Kyaa Kyaff here!
Disclaimer: RK characters aren't mine! *sigh*
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'…' Kaoru thoughts
*…* Kenshin thoughts
"…" Dialogue
Fragile Balance
Chapter 13: Aoshi's Decision
Aoshi walked toward the exit. Just as he reached the door he felt the presence of someone behind him. Turning to face the person he was shoved up against the wall by someone much shorter then himself. Looking down he saw Seta Soujiro with the same smiling face. His eyes did not match his smile.
"Why? Why did you bring Misao here?" Soujiro asked calmly.
Aoshi pushed out of Soujiro's grip, "It was an order."
"Do you know what they have done to her!?" Soujiro asked his carefully controlled emotions breaking free.
"It's not my concern," Aoshi replied.
"Come with me. I'll show you," Soujiro said.
"I'm not going anywhere."
"You have no choice, Shinomori," Soujiro said his smile forgotten his gaze darkening.
Aoshi understood the threat in Soujiro's statement. It wasn't one of physical violence. He understood Soujiro had some influence within this place, and if he chose to, could make things difficult for Aoshi.
Aoshi's eyes narrowed in anger, "Fine."
"This way," Soujiro said smiling once again.
Walking down a corridor, Soujiro went down some stairs before turning left into another hallway. Stopping in front of big door he knocked.
"Who's there," Anji asked from the other side.
"Seta Soujiro, open up."
There was a momentary pause before a click was heard, and the door opened with a loud grating noise. Stepping inside a line of empty cells could be seen. Anji at Soujiro's request stepped outside closing the door behind him. Aoshi steeled himself, wondering what he would see. Soujiro went ahead looking in the second cell.
Soujiro looked pained before hardening his expression and looking at Aoshi, "She's asleep. Don't say a word to wake her up."
Aoshi had been prepared for many things, but the sight that greeted him shocked him. Not that it should have, but actually seeing Misao in such a state was different from imagining it. Imagining it had been bad enough. Bruises covered her face almost making her unrecognizable. Dry blood caked her tattered and torn clothes. She muttered in her sleep as she breathed in laborious breaths. Aoshi noted her wrists were thickly bandaged, but did not stop the blood from seeping through them. Her long beautiful hair was now filthy and disarranged. Aoshi felt his heart clench painfully. He controlled his emotions as he watched her whimper in pain. His outward expression remained the same, but on the inside he was falling apart.
"This is your fault. How could you deceive her? For your niece? No, you know Shishio-sama has no intention of letting you have her. You disillusion yourself. Now look what you have done to someone, who truly cared for you."
"I don't want to hear anymore. I was ordered to bring her here, and I did. It's none of my concern what they have done to her, or what they will do in the future. I don't care," Aoshi replied coldly.
Soujiro watched Aoshi with pity, "You are a fool. You don't deserve her."
"Sou…chan?" Misao's weak voice wavered out.
She reached her hand up weakly reaching for nothing. Soujiro, who had borrowed the keys from Anji, quickly opened the door as Misao began to cough painfully and violently. Soujiro brushed her hair back whispering calming words. Misao finally quieted down, while Soujiro held her hand in his.
"Sou-chan…I'm…so happy you're…here," Misao said faintly trying her best to smile.
"Shh…be quiet. Save your strength," Soujiro scolded softly watching her with a tender expression.
"Is…someone else here? I heard…voices."
"No one is here," Soujiro replied quickly.
Aoshi backed up sharply not wanting Misao to see him. Not wanting to see the hate and disgust in her eyes, but it was too late. Misao had raised her head up her good eye focusing on Aoshi.
"Aoshi…?" Misao whispered in disbelief.
Aoshi was unable to speak or even move. Her gaze pinned him to the wall. His carefully controlled facade slipped as he watched her with a pained expression. Tears unbidden began to slip from Misao's eyes as she rested her head back incapable of holding it up longer due to the pain. Soujiro tried to soothe Misao, but tears continue to trail down her face.
"What is he doing here?" she asked in a clear and agonized voice.
