Quick Note: Alright… now that the story is well-developed and you all know what is going on. The rest is no longer in Kenshin's POV. I only did that POV thing so you all could get a real idea how Kenshin thinks and how he's felt over the years. I hope that isn't a big problem for you all. ; ENJOY
Complete Soundtrack:
Monica – Angel of Mine
Clay Aiken – I Will Carry You, I Survived You
Kelly Clarkson – Missed the Train
Trapt – Stories, These Walls
Nickelback – Someday
Celine Dion – My Heart Will Go On
Savage Garden – Hold Me
Trust Company – Fear, Hover
Linkin Park – PTS.OF.ATHRTY, and PLC.4 MIE HEAD [remix songs], Crawling
Edwin McCain – I'll Be
Sarah McClachlan – I Will Remember You
Angel of Mine
by Ang3l MoMO
Chapter 7
Previously on AOM:
Reaching the lobby, I held my head high as we walked through the front doors of the hotel and towards the car. Turning the ignition, the car roared to life.
Get ready Chito.
We drove onto the highway… beginning our journey to Chito.
I'm coming.
Cautiously getting out of the Mitsubishi, Kenshin was immediately greeted by a soft breeze as he shut the door of the car. Blinking against the golden sun, and without even another glance, Takeo drove off as Kenshin slowly began his trek up the gravel road towards small white cottage that sat on top of the hill.
Chito had to be the most beautiful place Kenshin's ever seen… let alone been. The town was located at the edge of a gargantuan hill that oversaw miles and miles of luscious fields; and if one would to reach the top of the hill… they would be able to see the distant mountains and streams that lay in the distance. Scattered around the hill and the many fields were large trees that looked like that of giant bonsai trees.
Reaching the old picket fence, Kenshin gently wiped the chunks of rust and dirt off the aluminum mailbox.
167 Yukami St.
I can't believe I'm finally here.
Cautiously opening the small gate so not to break anything, Kenshin carefully walked across the moss encompassed stepping stones toward the cottage's front porch. Feeling more nervous than he's ever felt in his life, he stepped up the wooden stairs as his heart seemed to pound mercilessly against his ribcage. Knowing that the house was abandoned long ago, Kenshin, though reluctantly, opened the screen door and tried the knob to the old oak door.
It cracked open.
Poking his head through the door, the stuffy stench of mildew and mold that had collected in the house invaded his nostrils. Except for a few wooden chairs and a rocking horse that had been left behind long ago, the house was completely empty. Only the deep magenta and orange light that shone through the windows as the sun began to set, kept the house from being left in completely darkness. Pushing the door open some more, Kenshin prudently stepped into the house.
"Hello…?"
The peaceful, yet eerie, silence was the only response. Continuing his hawk-like scanning of the house, Kenshin's saw a door that must've led to the kitchen and then back yard; and another opening that must lead to a bathroom. Turning his head, Kenshin saw a flight of stairs at the far right corner. With the soft thuds of his footsteps echoing in the stillness of the room, Kenshin climbed up the stairs. As he reached the top he saw a small hallway that led down to a cream-colored door. Since his cautious nature was replaced by curiosity, Kenshin walked down the hall without reluctance and opened the door.
The room before him, unlike the one downstairs, was completely furnished with an old bed, a dresser and wardrobe, many old unopened cardboard boxes, an oak desk, and stacks of photo albums and picture frames. Cobwebs lined the corners of the room and the tiny windowpane, as did the many pieces of old paint that had flaked off over the years. Walking towards the desk that stood besides the stacks of boxes, Kenshin picked up a photo album. Once the dust was brushed off, a burgundy velvet cover with golden inscribed writing was visible.
"Yesterday is but a dream, and tomorrow is only a vision, but today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness and every tomorrow a vision of hope," Kenshin smirked, "What a title…"
Opening the album carefull,y so not to damage the photos anymore than they were, Kenshin could barely make out the childhood pictures of a little girl in the now-yellow pictures.
Flipping through more pages, he saw pictures of the little girl as she got older and older. It wasn't until he reached the last page did he finally see a clear close-up picture of the girl. Her hair was a dark ebony color that was tied back in a ponytail, her eyes were a beautiful crystalline cerulean blue, her lips were a soft pink color as were her subtly rosy cheeks, and her skin was of a gorgeous ivory tone. The picture was of her staring absent-mindly out a window…thus casting a dazzling beautiful view of the young woman.
Kenshin's eyes widened as his photo suddenly made his heart sink, and his breathing became ragged. Something was so familiar of this girl, her eyes, her hair… everything.
Suddenly it hit him, and he dropped the album onto the floor.
THE GIRL!! The girl from the airport! IT… it couldn't be!
Frantically glancing around the room, Kenshin stormed out of the room and sprinted down the stairs; his rapid footsteps echoing loudly through the house.
No… please let me be! Don't haunt me! I've been through too much… I've seen too much. I can't…!
Suddenly, as he reached the front door, a soft tune caught his attention. Turning around, Kenshin saw that the door that led to the kitchen and backyard, creak open.
"Listen here…" Kenshin's voice quivered, "I don't know who you are… or if this is some strange game to you…" he began to walk towards the door, "but I'm warning you... I've had enough of this shit…"
Reaching the opening to the kitchen, Kenshin prepared himself for whatever lay ahead. Stepping through… he saw that no one was there. Confused, Kenshin glanced around from the small stove to the breakfast nook.
Nothing.
Once again the soft tune his ear again, only this time… he strained his ears to hear where it was coming from. It was then he realized it wasn't music of any kind whatsoever, it was laughter. The sweet sound of pure genuine laughter.
