Kyaa Kyaff here!
Disclaimer: RK characters aren't mine!
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'…' Kaoru thoughts
*…* Kenshin thoughts
"…" Dialogue
-------- indicates flashback
Fragile Balance
Chapter 19: Beyond help
Misao packed the rest of her stuff in the bag with a determined expression.
"Are you really going? Maybe you should wait a little longer. Give your wounds a little more time to heal," Okina suggested.
"I can't. I have to leave now. I can't stay here any longer."
"You are going to find Aoshi," Okina stated.
Misao nodded, "I am."
"Misao-chan…"
"Jiya, I know what I'm doing. Nothing you say will convince me to stay," Misao turned to her grandfather, "Hey, it's not like I won't be coming back."
Okina came over and enveloped her in a hug, "You must be careful. Shishio's men are still out there."
"I know."
"I won't worry so much knowing Hannya and Beshimi are going with you. Please stay safe," Okina said.
Misao slung the backpack over her shoulder, "I'll be fine Jiya."
Misao went out of her room and to the front to see Hannya leaning against the car. She smiled as he straightened.
"Let's go find Aoshi!"
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Kaoru put the phone in her pocket just in case they called back and ran outside. She stopped short as the two rushed each other seeming to almost disappear before clashing together. She shook her head in distress.
'What is with all these people and swords?'
Kaoru had to resist the urge to run forward. It would only result in her being slashed to bits. She was frantic trying to think of what to do. Both men stopped to stare at each other. A strong hatred was filling their eyes as they waited for the other to make their move.
"Come Battousai. Kill me as you did…what was her name again?" Saitoh asked already knowing the name.
Kenshin began to tremble with rage.
"It was easy to find out the really killer. It was not so easy to find you. What did Yukishiro Tomoe do to deserve what you did to her?"
"Shut the hell up!" Kenshin cried rushing forward.
Saitoh deflected the blow deftly pivoting around to strike back. Kenshin blocked it at the last second and countered with his own attack.
"Killed her in cold blood. Is this girl her replacement? Will you kill her as well?"
Saitoh watched as Kenshin became even more enraged. He saw the man's eyes lose more and more reason and judgment. He was pleased. Saitoh jumped back maintaining his distance from Kenshin.
"I bet you didn't know this though. Yukishiro Tomoe was my cousin. You killed her then Enishi. I will exact my revenge!"
This time he dashed right up to Kenshin, who just barely parried his thrust. Gritting his teeth, Kenshin dove toward Saitoh before jumping high. Saitoh spun around thrusting his sword straight up. With a curse Kenshin twisted away but not before Saitoh slashed his side. Blood slowly began dripping from the wound as the two again stood opposite each other.
"Stop this!" Kaoru cried out.
"Get back inside!" Kenshin yelled back.
"Please! Don't hurt him!" Kaoru begged fear in her eyes.
"Once I kill him, I'll take you back," Saitoh declared.
Kenshin directed a deadly glare in Saitoh's direction. The other man laughed before sliding into an offensive stance. Kaoru wrung her hands together unable to do anything but watch.
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Megumi rubbed the side of her temple trying to relieve the headache that was taking hold. After Soetsu had left Sano had questioned her extensively. She had ended up being late for class. Sano didn't even want her to go. She understood his concern, but she had a life and it was not going to be ruled by Soetsu. Yuriko, who was passing by, saw Megumi's strained expression.
"Everything alright Megumi-san?"
"Didn't I tell you to stop it with that san stuff? You would think we were acquaintances not really good friends," Megumi said.
Yuriko smiled, "Sometimes I can't help it. Now don't try and change the subject. I asked if you were alright."
"I'm fine. Just a little tired is all."
"You should try and get more rest then. I have get going, but we'll talk later, okay? I have to deliver these," Yuriko said indicating the folders she was holding.
"Okay."
Megumi waited until Yuriko left to slump down on a chair in the hall. She didn't know what to do though. How could she get him out of her life? He was a very stubborn and determined person. She remembered Sano's expression on learning about Soetsu. All he wanted to do was go kill the guy. Megumi had to calm him down, not wanting him to worsen his injury. She had to figure something out before anything serious happened.
