Freedom
Chapter 3
Pain

Ready Kenshin? Sano said as Kenshin held the door open for him.

In a minute I will be. Kenshin quickly ran to the bedroom.

Sano sat down on the chair next to the couch where Kaoru sat. How are you feeling?

Kaoru snapped with an angry expression.

Worthless? You're like me and Kenshin, can't stand being hurt or unable to do something. Sano observed.

Yea I guess so. Kaoru looked at his bandaged hands. So I guess you two are going out again to play cop?

Yes and you're coming too. Sano and Kaoru both turned to the source of the voice to see Kenshin holding a blanket and pillow.

What? Why? Kaoru's eyes widened in shock as she watched Kenshin walk over to Sano and hand the blanket and pillow before coming to stand in front of her.

Kenshin began as he bent over and scooped her up into his arms. I told you not to stand on your feet and I know very well that even if I told you not to while I was gone, that the minute I walked out the door that you'd be up. Now wouldn't you?

They were already out in the hallway and Kaoru was shocked by how much he knew her. No, of coarse not! Kaoru lied.

Kenshin punched the button down for the elevator. Oh, whatever you say, but your still coming. I promised that I would take care of you, but I can't if I'm not around.

Fine, but what are these for? Sano interjected, holding the blanket and pillow up.

For Miss Kaoru to sleep on while we're taking care of those men. No one said more. There was not much to say, Kenshin's mind was made up.

~*~*~*~*~

Kaoru reached across the front seats and pushed on the radio. she pushed the scan button until a clear station came through. She didn't really care what music was being played, only that it was louder than the sounds out side.

Kenshin and Sano were outside fighting with some people. How in the world did Kenshin expect her to sleep when all that was going on. It was odd, but Kaoru's emotions were split. Half of her wanted to hide, scared that she could be seen. The other half though wanted to be out there with Kenshin and Sano, beating those men into a pulp.

A loud knocking on the window scared Kaoru out of her own skin. She looked up to see Kenshin at the door. She unlocked and opened the door. Get in the front! The tone and look he used told her not to argue.

Kaoru scurried into the front seat as she heard the car's trunk open. She then drew in a sharp breath when the back doors opened.

Get in there and shut up! Sano yelled as he pushed some people into the back seat. Kaoru could tell that they were the gang guys.

The driver's side door then opened and Kenshin got in. He propped his sword on the floor board next to him. He then looked over at Kaoru and grabbed her hand. Don't say any names.

Kaoru looked at him and nodded. The passenger side door then opened and Sano also got in. He put his hand out signaling for her to move over as Kenshin pulled on her hand.

The drive felt like an eternity and it was driving Kaoru crazy. She sat between Kenshin and Sano and gripped her hands together tightly.

When Kenshin parked at the Police office, Sano got out and opened the door to the back seat. The men started to slide out.

Suddenly a hand came around Kaoru's neck and pulled her into the back seat. Kenshin grabbed hold of her legs as she tried to scream.

Kenshin fully turned around in his chair and let go of Kaoru. He pulled his sword up and pointed it at the man. Let her go! Kenshin grounded out.

The man grabbed a stick from behind him that he had some how hidden and put it at her side. Did you know that this girl that you are protecting has some real sensitive points? If I just ram this into her side then she could be in some real pain.

If you hurt her then I'll put you in so much pain that you'll wish you were dead! Kenshin's eyes closed into slits and flashed amber. He was truly scary looking now.

So much that you don't know about this little wench. The man that was holding Kaoru though must have been ignorant, because with an evil laugh he rammed Kaoru in the side. Over and over again she could feel the stick being jabbed into her side. Kaoru screamed out in pain as the stick made contact with her. Tears violently ripped away from her to spill down her cheeks.

She then felt her body being pulled out of the car. She realized that Kenshin was pulling the man from the car, but she was being pulled also because the man's grip on her neck had not loosened yet. When he finally let go of Kaoru's neck , her body fell to the cement ground. she could see through squinted eyes that Kenshin was trying his hardest not to kill the man, but she could only focus on him for a few seconds as her own convulsing took over her. She propped her self up on her hands and knees as her stomach reacted violently towards the man's jabbing.

