Disclaimer: Ya, don't own Rurouni Kenshin. and I want to. but I can't..
Authors Notes: OMG!!! You people really don't like the idea of me stopping the story, huh? Oh well, you made me happy!!! Even if I am out of ideas, I'm going to strain my brain to write this chapter for you. Yes, that was an evil thing to ask, and I am sorry. But I need your help with my story!!! I will keep it up. I love this story. It's too good to end. And thanks to those of you who have stuck with me (beraith, you're always the first to respond to my rants, thanx a billion!!!). I will get individual reviews out in the next chapter. I will only be able to respond to those reviews I have by the time I post this chapter, so sorry in advance if I miss you!!!! Oh, and guess what? I got a new retainer and it's bugging the crap out of me so probably next chapter something bad is going to happen. My mood depends on how I write. That's how it always goes. Emotions into the story. I'm so evil... so if I'm moody, you know everything gonna be crazy and this thing is driving me mad!!!!! It covers my whole top mouth!!! Grr!!!!
And so here we go!!!
~Coming of the Dawn~
(Where I last left you off..) Once sure she was gone, Kenshin cracked open an eye, and let his grin spread farther across his face. One hand went up to touch his forehead, and the other stayed at his side.
"I would like to be friends, too." He whispered to the walls.
Then he went back to sleep. Megumi would kill him if he didn't get his sleep.
***Chapter 12- Firefly Wishes and Butterfly Kisses***
Life went back to normal around the Aoiya. Kaoru was left alone with her thoughts and experiences while with the Ishin Shishi after 2 months of fussing over her return. When the last trace of her connections to the Ishin Shishi left, she couldn't help but be disheartened. Even if it was Megumi who left, and she didn't know her that well, she was still her friend.
And now Kaoru had no way to know where to find them. Not that Aoshi, Okina, Misao, Omasu, Okon. or anyone else in the Aoiya would let her go look for them in the first place. They weren't taking any chances with her anymore. She was always with escort when she went to town. Kaoru felt smothered. She often snuck away when she could, and was always found.
It was while sneaking to the shrine that she discovered Battousai, too, was gone. It seemed to her like everything from that part of her life was gone. Everything but the memories. The sweet, even if frightful, memories.
Kaoru missed Tae. She missed Hinoki, Megumi. she missed the officials walking around. She missed arguing with Battousai the most. She hadn't known it before, but she really liked to get him angry. That was when she really saw emotion play on his features and in his eyes. And in a sense, it was fun and it gave her a rush knowing she was pushing her limits but was still within a safe distance.
She missed it all.
Not that she wasn't happy to be back, because she was ecstatic to be back with her friends at the Aoiya. She was home with those who loved her and cared. She loved being back at the Aoiya. But. it just wasn't the same. Her experiences changed her. Of course, that was expected. But unlike what everyone thought, it wouldn't change back. Not as long as she was plagued with the nightmares she gained from the battle at the Inn and the stirring emotions she got when she remembered her last moments in the building, her surge of energy to stop Battousai from killing again.
"Kaoru?" came Misao's voice.
Kaoru shook her head. "Uh.. hai. oh, Misao." She smiled.
"Are you remembering again?" Misao asked, a grin forming on her face. "Is there something you haven't told me? Someone SPECIAL?"
Kaoru shook her head. "No. I just have friends with the Ishin Shishi and I miss them."
Misao nodded. "You do know that we still work for them. It seems that battle changed the Oniwabanshu's ideas and they agree with the Ishin Shishi's ideals now. We are completely part of the Ishin Shishi now. Aoshi- sama has to attend meetings all the time."
Kaoru smiled. "Why haven't we seen any of them?"
Misao looked away. "They don't want you near Battousai. Aoshi says it's better that way."
"Why? He won't hurt me. He refuses to kill a woman." Kaoru told her.
Misao grinned. "Sano's visited him a few times and says he hasn't had a job since the battle. Seems they made friends pretty quick. Aoshi's starting to agree with helping him now, also. Seems he's getting his own little alliance started."
Kaoru nodded. "That's all well and good. But I miss Tae and Hinoki."
Misao nodded. "I understand. Did you get to train at all while you were there?"
"No. I wasn't trusted to hold a weapon. I got to at the battle, but it was a broom. But I still got some shots in. If I hadn't of been injured all ready I could have kicked some major butt."
"No doubt." Misao said. "I KNOW you could have. Do you want to go practice a little and get those muscles working again? You never know when we'll be needed, even if Aoshi-sama makes us stay behind."
Kaoru set a sly grin upon her face. "I think he does that on purpose when it comes to you and precaution with me."
Misao blushed. "KAORU!!!"
Kaoru laughed.
*********** ***********
Battousai again took his perch up above the Aoiya. For the 2nd week in a row, he was sitting in that tree looking into Kaoru's room. He knew he was being purposely pushed away from her, for fear he'd hurt her. Everyone seemed to overlook the fact that he had, in reality, saved her. Everyone except for Sanosuke, but Battousai knew he had no say in what went on at the Aoiya.
And he had never told Sano he wanted to see Kaoru. He had kept that secret to himself. No need to make anyone think he was going soft. He was starting to miss the constant arguing. No one else dared to argue with him. It gave a little more flavor to life, and right now life was extremely boring.
Part of him wanted to take Kaoru again and make her stay at the new headquarters. But not only for him. Tae and Hinoki had confronted him, as they begged for information on her. It seemed like everyone was starting to miss. At least those she had befriended or annoyed.
But for now, he'd have to settle for watching her from the tree and through the window. He rationalized that he was just paranoid after the fire and battle. And they were friends, if odd friends. He kept his eyes fixated on the window.
********** **********
The night had fallen and Kaoru had entered her bedroom. She was tired. But she couldn't sleep. Partly because she was afraid to fall asleep and relive the horrors of the dining hall and party because she felt like she was being watched. She had been dismissing it for the past few nights, but today she just couldn't. And being Kaoru, she decided to go investigate.
