Disclaimer: I do not own RK.
Dome of Heaven -Illness-
"Talking"
¨Talking¨ in the minds of the winged people
*Thinking*
Chapter 01. A black feather
Kaoru swirled the feather between her fingers absentmindedly. It had became a habit of hers lately. Staring at Kenshin, wishing for him and playing with the feather. It was soft and shiny black. Good thing to concentrate on when the pain increased momentarily.
For some weeks now she had been hiding her pain from Kenshin and the others. Though she had received some concerned looks from him and figured that he must have guessed something was wrong. And as much as she hated to admit, something was.
Her back had been aching for some time now. Usually it was dull ache, something she could easily endure. But sometimes... The pain rose so that she was left whimpering on the floor. She had gone to meet Megumi, but it had been no use. Megumi had clearly stated that she didn't know what was wrong with her. She had said that most backaches were because of weak muscles and such, but that was not the case with Kaoru. She had recommended few other doctors to her, but she had passed. It would probably go away on its own.
The problem was that it hadn't and it was getting worse. Evenings were the worse and so she went to sleep early every day, hoping that when she woke up it the morning, the pain would be gone. And every morning she was disappointed.
Lately she had started to avoid training and all her friends. The pain made her snap at them needlessly and she had noticed their strange looks. Megumi hadn't told them anything and for that she was grateful. The problem was that Kaoru had tried to convince her that she was perfectly fine in her letter, but Megumi refused to believe her. The letters she had sent back were filled with her warnings and instructions.
Kaoru sighed and doing so moved. She grimaced immediately as the pain hit her like a knife. She was sure that it was trying to tear her apart. Tears burned her eyes, but she held them back. She had learned to do that after she had discovered that crying gave her a headache.
She carefully stood up and stood still until the worst of the pain had subdued. It was getting harder every day and she honestly didn't know how long she would be able to endure it. Every day she became more and more sure that something was seriously wrong with her.
She stepped out of her room and walked towards the kitchen. It was already late in the evening and she would retire after eating something. She was hungry, but everything she tried to eat usually made her feel nauseous.
She entered the kitchen and to her displeasure, she saw Megumi and Sanosuke there. Fighting as usually, but it was a good-hearted fight. Megumi visited them rather rarely. She had her hands full at Aizu and she knew that Sanosuke was happy to see her. No matter what face he put up.
Megumi was the one to notice her first. She gave her a concerned look before she smiled her cocky and superior smile Kaoru hated so much. Even after she had stated that she would leave Kenshin to her, she still managed to tick her off.
They had never become real friends, not like she was with Misao. Megumi had this air of arrogance that she couldn't stand. Still she was a doctor and it might be a good thing to tell her that her back was getting worse. Especially since she was quite sure that Megumi had came to Tokyo only to check up on her.
"It has been some time." Kaoru said and forced a smile. Sanosuke seemed to take it in as usually, but Megumi's eyes only sharpened.
*Crap.* Kaoru thought and forcefully kept herself smiling even though she felt more like crying. The pain had increased as she had walked and now as she walked to the table, her back was killing her. Still she refused to show it.
She was just about to sit down as Kenshin came in. He had a rice bag in his hands and he was dragging it inside. As he noticed Megumi, he stopped to smile at her. "Welcome back to Tokyo, Megumi-dono."
Megumi giggled a little. "Thank you Ken-san." Her voice was much too sweet for Kaoru's liking. Kenshin simply smiled back at Megumi and then turned his attention back to the bag.
"Hey, let me help." Sanosuke said and walked over, his hand accidentally hitting Kaoru's back on the way.
Her eyes widened and a pained whimper escaped her lips as she fell on the floor. Battling with the rice, Kenshin was unable to catch her.
"Kaoru-dono!"
His desperate yell was the last thing Kaoru heard before the pain robbed her of her hold of consciousness.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Kenshin was staring at the door that led to Kaoru's room. Megumi had kicked both him and Sanosuke out of there and now they had nothing to do, but wait.
He had known something was wrong, but he had waited for Kaoru to come to him. He had thought that she would be able to trust him with any kind knowledge. He should have asked her. He should have...
He stopped that line of thoughts. He had dwelled long enough in that kind of thoughts. What could have been, what he should have done, what if... Those thoughts didn't lead anywhere.
The door opened and cut his thinking. He jumped up and stood before Megumi in no time.
"What is wrong with her?" He asked and noticed Sanosuke listening carefully as well.
Megumi sighed. "Let's go to the kitchen and I will tell you all from the beginning."
Kenshin blinked. *What 'all'?* He and Sanosuke followed Megumi silently as she lead them to the kitchen. She sat down with a sigh. Kenshin sat opposite of her and Sanosuke next to him.
