Disclaimer: Ah yesh.... yesh, yesh is my new word for 'yes'........ I HAVE
GAINED CONTROL OF KENSHIN!!! I STOLE HIM!!! :: laughs :: TAKE THAT!!! ::
hears knocking on door :: Who's that? :: opens door, it's Saitou ::
Saitou: I'll take that as a confession... you're going to jail, little lady.
Me: NO!! HERE!! TAKE HIM BACK!!!
Saitou: I DON'T WANT THE BATTOUSAI!!
Me: Good!!! Give him back!!! (said argument goes on for a few hours....)
Author's Notes: Hehhehehehehe.... CHAPTER 6!!! WAH!!! I'm so happy. I wanna write and write and write, but that would mean I'm a BIG procrastinator... oh well, I don't care I'm happy. This story has 166 reviews, and 'Coming of the Dawn' has 592 reviews :: hugs herself :: I'm so happy!!! For real I don't care how many reviews I get but it just makes you feel so happy.... And after this announcement will be the chapter ( and forward apology to you and your brothers, Lady Himura, if I spelled their pennames wrong!!) AND!! GO READ LADY HIMURA'S FIC, 'TELL HER!'while your at this all!!:
Crystal Renee: WAHH!! Well, while Lady Himura has announced our plan, I BELIEVE I SHOULD DO IT TOO!!! Okay... LHACRAFU Club has decided quite sponteously, that...... WE ARE GOING TO TAKE OVER THE ANIME INDUSTRY!!! Hehehehehehehehehehehe!!! It's all gonna start small.... by designing bedrooms speicifically targetted to waking you up by hanging a picture of your favorite anime guy above your bed.
Lady Himura: With this ingenious plan you will wake up, want to jump into the bisho's arms and BOOM!! You'll fall off your bed and be wake!!!
Crystal Renee: And with that money we will slowly by out all the anime's in the world!!
Lady Himura: AND WE WILL CONTINUE RUROUNI KENSHIN!!!!
Crystal Renee: And you will like it because you are jealous of the little voices that speak to me!!!
Lady Himura: O.O Huh?
Crystal Renee: I'm not a ditz I just lack common sense.
Lady Himura: AHH!! You're making us lose supporters!!!
Crystal Renee: Ahhh, but that's what they WANT you to think!!! With the Kenshingumi answering the support phones :: points to said characters and phones :: they will be calling in with support just to speak with them!!! THAT WAS YOUR PLAN!! I'm just making them call to complain of my insanity!!!
Lady Himura: Oh!!! ^__^ It all makes sense now!!!
Crystal Renee: I can't help myself!!! ^____^;;; :: is overly proud of herself ::
SSJHimura: I LOVE YOU AND NOBODY ELSE!!!
Crystal Renee/Lady Himura: O.O?
DarknessFlame: Huh? Why the heck did you say that?
SSJHimura: It's a song!!! OKAY!!!
Crystal Renee: Thank god you weren't saying that to me... But please, call in with your support!!! ^____^ You'll get to speak with the Kenshingumi!!!
Sano: AHH!! DIE EVIL PHONE!!! :: uses Futae-no-Kiwami on phone :: You can't speak if you're not a human!!! IT'S HADES!!!
Lady Himura: First Kenshin with the microphone now Sano with the telephone?
Crystal Renee: I don't think they like anything with a 'phone' on the end of it....
Saitou: :: arrest Sano :: You're defacing private property, that's a misdemanor...
Sano: THAT THING IS POSSESSED I TELL YOU!!! TELL 'EM KENSHIN!!!
Kenshin: :: stares because he now knows a 'phone' won't hurt you :: It is not possessed Sano, that it is not.
Saitou: I'm gonna take this MORON to the loonybin!!!
SSJHimura/Crystal Renee/Lady Himura/DarknessFlame: O.O...
Kaoru: :: to Megumi :: Shouldn't we help Sano?
Megumi: Nah, the moron could use some time with his own kind. Besides, there are phones to be answered.
~Silhouettes of Shadows~
***Chapter 6- Hidden Memories****
Kenshin woke up the next day, stretching before his hand bumped into something soft and velvety. He opened his eyes quickly to see Kaoru laying there, still completely overtaken by sleep, her shoulder bare for him to see. His mind refused to remind him of what had gone on the previous day, so he had to mentally fight with himself to get it back from his greedy side.
