Author's Note: Hmm. It seems to me that this story is drawing to an end.
(No, this is not the last chapter, but still.) I don't know whether to be
happy or sad. I still don't know how to get the "dot dot dots" and italics
to show up! Someone please help me! Oh, I apologize for not having warned
you before, but I incorporated some scenes from the series. Well, on with
the rest of the battle!
Disclaimer: I don't own Rurouni Kenshin, but everyone knows that already, so why do I have to keep saying it?
The Love of Life
Chapter 11: The Rescue Mission
By CrismHeart
September 22, 2003
Using Kenshin's inner turmoil as an opening, Saitou came at him at full speed, causing Kenshin to have no choice but to defend himself. Katana struck sakabatou, and the both of them fought to be the victor, the survivor of the battle.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Kaoru abruptly sat upright in her bed, beads of sweat lining her forehead. Something was wrong, really wrong, and yet, when she took in her surroundings she could not find a thing out of place. No, that was not it; it was not something that could be seen or heard, but she could feel it in her heart. It was as if she was being torn apart.
She had just had a terrible nightmare. It was raining hard and there was blood everywhere; standing in the midst of it all was none other than Kenshin.
Kaoru did not quite understand it. Initially, she could only see the dark silhouette of someone she was certain she knew. She had not known who it was then, but the way his hair moved, the way he held his sword, and those eyes. Kaoru had never seen any like them before, yet she was sure she knew the person to whom they belonged. They were a fierce amber color that seemed to mask all of the owner's thoughts and emotions. They frightened her, mesmerized her, and intrigued her all the same.
He stepped out of the shadows just enough so that she could see his face.
"Kenshin?" she inquired. But no, how could it be? How was it possible when Kaoru knew that Kenshin would never take the life of another, never again? She concluded that he could not be Kenshin. For a few seconds, anguish flashed across his face. Kenshin was somewhere deep within, trying to regain control of himself. Kaoru looked at his pleading eyes. It was as if he were saying that she was the only one who could help him save himself.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Sano tried calling Kaoru first since she lived the closest to the school. He also felt that she had a right to know seeing as she and Kenshin were in love with one another. As soon as Sano had given her all the details, Kaoru had not even waited to hang up the phone before sprinting out the door.
He then called Megumi. Because she lived across the street from Kaoru, they were of about equal distance from the school. She could provide Kenshin with medical assistance if it was not too late.
After informing Megumi of where Kenshin was, Sano immediately set out for his destination. When he got there, he pounded on the door to be let in.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Misao looked from her grandfather to his friend for an explanation when she heard someone at the door. "What kind of an idiot would be pounding on the door this early in the morning?"
She unbolted it and uncovered Sano on the other side. "Oh."
Misao's thoughts were cut short, however as Sano, gasped for breath before announcing that she had to go to the school gym and stop Saitou from murdering their friend.
Okina and Hiko had been listening in when the name "Kenshin" rang a bell. "Baka deshi?" Hiko queried.
And with that pet name said, the four of them hurried out the house.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Kenshin had broken the temporary stalemate by shoving Saitou backwards. Without wasting a single moment, he propelled himself off the wall and slashed upwards at Saitou. Saitou countered at the last second, but not without receiving a gash on his temple. The two were right back where they had started.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Kaoru had to wait for Sano to show up. She may have been the first person to arrive, but she just could not get the gym door unlocked. Kaoru's fists still stung from having punched at it so many times.
"Is this the place?" the voice of a man asked.
Turning around, she saw that Sano had not come alone. A tall, muscular man with long hair came forward brandishing a sword.
Not knowing who the stranger was, Kaoru hesitated before giving a small nod.
He skillfully sliced door in half and Kaoru walked in.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Kenshin knew he could never return to his former self. It would be a fate worse than death. He had not repented enough, would never be able to, but the least he could do was protect. Kenshin had almost broken his vow and most importantly, his promise to the one that he loved most.
"Kenshin!" Kaoru yelled.
"Kaoru?" Kenshin's features softened at the sight of her and his eyes reverted to their usual violet. He looked down guiltily before falling forward. He had passed out from losing so much blood.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Hiko had been unnoticed by Kenshin, who had his full attention on Kaoru. He saw the reaction his apprentice had. After Kenshin had lost consciousness, he scooped up Kenshin and carried him to the clinic. Hiko walked over to Saitou and warned him to not to interfere in his pupil's life. "You will find that I'm am quite a bit more challenging of an opponent than my 'baka deshi.' And even he has damaged you considerably." He stated with just a hint of a threat as he took in the deep cuts on Saitou's flesh.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Is he- is he-" Kaoru could not bring herself to utter her question aloud, afraid that it might confirm her dismal thoughts.
