Forgotten Future
Illustrious Sorrow

Chapter 6: Stirrings of the Blood

"He will never give up." Kenshin announced gravely, pulling Kaoru close to him. "He will strike the heart of everything I hold dear and destroy it in his attempt to destroy me." "What- never mind." "What is your question Kaoru-dono?" Kenshin asked with a kind of absent minded fondness.

"What is it that you hold dear?" Kenshin was silent for so long that Kaoru thought he wasn't going to answer. "I couldn't tell you what I held dear before, but after only the days that I have spent here, with you, I care most about this dojo, about Yahiko, and about.about you, Kaoru-dono."

"Kenshin." "Please do not answer that, Kaoru-dono. I think that you are a beautiful and talented woman and I want to earn your love." "Kenshin, you've had my love since the first day I met you."

"I need you to love who I have become, love me without my memories, because I do not know how soon they will return." Kaoru looked into the eyes of the man she had loved for so long. "You will always have my love, with or without your memories."

"Kaoru-dono, I will protect you from any harm. I promise." "I know Kenshin, I love you." Kenshin didn't respond for a while, which made Kaoru a little nervous, but after a time he said, "And I love you, Kaoru-koi." Kenshin looked at Kaoru and slide closer to her, and gently kissed her, savoring her silken lips against his.

After a time, they broke away, hugging each other close, enjoying the touch of the one they loved, Kaoru thinking of the happy times they could have in the future, while Kenshin thought about his past.

Tomoe's loss had caused him to nearly go mad with grief, but he couldn't live his life yearning for a dead girl, and he knew that his heart belonged with the woman in his arms.

Over the next week or so, Kenshin healed quickly, helped by Kaoru as they became accustomed to each other all over again, always finding a way to have their hands brush against the other's, to allow a foot to rest by the other's, they were happy and for a time, Kenshin managed to almost forget the threat to them, which hadn't shown it's face since Yahiko escaped. If the boy noticed the change in Kenshin and Kaoru's relationship, he didn't say anything.

Soon Kenshin was nearly at his full strength, nearly ready to fight his enemy. He spent his days training, regaining the use of his sakabatou and his memories. He also helped Kaoru clean the dojo, trying to show how much he cared for her and how much he wanted to be useful to her.

"Koishii, is there anything you need me to get for you in town?" "Hai, could you get some Tofu? We're running out." "Of course." "Thank you anata." Kenshin was going into town; he wanted to buy Kaoru a present. A hair ribbon perhaps, or maybe a new obi for her kimono.

When he got to town he saw some woman gaping at something at a stand. He made his way over, thinking there might b trouble, but saw that they were looking at a ring. "It's from America! It's called an engagement ring. When the male wants to propose, he gives the woman the ring to show that they are together."

"Is this something that would make a woman happy?" Kenshin asked one of the woman standing around nervously. "Hai! That sounds like an incredibly romantic way to show that you are going to be married!" "Thank you."

Kenshin looked at the rings, considering. He had enough money, just enough. Then he saw one that he knew Kaoru would like, it was shoved away in the corner. He grabbed it and showed it to the shopkeeper. He smiled, "That ring is very old. It is only for the truest love. I am glad you think it fit for your woman." Kenshin looked at the man, trying to understand what the man meant, but bought the ring and then bought some tofu before heading home to the dojo. Home. He liked the sound of that.

Just as he arrived at the dojo, Yahiko came running out. "Kenshin! Kenshin, Kaoru's been kidnapped!"

TO BE CONTINUED.

Author's Note: Bet ya can't figure out who kidnapped her! Ha, sooo obvious. Anyway, hope you liked the chapter, not to long until the story is over, only a few more chapters. Review!

Azura Dea- Thanks, glad you like the story, hope you liked this chapter as well.

Animegirl- Thanks! Tell me what you thought of this chapter.

Koe760- Glad you liked the last chapter, review and tell me how you liked this one.