Kyaa Kyaff here!
Disclaimer: RK characters don't belong to me!
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'…' Kaoru thoughts
*…* Kaoru thoughts
"…" Dialogue
An Alternate Place and Time
Chapter 23: Final Fight
That night Sano had left not caring how late it was. Kenshin could not go, because the injury to his leg was becoming worse. Sano told Kaoru to stay with Kenshin saying he didn't need any help. That didn't stop everyone from worrying. Kaoru couldn't stop worrying about Yahiko either. The only solace she felt when thinking of Yahiko was he was safe. They would not jeopardize his health, or they wouldn't be able to use him. Tomoe bandaged Kenshin's leg as well as she could, while an uneasy silence ensued between Kenshin and Enishi. Tsubame sat leaning against the wall appearing calm, but Kaoru knew differently. Tsubame eyes were filled with concern and fear for Yahiko as she absently played with the necklace he had given her.
"Kenshin," Kaoru said holding the arm thrown over her waist tight after everyone had settled down to sleep.
Kaoru and Kenshin were on the side of the room that had served as Yahiko, Sano, and Kenshin's room in the small house. Tsubame, Tomoe, and Enishi were on the other side.
"Yes?"
Kaoru turned onto her back so she could look at Kenshin, who propped himself up on his elbow.
"After this is all over, I want to find some small town to live in with lots of trees and a lake," Kaoru moved again now laying on her other side facing Kenshin as he watched her lovingly, taking one of her hands in his, "And I want to open a dojo, but I don't want to teach our style. Maybe I can teach one that protects. No more real swords. I could use wooden ones."
"That sounds wonderful," Kenshin said leaning forward and kissing her forehead.
She smiled softly closing her eyes and imagining a quaint little place, "I can pass this on to our children, then they can to theirs."
Kenshin laughed quietly, "Planning ahead."
"I could already be pregnant," Kaoru replied jokingly.
"Do you think so?" Kenshin asked alarmed.
"No, I was just saying it's a possibility."
"Oh, we should be more careful until this conflict is over," Kenshin said touching a hand to her stomach.
"Well when we do have children, what do you think we should name them?" Kaoru asked.
Kenshin appeared thoughtful, "Well, if it's a boy, Kenji. A girl, hmm…Yumiko."
Kaoru nodded her head, "I like those names a lot. Yumiko and Kenji."
Sighing she pictured their future together with a little girl and boy chasing after each other, while Kenshin sat beside her with a smile.
"Our children can live peaceful lives, and we can live the rest of our lives in peace after this is over."
"I hope that such will be the case," Kenshin said.
Kaoru pushed him down onto his back, making herself comfortable, using his chest as a pillow. He brought his arm up and began idly running his hand through her hair as she hugged him close. Her eyes gleamed stubbornly as she looked into Kenshin's eyes.
"It will be," Kaoru finally said with absolute conviction.
"Koishii, you are amazing."
Kaoru felt the troubles plaguing her mind slowly fade into the background, "Of course I am, anata."
"I love you, Kaoru," Kenshin chuckled out softly.
"I love you, Kenshin," Kaoru replied blissfully.
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A week passed at a frantic pace. Kaoru and Kenshin were unable to locate Yahiko or any Shinsengumi member. It seemed everyone was in hiding and preparing for something big if the rumors were to be believed. Another problem arose. Sano had not returned either. While searching for Yahiko, they were also looking for Megumi and Sano now. Enishi had taken Tomoe and Tsubame to his place, so they would be safe, since the house everyone had been living in was no longer safe. It was just Kenshin and Kaoru sitting in the little house eating breakfast, trying to figure out what they should do next.
Kaoru stopped eating at the same time as Kenshin, both alert. Kenshin nodded and they prepared themselves for anything. Someone knocked on the door. Kenshin motioned Kaoru to step back and went to the door. Hand ready for his sword he opened it.
"Himura-san," Katsura declared in greeting, "I had hoped the rumors were true."
"Katsura-san. What are you doing here?" Kenshin asked letting Katsura inside.
"I came personally to find you. The final move to decide the outcome of this war has come. The Ishin shishi have gathered. I need you and Kamiya there," Katsura explained seeing Kaoru.
"Himura now," Kaoru corrected smiling.
Katsura's eyebrow raised as he glanced at Kenshin, "Is that so? Well, congratulations. It's about time Himura found a woman to control him."
Kenshin frowned.
"Will you come?" Katsura asked.
"Yes," Kenshin said pivoting to look at Kaoru, "I want you to go to Enishi's home. Stay there, where it's safe."
Kaoru had to stop her mouth from dropping open, "What!? I don't think so. I am going with you. Don't treat me like an inept fool you have to protect. I can fight too! I won't leave your side! We promised!"
Kenshin shook his head, "This is too dangerous."
