Teaser

Everlasting

by: Reiko-chan

Standard Disclaimers Apply

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Chapter 2: Ghosts of the Past

Hey guys, I've been having weird dreams lately...

I dreamt about something that happened in the past. I could remember the people's names and faces... especially a man I remember, named 'Kenshin'. He was... different from everyone else... I don't know who he was, but he was someone... special. In that dream, I was a girl named 'Kaoru'. Kevin, I never told that to anyone else. They'd think I'm going crazy...

Why did you tell them to me Kate?

I know you'd understand me... We've been friends for so long... Besides, you told me that you've been having similar dreams... Kevin, I just couldn't keep this inside of me for long. These dreams have been happening for a long time. I could barely sleep. See these bags under my eyes? They're not due to cramming. They're because of those dreams...

Kate...

I want to find the answers to my questions. I want to know why I have these dreams. I want to know why I feel this way everytime I see that man in my dreams...

What man?

... Kenshin... Strange though... He looks just like you...

Like me?

Their previous conversation rang continuously in his head as he walked to his house. He kept on thinking on what Kate had told him. True enough, it was strange. But then, he himself had been having dreams like those. He could remember from his dreams, a man with red hair that reached up to his waist. He had an unusual cross scar on his cheek, and a sword on his side. He remembered that the man had violet eyes. Kevin himself had all those features, except the cross scar and the sword. They looked strangely alike. Although Kevin kept his hair much shorter than the man from his dreams, they still looked like twins.

He sat on his bed, deep in thought. After recalling more scenes from his dreams, he felt fatigued and stressed. He lay down, and stared at the ceeling. Then, unintentionally, his eyes closed.

*******

"Tadaima," Kaoru called from the gate, shutting it close. Kenshin, who was as usual, doing the laundry, looked up and replied with his usual phrase.

"Okaeri de gozaru Kaoru-dono," he smiled as she walked past him, heading for the house.

"Has Yahiko come in yet?" Kaoru asked him, her brows slightly curled. Kenshin fought hard not to smile at her expression. She looked so cute whenever she did that.

"No, he hasn't. Wasn't he with you?" Kenshin replied.

"He was," she returned. "But then we got separated in the crowd. I thought he would be here so I didn't bother to look for him. After all, he's old enough to find his way through the town."

"Hai, hai, he is," Kenshin replied smiling. "Just have faith in him. He'll come home safe and sound."

"I'll take your word for that Kenshin," she replied, and headed into the house.

An hour later, Yahiko still hadn't come home. Kaoru was getting worried by the minute, mumbling to herself whatever mishap she could think of Yahiko getting into. She paced the hallway worriedly, trying to find her cool. She was unsuccessful though. She even worried more. Everytime she heard a door open, she quickly went outside to see if it was Yahiko. To her dismay, it wasn't him. It had started to rain, and Kaoru got even more anxious. Unable to control herself any longer, she grabbed an umbrella from her room and went to the gate. Kenshin saw her just before she went out, and inquired as to where she was going.

"I'm going to look for Yahiko," Kaoru replied, the anxious tone in her voice very obvious. "He hasn't come home yet."

"He probably went to stay at the Akabeko since it's raining and all," Kenshin too grabbed an umbrella, and ran to her. "Just stay inside. You'll get wet out there."

"I have to find him," was her stern reply. "He is my responsibility." Kenshin held her arm, momentarily stopping her from moving. She turned to him, her eyes asking so many questions.

"Kaoru-dono, you can't go. The rain is getting stronger by the minute. You can't go out. It's risky," he spoke in a clear low voice. "If you have to go I'm coming with you." Kaoru just looked at him for a moment, her blue eyes meeting his violet ones. All of a sudden she jerked her arm free from his grasp and ran out of the dojo with her umbrella, into the rain. Kenshin, without second thought, ran after her, calling her name. But she disappeared quickly, and he scolded himself for letting her go. He ran to the Akabeko, to see if Kaoru had gone by. The rain was creating so many puddles that he found it hard to walk, let alone run. He arrived at the restaurant later on, and quickly asked Tae if she had seen Kaoru.

"She was here," Tae replied. "She was very worried and quickly asked for Yahiko. When I told her he wasn't here, she hurriedly ran out into the rain. I couldn't stop her Ken-san. I'm sorry."