Anger arose in Kenshin, who are they to make a fool of him?! His fist clenching furiously, Kenshin stomped towards the door in the corner that led to the backyard and kicked it open. Squinting against the sudden amount of light, Kenshin opened his mouth to scream at whomever it was… except his voice caught in his throat.
The radiant setting sun sent streams of carmine red across the valleys and mountains in the distance. The azure and sapphire sky blended perfectly with the turquoise and green fields of grass and trees. Due to the hill that the house sat on was very steep on the other side, a large weeping-willow had taken root at the edge… as well as a swing, which was currently occupied.
It was the girl from the picture, more breathtaking than ever, laughing jovially as she swung back and forth on the swing. Her mere presence seemed to complete the picture perfect view.
Stepping down the three creaky wooden stairs, Kenshin started to approach the girl… his heart ramming almost painfully against his chest. Although her back was towards him, with each step he took, the girl's euphoric swinging slowly came to a halt. As he got within five feet of her, she stood up from the swing and turned around.
Kenshin instantly stopped as he met his eyes with hers. The emptiness in his heart that's seemed to have haunted him for years, felt as though it was finally complete.
It was her… she was what he wanted, no, needed.
"I've been waiting so long Kenshin."
Although this was technically the second time he's seen her, something about the way the sun shone upon her ivory skin, and how the gentle breeze blew against her hair, made his heart wrench painfully at her beauty.
"You… you know my name?" Kenshin stammered.
She chuckled, the sweet sound was music to his ears.
"Oh… I know much more Kenshin… much, much more."
It wasn't until now that Kenshin noticed the almost blindingly bright white dress that seemed to flow loosely, yet snuggly to her body… and cascaded all the way down her back so that it trailed behind her. It was so……angelic.
The young woman slowly began to walk towards Kenshin, stopping merely inches away from him. Lifting her hand up to his left cheek, she gently traced Kenshin's cross scar with the tips of her fingers… making him feel as though he was melting against the feeling of her soft skin against his own.
"I remember how you got this scar," she whispered.
Her eyes filled with sorrow, "I'm so sorry Kenshin."
Deprived of all fear and confusion, Kenshin could only comprehend the sudden need to wipe away the subtle frown from her porcelain face.
There was a moment of silence, then, dropping her hand down to her side, she looked away sadly.
"I've waited so long Kenshin…… don't you remember me?"
It took a couple long seconds before Kenshin could recover from the lack of warmth of her fingers and respond.
"Y-you were at the airport…"
"Not just the airport Kenshin, don't you remember yet? Don't you feel this?" She lifted her eyes to Kenshin's and placed her hand on his heart.
"I…I…" He stammered as he tried to calm his breathing, "I… I don't know."
Kenshin stared in confusion as the girl's hand reluctantly brought her hand up to his forehead. Immediately as the tips of her fingers made contact with his forehead, a strange electric shock surged through his body as he was blinded by a bright light. Within moments, Kenshin felt everything around him grow faint and his body went numb.
The fumbling of keys could be heard on the other side of the door.
Shuffling could heard within the apartment.
The door swung open and a young woman gasped.
The moment her eyes lit up and her lips curled into the most beautiful smile, Kenshin felt the butterflies in his stomach do somersaults. He had told her that he would be too busy working at the restaurant that night, and that the head chef at the restaurant was sick at home with the flu. She, of course, said she understood and had no problem with spending their birthday dinner the next night… oblivious the plans he had.
"Happy birthday sweetheart."
There in the middle of her dining room, was a small round table with a terracotta velvet tablecloth draped over. The centerpiece was a swan-shaped crystal vase filled with light fuchsia and pink roses, accented with baby's breath and cherry blossoms. Ivy and curled crimson velveteen ribbon surrounded the vase and were subtly trailing off the side of the table. Various sizes of vanilla and jasmine scented candles were lit and placed all over the room, along with sprayed on sliver glitter. Amidst the centerpiece and ivy that was on the table, were two plates piled high with Kaoru's favorite dish: spaghetti with meatballs. One would laugh at the oddity of having such a simple entrée in such an elegant arrangement; but to Kaoru… it was more than perfect. Her aunt and uncle were gone that night, and Kenshin had set this especially for her.
Tears began to pool over the corners of her cerulean eyes.
"Oh Kenshin… it's…it's...it's absolutely..."
Before she could complete the sentence, Kenshin was in front of her. Gently placing his fingers under her chin, he pulled her into a soft kiss. Pulling back, Kenshin smiled.
"…Absolutely beautiful. Just as you are."
"Hey Kaoru, you coming?" The redhead poked his head through the gap in the door.
"Yea! Just a second…"
He stepped in.
"What are you doing?" Sitting on her bed with her back against the wall, was Kaoru, scribbling on some paper in a leather book.
"Just writing."
Kenshin sat on the edge of her bed.
"Well I see that, but what're you writing?"
"A diary entry."
"A diary? Since when do you have a diary."
Kaoru looked up and chuckled, "Since when are you so nosey?"
Looking back down, she continued writing. Moments passed before Kenshin felt restless and impatient.
"C'mon Kaoru!" he whined, "We're going to be late for the movie!"
"Alright alright," she clicked her pen and placed the diary on the bed, "I'm done."
Pushing herself off the bed, she took hold of Kenshin's hand and, planting a small kiss on his cheek, she led him to the door. After walking out, Kenshin turned to close the door and saw something on the leather-bound diary.
It had small gold letters inscribed on the cover.
'When all is lost… Confide.'
The door clicked shut.
"But…. Why? Why Kaoru? Why'd it have to be us…why couldn't He just let us be? Why couldn't He let us live happily ever after like the story says? Why--"
Kaoru brought her index finger to his lips, cutting him off mid-sentence. "Shh…. It's alright…... it's alright."