Kaoru's anger flared, "It's as dangerous for you as it is for me!"
"Kaoru…"
"Kenshin! I am coming with you! Don't even think for one second I'm not! Now let's go before I really get pissed!" Kaoru interrupted her hands clenched tightly.
Katsura had an amused look on his face. Kenshin walked away from Kaoru grabbing his stuff. Kaoru got hers as well. They knew it would be best if they left immediately. They were all packed since that whole week they had been barely home and were prepared for any attack from the Shinsengumi.
"I'm going to leave a note for Sano, telling him not to worry. Just in case," Kaoru said writing something real quick.
She placed it on the table. Kaoru didn't want to leave any clues for anyone else to find them, so she kept it short and brief. It said not to worry with a K as a signature.
"Okay let's go."
Stepping outside the two followed Katsura to their new destination.
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"Katsura-sama! I'm so glad you came back safely! It was foolhardy to go out on your own," One of the men said coming from the building Katsura, Kenshin, and Kaoru were approaching.
"That's enough. As you can see I am perfectly fine. Now prepare a room for our guests. The meeting will commence once they are settled in and we have some dinner," Katsura said.
The man bowed and left to do as ordered. They followed Katsura inside, where there was a table laid out with food already. It looked delicious. Katsura sat at the head of the table inviting Kaoru and Kenshin to sit to either side of him. There was much discussion at the table. Many people welcomed Kaoru and Kenshin back. Katsura with a huge smile on his face stood commanding everyone's attention.
"I would like to announce the fact that Kenshin has found himself a wife." Katsura gestured to Kaoru.
Everyone erupted into talking, some made lewd comments, and others congratulated the two. The whole table was in a festive mood. After dinner Kaoru and Kenshin were shown their room, where they dropped off the rest of their things. It would be a half hour until the meeting Katsura wished to hold, so Kenshin and Kaoru sat in their room together talking.
"I hope Sano finds Megumi," Kaoru said suddenly as she rummaged through her bag.
"Knowing him, he will find her."
"Yeah, Sano's always been reliable when it's important," Kaoru replied pulling out a small circular container.
Kaoru moved over to Kenshin opening it up.
"Now let me see your leg."
"It's fine now," Kenshin said with a shake of his head.
Kaoru made a face, "Mou! You are lying. It's only been about a week, now let me take care of it!"
Kenshin smiled, "You won't take no for an answer, will you?"
"No," Kaoru answered.
Kaoru tended to Kenshin's leg. She carefully cleaned it first before applying the ointment and bandaging it again.
"There, was that so bad?" Kaoru asked.
"No."
"Good now kiss me," Kaoru ordered.
Kenshin happily complied pulling her into his arms and kissing her softly. A tentative knock was heard at the door interrupting the two.
Kenshin cleared his throat before he spoke, "Yes?"
"Katsura-san wanted me to inform you the meeting will begin in five minutes."
"I will be there," Kenshin replied.
"Mou! I wasn't finished kissing you," Kaoru said as Kenshin tried to stand up.
"We do not want to be late."
Kaoru smiled, "He said five minutes."
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"This is it," Katsura said capturing everyone's attention, "Soon the outcome of this war will be decided. We must work together to make our victory possible. No more games. From now on there is no time to play around. We will defeat the Shinsengumi!"
A cheer rose up in the room at Katsura's last words. Kaoru sat next to Kenshin holding his hand tight. He glanced at her as her grip tightened. Looking to him she smiled softly, but could not hide her anxiety. He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it watching her with a steady gaze. Kaoru relaxed a little as she listened to Katsura's speech. It didn't matter what happened, Kenshin would be by her side. She could face anything with him beside her. She perked up as Katsura began relaying orders. After he was finished he dismissed everyone but Kenshin, Kaoru, and three other people Kaoru did not know.
"My most trusted men," Katsura started getting a raised eyebrow from Kaoru, "and woman, I wanted you to stay, because I wished to speak with you privately. I want you to know I appreciate all you have done for me. Without you I wouldn't have made it this far successfully. Whatever happens over the next few days, I know we can overcome it. We will create a new era with peace."
"Katsura-san…"
"Rest well tonight. Tomorrow will be a busy day," Katsura interrupted raising his hand up dismissively.
Everyone bowed to him and began leaving.
Katsura sighed rubbing a hand against his forehead after everyone had left. A pair of soft hands touched his shoulders. Katsura smiled at the warm presence behind him.
"Anata," the woman behind him leaned forward, "You must rest as well."
"There is much to be done. Tomorrow you must leave here. It is not safe, Chizuru." Katsura said changing the subject.
"Think on it tomorrow then. For tonight I will be here by your side."
Katsura turned to the woman behind him taking her hands in his, "I could not have gone this far without you koishii."
"You are strong."
"You are my strength," Katsura replied.
