Kyaa Kyaff here once again!

Disclaimer: Well…I must admit. All the RK characters are not mine. I just borrowed them for a little bit.

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'…' Kaoru thoughts

*…* Kenshin thoughts

"…" Dialogue

Fragile Balance

Chapter 15: Take care

Kaoru sighed as she stepped into the shower letting the hot water stream on her. Turning around she closed her eyes as the water washed over her face. Doubts began to plague her mind.

'Despite what I said I'm scared.'

Kaoru started to shampoo her hair as her thoughts wondered.

'When he changes it's terrifying. He's possessive and aggressive like an Enishi was, but gentle. The minute he thinks he is hurting me he falls away from his other self. I wonder if that's a good term. His other self.'

Kaoru didn't understand what was happening. How could she help him? She had meant what she said when she told Kenshin she loved him. She had been with Enishi, but with him it was a completely different feeling. But…could she really deal with this situation? Kaoru was stubborn and loyal and didn't want to give up, however, she couldn't stop wondering.

Kaoru remembered Hiko's question to her.

"Do you think you can help my baka deshi?"

And his words after.

"One woman tried, and ended up dead by his hand. Are you stronger then that?"

'Am I stronger then that?'

Kaoru started rinsing her hair out as doubts continued to trouble her.

'I won't leave. I will help him.'

She sighed looking down at her hands in despair as the water ran down her face.

'But how?'

While Kaoru took her shower Kenshin went to find Akemi. She was leaning against her car, her hand to her forehead as she snapped her cell phone shut. Kenshin stepped closer to her and went to say something.

"I don't want to hear it," Akemi said softly.

"Akemi-chan," Kenshin started.

Akemi turned to face him her expression furious, "No, Kenshin. I don't want to hear a word from you! I've tried so hard to help you! I've tried so hard to protect you! One girl comes along and that's it! I am thrown aside. The same was true when Tomoe was around!"

"Akemi!"

Akemi cut him off again, "I just got a call from Hiko. What did you do, Kenshin? How could you? It's her fault. It was her problem, and it should have stayed that way!"

Akemi was practically shouting now. Kenshin tried to calm her down, but she wasn't going to let it drop.

"You can't stay here now. The police can find you, because there were witnesses. You let people see what happened! I can't. I can't help you anymore," Akemi took a couple of deep breaths, "Hiko said he would talk with Katsura. Katsura is going to find a place for you to hide for a little while until they arrange something."

Kenshin didn't say anything as Akemi's shoulders slumped forward.

"Kaoru is going with you as well."

"When should I be ready by?" Kenshin asked quietly.

"No later then tonight," Akemi answered sorrowfully.

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Megumi felt the sobs wracking through her body. It was funny though; it was as if she was watching herself crying. It seemed surreal. He couldn't be dead. No, he couldn't.

"You can't leave me," Megumi cried.

Despair washed through her. She didn't care who was watching her. She didn't care what they thought. Nothing mattered. Nothing. Sano…Sano…he…

"No, it's not true."

Yuriko kneeled down next to Megumi urgently. But Megumi couldn't hear her words. Reality came crashing back on her when Yuriko gave her a stinging slap.

"Gomen," Yuriko said looking sheepish, "But look Megumi-san!"

Megumi looked at Yuriko's face her chest tightening. Slowly forcing herself up she looked through the window and began to cry again. This time they were tears of utter happiness and disbelief. The doctor had been looking at his watch ready to call time, when the nurse saw a faint pulse. That had set them back to work. By the time Yuriko had gotten Megumi to look again they seemed to have him somewhat stabilized. The doctor was stitching him up as the nurse wiped her brow. Megumi's lips moved wordlessly as she continued to cry.

"Come on Megumi-san. You need to rest. If anything happens I'll get you," Yuriko said gently but forcefully moving Megumi away from the window.

Megumi continued to look back through the window for as long as she could, while she allowed Yuriko to move her away. Megumi walked on unsteady feet toward her room. Her whole body shook with her overwrought emotions. Her mind kept repeating he was alright. He was alright. He would laugh with her, hold her, kiss her, and smile at her again.

