Kyaa Kyaff here!
Disclaimer: Rurouni Kenshin is not mine.
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'…' Kaoru thoughts
*…* Kenshin thoughts
"…" Dialogue
Facing Adversity
Chapter 5: No Rest for Kaoru
Kaoru stood outside of the room Akira was staying in during his physical therapy. The rehabilitation center was really nice, and Akira had decided it would be easier to stay there for the time being. She hesitated a moment to calm herself.
'I can't go in there yelling and telling him how much of a baka is…even if it's true.'
Kaoru opened the door once she was sure she wasn't going to explode on him. She wouldn't be rude to him and disturb his roommate. Myojin Yutaro was a young boy recovering from some serious injuries after being assaulted and mugged by someone on the street. He had trouble with his right arm, and the nurse wasn't sure he would ever be able to use it fully again. He had been there longer then Akira. The couple of times Kaoru had met him he had been quite interested in her training with a sword, overhearing a conversation between Tomoe, Akira, and herself. He could be sweet when he wanted. The first sight that greeted her was the spiky brown hair of Myojin Yahiko, Yutaro's terror of an older brother.
"Kamiya-san!" Yutaro exclaimed happily.
Kaoru smiled, "Hello Yutaro. Where's Akira?"
"He's outside. It's such a nice day today. He said he wanted to get out of this stuffy room," Yutaro supplied helpfully.
"Thank you. Hello Yahiko," Kaoru said so as not to be rude.
She should have known how he would respond.
"What do you want, busu?"
"Yahiko, be a little nicer to Kamiya-san!" Yutaro scolded.
Yahiko turned his back to her fully facing Yutaro, "Don't tell me what to do."
Kaoru childishly stuck her tongue out at Yahiko's back causing Yutaro to laugh. Yahiko whirled around to glare at her.
"Is there a problem?" Kaoru asked innocently.
"My brother and I were trying to have a private conversation before you interrupted busu."
"I don't mind," Yutaro replied.
"I'll come back later. I have to speak with Akira."
Yutaro looked down, "He's really depressed. I don't know what happened between him and Yukishiro-san, but…"
Kaoru waved away his concern, "Don't worry about it. I'll straighten him out."
Kaoru walked out of the room with a frown. Making her way to the garden the facility had, she pushed through the glass doors already spotting Akira. He was leaning back in his wheelchair eyes closed. He seemed to be enjoying the dimming warmth of the sun.
'Time to crash his peace.'
"Kiyosato Akira."
Akira immediately sat up and twisted around to look at her. Seeing her, his face fell, his hands going to the wheels of his chair as he turned himself around all the way.
"I don't want to hear it," Akira said quietly.
"Hear what?" Kaoru asked.
Akira sighed, "Whatever you are going to say to me. I've made my decision and it's final."
Kaoru became annoyed, "Well, you are going to hear it. What the in the hell are you thinking?"
"Look at me Kaoru! Take a good look! I can't feel anything below my waist for god's sake!"
"So that doesn't matter! Do you know what you did to Tomoe!? I found her lying curled up in her bed crying, and she didn't care that I saw. She never cries, especially in front of me! Damn it all Akira! Stop being so damn selfish! I know you love her you baka!" Kaoru shouted angrily.
A person passing by glanced over in surprise as Kaoru raised her voice before shuffling past toward the glass doors.
"I won't do it! I'm nothing like this. Tomoe will get over it and find someone else."
Kaoru couldn't control her anger anymore. She walked right up to him and smacked him across the face. He stared at her in shock his cheek stinging.
"I didn't think you were one to give up so easily," Kaoru said in and accusing and disappointed tone.
"I guess you were wrong, and so was I. It's so much easier to say one thing, but when it actually happens…"
Kaoru refused to look at Akira, turning her attention to the blue sky, "You know, Tomoe always protected me when we were younger. She was always there, always so strong never letting anyone know how she was actually suffering. I wanted so bad to be able to help her as she helped me. I thought for sure that you could make her happy like I couldn't. No, don't interrupt me. Yes, I know I do make her happy, but it's different with you. After you showed up she smiled, laughed, showed emotion for once after such a long time."