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Kaoru lie on the futon in their room after the meeting with Katsura. Her mind was uneasy and a million thought tried to dominate at once.
"Kenshin, it will be over soon. I mean this is it. The last strike to decide the end of this war."
"That's what Katsura has said," Kenshin replied leaning against the wall.
Kaoru, who had been laying down on the futon, sat up, "If anything happens…"
"Nothing will happen," Kenshin said pushing off the wall and sitting next to Kaoru.
"I hope Tomoe and everyone is alright. They should be safe with Enishi."
"They will be fine."
"I'm a little scared," Kaoru admitted, "I'm scared for Yahiko, Sano, and Megumi. I'm afraid Yahiko will get hurt. I'm afraid you'll get hurt."
Kenshin pulled her close, "Don't think such thoughts. Things have a way of working out. Kaoru we have gotten this far."
Kaoru nodded snuggling closer to him, "We should change and go to sleep. Tomorrow will be a busy day."
"Yes, you're right."
Kenshin stood up walking over to his bag to get his sleeping yukata. As he pulled it out and alarm was sounded. Immediately both Kenshin and Kaoru had their swords in hand.
"We're under attack! The Shinsengumi…" the voice was suddenly cut off.
"Damn! We have to find Katsura," Kenshin said.
Kaoru nodded waiting as Kenshin opened their door cautiously looking out. The place was in an uproar. Everyone was trying to make sense of the sudden attack. Kenshin and Kaoru went to find Katsura. The door to his room had been broken down. There was no sign of Katsura or the enemy. Kenshin's eyes narrowed as he surveyed the scene. There had been a struggle. Sounds of battle reached his ears from the outside. Screams of fiery and death, metal ringing against metal, and the sound of crying erupted from the once silent night. Running outside, Kaoru close behind, Kenshin stopped short. Kaoru almost collided into him. Looking over his shoulder her mouth dropped open. In the short seconds from when the alarm had sounded swarms of people were fighting each other against a flame-ridden background. The city was on fire.
Kenshin turned to Kaoru, "We have to find Katsura before anything happens."
Kaoru understood, "Stay safe."
Kenshin kissed her briefly before disappearing to the right. Just as quickly as he dashed away Kaoru took to the left. Katsura's safety was immensely important, and Kaoru understood the need for them to separate and search. A Shinsengumi member came running up to her sword drawn. Without another thought she had her sword out and easily ducked the swing knocking the man unconscious. Pivoting into a small alleyway Kaoru saw some figures ahead. Kaoru's eyes narrowed recognizing Katsura's form. He slashed at someone defending the person behind him.
"Katsura," Kaoru said softly staying quiet so as not to draw attention.
"Kaoru-san!"
"Katsura-san, are you hurt?" Kaoru asked keeping her senses open for another attack.
"I am fine. I should have expected this. What a fool I am." Katsura berated himself.
"Do not say such things," Katsura's wife said.
"Kaoru-san, you must take my wife to safety."
"I cannot leave you here by…" Kaoru stopped when she heard someone's approach but quickly realized it was Kenshin.
"You found him."
"Himura, we must get…" the rest of Katsura's words were drowned out, as a loud explosion was heard not to far away.
Shinsengumi members began pouring into the alleyway from both sides. Kaoru and Kenshin took up defensive postures. Kaoru ran forward incapacitating some and knocking out others. Kenshin's blade sliced through human flesh. It didn't take long for Kaoru and Kenshin to finish them off. After the assault the four ran to somewhere safer.
"There's a place. Please take my wife there. She knows of where I speak. Himura-san we have to get to the Shinsengumi hideout. We know its location. We must rally the men."
Kenshin nodded. Katsura embraced his wife as Kaoru paled. Kenshin reached out a hand cupping her cheek.
"Kenshin, you better not get hurt," Kaoru said in a threatening voice.
"I won't. You better stay safe as well."
"I'll be waiting for you, Kenshin. If you don't come get me I'm going to find you, and I'll be very angry!" Kaoru said.
Kenshin grabbed her up in a fierce hug, "I will find you after this is over Kaoru."
"I love you," Kaoru whispered softly.
"I love you."
Kaoru stepped from Kenshin's embrace reluctantly.
"Ready?" Katsura asked.
"Yes," Kenshin and Kaoru answered.
Kaoru watched as the two men ran off.
"This way," Chizuru said after the two men could no longer be seen.
Kaoru took the lead protecting Chizuru with all her strength. They managed to get away from the main fighting happening within the Ishin shishi hideout. The rest of the city was in as much chaos. Everywhere people were being mercilessly slaughtered if they got in the way. Kaoru soon realized the ones killing the city inhabitants were not of the Shinsengumi. They were an altogether different people. Kaoru had taken it upon herself to rescue those she could forming a small band of people. Reaching the cities limits with a group of twelve she stopped short.