They both waited until Megumi started and that didn't take long.
"Kaoru came to me during your visit at Aizu about two weeks ago. She said that her back was aching and getting slowly more and more painful. I examined her carefully, but found nothing wrong. Everything seemed normal except for the pain she was feeling. Backaches are something the medicine doesn't know much about. Most are caused by ruptures or such. But from what she told me, nothing like that happened. I told her to see someone beside me, but the stupid girl just smiled and said that she would be fine."
Megumi sighed again. "After that, since I know how stubborn she is, I decided to visit here more often to see how she is doing. She has been getting worse all this time. I can't help her in any way since I don't know what is wrong with her. After she wakes I will give her something for the pain, but that is all I can do."
Kenshin stared at Megumi. *She can't be saying that...*
"Do you know someone that could help her?" Kenshin asked trying to hide his worry, but the look Megumi gave him told that he had not succeeded.
Megumi shook her head. "I have asked about her situation from other doctors, but no one has been able tell me anything new."
"I'll go and get Dr. Gensai." Sanosuke said and stood up so fast he almost lost his balance. Megumi smiled sadly. "Go ahead. But I doubt you will be disappointed."
With Megumi's words in his mind, Sanosuke raced across the town and brought the doctor back with him.
After examining Kaoru, Gensai shook his head sadly. Megumi nodded and walked him to the door, since both Kenshin and Sanosuke seemed unable to move. They both sat on the floor of the hallway outside Kaoru's door.
"Where is Yahiko?" Megumi asked as she returned from the gate.
"At Akabeko." Kenshin answered simply, his old miseries and fears coming flooding back.
"He should be told about this. I'll go and get him." Megumi said and turned to leave.
"Wait." Sanosuke said and stood up. "I'll come with you." He said and Megumi nodded. Together they left the dojo.
"It was better this way, right?" Sanosuke asked after they had walked almost half of the way in silence.
Megumi nodded. "He needs some time to adjust. He will pull through." Megumi answered and then they fell back into silence.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Kaoru opened her eyes slowly and winced immediately. Her back was burning and so it was really a simple decision to stay still. She looked around and noticed that she was in her own room. *How?* Her memories were still a little hazy, but slowly she realized what had happened.
Sano's hand had hit her back and then all went black. She must been unconscious when they had brought her to her room.
*So now they know. Megumi has probably told them all by now.*
It wasn't really a happy thought. After all she had spent the last three weeks trying to hide the pain from them and now all knew. She really didn't want to worry them. This would probably pass away soon.
That was what she thought, but still tears started to gather in her eyes. She was scared. No one knew what was wrong with her. Would she suffer from this pain the rest of her life? Would she... die from it?
As the rest of the dizziness that clouded her senses was gone, she heard voices. They were from the hallway, but not from behind her door. She strained her ears to hear what they were talking about.
"'We have the means to cure the deadliest diseases and wounds.' Isn't that what she said?"
*Kenshin? What is he talking about?* Kaoru thought and with great effort sat up.
"Who said?" Megumi asked.
"Yuuki-dono. The Queen of the Sky. When we were leaving the warehouse after the battle, isn't that what she said then?" Kenshin continued.
"Ah, that's true. Now that you mention it, I remember as well. And to think how she recovered from the wound, perhaps it is true." It was Sanosuke this time.
"But how can we contact her? Do you know that?" Yahiko joined the conversation and caused a long silence with his words.
"We can't contact her, but we know someone who can. Master. Since Yuuki-dono is his daughter, I am sure he knows some way to ask her to come by." Kenshin said and Sanosuke laughed a little.
"Then all we need to do is go to Kyoto and meet him. Ask him to contact her and bring her over. Then she can help Jo-chan." Sanosuke said and he sounded really relieved.
Kaoru was also smiling a little. If she had heard them correctly and this was not a dream, then there was a good chance that she could be cured. She didn't want to get her hopes up, but against her best wishes hope swelled inside of her.
"Well, now that this matter has been discussed, let me check up on Kaoru." She heard Megumi say and her footsteps came closer and soon the door was slid open.
Megumi stopped her movements for a second as she saw Kaoru awake and then stepped inside. "How do you feel?" She asked bluntly and kneeled beside Kaoru.
She looked at Megumi and shook her head. There was no way she could avoid being honest. She could swear that Megumi could smell lies. "I really don't know. My back is burning and I feel weak. But that is nothing new." There was bitterness in her voice.
Megumi nodded and edged closer. She placed a hand on Kaoru's back and she automatically moved out of the way as the pressure brought another wave of pain. A small whimper escaped her lips.