"No…its not Kaoru," he whispered, "What… what am I going to do without you?"
"You'll be fine, I have faith in you… love will find a way to conquer all, remember?"
Kenshin's face scrunched up in sheer pain as the severity of the situation sank in, HIS Kaoru is being taken away from him; and he couldn't prevent it. Out in the distance sirens could be heard.
"Please… please hold on Kaoru, they're coming! In no time you'll be in the emergency room. You'll be fine…" he desperately brought her into a warm embrace, "Don't leave me….. please."
He pulled back and gently pressed his forehead against hers, she smiled an all-knowing smile.
They both knew the ambulance wasn't going to make it in time.
Without a moment's hesitation, he pulled her close, never wanting to let go. Her soft lips with his… her breath against his cheek… her beautiful azure eyes…everything he loved about her... were now his last. He reluctantly pulled back, only to see her last genuine smile.
"I love you…"
"I love you too, Kaoru..."
With that, her eyes fluttered shut, never to open again…and never to return the heart he'd so willingly given her those many years ago…
There was knocking at the door to the grim room.
"Kenshin?" Misao gently pushed the door open and stuck her head through.
He was alone, curled up in a fetal position in the darkest corner.
"Kenshin?" Misao repeated, carefully stepping into the small bedroom with a Tupperware container full of cookies in her arms.
"I've made your favorite cookies, chocolate chip and macadamia nut." She spoke softly as she cautiously made her way towards him.
"L-leave me alone…" Kenshin's voice quivered as he spoke with a voice not of a teenager, but of a grown man with nothing to fear but himself.
"Kenshin I…"
"I said… Leave me… alone!" He growled again.
It was that split second did Misao notice a metallic shine suddenly flicker right from where Kenshin was. Immediately dropping the container of cookies, Misao sprinted towards the window to pull aside the curtains. The second the moonlight landed on Kenshin, Misao lunged at him.
"GET OFF OF ME!"
"KENSHIN! STOP IT! GIVE ME THE KNIFE!"
"NO! LEAVE ME ALONE!" Kenshin tried to bite at her arm.
Kneeing him in the stomach, Misao tried to reach for the knife.
"NO!! KENSHIN YOU CAN'T…"
"GET…" With a shove from Misao, Kenshin's sweaty palms lost his grip on the knife, "OFF!"
Suddenly, there was the bone-chilling sound of flesh being sliced open.
Then again.
Misao tumbled backwards, staring wide-eyed at the man before her; as blood trickled down his face and body.
"Kenshin…"
Blood was everywhere… and it originated from ONE place.
"…Kenshin……your cheek."
There, in the moonlit corner, the man once named Kenshin was no more. For in the eyes of the beholder, they will not see a scarred man; but a tormented soul… trapped in an empty shell. In his scar and in his eyes, they see the pain and feel his pain... never forgetting the man with the lost heart.
Kenshin and his beloved stood in the park.
Kenshin slowly began to regain his conscientiousness.
"You are everything I live for; every breath I take is for you. I'd let millions of lives parish just to spare you a moments pain." He takes the ring out of the box and takes a hold of her left hand.
Everything was so clear to him now.
"You are my angel, my heart, my soul. If we were too ever part… I wouldn't know what I'd do. But what I do know…is that with this ring," He places the ring on her finger,
He loved her…
"I'll promise you my life, everything I am; I'll be the man of your dreams, your knight in shining armor. I'll promise you that even if one day I were to lose you, I will never forget my love for you," He pauses the final time, and kisses her hand softly,
No… He LOVES her… He still loves her.
"That is why I'm asking you... my beloved Kaoru. Spend eternity by my side, and hope that death will never force us to part.
But it did…and now that he remembers, it was tearing him apart.
Say you'll marry me Kaoru, and let me grant you the right to make me the happiest man alive." Her words were almost inaudible through her tears, but he heard her; and that was enough to make his life worthwhile. "Yes, YES!… Of course I'll marry you Kenshin!"
As all the memories faded and Kenshin regained his vision, the first thing he felt was the worst pain he's felt in a decade. He had forgotten! How could he have forgotten??
Kaoru stared at the older man before her; no longer did he have the cold and pain-stricken eyes he's held for so long, they had become a soft vulnerable lavender. Tears clouded Kenshin's eyes as they eventually pooled over the corners and trickled down his cheeks.
"Kaoru…"
Kaoru smiled as her heart filled with joy.
"Kenshin! You remember…"
She was cut off as his lips descended onto hers, his arms desperately holding her as close as he could. His lips moved gently, yet hungrily against hers, before reluctantly pulling back to look down into her soft blue eyes.
The tears did not stop.
"Oh Kaoru…I'm so sorry… I'm so sorry," He gripped her white dress as he nestled his face into the crook of her neck, his endless tears dampening her shoulder.
"Shh… Kenshin it's alright."
"No it's not…" He murmured guiltily, "I loved you Kaoru… no… I LOVE you… and I forgot. How could I forget?! How could I have been so stupid?!" He choked out more pained sobs as Kaoru tried to calm him down by gently running her hands through his hair.
"It wasn't your fault my love… none of it was ever your fault. Was it not I that died?"
Kenshin pulled back and gripped her shoulders. Looking into her eyes, he shook his head.
"No… don't say it's your fault. It's not! IT WAS THAT DRUNK BASTARD! HE RUINED IT FOR US! HE…"
"Shh… Calm down Kenshin. It's okay…" Kaoru gently lifted his hands off her shoulders and held them up to her lips, planting soft kisses on his hands.