Akira remained quiet as Kaoru continued turning her back to him.
"She opened up because of you. You don't understand how much you've helped us both. Do you truly believe she even cares about you being like this, but that's not it is it? You don't want to burden her. You think secretly she wishes she could escape it, or maybe she doesn't realize the full impact of how your lives will be if you never again walk. Let me give you a clue Kiyosato, we've been through more than you will obviously ever know. This is nothing to Tomoe. She would happily live the rest of her life with you no matter what happens," Kaoru paused for a second with a soft defeated sigh, "I'll help her get through this. And she will find someone else much stronger and more considerate then you. She will smile for him, laugh with him, love him, and forget all about you."
Akira looked up sharply at her cruel words. Kaoru turned away heading for the glass doors.
Before she went through she spoke, "And you…you will wallow in self-pity telling yourself repeatedly you did the right thing. You will be alone. A useless man, half a man, a cripple, who gave up before he even tried."
With her last words she left Akira sitting in the garden his eyes wide. Numbly he pulled out the beautiful ring Tomoe had made him take back. The many diamonds glittered radiantly in the last rays of the sun. A hand went to cover his face as the first wracking sob shuddered through his body. He tried to hold back but couldn't as Kaoru's words sunk in. He leaned forward hitting his unfeeling legs in anguish.
Kaoru leaned against the wall inside trying to control her emotions. She hadn't meant to say all the things she had said, but she had wanted to hurt him, had wanted him to stop staring at her passively. Glancing out the doors she saw him hunched over holding himself.
'Gomen nasai Akira.'
Kaoru pushed off the wall and walked down the hallway to go speak with Yutaro before she left. As her hand went to turn the knob she heard Yutaro shout suddenly startling her to inaction.
"Yahiko you can't!"
"I will. Isurugi Raijuuta will pay for doing this to you!" Yahiko declared.
Kaoru started at the name. Isurugi was the leader of a gang known as the Shinko Ryuu. He was a bit of a problem. She remembered hearing something about him from one of the people working on the case. He was apparently a very hard man to find.
"Please…this is my fault, and I will deal with it," Yutaro said.
"You think once he finds out your alive he'll leave you like that. No, he'll come to finish you off. Well, I'm going to finish him before he finishes you. I'll be back."
Kaoru backed away from the door quickly as it was swung open. Yahiko left in a hurry. After a few seconds Kaoru stepped into the room. Yutaro was getting out of bed his face filled with fear.
"How are you related to Isurugi Raijuuta?" Kaoru asked startling the boy.
"What?"
"I heard your conversation. Now tell me what happened," Kaoru ordered.
Yutaro looked at the floor, "Its nothing."
"Nothing…Isurugi is the leader of the Shinko Ryuu. If your brother confronts him do you think he will live long? I can help."
"It's my fault! All of it. I wanted someone to teach me, and he came and offered. I had no idea who he was. When I found out it was too late. I tried to leave, but he wouldn't let me. That's how I ended up like this. I wasn't supposed to live," Yutaro said looking distressed.
"Calm down Yutaro," Kaoru replied helping him sit back down.
"Do you know where Yahiko is going?"
Yutaro nodded.
"You have to tell me."
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Kaoru pulled out of the parking lot quickly. Grabbing her cell phone she dialed Saitoh's office. After two rings it picked up.
"Saitoh's services. Makimachi Misao here, how may I help you?"
"It's Kamiya Kaoru. I need to speak with Saitoh-san now," Kaoru said urgently.
"One moment please."
Kaoru waited a few seconds before she was patched through. The phone began to ring again before Saitoh picked up.
"What is it Kamiya?"
"I have the location of Isurugi Raijuuta. I'm going there now. I need you to send back up," Kaoru said.
"What? Are you a fool? Come here first. You can't just bust in there tanuki."
"I can and will. Someone's life is at stake."
Kaoru proceeded to tell him the address. Once she was sure he had it she hung up before he could protest more. She would definitely hear it later from him. Taking a sharp right she sped up even more. Maybe she could stop Yahiko before he got there, but she doubted it. After about ten minutes Kaoru slowed down looking around in the slum district. She decided to park her car a little down the street from the abandoned and rundown-looking warehouse.
