Disclaimer: I don't own Rurouni Kenshin.
Title: Chance for Love
Rated: PG-13
AN: This is my first attempt at writing a fanfic. Please bear with me as I get used to the process. I recommend criticism good or bad. The reviews are what tell me what you as a reader like or dislike. I won't change everything in the storyline, but I will try to add what you like.
Italics - Thoughts
BTW this is AU
Sagitarious Devil: I'm glad you like the story. Answering your question, Akira was Tomoe's fiancée in the series, but was killed by Battousai/Kenshin during the Bakumatsu years.
QUESTIONS FOR THE FANFIC.
Question1: Would you like to see Megumi/Sano?
Question 2: Would you like to see Misao/Aoshi?
NARUTO QUESTION.
Question: I'm wondering, who has watched the anime Naruto? I know it still hasn't came out in America, but I'm still wondering. Has anyone seen Naruto yet? Because who ever has, I have an important question to ask them about it.
AN: Thanks so much for the reviews! Greatly appreciated it. Hope you like this chapter. Send feedback
Chapter 5: Kenshin's Past
Kenshin was hiding in the forest playing with the little top that his parents had given him before they had died. For some reason it calmed down his nerves and anxiety. He used to walk quietly away from home and run to the forest just behind the house.
As he was so absorbed in watching the top he didn't hear the rustling behind him or the soft whimper, but as the crying arose, Kenshin frowned.
Who is making that noise? Kenshin thought as he got up with the top clutched in his hand.
As he wondered around the forest, he found the source of the cries. It was a young girl, merely a few years older then him, but not by much. Her clothes were tattered and she had dirt smudges all over her face. She had dark black hair that was mussed and all messed up. The girl was hunched under a tree with her head buried in her hands crying.
Kenshin, not understanding why she was crying, walked over to her and outstretched his hand with the top in it.
It took the girl a few moments to register that he was standing in front of her.
She had finally stopped crying and merely gazed tear-eyed at the boy in front of her.
"Take it," Kenshin said simply. "It makes me happy. It will make you happy, too"
The girl's eyes widened. "W-what?"
Kenshin sat down next to her and placed the top on the ground between them. "Whenever I'm sad I play with this. You look sad. Why don't you play?"
After much hesitation the girl finally picked up the top and started twirling it on the ground with her hand.
Kenshin shook his head. "You are doing it wrong. You pull the string to make the top spin. You don't do it with your hands."
As Kenshin demonstrated it carefully, the girl's eyes brightened. As she began to do it on her own she smiled and too became absorbed into the spinning top.
Kenshin smiled. Still watching the top, he asked her. "Why were you crying?"
The girl's lower lip began to tremble. "M-my...pa...parents....d-died."
Instantly she broke back into sobs.
Kenshin continued to watch the top spin until it finally died and came to a stop. He then looked up at her. "My parents died too. Long time ago."
The girl sniffed. "Where do you live now then?"
Kenshin smiled brightly. "With my uncle. He is a very nice man."
"Oh..." the girl said as she looked back down at her hands.
"Where do you live?" Kenshin asked.
"I was going to go live with my aunt. But she is too mean. So I ran away. I have nowhere to live." The girl sighed sadly and wiped the tears off her all ready tear stained face.
After a silent pause Kenshin answered. "What's your name?"
The girl looked over at him surprised. "Sa-Sakura."
Kenshin smiled showing his missing teethes. "My name is Kenshin."
Sakura nodded. "Kenshin....How old are you?"
Kenshin tilted his head and raised up 6 fingers. "I am 6! How old are you?"
"I'm 9." Sakura said brightly.
As Kenshin got up from where he was sitting, he took Sakura's hand. "You can come over to my house."
Sakura's smile faded and was replaced with a scared look. "But...But your uncle doesn't know me....you don't know me that much as well."
Kenshin tugged her hand along and started walking back toward his house. "Uncle Hiko said that I'm allowed to bring friends over. "
"But...But...I'm a stranger." Sakura stuttered as she was continuing to be pulled along.
"No. You are my friend. I know your name and how old you are. You know mine too. So that makes us friends. Not strangers." Kenshin said brightly as he led her over to the back porch of his house.
Sakura didn't know what to say. She just allowed herself to be pulled.
Kenshin awoke with a sudden start. He placed his hand on his sweating face. What had made him dream about that again?
Kenshin wiped the sweat off from as his face and got out of bed to get dressed.
