Title: A New Beginning
Rated: PG-13 (Violence & Language)
Author: charismatic angel
Email: charismatic_angel@msn.com
Chapter Date: July 16, 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 23:
Kaoru's eyes were full of tears as she tripped up the stairs towards her apartment. Kaoru nervously fumbled with her keys as she tried to open the door.
"Damnit! Open, open!" she shouted, half sobbing.
After several relentless attempts, Kaoru finally managed to open the door.
She ran inside and slammed the door behind her. She didn't bother turning on the lights as she made her way into the bedroom.
Kaoru flopped on her bed and buried her face in the nearest pillow. Her muffled sobs could be heard as she pitifully cried into the pillow.
'He doesn't want me! He doesn't love me! How could I have been so foolish? He's like all the rest…he played with my heart until he got what he wanted. I should have learned my lesson…I should have never trusted him…' Kaoru reflected.
Kaoru turned on her side as the sobs continued to rack her body. Tears streamed down her beautiful sapphire eyes and soaked the pillow. She sucked in huge amounts of and continued to cry.
'I am so worthless…' she sadly thought.
She kept thinking mournful thoughts as the night carried on. Kaoru laid alone on her bed as she thought of the one true love she'd just lost. Sleep eventually caught up with her and her tear soaked eyes became heavy. The last thought she had was of Kenshin. His violet eyes would be forever etched in her memory.
Her breathing became slow and labored as she drifted off into a solemn slumber.
*****************
Kenshin packed the last of things into a small suitcase. He knew it'd be best for him to leave as soon as possible. He could no longer put Miss Kaoru in danger with his presence.
Kenshin felt guilty for acting so harshly towards Kaoru. He loved her with all of his heart.
'I am sorry Kaoru. I never meant to hurt you. I love you too much to get hurt. I'm not sure what I'd do if something happened to you. I didn't deserve you in the first place…You were far too innocent to be stained by my blood guilty hands.' He thought
Before leaving Kenshin scanned his apartment one last time. It looked the same as always, but had an emptier feeling. He only packed what he could carry and the rest he was going to leave behind. The apartment had been his home for the last five years and after leaving it'd only be a memory. Kenshin let out a deep sigh as he picked up his bag and sword.
'Maybe someday I'll be able to come back.' He thought hopefully.
Kenshin quietly shut the door behind him as he exited his apartment for the last time. He quietly walked up the stairs and towards the door that lead to the rooftop. He opened the door and marveled at the night sky. The sky was black and starless and the clouds hid the moon.
'So much for a nice view.' He thought sadly
The bitter air brushed against his face as he walked to the spot where he and Kaoru first consummated their love. He closed his eyes and reflected the moments they shared that first night.
He could still smell the jasmine in her hair, feel the softness and warmth of her lips, and could hear her softly crying his name as they made love.
Kenshin opened his eyes hoping that his dream was real. He was greeted by the empty night and the cold wind. He stood alone as the breeze caught his flaming red hair and blew it forward. His violet eyes were filled with sadness and remorse because his love would never want him back after what he did.
'I wish things could be different and that I had never killed. At the time, I thought what I was doing was right. I was young but that's no excuse…I will forever be tormented by my wrong doings.'
'I came here to start a new life, in place of my old one. I thought I could disappear and make things better…but I was wrong. There are so many things I should have told you…but I never got around to telling you because I was afraid you'd think less of me. I'm sorry I never got the chance to be honest with you.'
'Goodbye Kaoru…give your heart to someone who is worthy.'
**************************
Sano wobbled from side to side as he stumbled home. He had his fair share of booze, girls, and gambling for the night. He wanted nothing more than to get home and crash on the sofa.
He just about made it up the stairs when a familiar figure stood up and grabbed his arm.
"Hey Kenshin." Sano said half yawning, "What are you doing out so early? It's nearly 5:30am," he said looking at his watch.
"I know what time it is." Kenshin quietly replied.
The sword around Kenshin's waist and the bag by his feet caught Sano's attention.
"Going somewhere?" Sano said, cocking his eyebrow at him.
"Yes." Kenshin replied solemnly.
Sano had an eerie feeling that something wasn't right. He had been his friend for the last five years and he could definitely tell something was up. Kenshin was acting too cool for his liking. He had a hunch that missy was somehow involved.
"Does missy know you're leaving?" He asked inquisitively.
"No and I'd like to keep it that way." Kenshin replied in a low voice.
"You know, when she finds out, missy's going to be pretty hurt and all. I don't think she's going to take it well." Sano said, trying to make Kenshin realize what he was doing.
"I don't think Miss Kaoru will mind after what I've done. I suppose she will never want to see me again." Kenshin said, with a guilty voice.
"What did you do to her?!" Sano growled. His eyes narrowed as he clenched his fists. "Look at me when I am talking to you!"
Kenshin kept his eyes towards the ground, too ashamed to face his best friend.
"I…we broke up. That is all I can say."