The images and feelings flew back, some making him angry, and some causing him to blush profusely at the thought of Kaoru being so--- forward. He couldn't believe he was blushing but forced the hentai-ish thoughts away from his mind and then stared down at Kaoru with affection etched into his face. Tentatively he reached out to her, brushing the raven strands that concealed her face away, and gently brushing his knuckles against her rosy cheeks, in circles that were meant to soothe her. Why he was trying to soothe he was not sure, but he continued with his ministrations, the feel of her skin beneath his fingers alerting him as to just how gentle he could really be.
'I'm lucky,' Kenshin thought to himself, mystified in the content way that Kaoru could sleep. 'I remember her nightmares... due to the battle at the Inn. I wonder if they still haunt her from time to time, the way all images from the revolution do to me?'
Smiling passionately down upon her, he bent down to give her a quick kiss upon the forehead. He never made it that far. A stirring around the house alerted the Battousai within to danger and he jumped up, threw his yukata back on and after grabbing a hold of his closest weapon, headed out of the room and down the hall. His eyes scanned the area quickly trying to take in all possible dangers around him.
His ears picked up a sound reverting from the kitchen and he whisked towards it, hiding himself easily in the shadows that still lingered in the house.
((And right about now your authoresses would like to tell you...... THAT I HAVE BEEN ATTACKED AGAIN BY THE WRITERS BLOCK!!!!! So if the rest sucks or seems rushed, I am sorry!! ))
Standing alone in the darkness, his eyes sought out the two men from the day before rummaging through the kitchen area. His eyes formed dangerous slits. Why were these men after Kaoru? Was it about time he warned her about them.
"Katsura said to kill Kamiya, Gohei!! Why do we keep coming here and checking around?" the smaller man questioned.
'Katsura!' Kenshin growled in his mind. 'The bastard is still after her? After us?'
"Because, I am not doing this for Katsura. I'm destroying Battousai's life for Katsura, but I am killing Kamiya for my own reasons."
"We could kill her now, she's sleeping!"
"You forget she's got a little brat with her now. And besides you only kill someone who is awake. Even I am righteous enough to give her a chance to defend herself." The man named Gohei responded. "Even though it won't help her much."
Kenshin's anger grew but he refused to attack the men yet. Kaoru would wake up and she wouldn't like to clean up blood. Or worse, she'd make him clean it up. So he waited patiently for them to leave. And then he would question Kaoru.
*********** ***********
Kaoru was practicing with her bokken; her movements were precise and strong as she swung. Kenshin was standing in the doorway, watching with interest as she flew around gracefully attacking her invisible opponent. He had never really taken the time to watch her practice or really paid attention to how she fought before, and as he stood there following her movements, he could see her strength. When she took out her ribbon and took of her kimono to come out grabbed in a gi and hakama, she held a strength that was not customary for women. Yet, he wouldn't have it any other way. She needed to be strong, to protect herself from his enemies, and the enemies that would surely become her own.
But he had to admit to himself that even if her technique was strong and could surly protect her; it was still weak in weaponry. She wasn't fast enough to face most of his opponents, he knew, especially the ones that had already surfaced.
Enishi. Shishio. Saitou.
Kenshin's thoughts fell on Saitou. Where was Saitou? He was certain he had survived their last encounter, and with the war over, what was he doing? Would he still be the constant threat Kenshin worried he was? He wasn't sure. But know he needn't think of Saitou's possibility of danger, right now, Gohei was the man he had to worry about.
"Koishii, spread your legs a little farther to the left. It will give you more speed and your movement won't be so choppy." Kenshin suggested.
Kaoru tossed her head to face him, her hair flying around her in its ponytail as sweat dripped from her face. Her bokken was held strongly before her and she gave him look before spreading her legs a little more.
"Like this?"
He nodded. Kaoru proceeded to perform the movement she had been before, to discover that he had been correct all along. She had gained speed and the movement seemed more like a part of her. She spun and lunged with her newfound speed and charisma, not noticing how tired she was really becoming. She didn't feel like she was working herself too hard. This was the first workout she had truly had since the fight with Saitou. Two years out of practice, she needed to get herself back into shape.
Kenshin shook his head. "Kaoru, when was the last time you practiced?"
"Last time? Remember Saitou?" she asked him, swinging her bokken and stopping an inch away from his nose before twirling away to continue with her katas.
"You can tell you're out of practice."
She glared at him. "Do you want this bokken up your nose, Kenshin?"
His eyes grew wide. "Oro!"