"Come, follow me." Kaoru held his hands in hers and led him past the swing and toward a small creek that ran along the sign of the hill. Walking across the small bridge, Kaoru took Kenshin to a small cement bench by the many Sakura trees. Sitting down, Kaoru saw that Kenshin had become much more calm and collected.
Moments passed as Kenshin stared absent-mindly at the woman before him. He couldn't believe Kaoru was sitting there in front of him. HIS Kaoru. Scrutinizing her every feature, all these questions flowed into his mind as reality sunk in. Ten years have passed, yet she seemed no older than seventeen years old. What had happened all these years? How could she have disappeared in the airport? Why was she gone for so long? Was she really………dead? Everything was just so surreal.
Kaoru was sitting beside him, her eyes staring at the soft grass in front of her as her brow furrowed as if in deep thought. Suddenly Kaoru turned really pale, and Kaoru's head suddenly snapped up and turned to look at Kenshin. Her eyes were filled with dread.
Worried of what was the matter, Kenshin reached for her, only to have his arms go straight through her… as if she was some figment of his imagination. As soon as he did that, the color in Kaoru's face drained and she looked as if she just had her heart torn in two. Then, as quickly as it had begun, Kaoru lost her transparent state and become solid once again. But now… tears pooled at the corners of her eyes and Kenshin stared at his arms in denial and confusion.
What had happened? Why did his arms go through her like that? What was going on?!
"Kaoru…? What… what happened?"
Tears cascaded down her cheeks as her lips quivered.
"Oh Kenshin… I'm so sorry."
Kenshin's eyes widened in fear as he reached for her again, this time he made contact with her skin, and he held her firmly so that she couldn't break eye-contact with him.
"What's… happening?" he demanded.
"This…" she responded. Then, suddenly, Kaoru glowed with this blinding light, causing Kenshin to let go to shield his eyes. A soft gust of wind swirled around them as in collaboration with the light, and within seconds… everything faded back to how it was. Removing his hands from his face, Kenshin was in awe at what he saw before him.
Kaoru's appearance had completely changed. Her plan white dress was now wrapped into layers of beautiful folds, her hair was twice as long as it was as it flowed captivatingly down her shoulders, and an extremely long pearl belt with a crystal heart pendant hung from her slender waist.
She smiled sadly and walked towards him.
"Kaoru…"
Reaching for her porcelain hand, it happened once again. Kaoru turned pale and translucent, and his hands passed through hers.
"I'm so sorry Kenshin… but…" she brought her hands back to her chest, and a light flashed through her fingertips. Bringing her hands back out to Kenshin, she made a jester for him to take the small object. "Take it…" She painfully choked out.
A lump rose in the back of Kenshin's throat as he felt the tears returning, for before him lay the small object he had thrown into Lake Biwa those many years ago.
"The ring…"
Kaoru nodded as a small tear trickled down her smooth cheek.
"You promised me your life, your love, your soul… everything you were when you gave me this ring. You gave me your heart… and I never gave it back."
Kenshin couldn't believe what he was hearing. Give it back?! No… she wouldn't…
"No…" he begged, "No you can't." He pushed her hands away and stepped back, "NO YOU CAN'T!" The tears were now flowing freely, practically blinding him.
Kaoru choked painfully, "Please Kenshin… just take it."
"NO! I GAVE THAT TO YOU! IT'S FOR YOU! A PROMISE IS A PROMISE!" Stumbling over a tree root that stuck out of the ground, Kenshin desperately regained his footing as his despair seemed to take over his senses.
Kaoru shook uncontrollably as her sobs echoed through the soft silence in trees.
"Please Kenshin…"
"NO!! I LOVE YOU KAORU! DON'T YOU GET IT?! A PROMISE IS A PROMISE! YOU DON'T' JUST… YOU DON'T JUST…" Kenshin stumbled over his own feet and fell to the ground, placing his palms on the dirt he gripped the dirt angrily as he squeezed his eyes shut. His gasps and sobs shook him so much that he cursed himself for losing control.
Kaoru slowly walked over to where he was hunched over in the dirt. Kneeling down, she touched his arm, which he immediately wrenched away.
"Kenshin…" she whispered sadly.
"You don't…" he whispered raggedly, "you don't just give something like that back…" Reluctantly, Kenshin brought his sorrowful eyes to hers.
"Don't you… don't you love me Kaoru?" Kenshin whispered, petrified of what she would say.
Kaoru's eyes-widened at the question and wrapped her arms around him; squeezing him tightly.
"Of course I love you, I love you as much as anyone can…but…" Suddenly, she turned translucent once again and her arms fell through Kenshin's body.
"But… look at me Kenshin. I'm… I'm fading." She whispered.
Kenshin pushed himself up to look at her directly in the face. Within moments, Kaoru was whole again… and upon meeting his questioning eyes, Kaoru continued.
"The diary, the clues, everything I left for you… was for you to be able to come back to Japan and find me when you were ready. Although it was my time to go, I had selfishly left with something that was not my own. I left with your heart… your undying devotion and love. Because of that… I left you with such pain. It was then I realized I've left a pained soul behind… and if I didn't come back to fix what I've done, I'd forever be a lost soul.
"Lost soul?"
"Yes Kenshin, lost soul…I'm an Angel-to-be Kenshin."
Kenshin couldn't believe what he was hearing.
"To leave a loved one behind and to have them go through the pain that you've gone through… is sinful. Thus, I had up to ten years to give you back your heart, your sanity, and everything you've lost, or else…"
"You'd …you'd…"
"Yes. I'd wonder in between life and dead… forever." There was a pregnant pause, as Kenshin searched Kaoru's face for a sign… a sign that what she was saying was a joke. But it was futile… he knew that she was telling the truth… the atrocious truth.
"And… what would happen if I were to take the ring?" Kenshin hesitantly asked.