Hiko looked at her kindly. He could see that this girl cared greatly for Kenshin. He snorted, "My 'baka deshi' has sustained worse injuries than this before. Do you think he'd die by the hand of another? He's too stubborn and has too much to live for," Hiko glanced at Kaoru. For some reason, Kaoru thought Hiko had been referring to her. "Besides, he may not be strong like me, but he's not weak. He was trained by me after all."
"Baka deshi" had become an affectionate term rather than an insult. Kaoru smiled as she detected the pride in the older man's voice as he spoke of Kenshin. Hiko may act arrogant on the outside, but on the inside, he really loved Kenshin like his own son.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
At midnight, Kenshin began to stir from his slumber. "Where am I?" he asked himself. He did not recognize anything around him, though it appeared to him that he was in a hospital.
Although his vision was still a bit blurry from just waking up, the moonlight that poured in through the window allowed Kenshin to see the blank, white walls, the cabinets full of medical supplies, and the faint outline of- of Kaoru?
Kenshin had not noticed the slight weight on his chest until then. Kaoru was indeed slumped forward in a chair beside the bed with her head resting lightly on him. She had fallen asleep out of exhaustion, waiting for some sign to indicate that Kenshin was not in danger of dying. Everyone had assured Kaoru that he was in pretty good shape, but she did want to harbor false hope, she wanted to see for herself.
Kenshin, careful not to disturb her, remained as motionless as possible and watched her lovingly. It was then that Kenshin observed that Kaoru's cheeks were streaked with faint tearstains that glistened from the brightness of the moon. It was consoling to have her so close, but he did not deserve her concern for his welfare. Kenshin scolded himself, "Kaoru- dono must not be comfortable sleeping in such a position. Baka, you must have worried her and she was so kind as to stay with you." Kenshin shifted to the side and gingerly lifted Kaoru so that she could lie on the bed alongside him.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Kaoru happily snuggled into the warmth of her bed. The sunlight was distracting her; she did not want the day to start yet, not when she was comfortable just where she was. Kaoru refused to believe that it was morning already.
Although Kaoru made no move to get up, her eyelids began to flutter. Kaoru drowsily turned her gaze towards the arms that were encircled protectively around her waist. When her mind finally became more focused, she registered that her "warmth" was actually Kenshin.
"He looks so adorable when he sleeps," Kaoru thought, "If only I could stay in his arms forever." Slapping her forehead to banish her thoughts, she did what she felt was most appropriate at the moment- she shrieked.
"Hentai!" Kaoru screamed at the top of her lungs, not fully knowing whether she was referring to herself or to Kenshin.
________________________________________________________________________
Author's Note: I'm going on a field trip, (in case I don't get another chapter out before I leave) so I'll be away September 24 and 25. To my reviewers: I don't know what I'd do without you! Seriously, I probably would not be inspired to write if I had no support. And if you aren't one of those kind-hearted people that have been reviewing, why don't you? Please, you know you want to! See, I haven't stooped to begging on my knees yet, just on the screen.
Kitsune KeNsHiN: Thank you so much! I'm delighted that you enjoyed the fight scene! It's always wonderful to hear from you!
Yurikkuna: Yes, of course. You confuse me somewhat, you're printing out my story? I'm very curious, what exactly will happen to it? And is this a good thing? If so, I'm very flattered. *walks away to ponder situation*
CurlsofSerenity: I'm thrilled that you approve!
Miroku's-Best-Lover: Stacie, why must you always make fun of Kenshin? What has he ever done to you?! If you really want, why don't you write your own story?! Anyways, I'm glad you liked the fight.
pensquared: I'm sorry, but your review really offended me because I would never ever let Kenshin die in a story. My friends know all too well how much I love him. And yes, the scene probably did remind you of the episode(s) where the two of them fought because that's what gave me the motivation to write the chapter. (Hey, I made my own variations!) I apologize for the cliffhanger, but as you can see now, Kenshin will be all right. *smiles happily*
Innocence8: Thank you! *takes a bow* (or is it a curtsy for me?) I hope you continue to read and review!
