her fingers in her left hand curl. She flexed
and unflexed her hand. And slowly raised her arm towards him, her
muscles screamed. But her hand inched ever closer. She lay
it against his wet cheek, and smiled. Hastily, he took that hand and held
it there, closing his eyes as he did so.
" Kenshin… you have to-- promise me… that-- you won't give up."
She said slowly and quietly. " Not-- like you did last time… promise
me… that you'll live on-- and, take care of Yahiko…Be the father he never
had…"
" Kaoru… what are you saying?" Kenshin's eyes shot open in horror.
" Kaoru-- stop talking like that!!"
" Kenshin… I was so happy to have been with you-- I want…you…to
know…" She ran her thumb over his trembling lips. " That-- I don't
regret… anything… "
" -- Kaoru! No-- I don't understand! Did I DO this to you?"
His voice broke with a loud sob as he tightened his grip on her hand.
" No… It-- wasn't your fault-- none of it was…" She paused, it
was becoming painful to talk now. Her tongue felt as though it were
numbing. " I'll never ---forget you… and… always--" She felt her
eyes closing of their own volition. She was so tired. She wanted
to rest again. But managed to force her final words from her mouth
before she let her herself slip away again. "-- think…of …you------
Ken…"
He felt her tension slack. The thumb caressing his lips
stilled-- and her hand was once again lifeless. She was lifeless.
Her eyes closed, one single, final tear trailed down her cheek. Kenshin
blinked, he swallowed hard, slowly shaking his head from side to side.
" No…no…no…don't leave me again…" he repeated, not wanting to
believe it was true. " NO! KAORU NO!!!!! KAORUUUUUuuu NOOOo-o-o----!!"
His words were choked with sobs as he leaned over her shaking her, reality
refusing to register in his mind. Madness took over as he yelled
at the top of his lungs. " WAKE UP! WAKE UP! WAKE UP!!"
But she gave no response. It was just like this morning.
God had given Kenshin his one wish for her to awake-- and now… no more…
He cried out loud, sobs coming in large gasps and tears showered down onto
her still figure. Time stopped as he suddenly couldn't feel the flesh
within the fabric he'd wrapped her in. The fabric was real-- but
she was becoming non-substance… a mere spirit… and nothing more.
He could see his hands through her. Gasping in horror, he was powerless
to stop it. She faded before his eyes.
" KAORU!!" He couldn't see her--- she was gone…all that was left…
an empty blanket… and his ring… He picked it up, and clutched it his chest
tightly, squeezing his eyes closed. "NO! YOU CAN'T LEAVE ME!!! YOU'RE MY
GUARDIAN ANGEL! YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO COME WHEN I CALL!!!"
" She is no longer your Guardian Angel." A deep voice interrupted
him. Kenshin's head shot up. He expected Death-- but no… Three
tall figures stood before him. The tallest being in the middle, with
two shorter angels to either side. All were garbed in brilliant,
shining white Toga's. They all were donned with enormous wings, and
halos that shone as bright as the sun. Kenshin had to shield his
eyes in order to get a look at them.
" Wh-Who…?" He found it hard to complete a sentence as he looked
up at the overbearing figures. The tallest held his arms outward,
and Kaoru appeared in them. Kenshin had hastily thrown her Kimono
on before he wrapped her in the blanket. She hung loosely within
the angel's arms, her Kimono falling partly open with no Obi to hold it
in place. Her head fell to the side; her long hair almost touched
the ground.
" I-- am the Archangel." The tallest one holding Kaoru said.
" The other two are my advocates. We are here to take Kamiya Kaoru
to trial."
" Trial?" He could only manage to repeat. He looked at
Kaoru horrified. The Angel was not treating her with the care she
deserved. He held her so carelessly.
" Yes. There, we shall decide the fate of this soul."
" What?" Kenshin tried to stand, but only succeeded in getting
up on his knees before falling over, catching himself with one hand before
he collapsed completely. He stared down at the ground, his eyes shot
open to pinpoints.
" As a result of her careless behavior, she's been striped of
her rank as Guardian Angel. Her soul is heavily burdened-- to the
point that it can no longer function on earth. She must return to
the Heavenly Realm… where we shall decide her fate."
" What-- fate-- would…that be?" Kenshin whispered.
" …" There was a long pause. The Archangel seemed to be
considering telling him. " Whether or not… we send her to Hell…"
The words sliced through Kenshin unlike any blade had managed
to do before. Straight to his heart and it burst. He looked
up at the Archangel; yellow eyes instantly addressed him in a tone of sheer--
complete-- and undeniable fury.
" You. Will. Not. Touch. Her." He said coldly.
The Archangel's face was unseen by the bright light surrounding
his head. Kenshin rose to his feet. His hand resting easily
on his sword.
" Now… hand her BACK!" He demanded.
" … Watch what you say… " The Archangel said unabashed.
His voice carried an ethereal quality that even Battousai couldn't shake.
" Bid farewell to your lady once more. You shall not see each other
again. For, you can not go where she goes."
" Kisama…" Kenshin drew his Sakaba and lunged for the Angel's
head. But surprise took hold as he sailed straight through and crashed
to the ground. He rolled up to his feet within seconds. The
three angels turned to face him again, this time they were fading.
He could see through them.
" Farewell… Himura Kenshin." They said in unison.
" NO!! GIVE HER BACK! GIVE HER BACK!!!" He screamed
in fury.
***
As Yahiko and Misao neared the clinic, they heard his insane
screaming. Yahiko doubled speed, using up the last of his strength
to cover the last 100 yards in mere seconds. Misao was close on his heels.
" KENSHIN!" Yahiko called. He saw him standing and panting
heavily. His Sakaba was drawn and the Ken-Ki he was emitting made
both Misao and Yahiko stop in their tracks. Overwhelming fear crept
deep into their bones and they froze in place. Paralyzed. Kenshin
slowly turned to look at them. Yahiko and Misao both gasped as the
yellow light of the Hitokiri burned into them. But when he saw them-- and
their registered terror. The light seemed to flicker, and slowly
fade to purple. Kenshin lowered his sword to the ground, Ken-Ki fading
with it. He closed his eyes and looked down, shoulders slumped in
defeat. His face was hidden in shadows by his hair.