It had been 10 years since Sakura and Kenshin had first met. They had instantly became great friends. The day that he brought her up to his house, was a day that he was very grateful for doing.
Kenshin grinned. The look on Hiko's face was priceless. Kenshin standing in front of Hiko with a girl with tattered clothes and dirt-smudged face standing next him. It wouldn't have even came as a surprise if Hiko had a sudden heart attack.
But it was all in the past now, Kenshin thought as he pulled his uniform blazer over his shirt.
Hiko had welcomed Sakura with open arms. Not entirely open, hesitant at first, but still had welcomed her into the household.
Hiko had thought that someone around Kenshin's age would have been good for Kenshin. And indeed it was. Hiko always had to go off to important business meetings and left Kenshin alone with just a baby sitter. It wasn't a comforting thought.
A few weeks after Sakura was staying with them, Hiko made up his mind. Kenshin had never seemed so happy and livelier before the death of his parents. Same with Sakura. She was improving greatly and became like a sister to Kenshin and daughter to Hiko.
Hiko had gone to Sakura's home and had talked with her aunt. After much conversing, they both came to a decision. Hiko was going to adopt Sakura.
When Sakura turned 10 a few months later, Hiko broke the news to both her and 7-year old Kenshin. That was the day that not even 3 of them could forget. It had been the most joyful day of all.
As the days, weeks, months, and even years passed, both Kenshin and Sakura grew fond of each other and instantly became the best brother and sister ever.
Even if someone or anyone would ask them if they are related or have any type of friendship together, both Kenshin and Sakura would reply in unison, "We're siblings."
And indeed they acted like one. They didn't even mind if one was adopted or even that both of them didn't even have the same blood.. They didn't care at all. All they cared about was that they were, in their opinions, brothers and sisters.
Kenshin walked in towards the kitchen greeted by the strong, delicious smell of food and Sakura's cheerful voice. "Morning, Ken-san."
Ken-san had been the nickname Sakura had given Kenshin. He didn't even mind. In fact, it made him glad that she called him that. It made them closer then ever.
"Morning, Sakura. Breakfast looks delicious. Come and eat with me." Kenshin answered as he plopped down into the nearest chair.
Kenshin was 16 now and Sakura was 19. They both were home alone, but they didn't mind. They were used to it. Hiko was never around anymore. Due to more major business meetings he had never had the time to be with them, but he still sent all his love and called them every possible chance he got.
"Sure, but we better hurry. We might be late for school." Sakura said in a smooth voice.
Both Sakura and Kenshin had changed a lot during the years as well.
Sakura had grown up to be a beautiful, fine young woman. She was polite, nice and kind. Her voice a low, quiet soothing voice. Her dark black hair had also grown very long reaching down to her waist, letting it flow freely.
Kenshin had grown up to be a handsome, daring young man. He had let his red hair grow freely and tied into a high ponytail. He had grown taller, but was still short in his own way. Kenshin also began to play an overprotective brother role over Sakura even though he was younger then her. And Sakura at all didn't mind.
As they both finished breakfast they headed out to Seigaku Private High. It was a private school, widely respected and famous for its teachings.
Sakura was chatting away about something while Kenshin just listened not saying anything. Neither of them minded. Sakura respected Kenshin and knew he didn't like to talk much, and Kenshin respected her in return by listening to her intently.
Suddenly Sakura stopped talking and fixed her gaze just over Kenshin's head. Kenshin turned around and saw what she was looking at.
Over in the antique shop, they were selling a very expensive sword. It wasn't an ordinary sword. It was a reverse-blade sword. Legend said that a very famous man long ago had used a reverse-blade sword. He had made an oath to never kill again and lived his life protecting people with that sword.
Everyday when they walked to school, Sakura always used to stare at it longingly and always said the same exact words.
"That sword will be mine one day. I promise it." Sakura stated firmly.
Kenshin would just nod and smile. Just a few more days... Kenshin thought proudly.
As they reached the school building, 2 guys around their age showed up and walked over to Sakura.
Akira and Enishi. Akira and Enishi were handsome and widely popular around the school. Most of the girl population around the school adored them both. Both of them got whatever they want, whoever they want. No girl had ever refused them. They were players around school in Kenshin's opinion. But both Enishi and Akira had begun to develop a taste and affection towards Sakura.
"Hey, Sakura baby," said Akira flashing a row of perfectly white teeth. "How about you, me, and the movies tonight?"
