DISCLAIMER: Rurouni Kenshin and Rurouni Kenshin characters are exclusively owned by Watsuki Nobuhiro, Shueisha, Sony Entertainment, Jump Comics and associated parties. Please note, this is purely fiction and for entertainment purposes only. This story is not meant for sale or profit.


Author's Notes: This is my first Alternate Universe Fanfic about Kenshin and Kaoru falling in love during modern times. It's not your typical love story and it is OOC. (Drama/Angst/Romance) Fatal Love Fanfiction by Gypsy-chan Enjoy!

Please Note: This story was not written to offend those in the medical profession or in the law enforcement field. It was written from my over-active imagination. The characters, the characters in various professional capacities and the events in this story should not be taken literal in anyway. OOCness and unethical practices will prevail throughout this story. Thank you and Enjoy! ^_^



FATAL LOVE
Part Twenty-two



......Kaoru's eyes widened upon reading the note that Saitoh had discretely put on her desk. The note read: "The man who is challenging Himura's parole is named Enishi Yukishiro."

Kaoru gasped, "Enishi Yukishiro. Oh no! I've got to see Aoshi to save Kenshin!" Kaoru knocked over a pile of books as she ran out of her office.

********************************

Early the next morning, Megumi was busy attending to her patients. Sano suddenly burst through the doors of the infirmary heading straight for Kenshin's bed.

"No! Don't disturb him," she said while jerking his arm back. "Leave him be."

"How long is he going to lay there like that," replied Sano as he scowled toward Kenshin. "He can't give up now! I know we can find some other legal crap to beat this thing. Kenshin needs to get up now and fight back instead of lying there like dead wood!"

"Don't be so harsh on him," said Megumi as she glanced over to Kenshin. "Four days ago, Kenshin received many injuries from the physical abuse he sustained during the prison riot. He still blames himself for Kaoru being forced to resign. He had hoped to somehow make it up to her after receiving his full pardon. But upon learning that his parole was being challenged, he's sunken back into a state of Clinical Depression."

Sano arched his eyebrow at her saying, "Clinical depression huh…. Well if you ask me, all he needs is a good swift kick in the butt. That'll get him out of his depressive mood."

Megumi glared daggers at him while thinking, "What did I ever see in that insensitive moron." She then went over to another patient and began reading his chart.

"Megumi, we're wasting time here," he said while frowning at her. "All I need is just five minutes with him. I know I can get him to...."

"No," she said abruptly cutting him off, "as I told you before, he must not be disturbed," she said while gazing over to his sleeping form.

Sano noticed the way Megumi was looking at Kenshin.

"Oh I get it. Now that Kaoru's out of the picture, you've come up with some fancy medical term so that you can keep him for yourself," he said spitefully. "I've notice how you always manage to keep Kenshin in the infirmary longer than the other inmates. I've also seen how you coddled him and are always gazing at him when he's sleeping. You really like him don't you."

"You jerk!" yelled Megumi as she slapped him in the face. "How dare you insinuate something like that to me!"

"A jerk?" he asked while rubbing his redden cheek. "Is that what you think I am for wanting to help Kenshin?"

"Yes," she scowled back at him. "You are a big dumb jerk with a male ego the size of mars! How could you think that I would do something like that! I know how much Kenshin and Kaoru love each other. I'm not blind!"

Sano cast his eyes downward and softly stuttered, "I... I'm sorry Megumi."

Megumi turned her back to him and said, "You may not take your job seriously, but I do! I'm a doctor. I'm suppose to show concern and compassion for my patients. That's part of the healing process. Also, my diagnosis of Kenshin's condition is real. Clinical depression is not some "fancy medical term" I made up to "keep Kenshin for myself." According to Kenshin's medical records, he's suffered with that type of depression for years.

Clinical depression can be brought on by psychological, biological, and environmental factors. Kaoru knew this. She worked in psychotherapy sessions in between her other sessions with him. He really was responding to the therapy.