"There you go. Get some sleep," Yuriko said softly as she ushered Megumi into her room.

"If anything happens…"

"I will tell you," Yuriko finished with a smile, "I'll be back. Try to relax."

Megumi watched as she left. Her thoughts immediately returned to Sano. Megumi didn't believe she was tired still too worked up and worried about Sano, but her eyes began to droop unknowingly, and it didn't take long for her to be sound asleep.

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Aoshi sighed as Saori continued to chatter on about everything and anything. She truly took after her mother in that respect. Aoshi grew angry thinking of his sister and what had happened to her. His hate for the Oniwabanshu could not be matched, but he knew the old man wouldn't give up his own granddaughter.

"Uncle Aoshi! You're not listening to me!" Saori stated.

"I am."

"No, you are not! Then what did I just say!" Saori countered.

Definitely just like her mother.

Getting silence from Aoshi, Saori pouted, "See I knew I was right!"

They had an hour and a half left before he reached their destination. The ride had been uneventful. Misao slept for most of the time, and Saori never once stopped talking. Aoshi was preoccupied with the thought of seeing Okina again. He could kill the man.

"Misao-chan, you'll listen to me, won't you?" Saori asked twisting around in her seat.

Aoshi cast a furtive glance in the rearview mirror to see Misao slowly sit up and smile.

"Yes, of course," Misao replied.

"Well as I was saying to Uncle Aoshi," Saori paused to stick her tongue out at Aoshi, "I was learning how to use a sword. Sou-chan was showing me!"

Misao brightened up at the name causing Aoshi's expression to darken ever so slightly.

"Sou-chan is a friend of mine," Misao stated.

"Really!?" Saori tried to lean forward while wearing her seatbelt, "He's my favorite! He's the nicest out of everyone, and he told me I would be a great swordswoman one day!"

"If you practice hard, I'm sure you could be."

Saori turned around, unbuckled her seatbelt, and began to try and climb into the back.

"Saori, sit back down," Aoshi ordered.

"I want to sit in the back with Misao-chan!"

"She's hurt. You don't want to accidentally make…" Aoshi started.

"It's fine," Misao interrupted.

Their eyes met briefly before Aoshi looked away. Saori flashed Misao a smile before carefully climbing into the back. Sitting next to Misao she clapped her hands together suddenly.

"Now I know why you're name sounds familiar! Sou-chan told me he had a very good friend named Misao that I reminded him of! He said he missed seeing you!"

Misao felt a faint flush creep on her face. She was happy to know Soujiro still thought of her. She had last seen him at her pool party. Aoshi's hands clenched on the steering wheel as he saw Misao looked pleased at the thought. What did it matter? He would never see her again after this. He was so preoccupied that he didn't hear Misao's question until she repeated it a little louder.

"Where are we going?"

"The Aoiya," Aoshi replied.

Misao's eyes widened, "Why?"

"You'll be safe there."

Saori looked from Aoshi to Misao and back again, noticing the slight tension, "How do you know my Uncle?"

"I don't know him," Misao replied before Aoshi could speak.

Aoshi had no visible reaction to the statement. But her words kept repeating over in his mind for the rest of the drive. He deserved it. He had betrayed her. Regretting it now would do him no good. He had lost her, and he had chosen to.

Misao watched Aoshi as he drove. Over the next hour and a half Saori finally quieted down and was actually falling asleep. Misao stared out the window watching the scenery pass by.

Finally she spoke up, "Why?"

"Why what?" Aoshi asked.

"Why are you helping me?" Misao replied.

Misao waited for his answer, but he didn't know what to say. He wouldn't tell her the real reason, and any other reason would sound harsh. Since when did he care…he cared because it was Misao.

"It's okay. You don't have to answer," Misao said gazing at Saori.

Aoshi could not keep his eyes off her sad face. They continued to return to her image reflected in the mirror.