She found herself walking out of the Aoiya and into to back by the garden (( A/N: I'm not sure if there is a garden at the Aoiya, but there is in my story!)), next to the larger sakura trees and smaller bushes that contained flowers of every sort. She sat on the ground, inviting the feeling of not having anyone following her.
The night was cold, but she didn't shiver. She let the cold air envelope her in its arms and she felt free. The fingers of the wind blew her hair around her face as she glanced up at the moon. It was full, and bright, sending it's light upon her as the stars twinkled just a little brighter, as if just for her.
Kaoru held her hands out and looked at them, turning them around as if looking for something that wasn't really there. Really, she was looking at the slight scar she had from one of her worse burns. It brought back memories, but some she wanted to savor.
Like the one of Kenshin trying to consol her and holding her tight in the middle of the fire, shielding her as best he could from the heat of the flames.
A few fireflies flickered around her, dancing in the sky like tiny orbs of hope. That what Kaoru thought they were, her little orbs of hope, that if she placed a wish upon them they would be sure to fetch it for her. They were so free and yet so fragile, something that should be looked upon with the innocence you only find with your inner child. And Kaoru stared at them with this innocence, momentarily forgetting her nightmares and gruesome memories as she caught one of the fireflies.
And she thought, maybe, she should just tell this firefly about her wish.
"I feel like you do." She told it in a quiet voice, one that was barely audible. "Trapped inside a cage. Only mine is different from yours. I'm going to let you go now, my little friend, and I want you to take this wish with you."
Kaoru opened her palm, and for a moment the firefly stayed hovering above her hand as if waiting for her to speak. She didn't notice that the light of the others had left her; she was fixated on the one that was stationed just slightly above her palm.
"I you can, I want to see my friends again. Especially one, of whom I have only recently found my longing for. You bring innocence with you, so please, bring my wish to Kenshin. He may be the Battousai, but I want him to know that I miss him and everyone else that I left behind upon returning here." She said, feeling slightly foolish for her words.
And the firefly left after that. Kaoru figured it was strange that it had hovered over her hand like that. Then the light of the others began to dance around above the grass and nearer to the sky before Kaoru stood up once more and walked back towards the Aoiya.
She didn't notice the firefly she had 'spoken' to was flying up to a tree.
********** **********
Kenshin gripped his sword closer to him up in the tree. He had seen her walk out and had suddenly felt very paranoid, wondering if she had known he was out there. But when he saw her stop in the middle of the garden, his interest and curiosity was peaked and he watched, his eyes glued to her as she sat in the middle of a swarm of bright fireflies.
And he had heard her wish. It was strange to him to think that he was wanted, or let alone was missed. It made a smile tug at his usually thin, straight lined lips. He remembered that it had been her who said she wanted to be friend with him without him knowing he had heard. He still praised himself for his sneakiness. He had a feeling she wouldn't have said anything had he opened his eyes.
But what confused him was when the firefly she had caught flew up to him. Was it really delivering her wish? He shook his head. No, that was utterly impossible and down right preposterous.
Wasn't it?
He watched the firefly as it circled his head and then landed on his hand that was clamped onto his sword. It stayed there for a few sweeping moments and then flew away again after flying up onto his nose and then swooping up over his head. Again, he smiled.
Kaoru was right. They did hold an innocence.
********** **********
Kaoru went into her room and lay down on her futon. She glanced out her window momentarily. After she looked once more at the large yellow moon, she turned and closed her eyes, succumbing to sleep.
'It was dark. Kaoru walked around slowly, tripping every so often. She shook with the cold air that was penetrating through her thin gi and hakama pants. Kaoru silently cursed herself for wearing her training attire while walking at night. She tripped again, falling into a puddle. She began to stand up and, but something gripped her.
"You got caught on a root or something." Kaoru scolded herself. She bent down to release herself, but she felt a tug at her left pant leg.
Kaoru turned, and felt another tug at her gi sleeve. She was starting to get paranoid.
She saw that the moon was prepared to show itself after a cloud passed. Slowly the moon shown, sending light down. Kaoru looked to see how she had become so badly snagged, but only to find hands gripping her clothing. She turned and looked, seeing the lifeless eyes of those slain. They gripped her clothing, and each movement made blood gush from their wounds and cover her in a new amount of blood.
They were pulling her down. Down with them. She cried and screamed, trying to pull them off of her in vain. She felt everything as they gripped her hair, her clothing, and her legs, whatever they could grip. And new waves of blood hit her as if she was sitting in the ocean as waves crashed upon her. She was tearing at her hair and crying, making sounds no one knew was possible in her anguish.
"No. no. please.leave me alone. please." Kaoru begged her demons.
"Don't make our deaths vain." came voices. "Don't make our blood have fallen for no reason."
"Please just leave me alone!!" Kaoru screamed, trying to tear them away. "It was not I who killed you!"
The blood came rushing in, and then Kaoru felt the grips coming off of her. She sighed, but noticed that everywhere she had been touched there was a cut, as if a blade cut her. Her own blood fell from her skin, dripping down onto the soil that sucked in as if it was water. Kaoru cried. There was so much blood. the corpses came back and were falling from the sky all around her, limps getting caught in trees and hitting her at times as she tried to cover her body.'
Kaoru jolted awake, again not screaming in her sleep. This was good, she didn't want anyone to come running in and thinking she was going crazy. She placed a hand over her chest as she tried to even out her ragged breathing and calm her heart rate. Her tears were falling just as they had in the dream, except they weren't stained with the blood of others. They still fell though.
"Nightmares again?" came a voice from the darkest corner of her room.
Kaoru felt de-ja-vu. She turned around, but this time there was no storm. There was no lightening. And she knew who was in the corner.
"Ke. Kenshin?" she said, squinting to see if she was right. It was hard with her sight blurred by her tears and the in pitch black. She tried to wipe her tears away but it didn't help, they kept falling from her eyes.
She heard the person stand up and the rustle of their clothing as they neared her. Once standing in front of her, she could see from the moons light that she had been right.