Aoshi was stunned. Misao's eyes hadn't held any hate or disgust as she watched him; there was only a profound sorrow and regret. Aoshi felt his chest constrict at her words as they crumbled the well-built defense he had constructed. He heard Soujiro trying his best to pacify her. Soujiro finally stood up telling Misao he would be right back.
Going over to Aoshi he spoke quietly, "You can leave now."
Aoshi's expression became cold again, able to deal with Soujiro's anger. Hands clenched he went to leave. A sharp cry stopped him short. Pivoting as Soujiro rushed over he saw Misao trying her best to stand. She had fallen back onto the bed during her effort. As far as Aoshi could tell with her wounds Misao shouldn't even be awake, but her spirit was much stronger then even he could have suspected. Aoshi forced his gaze away and walked out of the hallway preparing to leave. Going to the exit all he could see was Misao's sad soft look, her blue eyes filling with tears, and her sharp cry of pain as she tried to stand. Aoshi stopped just short of the exit slamming his fist against the wall. The man with the swollen eye and lip just watched Aoshi. He hadn't been there when Soujiro had stopped Aoshi. He must have given himself a short break. The idiot was asking to get killed.
Noticing from where Aoshi had come from the man laughed, "Went to see that little bitch. Get on your nerves? I'm surprised that she can even talk then. I got her real good."
Aoshi focused on the man in rage. He had done this to Misao. He had hurt her. How could anyone hurt her? She was innocent and full of energy and life. She was honest and generous. She was forgiving and supportive. These thoughts racing through his head Aoshi did what he hadn't done in a long time, lost complete and utter control of all his emotions. Aoshi punched the man with such force he slammed against the wall and was knocked unconscious. Aoshi stalked back down the hall he had just come from. He couldn't do this any longer. Working for Shishio was getting him nowhere. Shishio had no intention of giving Aoshi Saori, even if he cared nothing for her. Soujiro was right. Aoshi confronted Soujiro, who had just started to leave the cells.
Soujiro's eyes narrowed, "What do you want?"
"I'm taking her," Aoshi replied.
"And what about your niece?" Soujiro asked.
"She's coming with me," Aoshi answered unfazed.
"I cannot allow that. Shishio-sama would be disappointed in me."
"You cannot stop me. Take Misao to my car." Aoshi ordered.
"Where will you bring her?" Soujiro asked caring more for Misao then his loyalty to Shishio.
"Somewhere safe," Aoshi said.
Soujiro shook his head knowing where Aoshi would bring her, "You will not be welcomed there."
"But she will be. I will leave after that."
"I only do this for Misao. Shishio-sama will be displeased," Soujiro replied evenly.
"You are more honest then I," Aoshi said starting to walk away.
"If you're caught?"
"I won't be." Aoshi answered heading for his niece's room.
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Kaoru leaned forward to turn on the music in the car, unable to stand the awkward silence between the two of them. After the whole kitchen incident it seemed they were further apart from before. Kaoru felt like Kenshin was pushing her away, and she didn't understand why. Glancing over at him, she saw his full concentration on the road. Kaoru looked out the window with a dejected face. She watched the houses go by with an uninterested gaze going over what had happened in her mind. After five more minutes Kenshin pulled into the back lot of Hiko's Wares. Parking the car he got out and knocked on the door. Just as Kaoru stepped out of the car the back door was swung open and a tall well-built man came forward filling the doorway.
"What took you so long, my baka deshi?" The man asked arrogantly.
Kenshin shook his head, "There was an accident on Merle road, and sessha had to take a different way."
"No excuses. Is this your woman?" The man asked glancing over to the car.
"She is not sessha's woman, Shishou," Kenshin said a faint red highlighting his face.
Kaoru frowned coming toward the door. Hiko, Kaoru now knew that was who this must be, smiled at her with a large flashing smile.
"Come inside. No use standing out here," Hiko said walking inside.
Kenshin followed reluctantly. Kaoru hesitated herself before going inside, wondering why Hiko wanted to meet her. She entered a small backroom with lots of pottery equipment. Several chairs lined the left wall.
"Take a seat Kamiya," Hiko looked over to Kenshin, "You go and help Akemi with work. Don't look at me like that, baka deshi. Do as I have said."