"And where do you think you are going?" A man called out from behind her.
Kaoru stood in front of those she was leading to safety, "Hurry and fight me if you wish, so that I may leave."
"Confidant are we?" The man said hefting his heavy looking weapon.
It looked like a big huge hammer to Kaoru. Kaoru quickly analyzed the situation.
"Chizuru-san, start leading these people away. I will catch up."
Chizuru nodded and began ushering the wide-eyed people away. Kaoru waited for the man to make his move. He watched her with a smile.
Kaoru's eyes narrowed, "Those are your men killing the people. This has nothing to do with the Shinsengumi."
"How perceptive of you. Yes, I do happen to be the leader of those men," the man replied.
"Why are you doing this?" Kaoru asked.
"I have my reasons, but it's easier to take what you want when a conflict like this is in full swing."
"Who are you?" Kaoru asked.
"I have no reason to tell you."
Kaoru raised her sword up preparing to fight. His smile merely widened. He lifted the heavy looking hammer from his shoulder with casual ease giving it a swing. Kaoru frowned. One hit from that would knock her out. She would have to rely on her speed, instead of outright defense.
"Well, are you going to attack, or are you going to keep staring at me? I am told I'm quite attractive, but this is not the time for that."
Kaoru glared as the man ran his other hand through his hair. Another explosion sounded right near them almost throwing off Kaoru's concentration. The man came running forward with more speed then he looked capable of during the distraction. It took Kaoru only a second to realize he could swing that huge looking hammer as fast as she could her sword. Jumping up then ducking low she rolled backwards jumping to her feet again. The man was now grinning. Kaoru frowned. She couldn't directly counter his attacks. Her mind raced with possibilities.
Racing forward Kaoru danced around him using all the speed and agility she possessed to break through his defense. She brought her sword around quickly catching him directly on the ribs. Deftly dashing to the left she avoided being crushed by the powerful swing of his weapon. He held his side painfully with his free hand.
"Your sword…it's reversed…"
Kaoru did not give him a chance to finish as she maneuvered to his right. She went to strike, but a voice distracted her momentarily.
"Kaoru!" Yahiko rang out among the chaos.
Kaoru only glanced over for a second to see Yahiko being held by two men. She tried to recover herself, but it was too late. A sickening crack rang out and Kaoru fell to the ground in a heap. Pain spread through her body centered on her leg. It was at an odd angle, the bone of her lower leg just barely breaking through the skin. Kaoru's face paled and it took all her effort to quell the cries of pain that were trying to force their way from her body. She could not stop the tears that formed. She began to feel disoriented from the pain of it. Kaoru still held her sword in one hand with a strong grip. Lifting it up she met the man facing her with defiant eyes. If she was to die she wouldn't go down without a fight. Yahiko's kept calling her name over and over. The man lifted his weapon up getting ready to finish Kaoru off.
"Kaoru! No! Don't!" Yahiko yelled desperately.
"Myojin-sama, we've found the boy. We must hurry."
Kaoru watched the man with surprise, "Myojin…?"
The man standing in front of her nodded to the other men, who knocked Yahiko out. Gazing back down at Kaoru, he shot her a dashing smile.
"You know what, I like you, so I'm not going to kill you. Survive this, so that we may meet again."
The man faded into the darkness his men following suit. Kaoru felt her sword fall from her hand. She grasped it again, but did not try and lift it. She couldn't stop the small sounds of pain slipping from her. She wanted to try and stand but it only sent lancing pain through her leg. She was stuck where she was. Kaoru watched as many people went running by, none noticing her. The pain became overwhelming as she tried to stop the blood flow from her wound. Suddenly someone knocked into her as they ran from the city hitting her hurt leg. She let out a scream of pain. The person looked at her wide-eyed with fear. Kaoru could no longer stay conscious; it was too much. She had one last thought before she passed out.
'Kenshin.'
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Hiya everyone! Yep, sorry for the late update, but I haven't been able to really write what I wanted to on this story! Ack! I still don't think it came out good. But anyway, I've decided to make the next chapter the last. I am going to make a sequel. It will make more sense when you read the next chapter! Which I will be getting out soon cause I am really inspired!
Enough babbling I want to thank Lina, Omochi, Gypsy-chan, kyo-kun no sukebe, Mango, marstanuki, Crystal, Joey, Kamimura Kaoru, Fuuko-san, Mistress of All Worlds, Chiki, moonblossom, chibi-ken14, Kriska, SwtRKgurlz, hosi-ni-onegai, t.anjel, Chu, me me me and only me, Shizuka, tiggergirl, tesuka-chan, sTrAwBeRrY, lizzie, RyuichiFanGirl, Lynne Katrea, Apple, Tariq, Jim, meow-chan, and KanbiAme for all your support.
Individual thanks next chapter!
Kyaa Kyaff saying hope to hear from you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!