Kaoru grinned, satisfied with her threat as she continued to practice. Her movements slowly became more fluid, but not like they would be once she was used to the workout again. She wasn't going to let Kenshin think she was weak. She could protect herself if she needed and she was going to let him see just how strong the Kamiya Kasshin Ryu really was. She fake dodged an attack and sliced her bokken backwards, where if had anyone been standing, they would be receiving a painful blow to the back, probably enough to paralyze them if aimed correctly. She drew her bokken back and stood straight, breathing in deeply.
"Kaoru, who's Gohei?"
Kaoru spun around again, her eyes wide. "Gohei Hiruma? He was expelled from my father's kendo school for attacking a student with a real sword. We only use bokkens, as you know, because this is a school for teaching that a sword is not for killing but protecting. My father expelled Gohei after rendering his right thumb useless. I haven't seen or heard of him since. Why do you ask?"
"That's why he wants revenge." Kenshin muttered to himself.
"What did you say?" Kaoru nearly screamed. "Have you heard something on him? Have you seen him? Has he been here looking for me? Kenshin you have to tell me, this is a matter of my family's honor. It's his fault my school's name is tainted. He killed using my technique; he burned the original dojo trying to kill me. Kenshin, tell me what you know I need to know. If he wants revenge them he's going to face me."
"If he gets through me."
"Kenshin this isn't your fight."
"He was hired by Katsura, therefore it is just as much my fight as it is yours!" the Battousai within growled. "And he's not touching you if he thinks he can or not."
Kaoru gripped her bokken tightly, holding it in a death, vice-like grip as her eyes fell to the floor. In the next instant she was smashing it onto Kenshin's head.
"If I can do that to the Battousai then I can protect myself against Gohei and anyone else!" she screamed at him when she finally stopped. "So stop trying to protect me when it's my fight..."
"Kaoru you promised me!" Kenshin cried. "Remember that ring? You promised me you would let me protect you!"
"This isn't your fight though!" she complained.
"I don't care. I'm protecting you because I'm not losing you. " Kenshin growled. "If you like it or not, because Kenji is better off growing up with a mother than he is growing up with an ex-assassin for a father."
Out of his rage Kenshin left. He didn't want to argue with Kaoru, and he didn't want to yell at her. So the best thing for him to do was leave.
Author's Notes: Sorry the chapter was short and I hope you read the announcement. I think the next chapter will be longer, so no worries!!! ^___^
Review Responses:
Beraith: Thanks!! I know..... my brain is kinda fried too!!
Kenshin'sgrl: I'm sorry I didn't tell you if I was gonna use your idea but I could have swore I put in the authors notes that I was going to think it over and if my idea that I had didn't work then I was going to use yours. If you wanna use yours in your own story (or maybe a spin off from this one.... If you want) then go ahead!!! Ah yesh, Crystal Renee-chan would be me.... my name on MSN is 'Little Crystal is Fuzzy' in Japanese. It was gonna be Battousai is Fuzzy but I didn't get around to using that... oh well!! Hehehehehehehehe! Bye bye!! Oh, and I believe you asked if I would read your story? Mail it to me and I would be more than happy to give you my honest opinion and a few pointers.
Baka Ryu: Yes!! I feel for your Sano clone!!! :: pets him :: Poor guy. Love and torture does all come together as one, ne? Hehehehehehe!! My hands are freezing like you wouldn't believe right now. Hehehehehe. I will try and keep that in mind because I figured the best way to make Kenji believable (since I only have 3 siblings, 2 cousins, and 1 little kindergardener in my family) that I would not have him talk much. I'll try and remember that. When they say their s's, ch's, and b's, what do they make their sounds like? (this coming from the person who loves little kids). THANKS DUDE!! HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU SOON!! And update Shattered Amber ASAP!
Agalia102: I know you love it and I know you will be here and YOU ARE VERY SO WELCOME!! You know I will finish this no matter how hard it is to write.
Rhapsody07: We ALL want a man like Kenshin!! Well, at least you and me do!! Maybe he could warm up my hands for me right now. They are REALLY cold!!! Hehehehehe!! I'M IN DIRE NEED OF A KENSHIN!! That sounds so pathetic...... hehehehe!! But wait..... I have clones..... O.O.... They all runned away....Glad you liked!! Later!! -Bell-chan
Human Chew Toy: Glad you liked it still and thanks for reviewing to so many of my stories (I'm taking it you read them ALL so far?! Thank you!!). MAKES ME FEEL SO VERY HAPPY!!
Angle1: They do have a lot of enemies, do they not? I can tell you though that this story is going to be short so after these dudes and a little 'unfinished buisness' with two other people it will be over and they can be happy together!!