"It's all right. Thank you Tae-dono," he replied, and ran off to follow her. He heard Tae close the door after a few minutes as he ran looking for her. The umbrella wasn't of much use to him anymore since he just left it grasped in his hand out of worry for her. Nevertheless he didn't let go of it, and continued to look for her, under the rain. He bumped into Sano at one of the streets, and quickly explained to him the situation. Upon hearing his story, the two split up in search for her.

Sano kept on running around town like Kenshin, until he arrived at the market. There, under one of the empty stalls, he saw Yahiko, still in his training gi trying to keep himself dry.

"Yahiko!" Sano called at the boy. Yahiko turned as Sano ran to him, soaking wet.

"You bastard! Jo-chan's been looking for you all this time! She was so worried that she ran out into the rain despite Kenshin's warning!" Sano scolded. "Now Kenshin's looking for her and he was soaking wet when I saw him! Come on! We have to go look for Jo-chan!" Yahiko nodded wordlessly and followed Sanosuke as they ran around town, calling her name.

Kenshin meanwhile arrived at the riverside, trying to see if she was there. He ran swiftly around the banks checking for any sign of her. The river's tide was rising as the rain began to pour harder. He began to worry more about her, thinking of whatever might've happened to her. A moment later, he saw her, standing there, the umbrella folded at her side. She was just staring off into space. Kenshin was relieved that she was safe.

"Kaoru-dono!" he cried. She turned to his cry and smiled tiredly at him. She closed her eyes, waiting for him to get nearer.

"Kaoru-dono!" he panted as soon as he was near her. She opened her eyes, and spoke.

"I couldn't find him," she whispered softly. "I don't know where he is..."

"It's alright. Sanosuke's bound to find him," Kenshin replied assuringly. He opened his arms and hugged her, pressing her close to him. "You must be cold." She nodded in reply. She rested her head on his chest, and closed her eyes once more, tired from running.

"And tired," she added, chuckling. Kenshin smiled.

"Let's get you home. You need a bath," he said as Kaoru moved away from him. Suddenly, Kenshin felt a prescence near them, and quickly warned her about it. Kaoru moved closer to him for protection as Kenshin clutched his sakabatou with his right hand, his left arm wrapped around her waist protectively.

"Stay close," he uttered. Kaoru nodded. Kenshin looked around them, trying to find someone. His eyes wandered from place to place, the heavy downpour of the rain obstructing part of his sight. He never noticed someone behind them, until he heard Kaoru's scream pierce the calm atmosphere. Her cry was one of pure terror and pain, her voice reaching Sanosuke and Yahiko.

"Kaoru!" Yahiko exclaimed and broke into a run towards her voice.

"Kaoru!" Kenshin cried in horror as a blade pierced through her body from behind her. He catched her falling body, and looked around to find her assailant, his eyes flashing gold. Then, a figure appeared from behind the bushes, moving close to them.

*****

Kevin abruptly sat up, sweating from head to toe because of the nightmare. He clutched his chest, feeling his heart pound fiercely against his bones. His temperature was higher than normal, and he was crying rivers.

"Kaoru," he murmured. He rose from his bed and went to the sink. He washed his tear-stained face and stared at his reflection. "Kaoru..." Tears returned to him once more.

"Why can't I get my mind off her?" he asked himself. "These dreams... are driving me crazy."

See these bags under my eyes? They're not due to cramming. They're because of those dreams...

"Kate," he murmured. "What have you got to do with this?" He removed his gaze from his reflection and started pondering on his dream. From the corner of his eye, he saw his reflection. Suddenly, brief as a flash, he saw Kenshin's image in his mind.

"Am I... Kenshin?"

"NO!!!!!" Kate screamed, seating up from her bed. Her face was wet from tears, and she held her aching head. Her scream was so loud, that at that same instant, her mother and father came rushing up to her.

"Kate!" they cried, seeing her state.

"What happened hon? Are you okay?" her mother asked, hugging her daughter. Kate hugged her mother and sobbed as she told her mother that she had a nightmare.

"It was horrible," Kate sobbed. "Someone... someone killed me in the dream... I thought I had died... Mom.. Dad..." Her father sat beside her and hugged her soothingly.

"It's alright sport. It was just a nightmare," her father consoled her. "You probably ate too much of those tacos your mom made for dinner."

"I did not!" Kate snapped at her father. "I only ate five!"