Unfortunately, while I was on lunch break, that Fugita guy visited Kenshin. He told him that his full pardon was denied. When I returned from break, I noticed Kenshin lying in the bed staring blankly at the wall. I tried speaking with him but all I could see was signs of hopelessness, guilt and worthlessness. He's also lost his appetite and hasn't been responding to any medication. That's why I can't allow anyone to disturb him. Kenshin is in no condition to do anything."

"Well, I get depressed too. But I'd rather stand up and fight instead of lying under some rock," he scowled while pounding his fists together.

Megumi glared at him and retorted, "You idiot! You haven't heard a word I said."

"Yeah, I heard what you said," he replied while glaring back at her. "Kenshin isn't going to do nothing, which is fine by me. As far as I'm concerned, he can stay in this rat hole and rot!"

Sano abruptly turned from Megumi and stormed out of the infirmary. Megumi stared at the swinging doors fuming.

"That moron really knows how to tick me off. Why does he have to be so jealous! He should know how I feel about him by now. Well, I can't spend time worrying about his insecurities. Right now, Kenshin needs my help."

Megumi glanced down at Kenshin's sleeping form. She noticed that his blanket was beginning to slip off his shoulders. Megumi grabbed the edges of the blanket and gently placed it back upon his shoulders. She leaned over him and whispered into his ear, "Hurry and get well Kenshin. Kaoru's waiting for you."

Kenshin didn't respond. A single tear trickled down Megumi's face. "I hope I can reach him somehow before it is too late." She then returned to administering to her other patients.


Meanwhile, Kaoru and Yuri were inside a hotel conference room waiting in a long line to see Aoshi. He was promoting another one of his books.

"I really hate these book signing things," sighed Yuri. "They're so boring."

"I agree," replied Kaoru. "But this is the only way I can see Aoshi. He'll probably be catching the 5:00 shuttle to Kyoto after this is over. I just hope I can see him in time before he leaves."

"Why don't you just send him an instant message on his pager," suggested Yuri.

"That's a great idea Yuri," she smiled while pulling out her pager.

Kaoru typed in, "Aoshi... must see you... Urgent!... Kaoru."

While signing another book, Aoshi suddenly received the page. He glanced over and read the message. "Aoshi... must see you... Urgent!... Kaoru." After signing the book, he handed the signed copy to the man standing in front of him. As the man stepped aside, he saw Kaoru standing in the back of the room. He whispered to his assistant, "I'm taking a short break."

The assistant placed a sign in front of the pile of books and announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, we will be taking a short break. Please be sure to return for another book signing session with Dr. Shinomori after the break."

As Aoshi neared Kaoru, Yuri smiled and said, "Glad that worked. I'll meet you back here in twenty minutes."

Aoshi led Kaoru into a private room. After they sat down, icy blue eyes began to stare into anxious blue eyes. Kaoru began fidgeting under his stare.

"What is so urgent that I had to be interrupted for," asked Aoshi as he continue staring at her.

Kaoru took a deep breath before saying, "I need your help in an urgent matter. Kenshin Himura was given the opportunity of a full pardon by a government official. He was chosen to work undercover in a highly confidential government case. There were many illegal deals being transacted inside of the prison he was incarcerated at. Several days ago, with Kenshin's help, the authorities were able to apprehend the criminals.

I just learned that Kenshin's full pardon was contingent upon no one challenging his parole. Unfortunately, Enishi Yukishiro has challenged his parole. Enishi is Kenshin's brother-in-law. He is the only living relative of Kenshin's deceased wife, Tomoe.

When researching some of Kenshin's older files, I found many letters from victims and relatives of victims requesting that Kenshin be denied parole. The most outstanding ones were those written by Enishi as a teenager. One year, after he found out that Kenshin was up for parole, Enishi sent in one hundred letters and a petition with 500 signatures on it. His letters and petition greatly impressed the members of the parole board. Kenshin was denied parole that year."

Kaoru paused to see his expression. Aoshi's face showed no signs of cooperation.

"What does all this have to do with me," he coldly replied.