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Misao sighed trying to think of where they should go first. She heard Aoshi mention a place to Saori, when he thought she was asleep. The name eluded her every time she tried to think of it though. Hannya turned left and kept going. They were going to go pick up Beshimi, so he could come as well. The other two, Hyottoko and Shikijo, were busy elsewhere. Misao wracked her mind trying to recall. It would be so much faster to find him if only she could remember. Misao wanted so badly to see him again. She wanted to confront him. Her hand touched the pocket in her shorts where his letter was kept safely folded.
Misao frowned before deciding to try and remember later. Looking out the window she sighed. Maybe it would just come to her. Hannya pulled over to the side five minutes later.
"I'll be right back."
"Kay," Misao replied distractedly.
Closing the door he left. Misao didn't know how long she sat there until she was startled out of her reverie as Beshimi's face suddenly appeared right in front of her. As he opened the back door laughing Misao pouted.
"You scared me!"
"You looked so dazed I had no choice but to wake you up," Beshimi replied.
Hannya got into the car, "Enough of that. Misao do you have any suggestions on where we should start."
"I still don't…wait!" Misao looked excitedly over at Hannya, "I just remembered where he said he was taking Saori!"
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Kaoru watched in horror as Kenshin pushed his body to fight despite his injuries. Saitoh was just as badly injured. Neither man was willing to give up. Kaoru was still frozen where she stood, her mind frantically trying to figure out what she should do.
"Did you get pleasure out of killing her? Was that it?" Saitoh shouted wiping the blood from his mouth.
Kenshin's face darkened further. Kaoru stared wide-eyed as they clashed once again. She saw Kenshin step back almost losing his balance.
'His other sword!'
Kaoru ran inside and began to search for the smaller sword Kenshin always had with him.
'Where is it? Where is it?'
She finally found it beside the bed and grabbed hold of it. Pulling the blade free she ran out in time to see Kenshin fall to his knees. Saitoh's eyes gleamed with triumph as he raised his sword to finish the fallen man off. Kaoru rushed forward and felt her arm go numb as his blade slammed down on her upraised one. She lifted her eyes to see his furious face.
"If you help him you are with him," Saitoh said silently pressing down further.
Kaoru struggled against the pressure of his sword, "I have been from the beginning."
"Then you will die with him."
Kaoru felt a hand on her shoulder before she was violently shoved aside by Kenshin. She crashed into a nearby tree and sunk to the ground. She turned around her eyesight fuzzy blood dripping from some wound on her scalp. Kenshin had thrust his blade upward as he shoved Kaoru aside catching Saitoh by surprise. Both men stood still for several moments before Kenshin pulled his blade free. Saitoh took a couple of stumbling steps away.
Kenshin stood to follow him, "Now you die."
Out of nowhere Kaoru heard a shout and footsteps.
"Okita!" Kenshin hissed out.
Kaoru glanced over to see a young man come running over to Saitoh.
"Leave here now!" Saitoh said to the man.
The smaller man shook his head taking Saitoh's arm as he lost his balance. Kenshin laughed.
"Thanks for saving me the trouble of hunting you down. I will kill you and that traitorous bastard."
Kaoru forced herself to stand. She couldn't let him. Okita was perfectly healthy and would have the advantage. There was no way Kenshin could win. He had obtained too many injuries. Kenshin stepped forward as Okita pulled his own weapon free, a gun.
"I'm not here for revenge. I'll shoot you dead if you come any closer."
Saitoh tried to push away from Okita, who despite appearances, had a good grip on him and wasn't letting go. Kenshin took another step closer. Okita shot right next to his foot.
"Next time I'll hit."
As Kenshin went to take another step forward Kaoru threw her arms around him, "No! Just let them go."
"Get off of me now," he said his voice deadly and quiet.
"No!" Kaoru cried out burying her face against his back.
Grabbing her wrist he twisted it around and pulled her away from him. She cried out in pain as she felt the bone near the point of breaking.
"Do not interfere," he said shoving her away.