"It was not this bad when you last visited." Megumi said and very gently moved her hand along her back. She shook her head. "I still can't feel anything different."
"Megumi-san."
"Yes?" She said and stared at Kaoru's back intently as if she thought that staring it hard enough would heal it.
"What were you talking about in the hallway?" Kaoru's voice trembled slightly and Megumi turned to look her with sharp eyes.
"You heard us." It wasn't really a question, but Kaoru nodded.
Megumi pursed her lips. Then sighed in surrender. "Ken-san seems to think that those strange ...people you met a while back can help you. I honestly can't believe that there is some ultimate-cure that no one but they know about, but he seems to believe it."
Kaoru smiled. *Such a fitting answer for Megumi-san.* She always seemed to think things through with logic rather than feelings. Kaoru couldn't help but think that it must be a lonely and cold way to live. And her answer clearly told that even though Kenshin might believe in such cure, she didn't.
Still, Megumi's discouraging answer failed to stop the hope from spreading in her. *If Kenshin believes in it, it may very well be true.* She allowed a small smile linger on her lips.
Megumi sighed. "Well, whatever is the truth, it is worth a try. We'll depart for Kyoto tomorrow if we get everything ready in time." She stood up. "You try to rest and eat something. You have lost some weight."
Megumi was almost at the door already when she suddenly flashed Kaoru her foxy smile. "Take this as a change to lose that extra weight you have been gaining." Then she was out of the room.
Kaoru blinked and as she had fully processed the words, it was already too late. Still, the anger gave her a feeling of life she had not experienced in some time.
Her eyes widened. *That is what she was after!*
Kaoru knew that she had no extra weight, but somehow Megumi always managed to tick her off. But this time it was only a good thing. Her anger gave her strength and she would need it.
*Thank you, Megumi-san.*
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The next morning was busy for everyone save Kaoru. They bought train tickets, gathered things they would need with them. The dojo was cleaned and doors locked and they left for the station. Megumi had visited Kaoru later in the evening again and gave her some painkillers. With their help Kaoru had been able to sleep the night well. Or at least better than in some time.
Perhaps that was why she was feeling more energetic than lately. She was walking along with the others ignoring their concerned looks. She was smiling at them gently, even if her smile was a little strained. The effect of the medicine Megumi had given to her had worn off long since and the pain had returned in full force.
The train was full, but no one had to stand. Sanosuke was fidgeting in his place, face pale and hands curled into fists. He was mumbling something under his breath, but Kaoru didn't hear enough to tell what it was. But remembering his fear of trains, she could guess.
Kenshin was sitting next to her while Megumi was across. She could feel Kenshin's worried eyes looking at her from time to time, but didn't say anything. Saying that she was fine would be a lie and she didn't want to lie to him. Strange, thinking that she had spent three weeks hiding this illness from him.
Kaoru was glad that they had chosen to go with a train. Walking was out of question and ship would have been hard for her. Still the journey lasted for a long time and her back was definitely getting worse. Every little movement the train made, she could feel on her back.
She was certain that at least Megumi noticed this. Her eyes grew darker as the hours passed and Kaoru began to show more and more pain on her face.
The train had stopped. There was a little more to go till Kyoto and Kenshin had left with Sanosuke and Yahiko to get them something to eat. It was then that Megumi spoke.
"How long do you think you will last?"
Her words froze Kaoru completely for they confirmed what she had already suspected. Her voice trembled and her eyes were wide with fear. "I ... will die, won't I?"
Megumi's eyes were cold steel. "Perhaps, if their wonder-cure won't work. If you, of all people, fear for your life, then the situation is more grave than I at first anticipated." Kaoru could sense Megumi's frustration in her voice. It angered her.
How could Megumi act so calm as they were discussing her life?! She seemed more worried about failing as a doctor than her life.
She turned her eyes away from the other woman and pointedly stared out of the window. *I will not die! No way! There is still much for me to do here! ...Kenshin...* She never answered Megumi's question.
As the other came back, with the exception of Kenshin, they seemed to be unaware of the icy silence between Megumi and Kaoru.
As they arrived in Kyoto Kaoru had to force herself with the sheer power of her will up from the sitting position. The sun was setting slowly as they walked to the Aoiya. Kenshin had sent a message last night, but there was a high probability that it had not arrived yet.
The restaurant was already closed and Kenshin knocked the door loudly. If they had no rooms, they would have to search for an inn.
There were voices coming from inside and then Okon appeared at the door.
"How can I--- Aaaah!" She started as saw them. Her hand flew to her mouth as if to block any further sounds and her cheeks were tainted deep red. She looked embarrassed.
"I am very sorry." She said. "You startled me." She said.
Suddenly Okina's voice filled the air. "What is it? Visitors?"