" K-Kenshin?" Yahiko cautiously approached. " W-What---"
He was afraid to mention Kaoru's name. Misao put a hand on Yahiko's
shoulder to steady him.
" Himura-san…" she said softly. But was startled as he
abruptly lifted his head to gaze upon them both. Tears poured from
the Rurouni's eyes. And they both knew, somehow, that Kaoru was gone,
and she was not coming back.
" Misao-dono…" Kenshin whispered. " Take care of Yahiko… And
tell Sano-- that this time… he mustn't follow where I go."
Yahiko gasped. " Kenshin-- you're-- leaving?"
Kenshin nodded. " I'm going to save Kaoru." He smiled softly
at them. His eyes seemed to quiver, "Yahiko-- you've grown
into a fine, young man. I'm very proud of you. It's now your
responsibility to carry on the legacy of Kamiya Kasshin Ryu-- like Kaoru-dono
would have wanted."
" Kenshin…"
" Farewell…"
He lifted his sword up swiftly. And, before Misao or Yahiko
could react-- he slit his throat in one swift, deadly stroke.
CHAPTER 23 - To Turn Back Time
" KENSHIN!!" Yahiko cried, he lunged forward towards him as Kenshin
began to fall. His sword clattered to the ground, blood was everywhere
all at once. Misao screamed and hid her eyes. Yahiko caught
Kenshin before he hit the ground. "KENSHIN!!!! NOOOO!!"
The boy watched helplessly as Kenshin looked up into Yahiko's
eyes. Yahiko shook his head vigorously, as if trying to wake himself from
a horrible dream.
"Kenshin… no-- NO! WHY'D YOU DO THAT!? KENSHIN!" He screamed at him.
" You can't leave--- me!!"
Kenshin didn't respond, he couldn't, a thin line of blood ran from
the side of his mouth down his cheek, and his eyes were fastly loosing
their light.
" So…" He thought, " This is what it feels like-- Kaoru… you had to
endure this pain too…"
Yahiko shook his head; his hand had involuntarily gone to Kenshin's
throat, desperately trying to stop the flow of blood. But it was
no use. Those bright purple eyes that stared up at him slowly closed,
Kenshin let out a sigh, and his body stilled. With a strangled cry,
Yahiko hunched over the body, crying uncontrollably. Misao couldn't
bear it, she turned and ran as far and as fast as she could down the empty
street and turned onto the main road leading towards the dojo.
" Aoshi-sama…Aoshi-sama!!" She stumbled through the crowds, knocking
over people left and right, not bothering to watch where she was going
for her eyes were too clouded with tears to see. Kenshin was dead.
He was dead! Her invincible Rurouni-- her friend…
Kenshin was dead.
****
Yahiko's whole body shook. He stayed hunched over Kenshin,
his arms thrown over his chest and blood stained Gi. After all they'd
gone through-- it wasn't supposed to end like this!
" Kenshin…" he sobbed. " Kenshin…"
Unbeknownst to Yahiko, a figure garbed all in black approached,
he wielded a great Scythe, and a pale Stallion followed close behind him.
The figure stopped in shock at the display.
" I'm too late!" Thanatos gripped his scythe tighter. Sudden
anger washed over him. " THE IDIOT!! THAT STUPID, STUPID IDIOT!"
He stooped down to examine him closer. " God Dammit! Kenshin-- what
the HELL were you trying to do?! Arghh… this won't do at all…" He rose
to his full height and lifted his wrist to examine some of the brightly
colored jewels set into the bracelet he wore. He pressed one and
instantly everything around him stopped. Yahiko's sobs ceased, the
blood stopped flowing. The entire scene was still and deadly quiet.
Thanatos looked to Mortus and sighed heavily.
" Let's get Chronos on the scene." He told the horse.
He felt a sudden chill and a turned to see a tall figure walking
towards him; he was dressed all in white, holding in his hands a glowing
hourglass.
" Chronos! How'd you know to come?!" Death asked him amazed.
Time shook his head and chuckled. He looked to be in his mid-twenties,
and was rather good looking. Standing next to Death-- they were Yin
and Yang. " I responded to your message that you were about to send
me."
Death sighed. " Yeah-- I keep forgetting, you live backwards,
so the future is your past."
The Incarnation of Time walked up to the dead body of Kenshin
and looked down a little distressed. He gestured to it. " So-- is
this the reason you called?"
" I'm sure you've heard of the Kamiya scandal…"
" Oh, all of Purgatory is talking about it! Masaka--" Chronos
blinked and did a double take of Kenshin. " THIS is the human?!"
Thanatos nodded gravely. " He committed an unscheduled
suicide."
" Unscheduled?!"
" Yes, meaning that Fate had no hand in it-- this must be the
tangle she was talking about. I've frozen time for now to stop the
torment his soul is undergoing."
" What do you mean? His soul hasn't left yet?"
" He's not 100% dead yet. By committing suicide, his scales
tipped and he requires my services. I have to physically take his
soul. But I haven't done so yet."
" Well-- what do I have to do with this?"
" You should be able to guess…"
Chronos sighed heavily. " Yes-- I suppose it's for the
best. That poor boy there--" He gestured to Yahiko. " He will
undergo incredible psychological trauma in his future unless this past
changes. Well-- if it was unscheduled then I don't see why I shouldn't
help you--"
" Thank you." Thanatos sighed in relief. The sand in the
hourglass Chronos held changed color as he tipped it very slightly.
And everything around the two Incarnations and the horse began to move
as if it was a film being rewound. Yahiko jumped off of Kenshin,
the blood flowed back into him as he reversed his fall. Misao was
back on the scene and Chronos stopped the hourglass just before Kenshin
rose his Sakaba to take the final blow. The scene immediately froze again.
Chronos looked back at the Rurouni.
" He certainly has been through too much-- I hope you knock some
sense into him though... or he will just kill himself again."