Okita had during this time been slowly backing up. Kenshin cursed as he searched the area and caught sight of the retreating men. Kaoru grabbed him again and pulled him back. A growl rose in his throat as he threw her off again. She only went after him again. Grabbing her before she could he slammed her against the side of a tree with his sword to her throat. A thin line of blood dripped from her neck.
"Are you with them then?"
"No," Kaoru said softly, "Stop this. You can't take anymore. You're injuries…"
Kenshin cut her off by pressing the sword even further against her throat. She could barely swallow. After a few more seconds Kenshin released her to run after Okita. She ran right after him tackling him to the ground in the process.
Kenshin wasn't going to take this anymore. Throwing her off he quickly straddled her with the tip of his blade pointed at her throat. She watched him with wide terrified eyes almost surprised that he had not stabbed her. Tears started to slip from her eyes as she stared at the unfamiliar face watching her with such anger.
*What are you doing? This is Kaoru! Why are you hurting her?*
* 'She's interfering!' *
"…what are you doing?" Kaoru asked her face stained with tears.
Kenshin's eyes widened as he heard only Tomoe's voice.
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"No more. It's over."
"You are beyond my help. You're beyond anyone's help."
"…what are you!?"
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He backed away from Kaoru in disgust. He had hurt her. He had hurt Kaoru. She sat up watching him eyes filled with uncertainty. Blood stained the side of her face and throat. Bruises were apparent on her wrist. A scrap marred her cheek. He had done this to her. Unable to control himself, wanting nothing to get in the way of his goal, he had hurt her.
*I am beyond anyone's help.*
* 'Forget that!' *
*I hurt her.*
* 'She will forgive us.' *
*I will continue to hurt her even if I do not intend to. I always hurt the ones I love.*
"Kenshin…?"
He smiled suddenly at her, "Gomen nasai Kaoru. Sessha never meant to…"
'Sessha?'
"Kenshin, don't worry about that! You're hurt…"
"So are you. But it's sessha's fault. Sessha has finally come to a realization," Kenshin said more to himself.
*Tomoe was right. I am beyond anyone's help.*
Kaoru stood slowly, "What…what are you doing?"
"I love you."
"I love you too, Kenshin. Now come inside. We have to take care of those wounds of yours," Kaoru said worry tingeing her voice.
Kenshin shook his head, "Sessha won't hurt you anymore. Tell Akemi-chan I love her."
Kaoru's eyes widened as Kenshin turned his sword around. Her mouth fell opened when she realized what he was about to do. She scrambled to her feet.
Kenshin closed his eyes. This was best. He couldn't hurt anyone else if he was dead. He ignored Kaoru's cry. As he thrust upward he was knocked into throwing off his aim. A gasp of pain followed his as he felt the steel slide right under his ribcage and through hitting the resistance of another body. Hands gripped his shoulders from behind in pain. Horror made him stand still for a moment before yanking his sword free. Behind him a few steps were taken before Kaoru collapsed to the ground. Kenshin fell to the ground himself before directing his gaze behind him, where Kaoru held her stomach with wide eyes.
"No," Kenshin said softly pushing his weakening body over to her a wave of pain shooting though him, "No. Kaoru why? You weren't supposed…"
Her shoulders shook as he desperately reached out to touch her hand. Her eyes rolled into the back of her head as she shook slightly. Kenshin panicked as he dragged himself closer.
*She can't be dead. She can't!*
Kenshin felt another stabbing pain run through his body as he touched her pale face. She was breathing, but her body had gone into shock.
*No! This wasn't supposed to happen.*
Kenshin's head rested against her shoulder. He tried to move again, but the enclosing darkness prevented him from doing so. All he could do was hold Kaoru in his arms.
*What have I done?*
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Megumi sighed leaving the building. Her instructor had told her to leave early telling her to get some rest. Megumi really wasn't feeling too well, but not because she was sick. As she had suspected Soetsu was leaning against her car. Taking a deep breath she walked up to the car.
"Mi-chan!"
"Soetsu…"
He sighed coming over to her, "I have some bad news, I'm afraid."
Megumi remained silent and waited for him to continue.
"Unfortunately as of this afternoon, I have important business to take care of in China. I had hoped to have more time here with you."
"So you are leaving?" Megumi asked eagerly.