'Right…how original.'
Kaoru grabbed her guns while strapping her sword on her back. Taking a quick look around she saw no one in plain sight. Kaoru thought it best to be discreet as she slipped toward the back of the building. She was making her way among the overgrown weeds and bushes when she heard shouting. Looking through she saw Yahiko being grabbed by several men. He threw a couple of them off and proceeded to knock them out before going inside. Kaoru suppressed the urge to yell. He may fight well, but against a whole group it would be different.
'What am I getting myself into? Hopefully backup will show up soon. I don't have time to wait though.'
Making sure everything was clear Kaoru followed Yahiko inside. The place was rank and moldy. They obviously hadn't been here too long. The group usually strayed from one place to the next making it hard to keep up with them. Kaoru quickened her pace and had to stop short as she saw Yahiko peeking around a corner, avoiding the two men walking by. Just as he went to step forward, not even noticing Kaoru, she grabbed him by the back of his shirt yanking him back. She clamped a hand over his mouth and leaned back as he tried to fight against her grip.
"Stop struggling, it's Kamiya," Kaoru hissed.
He stopped struggling for the moment and tensed up.
"I'll let you go. I'm sure you don't want to attract too much attention, so behave."
Kaoru slowly released him. He spun around with angry flashing eyes.
"What do you think you are doing here?" Yahiko demanded quietly.
"I came to save your ass. I overheard your conversation with Yutaro."
Yahiko's eyes narrowed, "He told you where to go?"
"He doesn't want you to die. Do you?"
"I can handle this," Yahiko replied angrily.
Kaoru's eyebrow raised, "No, you are leaving with me."
Yahiko pulled his arm back as Kaoru grabbed it, "I'm not leaving."
"Now is not…damn!" Kaoru stopped as she realized they had been spotted.
"What do we have here?"
Yahiko straightened as Kaoru turned looking frustrated. She should have known this would happen. Without another thought she rushed the man not even giving him a chance to shout. Yahiko watched amazed at the speed with which she knocked the guy out. She caught him before lowering him to the ground. Kaoru clenched her hand in anger as she saw Yahiko take the opportunity to run off.
'I'm going to kill him if Isurugi doesn't.'
She saw him rush through a pair of doors on the side. She heard a couple shouts and almost groaned. Pulling her guns out she inched her way over to look through the half-opened door. Her eyes widened as she recognized Isurugi Raijuuta smiling with malice at Yahiko. He was holding him suspended in the air by the arm. He was laughing as Yahiko wrestled to get away. Isurugi held out his hand as another man gave him a knife.
'I don't have a choice.'
Kaoru shoved the door open and without a second thought shot Isurugi in the arm holding the knife. He dropped the knife and Yahiko his good hand clamping over the wound in pain. She immediately jumped back behind the door as the men surrounding him started firing on her. A shot rang out right by her side surprising her. Looking up she didn't hesitate to shoot the man standing across the room. Kaoru couldn't stay here. Dashing for a big piece of machinery she made it in time before the men stared pouring out of the room.
'Damn. Things aren't looking good. I'm definitely killing that brat!'
"Find that bitch and bring her to me! I want to be the one to kill her!" Isurugi roared in pain.
'Well, at least they won't kill me right away.'
Kaoru shook her head at the cynical thought. She was sure feeling very optimistic despite her situation. She put her guns back taking a deep breath and drawing her sword. Time to test her skill. Taking a quick glance she saw where everyone was. She hastily formulated a plan and took off catching the first guy by surprise. Grabbing him she used the man as a shield to get the other guy. The third person didn't care and started to shoot at her. Shoving the now dead man away she dove down taking a quick roll toward a stone column.
"Idiots! Rush her! She can't take you all! You stay and take care of my wounds!"
She pulled one of her guns out again, shooting one person in the leg then another in the arm. Being outnumbered she didn't last too long. She injured a good number of them before they wrestled her to the ground, only ending up with a few scratches and bruises. They hadn't shot her. She fought against them as they dragged her toward Isurugi. Two men beside Isurugi were holding Yahiko.
Isurugi growled angrily as he held his injured arm, "And who are you? I want to know before I kill you."