" Thank you Chronos."
Chronos nodded. "Well, you won't need me anymore-- good
luck." And he disappeared. Thanatos pushed another jewel on
his bracelet, and time resumed its normal course.
"Kenshin…" Yahiko repeated sadly.
" Farewell…" Kenshin smiled at them, and he swiftly brought his
sword up towards his neck.
" STOP THIS!" Thanatos bellowed. And Kenshin turned around startled.
" Oro----OOO" He stumbled back as Thanatos nailed him a good
one right upside the head. The Rurouni blinked startled, his hand
going to his sore cheek. " Thanatos?!"
" Huh?" Yahiko and Misao looked at Kenshin nervously. Something
unseen has just struck him!
" Do you think KILLING yourself is going to save her?!" Thanatos
yelled at him angrily. " And do you REALIZE what you were about to do to
that boy?! SCAR HIM FOR LIFE-- Dammit! If you're going to kill yourself,
go somewhere private and do it!"
Kenshin gaped at him. " But-- how else can I go--"
" -- You weren't thinking AT ALL were you? You can't go
to her trial if you kill yourself-- kill yourself, and you'll go to HELL…
so just put that suicide idea out of your head RIGHT NOW!"
" But-- I can't just SIT here and let her be banished to Hell!"
Kenshin said angrily. " What am I supposed to do?! It's MY fault she's
in trouble-- I can't allow it… I can't…" His whole body shook with frustration
and anger.
" Himura-san…" Misao looked at him shocked. " Who are you talking
too?"
Kenshin ignored her. " Thanatos, how can I help her?!"
" That's what I've come to talk to you about-- but I'm not saying
another word until you sheath that damn sword."
" KENSHIN!" Yahiko raised his voice angrily. " WHAT'S going on?!"
Kenshin blinked and looked Yahiko and Misao. His eyes softened
and he sheathed his Sakaba. " It's nothing… you should go back to the Dojo…"
" But-- Kenshin…"
" Yahiko." Kenshin gave him a stern look. " I will save
Kaoru… I don't know how-- but I'll bring her back here. I promise."
Yahiko bit his lip and furrowed his brows, wondering what Kenshin
could be thinking. He had been about to do something drastic, but
an unseen force had stopped him.
" Another spirit maybe?" He thought. He studied Kenshin
carefully, but the Rurouni's face gave nothing away. Kenshin's eyes
were lighted with a burning determination, such as when a battle was at
hand. He could at least understand that Kenshin had to do something
important.
" Can I help you at all?" He asked Kenshin.
" You could help, by returning to the dojo." Kenshin responded.
With a long sigh, Yahiko nodded in understanding. He put his
hand on Misao's shoulder and turned to go.
" But-" Misao still couldn't take her eyes from Kenshin.
Yahiko shook his head and urged her to leave.
" He's not going to abandon us." He whispered to her.
" Aaa-" Kenshin nodded in agreement. Misao bit her lip,
reluctant to leave, but with another encouraging smile from Kenshin, slowly
turned and followed the boy down the street. Kenshin looked back
to Death gratefully.
" Thank you-- I-- I almost made a horrible mistake." He said.
" You already did…"
" Oro?"
" Nevermind…"
" Well-- what can I do? I HAVE to save Kaoru."
Thanatos cocked his head, deep in thought. " She's under
trial as we speak in Purgatory. The only hope we have is to go to
the trial-- and somehow convince the Jury to allow her to stay in Purgatory
or something… whatever we do-- we CAN'T allow her to go to Hell! She certainly
doesn't deserve that."
Kenshin was silent. " Can I… GO to Purgatory?"
" You can-- but you can't stay any longer than 2 days. Your body
can't survive on the food and water that we have there. Even though
eating it would sustain your hunger, it has no substance. And you'd
probably starve. Only immortals and spirits can live on that food."
Kenshin swallowed hard. " Purgatory… eh?"
" Yes."
"… I vowed to bring Kaoru back here…" he thought. " Not
let her stay all alone in Purgatory… but-- it's better then Hell… I suppose.
And even if there's no hope for her to come back here-- I have to know
that her soul is safe."
" Himura?" Death tilted his head at him confused. Kenshin
clenched and unclenched his fists and then looked up at him, nodding determined.
" Let's go."
Death smiled. " We'll talk on the way." He looked over to Mortus
who, to Kenshin's amazement slowly changed form into what looked like a
small, but very long, pale white horseless carriage. He gawked at
it amazed.
" Oro… w-What is THAT?!" He pointed at it in amazement.
" A Limousine. Mortus can change into any mode of transportation
needed. Since I'm taking you with me-- this will be easiest. We'll
talk on the way. Get in."
" Oro… umm-- " Kenshin looked at it a little dubiously as Death
opened the back door for him. He walked up to it cautiously and peered
inside. " It's… kind of dark… in there."
" Just think of it as a futuristic carriage."
" But-- how can it move?"
Death was getting just a little annoyed. " Do you want to save
her or not? Get IN and SHUT UP!"
" ORO!" Kenshin hurriedly got in and sat down nervously, he rested
his Sakaba up against his shoulder and bit his lip as he surveyed the interior
of the ' futuristic carriage.' Death climbed in behind him and sat
on a cushioned seat across from him.
" Mortus, I'll let you drive today…" He seemed to be talking
to the car. " Take us to Kamiya Kaoru's trial… and quickly!"
Kenshin gawked as he felt the whole carriage seem to shake with
a terrifying roar.
" That's the engine. Don't be alarmed. It's a miracle
of modern technology-- courtesy of Chronos."
" A-Aaa.." Kenshin was speechless as he looked out the window.
They took up into the air and began moving very, very fast, farther and
farther away from Tokyo.
" Soo--" Death removed his hood, and to Kenshin's surprise, the
skull face faded away to reveal a real mans visage. " We must convince
the jury that she isn't bad enough to have to go to Hell…"
Kenshin decided to focus himself back onto saving Kaoru-- he'd
worry about what he was riding in later. " Aa--" he looked at Death
sternly. " How can we do that?"