"You son of a bitch." Sano spat.
Kenshin could tell Sano was shaking with anger. It took everything Sano had inside of him to not beat the shit out of Kenshin.
'How could he do this to her? I thought I knew him…I thought he was better than this. I want to punch him…I want to make him hurt for hurting her. The poor kid doesn't deserve it!' He angrily thought to himself.
"If it will make you feel better, then hit me." Kenshin said, almost reading Sano's mind.
For a moment, Sano drew back his fist as Kenshin stayed still. Their eyes were locked together. Sano saw the guilt and hurt hidden behind his placid face. It was like Kenshin was welcoming him to punch him.
Sano withdrew his fist, "You're not worth it." He said in an even tone.
"Where are you going?" Sano asked as he stuck his hand in his pocket.
Kenshin pulled an envelope out of his coat and handed it to Sano.
"I can't take everything with me. I provided enough money to cover the rent for the rest of the year. If I should not return after that time, you may see as fit to do with my possessions. I have no attachments to them."
"So I guess this is goodbye huh?" Sano said nonchalantly.
Kenshin tried to smile.
"Thank you Sano, for being such a good friend."
Sano grumbled something and cleared his throat.
"I have a favor to ask of you. Please watch over Miss Kaoru. I put a temporary address in the envelope in case you should need me." Kenshin said in a sad voice.
Sano nodded.
Kenshin picked up his bag and slung it over his shoulder and began to walk off.
"Kenshin." Sano spoke.
Kenshin stopped and listened for what Sano was going to say next.
"I thought I knew you…but I guess I was wrong. You are no better than her ex fiancée. I would have never expected this in a million years. Even though you're my friend…I am a bit disappointed in you." Sano said with last efforts in convincing Kenshin of what he was doing was wrong.
'Ex Fiancee? She never told me about an ex fiancée…' Kenshin thought bitterly.
Kenshin stood frozen, unable to move.
For a brief moment, Sano thought he'd struck the right cord but was disappointed when Kenshin started walking in the opposite direction, never looking back.
******************************
Phone Call to Tokyo:
"I've got news on our current situation." Aoshi spoke with a cool demeanor.
"Have you found her?!" Enishi barked.
"Yes….along with someone else."
"What do you mean someone else?! The dumb bitch better not be shacking up with someone else!" Enishi spat.
"It seems she's made friends with the battousi…close friends you could say."
"Battousi?! He's…I thought? He's in America?" Enishi gasped.
"Yes, but he doesn't seem to be a problem anymore. My presence has caused him to leave. The job should be easier without him around."
"Are you sure he's gone? The battousi is someone not to take lightly. Damn! This makes everything more complicated."
"Leave the battousi up to me. I will teach my predecessor a lesson if he decides to show up." Aoshi said coolly.
"If he gets in your way…kill him." Enishi said, his voice like venom.
**********************
Kaoru woke up as a slight chill rippled down he spine. She had slept curled up in the middle of bed with no covers. The feeling of loneliness washed over her as she realized last night was all too real.
She sat up and rubbed her sleep-encrusted eyes. Her body ached and was stiff from all the crying she did the night before. She felt empty, like there was no other emotion left inside of her. Her energy was drained and she felt weak.
Slowly, Kaoru arose from bed and stood up. A familiar feeling of dizziness overwhelmed her, knocking her off balance. She gripped onto the nightstand for support until her vision cleared.
No sooner had the dizzy feeling stopped than she felt like being sick. Kaoru bolted to the bathroom and vomited into the toilet. After Kaoru finished retching, she flushed the toilet and sat in the corner by the tub.
She remembered feeling this way once before in her life but god couldn't be that cruel again.
She sat on the floor and pulled her knees to her chin as she rocked back and forth.
Everything's going to be all right…it's not possible…god can't be that cruel…can he?' She thought as crystalline tears formed in her eyes.
*********************
Kaoru got dressed and walked to the corner store to buy a home pregnancy test. She had never felt so nervous in her life as she did now. She practically shook all the way home, dreading what the results would be.
She clutched onto the brown paper bag, scared that someone would guess what's inside. Kaoru just about made it to her door when she came face to face with Sano.
He was just leaving when they bumped into each other. Kaoru clung to the bag for dear life.
'Please Sano…Please Sano…not now…just leave…I want to be alone.' She chanted to herself.
Sano could see the sadness and hurt in her eyes. They looked red and swollen as if she were crying for a long time. He wanted to do something for her, but wasn't sure exactly what. There was nothing in the world he could do to take away her pain. It was the first time in his life, where he felt useless.
"Hey'a missy." Sano spoke quietly.
"Hi Sano." Kaoru replied in a weak voice.
"Ummm, you okay?" Sano asked, trying to be helpful.
"I'm fine…I just want to go inside. I am tired." She replied.
"Okay." Sano said scratching the back of his head. If you want some company later, I am ordering pizza." He said in a hopeful voice.
