Kyaa Kyaff here!
Disclaimer: Kenshin & co belong to me! Muahahahaha! Me and every other Rurouni Kenshin fanfic writer!!! *looks around at the lawyers surrounding her* Did I say that…*clears throat* what I meant was Kenshin & co do not belong to me or the other writers. Really! that is what I meant!!! Can't believe I forgot the do not part, I swear it won't happen again!!! *slowly backs off the screen*
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'…' Kaoru thoughts
*…* Kenshin thoughts
"…" Dialogue
An Alternate Place and Time
Chapter 22: More complications.
"Yahiko, I am worried about Kenshin-san," Tsubame said as she sat down next to Yahiko and held his hand in hers.
It had been a week now since Kenshin collapsed and still there was no sign of Kaoru. Not knowing if she was all right or not was eating away at everyone. Kenshin was hit hardest. It seemed like the life was finally taken out of him. He had been through worse, but losing Kaoru again had been enough to knock over the fragile wall he had constructed. The only one that could get any response out of him was Tomoe. Yahiko still believed Kaoru was fine. They hadn't found her so she had to be. She was strong, he knew from all the years she had protected him. He had absolute faith that he would see her again.
"He still won't get up, will he?" Yahiko asked.
Tsubame shook her head sadly, "There is something wrong with Misao-san too. She is acting normal but something must have happened. Yahiko, do you think Kaoru is alright?"
"Of course she is! I am not giving up. Kenshin shouldn't either!" Yahiko said suddenly standing up.
Tsubame stood also, "Let's go back to the house."
"And kick some sense into the baka," Yahiko finished.
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Megumi was picking up some food with the little money Sano had actually made gambling. The tori-atama had went out against Megumi's advice. She had a houseful of trouble. She had to remain strong for everyone too. Stopping by a stall with some medicine she felt someone come up beside her.
"Are you Takani Megumi?" the man asked.
Megumi turned sharply around, "What business is it of yours?"
"I have a proposition for you. I know all about your medical background and, I need some help," the scrawny man said in a suspicious manner.
"I don't think so," Megumi replied walking away.
"The name's Kanryu Takeda. And you really have no choice in the matter."
"Is that a threat?" Megumi asked sharply.
"It can become one," Kanryu replied.
"I still refuse," Megumi stated.
"Have it your way," Kanryu said walking away into the crowd of people.
Megumi was a little shaken up by the encounter. She wished Sano were here right now. Megumi almost hit herself.
"I do not need that tori-atama," Megumi muttered under her breath.
She could just imagine him now.
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"I'll protect you Megitsune," Sano said putting an arm around her shoulder.
She shrugged him off angrily, "I can take care of myself!"
He was suddenly looking at Megumi very seriously, "I know you can, but that doesn't stop me from worrying about you."
Megumi backed up but he caught her around the waist pulling her close.
"I love you Megumi."
Megumi's mouth dropped open. He smiled leaning forward to kiss her.
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Megumi was bumped right out of her daydream by a person trying to get passed her. Blushing furiously she realized she had been standing right in the middle of the street daydreaming about that tori-atama. Megumi put a hand to her forehead to see if she was feeling okay. Her imagination sure had run away with her. Megumi shook her head. She didn't like the tori-atama. He was annoying, a flirt, a bad gambler, and just…just…
"Argh!" Megumi tightened her hold on the bag she was carrying and began to make her way back to the house.
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Sano sneezed suddenly. Stepping out into the cold he searched the road for Megumi's figure. She wasn't late, but she had angrily stomped off earlier that morning when he refused to get up. Sano was used to going with her to make sure she was all right. Not that he was truly worried. Megumi was a hellcat that could put up a fight of her own. Never stopped him from worrying about her. He could just imagine.
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"I'll protect you Megitsune," Sano said putting an arm around her shoulder.
She shrugged him off angrily, "I can take care of myself!"
He was suddenly looking at Megumi very seriously, "I know you can, but that doesn't stop me from worrying about you."
Megumi backed up, but he caught her around the waist pulling her close. She gazed into his eyes turning a lovely shade of red.
"I know Sano and that's why I love you."
Sano's eyes widened and he smiled with pleasure. She reached up to kiss his lips.
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"Yeah right! Only in my dreams."