"Hai! It is Himura-san and the others!" Okon yelled back and soon Okina came to the door wearing his trademark smile. His grey hair was tied back as usually and the ribbon tightened his beard looking bit out of place for a man. Still there were changes. He looked wearier than the last time they had seen him. The absence of Misao must have really gotten to him.
"Ah, welcome." He said and Okon made way for them to get inside.
"I am sorry for the interruption. Our message must be still on the way." Kenshin said after politely greeting them. Okon shut the door and left to find the others to help her to prepare their rooms.
Okina waved his hand in the air. "No harm done and you are always welcome." He said.
"Thank you." Kaoru smiled and after a little chattering with Okina, Okon came and led them to their rooms. Shiro, Kuro and Omasu came to greet them as well, but Megumi ushered Kaoru to sleep only after few minutes of talking. "Doctor's orders." She said.
Kaoru didn't take this well, but did as she was told. The conversation from the train still weighted her mind and worried her. While the others retired as well, Kenshin stayed up and followed Okina into the living room.
"So do you have some business here in Kyoto or are you just passing by?" Okina asked and took the cup of tea Okon offered. Kenshin thanked as well and only after Okon had left, answered Okina.
"Kaoru-dono is sick." He said with a slight hesitation.
"That is unfortunate." Okina answered and Kenshin could see genuine caring in his eyes.
"It is serious. Apparently Megumi-dono can't even figure out what is wrong with her, but no matter what it is, it is getting worse." Kenshin continued and took a sip of the tea before continuing. "What did Aoshi tell you about the events a month ago?"
Okina's eyes sharpened immediately. "I trust he told us all he knew, or at least almost."
Kenshin nodded. "We came to meet my master and ask him to contact the woman in charge of them. The Queen of the Sky. His daughter."
Okina's eyebrows rose in surprise. "Aoshi failed to mention that."
"Or I failed to mention it to him. Still, during the battle she was seriously wounded and they were able to heal her in an instance. And Yuuki-dono also said that they could heal everything." Kenshin continued and wondered if Aoshi had mentioned to Okina about the similarities between Yuuki and Misao.
"I see. You intend to ask her to help Kaoru-san." Okina said and sipped his tea. Kenshin nodded and silence fell into the room. Neither knew what to say or do. The door opened and broke the silence.
Kenshin turned to look and then smiled. "Aoshi."
Aoshi stood at the door for a second and then entered the room shutting the door behind him. "I heard of your arrival." He simply said. No welcomes, no questions. So like Aoshi that Kenshin couldn't help but smile.
"We arrived just a moment ago. The others already went to sleep." Kenshin said and Aoshi nodded.
Okina stood up. "It is time for me to retire as well. Good luck, Himura-san." He took the empty cup and left the room. Kenshin sat still and Aoshi joined him. They watched each other in silence before Kenshin spoke.
"You did not tell him about Yuuki-dono and Misao-dono, I presume." Kenshin said and drank the last of his tea. The cup made a soft noise as he placed it on the table.
Aoshi merely looked at him with his unreadable eyes. "There was no need." He said and Kenshin nodded.
It was a fact that Yuuki and Misao looked alike. Also there were similarities in their way of acting, but other than their own guesses, there were no proofs. It was clear that Okina missed Misao and bringing her up in such manner would only serve to confuse him.
"So this journey has something to do with her." Aoshi stated and Kenshin smiled. He had a good insight as always.
"She spoke of a cure that can heal anything. We need that now, Kaoru-dono is sick." His words were quiet and serious. Aoshi knew immediately that something was seriously wrong.
"So you intend to ask Hiko Seijurou for help."
Kenshin nodded. "Yes. She is his daughter and he may know how to contact her."
They sat in silence, but it was quite comfortable. The strain of the day was starting to get to Kenshin and he yawned.
"I guess it is time for me to sleep as well. We will have to leave early." He said and stood up. "Good night, Aoshi."
He only nodded in response, but as Kenshin was leaving the room, he spoke. "May I come with you?"
Kenshin stopped at the door. Like Okina, Aoshi obviously missed Misao as well. No matter how well he hid it. And this was a change to see Yuuki, who was so like Misao. And perhaps to find out if those two were somehow connected.
Kenshin nodded and left the room. Aoshi sat still, thinking for a few minutes before he also rose.
*Misao.*
He took the cup Kenshin had left behind and headed for the kitchen. *Perhaps...*
End of Chapter 01.
Continued in chapter 02.
Tiian
This is the first time that I have ventured to write Kaoru, so much of her I mean. I really don't like her, but she is necessary for the flow of this story. I really hope she came out okay. I don't really know what she is like.
No Misao in this chapter, but she will appear in the next one.