" You'll have to testify for her-- the jury is consisting of
people from Purgatory. They're on perfectly equal ground. Anyone
from Hell or Heaven would be biased."
Kenshin could understand that, it made sense. " So… I just
have to convince them… ok…" Kenshin gripped his Sakaba tighter.
" Purgatory trials are not like ordinary trials-- it's more of
a debate. And seeing how you're just as mixed up in this-- I don't
think they can deny that you should be there to testify for her.
I'll make sure of that."
" Thank you."
The limousine suddenly stilled and Kenshin was amazed to see
that they were in front of a very large, old brick building.
" We're here." Thanatos said. He opened the door and Kenshin
got out. He looked around him amazed.
" W-Where are we?"
" In Purgatory."
" But--" He was amazed. The place looked no different than earth
did. The streets were made of cobblestone and people milled about
the town. Everyone looked extremely bored with whatever they were
engaged in doing. Some people picked up garbage along the street.
Others sat on benches staring mindlessly into nowhere.
" Yes, it looks the same. Only these souls have been doing
the same thing for the past couple of centuries. It's frightfully dull.
But they slowly work their soul's balance up-- and within a few millenniums,
they can manage to go to Heaven… "
After hearing this, Kenshin wasn't so sure if he wanted Kaoru to be
in Purgatory either.
"Come on." Thanatos urged him towards the building. Kenshin nodded
and, with his hand resting loosely on the hilt of his sword. The
two figures walked up the paved steps and entered.
" Kaoru…" Kenshin thought. " Hold on a little longer!
I'll really save you this time."
CHAPTER 24- Shutting Away the Light
" Kaoru…" Kenshin thought. " Hold on a little longer! I'll
really save you this time."
" Kenshin?" Kaoru blinked startled. As if sensing somehow
that he was nearby. She looked cautiously around the courtroom but
then quickly dismissed it. " Baka--" she thought. " How would he make it
here? It's impossible… Oh-- Kenshin." She sighed and looked down
at her hands, folded in her lap. Where was Death? He'd told her he'd
look out for her-- but where was he now?
" Is there anything else you have to tell us, Yukishiro-san?"
The Archangel looked down on Tomoe from his podium. Tomoe shook her
head sadly; she stole a glance at Kaoru, who seemed to be lost in her own
thoughts.
" No… That's all I know, really."
" So-- she begged you to come to earth and save her lover." The
archangel shook his head. " And, why did you decide to come?"
" Well, he would have been killed! I didn't want that." Tomoe
said innocently.
" Even when you knew it was against the law here!" The Archangel
threw her an icy look. Tomoe looked back at him, you couldn't tell
by her face whether she was annoyed by his questions, or just didn't care.
" The fact was, Kaoru-san is my friend, and I didn't want her
to be sad. When your friend is crying in front of you, wanting your
help--- wouldn't you help them?"
The Archangel blinked back, a little startled and then angrily
shook his head. " No changing the subject! You're dismissed."
Tomoe got up and left her chair at the front of the room.
Kaoru gave her a weak smile. Tomoe nodded her head slightly in acknowledgement
as she crossed the room and took her seat.
" So-- the facts are clear." The Archangel stated to the jury.
" Kamiya Kaoru-san broke one of the cardinal rules of a Guardian Angel,
falling in love with her client and…engaged in…umm… intimate physical contact
with him…"
Kaoru rolled her eyes at that.
" Then, brought an unauthorized soul from the Heavenly Realm
down to earth, interfering in the Fates of two humans who were fighting
and creating utter chaos up here in the process…"
" Kenshin would have died if I hadn't!" Kaoru couldn't help but
yell out.
" You're out of order!" The angel glared at her. Kaoru
sat back silently, fighting down her anger. She clenched her fists tightly.
" I don't think there's anything else we have to hear-- so I'll--"
"-- I think there's one, very important person that we're forgetting
who's had probably the largest hand in this." A deep voice boomed throughout
the hall. Kaoru turned around startled and saw Death standing at
the doorway.
" Thanatos! What are you doing here?" The Archangel interrupted.
" This is not an affair open for Incarnations!" He stood up; the entire
room instantly erupted in murmuring.
Thanatos cocked his skull at him angrily. " I don't think that
the jury can make their decision, without first hearing from the very man
who has stolen our lovely Angel's heart." Thanatos sounded as though he
were talking through clenched teeth. Kaoru's eyes popped open wide
as Kenshin entered the room. The noise level heightened considerably
upon his entrance.
" KENSHIN!" Kaoru cried astounded. Kenshin's eyes instantly found
her at the front of the room. She was seated in between two very
tall, imposing looking angels.
" ORDER! ORDER!" The Archangel boomed. The room fell silent
again. He turned towards the newcomers as they made their way down
the aisle to the front of the room. " Thanatos, what do you think
you're doing? Bringing a mortal here! This is completely unap--"
"-- But not against the rules… as long as he's here under my
authority." Thanatos countered before the Archangel could object.
" Geez… Gabriel, you certainly are a stickler for rules and regulations.
You need to lighten up."
The archangel was taken aback, there were a few chuckles in the
crowd that were instantly silenced as he threw another ugly look.
" That's exactly what we're here to talk about." Kenshin added.
" Rules… and regulations…"
" Kenshin…" Kaoru mumbled. It was obvious that Thanatos
had brought him-- but she'd never imagined that he'd come all this way…
all the way to Purgatory just for her. Her heart warmed at the thought,
but at the same time she couldn't shake this incredible sense of doom that
was approaching. Would he be able to convince the court to let her
go?
Kenshin looked over and smiled at her. That smile brought
a wave of hope to wash away all the doubt, which had been plaguing her.
Yes, Kenshin would protect her, at any cost.
Thanatos face the Archangel sternly. " You have to listen
to him, because you can't deny that he's involved in all of this."
The Archangel looked just slightly peeved. For a long moment neither
figure spoke, they just stood and glared at each other. Finally,
the Archangel sat back, shaking his head and sighed.
" All right, all right… we'll let him speak." He gave Kenshin
a cold eye. " You have five minutes."