Kenshin sent a glance to Kaoru before leaving through another door. Kaoru briefly heard Akemi's voice before reverting all her attention to the man sitting in front of her with a sake jug by his side.
"Would you like some?" Hiko asked seeing the direction of Kaoru's gaze.
Kaoru shook her head. Hiko shrugged pouring himself some and taking a sip. He said nothing as he continued to drink.
Kaoru annoyed by the silence spoke up, "Was there something you wanted from me?"
Hiko raised an eyebrow, "Yes."
A few more moments of silence and Kaoru spoke up again, "What is it then? Or would you prefer we keep staring at each other, since I can't read your mind."
"You are a feisty one. I have heard such…well… things about you from Akemi."
Kaoru's mouth thinned to a small line, "You would have. She isn't exactly the warmest person I've met."
"She has her reasons. Now on to you."
"What about me?" Kaoru asked.
"Do you think you can help my baka deshi?" Hiko asked with a careless attitude.
"Help him…?"
"One woman tried, and ended up dead by his hand. Are you stronger then that?" Hiko leaned forward his expression serious.
Kaoru took a second to process this new information, "He…what?"
"Ask him if you wish to find out," Hiko said abruptly.
Standing up he walked over to a shelf with unfinished pottery products on it. Running his hand along the shelf he looked back at Kaoru with a frightening stare. Kaoru sat up straighter.
"Katsura," Hiko's face took on a disdainful expression, "wishes to speak with you also."
"Katsura…he…he wrote that article," Kaoru said more to herself.
"The man is lucky I haven't killed him," Hiko interjected, his voice deadly.
Kaoru looked up abruptly, but Hiko was smiling again. Kaoru frowned. This man was hard to figure out.
"That's enough. I'm done talking to you," Hiko informed her dismissively.
Kaoru placed her hands on her hips at his arrogant tone, "What if I'm not done talking to you? I have questions!"
Hiko laughed, "None of them I will answer."
"What is your problem anyway?"
"Take care of my baka deshi," Hiko said quietly before opening the door and calling to Kenshin.
Kenshin was there in a second, many questions in his eyes. He didn't speak though.
"Did I tell you, Kamiya? About the time when Kenshin was ten and he wet his…"
"Shishou!" Kenshin interrupted immediately.
Kaoru watched surprised at the affection in the older man's voice, barely detectable, but there none the less.
'You're worried about him too.'
Kaoru was lost in her own thoughts not even hearing Hiko beginning to relate another embarrassing story. Akemi' blazing blue eyes shifted Kaoru back to the present.
"Hiko-san?" Akemi asked expecting an answer.
"I see nothing wrong," Hiko replied with a shrug of his shoulders.
Akemi's face fell, obviously hearing the answer she didn't want to.
"That's enough fooling around. Go back to work Akemi. You and Kamiya leave the store if you're not buying anything. I'm finished," Hiko said turning to the door he had just exited.
Kenshin watched Hiko disappear into the back. Kaoru looked at Kenshin's face, but it revealed nothing to her.
'Is it true? Can I ask him about…? No, not now. Later.'
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Sano did the only thing he could do. He waited. He didn't dare leave his house not wanting to miss the phone call. The time passed extraordinarily slow as he waited. Sano couldn't stop his mind from thinking of all the possible things that could have happened to Megumi. He tried watching T.V. but it didn't work. He ended up turning it off. The phone rang twice that day causing him to jump for it and answer with a breathless hello. The first was a telemarketer and the second was Tae from work. She had called the police, because Megumi went missing and her stuff was scattered around as if from a struggle. Sano tried to remain calm and not mention the fact that he knew where she was. Sano didn't have to hide his worry though. He informed Tae he would come around to talk to the police. He thanked her for the call and set to pacing around his apartment again.
Finally, the phone rang again as it slowly turned to evening.
"Hello?" Sano asked.
There was a pause for several seconds before Megumi's shaky voice was heard, "Sano…?
"Megumi! Are you hurt? Where are you? Did he touch you? I'll kill him!" Sano started emphatically.
"She's fine, just a little scared, Sagara," Enishi's voice answered instead.
"You bastard! If you dare hurt her…"
"Now, there's no need for threats," Enishi interrupted.