Mercses: Wow, now you really sound like you're advertising for me. lol. I guess I do need it, right?
Disclaimer: I don't own Rurouni Kenshin, but everyone knows that already, so why do I have to keep saying it?
The Love of Life
Chapter 11: The Rescue Mission
By CrismHeart
September 22, 2003
Using Kenshin's inner turmoil as an opening, Saitou came at him at full speed, causing Kenshin to have no choice but to defend himself. Katana struck sakabatou, and the both of them fought to be the victor, the survivor of the battle.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Kaoru abruptly sat upright in her bed, beads of sweat lining her forehead. Something was wrong, really wrong, and yet, when she took in her surroundings she could not find a thing out of place. No, that was not it; it was not something that could be seen or heard, but she could feel it in her heart. It was as if she was being torn apart.
She had just had a terrible nightmare. It was raining hard and there was blood everywhere; standing in the midst of it all was none other than Kenshin.
Kaoru did not quite understand it. Initially, she could only see the dark silhouette of someone she was certain she knew. She had not known who it was then, but the way his hair moved, the way he held his sword, and those eyes. Kaoru had never seen any like them before, yet she was sure she knew the person to whom they belonged. They were a fierce amber color that seemed to mask all of the owner's thoughts and emotions. They frightened her, mesmerized her, and intrigued her all the same.
He stepped out of the shadows just enough so that she could see his face.
"Kenshin?" she inquired. But no, how could it be? How was it possible when Kaoru knew that Kenshin would never take the life of another, never again? She concluded that he could not be Kenshin. For a few seconds, anguish flashed across his face. Kenshin was somewhere deep within, trying to regain control of himself. Kaoru looked at his pleading eyes. It was as if he were saying that she was the only one who could help him save himself.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Sano tried calling Kaoru first since she lived the closest to the school. He also felt that she had a right to know seeing as she and Kenshin were in love with one another. As soon as Sano had given her all the details, Kaoru had not even waited to hang up the phone before sprinting out the door.
He then called Megumi. Because she lived across the street from Kaoru, they were of about equal distance from the school. She could provide Kenshin with medical assistance if it was not too late.
After informing Megumi of where Kenshin was, Sano immediately set out for his destination. When he got there, he pounded on the door to be let in.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Misao looked from her grandfather to his friend for an explanation when she heard someone at the door. "What kind of an idiot would be pounding on the door this early in the morning?"
She unbolted it and uncovered Sano on the other side. "Oh."
Misao's thoughts were cut short, however as Sano, gasped for breath before announcing that she had to go to the school gym and stop Saitou from murdering their friend.
Okina and Hiko had been listening in when the name "Kenshin" rang a bell. "Baka deshi?" Hiko queried.
And with that pet name said, the four of them hurried out the house.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Kenshin had broken the temporary stalemate by shoving Saitou backwards. Without wasting a single moment, he propelled himself off the wall and slashed upwards at Saitou. Saitou countered at the last second, but not without receiving a gash on his temple. The two were right back where they had started.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Kaoru had to wait for Sano to show up. She may have been the first person to arrive, but she just could not get the gym door unlocked. Kaoru's fists still stung from having punched at it so many times.
"Is this the place?" the voice of a man asked.
Turning around, she saw that Sano had not come alone. A tall, muscular man with long hair came forward brandishing a sword.
Not knowing who the stranger was, Kaoru hesitated before giving a small nod.
He skillfully sliced door in half and Kaoru walked in.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Kenshin knew he could never return to his former self. It would be a fate worse than death. He had not repented enough, would never be able to, but the least he could do was protect. Kenshin had almost broken his vow and most importantly, his promise to the one that he loved most.
"Kenshin!" Kaoru yelled.
"Kaoru?" Kenshin's features softened at the sight of her and his eyes reverted to their usual violet. He looked down guiltily before falling forward. He had passed out from losing so much blood.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Hiko had been unnoticed by Kenshin, who had his full attention on Kaoru. He saw the reaction his apprentice had. After Kenshin had lost consciousness, he scooped up Kenshin and carried him to the clinic. Hiko walked over to Saitou and warned him to not to interfere in his pupil's life. "You will find that I'm am quite a bit more challenging of an opponent than my 'baka deshi.' And even he has damaged you considerably." He stated with just a hint of a threat as he took in the deep cuts on Saitou's flesh.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Is he- is he-" Kaoru could not bring herself to utter her question aloud, afraid that it might confirm her dismal thoughts.