LilInuyashaMunky: WAHH!!!! :: hugs you :: YOU READ MY STORY!! I'm so happy!!! I'm glad you think it's good!! And Kenji is such a cutie..... but then again I've always been a sucker for little kids!!!
TYDYE girl: Glad you like!!
K&K Fanatic: Yotaka? Okay I'll try to remember that!! I think I may have a thought or two from Kenji if I can fit it in. And I like the idea of him..... going Battousai... maybe in the end!!! REMIND ME!!!
Scarlet Rayne: Glad you like!! And Kenji is always adorable!! When hasn't he been? :: ponders this :: Hm!! Well thanks for reviewing!!!
Krystalsailormoon: You sure are happy happy joy joy!! :: ponder this :: REN AND STIMPY!!! Okay..... yes... hold on my mom is yelling at me because I'm not eating.... must go eat...
Kenshin: You're leaving me to her mercy?!
Crystal: Hey!! Who's the wimpy one? You're the one who know Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu, not me!!
Angie: What's going on here?
Crystal: (points) Kaoru tried to kill Gohei and then she attacked Kenshin and I caught him and told her not to and she got mad at me so I'm hiding!! (holds onto Kenshin's gi and clings to his back)
Angie: (looks at Kaoru) There there Kaoru, why take your anger out on them when you have a freeloader and a student to scream at?
Kaoru: You're right!! SANO! YAHIKO!! I NEED TO TALK TO YOU!!
Kenshin: You to know they're going to kill you for that. :: tries to pry Crystal off his back ::
Angie: I'd like to see 'em try. :: helps him pry her off so she can pounce him ::
Heheheheheheehehe!!! I am VERY cold!!! Yes, quite funny!! Battousai likes to grumble about kids and you like to pounce him. You tend to do that when he grumbles... Hehehehehehe!! Luv and hugs!!
Innocence8: Yes!! I am telling you that this has to do with BEFORE she even met Battousai, back when her dojo burned down in the first place. Yes!! Glad a bunch that you are reading this!!
Kyasurin-chan: hehehehehehehehehe!!! BWHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! I think sugar may be why I'm so happy and grinny right now!! I can't help myself!! I love you and and nobody else!! O_o;;; I didn't mean to do that!!! I was only gonna write I can't help myself!! Oh well!! Hehehehehehe!! THE HYPERNESS IS TOO INTENSE!!!!!!
Alli: So happy you enjoy my stories!! :: hugs you ::
Black Twilight: (reads review)
Kenshin: I resent that!! I do SO have backbone!! :: pouts and crosses his arms ::
Me: You look so cute like that Kenshin. :: pounces him ::
Heheheheheehehehehe!! I can't wait for the side ficcie to come out I MUST READ IT!! I will read it!! Tell me when you get it out and the title and I will direct everyone to it!! Thank you and mail me soon!!
Anime-Master7: I guess we've got a different side story going on!! Is that okay with you? I'm trying!! I can't write it without Krystalsailormoon and she hasn't written yet!!!
Ginny-cry: ^_^ C^)^D !!!
Noner-89: Hehehehehheeh!! HERE'S YOUR UPDATE!! My ear was falling off from all your screaming!!
Kenshin's Demon: Yippee!! You need to update ASAP on your ficcie too!! :: pouts to you :: :: pokes Kenshin :: :: he pouts to you too ::
Catrina3: Maybe it was Gohei.... Hehehehehehe!! I was expecting the episode where Kenshin accidently proposed to Kaoru but NOPE they played the first one!! That's okay I've never seen it and now I have so I am still happy!! ^__^ Glad you love it so very muchly so, Caroline!!!! I WANT THE WORLD TO KNOW THAT I AM SO HAVING FUN WITH THIS!! Even if my fingers wanna fall off... hehehehehee!!
Sagitarious Devil: (stares) YES LETS ALL GANG UP ON THE EVIL DUDES!! It's it funny how I try and kill my own bad guys?! Hehehehehehe!! I'm strange... my mommy and my two sisters were arguing over dinner and I was getting a headache because of them and so I screamed 'I'VE GOT A LOVELY BUNCH OF COCONUTS!' at the top of my lungs and they all shut up and my mom goes 'you are a coconut!'. Hehehehehehe!!
Little Devil 9: You're God? Why? :: bows down to you for that you don't get mad at me at me and damn me to hell :: OH GREAT ONE!!! Hehehehehehehe!! I will see about that!! Anywayz!!! I must splits but I will respond again!! Eventually!!
