Title: A New Beginning
Author: Charismatic Angel
Email: charismatic_angel@msn.com
Rated: PG 13
Chapter Date: February 15, 2004
Chapter 29:
The next few days, Kaoru, took care of Kenshin's wounds. The two avoided speaking or looking at each other. They weren't sure what to say or where to begin. The truth had been hidden so long, that they found it difficult to open up.
Every time Kenshin heard Kaoru enter his room, he would quickly close his eyes, pretending to sleep. He constantly thought of what he should say to her. A part of him was still mad at her but another part wanted to take her in his arms and never let go.
Kaoru was grateful that Kenshin was asleep whenever she entered his room. It never occurred to her that he faked sleeping, to avoid her. She knew that sometime soon they would both have to talk, but now didn't seem like the time to her. Kenshin seemed to be getting better day-by-day. She was surprised to see that his wounds were healing so fast. A few nights ago, she was worrying whether or not he would pull through. Guilt and sadness constantly plagued her mind. If it weren't for her, Kenshin would be all right.
Kaoru was dog tired from lack of sleep. Her condition made it hard to do the things she used to. The energy she once had was cut in half. She lay on the couch; trying to recoup what energy she had left. She wished Miss Megumi and Sano were there to help her, but Sano said it would be better if they didn't visit, since they weren't sure if they'd be followed. Once Kenshin got better, they would have to figure out what to do next. They very well couldn't hide out in the house for the rest of their lives. Kaoru closed her heavy eyelids, promising herself she would only take a short nap.
A loud clatter from somewhere in the house startled Kaoru from her blissful slumber. She shot up, letting out a panicked breath. The room was dark, as well the whole house. Kaoru rubbed her eyes as they adjusted to the darkness of the room. 'I must have slept the whole day.' She thought to herself. When she lay down, it was still light out. She wasn't sure what time it was now? Slowly, Kaoru got up and stumbled around until she found a light. Her eyes burned as the new light invaded her eyes. She looked around to see if anything fell, but couldn't see anything out of place. 'What was that noise?' Kaoru panicked.
She decided that she had better check on Kenshin. 'Maybe he fell out bed or something worse??!!!' Kaoru hurried towards his room, noticing that the door was shut. She saw a small amount of light seep from the crack under the door, indicating he was awake.
She wondered whether she should check on him or not. What would she do if he were awake? Kaoru wasn't sure if she would be able to talk to him yet.
Finally, Kaoru thought it would be best if she just checked in on him, to make sure he was okay. Trying not to make a lot of noise, Kaoru put her hand on the knob and slowly turned it. She silently swung the door open and peered inside.
The first thing she saw was a broken bowl of noodle soup. She looked to see if Kenshin were awake, but couldn't tell because his back was to her. Kaoru left her spot in the doorway and went to find some towels to clean up the mess. 'He must have had trouble eating.' Kaoru thought to herself.
Every day, Kaoru would set food out for Kenshin. He seemed to eat it, because every time she came in to retrieve the bowl, the food would be gone. She felt bad, because she couldn't cook very well and for the fact he probably didn't eat his food when it was warm. Kaoru wished she could be as good as him in the cooking area.
She returned to his room with some towels and a bowl of soapy water. Kaoru made sure she was very quiet, so as not to disturb Kenshin. She gently cleaned up the noodle soup mess and then began picking up the stray glass shards. Kaoru had almost finished picking up the glass when a sharp piece cut her delicate skin. "Ouch!" Kaoru shouted, as she cradled her injured hand.
Kenshin slowly sat up in bed and turned to see what had happened. He had been awake the whole time. When he saw her kneeling on the floor holding her hand, he immediately felt sorry. "Is the cut deep?" Kenshin quietly asked.
Surprised at hearing Kenshin's voice, Kaoru shot her head up. She was greeted by an expression of concern. "You should put a towel around that right away, so the bleeding stops." Kenshin suggested. Kaoru couldn't say anything, but just nodded making little noises out of her mouth.
Kaoru did as he said and put a clean towel around her hand and tucked the loose ends for a makeshift bandage. She picked up the remaining pieces of glass and the rest of her stuff and got up. "I'm sorry I woke you up, I was just leaving." Kaoru said looking at the floor.
"Wait." Kenshin beckoned. Kaoru stopped and turned back around to face him. "Did you want something more to eat? I can go fix you something new." She asked. "No, I don't need anything to eat. I…I just.." Kenshin seemed a little uneasy with his sentences. He played with his hands in his lap and looked away from her. "I was wondering if we could talk."
Kaoru's breath caught in her throat. 'He wanted to talk? NOW?!' she panicked. By far, she wasn't ready to talk to him. If anything she avoided it. Kenshin saw the shock on her face and decided, maybe he shouldn't of asked her yet. "I see….we don't have to talk yet." Kenshin softly spoke. Kaoru saw the look of disappointment in his eyes. She could sense that he didn't want to talk either, but that he wanted to get it over with." Kaoru remembered Miss Megumi's words "'You have to be strong for him.'" At that point, she knew what she had to do.