"As if, Akira. Sakura wants to go with me. I got front row centers to the Juppongatna concert tonight. And no way can she refuse." Enishi grinned flashing his charming smile.
Kenshin at this point was glaring daggers at both Akira and Enishi. He curled his fists at his and stepped in front of Sakura.
"She will be going with neither of you. Now get lost." Kenshin glared.
"My, my. Isn't younger brother being overprotective? Why don't you go home and cry to your mommy?" chuckled Akira as both him and Enishi broke into laughs.
Kenshin white with fury, was going to take a swing at them, but Sakura, sensing Kenshin's danger, moved over in front of him.
"I'm sorry, but I would be going with neither of you as Kenshin said. Good day." Sakura stated in a calm voice as she grabbed Kenshin by the hand and made her way through both Akira and Enishi and headed straight into the building.
"I could have stopped them. More likely killed them. Why did you stop me?" Kenshin said as he looked over at Sakura.
They both were now in the school building and had stopped in front of the water fountain. Other kids were bustling through, weaving there way into the hall. But near the water fountain they had found an isolated place where they could talk.
"I know you could, Ken-san, but I don't want you getting in any trouble. Remember what Hiko-sama said." Sakura stated firmly.
Kenshin sighed and nodded. He knew perfectly well what Hiko had said.
"If any of you two get in any type of trouble, you'll have to answer to me. And you don't want to know the consequences..." Hiko had said with a death glare to both Sakura and Kenshin.
In a way Kenshin wanted to get in trouble and see what the consequences were, but the concerned voice of Sakura had stopped him.
"Yes, Sakura." Kenshin stated.
Kenshin was about to say something else, but was interrupted as the school bell rang warning the students to get to class.
With a small smile, both headed toward their respective class.
A few days later, Kenshin's mood started to brighten each day. Sakura had a suspicion, but shook her head. The other years he wasn't as this cheerful or bright.
Each time she would ask Kenshin what was on his mind, she would receive the same reply from him. "You'll see."
But tonight was the night and Kenshin was going to make sure that it was the night that neither one of them, especially Sakura, would forget.
It was the 10th year anniversary since Kenshin and Sakura had legally became siblings. The other years Kenshin would take Sakura out to dinner and after words both Sakura and Kenshin would exchange gifts.
But since this was the 10th anniversary, Kenshin wanted to make it a night that Sakura never forgot. And he had the perfect gift in mind. The gift that she had always wanted and was now going to finally have.
And tonight was the night.
As they both finally reached school, once more both Akira and Enishi weaved their way over to Sakura.
Kenshin caught sight of them and grabbed Sakura's hand trying to lead her away from the approaching two, but failed as Akira and Enishi caught sight of them once more and walked over to Sakura.
"Hey baby. How about tonight you and us go watch a movie? And this time we will definitely not take no as an answer." Enishi stated firmly.
Kenshin's hand clenched into a fist, but stayed calm as Sakura placed a soothing hand on his shoulder. "No, thank you. I have better things to do then be with you two."
As Sakura started heading off, she was stopped as Akira firmly grasped her wrist. "Like Enishi just cleared with you. We won't take no for an answer."
Kenshin walked in front of Akira and shot him a death glare. "Let her go. Now."
Sensing the danger in his tone, Akira hesitatingly let go.
Akira and Enishi shot Kenshin a dirty look before shouting over their shoulder. "We're still not going to take no as an answer."
Kenshin's mood instantly darkened and was about to make his way over to give them both a piece of his mind, but was stopped as Sakura's spoke up.
"Forget it. They're just jerks." Sakura said reassuringly.
"And don't forget," Sakura began with a bright smile and twinkle in her eye. "You know what tonight is, don't you? Don't tell me you forgot."
Kenshin's hatred soon faded away and was soon replaced by a small smile. "Of course not, I definitely did not forget."
The bell rang, shooting each other a smile and a brief goodbye, they both went to their classes.
As the day finally finished, Kenshin was supposed to meet Sakura by their meeting place when they were right about to walk home.
As Kenshin ran up to meet Sakura, he instantly felt anger rise in him as he saw Akira and Enishi hovering over Sakura talking to her.
As Kenshin neared, he was suddenly pushed out of the way as Akira and Enishi shoved past him with their faces pure red from anger.
Kenshin slowly walked up to Sakura and was relieved to see that she wasn't hurt in anyway, in fact she was smiling.