Dome of Heaven -Illness-
"Talking"
¨Talking¨ in the minds of the winged people
*Thinking*
Chapter 01. A black feather
Kaoru swirled the feather between her fingers absentmindedly. It had became a habit of hers lately. Staring at Kenshin, wishing for him and playing with the feather. It was soft and shiny black. Good thing to concentrate on when the pain increased momentarily.
For some weeks now she had been hiding her pain from Kenshin and the others. Though she had received some concerned looks from him and figured that he must have guessed something was wrong. And as much as she hated to admit, something was.
Her back had been aching for some time now. Usually it was dull ache, something she could easily endure. But sometimes... The pain rose so that she was left whimpering on the floor. She had gone to meet Megumi, but it had been no use. Megumi had clearly stated that she didn't know what was wrong with her. She had said that most backaches were because of weak muscles and such, but that was not the case with Kaoru. She had recommended few other doctors to her, but she had passed. It would probably go away on its own.
The problem was that it hadn't and it was getting worse. Evenings were the worse and so she went to sleep early every day, hoping that when she woke up it the morning, the pain would be gone. And every morning she was disappointed.
Lately she had started to avoid training and all her friends. The pain made her snap at them needlessly and she had noticed their strange looks. Megumi hadn't told them anything and for that she was grateful. The problem was that Kaoru had tried to convince her that she was perfectly fine in her letter, but Megumi refused to believe her. The letters she had sent back were filled with her warnings and instructions.
Kaoru sighed and doing so moved. She grimaced immediately as the pain hit her like a knife. She was sure that it was trying to tear her apart. Tears burned her eyes, but she held them back. She had learned to do that after she had discovered that crying gave her a headache.
She carefully stood up and stood still until the worst of the pain had subdued. It was getting harder every day and she honestly didn't know how long she would be able to endure it. Every day she became more and more sure that something was seriously wrong with her.
She stepped out of her room and walked towards the kitchen. It was already late in the evening and she would retire after eating something. She was hungry, but everything she tried to eat usually made her feel nauseous.
She entered the kitchen and to her displeasure, she saw Megumi and Sanosuke there. Fighting as usually, but it was a good-hearted fight. Megumi visited them rather rarely. She had her hands full at Aizu and she knew that Sanosuke was happy to see her. No matter what face he put up.
Megumi was the one to notice her first. She gave her a concerned look before she smiled her cocky and superior smile Kaoru hated so much. Even after she had stated that she would leave Kenshin to her, she still managed to tick her off.
They had never become real friends, not like she was with Misao. Megumi had this air of arrogance that she couldn't stand. Still she was a doctor and it might be a good thing to tell her that her back was getting worse. Especially since she was quite sure that Megumi had came to Tokyo only to check up on her.
"It has been some time." Kaoru said and forced a smile. Sanosuke seemed to take it in as usually, but Megumi's eyes only sharpened.
*Crap.* Kaoru thought and forcefully kept herself smiling even though she felt more like crying. The pain had increased as she had walked and now as she walked to the table, her back was killing her. Still she refused to show it.
She was just about to sit down as Kenshin came in. He had a rice bag in his hands and he was dragging it inside. As he noticed Megumi, he stopped to smile at her. "Welcome back to Tokyo, Megumi-dono."
Megumi giggled a little. "Thank you Ken-san." Her voice was much too sweet for Kaoru's liking. Kenshin simply smiled back at Megumi and then turned his attention back to the bag.
"Hey, let me help." Sanosuke said and walked over, his hand accidentally hitting Kaoru's back on the way.
Her eyes widened and a pained whimper escaped her lips as she fell on the floor. Battling with the rice, Kenshin was unable to catch her.
"Kaoru-dono!"
His desperate yell was the last thing Kaoru heard before the pain robbed her of her hold of consciousness.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Kenshin was staring at the door that led to Kaoru's room. Megumi had kicked both him and Sanosuke out of there and now they had nothing to do, but wait.
He had known something was wrong, but he had waited for Kaoru to come to him. He had thought that she would be able to trust him with any kind knowledge. He should have asked her. He should have...
He stopped that line of thoughts. He had dwelled long enough in that kind of thoughts. What could have been, what he should have done, what if... Those thoughts didn't lead anywhere.
The door opened and cut his thinking. He jumped up and stood before Megumi in no time.
"What is wrong with her?" He asked and noticed Sanosuke listening carefully as well.
Megumi sighed. "Let's go to the kitchen and I will tell you all from the beginning."
Kenshin blinked. *What 'all'?* He and Sanosuke followed Megumi silently as she lead them to the kitchen. She sat down with a sigh. Kenshin sat opposite of her and Sanosuke next to him.