Hiko looked at her kindly. He could see that this girl cared greatly for Kenshin. He snorted, "My 'baka deshi' has sustained worse injuries than this before. Do you think he'd die by the hand of another? He's too stubborn and has too much to live for," Hiko glanced at Kaoru. For some reason, Kaoru thought Hiko had been referring to her. "Besides, he may not be strong like me, but he's not weak. He was trained by me after all."
"Baka deshi" had become an affectionate term rather than an insult. Kaoru smiled as she detected the pride in the older man's voice as he spoke of Kenshin. Hiko may act arrogant on the outside, but on the inside, he really loved Kenshin like his own son.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
At midnight, Kenshin began to stir from his slumber. "Where am I?" he asked himself. He did not recognize anything around him, though it appeared to him that he was in a hospital.
Although his vision was still a bit blurry from just waking up, the moonlight that poured in through the window allowed Kenshin to see the blank, white walls, the cabinets full of medical supplies, and the faint outline of- of Kaoru?
Kenshin had not noticed the slight weight on his chest until then. Kaoru was indeed slumped forward in a chair beside the bed with her head resting lightly on him. She had fallen asleep out of exhaustion, waiting for some sign to indicate that Kenshin was not in danger of dying. Everyone had assured Kaoru that he was in pretty good shape, but she did want to harbor false hope, she wanted to see for herself.
Kenshin, careful not to disturb her, remained as motionless as possible and watched her lovingly. It was then that Kenshin observed that Kaoru's cheeks were streaked with faint tearstains that glistened from the brightness of the moon. It was consoling to have her so close, but he did not deserve her concern for his welfare. Kenshin scolded himself, "Kaoru- dono must not be comfortable sleeping in such a position. Baka, you must have worried her and she was so kind as to stay with you." Kenshin shifted to the side and gingerly lifted Kaoru so that she could lie on the bed alongside him.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Kaoru happily snuggled into the warmth of her bed. The sunlight was distracting her; she did not want the day to start yet, not when she was comfortable just where she was. Kaoru refused to believe that it was morning already.
Although Kaoru made no move to get up, her eyelids began to flutter. Kaoru drowsily turned her gaze towards the arms that were encircled protectively around her waist. When her mind finally became more focused, she registered that her "warmth" was actually Kenshin.
"He looks so adorable when he sleeps," Kaoru thought, "If only I could stay in his arms forever." Slapping her forehead to banish her thoughts, she did what she felt was most appropriate at the moment- she shrieked.
"Hentai!" Kaoru screamed at the top of her lungs, not fully knowing whether she was referring to herself or to Kenshin.
________________________________________________________________________
Author's Note: I'm going on a field trip, (in case I don't get another chapter out before I leave) so I'll be away September 24 and 25. To my reviewers: I don't know what I'd do without you! Seriously, I probably would not be inspired to write if I had no support. And if you aren't one of those kind-hearted people that have been reviewing, why don't you? Please, you know you want to! See, I haven't stooped to begging on my knees yet, just on the screen.
Kitsune KeNsHiN: Thank you so much! I'm delighted that you enjoyed the fight scene! It's always wonderful to hear from you!
Yurikkuna: Yes, of course. You confuse me somewhat, you're printing out my story? I'm very curious, what exactly will happen to it? And is this a good thing? If so, I'm very flattered. *walks away to ponder situation*
CurlsofSerenity: I'm thrilled that you approve!
Miroku's-Best-Lover: Stacie, why must you always make fun of Kenshin? What has he ever done to you?! If you really want, why don't you write your own story?! Anyways, I'm glad you liked the fight.
pensquared: I'm sorry, but your review really offended me because I would never ever let Kenshin die in a story. My friends know all too well how much I love him. And yes, the scene probably did remind you of the episode(s) where the two of them fought because that's what gave me the motivation to write the chapter. (Hey, I made my own variations!) I apologize for the cliffhanger, but as you can see now, Kenshin will be all right. *smiles happily*
Innocence8: Thank you! *takes a bow* (or is it a curtsy for me?) I hope you continue to read and review!
Mercses: Wow, now you really sound like you're advertising for me. lol. I guess I do need it, right?