Brittanie Love: WAH!! :: huggles you :: YOU REVIEWED!! Yessy, be updating your story sooon pleaseyful!!! I need to e-mail you soon.... if only I had time!! I will eventually and I will try to make it long!!
Saitou: I'll take that as a confession... you're going to jail, little lady.
Me: NO!! HERE!! TAKE HIM BACK!!!
Saitou: I DON'T WANT THE BATTOUSAI!!
Me: Good!!! Give him back!!! (said argument goes on for a few hours....)
Author's Notes: Hehhehehehehe.... CHAPTER 6!!! WAH!!! I'm so happy. I wanna write and write and write, but that would mean I'm a BIG procrastinator... oh well, I don't care I'm happy. This story has 166 reviews, and 'Coming of the Dawn' has 592 reviews :: hugs herself :: I'm so happy!!! For real I don't care how many reviews I get but it just makes you feel so happy.... And after this announcement will be the chapter ( and forward apology to you and your brothers, Lady Himura, if I spelled their pennames wrong!!) AND!! GO READ LADY HIMURA'S FIC, 'TELL HER!'while your at this all!!:
Crystal Renee: WAHH!! Well, while Lady Himura has announced our plan, I BELIEVE I SHOULD DO IT TOO!!! Okay... LHACRAFU Club has decided quite sponteously, that...... WE ARE GOING TO TAKE OVER THE ANIME INDUSTRY!!! Hehehehehehehehehehehe!!! It's all gonna start small.... by designing bedrooms speicifically targetted to waking you up by hanging a picture of your favorite anime guy above your bed.
Lady Himura: With this ingenious plan you will wake up, want to jump into the bisho's arms and BOOM!! You'll fall off your bed and be wake!!!
Crystal Renee: And with that money we will slowly by out all the anime's in the world!!
Lady Himura: AND WE WILL CONTINUE RUROUNI KENSHIN!!!!
Crystal Renee: And you will like it because you are jealous of the little voices that speak to me!!!
Lady Himura: O.O Huh?
Crystal Renee: I'm not a ditz I just lack common sense.
Lady Himura: AHH!! You're making us lose supporters!!!
Crystal Renee: Ahhh, but that's what they WANT you to think!!! With the Kenshingumi answering the support phones :: points to said characters and phones :: they will be calling in with support just to speak with them!!! THAT WAS YOUR PLAN!! I'm just making them call to complain of my insanity!!!
Lady Himura: Oh!!! ^__^ It all makes sense now!!!
Crystal Renee: I can't help myself!!! ^____^;;; :: is overly proud of herself ::
SSJHimura: I LOVE YOU AND NOBODY ELSE!!!
Crystal Renee/Lady Himura: O.O?
DarknessFlame: Huh? Why the heck did you say that?
SSJHimura: It's a song!!! OKAY!!!
Crystal Renee: Thank god you weren't saying that to me... But please, call in with your support!!! ^____^ You'll get to speak with the Kenshingumi!!!
Sano: AHH!! DIE EVIL PHONE!!! :: uses Futae-no-Kiwami on phone :: You can't speak if you're not a human!!! IT'S HADES!!!
Lady Himura: First Kenshin with the microphone now Sano with the telephone?
Crystal Renee: I don't think they like anything with a 'phone' on the end of it....
Saitou: :: arrest Sano :: You're defacing private property, that's a misdemanor...
Sano: THAT THING IS POSSESSED I TELL YOU!!! TELL 'EM KENSHIN!!!
Kenshin: :: stares because he now knows a 'phone' won't hurt you :: It is not possessed Sano, that it is not.
Saitou: I'm gonna take this MORON to the loonybin!!!
SSJHimura/Crystal Renee/Lady Himura/DarknessFlame: O.O...
Kaoru: :: to Megumi :: Shouldn't we help Sano?
Megumi: Nah, the moron could use some time with his own kind. Besides, there are phones to be answered.
~Silhouettes of Shadows~
***Chapter 6- Hidden Memories****
Kenshin woke up the next day, stretching before his hand bumped into something soft and velvety. He opened his eyes quickly to see Kaoru laying there, still completely overtaken by sleep, her shoulder bare for him to see. His mind refused to remind him of what had gone on the previous day, so he had to mentally fight with himself to get it back from his greedy side.
The images and feelings flew back, some making him angry, and some causing him to blush profusely at the thought of Kaoru being so--- forward. He couldn't believe he was blushing but forced the hentai-ish thoughts away from his mind and then stared down at Kaoru with affection etched into his face. Tentatively he reached out to her, brushing the raven strands that concealed her face away, and gently brushing his knuckles against her rosy cheeks, in circles that were meant to soothe her. Why he was trying to soothe he was not sure, but he continued with his ministrations, the feel of her skin beneath his fingers alerting him as to just how gentle he could really be.