"I don't think I feel like telling you."
Isurugi smacked her across the face. It would have sent her tumbling if the men hadn't continued holding her up.
"Your name?"
"Just tell him your name!" Yahiko yelled straining against the hold of the men again.
Kaoru shook her head. Yahiko became angry as he saw Isurugi go to hit her again. Pushing back then throwing himself forward, he twisted then slipped away from the two men holding him throwing all of his body weight into Isurugi's side.
"I came to challenge you!" Yahiko declared.
Isurugi regained his balance scowling, "I'll kill you in a second boy. Be patient."
The people around him began to laugh in amusement. Isurugi came toward Kaoru menacingly, but stopped short as a loud banging was heard at the door before it flew open. Many people came pouring. Kaoru sighed with relief recognizing Saitoh's agents. She then saw much to her amazement Saitoh come walking in. Isurugi was easily outnumbered. Kaoru used the distraction to get free from the men holding her. She grabbed Yahiko's arm and yanked him up dragging him away. A short fight ensued before Isurugi and the members that didn't run away were captured. Yahiko was being looked at by a one of the medical team members as Kaoru touched the bruise swelling on her face. Saitoh came over to her; the only indication of his anger was the darkening of his eyes. She was going to get it now.
"You will come speak with me outside once they see that you are okay," Saitoh ordered before walking away.
One of the men nearby gave her a sympathetic look. Kaoru waited her turn. After finishing with Yahiko the person looked her over before telling her she was fine. She could have told him that. With a heavy sigh Kaoru decided it was time to go face Saitoh. She found him leaning against a wall smoking as usual. Kaoru walked up beside him trying her best to look meek. She stood in silence as he took a long drag of his cigarette before flicking the ashes to the ground and straightening.
"I told you to wait."
"I know," Kaoru replied quietly.
"You went against my orders."
"I did," Kaoru said.
Before she knew it she was backed up against the wall one of his hands slammed by the side of her head.
"You were reckless. You know the procedure. You're one of my best agents. I've already lost Kiyosato, and now you do this."
Kaoru gazed back at him steadily, "Yahiko would have been…"
"Your job is to listen and do as I say. Baka tanuki…you could have died," Saitoh's voice had become gentle but immediately hardened, "You are on probation for two weeks. I want your guns, sword, and badge."
"But I…"
Saitoh moved away from her putting his hand out, "Now or I'll get rid of you."
Kaoru frowned when she saw he was serious. She gave him what he wanted angrily.
"There, I'm leaving!"
"Wait tanuki. You will do a report tomorrow. After that the two weeks start," Saitoh said coolly.
Kaoru glared at him, "Fine!"
"Don't test me," Saitoh paused before saying, "You will continue to come and practice."
Kaoru didn't answer as she stalked away toward her car. Upon reaching it she jumped in and took off. It was getting late and she wanted to take Tomoe out to eat. She tried to cool off as she drove. She understood why she shouldn't have gone in there, but Yahiko could have died. She was going to ring his neck the next time she saw him. She touched a hand to her bruised cheek. Tomoe would be asking her questions. Kaoru decided to down play the events of that evening. Pulling into the driveway after another five minutes of driving she hopped out. Opening the door quietly just in case Tomoe was asleep she threw her keys down. Going over to the mirror in the hallway she winced. The bruise didn't look so bad. As she turned Kaoru caught sight of the scar on her left cheek and grimaced. She touched it softly before turning away from the mirror.
A noise from Tomoe's bedroom interrupted Kaoru's brooding. Kaoru looked over curiously. She made her way over to the door to open it but stopped when she heard Akira's voice.
"Gomen nasai Tomoe!"
'Akira! How did he get here?'
Kaoru peered into the room to see Akira gripping the sides of his wheelchair. His hands were turning white as he tried to push himself to stand on his unwilling legs.
Tomoe was sitting in the bed her eyes wide reaching a hand to him uncertainly.
"I didn't want to push you away. I didn't want to, but I thought…I thought if I did…I thought that it would be best for you."
Tomoe moved to the edge of the bed.
"I can't stand the thought of you not being there. I can't. Can you forgive me? Tomoe, I won't give up this time. I will fight it. I will walk again for you."