They both waited until Megumi started and that didn't take long.
"Kaoru came to me during your visit at Aizu about two weeks ago. She said that her back was aching and getting slowly more and more painful. I examined her carefully, but found nothing wrong. Everything seemed normal except for the pain she was feeling. Backaches are something the medicine doesn't know much about. Most are caused by ruptures or such. But from what she told me, nothing like that happened. I told her to see someone beside me, but the stupid girl just smiled and said that she would be fine."
Megumi sighed again. "After that, since I know how stubborn she is, I decided to visit here more often to see how she is doing. She has been getting worse all this time. I can't help her in any way since I don't know what is wrong with her. After she wakes I will give her something for the pain, but that is all I can do."
Kenshin stared at Megumi. *She can't be saying that...*
"Do you know someone that could help her?" Kenshin asked trying to hide his worry, but the look Megumi gave him told that he had not succeeded.
Megumi shook her head. "I have asked about her situation from other doctors, but no one has been able tell me anything new."
"I'll go and get Dr. Gensai." Sanosuke said and stood up so fast he almost lost his balance. Megumi smiled sadly. "Go ahead. But I doubt you will be disappointed."
With Megumi's words in his mind, Sanosuke raced across the town and brought the doctor back with him.
After examining Kaoru, Gensai shook his head sadly. Megumi nodded and walked him to the door, since both Kenshin and Sanosuke seemed unable to move. They both sat on the floor of the hallway outside Kaoru's door.
"Where is Yahiko?" Megumi asked as she returned from the gate.
"At Akabeko." Kenshin answered simply, his old miseries and fears coming flooding back.
"He should be told about this. I'll go and get him." Megumi said and turned to leave.
"Wait." Sanosuke said and stood up. "I'll come with you." He said and Megumi nodded. Together they left the dojo.
"It was better this way, right?" Sanosuke asked after they had walked almost half of the way in silence.
Megumi nodded. "He needs some time to adjust. He will pull through." Megumi answered and then they fell back into silence.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Kaoru opened her eyes slowly and winced immediately. Her back was burning and so it was really a simple decision to stay still. She looked around and noticed that she was in her own room. *How?* Her memories were still a little hazy, but slowly she realized what had happened.
Sano's hand had hit her back and then all went black. She must been unconscious when they had brought her to her room.
*So now they know. Megumi has probably told them all by now.*
It wasn't really a happy thought. After all she had spent the last three weeks trying to hide the pain from them and now all knew. She really didn't want to worry them. This would probably pass away soon.
That was what she thought, but still tears started to gather in her eyes. She was scared. No one knew what was wrong with her. Would she suffer from this pain the rest of her life? Would she... die from it?
As the rest of the dizziness that clouded her senses was gone, she heard voices. They were from the hallway, but not from behind her door. She strained her ears to hear what they were talking about.
"'We have the means to cure the deadliest diseases and wounds.' Isn't that what she said?"
*Kenshin? What is he talking about?* Kaoru thought and with great effort sat up.
"Who said?" Megumi asked.
"Yuuki-dono. The Queen of the Sky. When we were leaving the warehouse after the battle, isn't that what she said then?" Kenshin continued.
"Ah, that's true. Now that you mention it, I remember as well. And to think how she recovered from the wound, perhaps it is true." It was Sanosuke this time.
"But how can we contact her? Do you know that?" Yahiko joined the conversation and caused a long silence with his words.
"We can't contact her, but we know someone who can. Master. Since Yuuki-dono is his daughter, I am sure he knows some way to ask her to come by." Kenshin said and Sanosuke laughed a little.
"Then all we need to do is go to Kyoto and meet him. Ask him to contact her and bring her over. Then she can help Jo-chan." Sanosuke said and he sounded really relieved.
Kaoru was also smiling a little. If she had heard them correctly and this was not a dream, then there was a good chance that she could be cured. She didn't want to get her hopes up, but against her best wishes hope swelled inside of her.
"Well, now that this matter has been discussed, let me check up on Kaoru." She heard Megumi say and her footsteps came closer and soon the door was slid open.
Megumi stopped her movements for a second as she saw Kaoru awake and then stepped inside. "How do you feel?" She asked bluntly and kneeled beside Kaoru.
She looked at Megumi and shook her head. There was no way she could avoid being honest. She could swear that Megumi could smell lies. "I really don't know. My back is burning and I feel weak. But that is nothing new." There was bitterness in her voice.
Megumi nodded and edged closer. She placed a hand on Kaoru's back and she automatically moved out of the way as the pressure brought another wave of pain. A small whimper escaped her lips.
"It was not this bad when you last visited." Megumi said and very gently moved her hand along her back. She shook her head. "I still can't feel anything different."