It was Kenshin.
He kneeled next to her, looking at her face. He wiped a few tears away.
Kaoru was shocked that she seemed to heave out sobs less often and the tears didn't fall as fast once he was looking at her. He was going to consol her again, and she knew that.
"What were you dreaming about?" he asked her calmly.
Kaoru looked at him, trying to register his eyes. They weren't amber. They weren't steely blue. They looked more like. violet? She shook her head. No, they were royal blue, with a tint of violet.
"It. it was." she started. She couldn't really explain it, but she felt a new wave of tears come on as she remembered it. She started to sob again, almost uncontrollably, and she bent her face down into her knees.
Kenshin didn't know what to do at first. He started to rub her back in small circles, hoping the motion would help calm her. He felt like he was doing the same thing over again like he at the Inn, only now it was under different circumstances. Now they weren't about to die. Now, this was just free will.
For his friend.
Kaoru turned her face to get a look at him. He seemed to be worried about her, and for some reason that made her feel better. She knew she could get this attention from anyone at the Aoiya, but it seemed to mean more coming from him. Maybe it was because he used to be so cold. Maybe it was because she had a newfound respect for him, she wasn't sure. All she knew was she embraced it.
Kenshin smiled weakly at her. "Can you tell me why you're having nightmares?
She nodded. "At the Inn. in the dining hall. they piled bodies in there. They were still dripping with blood. I was trying to get out. I didn't look before I walked in, and there was no light. So I walked in, not knowing. I tripped, got completely covered in blood thinking it was just water. I stepped on hard things. Finally I found a light and lamp, and sat on something to turn the light on. When I turned the light on." she stopped, the memory flooding her mind and threatening to make her tears fall yet again. "I was sitting on someone. I was soaked in blood. I jumped, tripped, and fell. That's how I sprained my ankle and was all covered in blood. I was stuck in there. surrounded by death and limbs, blood and pain."
She let her tears fall as she shut her eyes. "Every night the dreams are different by they revolve around that same scene. each one is worse."
Kenshin continued his rubbing motions on her back as he scooted closer to her. He never thought she'd be dreaming the nightmares that plagued him.
"I know." He told her. "I too have those nightmares."
She looked at him. "From what?"
"Like I said, you carry the sin, guilt, and remorse with you always." He explained to her.
Kaoru nodded. So now they connected on one level. How many more did they connect on?
Kaoru found herself moving closer to him, until she was lying in his arms. Kenshin didn't know what he was doing, but a little voice in his head said to go on with it anyway.
'You know you want to and she needs this. yes, you are going soft but does that matter anymore? You know you want to make sure she's okay. you know the truth to why you stay in that tree every night.' it said.
Stupid voice.
He wrapped his arms around Kaoru, letting her rest. Someone he knew she found peace in this, the same way she had at the Inn. And in a sense, he did too. He held her as she still sobbed, crying from the mental and emotional pain she had from all the things that had happened to her.
Slowly she started to drift back to sleep. Once Kenshin was sure she was asleep, he pulled her out of his arms and laid her gently back onto her futon. He covered her up and then, before standing, set 3 small butterfly like kisses on her forehead and eyes. He didn't know why he did it. He just did.
And then he left.
And Kaoru slept soundly, not a single nightmare plaguing the rest of her dreams for the night.
********** **********
He found his room at the new Inn, where their new headquarters was stationed. He settled into his sitting position up against the wall, and with thoughts of Kaoru, fell asleep.
He, too, had no nightmares that night. He dreamed of nicer things, things that could be, if only he could get rid of his hitokiri status.
********* *********
Amidst the darkness that was completely descended upon the Aoiya, a figure stared into the window he had seen the Battousai crawl out of. A small, evil grin played across his face. He knew who was behind that window. And having seen the events that took place, he knew of that person's importance.
But now was not the time to strike. Not yet. He'd wait. Wait for the friendship to evolve more. Then.
Then and only then would he have his revenge.
Authors Notes: So.. What do you think of that?! Who is this figure? Don't ask me because I really don't know. I'm going to need to come up with that.. (sweatdrops) as you can see this wasn't a very well planned out chapter! Do you think it sucked? Yes, I know BATTOUSAI is completely out of character. He sounds a lot more like Kenshin here, now doesn't he? He probably will a bit, but don't worry, there will be more Battousai/Kaoru arguments in here. Those are my favorite parts to write. I always get this giant grin on my face when I write those parts!!! And then I turn around and put something like this in. hahaha. But do you seriously think this sucked? Because I will understand!!! I'm thinking of putting more Yahiko in here next chapter. and a snippet of Sano if I can!!! And all while doing that I gotta figure out who the figure is going to be. I mean, it could be ANYONE. But it won't be Saitou. He's too obvious. (grins evilly) Sorry to bust your bubble if that's what you were thinking!!!!
Sano: Geez Kenshin, you should be Battousai more often. You're more aggressive that way. You wouldn't be keeping Jou-chan waiting so much.
Kenshin: Oro.. Do you REALLY want me walking around with amber eyes and glaring at you when I have a katana and wakazashi?
Sano: Uh. no. but you could at least TRY to get something going on with Jou- chan FOR REAL since you are too much of a chicken I was thinking maybe your Battousai side needed to come out a little more to get you.
Kenshin: I will do fine on my own, that I will.
Sano: So you DO like her!
Kenshin: Oro! Sessha and Kaoru-dono are just friends!!!!
Sano: (rolls eyes) Sure Kenshin..
Crystal: Oh be nice to him or I'm putting some of you and Megumi in here and you won't like it, Sanosuke!
Sano: (sweatdrops) No, you wouldn't!!!!
Kenshin: Yes, you get on me about Kaoru-dono, what about you and Megumi- dono?
Sano: THERE IS NOTHING between us!!!
Crystal: Sure Sano..
Sano: Man, if you liked someone that I knew about I'd be so on you right now.
Crystal: (laughs) Too bad you're an anime character, huh Sano?