'I'm lucky,' Kenshin thought to himself, mystified in the content way that Kaoru could sleep. 'I remember her nightmares... due to the battle at the Inn. I wonder if they still haunt her from time to time, the way all images from the revolution do to me?'
Smiling passionately down upon her, he bent down to give her a quick kiss upon the forehead. He never made it that far. A stirring around the house alerted the Battousai within to danger and he jumped up, threw his yukata back on and after grabbing a hold of his closest weapon, headed out of the room and down the hall. His eyes scanned the area quickly trying to take in all possible dangers around him.
His ears picked up a sound reverting from the kitchen and he whisked towards it, hiding himself easily in the shadows that still lingered in the house.
((And right about now your authoresses would like to tell you...... THAT I HAVE BEEN ATTACKED AGAIN BY THE WRITERS BLOCK!!!!! So if the rest sucks or seems rushed, I am sorry!! ))
Standing alone in the darkness, his eyes sought out the two men from the day before rummaging through the kitchen area. His eyes formed dangerous slits. Why were these men after Kaoru? Was it about time he warned her about them.
"Katsura said to kill Kamiya, Gohei!! Why do we keep coming here and checking around?" the smaller man questioned.
'Katsura!' Kenshin growled in his mind. 'The bastard is still after her? After us?'
"Because, I am not doing this for Katsura. I'm destroying Battousai's life for Katsura, but I am killing Kamiya for my own reasons."
"We could kill her now, she's sleeping!"
"You forget she's got a little brat with her now. And besides you only kill someone who is awake. Even I am righteous enough to give her a chance to defend herself." The man named Gohei responded. "Even though it won't help her much."
Kenshin's anger grew but he refused to attack the men yet. Kaoru would wake up and she wouldn't like to clean up blood. Or worse, she'd make him clean it up. So he waited patiently for them to leave. And then he would question Kaoru.
*********** ***********
Kaoru was practicing with her bokken; her movements were precise and strong as she swung. Kenshin was standing in the doorway, watching with interest as she flew around gracefully attacking her invisible opponent. He had never really taken the time to watch her practice or really paid attention to how she fought before, and as he stood there following her movements, he could see her strength. When she took out her ribbon and took of her kimono to come out grabbed in a gi and hakama, she held a strength that was not customary for women. Yet, he wouldn't have it any other way. She needed to be strong, to protect herself from his enemies, and the enemies that would surely become her own.
But he had to admit to himself that even if her technique was strong and could surly protect her; it was still weak in weaponry. She wasn't fast enough to face most of his opponents, he knew, especially the ones that had already surfaced.
Enishi. Shishio. Saitou.
Kenshin's thoughts fell on Saitou. Where was Saitou? He was certain he had survived their last encounter, and with the war over, what was he doing? Would he still be the constant threat Kenshin worried he was? He wasn't sure. But know he needn't think of Saitou's possibility of danger, right now, Gohei was the man he had to worry about.
"Koishii, spread your legs a little farther to the left. It will give you more speed and your movement won't be so choppy." Kenshin suggested.
Kaoru tossed her head to face him, her hair flying around her in its ponytail as sweat dripped from her face. Her bokken was held strongly before her and she gave him look before spreading her legs a little more.
"Like this?"
He nodded. Kaoru proceeded to perform the movement she had been before, to discover that he had been correct all along. She had gained speed and the movement seemed more like a part of her. She spun and lunged with her newfound speed and charisma, not noticing how tired she was really becoming. She didn't feel like she was working herself too hard. This was the first workout she had truly had since the fight with Saitou. Two years out of practice, she needed to get herself back into shape.
Kenshin shook his head. "Kaoru, when was the last time you practiced?"
"Last time? Remember Saitou?" she asked him, swinging her bokken and stopping an inch away from his nose before twirling away to continue with her katas.
"You can tell you're out of practice."
She glared at him. "Do you want this bokken up your nose, Kenshin?"
His eyes grew wide. "Oro!"
Kaoru grinned, satisfied with her threat as she continued to practice. Her movements slowly became more fluid, but not like they would be once she was used to the workout again. She wasn't going to let Kenshin think she was weak. She could protect herself if she needed and she was going to let him see just how strong the Kamiya Kasshin Ryu really was. She fake dodged an attack and sliced her bokken backwards, where if had anyone been standing, they would be receiving a painful blow to the back, probably enough to paralyze them if aimed correctly. She drew her bokken back and stood straight, breathing in deeply.