"Kenshin, let's talk." She whispered. Kaoru set the stuff she was holding down. "Please, come sit down with me." Kenshin asked, patting a spot for her to sit on the bed. Shyly, Kaoru sat down, feeling a little nervous.
Feeling her nervousness, Kenshin reached for her hand and clasped it with his. "I am scared too." He said, giving her small smile. His friendly gesture made her feel a little more at ease.
"It seems that we both have secrets." Kenshin started. "Maybe it's best that we get things in the open and take it from there?" Kaoru nodded, as Kenshin began.
"You were probably wondering why Aoshi called me Battousai?" Kenshin laughed. "It's been a long time since I've heard that name….along with other names. Let me start from the beginning…….Shinta was my name.
My parents both died before I was 8. I can't remember much about them. I only knew that they were farmers. After they died, I was sent to an orphanage. When the orphanage became overcrowded, they sent me to a foster home. My foster parents resented me and took me in because of the money. Three young sisters who lived in the same neighborhood took it upon themselves to look after me, when my foster parents wouldn't. Their care would be short lived, because a terrible thing happened one night.
My foster parents owed money to a Yakuza syndicate. They were unable to pay so some thugs were sent out to kill them. I hid underneath the kitchen table, seeing everything that happened. After they murdered my foster parents, they came after me.
I ran outside as they chased after me. I ran to the only place of shelter I knew, which were the three sisters. They tried to protect me, but were unable to….they were killed also.
I would have met my death too if it weren't for a man who came along and saved me. He slayed the thugs in one stroke….I couldn't believe me eyes.
The same man who slayed those men took me in and taught me his sword technique. He renamed me Kenshin, since Shinta was a weak name for a swordfighter. I studied with him until the age of 15. My master was a hermit by nature. He wanted nothing to do with the current government and lived a way so he wouldn't have to rely on it. I was young and arrogant. I believed that I could change things with my sword….and so I did.
I did the one thing my master despised and joined the government. They were impressed with my skill. Not too long after, I was approached to join a group of special assassins. I killed without remorse; not knowing what effect it would have on the lives of others. It was my job and that was all.
By the age of 18 I had become known by my nickname of "Battousai the Manslayer", which was taken from my favorite move the Batto Jutsu.
That summer I met a girl by the name of Tomoe Yukishiro. Her and I became very close. She made me realize the consequences of what my sword had done. I was no better than those Yakuza thugs who killed the sisters. Soon after, we became engaged. Our wedding was to be in the spring.
The government didn't like Tomoe's involvement. She was making me weak, so they decided to do something about it. That night I was sent to kill a woman. I had reservations about it, because I had never done so. I agreed to do this mission, with the one condition that it'd be my last.
So…I did it. I used my sword and put it through the woman. I couldn't see what she looked like because she wore a scarf over her head. When I pulled my sword out she fell to the ground, she was not dead. I couldn't bring myself to finish her. The wind picked up and her scarf blew away, revealing her identity. I couldn't believe it…..the woman was…Tomoe. I killed her they set me up. I tried to help her, but it was too late. The wound was fatal. Desperate, I took a dagger from my pocket and placed it in her hand, begging her to kill me. She smiled at me, and with the last ounce of strength she had, Tomoe made the scar, which is on my face to this day.
The government thought that after Tomoe's death I would come back around. They were wrong, I hated them and myself for killing the one I loved. Without notice I left Japan, vowing never to return. I never knew if one day they'd come looking for me, since I knew a few of their dirty secrets.
When I sensed Aoshi's presences I was sure it was the government who sent him. That's why I broke up with you. I didn't want you to get hurt, because I knew how they worked. Kaoru, I love you more than anything, even after everything that's happened. I don't want to lose you like I lost Tomoe. I am sorry for hurting you. I hope that someday you can forgive me." He said quietly finishing his story.
Kaoru's eyes shimmered with tears. Tears for Kenshin's hard life, tears for Tomoe's cruel death, and tears because he still loved her. "I love you too Kenshin." She said to Kenshin. The two embraced for the longest time, saying nothing more.
End of chapter 29
Okay, I know it's been awhile. College has been so time consuming. Thank you for all of your encouragement and your reviews. It's good to know that I have such awesome readers!
I will try to update a little more often, and not wait 4 months for the next chapter. I still have Kaoru's side of the story to tell, so I won't be going anywhere. Hope this chapter has lived up to your expectations!
As a treat for you InuYasha fans, please check out my new story, "The Truth behind masks." I have a full summary on my website.
Thank you for reading!
Charismatic Angel