"I.... I need you to represent Kenshin Himura in front of the parole board," she nervously answered. "There will be a full parole board hearing...."

"Wait," he said abruptly cutting her off. "Why can't you do it? You are his psychiatrist. You're in the best position to represent him before the parole board."

Kaoru cast her eyes downward and mumbled, "I can't.... because...." she paused and exhaled deeply before finishing, "because I've been forced to resign." Kaoru took a quick glimpse at Aoshi and saw that he sat displaying no emotions.

"Oh god why is his face so hard to read?"

"I.... I finally realize how unprofessionally I acted," uttered Kaoru. "By getting too close to him, I not only jeopardized my career, but I also lost my job. I should have meditated over my course of action before blindly forging ahead. Unfortunately, the damage is done. I don't have a job and Kenshin's full pardon is still pending. There's nothing I can do or say that will change the minds of the parole board about Kenshin. If he isn't represented properly, he'll have to wait another three to five years before he's up for parole again. I would hate to see that happen after he risked his life for our government. That's why I need your help Aoshi. Will you please help me."

There was a long deadening silence between them. Aoshi stood slowly and began walking toward the door.

"Aoshi why," she asked as tears began forming into her eyes. "Why won't you help me? Does our friendship account for anything?"

He stopped in the doorway for a moment. As he listened to her whimper softly he flatly replied, "Friendship has nothing to do with this."

Kaoru cried as she watched her only hope leave the room. "Kenshin...."

Upon entering the men's restroom, Aoshi could sense a familiar presence standing behind the door. Aoshi went over to the sink and turned on the faucet. As the water began falling into the drain, Aoshi pretended as if he was washing his hands. A tall lean man stepped out of the shadows, a wisp of smoke following him.

"Why didn't you tell her that you're going to represent Himura," said the man as he exhaled the smoke from his cigarette.

"Because I wanted her to realize the course of her actions," responded Aoshi as he quickly glanced up into the mirror at the man hidden in the shadow behind the door. "Do you have what I need?"

"Yes," replied the man before taking a long draw on his cigarette. After exhaling a billowy cloud of smoke he said, "I've taken the liberties of moving the parole hearing to an undisclosed location. The news media has practically camped outside of the prison due to the recent incidents. You'll be contacted later with the location."

Aoshi didn't respond. He kept his hand near the running water in the sink.

"I understand the founder of Victims Speak Out is planning to represent Enishi. Mr. Amakusa Shougo is one of the toughest victims rights advocate there is. Have you heard of him?"

"Vaguely," said Aoshi as icy blue eyes reflected into narrow amber one.

"Well let me refresh your memory," smirked the man. "When Shougo was a child, his family belonged to a small religious sect. They worshipped in seclusion because their religion was not accepted by the community. Unfortunately, their religious activities were eventually discovered. The community leaders decided that their religion should be disbanded.

One night, some thugs broke into Shougo's home. They murdered his parents right before his eyes. The thugs were eventually caught but soon released due to pressure from the community. Shougo's uncle was angered by the lack of justice. He took Shougo and left the country. As Shougo grew, he learned from his uncle, how to work the legal system. Shougo swore that he would exact revenge. After many years of training, he returned to his parents old community and used the legal knowledge he had acquired to avenge his parents death. Through many court battles, his parents death was finally vindicated. Many people viewed him as a "legal savior."

The man in the shadows grinned wickedly at Aoshi and said, "But... I'm sure you knew all that. I believe your agreeing so quickly to handle this case has nothing to do with your wanting to teach Dr. Kamiya a lesson. I think it's more.... personal."

Aoshi didn't reply. He turned off the running water in the sink and grabbed a paper towel. As he neared the door he shifted a cold stare at the man and said, "Yes.... It is personal. Let's keep it that way." Aoshi then tossed the crumbled paper towel into the garbage bin and then left.

The man smirked to himself as he stepped out of the shadow. The door to the men's room opened slowly as a man dressed in a janitorial outfit entered. He was carrying a bucket and mop. He looked at the tall lean man and asked in a hushed tone, "How did it go with Shinomori?"

