Disclaimer: Rurouni Kenshin is copyrighted to Nobuhiro Watsuki, Sony, Shuiesha Jump... mumble mumble...

This is set when Kenshin finds out from Tomoe that Kaoru's still alive in Enishi's island.

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Kenshin

Kaoru's alive.

He couldn't believe it. Tomoe came to him and told him that Kaoru was alive.

And he was letting himself rot just because he thought she was gone.

He sat up on his bed, wincing at the pain the action gave him. Then he smiled. She's alive. Kaoru's alive. Thank the gods...

Kenshin had thought his world ended when he saw that horrible doll. Enishi's sword was thrust into her heart, a cross scar marked on her cheek.

He remembered his words well when he dropped his sword.

"What is Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu? Who is Himura Kenshin? Once again, I couldn't protect the one I love... Kaoru...dono... KAORU!!!"

She was his life. When he thought she was gone, he had given up all hope in living.

So he went to Rakuninmura.

Tsubame's tearful begging and the old man's advice finally got him moving to save Yahiko. But something was still missing.

Kaoru.

He missed the way she patched him up every time he went home injured. He missed the way she sat on the hallway reading a book. He missed watching her as he did the laundry. He missed her cooking, terrible it may be.

But most of all, he missed Kaoru herself.

He loved her, and he finally got to tell her before all that fiasco happened.

She'd saved him so many times from himself. And for that he was eternally grateful.

Now it was his turn to save her from his past.

Aishiteru, Kaoru. Wait for me. I'm coming for you.

He got up and dressed. He was just sheathing his sword when Megumi, Sano, Yahiko and Tsubame came in.

"Minna, I apologize for making everyone worry," Kenshin said as he faced them. "I have caused unnecessary grief."

"Kenshin..." Yahiko murmured.

"Everyone, let's go! Take me to where Kaoru-dono is!"

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A/N: I certainly hope it does not seem jumpy...

Chapter 9