"Kaoru, who's Gohei?"
Kaoru spun around again, her eyes wide. "Gohei Hiruma? He was expelled from my father's kendo school for attacking a student with a real sword. We only use bokkens, as you know, because this is a school for teaching that a sword is not for killing but protecting. My father expelled Gohei after rendering his right thumb useless. I haven't seen or heard of him since. Why do you ask?"
"That's why he wants revenge." Kenshin muttered to himself.
"What did you say?" Kaoru nearly screamed. "Have you heard something on him? Have you seen him? Has he been here looking for me? Kenshin you have to tell me, this is a matter of my family's honor. It's his fault my school's name is tainted. He killed using my technique; he burned the original dojo trying to kill me. Kenshin, tell me what you know I need to know. If he wants revenge them he's going to face me."
"If he gets through me."
"Kenshin this isn't your fight."
"He was hired by Katsura, therefore it is just as much my fight as it is yours!" the Battousai within growled. "And he's not touching you if he thinks he can or not."
Kaoru gripped her bokken tightly, holding it in a death, vice-like grip as her eyes fell to the floor. In the next instant she was smashing it onto Kenshin's head.
"If I can do that to the Battousai then I can protect myself against Gohei and anyone else!" she screamed at him when she finally stopped. "So stop trying to protect me when it's my fight..."
"Kaoru you promised me!" Kenshin cried. "Remember that ring? You promised me you would let me protect you!"
"This isn't your fight though!" she complained.
"I don't care. I'm protecting you because I'm not losing you. " Kenshin growled. "If you like it or not, because Kenji is better off growing up with a mother than he is growing up with an ex-assassin for a father."
Out of his rage Kenshin left. He didn't want to argue with Kaoru, and he didn't want to yell at her. So the best thing for him to do was leave.
Author's Notes: Sorry the chapter was short and I hope you read the announcement. I think the next chapter will be longer, so no worries!!! ^___^
Review Responses:
Beraith: Thanks!! I know..... my brain is kinda fried too!!
Kenshin'sgrl: I'm sorry I didn't tell you if I was gonna use your idea but I could have swore I put in the authors notes that I was going to think it over and if my idea that I had didn't work then I was going to use yours. If you wanna use yours in your own story (or maybe a spin off from this one.... If you want) then go ahead!!! Ah yesh, Crystal Renee-chan would be me.... my name on MSN is 'Little Crystal is Fuzzy' in Japanese. It was gonna be Battousai is Fuzzy but I didn't get around to using that... oh well!! Hehehehehehehehe! Bye bye!! Oh, and I believe you asked if I would read your story? Mail it to me and I would be more than happy to give you my honest opinion and a few pointers.
Baka Ryu: Yes!! I feel for your Sano clone!!! :: pets him :: Poor guy. Love and torture does all come together as one, ne? Hehehehehehe!! My hands are freezing like you wouldn't believe right now. Hehehehehe. I will try and keep that in mind because I figured the best way to make Kenji believable (since I only have 3 siblings, 2 cousins, and 1 little kindergardener in my family) that I would not have him talk much. I'll try and remember that. When they say their s's, ch's, and b's, what do they make their sounds like? (this coming from the person who loves little kids). THANKS DUDE!! HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU SOON!! And update Shattered Amber ASAP!
Agalia102: I know you love it and I know you will be here and YOU ARE VERY SO WELCOME!! You know I will finish this no matter how hard it is to write.
Rhapsody07: We ALL want a man like Kenshin!! Well, at least you and me do!! Maybe he could warm up my hands for me right now. They are REALLY cold!!! Hehehehehe!! I'M IN DIRE NEED OF A KENSHIN!! That sounds so pathetic...... hehehehe!! But wait..... I have clones..... O.O.... They all runned away....Glad you liked!! Later!! -Bell-chan
Human Chew Toy: Glad you liked it still and thanks for reviewing to so many of my stories (I'm taking it you read them ALL so far?! Thank you!!). MAKES ME FEEL SO VERY HAPPY!!
Angle1: They do have a lot of enemies, do they not? I can tell you though that this story is going to be short so after these dudes and a little 'unfinished buisness' with two other people it will be over and they can be happy together!!
LilInuyashaMunky: WAHH!!!! :: hugs you :: YOU READ MY STORY!! I'm so happy!!! I'm glad you think it's good!! And Kenji is such a cutie..... but then again I've always been a sucker for little kids!!!