"Everything that's happened, the therapies, the pain, everything… will no longer exist. You will have never met me, and you'll go about your daily life as if nothing ever happened."
"What?" Kenshin's eyes bore into Kaoru's, as this horrible decision rested on his shoulders. Either refuse to take the ring and let his first and only love perish, or take the ring and have the love they shared disappear forever. Kenshin shook his head in denial.
"Kenshin… I'm," Kaoru began and she tried to hide her grief-stricken voice, "I'm sorry…"
"There… there is no other way is there?" he asked quietly.
Kaoru paused for a moment, scared to answer.
"No… I'm afraid there isn't Kenshin."
Kenshin tried to drown his grief in a world of reasoning. In a world where he knew what Kaoru said was right… in a world where the mind prevails over all. But it was here that Kenshin's heart still broke through. He had spent too long forgetting Kaoru and everything she was to him, and to do it again? For as long as he lives, and maybe eternity? But if he doesn't…it will be his own selfish deed that will send her into a state of confusion and she will be lost forever. Why? Why does it have to be like this?
"What would you want Kaoru?"
Kaoru was completely caught off-guard by his question for she didn't even consider if he wanted to know what she wanted.
"I want you to be happy Kenshin, and if letting you forget about us will make you happy, then…"
"But will you be happy?"
There was another awkward silence as Kaoru pondered her answer.
"Yes. I'd be happy knowing that you are going about your life…finally…pain free."
Kenshin's eyes darted across the dirt ground as he tried to make his decision. There just HAS to be another way! There HAS to be!
Kenshin suddenly hoisted himself up and stood stone still, sticking his hand out towards Kaoru.
"I'll take the ring."
Kenshin's eyes were distant and cold; his lips were tightly shut and for once, he seemed to actually know what he was doing.
Handing him the ring, her lips curled into a hopeful smile… a smile which he did not return. Gripping the ring tightly, Kenshin turned around and began walking stiffly towards the house. Taking out something from his pant pocket, Kenshin made a strange rubbing movement against his torso.
"I may be taking the ring," he started harshly, almost painfully, "but I WILL make another way. I WON'T give up and I WILL make us work." Kenshin stopped in his tracks, "Even if it's my last resort."
Kaoru's eyes widened at what she heard. He will make another way…even if it's his last resort? His last resort…what would his last resort---? Wait… No! HE WOULDN'T?!
"Kenshin! Please! Don't do anything drastic--"
It was too late, Kenshin popped the ring in his mouth and swallowed it.
Everything stopped.
Kenshin jolted up; gasping for air and drenched in sweat. Looking around, he found that he was in his apartment in New York City. Feeling the soft cotton-like texture against his skin, Kenshin glanced down and saw that he was in his bed. Lifting his palms he stared at his hands, and then tugged at his blankets and clothes. He was in sitting in bed with nothing on but a pair of sweatpants and a white tank-top. Leaning forward and bringing his knees up, he rested his right arm on his knee while he rubbed his hand with the other. Was everything a dream? A terrible nightmare? The hills, the history… the bright light? Was it all a stupid figment of his imagination? But…then why was it was so real?
Kenshin looked over at the bedside table. It was 6:49 AM.
"Ugh… I'm going to be late for work."
Swinging his legs over to the side of bed, Kenshin sauntered over towards the bathroom and turned on the light. As he approached the sink to wash his face and brush his teeth, the phone rang. Sighing and mumbling something about 'the damn phone', Kenshin walked over to where the cordless phone sat on the kitchen counter and beeped it on.
"Yea?" Kenshin answered groggily, not expecting who was on the other line.
"Oh g'morning luv!"
"What…?"
"Oh c'mon… Don't tell me you've forgotten the voice of your one and only Jennika!"
"What… who…?" He stammered.
"My god! You've really lost your marbles haven't you? I'm your college sweetheart!"
Kenshin's brows furrowed in confusion. College sweetheart? Lost his marbles? He concluded that it must be a British expression.
Within seconds, Kenshin felt himself become overwhelmed with mixed with emotions, thoughts, and… memories?
As he was about to tell the strange woman off, an awkward feeling arose in his stomach, followed by a strange surge throughout the body. All of sudden, Kenshin remembered who the person was… as if the thought had 'popped' in his head.
"Oh… hey Jennika. What are you calling so early for? I'm going to be late for work…"
"Work? Last time I checked it was Sunday."
"It is?"
"Well yes… don't you remember the lil' get together we had with Sanosuke and Megumi yesterday?"
"Uhh… no?"
"Oh c'mon! Remember? We had to leave early because you had some unfinished errands to run for your boss."
Kenshin paused for a moment to think. Did he really 'get together' with Sano and Megumi yesterday? Is it really Sunday? And is Jennika really his girlfriend? Sighing in defeat, Kenshin could only think of the most logical and sane explanations...... of course he did, of course it is, and of course she is.
"Oh… yea, now I remember." He lied, not sure if he was trying to convince her or himself.
Jennika laughed, "Anyway, since you're a natural early bird, I wanted to call you before I missed you. Don't forget that you promised me to accompany me to the airport at half past two this afternoon."
"Oh… Yea okay. I'll remember."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. I'm sure."
"Alright then. Laters dear!"
"Bye."
Beeping the phone off, Kenshin tossed the across the room and onto the couch. Trying to justify his memory-loss by that he must've had too much alcohol the night before, Kenshin walked back into the bathroom and turned on the facet. Turning off the facet and dipping his hands into the pool of water that had accumulated in the sink, he splashed his face with cool water hoping that it might wake him up. Then, drying his face with a towel, Kenshin brought his arms up against the mirror and leaned against the glass… staring at his own reflection.