"Megumi-san."
"Yes?" She said and stared at Kaoru's back intently as if she thought that staring it hard enough would heal it.
"What were you talking about in the hallway?" Kaoru's voice trembled slightly and Megumi turned to look her with sharp eyes.
"You heard us." It wasn't really a question, but Kaoru nodded.
Megumi pursed her lips. Then sighed in surrender. "Ken-san seems to think that those strange ...people you met a while back can help you. I honestly can't believe that there is some ultimate-cure that no one but they know about, but he seems to believe it."
Kaoru smiled. *Such a fitting answer for Megumi-san.* She always seemed to think things through with logic rather than feelings. Kaoru couldn't help but think that it must be a lonely and cold way to live. And her answer clearly told that even though Kenshin might believe in such cure, she didn't.
Still, Megumi's discouraging answer failed to stop the hope from spreading in her. *If Kenshin believes in it, it may very well be true.* She allowed a small smile linger on her lips.
Megumi sighed. "Well, whatever is the truth, it is worth a try. We'll depart for Kyoto tomorrow if we get everything ready in time." She stood up. "You try to rest and eat something. You have lost some weight."
Megumi was almost at the door already when she suddenly flashed Kaoru her foxy smile. "Take this as a change to lose that extra weight you have been gaining." Then she was out of the room.
Kaoru blinked and as she had fully processed the words, it was already too late. Still, the anger gave her a feeling of life she had not experienced in some time.
Her eyes widened. *That is what she was after!*
Kaoru knew that she had no extra weight, but somehow Megumi always managed to tick her off. But this time it was only a good thing. Her anger gave her strength and she would need it.
*Thank you, Megumi-san.*
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The next morning was busy for everyone save Kaoru. They bought train tickets, gathered things they would need with them. The dojo was cleaned and doors locked and they left for the station. Megumi had visited Kaoru later in the evening again and gave her some painkillers. With their help Kaoru had been able to sleep the night well. Or at least better than in some time.
Perhaps that was why she was feeling more energetic than lately. She was walking along with the others ignoring their concerned looks. She was smiling at them gently, even if her smile was a little strained. The effect of the medicine Megumi had given to her had worn off long since and the pain had returned in full force.
The train was full, but no one had to stand. Sanosuke was fidgeting in his place, face pale and hands curled into fists. He was mumbling something under his breath, but Kaoru didn't hear enough to tell what it was. But remembering his fear of trains, she could guess.
Kenshin was sitting next to her while Megumi was across. She could feel Kenshin's worried eyes looking at her from time to time, but didn't say anything. Saying that she was fine would be a lie and she didn't want to lie to him. Strange, thinking that she had spent three weeks hiding this illness from him.
Kaoru was glad that they had chosen to go with a train. Walking was out of question and ship would have been hard for her. Still the journey lasted for a long time and her back was definitely getting worse. Every little movement the train made, she could feel on her back.
She was certain that at least Megumi noticed this. Her eyes grew darker as the hours passed and Kaoru began to show more and more pain on her face.
The train had stopped. There was a little more to go till Kyoto and Kenshin had left with Sanosuke and Yahiko to get them something to eat. It was then that Megumi spoke.
"How long do you think you will last?"
Her words froze Kaoru completely for they confirmed what she had already suspected. Her voice trembled and her eyes were wide with fear. "I ... will die, won't I?"
Megumi's eyes were cold steel. "Perhaps, if their wonder-cure won't work. If you, of all people, fear for your life, then the situation is more grave than I at first anticipated." Kaoru could sense Megumi's frustration in her voice. It angered her.
How could Megumi act so calm as they were discussing her life?! She seemed more worried about failing as a doctor than her life.
She turned her eyes away from the other woman and pointedly stared out of the window. *I will not die! No way! There is still much for me to do here! ...Kenshin...* She never answered Megumi's question.
As the other came back, with the exception of Kenshin, they seemed to be unaware of the icy silence between Megumi and Kaoru.
As they arrived in Kyoto Kaoru had to force herself with the sheer power of her will up from the sitting position. The sun was setting slowly as they walked to the Aoiya. Kenshin had sent a message last night, but there was a high probability that it had not arrived yet.
The restaurant was already closed and Kenshin knocked the door loudly. If they had no rooms, they would have to search for an inn.
There were voices coming from inside and then Okon appeared at the door.
"How can I--- Aaaah!" She started as saw them. Her hand flew to her mouth as if to block any further sounds and her cheeks were tainted deep red. She looked embarrassed.
"I am very sorry." She said. "You startled me." She said.
Suddenly Okina's voice filled the air. "What is it? Visitors?"