Sighing he went back inside. Glancing over to where Kenshin sat he frowned. Kenshin wasn't talking much. Sano was just as worried for Kaoru, but Kenshin seemed to have given up. Sano had confronted Kenshin on this, but Kenshin remained unfazed. Tomoe would go over to him to get him to eat or make sure he was warm. The only time he had any display of emotion was when she was around. Otherwise if he actually talked to you it was in monosyllables. Makes for a very riveting conversation, reminiscent of Aoshi.
He heard a shout come from outside. Instantly alert he ran to the door. Yahiko was running toward the house, Tsubame's hand in his. A look of fear was on his features.
"What's the matter Yahiko-chan?" Sano asked trying to get the boy annoyed.
Yahiko was pale, "Members from the Shinsengumi are coming! They were right behind us!"
"Shit! Get inside now! I'll take care of this," Sano said.
"I'll help," Yahiko announced in a determined voice.
"You don't know how to fight kid, and they're after you anyway," Sano replied.
"I can have them help us when you knock them down. Don't forget what I can do!"
"First get Tsubame inside," Sano ordered.
Three men came from the woods. Sano cracked his knuckles with a wicked grin on his face.
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"That is everything that happened. The man known as Battousai has taken Tomoe. We have to rescue her," Enishi said.
"I understand," Kaoru replied.
"Here's your sword," Enishi said handing her a sword.
Kaoru took it in her hand feeling the familiar weight of a sword in her hand. Her eyes suddenly widened as she began to remember in bits in pieces fighting someone.
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"Fair enough," He raised his sword preparing to attack.
Kaoru's eyes narrowed. She could not see the man known as Battousai well in the darkness of the night. No matter, she calmed herself, and crouched into a defensive position. Without warning the Battousai charged forward and unexpectedly jumped into the air coming at her with a downward slash. Using her instincts she dropped to the ground just missing getting sliced in half as she felt the air rush over her head.
Countering she took a quick swing at his legs slicing through thin air. She growled in frustration.
"Bastard, I won't let you pass."
"You cannot stop me if you are dead," he retorted arrogantly.
Kaoru began to recognize the voice while she remembered.
She hastily brought her sword down as he came up with an upward swing. Slamming down hard with the block she took the opportunity to bring her dagger down, cutting his left cheek. He jumped back with a hiss.
Putting a hand to his bleeding cheek he stared at her coldly.
"You will pay for that," he snarled.
"You're threats don't scare me." Kaoru stated defiantly.
"Aaaa," Kaoru cried as she failed to block his attack to her shoulder.
The blade bit deep into her shoulder. He pulled it out viciously. Kaoru's dagger dropped from her hand as she went to grip her right shoulder.
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Kaoru felt Enishi hands on her shoulders.
"Kaoru-koi, are you okay?" Enishi asked.
"Yes, I just remembered something. I was fighting the Battousai. It was raining. I couldn't seem him to well," Kaoru stopped.
Pulling down her sleeping yukata so she could look at her shoulder she saw a scar from the stab she had received.
"We have fought more then once it seems," Kaoru muttered pulling her sleeve back up.
"Yes, and now it is time we finish it. We will save Tomoe and can go back to being a family again," Enishi said.
Kaoru looked at him resolute, "When do we leave?"
"Now."
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Kenshin watched as Tsubame and Yahiko came bursting inside. Tomoe looked over startled.
"What's the matter?" she asked alarmed.
"The Shinsengumi are here," Yahiko said, "I have to go help Sano."
Yahiko rushed out before anything could be said. A dangerous glint had entered Kenshin's eyes unbeknownst to the two women in the room.
"What happened?" Tomoe asked.
"Yahiko and I were coming home, when we were suddenly attacked. We ran as fast as we could. They're here to take Yahiko back!" Tsubame said in worried tones.
Kenshin stood grabbing his sword, "I'll take care of this."
Tomoe watched him in surprise at the tone in his voice. Kenshin stepped past the two telling them to stay inside. Going out he saw Sano doing his best to dodge the sword swung in his direction. One of the Shinsengumi members was fighting with Sano to protect him. No doubt the work of Yahiko, who stood ready to offer any assistance he could.
"That's enough Sano. I'll take care of this."
Sano risked a glance over to where Kenshin stood and was stunned. The normal violet eyes were replaced with burning amber ones. Not even waiting for a reply Kenshin rushed forward with deadly intent. He easily sliced through the first two. Turning he engaged a third. More of the members had begun to appear. Kenshin noticed they were low ranking and laughed scornfully.
"I will kill you all unless you leave," Kenshin said in a venomous voice.