" Five?!" Kenshin looked at him angrily. But could see
the Archangel wasn't going to give him any luxuries. Biting his lip,
he walked over towards Kaoru. She could hear his footsteps resound
loudly as he crossed the room towards her. Everyone watched with waiting
anticipation. The jury shifted uncomfortably in their seats.
Kenshin came to stand right in front of her, their eyes locked and she
felt her heart quicken. Kenshin gazed down at her. Her elegant
off-the shoulder Kimono had been replaced by a common white short sleeved
Kimono, a plain blue Obi held it in place. Her hair still spilled
down her back, no bow in it. And her wings were gone. She had
no glow. But she was still just as beautiful to him as she'd always
been. It was almost like he was seeing the old, alive Kaoru again.
He extended his hand towards her, only to be abruptly shoved away by the
two bodyguards surrounding her.
" Kenshin!"
Kenshin set his stance and glared at the two guards, he tried
again. He extended his hand towards Kaoru but the guards got up once
more and shoved him away.
" What are you trying to do Himura?" The Archangel sighed annoyed.
Kenshin turned towards him.
" I'm trying to save the one I love, isn't that obvious enough
to you?"
"…" He blinked, unable to come up with something to retort.
Kenshin gave up his fight and turned back towards the jury.
" Yes, I came all the way from earth to save her… because I truly
love her."
The silence was overpowering. Kenshin could tell he had the audience
captivated. He spread out his hands defenselessly. "
I'd never known what happiness truly was until Kaoru-dono came into my
life.
She really was a light that helped me escape my dark past. All my life
I'd been searching for forgiveness for my sins, and I found that forgiveness
in her eyes.
" Kenshin..."
" The first time she was taken from me, I was devastated beyond belief.
And then she returned to me and I found I had a new chance at life. She
was a true Guardian Angel. She safeguarded me all the way, thinking
nothing of herself, but always of me. Can you really condemn someone
to Hell, for passion such as that?"
The audience was still deathly silent; the jury watched him in awe.
Kenshin continued, "I wasn't going to sit around on earth and let her soul
be condemned to Hell-- I vowed I would always protect her happiness. No
matter what happened to me."
A few of the woman blinked back tears in the audience. Kenshin
sighed and relaxed his shoulders; he chanced a side-glance at Kaoru.
She sat rigidly; listening with tears glistening in her eyes. "After she
was taken from me again… I actually tried to commit suicide…"
Kaoru gasped. Kenshin looked at the ground. " I
thought I could come up here and save her if I killed myself. My
spirit would rise up here--"
" Atrocious! Committing suicide is a GRAVE sin!" The Archangel
interrupted.
" So WHAT?!" Kenshin threw back at him. " If it was to
save the person I loved, then I would have done ANYTHING-- maybe sell my
soul to the Devil… I don't care. It's because I love her THAT much!"
"…"
" I would do anything for her. Is that so bad?" Kenshin
took a deep breath. " Is it so bad to love someone so much that you
would walk to the ends of the world for them?" He turned to the jury.
" Kaoru is the most important person in the world to me. I thought
I was truly blessed when she came back to me as an Angel. I thought that
maybe... maybe I WASN'T destined to live a life of pain and loneliness
after all. As long as she's with me, I'm at peace, and my world is
happy-- so after she was taken, I couldn't bear the thought of living,
knowing that I'd failed in protecting her. I almost killed myself
over love."
Several women reached for their handkerchiefs. The men in the
audience looked at him gravely, as if sharing in his sorrow.
"But--" Kenshin continued. " The very reason she was taken is
what pales me the most... " He glanced at Kaoru, she returned to gazing
down into her lap, biting her lip nervously. "Rules... that was the
only reason. Because Kaoru was forbidden to love a mortal."
A few choice sobs escaped from the crowd.
" But-- they are Gods rules! You can't deny that!" The
Archangel said.
" True… " Kenshin nodded. " But-- just as I was willing
to break God's rules for love, Kaoru did the same. She was willing
to do ANYTHING for love. She wasn't about to deny her feelings.
Rules can't restrict everything… not feelings… not love. I still
love Kaoru. And, we still love each other-- even right now."
More sobs escaped from the audience, woman buried their faces
into the shoulders of the men accompanying them. The men in turn
put arms around them comfortingly.
" I still love him…It's the truth." Kaoru whispered.
" Please-- understand…" Kenshin fought to keep his voice sounding
strong, but his emotions were catching up with him. " Don't
send her to Hell for following what her heart was telling her. Would
you deny your own heart?"
" That's enough," The Archangel said. Kenshin lowered his
head.
" I was done…" He glanced back at Kaoru nervously. Tears
slid down her cheeks and she clutched both hands to her chest.
" Now, if there are no more surprise guests, I'll let the jury
break to determine their verdict." The Archangel stood up and raised his
hands. " Dismissed!"
All at once everyone rose and left. Kenshin saw he'd moved
most of the woman in the crowd to tears. He heard one passerby remark…
" I'm sort of envious of them…"
Kenshin smiled inwardly. " They're like normal people here--
in purgatory. All dying with their soul in perfect balance…"
He noticed Kaoru rise out of the corner of his eye and sprung
into action as one of the guards moved to take her arm and escort her out
a side door.
" Kaoru! Let me speak to Kaoru please!" Kenshin ran towards her,
but the other guard caught him before he could catch Kaoru. Kaoru looked
back at him earnestly.
" Please-- let me talk to him!" She pleaded; she reached her
hand out towards him as the other guard carefully but firmly pulled her
away.
" KAORU!" Kenshin called. " KAORU!!!!"
" KENSHIN-- I---" But she was cut off as she was taken out the
door and it abruptly closed. The other guard released him and he
felt a strong, skeletal hand on his shoulder. He turned to see Thanatos
shaking his skull at him.
" They won't allow you to see her." He said softly.
" W-Why?" Kenshin's fists shook in anger. He lowered his head.
" If Heaven is so harsh and misunderstanding, I'd rather be in Hell or
Purgatory!"
