Hi! It's me again. Usual disclaimers apply. Do any of you remember the name
of Daigoro's girlfriend? I forget! Please tell me so I can add it in.
Shall we get going?
(revised for tenses...arrrgh....)
..................
"Is it true, what you said, Daigoro-dono?"
It was mumbled from the far end of the dojo, just enough for Daigoro to hear. Even he was not sure if he heard correctly. The only man who could have spoken had not stirred from his place. Believing that his mind was playing tricks on him, Daigoro again faced the door.
"Is is really possible?"
"Not years back, or even months," Daigoro hazarded an answer, still facing the door. "But if only a few days back, it just might work."
The dojo was silent again. Daigoro fixed his glasses and arranged his hat, and took two steps out the door.
"Wait, Daigoro-dono."
He stopped again, and this time looked behind him. Kenshin was now looking intently at Daigoro.
"What are the chances that it might NOT work, Daigoro-dono?"
"Very high, actually," Daigoro had to admit.
Kenshin lowered his head again.
"However, Himura-san, the odds are slightly more in our favor. We only intend to take you back a few days, and we plan to stop evil from occurring, and not to cause evil. We plan to save Kaoru-san-----isn't that enough reason for you, Himura-san?"
No answer.
"It is not like you will be a guinea pig for some wild experiment of mine, Himura-san. I personally have tried my equipment several times, without adverse effects. My wife will testify to that. Of course, it was only a difference of hours, up to 3 days, but I promise you that nothing will happen to you."
"Quit trying, Daigoro, you've done what you can," Sanosuke patted him on the head and escorted him out the door. But Daigoro squirmed free of him, and kneeled again in front of Kenshin.
"Himura-san, I beg you, please believe me and give me a chance to help you. I will come back here tomorrow, and I expect an answer from you. Not another blind stare. A solid answer. Favor me that much, Himura-san."
With that, Daigoro resolutely walked out of the dojo and into the street.
Sanosuke and Yahiko again tried to get through to Kenshin after Daigoro left, but with no results. They left him there for the night. They understood, he had to be alone and settle it in his mind.
Megumi arrived around 10 o'clock that evening, to check up on her friends, to help console. Most importantly, to see if Ken-san was still alright.
It was good that she came. She found Kenshin, slumped on the floor of the dojo, having difficulty breathing, white as a sheet. His head was dangerously hot, his face was in a cold sweat. He was delirious already with fever.
"Kaoru-dono....it was foolish of you....foolish....Kaoru.....dono...."
"SANOSUKE! Get in here and HELP ME!" Megumi yelled. It sent Sanosuke running through the house as Yahiko tailed after him.
"Take him to a bed, Sano," Megumi ordered. "Yahiko, cold water and cloths, hurry!"
A million thoughts were running through Kenshin's mind.
*****
Kaoru-dono, Kaoru-dono, where are you? It's not you under that white sheet I saw, Kaoru-dono. It was foolish of you to do that, Kaoru-dono!
No one will miss me when I am gone. I let myself be forgotten by time, remember, Kaoru? No will care if I die, no one. But you, Kaoru, people will remember you. Your happy smile, your cheerful manner, your brave soul.
What will happen to Yahiko now, Kaoru? To Sanosuke?
To me?
I know I'm sick somehow. It's your fault, Kaoru. When I was like this, sad and lonely, thinking about the past, you would be ready with a warm blanket. If you found me asleep, you would just wrap it around me. Little that you knew, Kaoru, that most of the time I was not asleep. I just wanted to feel you wrap your arms over me as you held the blanket.
Tonight there was no blanket. Just me, sad and lonely, thinking not about the past, but about the future. I would wander again, I suppose. Maybe I should. Try to forget about you. Impossible.
If only I can get out of this hot feeling in my head. I miss you already, Kaoru. Someone's rough hands are pressing a cold towel to my face. Another person's gentle touch is feeling my pulse. Megumi, I guess. But Megumi is Megumi. She could never be to me like you are to me.
Where are you, Kaoru-dono?
"Right here, Kenshin!"
Oro?
"Kenshin, I'm here! Listen to me!"
Where, Kaoru-dono?
"In front of you, baka! Now listen!"
Alright, Kaoru-dono, I'm listening.
"I've talked to Kami-sama (God) over here, and he agrees to Daigoro's proposal."
What are you saying, Kaoru-dono?
"Kami-sama says that I came here a little too early. He tells me that life has better plans for me than to die and leave you so soon. We heard Daigoro's proposal here. He will allow you to travel back in time and change history."
Are you serious, Kaoru-dono?
"Yes, Kenshin! He'll even make sure that it happens smoothly. He is convinced that Daigoro can really do it, can really help you and me."
Kami-sama would do that for sessha?
"Well, he said he's been keeping track of you over the last 10 years, and he's quite happy with you."
But what about you?
"As soon as everything is settled on earth, I will leave Heaven and stay back in the dojo for good!"
So, you mean to say that I should agree to Daigoro's fantastic idea to travel back in time?