"Five is a lot honey," her mom smiled. Kate looked at them both, and smiled.

"I guess so," she replied. "Thanks for being here. I feel much better now." She returned to her bed as her mother tucked her in with a kiss.

"Sleep tight hon," she whispered. Kate smiled. Her father clasped her hand for a brief moment, and then stood up. Then, her mother and father left her room. Once the door shut, Kate's smile suddenly faded.

"Kenshin..." she murmured. "Kaoru... I am Kaoru..."

*******

"You," Kenshin's voice was low and dangerous.

"It's nice to see you again Battousai," the figure greeted with a grim smile as he approached him. "Do you remember me?"

"Enishi..." Kenshin glared at him with all the hatred, sorrow and pain he felt. "What did you do to her? Why did you do this to her?!"

"I had to get back at you Battousai," he replied, his gaze shifting to Kaoru. He saw her body drenched in blood, the rain pouring over her steadily. "Though, I certainly regret killing her... She was truly a beautiful girl with a kindred spirit inside her..."

"Shut up Enishi," Kenshin cut him off, resting Kaoru's body on the soft grass. At that moment, Sano and Yahiko arrived. Yahiko shrieked at the sight of his sensei's body, all soaked with blood and rain water. He ran to her as fast as he could, torrents of tears streaming from his eyes. He arrived by her side as Kenshin stood up, his head hung low. Sano was glued to the spot. He couldn't move. He was horrified. He just watched as Yahiko tried his best to stop the bleeding, tearing his gi and using it to bandage her wound. At the sight of this, he returned to his senses and ran to the boy to help him save Kaoru's life.

Kenshin stood motionless, trying to gather his strength. From the corner of his eye, he could see Yahiko and Sano desperately trying to save Kaoru's life. He felt a surge of emotions within, anger and grief getting hold of him as he looked at Enishi's eyes.

"You will pay," he uttered, his voice low, yet angry. Sanosuke paused, and took a look at his best friend. His eyes were now golden. They were no longer the warm violet that they usually were. He heard Enishi laugh cruelly.

"Oh really, Battousai, what can you do? The girl is already wasting away, about to die any minute now. Killing me won't restore her to life," Enishi laughed evilly. Kenshin remained motionless, his words seeping into his mind. At least I can have compensation for what you've done. Lightning thundered, a flash of light blinding Enishi momentarily, leaving him unaware of his surroundings. After a second, he opened his eyes, only to see Kenshin... no... Battousai... running before him, ready to deliver a deadly blow. Kenshin drew his sword in a split second, giving Enishi his best blow: Amakakeru Ryu no Hirameki. This time, Kenshin was intending on killing him. And just as he was about to cut the last string that held his life, he heard a slight moan from behind him, calling his name.

"Kenshin," Kaoru called softly. That soft voice returned him to his senses, his eyes going back to the warm violet color she had come to love and adore. His attack had left Enishi on the ground very much injured, but not dead. He had pulled back that last second once he heard her sweet voice. He wasted no time and rushed to her immediately bringing her close to him.

"Kaoru." Kenshin was crying. He held her hand firmly, trying to make her feel all that he felt in just a single show of affection.

"Kenshin... I'm sorry... I made you worry," was all her soft voice could muster.

"No, I'm the one who should be apologizing. I'm the one who's made you worry," Kenshin placed a finger on her lips, wet from the continuous downpour of the rain, and from her own blood. "Don't talk. You need to save your strength." Sanosuke and Yahiko moved aside to give Kenshin some room so he could get closer to her. The rain continued to pour heavily.

"Kenshin... aishiteru... " Kaoru's breath was getting pained as she spoke. Kenshin's tears fell on her cheek after hearing what she said.

"Kaoru, aishiteru. Aishiteru. Gomen, for not telling you earlier," Kenshin replied. Slowly, he leaned closer and pressed a kiss on her lips. "Gomen Kaoru. I should've said it earlier."

"It's fine with me..." she managed to say. "Arigato." Suddenly the police appeared along with some townspeople who had heard the commotion. The police quickly ran to Enishi and saw him breathing. They carried him on the stretcher and off to the hospital. Megumi was among the people who had heard the commotion. Megumi immediately spotted Sano's spiky head under her umbrella, and wasted not time in rushing to meet him. However, she stopped in her tracks as she saw Yahiko all soaking wet, and Kenshin, who had Kaoru in his arms, barely breathing.