Kaoru nodded and turned to leave as she entered her apartment.
She breathed a sigh of relief as she closed the door. The run in with Sano, was something unexpected and highly unwanted at this time.
"I think he knows…I can tell by the way he was acting. I suppose by the end of the day, everyone will know how much Kenshin didn't want me.' She thought bitterly to herself.
Kaoru took the test of the bag and read the instructions on the back of the box. She went into the bathroom and performed the test. When she was finished she set the testing stick on the sink. The test said it would take 3-5 minutes for results. Kaoru sat impatiently on the edge of the tub, awaiting her fate.
Fear rested in her throat as she thought more and more about her situation.
'Kenshin doesn't love me…and if I am pregnant he probably won't love the baby either…Oh! What have I gotten myself into…this wasn't supposed to happen.'
Her little revelry was interrupted by a knock at the door.
'Oh god! Who is it now?!…Please go away!!.' She wished to herself.
The knocking persisted as she forced herself to get up and answer it. Kaoru stomped to the door and opened it up.
She gasped as she recognized the person in front of her.
"Aoshi?" she said breathlessly.
Aoshi moved forward as his cold eyes burned into Kaoru's. Frightend, Kaoru backed away as he entered and silently closed the door behind him.
Thoughts of Japan, Enishi and Misao popped through her head.
"Wha, wha, what do you want?" Kaoru stuttered.
Aoshi thought she looked like a deer caught in the headlights. She shook with fear as he stepped closer.
"Don't worry, I will not hurt you." Aoshi said in a cold voice.
"Why are you here?" She nervously questioned.
"You know why I am here." He replied.
"I am never going back…do you hear me?! Never!" Kaoru spat, with a sudden surge of courage.
"Really." Aoshi said, as more of a statement than a question.
"I don't think you are in a position to say such things." He said coolly.
"If you don't leave, I'll scream." Kaoru threatened.
"Scream and Misao's life is over." Aoshi replied in an even voice.
"Misao…." Kaoru whispered. "What have you done with her? Where is she?!" Kaoru yelled.
"If I have your word, that you'll come back quietly I will not hurt her. If you choose to stay, then she dies."
"No…How do I know you're not lying? You could just be saying this to get me to go back."
"True, but Misao is not the only I'll harm if you don't comply. I see you are quite fond of that rooster head next door and that small girl you work with."
"How…How did you know?" Kaoru gasped.
"You must remember, I am a member of the Oniwaban group. Spying is one of the groups expertise."
"I'll give you a few days to think about it." Aoshi calmly said as he handed her a matchbook.
"Meet me at the place written inside the front cover. If you do not meet me at the specified time, I will have no other choice than to hurt your friends. Do you understand?"
Kaoru nodded
"The same goes for Himura…if you tell him or anybody of our meeting, they will be as good as dead. Although, I don't think he'll be a problem anymore, considering he's gone." Aoshi said with an expressionless face.
"gone…" Kaoru whispered underneath her breath.
"How do you know him? How do you know this information?" She spat.
"It's none of your concern." Aoshi said in a low voice, "Just remember what I said…no one gets involved otherwise your friends are as good as dead."
Without another word, Aoshi turned around and left as quietly as he came.
Kaoru stood immobile as what he said sunk in.
'Kensin's gone…. he's never coming back.' She helplessly thought.
When Kaoru's heart stopped pounding, she remembered what she was doing earlier.
Kaoru raced into the bathroom and picked up the testing stick. One line meant not pregnant, two lines meant a positive result.
She turned the stick over as a flood of emotions caught in her throat. Two bright pink lines reflected in her eyes. She was so shocked that she dropped the test on the floor.
'I'm, I'm pregnant….now what?!' she cried to herself.
End of Chapter 23
Okay for those of you who didn't expect this coming….did you think her pregnancy was a shock? What's she going to do now Kenshin's gone? Looks like Enishi is winning so far. Will Kaoru go back to Enishi, to save her friends from harm or will she tell someone and hope they'll be able to help her? Guess you'll have to read and find out.
*hits hand with a stick* "I am a bad, bad, bad, woman for leaving you guys hanging like this." Lol
Thank you so much for the reviews! I think the last chapter was a record breaker for the most reviews I've received in a day. I try to get back to all the personal emails people send me, because I appreciate your enthusiasm for this story.
If you ever see me on MSN, don't hesitate to buzz me or something…my SN is charismatic_angel@msn.com I enjoy hearing from you!
At LilInuyashamunky's request I have brought Sano back into the picture, at which I think he'll have a bigger part than I first planned. I took Wolf's suggestion to add a bit of Kenshin's past, although it was still vague. You guys know for sure now that he was a Hikitori.
I am still taking suggestions and am considering ones that you guys have submitted. I am giving credit to those whose suggestions or comments I use in this story. Once again thank you for the feedback!
Thanks for reading and have a great day!
~*Charismatic Angel*~