"What is wrong with you Kenshin? What the hell did you drink last night?" Sighing, Kenshin just stared at himself for what seemed like forever. Where had he gotten that cross-shaped scar? Try as he might, he couldn't remember the reason behind that awful mark on his cheek.
Then, something caught something out of the corner of his eye. Bringing his left arm off the mirror, Kenshin squinted against the light as he tilted his arm to get a better view. There, on his wrist, was a scar that seemed to have been a from a knife or razor and looked to have been very deep.
Where did I get that—
Kenshin's eyes suddenly widened.
"I remember something like this happening in that dream I had……how could I have a scar from something that happened in my dream?" Kenshin whispered to himself, "Wait… if this happened… then," he ripped open his tank-top. There, in the center of his chest over his heart, was a word that was formed by scabbed over scratches.
"…Kaoru…"
Handing him the ring, her lips curled into a hopeful smile… a smile which he did not return. Gripping the ring tightly, Kenshin turned around and began walking stiffly towards the house. Taking out the Swiss-army knife Kenshin had received from Takeo from his pant pocket, Kenshin flipped out the small knife and began making digging and scratching movements against his torso. Careful not to cause too much damage, Kenshin quickly slashed those five letters. K…A…O…R…U.
"I may be taking the ring," he started harshly, almost painfully, "but I WILL make another way. I WON'T give up and I WILL make us work." Kenshin stopped in his tracks, "Even if it's my last resort."
Swallowing the ring, Kenshin could only hear the faint echoes of a voice calling out to him and the feeling of blood trickling down his body as everything flashed before his eyes… then, everything stopped.
Kenshin couldn't believe it… small parts of the 'dream' Kenshin could remember began to make so much sense. It really wasn't a dream… he DID make another way… and now…
Kenshin ran back into his bedroom and frantically began changing his clothes.
He IS going to make it work. He IS going to make them work. He IS going to see Kaoru again.
Not bothering to lock the door to his apartment, Kenshin sprinted out of the apartment and down the hall; eventually making it down the hall and out of the lobby into the cold New York streets.
"It seems you've underestimated you're beloved."
Kaoru stood in the bright misty room, eyes closed, murmuring something under her breath as she held the long pearl chain and heart pendent in her hands. Stopping for a moment, Kaoru opened her eyes and replied.
"I have to stop him."
"Oh Kaoru," The older angel made her way towards Kaoru, so that she stood only a few feet behind her, "you know you can't stop free will."
"I know," Kaoru gathered the strands of beads into here hands and held it in the center of her heart, closing her eyes, Kaoru continued. "I know I can't stop free will. But there's nothing against trying."
"But Kaoru… it's useless." The angel stepped around so that she could see the young angel before her. "You've spent ten years trying to help him… waiting. It's too late now Kaoru."
Kaoru merely kept her eyes shut, ignoring and unresponsive to what her confidant said.
"Kaoru," she reached and firmly grasped Kaoru's shoulders, "Listen to me."
Kaoru reluctantly opened her eyes to look at the older women before her.
"You can't do this. You've gotten what you wanted… you've saved him."
Kaoru's eyes clouded over as she felt the tears welling up in her eyes. "Saved him? I didn't save him Veronique! I've corrupted him! Even though I'm here and safe. Even though I am finally a full fledged angel… I could never let him do something so drastic just because of me! He needs and he deserves so much more."
Shrugging off the Veronique's hands from her shoulder's, Kaoru began walking into the thickening mist that had accumulated around them. As Kaoru entered the mist, she made her way towards a large, silver, glowing whirl pool, and threw her pearl chain into the radiant liquid. Immediately, the chain dissolved and the whirlpool expanded and spun faster.
"Kaoru… you know the severity behind what you're doing."
"Yes… I know."
"If you don't make it back in one hour, not only everything you've done would be reversed and all that waiting would be pointless, you'll become a lost soul.
"Veronique," Kaoru stopped at the edge of the pool, "I understand that you're looking out for me, and have been for the past decade, but I have to try. I have to stop Kenshin from committing suicide."
Stepping into the pool, the silvern liquid engulfed Kaoru and exploded into a blinding bright light, within moments Kaoru was gone.
"Oh Kaoru… I hope you know what you're doing."
Thrusting open the doors to the street, Kenshin wasted no time in frantically searching around his surroundings for some form of easy transportation. Next to the street, was a middle aged man no taller than Kenshin, stuffing luggage into the back of his large SUV. Sprinting towards the SUV, Kenshin ran for the driver's side of the car. Hoping that the car keys would already be in the car, Kenshin flung open the car door and jumped in.
"Yes!" Kenshin grabbed the key that lay on the passenger seat, and shoving the key into the ignition, the car roared to life.
"Hey! HEY!! GET OUT OF MY CAR!!" The older man screamed as he began to make his way towards the front of the car.
It was too late, Kenshin sped out of the parking spot and was now speeding recklessly down the busy New York street.
Overcoming the nauseating feeling that arose in Kaoru as she flashed into view, she glanced down at what she wore and where she stood. Kaoru was wearing a simple Cardigan top with a zip-up sweater, and a pair of jeans. Her hair was pulled into her typical ponytail with her signature indigo ribbon. Although enjoying the closest feeling of being alive again, Kaoru felt that this was no time to celebrate for she came to do something…something very important.
As she gracefully made her way through the alleyway toward the busy downtown New York streets, the sound of tires screeching and people screaming for others to get out of the way sent shivers down her spine.
Oh no Kenshin…
The sounds of a roaring engine and skidding tires got closer.
Please tell me it's not you…
Kaoru began running toward the street as the car got closer… thus followed by screams.