"Sakura?" Kenshin asked as he stood right next to her. "What did Akira and Enishi do? Did they hurt you in anyway?"
Sakura laughed heartily. "No, No. Not at all. In fact, it seemed as though I were the one to hurt their feelings."
Seeing Kenshin's confused look, she continued. "They asked me out again and were pressuring me to go out with them. But I refused. Then they began to threaten me saying that they will make my life miserable if I don't go out with them. And like always I refused and told them I said something better to do. Wash my hair."
Sakura laughed lightly and that eased the burden in Kenshin's heart. "Good. You better not have gone with them. But listen, Sakura?"
Sakura looked over at him meeting his eyes. "Yes, Ken-san?"
"I need to finish some business and I'll be busy. So why don't you go without me?" Kenshin stated, then with a tone of worry in his voice he continued. "You will be alright, won't you? Would you like for me to walk you home?"
Sakura smiled and kissed him lightly on the cheek. "It's ok, Ken-san. I am after all 19. Don't worry about me. I'll be fine."
Kenshin smiled lightly, still not at ease with worry. "I'm going to meet you at the same place. You do remember where, don't you?"
Sakura smiled. "Of course. Why would I ever forget the place we first met? I still know it by heart."
Kenshin gave her a tight hug. "Take care. I'll meet you in half an hour."
Sakura returned the hug and kissed Kenshin on the forehead. "Don't worry. I'll be alright. Just please hurry."
With a nod and brief goodbye, Sakura walked off.
Kenshin stayed in the same place watching Sakura's disappearing figure. When she was finally out of sight, Kenshin headed the other way and jogged over to the antique shop.
As he began jogging over there, he passed by Akira and Enishi who were talking quietly to each other. Kenshin heard some parts, mostly one sided.
"You sure you want to do this?....What if we get caught?...No...No....You're right...Let's do it tonight....I just saw her....Let's go...Yeah..."
Kenshin just shrugged and ignored the weird conversation. He was in too much of a good mood to let some weird conversation ruin it.
The whole way he was smiling mentally. I just can't wait to see the look on Sakura's face when she sees what I got her.
As Kenshin went into the store, he picked up the reverse-blade sword and stared at it with a smile on his lips. He went over to the cashier and paid mostly all of his savings that he had been saving up.
As Kenshin paid, he went to the phone booth with the sword in its sheath still clutched in his hands. He called the 'La' Rouge da Vou', Sakura's favorite restaurant, and called the restaurant confirming their reservation. With a small thank you, Kenshin hung up and ran to meet Sakura in their meeting place.
The meeting place was the place where they both always met each year on this day. The place where they had first met each other. In the forest by a huge pine tree.
As Kenshin jogged smiling over to the place where he was going to meet Sakura, he suddenly stopped dead in his tracks as he heard a blood curling scream followed by a loud SLAP coming from a place straight ahead.
The place he was supposed to meet Sakura...
Kenshin's blood instantly ran cold. No...No...No...No....No.... It can't be....Sakura?....NO! He clutched on the sword tighter.
Kenshin ran as fast as his legs could make him run straight into the forest.
He ignored the branches snagging at his clothes and tearing at his face. All he cared about was getting to the source of the voice quickly.
As he drew nearer, he heard faint sounds of whimpering and struggles.
Kenshin's head and heart began to thump faster and harder as he took each step closer.
When he finally arrived at the source of the voice, he could make out 3 dark figures.
1 figure on the ground while 2 figures hunched over the figure on the ground.
Accidentally Kenshin stepped on a twig causing the 2 figures to abruptly turn their head toward the source of the sound.
Just as quickly as the 2 figures looked, they both jumped on their feet and ran away as if their life depended on it.
Kenshin's first instinct was to go chase after the figures, but suddenly a whimper from the figure on the ground caught Kenshin's attention.
Kenshin made his way slowly over the figure and bent down to inspect it.
What he saw made his heart stop and blood run cold.
"No...No...No...No...NO!!...NO!!!!!!...." Kenshin yelled letting the sword fall from his hand as he fell to his knees.
There lying on the ground was Sakura. Bloody, bruised, and half naked. Her clothes were half ripped off of her, showing her off indecently. Her hair matted in blood and all mussed up at the top. Her lip spilt open and the side of her face bleeding heavily. Fresh cuts and bruises surrounded her whole body. The whole body bleeding profusely.