Once it had stopped, her body fell backwards. Kaoru's head rolled to the side and she could see Kenshin holding the fallen man by the front of his shirt. She could also tell that the captured man's blood was all over the both of them. The only bit of Kenshin's own blood that flowed was from the side of his mouth.

A gasp was faintly heard as Kenshin focused on the man that dared to hurt Kaoru. Kenshin's eyes darted to the side and he saw Kaoru lying on her back, clutching her side as she stared at him. He could tell that tears were flowing down her face, dropping on the ground. She's in real pain! He thought. Kenshin then returned his gaze back to the man in his hands and disgust rose in his mind. With one swift movement Kenshin whipped his hand free of the captured man's shirt, sending him to the ground. Sano, get him away from me. Now!
Sano ran toward the car and picked up the man, throwing him over his shoulder. He quickly looked at Kenshin before running off.

Kenshin started to walk over to Kaoru and his sword clanked to the ground as he neared her.

Kaoru's eyes were mere slits, but they still followed his movements.

Kenshin kneeled down beside her and with his hand he cupped her cheek. She was feverish, which gave her face a pinkish tint, but when he felt her neck with his other hand he could tell that she needed some help. Her skin was pale and clammy. Not a good sign. Kenshin put his hands under her and began to pick her up, but froze when her body bent making her scream in pain.

Her teary eyes met his and at that moment Kenshin felt like killing himself. I'm so sorry, Miss Kaoru. He whispered to her as he again picked her up. She screamed again, but he didn't stop until he was at the passenger side door. There he waited for Sano to come back. Could you open the door and lay the seat down?

Sano looked at him for a second, but did what was asked of him. He even set her makeshift bed up. Once this was done Kenshin carefully maneuvered her into the the car, wincing eveytime she gasped or yelped. Before he closed the door he carefully covered her up. Trying to comfort her as best he could.

Sano got in the back seat while Kenshin seated himself at the drivers seat. Kenshin took no time in getting on the road. Kaoru was in pain, again and only that occupied his thoughts.

~*~*~*~*~

A.N.-
I'm so sorry that this chapter was so short, but I decided to post it any ways so you guys could have something. Life at my house has been pretty rough so getting this up was quite a task, but the next chapter will be up in no time, just as soon as I get the time. Please Review!


For the Reviewers (Man do I love you guys!)-

Dove of Night- I hope this was soon enough. ^_^

onnie- Hope the wait wasn't to bad.

Koniko-chan- I'm so glad your enjoying this story.

vindemon64- I think it's wonderful that you like the plot. Just hope it holds enough twists for you.

Angle- Sure is nice to know that even for someone who isn't a huge out of time fan that this is a likeable story.

charismatic angel- I'm glad I got those points across. I want Kenshin to take care of Kaoru. And Kaoru had a horrible life so anyway to get that point across is great.

Nicky- Glad you like the story. I know some people think that relationships don't develope that fast, but for example my mom and dad met and have never been away from each other and that was thirty some years ago. (aww... they so sappy. ^_^)

Kawaii Kokkei Tsuita no Neko- Wow what a complement. Actually I wouldn't mind heaaring what you went on saying about me for an hour. HaHa! ^_^ Just kidding!

In My Head.

In my head is going to be a part where I just rant. I usually talk to my parents, but they are going through their own traumas and my friends well....one is just plain crazy so the way we relate is by goofing off (like randomly wearing a tiara to the Saturday night movies just to see what happens. By the way not a good idea, because this guy started to follow us and almost hit me because I glared at him when he wouldn't go away. good thing Stuart was there' *Muses to self*) And my other friend just has a lot of trouble understanding me. So I stand by myself, which is okay with me because I'm a loner until things get to be too much. So if y'all don't mind this is going to be my little therapy section. Please feel free to skip. ^_^

Dark Kishi,

There are no bad reviews, only un-written ones!

We Walk In Shadows
One Step At A Time
Until That Time
We Can Cross The Line.