"Yes, that's what I mean. Do your best, Kenshin. I'll be waiting for you!"
******
"Ah, at last! The fever has broken!" Megumi heaved a sigh of relief. "Ken- san, you crazy boy, you gave me such a scare!" The boys who had kept a long vigil had just gone to bed, in the wee hours of the morning.
Kenshin was still mumbling in his sleep, though. "Don't worry, Kaoru-dono. I'll do it."
As the sun rose that morning, Kenshin found himself on what used to be Kaoru's futon, with Megumi asleep beside him, her head on a chair that held the water basin. Sanosuke and Yahiko were snoring not far away.
He reached out for Megumi's hand and held it. It woke her up immediately.
"Thank you very much, Megumi-dono. I would have liked to die from that fever last night, but I'm glad you did not let me."
"It's nothing, Ken-san. What are friends for? You just rest up, alright? We'll take care of...the burial...ourselves."
"Don't do anything yet, Megumi-dono. At least, not until Daigoro-dono comes here. I would appreciate a change of clothes, if that is alright with you, Megumi-dono."
"But, Ken-san, you've just had an awful fever. I will FORBID you to go out today!"
"It cannot be helped, I'm sorry. Now please, a change of clothing, and wait outside for Daigoro-dono."
Within an hour, Daigoro came knocking. Kenshin was ready and waiting for him at the door. A sad but hopeful expression was now seen on his still pale thin face.
"Himura-san! You're alright!"
"Yes, and I have your answer........I will do it."
But as soon as he said it, Kenshin felt the effects of last night's fever and began to feel dizzy and giddy. He leaned on Daigoro, who led him to the porch.
"Are you sure about this, Himura-san?"
"Kaoru-dono told me so."
Then his eyes fell shut and he leaned his full weight on Daigoro.
His eyes open again in Kaoru's futon, a worried Sanosuke and Daigoro peering over him.
"Don't do this to me, Kenshin," Sanosuke warned. "The fox has gone to rest and won't be back for a while."
"I'm alright, Sano," he reassured him. "Daigoro-dono, tell me about your machine. There is not much time left, yes?"
"But I cannot send you back in time in this condition, Himura-san!"
"I'm alright! And if it is true what you say, the longer I wait, the less chance there would be to save Kaoru-dono. So tell me what I have to know."
"Well, if you say so, Himura-san....." and Daigoro began to tell him about his plan.
..............
You know that feeling when the story writes itself, without the writer having control over it? Well, that kinda happened in this chapter. Hope you like it anyway. I'll introduce the time machine next installment. Ja!
Shall we get going?
(revised for tenses...arrrgh....)
..................
"Is it true, what you said, Daigoro-dono?"
It was mumbled from the far end of the dojo, just enough for Daigoro to hear. Even he was not sure if he heard correctly. The only man who could have spoken had not stirred from his place. Believing that his mind was playing tricks on him, Daigoro again faced the door.
"Is is really possible?"
"Not years back, or even months," Daigoro hazarded an answer, still facing the door. "But if only a few days back, it just might work."
The dojo was silent again. Daigoro fixed his glasses and arranged his hat, and took two steps out the door.
"Wait, Daigoro-dono."
He stopped again, and this time looked behind him. Kenshin was now looking intently at Daigoro.
"What are the chances that it might NOT work, Daigoro-dono?"
"Very high, actually," Daigoro had to admit.
Kenshin lowered his head again.
"However, Himura-san, the odds are slightly more in our favor. We only intend to take you back a few days, and we plan to stop evil from occurring, and not to cause evil. We plan to save Kaoru-san-----isn't that enough reason for you, Himura-san?"
No answer.
"It is not like you will be a guinea pig for some wild experiment of mine, Himura-san. I personally have tried my equipment several times, without adverse effects. My wife will testify to that. Of course, it was only a difference of hours, up to 3 days, but I promise you that nothing will happen to you."
"Quit trying, Daigoro, you've done what you can," Sanosuke patted him on the head and escorted him out the door. But Daigoro squirmed free of him, and kneeled again in front of Kenshin.
"Himura-san, I beg you, please believe me and give me a chance to help you. I will come back here tomorrow, and I expect an answer from you. Not another blind stare. A solid answer. Favor me that much, Himura-san."
With that, Daigoro resolutely walked out of the dojo and into the street.
Sanosuke and Yahiko again tried to get through to Kenshin after Daigoro left, but with no results. They left him there for the night. They understood, he had to be alone and settle it in his mind.
Megumi arrived around 10 o'clock that evening, to check up on her friends, to help console. Most importantly, to see if Ken-san was still alright.
It was good that she came. She found Kenshin, slumped on the floor of the dojo, having difficulty breathing, white as a sheet. His head was dangerously hot, his face was in a cold sweat. He was delirious already with fever.
"Kaoru-dono....it was foolish of you....foolish....Kaoru.....dono...."
"SANOSUKE! Get in here and HELP ME!" Megumi yelled. It sent Sanosuke running through the house as Yahiko tailed after him.
