Chapter Seven:

Journey To The Past

Kaoru loosened her hair and let it cascade onto her bare back. She shook her fingers through to rid her silken strands of tangles they had acquired during her journey. She was tired. It was a long walk and the midsummer afternoon made it no more pleasant. The air was saturated with moisture, the sky draped in a haze that the sun barely broke through. It would storm. The distinct smell of rain lingered in the air, traveling over the mountains. It was the rainy season, after all. It was a violent season. Yet, Kaoru knew she would be safe in her shelter, the only place she called "home."

Her bare feet touched the cool stone as she tiptoed over to the little pool in the middle of her abode. The cave was wide, filled with her belongings. It was a good ten minute walk from the entrance to this area, more than enough time for her to seek and destroy any intruders. Kaoru carefully stepped into the water. It was always warm. It wasn't quite as warm as hot springs, but served its purpose just fine. She lowered her body into the water, save her injured arm. She slowly unwound the bandage and then slowly submerged it. The wound stung or a few moments, but the water did it much good. Her hair flowed around her in the water as she tilted her head back and let out a sigh. She was sleepy . . . but she did not want to sleep. She would remember, only remember.

She slid her hands down her body and caressed her stomach. Fingertips traced faded marks of stretched flesh, while not visible, they could be felt. A tear ran down her cheek as she remembered the cause of her slight imperfection . . . the single joy of her life.

"Kenji," she muttered through tears before falling victim to the sand man...and fell asleep.

The cries of a baby could be heard through the tattered screens of the dojo. Sanosuke ran frantically inside to see Kaoru kneeling over a red, sobbing Kenji. Kaoru looked up and Sano, trying to find some kind of guidance. He had to be able to do something, but what? Sano looked about, then ran outside to draw some water and grabbed some fresh towels. He rushed to Kaoru's side and dipped the cloth in the cool water. Taking great care, he placed the damp towel on Kenji's head, and his cries eased a bit. He sighed, relieved, and sat back wiping sweat from his brow. Kaoru was still stricken with worry, worried since her child had come down the influenza. His cough worried her, his cries tore her apart.

"Sano-kun, you have to save my baby," she pleaded, kissing her child's forehead as he began to rest. Sano frowned and took his lover into his arms, holding her close. He had done all he could the past couple of weeks to reassure Kaoru. He just wouldn't admit that he was doing it mostly for himself. He rubbed her head gently and placed his lips on her cheek. She exhaled deeply and then looked at her son. He looked so peaceful, like a little angel.

"Look, he is resting so nicely now. There is nothing to worry about, Missy," he whispered softly in her ear, nibbling slightly at it. A small smile graced her wary face and it evoked a chuckle from Sano.

"How naughty of you, thinking of other things while my child lay here so ill," Kaoru scolded, but only half-heartedly.

"Oh, I think you are the naughty one, for having your mind in the gutter, Missy. Who said that was on my mind?" he teased, kissing her neck softly while taking hold of her breasts through her dogi. She gasped and threw her head back in a mix of shock and pleasure.

"Sano, not in front of the baby," she said as she was quickly put on her back, Sano's weight on top of her. She could feel him growing under his own dogi. He was straining to keep himself up as he kissed her passionately. She swore that when he kissed her like that, that he did love her. But she knew better. They both needed each other...for reasons other than true love. They used each other as puppets to play out their feelings, because the persons they truly loved were gone.

"Chibi-Ken is fast asleep. He won't be awake for a couple of hours at least," he mumbled while loosening the belt to her outfit. Her chest was bare, her breasts full and inviting. He nibbled on one of her nipples, teasing them ever so slightly. She popped him on the forehead, making him stop.

"Those aren't for you, BAKA!" she yelled, pushing his head down to her belly button. He smirked and grabbed her by the waist, putting her pelvic area in the air. Her eyes grew wide, unsure of what he was doing.