The one man looked uncertainly at Kenshin before rushing forward. His mistake. Kenshin slipped out of the way of the attack going to the man's now unprotected side before slicing across his ribs. Minutes later fifteen men lay dead on the ground. Walking over to the man beside Yahiko he stabbed him through the throat. Yahiko watched Kenshin wide-eyed in terror. Sano was unable to say anything. Blood was spilled on the ground everywhere. Kenshin had a feral look in his eyes just asking anyone to challenge him.
"He has lost it," Yahiko uttered quietly.
Kenshin glanced over at Yahiko but ignored his comment.
"Someone else is coming," Kenshin said raising his sword.
"Battousai! I challenge you," A familiar voice rang out sharply.
Stepping from the woods was Kaoru, behind her a grinning Enishi.
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Tomoe heard Kaoru's voice ring out in the still air. She jumped up quickly rushing outside. Her eyes widened with horror as she saw the carnage around her. Tomoe glanced at Kenshin's tense stance before sliding her eyes over to where Kaoru stood. Tomoe gasped in surprise.
"Enishi?" Tomoe asked uncertainly.
All eyes were on her now.
"Oneechan!" Enishi shouted cheerfully.
"What, what are you doing here?"
"Kaoru and I came to get you oneechan. We can be a family now. Battousai will pay for ruining your happiness," Enishi said emphatically.
Tomoe gazed at him in disbelief. She remembered Enishi. He had lived in the same place as she had when she still was suffering from memory loss. She had learned of his tragic past. He had become attached to her and visited her often. Enishi even began calling her oneechan. She hadn't minded. It was nice to have someone other then Kenshin to talk to.
"What are you talking about? He didn't."
"He killed Akira-san. We were going to be a family and he killed him!" Enishi yelled angrily.
Kaoru didn't even move her eyes trained on Kenshin. Tomoe glanced over to Kenshin. The blood had drained from his face, and he looked like he wanted to run to Kaoru just to see if she were real. When he took a step forward she raised her sword.
"What are you doing koi?" Kenshin asked quietly.
"Who do you think you are!? Don't call me that! I will kill you and take Tomoe back," Kaoru cried out fiercely.
Kenshin watched her stunned.
"What do you mean? Why are you doing this Kaoru?" Tomoe said stepping closer.
Kenshin moved to stop Tomoe from going any closer not trusting Enishi.
"Enishi told me what happened! Enough talk! Get away from her!" Kaoru said diving toward Kenshin with her sword.
He dodged to the side, immediately bringing his sword around to defend himself. Kenshin stopped himself from automatically going offensive. Kaoru gave him no slack as she advanced on him again. Tomoe cried out to Kaoru but she ignored her. Enishi started coming closer to Tomoe. Seeing this Sano pulled Tomoe back. Yahiko also stepped forward. He would not be left out.
"Kaoru I won't fight you!" Kenshin declared.
"It will just make it easier for me to kill you!" Kaoru yelled back going after Kenshin with a quick thrust then slash to the side.
Kenshin countered each but could not avoid the stab to his leg. He let out a hiss of pain holding his injured leg. Kaoru slid back into an offensive stance. Yahiko ran toward Kaoru.
"Stop this! What's the matter? Don't you remember us?" Yahiko shouted dismayed.
"Get at of my way brat!" Kaoru slashed her sword straight at him but met Kenshin's blade instead.
"This isn't you Kaoru. You wouldn't hurt Yahiko!" Kenshin said desperately wishing to wipe that look from Kaoru's face.
"Don't listen to them Kaoru-koi. They are trying to poison your mind. Hurry and kill them! Remember everything that has happened," Enishi said softly.
Kaoru nodded. Kenshin pushed Yahiko back. Enishi glared deciding it was time to join the fight. It took Kenshin a split second to realize Enishi was coming for his back as Kaoru went to the front. Stopping short he threw his body to the side.
"What are you doing?" Kaoru demanded of Enishi.
"We must hurry," Enishi explained, "My blade wishes to taste his blood."
"Fine. I will take care of the rest." Kaoru said switching her gaze to Sano and Yahiko. Tsubame was still by the house, where Tomoe was holding her reassuringly.
Yahiko's jaw dropped as he saw Kaoru actually meant to harm them. Sano grimaced but was determined not lose to Kaoru. He had seen her moves. She was as strong as Kenshin. Things were not looking good.
"Just give up," Kaoru said feeling a strange desire not to harm them.
