Title:    A New Beginning

Rated: R – Violence and Language

Author: charismatic_angel

Email: charismatic_angel@msn.com

Chapter Date: June 20, 2003

All the stuff you do not want to read but I have to say:

* sighs * I do not own Rurouni Kenshin. Someone else owns the rights and characters to this series. You know the rest…(Please don't sue me)

Chapter: 3

Kaoru's first day in America went by fast. She was not prepared for the long wait at the New York City Office of Immigration. She stood in line, for what seemed like hours. The entire process of immigration had taken over a year. Upon her arrival she was instructed to stop there first, to complete the final paper work.

She was fortunate to have such good friend as Misao. Misao helped her with the immigration process. Since Enishi kept such a close eye on her, Misao volunteered to help her friend by completing the paper work. They both had to be very careful not to arise any suspicion from Enishi. The immigration forms were sent to Misao's address. Kaoru secretly provided Misao with the necessary information.

Misao was furious when she found out Enishi abused Kaoru. She told Kaoru to leave him and to stay with her.  Kaoru was reluctant; Enishi had threatened her if she were to leave him.

"You can hide no where in Japan. I will find you and you will regret the day you ever left me. You belong to me and it will stay that way, so be it."  

Those were Enishi's exact words. Kaoru knew he meant them too. He had a high-ranking government job. Enishi knew many people in Japan. He would easily be able to find her. Money talked and he had plenty to throw around. She couldn't endanger Misao by living with her. She would have to leave Japan; there was no other choice.

It was early evening before Kaoru finished the last of the paperwork. Officially, she was a legal American Citizen. She looked at her watch noticing how late it was. She hoped that there was still time to obtain a hotel room.

There were plenty of hotels at the district she was currently in. She decided there would be no need for a cab, since what she needed was so close at hand.

The first hotel she decided to try was the Marriott. She gazed upwards at the tall building and was amazed at its extraordinary height. She stepped through the revolving glass doors into an amazing well-lit lobby.

The floors stairs and counters were made entirely of marble. The light fixtures were a shiny brass, which reflected the iridescent glow of the bulbs. Plush white chairs and couches filled one corner of the immense lobby. The staff was very neat looking in their matching maroon uniforms with shiny brass buttons. New guests stood at the counter while a bellboy lifted their luggage onto a shiny brass cart.

Nervously, Kaoru approached desk.

"May I help you miss." Replied the man behind the desk.

"Yes, I would like a room if you have one available." She softly replied.

"I see he said." As he inspected her appearance. "Which card would you like to use today?"

"Umm, card? I am not sure I know what you mean?"

"We accept any major credit card." He coolly replied.

"I am sorry but I do not have a credit card. I am only able to pay in cash." She almost whispered.

"We do not accept cash. Without a credit card I will not be able to give you a room."

Kaoru looked down and said, "I am sorry for wasting your time, thank you."

Slowly she turned around with a defeated look on her face and headed towards the door. The man eyed her closely until she was no longer in view.

Kaoru had no luck at the next few places. Everyone wanted a credit card and she didn't have one. Ironically she had money, but these days no one seemed to want cash.

She traveled out of the district and into a new one. This one did not look as friendly as the last. The buildings were run down and there were bars on the windows. Kaoru wished she had taken a cab, but there was none in site. She traveled further clutching her bag tightly.

The wind came up sending a slow shiver down her spine. She had traveled so long that it was almost dark. Her eyes darted around nervously as she approached dark corners. A few times she heard noises behind her or coming from a distance but couldn't see anyone. She hoped it was only an animal…hopefully not a big one either.

As she approached a dark alleyway a loud clash could be heard coming from the dark corner. Immediately her heart jumped into her throat. Her breathing became erratic. Slowly she backed up waiting for whatever made the noise come out. She almost screamed when she saw the small figure emerge from the shadows.

It was a cat. The grungy looking thing let out a broken meow as it ran off in the opposite direction. Kaoru gave a sigh of relief.

It's only a cat…only a cat. Breathe just Breathe.

Kaoru thought it would be a good idea to turn around and head back to the friendlier part of town. As she turned around ready to leave, she came face to face with a tall burly looking man.

"Going somewhere?" the new voice asked.

Kaoru panicked

Oh no! What have I gotten myself into! I should have stayed in the other district.

"What's a pretty little thing doing out here all by herself? It isn't smart to walk around here at night. Someone could hurt you if you are not careful."

As calm as she could muster she replied, "I am sorry I was just leaving."

"Oohh, but I think not. See girly, you just walked into the wrong neighborhood.

He extended his hand towards her face and gently traced the outline of her jaw.

Anger replaced fear as the stranger touched her face with his dirty hands. Quickly Kaoru kneed him in the groin and ran as fast as she could. She didn'tlook back to see if he got up or not, because that didn't concern her at the moment.

Kaoru kept her pace hoping that she would get out of this neighborhood quick. She could hear someone running behind her. He must have gotten up.

What am I going to do?! He is catching up!

The man had an edge on her. His giant leaps made it easy for him to catch up. He was at her heels and in one leap tackled her to the ground. She felt the air being knocked out of her as she hit the pavement.

The man immediately pulled a knife from his pocket and put it to her throat. His other hand forced its way under her shirt.

"Scream and you die!" the man hissed into her ear.

Hot tears streamed down Kaoru's face. How could this be happening to her?

No, not again!

In an instant she felt the mans weight lift off her and the oppressive blade leave her throat.

What's happening?

She turned around to look for her attacker and saw him fighting another man. The other man was punching the attacker like he was nothing. She could hear her attacker grunting in pain as the man hit him in the jaw one last time and then fell to the ground.

Wide-eyed Kaoru stared at the man who saved her. He slowly approached her as she got up.

"Are you alright?" he asked.

As he walked into the light she could make his features out more plainly. He was tall lean and very muscular. His hair was brown in a spikey-gelled style. He wore blue jeans and a white t-shirt, which showed his muscular physique.

"I am alright." She said shakily.

"Doesn't look like it to me. What the hell were you thinking? It's not safe to walk these streets at night, especially a little missy as yourself."

Kaoru retorted, "I was lost. I am not from here."

"Could have fooled me." He said sarcastically.

Kaoru scowled at him.

Just who did he think he was? Telling her where to walk and then calling her missy…He did save me though…but still he could be a little nicer!

"Well, I better walk you home so you don't get into anymore trouble." He said.

Kaoru defiantly said, "How do I know you aren't like him?" as she pointed to the bloody heap on the ground. "Maybe you only saved me so you could do the same."

The man chuckled

"Listen missy, if I wanted a real woman, I wouldn't be looking for you. I get plenty of offers. This is the thanks I get for saving your life?"

He had a point

Kaoru hesitantly walked towards him and extended her hand.

"My name is Kaoru, thanks for rescuing me."

He took her hand and introduced himself.

"Sanosuke, Sanosuke Sagara.

Well that's the end of chapter 3!Thanks for all of the wonderful replies. I am glad you are so far enjoying the story. It will be picking up in the next few chapters…"we still need to be introduced to that amazing readhead ;)"

Tonight I am off to buy "HARRY POTTER and The Order of the Phoenix!" I will try not to become too entangled in the book for those who wish me to continue.

Please keep posting those reviews!