"Fine, I'll just eat where I'm wanted," he cooed and his tongue grazed ever so slightly over the opening of her womanhood. Kaoru shuddered as a cold chill ran through her whole body. She wasn't exactly over-experienced, but she never felt anything like that before.

And it wasn't over yet.

Sano stuck his tongue out like a dart and began to penetrate her with it. Kaoru began to grab at the floor, trying to hold in her voice so not to wake up Kenji. Her body was now on fire, she was about to explode. He moved upward to her little jewel and began to tease her, just grazing the sensitive node with his teeth. Kaoru's back arched as she moaned with pleasure. She was writhing under him. Sano smirked and lowered her body down.

"I see you aren't ready for all of that," he teased as he made quick work of his pants. Soon, his member was exposed. It was long and stiff, anticipating the pending bout. Kaoru gasped as he entered without hesitation. Her walls gripped him as he moved inside of her. She moaned along with him, his body hovering over hers. She could feel his heat and she loved it. She pulled him down closer to her and nuzzled her head in his shoulder. She kissed it softly before biting it. Sano growled, further aroused by her aggression. She dug her nails into his back as he began to work her harder. This would not end until both were satisfied.

At least sexually.

The sun had begun to set when Kaoru opened her eyes. Her head was laying on Sano's chest, her mass of raven hair tossed about. He was still sleep, his face calm as a bit of dribble fell from his lip. She chuckled and kissed his lips softly. Perhaps...this game, this charade would work after all. Perhaps...they did just need each other. She was all he had left, except for Kenji.

KENJI!

Kaoru shot up and then glance over to where her son was. She nearly fell over Sano while doing so, waking him up. She removed the cloth from his forehead. His eyes were still closed. He was still sleep. Kaoru sighed deeply with relief and sat back to find Sano right behind her. She smiled as he caressed her naked shoulder, reassuring her.

"See, he'll be fine," he said, kissing her cheek. She nodded in agreement.

"You are right. It is time for him to eat. Maybe a good dose of mother's milk will do him good," she said, grabbing a dry cloth.

"Oh, I'm jealous," he teased. Kaoru hit him on the chest as they both chuckled. She picked up Kenji, and as soon as she touched him, she froze. Sano noticed her shock and then touched Kenji himself. His expression dropped as well.

He was cold.

"Kenji," she screeched frantically, picking her baby up. She cradled his body and pushed his mouth to her breast, hoping he would latch.

"KENJI," she screamed, shaking the baby, trying to get him to respond.

But there was none.

She thought Kenshin leaving her was the worst pain she ever had to endure. Then she thought it was her dojo being nearly burned to the ground. Then she thought it was seeing the lives of her friends destroyed. But now, she couldn't breathe. Her chest was tight. She threw her head back and let out a scream that would rattle the bones of the dead.

"KENNNNNJIIII!"

Kenshin shot up from his slumber, his chest heaving heavily. Sweat rolled in his eye and down his face. His eyes darted about as he brought his hand to his face. Why? Why did he dream that? He then realized that tears were mixed with those beads of sweat and he pushed himself off of her tree he was resting against. He had to find her. He jumped back on his horse and darted through the thick forest. He didn't know where he was going, but his soul was leading him. He rode hard for several minutes before stopping at the mouth of a cave. A rumble of thunder rolled in the distance and drops of rain began to fall from the sky as the gently as the tears about his face.

"Kaoru-dono" he yelled, his voice frantic. He was answered with sobs, her broken body hunched over at the entrance. All he could see were the tears, the tears falling in torrents down her face.

"Kaoru, I'm sorry! I'm so sorry! I love you! I'll always love you! I'll love you for who you are, now and forever," he repeated over and over to her as he took her into his arms. He sobbed on her bare shoulder and for once, her arms wrapped around his body. She was trembling with pain, her head aching, her heart throbbing.

A flash of lightly streaked across the sky and as if it were the keeper of the heavens, heavy rain came crashing down on their bodies. But, they did not move. They stayed embraced with each other, withstanding the rain, comforting each other.