" Watch what you say!" Death's voice was instantly cold.
" You have no idea the kind of torment a soul can experience in Hell… it's
like constantly being on the edge of death-- slowly dying until you reach
the edge. Then you wake up and begin the torture all over again…
over and over and over… for eternity-- it never ends. And you remember
every single moment of it!"
Kenshin looked at him wide eyed. " You sound like you've
had first hand experience…"
" Not really-- But-- I have been there before… it's not a place
I want to ever visit again."
" But--- Kaoru… I…"
" Why don't you go outside and relax. It will be awhile
yet until the jury decides."
Kenshin nodded slowly. He slid his hands into the folds
of his Gi, finding Kaoru's ring in the sleeve and fingered it nervously.
He wanted to at least give it back to her, so she would have it if they
had to be separated again.
****
Kenshin sighed as he lounged on a bench outside. About 6 hours
had passed and he was deep in thought. People passed by on their
own business. Some young people hung out near a fruit stand.
Others seemed to be hurrying here and there. It certainly looked like a
common market day on the streets of Tokyo. Only everyone there was
dead.
" Kaoru seems to be back in her spirits now that she's in Purgatory…
She was almost dead when she was on earth. It must be because she's
no longer a Guardian Angel." He took out her ring and examined it, the
small stone glinting in the sunlight. " I probably don't have any
hope of bringing her home with me. But-- for now I have to focus
on keeping her out of Hell." He sighed heavily. " But-- I don't think
I could stand losing her again…"
" Nee… Don't I know that man from somewhere?" A man in a black
Gi and Grey Hakama passed by Kenshin, he scratched his head in consternation.
His friend blinked as he stopped and turned back to get another look at
him.
" You know Shinji… I think I've seen him somewhere before too--"
" Wait!" The man called Shinji jumped around and pointed an accusing
finger. "That hair… and the scars on his cheek… THAT'S THE MAN WHO KILLED
ME!!"
Kenshin froze. The whole scene froze. He glanced
over at the two friends who gaped at him. The man named Shinji threw him
an icy cold glare and instantly lunged for the Rurouni's head. Kenshin
didn't move. But Shinji passed straight through him and landed heavily
on the ground in back of him. Kenshin whirled around amazed.
" NANI?! WHY DON'T YOU FIGHT ME!?" He yelled angrily.
" S-Shinji!!" His friend ran around the bench, restraining him.
By this time a large crowd had gathered, watching the scene in amazement.
" Don't Shinji!" His friend pleaded. " If you do then you're
balance will--"
" TO HELL WITH MY BALANCE!" He cried. " THAT GUYS THE REASON
I'M TRAPPED HERE IN THE FIRST PLACE!"
" He killed me too-- but I'm not ready to do anything about it!
I want to go to Heaven SOME day!" His friend pleaded. Kenshin hastily
stood up with a large lump in his throat that prevented him from saying
anything. He heard a few sneers in the crowd.
" Murderer… "
" Why isn't he in Hell?"
" I think he's the one who killed my husband too!"
Kenshin felt his knees grow weak.
" Maybe we should teach him a lesson for playing with peoples lives."
" He's still got his awful sword with him!"
" LET'S GET HIM!" And in an instant the crowd plunged forward.
Kenshin closed his eyes tightly, rooted to the ground in fear. These people
that he'd killed… there was no way to explain to them how he was trying
to atone for his crimes. They wouldn't understand.
" WAIT!" A woman's chill voice boomed out. Kenshin opened his
eyes stunned, a figure stood before him, back facing him. She was
wrapped in a forest green cloak with a hood, concealing her face, everyone
took a few steps back nervously.
" Wh-Who…"
" You don't recognize me?" She pulled the hood back slightly,
allowing only her facial features to come to light. The crowd gawked.
" G-Gaea!" One recognized her.
" Gaea-- what are you do--?"
" ---I suggest you get back to your business and leave the young man
to me." The woman called Gaea said coldly. She was short but her
overall presence was as imposing as Battousai's.
" W-What incredible Ken-Ki…" Kenshin thought to himself. The
crowd hesitatingly departed. And the woman finally turned to him
with a large smile on her face.
" Well, that was a close one wasn't it?" She said with a small shrug.
She set her hands on her hips and looked him over as if examining a piece
of meat. But her gesture made her cloak open wide at the front. Kenshin
blinked startled as he saw that she was wearing NO clothes underneath.
An eerie mist surrounded her body as to make its details obscure, but with
the exception of the cloak that hung open revealingly; she was indeed a
voluptuous young woman. He quickly averted his eyes, feeling his
cheek grow hot with embarrassment.
" What's wrong? Uncomfortable?" Gaea let out a slivery laugh that shook
Kenshin to the very core of his being. " Don't be worried-- I won't
hurt you."
" Oro… umm--" He looked at the ground nervously. " Thank... you--
for, umm… stopping them."
" They couldn't have hurt you. You're mortal and they're simply
spirits. But I was more concerned about your state of mind."
" Oro-- well, how could I face them? I killed them?"
" People in purgatory are always on the edge between Heaven and Hell.
And they grow impatient and moody because life is so boring and repetitive."
Gaea pulled back her hood completely and her silvery hair spilled out and
about her shoulders. Kenshin gawked. She was strikingly beautiful,
her eyes seemed to change colors, catching the light and shimmering as
if they were pools of water. Her skin was pale and smooth like porcelain.
Her lips were full and voluptuous, the color of wild berries. She
had flowers in her hair and braided vines into the long locks. Her
face was overall-- one of the most beautiful ones he'd ever seen.
" I shall introduce myself. I am Gaea, the Incarnations of Nature."
She extended her hand. Kenshin stiffened. This was an Incarnation!
It didn't really surprise him, but Thanatos was absolutely NOTHING like
this one-- he didn't have such an overbearing presence. Sure, the
skull and scythe did the trick but this woman seemed to see straight INTO
Kenshin. She was so awe inspiring-- filled with so much power and beauty.
Then he looked down at her outstretched hand and blinked confused at it.