"Hai! It is Himura-san and the others!" Okon yelled back and soon Okina came to the door wearing his trademark smile. His grey hair was tied back as usually and the ribbon tightened his beard looking bit out of place for a man. Still there were changes. He looked wearier than the last time they had seen him. The absence of Misao must have really gotten to him.
"Ah, welcome." He said and Okon made way for them to get inside.
"I am sorry for the interruption. Our message must be still on the way." Kenshin said after politely greeting them. Okon shut the door and left to find the others to help her to prepare their rooms.
Okina waved his hand in the air. "No harm done and you are always welcome." He said.
"Thank you." Kaoru smiled and after a little chattering with Okina, Okon came and led them to their rooms. Shiro, Kuro and Omasu came to greet them as well, but Megumi ushered Kaoru to sleep only after few minutes of talking. "Doctor's orders." She said.
Kaoru didn't take this well, but did as she was told. The conversation from the train still weighted her mind and worried her. While the others retired as well, Kenshin stayed up and followed Okina into the living room.
"So do you have some business here in Kyoto or are you just passing by?" Okina asked and took the cup of tea Okon offered. Kenshin thanked as well and only after Okon had left, answered Okina.
"Kaoru-dono is sick." He said with a slight hesitation.
"That is unfortunate." Okina answered and Kenshin could see genuine caring in his eyes.
"It is serious. Apparently Megumi-dono can't even figure out what is wrong with her, but no matter what it is, it is getting worse." Kenshin continued and took a sip of the tea before continuing. "What did Aoshi tell you about the events a month ago?"
Okina's eyes sharpened immediately. "I trust he told us all he knew, or at least almost."
Kenshin nodded. "We came to meet my master and ask him to contact the woman in charge of them. The Queen of the Sky. His daughter."
Okina's eyebrows rose in surprise. "Aoshi failed to mention that."
"Or I failed to mention it to him. Still, during the battle she was seriously wounded and they were able to heal her in an instance. And Yuuki-dono also said that they could heal everything." Kenshin continued and wondered if Aoshi had mentioned to Okina about the similarities between Yuuki and Misao.
"I see. You intend to ask her to help Kaoru-san." Okina said and sipped his tea. Kenshin nodded and silence fell into the room. Neither knew what to say or do. The door opened and broke the silence.
Kenshin turned to look and then smiled. "Aoshi."
Aoshi stood at the door for a second and then entered the room shutting the door behind him. "I heard of your arrival." He simply said. No welcomes, no questions. So like Aoshi that Kenshin couldn't help but smile.
"We arrived just a moment ago. The others already went to sleep." Kenshin said and Aoshi nodded.
Okina stood up. "It is time for me to retire as well. Good luck, Himura-san." He took the empty cup and left the room. Kenshin sat still and Aoshi joined him. They watched each other in silence before Kenshin spoke.
"You did not tell him about Yuuki-dono and Misao-dono, I presume." Kenshin said and drank the last of his tea. The cup made a soft noise as he placed it on the table.
Aoshi merely looked at him with his unreadable eyes. "There was no need." He said and Kenshin nodded.
It was a fact that Yuuki and Misao looked alike. Also there were similarities in their way of acting, but other than their own guesses, there were no proofs. It was clear that Okina missed Misao and bringing her up in such manner would only serve to confuse him.
"So this journey has something to do with her." Aoshi stated and Kenshin smiled. He had a good insight as always.
"She spoke of a cure that can heal anything. We need that now, Kaoru-dono is sick." His words were quiet and serious. Aoshi knew immediately that something was seriously wrong.
"So you intend to ask Hiko Seijurou for help."
Kenshin nodded. "Yes. She is his daughter and he may know how to contact her."
They sat in silence, but it was quite comfortable. The strain of the day was starting to get to Kenshin and he yawned.
"I guess it is time for me to sleep as well. We will have to leave early." He said and stood up. "Good night, Aoshi."
He only nodded in response, but as Kenshin was leaving the room, he spoke. "May I come with you?"
Kenshin stopped at the door. Like Okina, Aoshi obviously missed Misao as well. No matter how well he hid it. And this was a change to see Yuuki, who was so like Misao. And perhaps to find out if those two were somehow connected.
Kenshin nodded and left the room. Aoshi sat still, thinking for a few minutes before he also rose.
*Misao.*
He took the cup Kenshin had left behind and headed for the kitchen. *Perhaps...*
End of Chapter 01.
Continued in chapter 02.
Tiian
This is the first time that I have ventured to write Kaoru, so much of her I mean. I really don't like her, but she is necessary for the flow of this story. I really hope she came out okay. I don't really know what she is like.
No Misao in this chapter, but she will appear in the next one.