Sano stood his ground, "We can't let you do this Jou-chan."
"Kaoru stop this." Tomoe pleaded.
"You don't understand what they have done. Once we get you back you will understand. This is for your own good," Kaoru said taking out a little dart and throwing it directly at Tomoe.
Tomoe stared at it for a second before pulling it out. She shook her head before becoming wobbly. Tsubame caught hold of her as her knees buckled and she fell.
"What did you do?" Tsubame asked concerned.
"She'll be fine. It was to put her asleep, so she doesn't interfere."
Enishi laughed, "You will die for ruining her happiness and our family!"
Kenshin frowned, "I didn't."
"I saw you kill Akira. You were going to kill her. I can't let you do that!"
Kenshin forced himself to stay calm. Enishi withdrew his sword and pointed it at Kenshin. Faster then when he was dealing with the Shinsengumi members Kenshin initiated the attack. But before he reached Enishi, Sano went flying between them and landed with a thud. He held his head in his hand.
"Jou-chan sure is powerful."
Enishi didn't give Sano a chance to recover. Luckily Kenshin saw his move and deflected Enishi's attack. Yahiko glanced over at the fighting men. Kenshin was too busy with Enishi, Sano was still recovering, and now Kaoru was coming toward him. Yahiko realized, however, that Kaoru had hit Sano with the blunt side of her sword at the last second. She pointed her sword right at Yahiko. He looked straight at her without fear.
"You really are an ahou."
Kaoru blinked a couple of times. She closed her eyes to try and stop the weird sensation his words had given her. She swung her sword straight for his neck to dispel the feeling, but stopped just short of harming him.
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Crying could be heard coming from the room. Kaoru placed her ear to the door. Sighing she pulled back with a clenched fist. She softly opened the door. A ten-year-old Yahiko scrambled to wipe his tears away.
"Learn how to knock, busu."
Kaoru didn't let his little nickname for her annoy her. She walked over to Yahiko not saying anything. Kneeling down she pulled him into a fierce hug. He struggled, but she wouldn't let him go. Finally he relaxed into her embrace fisting her gi into his hands.
"Why aren't you afraid?" Yahiko asked quietly.
"Of you. I could beat you up in a second."
"You don't care about me. As long as you get paid…" Yahiko started.
"Shhh…Yahiko you are a person. Just remember that," Kaoru said letting him go and placing her hands on his shoulders.
Yahiko sniffled again, "You are the only one who thinks so."
"Will you do me a favor?" Kaoru asked.
Yahiko's face hardened thinking she was trying to get something from him, "What?"
"I don't have any family left. Would you be my younger brother?"
Yahiko looked at her disbelievingly before laughing and saying, "You really are an ahou."
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Kaoru let her sword slip from her fingers, dropping to her knees.
"Kaoru!?" Yahiko said in concern.
Enishi looked over in anger, "What are you doing?"
Kaoru shook her head, "I don't know."
Yahiko stepped closer, "Can you trust me Kaoru?"
Kaoru looked at the person she swore to protect with her life, "Yes."
Yahiko moved even closer placing his fingers on her forehead, "I want you to remember. Remember everything you have locked away and forgotten. Please."
Kaoru's eyes widened as she pulled back clenching her head between her hands moaning in pain as all her memories came flooding back.
After several seconds she asked herself softly, "What have I done?"
Yahiko went to catch Kaoru as she fell but was pulled roughly back. He felt something prick his neck before becoming extremely drowsy. Kenshin glanced back over to where Yahiko and Kaoru were to see Yahiko being taken away by a member of the Shinsengumi. Tsubame cried out running after the man only to be knocked down.
"Pay attention to me!" Enishi yelled swinging his sword at Kenshin with all his strength.
Kenshin flew back after defending the unexpected blow.
"I don't have time for this!" Kenshin yelled angrily slashing back.
"It's time to end this," Enishi said quietly.
Kenshin agreed. Standing straight up he sheathed his sword sliding into a fighting stance one hand on the hilt of his sword. Enishi backed up with a smile. Everything seemed to still around them as a moment of tense silence ensued. Sano slowly sat up and just as he did they attacked faster then he could follow. He watched amazed as the two appeared before his eyes again, Enishi dropping down. Kenshin turned to face him.
"Now you no longer can use that hand," Kenshin said walking closer, "But don't worry, it won't bother you. I will be kill you now."
Enishi glared at him with hatred. Kenshin raised his sword and brought it down sharply.