She quickly withdrew it, chuckling to herself and playfully tapped her
forehead.
" Oh right-- you don't have that custom…umm… Konnichi wa. Watashi wa
Gaea desu…Hajimemashite." And she bowed to him formerly. Kenshin
blinked and then he bowed back hastily.
" Oro-- Hajimemashite. Sessha wa Himura Kenshin de gozaru.
Doozo Yorushiku onegaishimasu."
" There!" Gaea clapped her hands together happily, she bounced up and
down, and Kenshin found his eyes straying back down to her bosom.
" With that out of the way, we can get down to business!"
" ORO?" He grew bright red. Gaea made a face at him.
" Not THAT kind of business! Geez-- I'm NOT Eros…" Kenshin meekly smiled
an apology. Gaea rolled her eyes and turned with a flair of her cloak.
Drawing it closed about her body again; she began to walk down the street.
Kenshin stood amazed, watching her walk away, the contours of her body
showing through the thin fabric as she softly swayed her hips. After
a few feet she turned and gestured at him.
" Well, are you coming or not?!"
" Oro? Gomen-nasai…" He hastily caught up with her. They continued
down the street together, Kenshin keeping his eyes on the ground in front
of him nervously. She was Nature-- but she was such a mysterious
and somehow imposing figure. Even if she was only about as tall as
he was. Maybe it was just the fact that he knew she was totally naked
under that cloak. He sighed to himself-- There were some strange
Incarnations about. But everyone passed them by as if they
were invisible. Taking no notice of him, or of Gaea. He wondered if that
was Gaea's doing…it probably was.
After a long silence, Gaea's voice broke the tension as she decided
to skip right to the point of their meeting.
" I know what you did to save her." She began.
" Oro?"
" To save the Kamiya girl… you killed yourself didn't you? That got
my attention right away."
" Oh-- no I didn't kill myself I--"
"-- Well that's in the past." She interrupted. "But there are
other more pressing things to be dealt with now, like her trial.
You came all the way up here with Death to save her?"
" Ohh--Hai…" Kenshin shrugged his shoulders. "But-- I'm worried
it's not enough. I wish I could just take her away from here, bring
her back home and…" He trailed off with a long sigh. " This is all
my fault…If I hadn't failed her the first time then---"
" --So--" Gaea interrupted him. " You regard yourself as
a failure?"
" … What else would you call me? I've failed countless times
in protecting her. The woman who is most important to me… my first priority
is to her happiness and her well being. Kidnapped by Jin-eh, killed by
Enishi, and now taken from me even after death because I failed to realize
her condition sooner... I could have prevented it and ALL of this!"
Gaea folded her arms, her voice tinged with peevishness.
" First off, if you want my help, you've got to stop being so damn over
dramatic and selfish."
" Oro?"
Gaea taunted him. " It's MY fault-- it's all MY fault… I caused
her unhappiness!"
Kenshin narrowed his eyes at her. She chuckled and shook her
head.
" Oh please-- she never wanted you to blame yourself. That's
what you've been doing all along. You can't be a super hero.
You certainly are no God…" Her tone took a serious twist. She looked
at him sternly and stopped him in the middle of the road. "There
are some things that happen when we don't mean for them too-- her Death
being one of them. You couldn't have prevented it."
" Yes I could have!" He countered her angrily. " I never should
have decided to stay with her-- to get close to her! I never should have--"
And he trailed off at Gaea's stern look.
" -- Fallen in love?" She finished. Kenshin looked down to the
ground. " You regret ever meeting her?"
" It's not that-- It's just…"
" You're contradicting yourself. If you had never met her,
you wouldn't have fallen in love-- but then you say you wish you'd never
met her."
Kenshin scowled at her. " But--"
" Don't you see-- there was nothing you could do. Fate set it
up that you would meet her. You were just dealt a bad hand."
" So is that all? Fate is who's to blame?"
Gaea laughed. " It's not a matter of who's to blame or not. It's
a matter of acceptance."
" Acceptance?"
" Yes-- but if you can't accept it, then you can't deal with
it. You gave up after she died, thinking that your only reason for
living was because she was with you."
" Yes."
" But you never once thought about others-- Yahiko, Sanosuke, Megumi,
all your friends who also cared about you. You were to selfish and blind
and wallowing in self pity to do anything but sit on your duff and sulk."
" … I know-- But I couldn't think right! Kaoru was the light that always
pulled me away from the edge of despair-- and… now that she's…she's dead--
I realized that I couldn't live without her. She was my reason for
living. I don't know what I'll do if I can't be with her."
" I know what you can do."
" Oro?"
" You need to find someone else to believe in, someone that you can
always depend on. That way, you won't be left with such a horrible,
empty feeling whenever something goes wrong."
" Who?"
" Try yourself…"
"…"
" If you always have Kaoru's best interests in mind, then you
need to stop giving up at every turn when things get unbearable.
Situations are never hopeless, as long as you have hope yourself."
" …" Kenshin bit his lip. " It's true that I've never stopped
blaming myself, and I couldn't accept the fate dealt to Kaoru. I
was too absorbed in my own self pity to notice the others around me.
And… I thought with her gone… I had no reason to be there either.
I was just so tired of it all."
Gaea sighed. " That's the tragedy of life sometimes. You're
alive, she's dead-- and after this trial, you will have to return home
to Earth. She will never be allowed to follow you--even if she is
allowed to return to Heaven. You will have to eventually separate.
That is the reality of the situation."
"…"
" Knowing that, are you STILL prepared to fight for her happiness?"
" Gaea, you should know that-- you're Nature. I'll do whatever
it takes to save Kaoru."
" She is a lucky woman. But I fear the challenges you will have
to face will be far more difficult from here on."
" I'm prepared to take on any challenge, if it means saving Kaoru-dono."
When he used her name with the honorific, Gaea knew he was talking
serious business. She nodded her approval.