Sano: (grumbles something unintelligible)
Kenshin: Oro. Sano be nice.
(distant sounds of feet)
Kaoru: Crystal-chan, are you coming?
Crystal: (grinning) Yeah! Do you have the 'secret weapon'?
(giggling from 3 girls)
Kaoru: Yup. They'll have a surprise when they look in their wallets!!!
(Authoress gets up and leaves)
Kenshin, Sano, and Aoshi gulp and look in their wallets.
Aoshi: Uh oh..
Sano: They didn't..
Kenshin: Oro. they're going shopping and they took our credit cards!!!!!
Sano: MEGUMI'S GOING TO MAX MINE OUT!!! How am I going to pay that off?
Yahiko: Huh? What's going on?
(they all look at him.)
Sano: You are so lucky you are too young to have a credit card or you'd be having the SAME problem with Tsubame.
Yahiko: What about Tsubame?
(all shake their heads)
REVIEW RESPONSES!!!
Tiaravball15: I am going to make them get together!!! That was so evil of me to say, wasn't it? I'm sorry. I'm gonna try and get a little Aoshi/Misao in, but this is a Battousai/Kenshin/Kaoru fic, so it won't be too much but hopefully just enough!!!
Kenshin'sgrl: Hey, I got 11 of the same review from you!!! Did you do that is the computer messed up? But thanks, I'm glad you think this is cute. This chapter I just put up is kind really waffy and everyone is OOC, I think so at least. Oh well. It's how I write.
Koniko-Chan: Yeah, Battousai and Kaoru just draw out the 'awwwwwwwwwwww', don't they? I'm glad you were hooked to the story!!! That makes me so happy!!! ^_~!!!!!
Crystalshower: Hey, my name is in your name!!!! Anywayz, I'm glad you like this. And thanks for putting me on your favorites list!!! It means soo much to me!!!!! Makes me want to write all the more knowing people like it!!!!! Maybe I even brighten some days, ne?
Angie: I'm glad you like it!!!!! I hope this chapter doesn't change your opinion..
Pinky4: Oh, don't you worry, I'm gonna keep on writing until my fingers fall off!!! If I can get out of this little writers block (I hear the best way is to keep writing) then you will get some good chapter coming, with hopefully more detail!!!!!
Disturbed-demon-gurl: Well, since you begged me not to stop.. ^_~, I'll continue it!! Plus, my favorite song is on the radio right now!!!! Don't ask me why, but this song gives me ideas. Three Days Grace 'I Hate Everything (About You)'. Kinda goes with Battousai and Kaoru in the beginning of the story, ne? Do you think this chapter was too much too fast?! I hope not.. I'm glad you love the story!!!!
Beraith: You're my new best friend!!! I loved writing that line, 'We got Do- Ryu-Sen'd', too!! I didn't think anyone would like it, but it's my own kind of dumb humor!!! I'm glad you liked that and I'm sorry I torture you with cliffhangers, but in a way I like to do that!!! It helps me write, if you can understand that!!! Thanks for sticking with me since the beginning!!! Cookies and plushies for you!!!!!
Crisa Rei: I think it's more fun to write stories where everything goes slow. You might like the story 'Broken Pieces' by Linay if you didn't read it yet. It's good and it's on Chapter 20 (hasn't been updated since May) and Battousai and Kaoru JUST NOW started getting into a relationship. I'm glad you like this, I aim to please!!!!
Nicolette: I'm trying to hard to make everything as detailed as I can. I don't have a huge vocabulary but I love learning new words like vivacious and omniscent. I'm only 15. it's kinda hard to learn hugmongous (yes, that's not a word) words!!!! But I love it anyway, and thanks for your comment!!! I'll try harder on my details!!!
Himura's grl: I will update ASAP, don't you worry my friend!!! I'm glad you think this is cool!!!!
Brittanie Love: AWWWWWW!!!!!!!! You are one of the sweetest reviewers I have (okay, so maybe I'm a little over reative, but I love getting comments on my writing because everyone around my home says it stinks, and plus I'm having huge mood swings because of a, uh, monthly visitor. sorry for the info there!!). I can' t believe this is one of the best you've ever read!!! I'm glad I started this story!!! You get plushies and cookies!!!!!
Julia Ramberg: I'm sorry you hate cliffhangers, they get my juices running and make me write a lot faster because I don't like leaving you there because I know I hate them myself but I love them too!!! I'm gonna keep writing!!!!
Angelic Countenance: Thanks for the move information. I think I can find that somewhere!!! I know everyone hates cliffhangers. but the threats I get about being cowered over give me ideas!!! Most are evil, but some are good!!! That's why I do that!!! I don't know. I have a twisted mind. thank for your review!!!
And as usual, brownies and icecream for all of you who reviewed!! Sorry if I missed your review!!!
Anywayz, yes, that was very mean and evil of me!!! We won't spend TOO much, I promise you all... LOL! ^_~ I will try to update soon. but this chapter barely even got written today!!!!!
You all can ignore this next part, but I want to rant to someone!!! I was driving my mom into the big city today, and I was still on the outskirts, right? Well, my mom was sick (she has a heart problem that's connected to anxiety, right? So, she was having one of her heart spells) so I was driving her and there was this garbage truck on the side of the road. There were no cars coming from the other way, so pulled a little farther out into the other lane to pass it and I slowed down. I was right up next to the garbage truck, right behind it going maybe 25, and this guy walks out right in front of me about 4 feet away!!! So I slam on the brakes and I stop and he finally stops walking right next to my window, and he yells "Watch what you're doing, you f*cking idiot!!!". My mom got mad at him and yelled back and he followed us the rest of the way to our destination. He made me really mad and really upset because that was mean to say!!! And it wasn't even my fault!!! If you want, what do you guys think on that? I think I'm gonna start a little 'conversation' thing in the authors notes, where you can get your opinion in. E-mail me at freakishlyinsanelycrazy@yahoo.com with your responses if you want to have some input in that!!!!
So, until the next chapter!!!