Misao smiled, "It's hard to believe you two are related. She's so outspoken and energetic. She's very sweet too. Is it really true? Is she Shishio Makoto's daughter?"

"She is."

"But then…" Misao started.

"I had a sister."

"Oh."

Misao paused for a second before speaking again.

"Were you two close?" Misao asked.

She had no idea why she was asking him all this. Her throat hurt really bad, and talking wasn't making it any better. She didn't like the silence though. Misao also loved the sound of Aoshi's voice. She wanted to hear it for just a little while and that was all.

"I don't want to speak of it."

"Gomen ne," Misao replied.

This got a reaction out of Aoshi. He gave a short harsh laugh, startling Misao.

"Don't ever apologize to me," Aoshi said bitterly.

"…Aoshi."

"We've arrived," Aoshi announced back to his emotionless tone.

He drove around to the back of the Aoiya, a big popular restaurant. Parking he stepped out noting the presence of two pairs of eyes watching him. He didn't care. Walking to Misao's door he opened it. Misao started to scoot over to get out as Saori woke up groggily. As she carefully moved her feet down, she was gently picked up.

"What are you doing?" Misao asked indignant.

"You can't walk with your injuries," Aoshi stated simply.

"I'll be fine," Misao assured.

Aoshi wasn't listening though. Misao didn't like the feelings he was stirring up as he held her.

"Saori, stay in the car and lock the doors. I'll be back in a second. Understood."

Saori nodded her eyes full of questions, but she saw her uncle's serious look and knew this was not the time to act up. Satisfied Aoshi went to the back door and gave the knob a twist.

"Excuse me, sir! You're not allowed…"

"Where's Okina?" Aoshi asked.

"Sir…No one is here by that name."

"This is his granddaughter. If he would like to see her, I'll be waiting right over there," Aoshi said pointing to a set of chairs.

The woman left in a hurry upon hearing this. Aoshi carried Misao over to the chair and set her down as carefully as possible. Her heart was pounding against her will. She wanted so much to forget about him, but he was helping her now. It was throwing her conviction to the wind. Misao had to stop thinking like this. After this she was sure she would never have to see him again. Why did she feel so empty with that thought?

It didn't take long for the Okina to come walking in, better known as Kashiwazaki Nenji to everyone else not of the Oniwabanshu. He still looked the same as ever.

"Jiya!" Misao exclaimed.

"Misao-chan!" Okina said coming over sending a cursory glance at Aoshi.

Misao had almost forgotten about her injuries. Aoshi stopped her from hopping up though, placing a hand on her shoulder.

Finally Okina looked at him, "Aoshi."

"Okina."

An uneasy silence followed. Misao didn't understand what was happening the two.

"I've brought her here. I did it for her not you," Aoshi said standing up.

"Fair enough," Okina replied his eyes full of concern as he looked at Misao.

"I'll be leaving now," Aoshi said.

Okina didn't say anything as Aoshi walked toward the door. Misao felt her throat constrict. He was walking away. He would be gone, and she would most likely never see him again. He had betrayed her, but he had also saved her. Misao's emotions were in a jumbled mess.

"Aoshi!"

He stopped right in front of the door but did not turn.

Misao's face fell as she uttered two words, "Take care."

With that Aoshi opened the door and left.

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"Megumi-san. Megumi-san, wake up."

Megumi's eyes opened to see Yuriko again with a big grin on her face. Sitting up Megumi looked around realizing she was still in the hospital.

"Sano's awake."

"What!" Megumi exclaimed beginning to feel light-headed.

"He's awake, and he keeps asking for you."

It took Megumi less then five seconds to get up and go to his room. She hesitated outside of the door trying to control her emotions. She wouldn't go in there crying. After a second she opened the door. Lying on the bed was Sano. She came to his side quickly.

His eyes lit on her and he smiled weakly his face pale. Megumi pulled a chair over taking his hand in hers. It was so cold. She began to rub it gently to bring back some warmth to it.

"You okay?" Sano asked.