Please…
As Kaoru ran into the street, a large SUV came hurling down at her, and in the driver's seat… was Kenshin.
No Kenshin… no…
Strangely enough Kenshin did not see anything before him, hence the SUV did not stop. Within second, Kaoru thought she was going to face death once again, but was then surprised as the car went through her as if she did not exist.
What?
The SUV continued screeching down the streets as Kenshin made another skidding turn.
How could this be? I thought… I thought if I came back I could…
Kaoru's mind filled with questions and doubt as her eyes clouded over with tears.
How could this be?! How can I help Kenshin if I can't even touch him?! If he can't even see me?!
Another scream could be heard down the block along with the sound of a crazed machine. Angrily wiping her tears away, Kaoru thrust her head up high, and turned toward where Kenshin went.
No… I don't care if I can't touch him or see him, I can't go back now. All I can do is try…
Running as fast as she could ever imagine doing, Kaoru sprinted down the streets toward the streets.
"GET OUT OF THE WAY!"
"GO! GO GO!"
"HE'S GONE INSANE!"
"OH MY GOD!! RUNNN!"
Terrified citizens jumped and dodged the SUV as it surged angrily and mercilessly through the crowd and traffic. Swerving and screeching from side to side, Kenshin's eyes narrowed in blood lust. He felt no care for any life, he felt no need to slow down… all he felt was his need to make his promise come true. To make them work… to make it happen. It wasn't long before Kenshin's lips curled into an angry snarl and he screamed in frustration.
"WHY WON'T ANYONE HIT ME?! SOMEONE FUCKING HIT ME!!"
Frustrated, Kenshin sped up to a store that sat at the corner of the street, crashing through the glass windows and running into the a busy street. A monstrously loud horn could be heard as it howled down at the smaller car in front of it. Whipping his head towards the origin of the sound, Kenshin could only catch the sight of two large headlights heading straight towards him. Without a moment's hesitation, the large semi-truck rammed into the side Kenshin's SUV.
Kenshin felt everything snap in his body as he was thrown out of the car.
Glass shattered into a million pieces.
The warm feeling of blood escaped his body.
The SUV was crushed into large layers of metal.
Everything stopped.
Everything went black.
Hearing the sound of an atrocious crash echoing through the streets and intersections, Kaoru's heart sunk and everything she felt in her bones turn into ice.
NO!...
Feeling as if her legs were apart from her body, she sped down the road as fast as she could.
NO! Please let it not be Kenshin!
Seconds felt like centuries as Kaoru sprinted around the cars that had consumed the New York streets. Citizens got out of their cars as a few yelled obscenities or merely asked questions out of curiosity. It wasn't until Kaoru's gut told her she was getting closer toward were Kenshin was did her heart begin to fall apart. Within the next turn, Kaoru's eyes fell upon a large truck's dented bumper and the same SUV she had saw Kenshin driving in earlier… only this time, it was mutilated.
"No…" The knot in the back of Kaoru's throat finally gave away as she no longer choked back the tears, "No Kenshin…"
There lay her beloved, the one she had come for… covered in his own blood.
"No Kenshin… No!"
Kaoru rushed over to Kenshin's side, reaching toward him, Kaoru stopped as she remembered that she was not able to make contact with anything…or anyone. Tears cascaded down her porcelain face as she let out a soft, despairing whimper. Kaoru prayed that Kenshin was alright… that he might still be breathing. Getting up to from her crouched position, Kaoru felt hope rise in her heart and she got up to find some sort of medical help. As she began to move away, a voice stopped her dead in her tracks.
"Kaoru…?"
Kaoru's eyes widened as she whipped her head around.
"It's really you…"
There, on the pavement, lay the helpless Kenshin with his eyes minutely open… his mouth curled into a subtle grin.
"Kenshin?" Kaoru immediately ran to his side and knelt down.
"You see me Kenshin?" She whispered.
His voice was weak and soft, almost inaudible, as he spoke again.
"Isn't it ironic… that this is how… you had died?"
Kaoru frantically reached for Kenshin's shoulders, completely forgetting her translucent state. Only this time, she did not go through him. Her petite fingers gripped onto his limp shoulder as she gently ran her other hand against his cheek. Confused, yet relieved on why she had suddenly become tangible, Kaoru's brows burrowed slightly in pain as she stared into those beautiful lavender eyes.
"Don't cry Kaoru…didn't I tell you… I'd make another way?"
Kaoru's tears were dampening Kenshin's blood encrusted shirt as they flowed freely down her smooth cheeks and onto his chest.
"But why Kenshin? Why did you do this?"
"Because… I've made another way…"
Even more confused, and frustrated, Kaoru croaked, "How Kenshin? How could you make another way if… if…"
"Kaoru," Kenshin interrupted, "Don't you get it yet? You had come back for this…unfinished business…because you left me pained." Kenshin coughed as blood gurgled at the back of his throat, "But even when you did…you left again … nothing changed."
The color in Kenshin's face seemed to drain even more as he brought his cool hand against hers, "You never fixed anything. You never took away my pain."
Shocked at the reality behind the truth in Kenshin's words, Kaoru froze. He was right… even though she came back, she had achieved nothing. Everything she had done was, and has been, completely useless. Breaking her thoughts, Kenshin began to cough violently as blood spewed over the side of his mouth. Trying to calm down his choking fit, Kenshin continued.
"This way…" throwing up more blood, he seemed to struggle to talk as he drowned in his own blood, "We… can…be together…"
Gently wiping the beads of sweat from his face, Kaoru's vision became blinded with tears as she held on tighter to his other hand. If Kenshin died, everything would be over… they would never be together. If she didn't help him before her time was up, everything she's done and everything she's given up would've been futile.