"No!"
Kenshin sword struck the ground right beside Enishi. Kaoru looked at Kenshin's furious eyes.
"Don't kill him," Kaoru pleaded.
"Why!?" Kenshin asked pivoting to face her.
Kaoru stood up walking over, "Kenshin please, just don't."
Kenshin resisted the anger building up even more at her words. She walked past him to Enishi. Kneeling down she looked at him.
"Enishi you must stop this."
"Why? He killed him. He would kill oneechan!" Enishi said holding his right arm.
"No, he wouldn't. Please Enishi. Let's take care of your arm. Then you can talk to Tomoe yourself. She wants to talk. We can still be a family. There is no need for this. Come on inside and you can talk to her when she wakes," Kaoru said gently.
Enishi looked at her for several moments with a desperate pleading look, "I can?"
Kaoru nodded and helped him up. Kenshin watched in disbelief as Kaoru led Enishi to the house.
"Kenshin???" Sano asked uncertainly.
"I have to get Yahiko before they get to far. I will be back," Kenshin said turning and deftly running off despite his injury.
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Kaoru watched as Enishi sat and talked to Tomoe. He seemed like a small child listening to everything Tomoe told him. Realizing Yahiko wasn't around Kaoru went looking for him only to be told he was taken by the Shinsengumi while she was unconscious, and that Kenshin was going to get him back. Tsubame was all right. Kaoru had also been informed that Misao had left saying she would be back in a few days. Kaoru was deeply ashamed of what she had done and apologized fiercely.
Unable to stay in the room any longer she stood up and went outside. Fear clenched her heart as she worried about both Yahiko and Kenshin. She had seen the confusion and hurt in Kenshin's eyes when she had passed him to go to Enishi. She had to calm Enishi first though. Sano had informed her what had happened when she was gone and she felt like crying.
'I caused him so much pain. What must he think now? How could I have forgotten everyone? How could I have hurt him like that?'
Staring out into the darkness she heard a trudging noise. Running over she saw it was Kenshin, alone. Kaoru went over to him as quickly as she could.
"Kenshin…"
He glanced at her briefly, "I couldn't find him."
Kaoru looked down for a second before gazing back at him, "Are you hurt?"
"I'm fine," he said walking around her.
"Kenshin!" Kaoru exclaimed.
"I need to rest, so I can leave to find Yahiko tomorrow."
"I'm coming with you," Kaoru stated.
"No," Kenshin said limping.
"You are hurt! It's my fault."
"It's just my leg," Kenshin said still walking toward the house.
Kaoru stopped distressed, "Gomen ne. Kenshin please look at me. Tell me you don't hate me. Tell me you forgive…"
Kenshin turned and pulled Kaoru into a tight hug saying in a fierce whisper, "I love you. Don't ever go off on your own again! Don't ever leave me again!"
Kaoru nestled closer to him grateful to be able to hold him, "I love you too."
Kenshin brought his lips to her neck kissing her softly before saying, "I thought I had lost you. I felt like I had lost everything."
"Kenshin, gomen nasai. I won't leave you again. This time we will stay together."
"Yes," Kenshin sighed against her neck.
Kaoru held onto his hand as they walked into the house. Sano at the same time came running out slamming right into them. Landing in a jumbled mess, Kaoru shoved Sano off.
"What's the matter?" Kaoru asked holding her hand out to help Kenshin up.
"Megumi hasn't come back yet. She only went out to get supplies. That was in the morning! Something must have happened!" Sano exclaimed beyond worried.
"What!"
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Hiya everyone!!! And I am back!!! Yup Kyaa is here!!!
Sorry bout taking so long. My boyfriend, now fiancé ( ^___^ ) was visiting for two weeks!!! And I wasn't home to update my stories. But now I'm back!!!
And I wish to thank all who reviewed: Ayumi (WOW! Thanks for the amazing and sweet review), Joey, Ro-chan, chibi_ken14, Gypsy-chan, Shizuka, lizzie, Mango, Yen, tiggergirl, Onna Oji, Lina, Vesca, SwtRKgurlz, Apple, Fuuko-san, kame Hime, Chiki, Naomi, kawaii_tenshi77, me me me and only me, Kamimura Kaoru, Kriska, Tesuka-chan, sTrAwBeRrY, Isis 13, Jim, Sarryn, Sujakata, Demon Wolf, chitchat, and Spellcaster the Diamond.
Kyaa Kyaff saying til next time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!