"Am I okay!?" Megumi said tears gathering at the corner of her eyes despite her best effort.

"Don't…cry."

"Baka! You almost died and you're asking me if I'm alright! Don't ever do that to me again!"

Sano winced his head aching. Megumi immediately quieted down.

"Gomen ne."

Sano smiled, "It's okay."

"You saved me again."

"I will always be there to protect you," Sano whispered softly as his eyes began to droop.

Lightly running her fingers on his bruised cheek she smiled back, "Get some rest."

"I…m not…tired," Sano mumbled.

"Don't worry. I'll be right here when you wake," Megumi reassured making herself comfortable on the chair.

Sano's eyes closed as Megumi watched with a peaceful loving expression on her face.

"I will always be there to protect you as well, Sagara Sanosuke."

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Akemi sat in her room. She refused to cry. She had sworn never to cry again. She had to be strong for Kenshin, but he didn't want her anymore. No, now that Kaoru was around, he had forgotten all about his sister. She understood his pain. She was there, and it was her fault. Akemi furiously scrubbed at her eyes. It would only be for a little while. He would come back. He would.

Kaoru was going to go with him. This was what Akemi was really worried about. He couldn't control himself as well when she was around. That was why Akemi had wanted to get rid of her. From the first day she had seen Kenshin walk into the shop with Kaoru, she knew it would end up like this. She had tried her best to push Kaoru away. The stupid ignorant girl didn't understand a thing.

Akemi steeled her expression suddenly coming to a decision. She still had time. Kenshin was gathering his things, as was Kaoru. They would be leaving soon but not yet. She had no choice. Stepping out from her room she made her way to Kaoru's door and knocked. It didn't take long for Kaoru to open the door with a smile. Akemi watched her smile falter as Kaoru saw just who was at her door.

"Can I come in?" Akemi asked as Kaoru continued to stare at her.

"Of course," Kaoru answered moving back into her room.

Akemi closed the door as she entered. She saw Kaoru's expression turn neutral. Akemi couldn't blame her. She had been a real bitch to Kaoru. She wasn't afraid to admit it. She was only trying her best to protect her brother as he once protected her. Kaoru was persistent though, and Akemi realized that she wasn't Tomoe. Maybe things wouldn't be the same. So that was why she was going to tell her, tell her everything that had happened from when Kenshin and herself were small children, and tell her what had happened with Tomoe. Maybe she can help him. He was beyond Akemi's reach now. She had to let go and, however reluctantly, trust Kaoru.

"Was there something you wanted?" Kaoru asked.

"You think you can help him?" Akemi asked quietly.

"Help him…I will try."

Akemi gave a little laugh, "Then I will tell you."

"Tell me?"

Akemi sat down on Kaoru's bed, gesturing for her to do the same. Kaoru gave her a suspicious look before sitting down.

"If you want to help him, then I will tell you what happened in the past. To the both of us, and to a woman named Tomoe."

Kaoru just watched her waiting for Akemi to continue.

"Please don't tell Kenshin I said anything."

"I won't," Kaoru promised.

"Alright then…when I was six years old…"

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Hiya! And there's chapter 15! Hope you enjoyed. Sorry I didn't update quicker…been very busy! And still am so I am going to hold off the individual thanks for now! I still love you guys and hope to hear what you thought!

Real quick shout out to Jason M. Lee, hosi-ni-onegai, Kriska, Shunu no Miko, Astralkitten, kyanos, aku-chan, Kenta Divina, Fabi-chan, KitKat, Omochi, Chibi-hime, Gypsy-chan, Mistress of All Worlds, Lina, Val, princezz Kaoru, meow-chan, Isis13, Shizuka, Kamimura Kaoru, marstanuki, Icegal, tiggergirl, AaarikaaA, Chibi-ken14, chitchat, Misanagi, feetsmall, Chiki, UnearthlyEmperor, Sarah, Vesca, Kagero, Apple, bek, and Jim for your wonderful reviews.

Thanks for all the support!

Kyaa Kyaff saying see you next time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!