"Don't sound so broken up. Yes, but as soon as I can I will be back. Until then don't get married."
"And if I do?" Megumi asked.
"I will have him killed."
Megumi froze at the threat knowing it was true and within his power.
"I'll let him keep you for now. Think of it as safekeeping. Someone will be watching you though. So you better behave."
Grabbing Megumi's chin he pulled her into a passionate kiss. She tried to push him off, but he easily held her. Running a hand along her body he let her go.
"I will be back for you Mi-chan. Just remember what I said."
With that he was gone leaving Megumi to stand and stare.
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"Here. That's the place," Misao said trying not to sound to excited.
As Hannya pulled into the driveway of the apartment space Misao jumped out. They had gone to the landlord to ask if any new residents had moved in. Obviously suspicious he told them he was not at liberty to say. With a little convincing from Hannya and Beshimi the man had informed them of a man and little girl that had recently moved into apartment 302A.
Coming up to the door Misao stopped her heart pounding. She brought her hand up to knock, but it fell back to her side. What would she say to him? What would she do? Was it really him there? She didn't want to be disappointed. Would he look at her coldly? Two different hands landed on each of her shoulders.
"What are you waiting for?" Hannya asked.
"This isn't like you," Beshimi added, "Where's that headstrong fearless girl that had Hannya eating out of the …Itai!"
Misao laughed as Hannya glared at Beshimi, "Thank you."
Lifting her hand she knocked on the door. Silence followed so she knocked again. She waited silently and saw the door begin to open. Her mouth went slightly dry as she felt her face heat up in anticipation. An old woman stuck her head out.
"Yes dear?"
"Umm…does Shinomori Aoshi live here?" Misao asked.
The woman shook her head, "No never heard of him. It's just me here. You might have the wrong apartment. It happens sometimes."
Misao gulped back her disappointment, "Thank you. Sorry to bother you."
"It happens, dear," the old woman said smiling before shutting the door a little too quickly.
"Maybe that guy lied to us. Could always interrogate him again?" Beshimi suggested.
"No, that's fine," Misao said.
Hannya moved over to the car to open the passenger's side. Misao slid into the seat. She was clearly upset so Hannya decided not to say anything. As he started the car up a figure flung the door open wide and came rushing out. Misao looked up her eyes widening.
"Saori…?"
"Misao-chan!" the girl cried running over to the car.
Misao threw open her door as Saori came over. The old woman came rushing out her eyes panicked.
"Saori!"
Saori pulled Misao into a hug, "I thought it was you! Nana wouldn't let me see!"
Misao hugged the girl back.
"You came to see Uncle Aoshi, didn't you!? He's been so grumpy ever since we dropped you off! He'll be so happy now."
Misao tried to speak, but failed to as Saori pulled her toward the house.
"He's inside! Come on!"
Misao went to protest as she was dragged to the front where she looked up and stopped. Aoshi stood at the door having heard the commotion. He must have jumped out of the shower hearing Saori's yell. His hair was dripping wet, and he was only wearing a pair of hastily pulled on pants. Misao stared at him drinking in the sight of him. He stared back at her with surprise and something she couldn't define.
"Misao…"
Misao straightened as Saori looked excitedly between the two, "Aoshi."
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And there is chapter 19! I hope you enjoyed! Oh and if you don't remember Okita, since he wasn't mentioned much, he worked at Hiko's Wares and gave Saitoh that envelope when he came into the store.
Thanks goes out to JML, Kamimura Kaoru, Shizuka, Mistress of All Worlds, Val, tesuka-chan, redroseprincess678, penggu2000, chibi-ken14, Phoe-chan, Omochi, ZenryokuZ, Fabi-chan, Dragowolf, Pussy, me me me and only me, hotaru, NightRain, tiggergirl, Porsche, Shunu no Miko, Mirage, Gypsy-chan, bek, Ro-chan, yuki, Misanagi, EK, tigababie, Princess Sapphire, Sailorjj07, White Moon Universe Guard, Chiki, chitchat, Carly, and evilbluefairy.
I really appreciate all your encouragement!
Kyaa Kyaff saying til next time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