Luv,
Crystal Renee
Authors Notes: OMG!!! You people really don't like the idea of me stopping the story, huh? Oh well, you made me happy!!! Even if I am out of ideas, I'm going to strain my brain to write this chapter for you. Yes, that was an evil thing to ask, and I am sorry. But I need your help with my story!!! I will keep it up. I love this story. It's too good to end. And thanks to those of you who have stuck with me (beraith, you're always the first to respond to my rants, thanx a billion!!!). I will get individual reviews out in the next chapter. I will only be able to respond to those reviews I have by the time I post this chapter, so sorry in advance if I miss you!!!! Oh, and guess what? I got a new retainer and it's bugging the crap out of me so probably next chapter something bad is going to happen. My mood depends on how I write. That's how it always goes. Emotions into the story. I'm so evil... so if I'm moody, you know everything gonna be crazy and this thing is driving me mad!!!!! It covers my whole top mouth!!! Grr!!!!
And so here we go!!!
~Coming of the Dawn~
(Where I last left you off..) Once sure she was gone, Kenshin cracked open an eye, and let his grin spread farther across his face. One hand went up to touch his forehead, and the other stayed at his side.
"I would like to be friends, too." He whispered to the walls.
Then he went back to sleep. Megumi would kill him if he didn't get his sleep.
***Chapter 12- Firefly Wishes and Butterfly Kisses***
Life went back to normal around the Aoiya. Kaoru was left alone with her thoughts and experiences while with the Ishin Shishi after 2 months of fussing over her return. When the last trace of her connections to the Ishin Shishi left, she couldn't help but be disheartened. Even if it was Megumi who left, and she didn't know her that well, she was still her friend.
And now Kaoru had no way to know where to find them. Not that Aoshi, Okina, Misao, Omasu, Okon. or anyone else in the Aoiya would let her go look for them in the first place. They weren't taking any chances with her anymore. She was always with escort when she went to town. Kaoru felt smothered. She often snuck away when she could, and was always found.
It was while sneaking to the shrine that she discovered Battousai, too, was gone. It seemed to her like everything from that part of her life was gone. Everything but the memories. The sweet, even if frightful, memories.
Kaoru missed Tae. She missed Hinoki, Megumi. she missed the officials walking around. She missed arguing with Battousai the most. She hadn't known it before, but she really liked to get him angry. That was when she really saw emotion play on his features and in his eyes. And in a sense, it was fun and it gave her a rush knowing she was pushing her limits but was still within a safe distance.
She missed it all.
Not that she wasn't happy to be back, because she was ecstatic to be back with her friends at the Aoiya. She was home with those who loved her and cared. She loved being back at the Aoiya. But. it just wasn't the same. Her experiences changed her. Of course, that was expected. But unlike what everyone thought, it wouldn't change back. Not as long as she was plagued with the nightmares she gained from the battle at the Inn and the stirring emotions she got when she remembered her last moments in the building, her surge of energy to stop Battousai from killing again.
"Kaoru?" came Misao's voice.
Kaoru shook her head. "Uh.. hai. oh, Misao." She smiled.
"Are you remembering again?" Misao asked, a grin forming on her face. "Is there something you haven't told me? Someone SPECIAL?"
Kaoru shook her head. "No. I just have friends with the Ishin Shishi and I miss them."
Misao nodded. "You do know that we still work for them. It seems that battle changed the Oniwabanshu's ideas and they agree with the Ishin Shishi's ideals now. We are completely part of the Ishin Shishi now. Aoshi- sama has to attend meetings all the time."
Kaoru smiled. "Why haven't we seen any of them?"
Misao looked away. "They don't want you near Battousai. Aoshi says it's better that way."
"Why? He won't hurt me. He refuses to kill a woman." Kaoru told her.
Misao grinned. "Sano's visited him a few times and says he hasn't had a job since the battle. Seems they made friends pretty quick. Aoshi's starting to agree with helping him now, also. Seems he's getting his own little alliance started."
Kaoru nodded. "That's all well and good. But I miss Tae and Hinoki."
Misao nodded. "I understand. Did you get to train at all while you were there?"
"No. I wasn't trusted to hold a weapon. I got to at the battle, but it was a broom. But I still got some shots in. If I hadn't of been injured all ready I could have kicked some major butt."
"No doubt." Misao said. "I KNOW you could have. Do you want to go practice a little and get those muscles working again? You never know when we'll be needed, even if Aoshi-sama makes us stay behind."
Kaoru set a sly grin upon her face. "I think he does that on purpose when it comes to you and precaution with me."
Misao blushed. "KAORU!!!"
Kaoru laughed.
*********** ***********
Battousai again took his perch up above the Aoiya. For the 2nd week in a row, he was sitting in that tree looking into Kaoru's room. He knew he was being purposely pushed away from her, for fear he'd hurt her. Everyone seemed to overlook the fact that he had, in reality, saved her. Everyone except for Sanosuke, but Battousai knew he had no say in what went on at the Aoiya.
And he had never told Sano he wanted to see Kaoru. He had kept that secret to himself. No need to make anyone think he was going soft. He was starting to miss the constant arguing. No one else dared to argue with him. It gave a little more flavor to life, and right now life was extremely boring.
Part of him wanted to take Kaoru again and make her stay at the new headquarters. But not only for him. Tae and Hinoki had confronted him, as they begged for information on her. It seemed like everyone was starting to miss. At least those she had befriended or annoyed.
But for now, he'd have to settle for watching her from the tree and through the window. He rationalized that he was just paranoid after the fire and battle. And they were friends, if odd friends. He kept his eyes fixated on the window.
********** **********
The night had fallen and Kaoru had entered her bedroom. She was tired. But she couldn't sleep. Partly because she was afraid to fall asleep and relive the horrors of the dining hall and party because she felt like she was being watched. She had been dismissing it for the past few nights, but today she just couldn't. And being Kaoru, she decided to go investigate.