" Very well then, Her fate will depend on you from now on. Be
brave Kenshin, don't let yourself be consumed by grief-- you must never
give up again. No matter what happens. If you do-- not only
Kaoru, but also everyone you hold dear will suffer by your grief. You must
stop blaming yourself and accept unwanted circumstance as it comes towards
you-- Anything is possible, if you have the determination, the courage,
and the hope to make what you want happen."
" I won't give up!"
Gaea smiled and put one hand on his cheek, the place where her flesh
touched his tingled slightly. " You're so different than the person
you were ten years ago. And so much more--- Hold out your hand."
" Oro?" Kenshin reluctantly held out his hand, palm upward. Gaea
extended her own hand over his and pressed their palms together. A strange
sensation of inner peace washed over Kenshin. When she lifted her hand,
there was a blooming red flower in his open palm. Kenshin looked
at it amazed.
" A gift from me. I am Nature- and I do not bestow gifts to just
anyone."
" What…does it do?" He picked the flower up from his palm gingerly,
examining it.
Gaea folded her arms. " My gifts see past the illusion and bring
forth the reality. Use this wisely."
" I--Thank you." Kenshin muttered in awe. " But, I just have
one question."
" Ask away."
" Why? Why are you helping me? You should hate me, if you're Nature
and I've killed so many-- "
" Didn't we talk about the self pity?"
"…"
" Let's just say-- I've had my eye on you for some time now.
You're not like any other man that I've ever met before."
Kenshin wasn't exactly sure if this was a good or a bad thing.
" But you have such a kind hearted soul. Not suited to your bloody
past. I don't like to see people like you suffer." The mist rose
about Gaea, growing thicker and thicker until he could no longer distinguish
her outline. " Someone who would go as far as you did to save the
one you love, surely deserves some attention from the Incarnation of Nature."
Her voice was like a breath of fresh air. " Remember what we've talked
about. Good luck."
Kenshin stood amazed as the mist slowly dissipated and she was no longer
there. The people continued walking past him, acting as if nothing had
happened. He grew instantly nervous, not wanting a repeat of what
had happened before Gaea had saved him. Trying to casually cover
his cross scar, he dashed down the street towards the courthouse and ducked
around the side of the building into a narrow alleyway. Sighing heavily,
he lay against the cold brick wall and examined the flower she'd given
him again. Her words echoed in his mind.
" See past the illusion and bring forth the reality, huh?" The
flower's fragrance was calming, but he couldn't pin point exactly what
kind of flower it was. When he held it to his nose, a calming vision of
Kaoru played through his head. Smiling, he tucked the flower into
his sleeve carefully and then shook his head. " That was one weird
conversation. But a good kick in the right direction… I feel somehow--refreshed.
I've always known my purpose. But Gaea helped me to understand myself a
little better. I mustn't give up ever again-- even if I lose this
fight…for Kaoru's sake…no-- for my own sake."
" --There you are." Death was suddenly in the alley entrance.
Kenshin jumped.
" Oro!" He did a double take and then sighed in relief.
" It's only you…"
" I heard you caused a little stir in town. I'm sorry--
I should have told you, people in purgatory don't have the luxury of getting
their memories erased. They remember everything."
" Heh-- now you tell me…"
" I'm here to bring you back to the courthouse, But it looks
like you've made it back here on your own."
" Oro? Masaka… after only 6 hours?!"
" Yes-- they've reached a verdict…"
****
Everyone was assembled again. The air was filled with such
tension that sitting still was next to unbearable for Kenshin. He
saw Kaoru walk into the room and take her seat, followed by the two guards.
The Archangel nodded as the Jury was escorted into the room. Kenshin
studied their faces carefully, but they were completely pokerfaced.
He couldn't read a single emotion.
" So, you've reached a verdict?" The Archangel said after they
took their seats. The leader stood up and nodded.
" Yes-- After considering carefully the evidence presented in
this case. We find the defendant, Kamiya Kaoru…guilty of obstructing
the cardinal Rule Number 3 of the code of Guardian Angels…"
Kaoru gasped, bringing her hands up to her face in shock.
" And of allowing an unauthorized spirit to meddle in the affairs of
humans without proper consent."
Kaoru buried her face in her hands. Kenshin jumped to his feet
in shock. Death slumped his shoulders in defeat.
" Very well…" The Archangel nodded his head in approval.
" Then I do so banish her to the first level of Hell, where she shall work
off her sins for as long as it takes her to achieve redemption."
" KAORU!" Kenshin left his seat and was across the room in a
second, he skillfully dodged the block from one of the guards and threw
his arms around her. But instead of grabbing her as expected, he passed
straight through her. Kaoru cried out as Kenshin hastily rose and
backed away shocked.
" Kaoru…."
" Baka--" The guard said, holding him away. " She's just a spirit now--
she's no longer your guardian angel, so you can't touch her!"
" Kenshin…" She cried as one of the Angels took her by the arm to lead
her away again. " Kenshin!"
" Kaoru! I'll save you! KAORU!"
" Kenshin…" She strained against the guard's hold. " Don't you
DARE give up this time!"
" Never." He said hoarsely.
" I'll find a way back! I SWEAR I will!"
" Kaoru-- No… DON'T TAKE HER NOW!" He looked towards the Archangel
in earnest. Panic grabbed him, he forgot all about his conversation
with Gaea. He dropped to his knees before the Archangel, prostrating
himself before him. " PLEASE! Let me go in her place! She doesn't belong
in Hell! I do! PLEASE! PLEASE take me instead of her! I'm the one
who's to blame for everything! I pressured her when I knew she didn't remember
me and was pulling away from me! PLEASE! I'M BEGGING YOU!"
" Kenshin-- NO!" Kaoru cried, horrified. " I'll NEVER forgive
you if you do that!"
"…" The Archangel just shook his head and chuckled. " There is
nothing you, or anyone can do for her. Go back to earth." Then
he gestured to the two angels, who resumed in quickly ushering Kaoru from
the room. Kenshin watched in horror.
" KAORU!"
" KENSHIN! KENSHIN!" Her last words rung in his ears, tearing
his heart to shreds before the door was slammed in-between them. Shutting
away the light from Kenshin's life for the third time in a row.
[End Part 5]
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