TYDYE girl: Glad you like!!
K&K Fanatic: Yotaka? Okay I'll try to remember that!! I think I may have a thought or two from Kenji if I can fit it in. And I like the idea of him..... going Battousai... maybe in the end!!! REMIND ME!!!
Scarlet Rayne: Glad you like!! And Kenji is always adorable!! When hasn't he been? :: ponders this :: Hm!! Well thanks for reviewing!!!
Krystalsailormoon: You sure are happy happy joy joy!! :: ponder this :: REN AND STIMPY!!! Okay..... yes... hold on my mom is yelling at me because I'm not eating.... must go eat...
Kenshin: You're leaving me to her mercy?!
Crystal: Hey!! Who's the wimpy one? You're the one who know Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu, not me!!
Angie: What's going on here?
Crystal: (points) Kaoru tried to kill Gohei and then she attacked Kenshin and I caught him and told her not to and she got mad at me so I'm hiding!! (holds onto Kenshin's gi and clings to his back)
Angie: (looks at Kaoru) There there Kaoru, why take your anger out on them when you have a freeloader and a student to scream at?
Kaoru: You're right!! SANO! YAHIKO!! I NEED TO TALK TO YOU!!
Kenshin: You to know they're going to kill you for that. :: tries to pry Crystal off his back ::
Angie: I'd like to see 'em try. :: helps him pry her off so she can pounce him ::
Heheheheheheehehe!!! I am VERY cold!!! Yes, quite funny!! Battousai likes to grumble about kids and you like to pounce him. You tend to do that when he grumbles... Hehehehehehe!! Luv and hugs!!
Innocence8: Yes!! I am telling you that this has to do with BEFORE she even met Battousai, back when her dojo burned down in the first place. Yes!! Glad a bunch that you are reading this!!
Kyasurin-chan: hehehehehehehehehe!!! BWHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! I think sugar may be why I'm so happy and grinny right now!! I can't help myself!! I love you and and nobody else!! O_o;;; I didn't mean to do that!!! I was only gonna write I can't help myself!! Oh well!! Hehehehehehe!! THE HYPERNESS IS TOO INTENSE!!!!!!
Alli: So happy you enjoy my stories!! :: hugs you ::
Black Twilight: (reads review)
Kenshin: I resent that!! I do SO have backbone!! :: pouts and crosses his arms ::
Me: You look so cute like that Kenshin. :: pounces him ::
Heheheheheehehehehe!! I can't wait for the side ficcie to come out I MUST READ IT!! I will read it!! Tell me when you get it out and the title and I will direct everyone to it!! Thank you and mail me soon!!
Anime-Master7: I guess we've got a different side story going on!! Is that okay with you? I'm trying!! I can't write it without Krystalsailormoon and she hasn't written yet!!!
Ginny-cry: ^_^ C^)^D !!!
Noner-89: Hehehehehheeh!! HERE'S YOUR UPDATE!! My ear was falling off from all your screaming!!
Kenshin's Demon: Yippee!! You need to update ASAP on your ficcie too!! :: pouts to you :: :: pokes Kenshin :: :: he pouts to you too ::
Catrina3: Maybe it was Gohei.... Hehehehehehe!! I was expecting the episode where Kenshin accidently proposed to Kaoru but NOPE they played the first one!! That's okay I've never seen it and now I have so I am still happy!! ^__^ Glad you love it so very muchly so, Caroline!!!! I WANT THE WORLD TO KNOW THAT I AM SO HAVING FUN WITH THIS!! Even if my fingers wanna fall off... hehehehehee!!
Sagitarious Devil: (stares) YES LETS ALL GANG UP ON THE EVIL DUDES!! It's it funny how I try and kill my own bad guys?! Hehehehehehe!! I'm strange... my mommy and my two sisters were arguing over dinner and I was getting a headache because of them and so I screamed 'I'VE GOT A LOVELY BUNCH OF COCONUTS!' at the top of my lungs and they all shut up and my mom goes 'you are a coconut!'. Hehehehehehe!!
Little Devil 9: You're God? Why? :: bows down to you for that you don't get mad at me at me and damn me to hell :: OH GREAT ONE!!! Hehehehehehehe!! I will see about that!! Anywayz!!! I must splits but I will respond again!! Eventually!!
Brittanie Love: WAH!! :: huggles you :: YOU REVIEWED!! Yessy, be updating your story sooon pleaseyful!!! I need to e-mail you soon.... if only I had time!! I will eventually and I will try to make it long!!