He pushed himself away from the wheelchair. With a cry Tomoe jumped off the bed and caught him in her arms as he collapsed. She fell to her knees holding him up in a tight hug.
"Baka," Tomoe started tearfully shaking her head, "I don't care. All I care about is being with you. I don't care if you ever walk again. I just want to be here with you…like this."
Akira's arms wrapped around Tomoe as he buried his face in her shoulder, "I don't want to lose you. I want to be with you always. I love you so much. "
Tomoe sat back with Akira in her arms as Kaoru watched breathless. He moved back with the help of Tomoe into a seated position. He leaned against the dresser as he reached into his pocket to pull out her engagement ring.
He looked down at it for a moment, "Tomoe, will you marry me?"
She bowed her head as tears slipped down her cheeks. A small smile lit across her face partially hidden by the graceful sweep of her hair.
"Yes."
She held her left hand out as he slipped it on her ring finger. Akira gently cupped her cheek raising her eyes to his.
"Don't ever push me away again, Kiyosato Akira," Tomoe said softy leaning into his touch.
"Never again."
"I love you."
"I love you, koishii."
Kaoru backed quietly away her heart full, not wishing to intrude on their privacy. She was overwhelmingly happy for her sister and Akira. A smile formed on her face as she heard them begin to whisper inaudible words to each other. She didn't know how he got there, but she was happy he came. She walked to the living room grabbing the little message pad by the phone. She quickly jotted a note down for Tomoe asking for a rain check on their dinner, saying she would be back later tonight.
As she opened the door as quietly as possible she felt a distinct wave of loneliness. Closing the door she decided to take a walk to clear her mind. She was happy for them, but scared at the same time. Once they were married Kaoru would be alone again. As a child she had always been very isolated her only friend being Tomoe. She always fought with the girls and boys, who called her a tomboy. Her life consisted of her job, Tomoe, and Akira. A small niggling fear took hold of her. She knew they would be around, but she would lose…she didn't know what. Hugging her arms she found her steps taking her to the park. It was a favorite place of hers. She had met her hero there, when she was sixteen. She laughed at such a thought. He was the reason Kaoru decided to join the law. He had told her to learn how to defend herself. She became totally focused on it, never wishing to be the damsel in distress again. She had wanted to be the hero that saved people the way she had been saved.
'What a silly thought. Too bad I didn't get a good look at him, and I was so rude.'
Her hand raised idly to her lips as she remembered that night. She walked by the park heading for her favorite spot almost completely lost in thought. As she did she noticed a couple standing together. Kaoru smiled at the lovebirds. That was until she heard the guy raise his voice before smacking the girl he was with sharply across the face. The girl put a hand to her cheek bowing her head.
"Now what do you have to say!?"
"Gomen, you are right," the girl acquiesced.
Kaoru decided to give the guy a piece of her mind. Strolling over casually she gave the guy a quick look. He was tall and built, very imposing. Kaoru smirked.
The guy noticing her, glared, "You have a problem?"
"Yeah I do. You shouldn't hit a woman."
"It's none of your business. She doesn't care. Do you Tsubame?"
"No, of course not," Tsubame replied holding her cheek.
Kaoru frowned, "I think she does."
He grabbed Tsubame's arm and pulled her roughly to his side an arm winding around he waist possessively, "Look lady, go along your way."
Tsubame stared down her eyes soft and sad.
"If you want me to leave you'll have to make me."
"Please, I'm fine. You must have misunderstood the situation," Tsubame said.
"The hell I have!"
"She's my woman, I can do whatever I want," the man stated with a sadistic glint in his eyes.
As he turned to leave Kaoru spoke, "What makes you think I'm going to let you leave?"
"Don't push it," the man said his voice dropping in anger.
Kaoru laughed at him, "You can hit a defenseless woman, so why not me?"
"That's it!" the man said shoving Tsubame aside his nostrils flaring, "You asked for it!"