She found herself walking out of the Aoiya and into to back by the garden (( A/N: I'm not sure if there is a garden at the Aoiya, but there is in my story!)), next to the larger sakura trees and smaller bushes that contained flowers of every sort. She sat on the ground, inviting the feeling of not having anyone following her.
The night was cold, but she didn't shiver. She let the cold air envelope her in its arms and she felt free. The fingers of the wind blew her hair around her face as she glanced up at the moon. It was full, and bright, sending it's light upon her as the stars twinkled just a little brighter, as if just for her.
Kaoru held her hands out and looked at them, turning them around as if looking for something that wasn't really there. Really, she was looking at the slight scar she had from one of her worse burns. It brought back memories, but some she wanted to savor.
Like the one of Kenshin trying to consol her and holding her tight in the middle of the fire, shielding her as best he could from the heat of the flames.
A few fireflies flickered around her, dancing in the sky like tiny orbs of hope. That what Kaoru thought they were, her little orbs of hope, that if she placed a wish upon them they would be sure to fetch it for her. They were so free and yet so fragile, something that should be looked upon with the innocence you only find with your inner child. And Kaoru stared at them with this innocence, momentarily forgetting her nightmares and gruesome memories as she caught one of the fireflies.
And she thought, maybe, she should just tell this firefly about her wish.
"I feel like you do." She told it in a quiet voice, one that was barely audible. "Trapped inside a cage. Only mine is different from yours. I'm going to let you go now, my little friend, and I want you to take this wish with you."
Kaoru opened her palm, and for a moment the firefly stayed hovering above her hand as if waiting for her to speak. She didn't notice that the light of the others had left her; she was fixated on the one that was stationed just slightly above her palm.
"I you can, I want to see my friends again. Especially one, of whom I have only recently found my longing for. You bring innocence with you, so please, bring my wish to Kenshin. He may be the Battousai, but I want him to know that I miss him and everyone else that I left behind upon returning here." She said, feeling slightly foolish for her words.
And the firefly left after that. Kaoru figured it was strange that it had hovered over her hand like that. Then the light of the others began to dance around above the grass and nearer to the sky before Kaoru stood up once more and walked back towards the Aoiya.
She didn't notice the firefly she had 'spoken' to was flying up to a tree.
********** **********
Kenshin gripped his sword closer to him up in the tree. He had seen her walk out and had suddenly felt very paranoid, wondering if she had known he was out there. But when he saw her stop in the middle of the garden, his interest and curiosity was peaked and he watched, his eyes glued to her as she sat in the middle of a swarm of bright fireflies.
And he had heard her wish. It was strange to him to think that he was wanted, or let alone was missed. It made a smile tug at his usually thin, straight lined lips. He remembered that it had been her who said she wanted to be friend with him without him knowing he had heard. He still praised himself for his sneakiness. He had a feeling she wouldn't have said anything had he opened his eyes.
But what confused him was when the firefly she had caught flew up to him. Was it really delivering her wish? He shook his head. No, that was utterly impossible and down right preposterous.
Wasn't it?
He watched the firefly as it circled his head and then landed on his hand that was clamped onto his sword. It stayed there for a few sweeping moments and then flew away again after flying up onto his nose and then swooping up over his head. Again, he smiled.
Kaoru was right. They did hold an innocence.
********** **********
Kaoru went into her room and lay down on her futon. She glanced out her window momentarily. After she looked once more at the large yellow moon, she turned and closed her eyes, succumbing to sleep.
'It was dark. Kaoru walked around slowly, tripping every so often. She shook with the cold air that was penetrating through her thin gi and hakama pants. Kaoru silently cursed herself for wearing her training attire while walking at night. She tripped again, falling into a puddle. She began to stand up and, but something gripped her.
"You got caught on a root or something." Kaoru scolded herself. She bent down to release herself, but she felt a tug at her left pant leg.
Kaoru turned, and felt another tug at her gi sleeve. She was starting to get paranoid.
She saw that the moon was prepared to show itself after a cloud passed. Slowly the moon shown, sending light down. Kaoru looked to see how she had become so badly snagged, but only to find hands gripping her clothing. She turned and looked, seeing the lifeless eyes of those slain. They gripped her clothing, and each movement made blood gush from their wounds and cover her in a new amount of blood.
They were pulling her down. Down with them. She cried and screamed, trying to pull them off of her in vain. She felt everything as they gripped her hair, her clothing, and her legs, whatever they could grip. And new waves of blood hit her as if she was sitting in the ocean as waves crashed upon her. She was tearing at her hair and crying, making sounds no one knew was possible in her anguish.
"No. no. please.leave me alone. please." Kaoru begged her demons.
"Don't make our deaths vain." came voices. "Don't make our blood have fallen for no reason."
"Please just leave me alone!!" Kaoru screamed, trying to tear them away. "It was not I who killed you!"
The blood came rushing in, and then Kaoru felt the grips coming off of her. She sighed, but noticed that everywhere she had been touched there was a cut, as if a blade cut her. Her own blood fell from her skin, dripping down onto the soil that sucked in as if it was water. Kaoru cried. There was so much blood. the corpses came back and were falling from the sky all around her, limps getting caught in trees and hitting her at times as she tried to cover her body.'
Kaoru jolted awake, again not screaming in her sleep. This was good, she didn't want anyone to come running in and thinking she was going crazy. She placed a hand over her chest as she tried to even out her ragged breathing and calm her heart rate. Her tears were falling just as they had in the dream, except they weren't stained with the blood of others. They still fell though.
"Nightmares again?" came a voice from the darkest corner of her room.
Kaoru felt de-ja-vu. She turned around, but this time there was no storm. There was no lightening. And she knew who was in the corner.
"Ke. Kenshin?" she said, squinting to see if she was right. It was hard with her sight blurred by her tears and the in pitch black. She tried to wipe her tears away but it didn't help, they kept falling from her eyes.
She heard the person stand up and the rustle of their clothing as they neared her. Once standing in front of her, she could see from the moons light that she had been right.
It was Kenshin.