"Kaoru-chan!!!!" Megumi shrieked in pain and terror as she let go of the umbrella quickly running to her friend. She found her wound bandaged, yet she had a very high temperature, and she had lost so much blood. "Kaoru-chan! Hang on! You're going to live! You'll live!" Megumi's voice was frantic, as tears flowed freely down her cheek. She kneeled close to her and let her tears fall. Sano went to her, and held her in an embrace, letting her cry. She stopped though once she heard Kaoru's voice.

"Minna, you're here..." she whispered. Kenshin paid close attention to her, not wanting to let her go. "I feel so tired... I want to go to sleep..."

"NO!!" Yahiko cut her off. "Don't close your eyes! Don't!"

Kaoru smiled. "Yahiko, you're here. Sanosuke too?"

"And Megumi," Sano added softly, staring sadly at Kaoru's face.

"Yes... You're all here," her smile widened, as she closed her eyes. "Please take care of each other. I love you. I don't want any of you getting hurt."

"Kaoru," Kenshin's voice was full of pain.

"Kenshin," Kaoru said. "Aishiteru... please minna, be happy... for me... aishiteru yo... minna..."

"Kaoru-chan!! Don't say such things!" Megumi released herself from Sano's embrace and turned to her friend. "You're going to live! You'll be with us! We'll be with you! Kaoru-chan!"

"Minna... I feel tired..." was the only thing Kaoru said, reluctant to close her eyes.

"Kaoru, aishiteru. Aishiteru..." Kenshin's voice was shaking. "Don't leave me!"

"Kenshin... I'll never leave you... I love you too..." At that moment, she closed her eyes, never to open them again.

*****

Kate sat up again. It ws the second time she woke from her dream. Good thing it was Saturday the next day, so she would have time to rest. She was trying to recover from all the shock she received from her dream, when suddenly, in her mind, she saw a vision of Kenshin, in front of a grave, holding flowers in his hands. This time, she was in that dream. She was walking up to him, dressed just like Kaoru. She could feel everything Kaoru could feel. And that's when she realized... they were one... As well as their love for Kenshin...

Kevin tossed and turned in his bed. He couldn't sleep. The dream was all too shocking. He could feel the anger Kenshin felt. He felt his sorrow, his grief, his pain... everything... even his love for Kaoru. He tried to sleep, bags forming under his eyes, and yet he was afraid he'd have the same dream again. His eyes remained close as tears started to form. Then, he felt himself in a dream again... He saw himself standing before a grave, holding flowers in his hands. Suddenly, he felt someone behind him. He quickly turned, and saw her... he saw Kaoru...

"Kenshin," she called out to him, her hands extended. He was so surprised that he dropped the flowers.

"Kaoru? Is that you?" he asked her as she walked up to him.

"Yes, it's me," she replied, smiling the same sweet smile he had learned to love.

"You're here," he uttered, walking up to her, taking her extended hand. He suddenly smiled. "You're really here with me." He hugged her close, feeling her near him. She was real. And she was close to him. She returned his hug.

"I love you," she whispered softly.

"I love you too," he replied, burrying his face in her hair. "I've missed you so much."

"I've missed you too," she replied, still in his embrace. Slowly, she moved away. "Kenshin, we'll see each other again. We'll meet again. Someday. I firmly believe in that." At that moment, she started to fade. Her face became blurred, until he found it hard to see her.

"Kaoru," Kenshin called, his eyes showing confusion, regret, sadness. "Kaoru!"

"We'll meet again. I promise," she said, her face giving him a look he swore he had seen before. Suddenly, she disappeared, and Kevin awoke from his dream. Her face remained in his mind. He couldn't erase the look she gave him before the dream faded. He swore he had seen that look before. Then, it all came to him. He had seen it... yes.. he did... He had seen it in...

"Kate," he whispered.

"Kenshin," Kate whispered in her bed. She felt the tears well up in her eyes again, and let them fall freely. She remembered the dream she just had, where she had the chance to hold him close. She remembered the way he looked at her just before the dream ended, realizing that she had seen it before. She stood up and walked to the bathroom, finding herself unable to sleep anymore. She looked out the window and found sunrise... That was when it hit her. She had seen that look in the eyes of...

"Kevin," she whispered to the sunrise.