"No Kenshin… you don't understand--"
Letting out another heart-wrenching gurgle, Kenshin smiled as blood trickled down from the corner of his lips. Raising his cold pale hand up to Kaoru's soft cheek, he spoke.
"We…can be together…"
As his eyes rolled back and his eyelids fluttered shut, Kenshin's body went limp as his hand dropped from her cheek… plopping down next to his cold lifeless body.
His smile was still plastered on his strangely peaceful face; one that has finally found genuine joy.
"No… NO! YOU CAN'T KENSHIN NO!!"
Overcome with anguish and indescribable sorrow, Kaoru screamed at the limp form before her. Gripping Kenshin's shoulders, she shook him relentlessly… as if it might awake him.
"NO…. no…no…no…………oh please no…"
Defeated, Kaoru laid her head down on Kenshin's chest as she wept.
Wept to the heavens.
Wept to his soul.
Wept for everything that's happened.
And wept for everything that's worth weeping for.
Ring.......Ring………Ring…RRii-
"Moshi moshi?"
No answer.
"uhh… Moshi moshi?"
"Soujiro…" Sano…his voice is so broken…so pained.
"What is it Sano? What's wrong?"
"It's… Kenshin…"
"What? What about Kenshin?" What's going on…what could have happened?
"He was found dead at the site of a car accident in downtown New York… the car they said he was driving was found completely mutilated… they declared him dead on impact."
"What? It can't have been Kenshin… Kenshin's here in Japan—how could…?"
"WHY WOULD I LIE ABOUT SOMETHING LIKE THIS SOUJIRO?" Sano choked out sobs, "He's dead… I saw it… I saw the body. It's him…He's dead"
He's dead.
The words hanged in the air… heavy…already beating away at my heart. Was Kenshin not just here in Japan? How could this be true?
"You're lying Sano…"
"What?! Soujiro! I WOULDN'T LIE ABOUT…"
It can't be true…
"NO!! YOU'RE LYING!! ALL OF YOU… YOU'RE ALL LYING!"
It can't be…
"I'M NOT LYING SOUJ--"
A loud crash rang through the apartment and the line got cut off.
"But……. Don't you find this as an exception?"
"Veronique--"
"Please! Let me do this… They love each other… fairytales never end this way. Let them live happily ever after."
Moments passed before the voice answered.
"Are you sure you want to do this?"
"Yes… I am positive."
"Alright then Veronique, do as you please."
Reaching behind her to get hold of one of the large white feathers, Veronique yanked it from one of her wings and tossed it into the swirling crystalline whirlpool before her. Whispering an incantation beneath her breath, everything was absorbed into a blinding light.
"May you live happily ever after Kaoru… May both your sacrifices be rewarded."
Veronique's body was pulled into the light and everything stopped.
Backing up from the mob of people that slowly crowded around the crime scene, the pained figure floated ghastly across the ground.
Look at them with their curiosity…
"What happened—OH MY GOD!"
None of them know…
"Is he dead?"
They don't even see me.
"HURRY! HE NEEDS HELP!"
They don't even feel me.
"He looks like he's already dead…"
None of them understand.
"QUICK! SOMEONE CALL 911!"
None of them will ever understand.
Slowly drifting away, Kaoru made it through crowd that surrounded the corpse.
I am forever lost.
Suddenly, a strange sensation surged through her body and it caused her to freeze in her tracks. Having lost all hope, Kaoru did not even try to move out of her frozen state. Instead, she just stood there… staring to no where in particular with her eyes glazed over.
"Where do you think you're going?"
That voice…
Miraculously, Kaoru felt her body loosen up and she was able to turn around.
It can't be…
Meeting those beautiful lavender eyes with that of hers made her legs numb, sent her heart into overdrive, and made her body felt melt. There before her, was the most gorgeous creature that Kaoru had ever laid her eyes on. His whole body glowed and was traced with a kind of elegance no word or phrase could ever describe. He was perfect.
"Kenshin…"
He smiled.
Could I be hallucinating? Is it really him?
"I told you I'd make us work."
"Kenshin…"
Opening his arms, he beckoned her to come to him… to hold him… to love him.
Running into his arms, she wrapped her arms around his waist and swore beneath her breath to never let him go.
"Oh thank you God…" Kaoru sobbed into his chest, "Oh thank you…"
Kenshin embraced her back and smiled.
Feeling strangely 'angelic', Kaoru looked behind her.
"Oh my gosh……… I have wings."
"And so do I." It was then, Kaoru noticed the glorious wings spread behind Kenshin.
"How did this…"
"That's not important Kaoru, what's important is that I'm yours, and you're mine… and that will be true for all of eternity."
Leaning up, Kaoru eagerly, yet gently, pressed her lips to his. Those soft, luscious lips moving against hers made everything in the past, the pain, the troubles, the waiting… everything worthwhile.
I love you Kenshin…
I love you Kaoru… My heart… my soul… my angel.
When I first saw you I already knewThere was something inside of youSomething I thought that I would never findAngel of mineA/N: I hope you all liked it! I have to say this is the very first fic I've ever had the determination to finish. I know it took FOREVER… and the ending wasn't exactly what I had hoped… I guess it was just a big ball of confusing mumbo jumbo lol --… anyways… I'd like to thank all the reviewers that had left me the greatest reviews, and those soon to come! I'm not sure what I'm going to do now that this is done and over with… I guess we'll just have to wait until my creative juices start overflowing again. Till next time… this has been Ang3l MoMO!
PS: If you liked this fic, please go and watch the music video that inspired me to write it. Nickelback – Someday. I do not own that idea, but it did help my brainstorming .
For all of you, please do me this one last favor and review this last chapter and/or this whole story. Greatly appreciated!