He kneeled next to her, looking at her face. He wiped a few tears away.
Kaoru was shocked that she seemed to heave out sobs less often and the tears didn't fall as fast once he was looking at her. He was going to consol her again, and she knew that.
"What were you dreaming about?" he asked her calmly.
Kaoru looked at him, trying to register his eyes. They weren't amber. They weren't steely blue. They looked more like. violet? She shook her head. No, they were royal blue, with a tint of violet.
"It. it was." she started. She couldn't really explain it, but she felt a new wave of tears come on as she remembered it. She started to sob again, almost uncontrollably, and she bent her face down into her knees.
Kenshin didn't know what to do at first. He started to rub her back in small circles, hoping the motion would help calm her. He felt like he was doing the same thing over again like he at the Inn, only now it was under different circumstances. Now they weren't about to die. Now, this was just free will.
For his friend.
Kaoru turned her face to get a look at him. He seemed to be worried about her, and for some reason that made her feel better. She knew she could get this attention from anyone at the Aoiya, but it seemed to mean more coming from him. Maybe it was because he used to be so cold. Maybe it was because she had a newfound respect for him, she wasn't sure. All she knew was she embraced it.
Kenshin smiled weakly at her. "Can you tell me why you're having nightmares?
She nodded. "At the Inn. in the dining hall. they piled bodies in there. They were still dripping with blood. I was trying to get out. I didn't look before I walked in, and there was no light. So I walked in, not knowing. I tripped, got completely covered in blood thinking it was just water. I stepped on hard things. Finally I found a light and lamp, and sat on something to turn the light on. When I turned the light on." she stopped, the memory flooding her mind and threatening to make her tears fall yet again. "I was sitting on someone. I was soaked in blood. I jumped, tripped, and fell. That's how I sprained my ankle and was all covered in blood. I was stuck in there. surrounded by death and limbs, blood and pain."
She let her tears fall as she shut her eyes. "Every night the dreams are different by they revolve around that same scene. each one is worse."
Kenshin continued his rubbing motions on her back as he scooted closer to her. He never thought she'd be dreaming the nightmares that plagued him.
"I know." He told her. "I too have those nightmares."
She looked at him. "From what?"
"Like I said, you carry the sin, guilt, and remorse with you always." He explained to her.
Kaoru nodded. So now they connected on one level. How many more did they connect on?
Kaoru found herself moving closer to him, until she was lying in his arms. Kenshin didn't know what he was doing, but a little voice in his head said to go on with it anyway.
'You know you want to and she needs this. yes, you are going soft but does that matter anymore? You know you want to make sure she's okay. you know the truth to why you stay in that tree every night.' it said.
Stupid voice.
He wrapped his arms around Kaoru, letting her rest. Someone he knew she found peace in this, the same way she had at the Inn. And in a sense, he did too. He held her as she still sobbed, crying from the mental and emotional pain she had from all the things that had happened to her.
Slowly she started to drift back to sleep. Once Kenshin was sure she was asleep, he pulled her out of his arms and laid her gently back onto her futon. He covered her up and then, before standing, set 3 small butterfly like kisses on her forehead and eyes. He didn't know why he did it. He just did.
And then he left.
And Kaoru slept soundly, not a single nightmare plaguing the rest of her dreams for the night.
********** **********
He found his room at the new Inn, where their new headquarters was stationed. He settled into his sitting position up against the wall, and with thoughts of Kaoru, fell asleep.
He, too, had no nightmares that night. He dreamed of nicer things, things that could be, if only he could get rid of his hitokiri status.
********* *********
Amidst the darkness that was completely descended upon the Aoiya, a figure stared into the window he had seen the Battousai crawl out of. A small, evil grin played across his face. He knew who was behind that window. And having seen the events that took place, he knew of that person's importance.
But now was not the time to strike. Not yet. He'd wait. Wait for the friendship to evolve more. Then.
Then and only then would he have his revenge.
Authors Notes: So.. What do you think of that?! Who is this figure? Don't ask me because I really don't know. I'm going to need to come up with that.. (sweatdrops) as you can see this wasn't a very well planned out chapter! Do you think it sucked? Yes, I know BATTOUSAI is completely out of character. He sounds a lot more like Kenshin here, now doesn't he? He probably will a bit, but don't worry, there will be more Battousai/Kaoru arguments in here. Those are my favorite parts to write. I always get this giant grin on my face when I write those parts!!! And then I turn around and put something like this in. hahaha. But do you seriously think this sucked? Because I will understand!!! I'm thinking of putting more Yahiko in here next chapter. and a snippet of Sano if I can!!! And all while doing that I gotta figure out who the figure is going to be. I mean, it could be ANYONE. But it won't be Saitou. He's too obvious. (grins evilly) Sorry to bust your bubble if that's what you were thinking!!!!
Sano: Geez Kenshin, you should be Battousai more often. You're more aggressive that way. You wouldn't be keeping Jou-chan waiting so much.
Kenshin: Oro.. Do you REALLY want me walking around with amber eyes and glaring at you when I have a katana and wakazashi?
Sano: Uh. no. but you could at least TRY to get something going on with Jou- chan FOR REAL since you are too much of a chicken I was thinking maybe your Battousai side needed to come out a little more to get you.
Kenshin: I will do fine on my own, that I will.
Sano: So you DO like her!
Kenshin: Oro! Sessha and Kaoru-dono are just friends!!!!
Sano: (rolls eyes) Sure Kenshin..
Crystal: Oh be nice to him or I'm putting some of you and Megumi in here and you won't like it, Sanosuke!
Sano: (sweatdrops) No, you wouldn't!!!!
Kenshin: Yes, you get on me about Kaoru-dono, what about you and Megumi- dono?
Sano: THERE IS NOTHING between us!!!
Crystal: Sure Sano..
Sano: Man, if you liked someone that I knew about I'd be so on you right now.
Crystal: (laughs) Too bad you're an anime character, huh Sano?