"As well as to be expected," answered Saitoh as he stood near the door. "By the way, don't forget to remove the out of order sign when you leave."

"Right," smiled Okita as he placed the mop and pail in the corner.


Aoshi returned to the room where he and Kaoru last spoke. Kaoru was still sittiing in the same position with her head lowered. Aoshi stood in the doorway and said, "I'll meet you in your office in an hour. Take out whatever files you feel is pertinent."

"Thank you Aoshi," said Kaoru while bowing in gratitude to him. "Thank you very much for helping me."

Aoshi regarded her with a cold stare before leaving the room.

Kaoru sighed, "I didn't think he was going to do it. I know how he feels about Kenshin. I guess our friendship must mean something for him to have reconsidered. Regardless of his motives, I'm just glad he's going to fight for Kenshin."

Yuri entered the room carrying several bags in her hands. "The shopping is really good around this time of day.... So... how did it go Dr. Kamiya?"

"Dr. Shinomori has agreed to help," answered Kaoru. "We must hurry back to the office to get all of Mr. Himura's files together before he comes."

"Sure thing," smiled Yuri as she followed Kaoru out of the hotel.


Upon returning to the book signing session, Aoshi became to replay the latter half of his conversation with Saitoh.

Flashback
"... I'm sure your agreeing to handle this case has nothing to do with your wanting to teach Dr. Kamiya a lesson. I think it's more.... personal."

Aoshi shifted a cold stare and replied, "Yes.... It is personal. Let's keep it that way."
End of Flashback

While signing another book smiled inwardly thinking,

"Yes, the matter is very personal. My time has finally arrived for my own vengence against Amakusa Shougo. I will make him pay for publically humiliated Misao Makimachi... I swear it."


Later that evening, while scribbling notes on a patient's chart, Megumi noticed the night janitors coming in. She glanced down at her watch noting the time. "I can't believe how fast the day went by. I better head to my office. I have a couple of reports to fill out before going home."

After clipping the last patient's chart back upon the bed post she smiled and greeted the janitors.

"Good evening Mr. Oibore, good evening Mr. Kuma."

"Good evening Dr. Takani," they replied in unison.

"Is it that time already," she asked while pointing at her watch.

"Yes Dr. Takani, I guess it is," smiled Kuma.

"I think you need to go home and get some rest," said Oibore. "You seem a littled tired today. Don't worry about things here, old Kuma and I will keep an eye on everything for you."

"Who are you calling old," frowned Kuma. "We're both the same age."

Megumi chuckled and said, "I'm sure both of you "young men" will do a good job of taking care of things while I'm gone. I'll see you tomorrow. Good night."

"Thank you Dr. Takani," smiled Kuma

"Have a nice evening," said Mr. Oibore as he watched her leave the room.

"Did you hear that," asked Kuma, "she called me a young man. Not a bad compliment for a man at the age of sixty."

Oibore shook his head and chucked at his friend.

"I'm going to get fresh towels for the restrooms. I'll be back in a minute," said Kuma as he left the room.

Oibore nodded and then began humming a tune while sweeping the floor. As he neared Kenshin's bed, he glanced down at him. Kenshin lay motionless staring blankly at the wall. Oibore sat in the chair next to Kenshin's bed.

"What's the matter young fellow? You've been lying like that for the past two days. You seemed depressed."

Kenshin didn't respond.

"I know what it is to be depressed," said Oibore. "I've had my bouts of depression from time to time. But, I eventually got over it."

Kenshin slowly shifted his eyes towards Oibore and weakly asked, "How does one "get over" the pain and suffering he caused to his victims?"

Oibore smiled and replied, "When you lived as long as I have, you learn to get over a lot of things. My grandfather use to say that being in a state of depression is like taking your mind and throwing it into Rakuninmura."

Kenshin knitted his brow at Oibore before repeating, "Rakuninmura?"

"You've never heard of Rakuninmura," he asked while noting Kenshin shaking his head. "Well, let me tell you about it. During the Meji Era, Rakuninmura was a place where......"