"What do you want?" Sano asked.
"You know what I want. Time to discuss where we meet."
Enishi told Sano an address. It was in the bad part of the city. Sano knew exactly where it was.
"I'll let you say goodbye now," Enishi said.
"Sano…don't come! You can't…"
"Quiet Megitsune. I'm coming, and I'll get you out of this…" the phone clicked off before Sano could say anymore.
Sano went into his room to change. He didn't have time to waste. He cursed when he remembered he didn't have a car. It didn't matter. He would find one.
It didn't take Sano long to find a carelessly unlocked car. He knew a thing or to about stealing, or as he preferred to say, borrowing cars. Getting it starting he took off without another thought, not caring about the consequences. His heart ached when he thought of Megumi. Why didn't he try harder to keep her at his place? If he had she would be safe in his arms right now. Swerving sharply to avoid hitting another car, he sped through a red light. After twenty minutes of reckless driving he made it to the place. Looking down at the paper he held with the address he slowed down. Many of the houses were old and rundown. Sano began searching for the right address. He stopped at the one on the corner. Parking the car he got out gazing at the house looming in front of him.
"I will save you Megumi," Sano said to himself before walking up the dying and weed choked lawn.
Just as he reached the door it was flung open, "Sagara, it's so nice to see you."
Sano didn't reply as Enishi stepped out offering to let him inside. Sano didn't let his guard down as he passed the man, who was smiling with a feral look in his eyes. Sano came into the living room sweeping his gaze around the house, searching for Megumi's figure.
"Where is she?" Sano asked.
"Not very polite of you. You are a guest in my home. No need to be so demanding."
"Where is she?" Sano asked again.
"Impatient I see. This way," Enishi replied waving Sano to follow.
Going into the dining room Sano saw Megumi tied to a chair like something from a movie. Enishi held his arm up stopping Sano from going to her. Megumi lifted her head her eyes widening when she saw Sano.
"What are you doing here?!" Megumi cried out.
Sano gave a sigh of relief. She didn't look hurt just distraught. Sano was suddenly smiling.
"I love you, Megitsune."
"Sano! You tori-atama! Why are you talking like that?" Megumi said struggling against her ropes.
"Enough talking," Enishi said stepping into Sano field of vision making him back up.
Sano's hands clenched as he backed up.
"Now that you know she's safe, where's Kaoru?" Enishi asked.
"I don't know. She wouldn't tell me," Sano replied.
"I hope you are joking."
"Even if I did know I wouldn't tell you. I came to get Megumi. That's it, you crazy bastard," Sano said coolly.
"Crazy huh? But I'll give you one more chance. Where is she? You want your woman, and I want mine. A fair enough trade I would think. She's unharmed as of right now, but if necessary I can change that."
"You touch her and I'll…" Sano started.
"Tell me where Kaoru is. My patience is wearing thin," Enishi's voice was filled with venom.
"I already said I don't know. Wherever she is it's the hell away from you."
"Fine, some persuasion is in order," Enishi threatened.
As he moved toward Megumi, Sano grabbed him. Enishi smiled pulling his arm away.
"You want to fight then? I can do that."
Enishi swung for Sano, who was prepared for this and jumped back, staying close enough to be able to keep Enishi away from Megumi. Megumi cried out trying desperately to get loose. Sano went after Enishi with a quick punch only hitting air. Next thing he knew Enishi was behind him, and Sano had barely enough time to duck before countering. Sano had been in his fair share of fights, but he realized he had to be careful. Enishi was fast. Blocking another punch he rammed Enishi in the ribs. Enishi laughed and caught Sano across the face. Sano wasn't fazed. He came at Enishi fast as ever.
Megumi's cried out in distress as Sano toppled over the table. Enishi followed fast. Her heart beat faster as she saw them fight. Enishi was getting far more punches in then Sano. Megumi tried her best to loosen the bonds holding her. She needed to get them looser to get her wrists free. Just a little bit more.
Sano coughed after getting a particularly hard punch to the stomach. He wouldn't give up. He had to save Megumi. As he went after Enishi again he felt a sharp pain stab his stomach. Pulling back he held his now bleeding stomach. Megumi began to scream for him. Enishi waved the blade around in Sano's face. He hadn't even seen it.