"Take him to a bed, Sano," Megumi ordered. "Yahiko, cold water and cloths, hurry!"
A million thoughts were running through Kenshin's mind.
*****
Kaoru-dono, Kaoru-dono, where are you? It's not you under that white sheet I saw, Kaoru-dono. It was foolish of you to do that, Kaoru-dono!
No one will miss me when I am gone. I let myself be forgotten by time, remember, Kaoru? No will care if I die, no one. But you, Kaoru, people will remember you. Your happy smile, your cheerful manner, your brave soul.
What will happen to Yahiko now, Kaoru? To Sanosuke?
To me?
I know I'm sick somehow. It's your fault, Kaoru. When I was like this, sad and lonely, thinking about the past, you would be ready with a warm blanket. If you found me asleep, you would just wrap it around me. Little that you knew, Kaoru, that most of the time I was not asleep. I just wanted to feel you wrap your arms over me as you held the blanket.
Tonight there was no blanket. Just me, sad and lonely, thinking not about the past, but about the future. I would wander again, I suppose. Maybe I should. Try to forget about you. Impossible.
If only I can get out of this hot feeling in my head. I miss you already, Kaoru. Someone's rough hands are pressing a cold towel to my face. Another person's gentle touch is feeling my pulse. Megumi, I guess. But Megumi is Megumi. She could never be to me like you are to me.
Where are you, Kaoru-dono?
"Right here, Kenshin!"
Oro?
"Kenshin, I'm here! Listen to me!"
Where, Kaoru-dono?
"In front of you, baka! Now listen!"
Alright, Kaoru-dono, I'm listening.
"I've talked to Kami-sama (God) over here, and he agrees to Daigoro's proposal."
What are you saying, Kaoru-dono?
"Kami-sama says that I came here a little too early. He tells me that life has better plans for me than to die and leave you so soon. We heard Daigoro's proposal here. He will allow you to travel back in time and change history."
Are you serious, Kaoru-dono?
"Yes, Kenshin! He'll even make sure that it happens smoothly. He is convinced that Daigoro can really do it, can really help you and me."
Kami-sama would do that for sessha?
"Well, he said he's been keeping track of you over the last 10 years, and he's quite happy with you."
But what about you?
"As soon as everything is settled on earth, I will leave Heaven and stay back in the dojo for good!"
So, you mean to say that I should agree to Daigoro's fantastic idea to travel back in time?
"Yes, that's what I mean. Do your best, Kenshin. I'll be waiting for you!"
******
"Ah, at last! The fever has broken!" Megumi heaved a sigh of relief. "Ken- san, you crazy boy, you gave me such a scare!" The boys who had kept a long vigil had just gone to bed, in the wee hours of the morning.
Kenshin was still mumbling in his sleep, though. "Don't worry, Kaoru-dono. I'll do it."
As the sun rose that morning, Kenshin found himself on what used to be Kaoru's futon, with Megumi asleep beside him, her head on a chair that held the water basin. Sanosuke and Yahiko were snoring not far away.
He reached out for Megumi's hand and held it. It woke her up immediately.
"Thank you very much, Megumi-dono. I would have liked to die from that fever last night, but I'm glad you did not let me."
"It's nothing, Ken-san. What are friends for? You just rest up, alright? We'll take care of...the burial...ourselves."
"Don't do anything yet, Megumi-dono. At least, not until Daigoro-dono comes here. I would appreciate a change of clothes, if that is alright with you, Megumi-dono."
"But, Ken-san, you've just had an awful fever. I will FORBID you to go out today!"
"It cannot be helped, I'm sorry. Now please, a change of clothing, and wait outside for Daigoro-dono."
Within an hour, Daigoro came knocking. Kenshin was ready and waiting for him at the door. A sad but hopeful expression was now seen on his still pale thin face.
"Himura-san! You're alright!"
"Yes, and I have your answer........I will do it."
But as soon as he said it, Kenshin felt the effects of last night's fever and began to feel dizzy and giddy. He leaned on Daigoro, who led him to the porch.
"Are you sure about this, Himura-san?"
"Kaoru-dono told me so."
Then his eyes fell shut and he leaned his full weight on Daigoro.
His eyes open again in Kaoru's futon, a worried Sanosuke and Daigoro peering over him.
"Don't do this to me, Kenshin," Sanosuke warned. "The fox has gone to rest and won't be back for a while."
"I'm alright, Sano," he reassured him. "Daigoro-dono, tell me about your machine. There is not much time left, yes?"
"But I cannot send you back in time in this condition, Himura-san!"
"I'm alright! And if it is true what you say, the longer I wait, the less chance there would be to save Kaoru-dono. So tell me what I have to know."
"Well, if you say so, Himura-san....." and Daigoro began to tell him about his plan.
..............
You know that feeling when the story writes itself, without the writer having control over it? Well, that kinda happened in this chapter. Hope you like it anyway. I'll introduce the time machine next installment. Ja!