He took a swing at her, which Kaoru easily dodged. He came at her again and again each time she easily stepped out of the way. She had to stop herself from smiling when she positioned herself just right. Flipping a knife out he laughed. Kaoru made herself appeared frightened causing the guy to smile with a sick twisted look in his eyes. Taking a wild lunge at her, she waited before moving at the last second, simultaneously giving him a good shove on the back. He went hurtling right into the tree with a loud smack. He sank to the ground in a daze. Tsubame went to go over to him fear evident in her eyes.
Kaoru held her arm out, "Don't."
"I…have to…"
"Do nothing," Kaoru's eyes softened, "Listen, I don't know what is up with this guy, but you shouldn't take that. You need to leave him."
"It's too late to leave," Tsubame said more to herself.
"Tsubame was it? I don't know who this guy is…what his connections may be…but I can protect you. I work for Saitoh's Services. I'm sure you've heard of him."
Tsubame nodded.
"Damn this city is crawling with scumbags," Kaoru muttered as she heard the man groan, "Anyway…you have a place to stay?"
Tsubame hesitated before shaking her head no.
"Well, then why don't you come with me?"
Tsubame gaped at Kaoru, "You would…but you don't even know me."
Kaoru laughed, "I don't, and I don't need to."
Tsubame looked uncertainly to the man that was slowly waking back up. Kaoru held out her hand to Tsubame.
"Let's go."
Tsubame's eyes widened at the kindness of this stranger. She kept thinking how naïve this person must be, but seeing the cool intelligence in the woman's eyes and the composed assurance around her, Tsubame let herself take Kaoru's hand. Maybe this woman could help her. She had heard of the agency run by a man named Saitoh Hajime. They took many cases. Maybe they could protect her. A feeling of hope started to fill her as she took the first few steps away from Gyukudo, her hand held in the firm reassuring grip of the woman in front of her.
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Kenshin watched silently as the younger girl took Kaoru's hand. He shook his head softly in admiration.
*You are amazing, Kamiya Kaoru. I knew from the first time we met you were different. *
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Astonished and frightened blue eyes met his amber ones. Kenshin smiled as the girl squinted to see him in the darkness. A light from a street lamp illuminated her every feature to his gaze, and he found her breathtaking. Thankfully that same light silhouetted his figure, obscuring his features.
"Don't ever let anyone hurt you like that," he said indicating the man lying unconscious on the ground.
Her face hardened before turning away, "I don't need your help! I hit him first anyway."
"A man should never hit a woman."
The girl laughed bitterly, "I'm not a woman. I'm nothing. How can I protect her when I can't even protect myself?"
Kenshin listened to her bitter words before saying, "Then learn how to, my damsel in distress."
She looked over sharply at his words, "Who do you think you are anyway?"
Kenshin took her chin in his hand before leaning forward and giving her a soft kiss, "I'm your hero of course."
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With that he had left her wide-eyed and staring. He hadn't seen her since then. It was merely a fond memory of a girl he had once met and saved. He had never forgotten her though. Then he had felt that same pull when he saw Kaoru at the party. At first he thought nothing of it. She was a gorgeous woman, nothing special. It hit him as he danced with her. It had been many years, but his memory never failed him. She was the girl he had saved; he was sure of it. There was something about her that made him yearn to see her again.
*Tomorrow Kaoru. I'll wait for you tomorrow. *
Kenshin frowned as he saw his assignment stand up. If not for Kaoru's appearance he probably and regretfully would have killed the young woman as well. The gang leader stood up slowly not knowing he was being watched. Pulling his sword free Kenshin came up silently behind the man before neatly slitting his throat. He watched emotionlessly as the man fell back down gurgling on his own blood. He left the mark of Battousai as he always did. Wiping his blade clean he deftly placed it back into the scabbard before walking into the surrounding darkness.
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Hi! Hope you enjoyed the chapter!!! Next chapter will have a little KxK waff…but only a little.
Thanks goes out to aniprinzess, sarah, Val, Jason M. Lee, LittleDragon5, kyanos, friends4eva08, Sujakata, Kamimura Kaoru, Shizuka, Random Reader, Kriska, Nikka, MP, lizzie, SwtrkGurlz, redroseprincess678, Lina. Gypsy-can, Omochi, and Ro-chan!
Love you guys!!!
Kyaa Kyaff saying until next time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!