"Sano! Stop this! You're hurt! Sano!" Megumi yelled.
"I'm not giving up!" Sano said staring straight at Enishi.
"Where is she?" Enishi asked.
Sano laughed, "You really don't get it, do you?"
Enishi glared at Sano and went toward Megumi. Sano was on him in a minute. He smashed a fist across Enishi's face. Raising a hand Enishi wiped the blood from his split lip, anger burning in his eyes. With more of an advantage Enishi took a couple of swipes managing to give Sano a few shallow cuts.
"I'm through playing," Enishi declared.
Enishi blurred before Sano's eyes and seconds later he felt a sharp pain in his back. Then his knees were kicked hard from the back causing him to fall to them. Blood dripped onto the floor.
"Sano please! That's enough," Megumi pleaded as tears ran down her face.
Sano stood up despite the pain. He couldn't give up, he wouldn't. Enishi merely bashed him down again. Sano braced himself going to stand again.
"Stay down!" Enishi yelled kicking him in the side.
Sano pivoted using all his strength giving Enishi a sharp uppercut to the ribs. Enishi's eyes widened in surprise as he grabbed his side in pain. His face lost any sanity that was once held on it. He hit Sano repeatedly each time asking where Kaoru was. Megumi kept screaming. Enishi finally finished breathing heavily.
Sano tried to focus his gaze seeing Megumi screaming desperately for him. Funny thing was he saw her lips moving frantically, but he couldn't hear her. He moved his hand out toward her as if he could grasp her. Unbeknownst to him he was quietly mumbling her name over and over again. He tried to stand but his body wouldn't cooperate. He began to panic when his vision started to fade. He wanted to see Megumi; he needed to see her safe. Sano forced his body try and stand for Megumi, somehow he managed to get upright. He couldn't understand what was happening when suddenly he was grabbed roughly and thrown, glass shattering around him. He landed onto the hard ground outside. Sano felt his consciousness slipping. He had failed Megumi. That was the last thought Sano had before everything went black.
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"Kenshin…?"
"Yes Kaoru-dono?" Kenshin said keeping his eyes trained on the road.
They had went out to eat something before deciding to go see Katsura. Evening was settling in. Katsura's place was a little farther than Hiko's Wares, and right now they were driving through the more rundown part of the city.
"Ano…never mind," Kaoru said with a shake of her head.
Gazing out the window Kaoru saw a really rundown looking house on the corner. For some reason she was drawn to it. The glass shattered suddenly as someone was thrown through it. Making a stop at the stop sign Kenshin was about to go again when Kaoru cried out. Throwing her door open she ran out. It was Sano that had just come flying through the window out onto the lawn. It had taken Kaoru a second to recognize his distinctive figure. Dropping down on her knees she saw the ugly gash that was bleeding profusely from his stomach. Her hands hovered above it uncertainly trying to figure out how to help him.
"Sano! Sano! What happened? Oh god!" Kaoru said looking around frantically.
Kenshin just started to step out of the car, when Kaoru felt someone behind her.
"Kaoru."
Kaoru froze at the hungry need and absolute insanity in the tone of the voice that had just spoken her name. She jumped up but before she could get away Enishi grabbed her by the hair yanking her back against him. A slam was heard from the car as Kenshin stepped out onto the sidewalk.
"No," Kaoru whispered softly seeing Kenshin.
Kenshin came closer his every step radiating fury.
He slowly looked up with burning amber eyes, "Release her now."
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Hey everyone!!! And the next chapter is out! Sorry for the cliffhanger but …I'll update soon! Promise!
Thanks to the following… Jason M. Lee, Omochi, Nikki-chan, Mistress of All Worlds, chibicherry, Val, Isis 13, princezz Kaoru, Chiki, unearthlyEmperor, Gypsy-chan, gracianeko, Kriska, SakuraCherryBlossom, t.anjel, Onna Oji, EK, Phoe-chan, Shizuka, chibi-hime, Vesca, Apple, tenshineko, and Kame Hime!
Kyaa Kyaff saying til next time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