Kenshin with trembling hands lifted Sakura's head and placed it on his lap. "Sakura...SAKURA!!...NO!!!! Are you alright? Sakura, talk to me! WHO DID THIS TO YOU?!"
Sakura managed to weakly smile up at him, her breathing ragged. "K...K- Kenshin...I..k-knew you I...waited....for you..."
She suddenly began to cough violently, blood spurting out of her mouth.
"Sakura...Sakura! Stop talking! Please, Sakura! You're wasting your energy. Don't say anything. You're going to be alright! Wait right here, I'll go and get some help."
As Kenshin began to get up in search for help, he was suddenly grabbed by the wrist from a bloody hand.
"No...K-Ken-san....Don't...leave me...I'm not...I-I'm not going...to make..it. Don't...don't...leave..." Sakura managed to choke out.
"NO!! DON'T SAY THAT, SAKURA! YOU ARE GOING TO MAKE IT!!! YOU ARE!!!" Kenshin yelled as tears began to slide down his face.
"P-Please...D-Don't...leave...me...Stay...Ken-san..." Sakura said weakly as she grasped Kenshin's hand tighter.
Kenshin let more tears slide down his face and onto Sakura's face.
"Sakura?" Kenshin began as one of his hands caressed the side of her bloody face while the other hand picked up the sword and showed Sakura.
"Happy...10th...A-Anniversary...." Kenshin choked out as he showed her the sword, his hand trembling violently.
Sakura smiled brightly despite the pain that was tearing throughout her body. "Ken-san....t-thank...you..."
With weak hands, she grasped the sword and stared at it lovingly. "R- remember...when... I...used to...tell you that...one...day...t-that....I was...going to get t- this...?"
Kenshin nodded crying silently.
"W-well...what...d-do...you know...? I...got it....thanks....Ken-san..." Sakura said quietly as tears began to slide down her face.
Kenshin silently wiped the tears off. "P-please, Sakura....don't cry..."
Sakura reached up with her hand and gently ran her hand down his face. "P- Please...don't...forget about...m-me..."
As Kenshin leaned into Sakura's touch, the tip blade of the sword grazed Kenshin's face leaving a trail of horizontal scar down his face.
Sakura's eyes widened and tried to pull away the sword from his face by turning the sword at an angle. But that made it worse. Now there was a bloody vertical scar running from his face.
Once more Sakura's eyes hugely widened. "K-Ken-san...I'm...sorry...Sorry...."
Kenshin didn't even feel the pain. The only pain he felt was his heart tearing in half.
As he continued to cry silently, he managed to utter out some words and completely ignored the bleeding on his face. "Don't say that, S-Sakura! You're going to be alright! Now tell me, who did this to you?! I'll kill them with my bare hands!!!"
Sakura just smiled weakly. "I... love...y-you, Ken-san...Y-you...have always...been...the best brother...that I c-could... have ever... have..."
Suddenly Sakura's hand went limp as Sakura's smile fell from her face. "Goodbye...K-Ken-san....D-don't...c-change..."
Kenshin's eyes widened in horror. "Sakura...Sakura?! SAKURA!!!!!!!!!"
Sakura's whole body went limp and her breathing had finally stopped as she lay silently in the arms of Kenshin.
Kenshin pressed Sakura's limp body against his body tightly. "No...No...No...NO! NO!!! Sakura...!!"
A few hours later, that was how Kenshin was found.
Clutching the dead body of the most important person against his chest crying silently, his body also covered in blood.
And the reverse-blade sword lying lifelessly on the ground a few inches away from them.
Kaoru was crying uncontrollably pressed against Kenshin's chest. Meanwhile, Kenshin was stiff as he let some tears slide down his face.
"K-Kenshin...I'm so...so...s-sorry..." Kaoru muffled still crying against his chest.
Kenshin just pulled her closer in response. 3 years...It's been 3 years since I've last talked about her...
I'll tell Kaoru everything...and then...hopefully, I could be at rest.... Kenshin thought as he hugged Kaoru closer.
I hope it explained about Kenshin's grudge against Akira and Enishi, and about Kenshin's sister.
In the next or the chapter after that, you'll learn more about Akira and Enishi.
R&R!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I need feedback. What would you like to see in the next chapter? What are you expecting? Was this Chapter good or bad? Did you hate it? (Better not have...lol)
Anyhow, Until Next Time!!!!