Sano: (grumbles something unintelligible)
Kenshin: Oro. Sano be nice.
(distant sounds of feet)
Kaoru: Crystal-chan, are you coming?
Crystal: (grinning) Yeah! Do you have the 'secret weapon'?
(giggling from 3 girls)
Kaoru: Yup. They'll have a surprise when they look in their wallets!!!
(Authoress gets up and leaves)
Kenshin, Sano, and Aoshi gulp and look in their wallets.
Aoshi: Uh oh..
Sano: They didn't..
Kenshin: Oro. they're going shopping and they took our credit cards!!!!!
Sano: MEGUMI'S GOING TO MAX MINE OUT!!! How am I going to pay that off?
Yahiko: Huh? What's going on?
(they all look at him.)
Sano: You are so lucky you are too young to have a credit card or you'd be having the SAME problem with Tsubame.
Yahiko: What about Tsubame?
(all shake their heads)
REVIEW RESPONSES!!!
Tiaravball15: I am going to make them get together!!! That was so evil of me to say, wasn't it? I'm sorry. I'm gonna try and get a little Aoshi/Misao in, but this is a Battousai/Kenshin/Kaoru fic, so it won't be too much but hopefully just enough!!!
Kenshin'sgrl: Hey, I got 11 of the same review from you!!! Did you do that is the computer messed up? But thanks, I'm glad you think this is cute. This chapter I just put up is kind really waffy and everyone is OOC, I think so at least. Oh well. It's how I write.
Koniko-Chan: Yeah, Battousai and Kaoru just draw out the 'awwwwwwwwwwww', don't they? I'm glad you were hooked to the story!!! That makes me so happy!!! ^_~!!!!!
Crystalshower: Hey, my name is in your name!!!! Anywayz, I'm glad you like this. And thanks for putting me on your favorites list!!! It means soo much to me!!!!! Makes me want to write all the more knowing people like it!!!!! Maybe I even brighten some days, ne?
Angie: I'm glad you like it!!!!! I hope this chapter doesn't change your opinion..
Pinky4: Oh, don't you worry, I'm gonna keep on writing until my fingers fall off!!! If I can get out of this little writers block (I hear the best way is to keep writing) then you will get some good chapter coming, with hopefully more detail!!!!!
Disturbed-demon-gurl: Well, since you begged me not to stop.. ^_~, I'll continue it!! Plus, my favorite song is on the radio right now!!!! Don't ask me why, but this song gives me ideas. Three Days Grace 'I Hate Everything (About You)'. Kinda goes with Battousai and Kaoru in the beginning of the story, ne? Do you think this chapter was too much too fast?! I hope not.. I'm glad you love the story!!!!
Beraith: You're my new best friend!!! I loved writing that line, 'We got Do- Ryu-Sen'd', too!! I didn't think anyone would like it, but it's my own kind of dumb humor!!! I'm glad you liked that and I'm sorry I torture you with cliffhangers, but in a way I like to do that!!! It helps me write, if you can understand that!!! Thanks for sticking with me since the beginning!!! Cookies and plushies for you!!!!!
Crisa Rei: I think it's more fun to write stories where everything goes slow. You might like the story 'Broken Pieces' by Linay if you didn't read it yet. It's good and it's on Chapter 20 (hasn't been updated since May) and Battousai and Kaoru JUST NOW started getting into a relationship. I'm glad you like this, I aim to please!!!!
Nicolette: I'm trying to hard to make everything as detailed as I can. I don't have a huge vocabulary but I love learning new words like vivacious and omniscent. I'm only 15. it's kinda hard to learn hugmongous (yes, that's not a word) words!!!! But I love it anyway, and thanks for your comment!!! I'll try harder on my details!!!
Himura's grl: I will update ASAP, don't you worry my friend!!! I'm glad you think this is cool!!!!
Brittanie Love: AWWWWWW!!!!!!!! You are one of the sweetest reviewers I have (okay, so maybe I'm a little over reative, but I love getting comments on my writing because everyone around my home says it stinks, and plus I'm having huge mood swings because of a, uh, monthly visitor. sorry for the info there!!). I can' t believe this is one of the best you've ever read!!! I'm glad I started this story!!! You get plushies and cookies!!!!!
Julia Ramberg: I'm sorry you hate cliffhangers, they get my juices running and make me write a lot faster because I don't like leaving you there because I know I hate them myself but I love them too!!! I'm gonna keep writing!!!!
Angelic Countenance: Thanks for the move information. I think I can find that somewhere!!! I know everyone hates cliffhangers. but the threats I get about being cowered over give me ideas!!! Most are evil, but some are good!!! That's why I do that!!! I don't know. I have a twisted mind. thank for your review!!!
And as usual, brownies and icecream for all of you who reviewed!! Sorry if I missed your review!!!
Anywayz, yes, that was very mean and evil of me!!! We won't spend TOO much, I promise you all... LOL! ^_~ I will try to update soon. but this chapter barely even got written today!!!!!
You all can ignore this next part, but I want to rant to someone!!! I was driving my mom into the big city today, and I was still on the outskirts, right? Well, my mom was sick (she has a heart problem that's connected to anxiety, right? So, she was having one of her heart spells) so I was driving her and there was this garbage truck on the side of the road. There were no cars coming from the other way, so pulled a little farther out into the other lane to pass it and I slowed down. I was right up next to the garbage truck, right behind it going maybe 25, and this guy walks out right in front of me about 4 feet away!!! So I slam on the brakes and I stop and he finally stops walking right next to my window, and he yells "Watch what you're doing, you f*cking idiot!!!". My mom got mad at him and yelled back and he followed us the rest of the way to our destination. He made me really mad and really upset because that was mean to say!!! And it wasn't even my fault!!! If you want, what do you guys think on that? I think I'm gonna start a little 'conversation' thing in the authors notes, where you can get your opinion in. E-mail me at freakishlyinsanelycrazy@yahoo.com with your responses if you want to have some input in that!!!!
So, until the next chapter!!!
Luv,
Crystal Renee