Freedom
Chapter 4
The Truth

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Disclaimer~ I'm just going to say it now so I don't ever have to say it again, because I'm forgetful. I don't own Rurouni Kenshin!
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How is she? Kenshin asked as he barged through the door. He quickly walked into the room and grabbed Kaoru's hand. Are you okay?

Kaoru looked up at him. Yes, so just calm down! She didn't like all this attention.

Actually Kenshin you have a lot of right to worry. She has many things wrong with her to indicate abuse. Megumi said. She tried to put her hand on Kaoru's shoulder, but Kaoru only shrugged it off.

I figured that, but what exactly? Kenshin asked.

Megumi nodded her head and began to talk, but was cut off by Kaoru. Excuse me, but what was done to me is not an after dinner topic!

Miss Kaoru I need to know. Miss Megumi should we just go into another room? Kenshin said as he headed for the door.

I'm sorry Kenshin, but if she doesn't want it to be discussed then I can't. Megumi apologized.

What! Miss Kaoru, you've got to allow me to know! Kenshin walked back over to Kaoru, but this time she turned away from him. Come on Miss Kaoru, I want to help you.

Kaoru snapped her gaze back at him, anger was burning inside of them. I'm not your charity case! Just leave me alone! Kaoru jumped down from the table, but the sudden movement caused her to crumple to the floor. Kaoru screamed out in frustration more then she did in pain. Someone was trying to take care of her, but she just couldn't let go.

Kenshin gently lifted Kaoru back up on the table and then Megumi left the two alone. She had picked up on Kenshin's look and decided it best not to argue.

Once she had left, Kenshin turned his attraction to Kaoru. What did they do to you?

Just leave me alone! What about that don't you understand? Kaoru didn't even bother looking at him.

I...I just thought that I could help. His voice was soft, sad, and unsteady.

Kaoru looked up and in his eyes she saw a sadness, but then there was that care for her again. I'm sorry Kenshin. I am grateful for what you are doing for me.

Kenshin walked over and stood in front of her. I could do so much more if you would just trust me.

Kaoru looked up at him, her sapphire eyes wide. I do trust you! Her eyes then returned to the ground. It's the memories that I don't trust. Any ways, once I turned ten I taught myself to practically forget my tortures.

It's okay. He then walked even closer to her. Could I at least have Megumi tell me?

With a soft nod from Kaoru, Kenshin called Megumi back in. Megumi quickly caught on and walked over to the wall. She flipped on the light and a x-ray of Kaoru's torso revealed itself. These are Kaoru's ribs. As you can see they are fine except for these three. She used the tip of her pen and pointed to the three. They were misshapen and in different directions.

Kenshin's eyes went wide at the sight, but Kaoru only let out a heavy sigh and turned her head. She knew it was bad. She could feel it when she would touch her side, so why did she need to see it.

Well why did she throw up when the man jabbed her in the side? Kenshin asked.

Because they are not fully healed so he disturbed the process so she'll be going through some pain again. Another thing is that I can tell that she had been starved many times. In the end her stomach had shrunk to a shockingly small size for her body. One problem besides the lack of nourishment is that instead of easing back into a habit of eating regularly she has eaten to much and too fast. Megumi noticed that Kaoru had a distant, almost dazed look on her face. What is she doing? Thought Megumi.

So she can't eat as much food. Kenshin questioned.

Megumi shook her head and returned it to Kenshin. No just make sure she eats slowly and not to much If she is not really hungry then she shouldn't eat. Kenshin gave her a nod and she saw the look in his eyes. There was a deep concern.

Sensing that there was nothing more, Kenshin returned his attention back to Kaoru. Come on Miss Kaoru lets get you to bed.

Kaoru made no reply. She only stared strait ahead. Her eyes were blank.

Miss Kaoru? Are you okay? He asked.

Still nothing, but silence.

Megumi! What's wrong with her? Kenshin almost screamed.

I don't know. It's like she's in a trance. Megumi said, truly confused by Kaoru's actions.

Kenshin turned closer to Kaoru and gently laid his hand on her cheek. Miss Kaoru? Can you hear me?

Feeling something warm against her face, Kaoru snapped out of her dream. When her eyes focused again she realized that Kenshin was starring at her and that it was his hand on her cheek. I'm sorry, did you say something?

Kenshin looked at Megumi for a moment before returning his gaze. Are you okay?

Yea! Sorry I guess I was daydreaming. Kaoru gave him a large smile. Can we go now?

Yes you may. Megumi said as she opened the door. Still no walking though. You're probably some huge klutz. Also, come back in a week.

Before Kaoru could say anything, Kenshin had her in his arms and was carrying her out the door.

In no time at all they were at his car where Sano stood ready to ask questions. How is she?

He said as he carefully placed her on the back seats. He held his breath as she winced in pain. He asked Kaoru.

She nodded in confirmation.

Kenshin closed the door before stepping into the car. Sano soon followed suit.

So what happened to her? Sano asked Kenshin.

I'll only tell what Miss Kaoru wants me too. Kenshin said catching Kaoru's gaze in the mirror.

Kaoru asked in shock.

Of coarse. He replied.

So will you tell me then? Sano turned around to look a Kaoru.

Maybe someday, but not now. All I can say is that I've got problems. Kaoru gave him a smirk and then started to lay, wincing sometimes, as the effects of the night began to rain on her.

Goodnight, Miss Kaoru. Kenshin said.

Goodnight to you too, and Sano. She responded.

Sano mumbled, feeling a little left out at his lack of knowledge.

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When Kaoru woke up the next morning she was somewhat surprised to find herself in Kenshin's bed. Upon hearing her stomach grumble, Kaoru decide to go to the kitchen. Kaoru looked at a clock in the room. It was only nine in the morning. Storing that information in her head, Kaoru walked into the hall.

How are you feeling? Kenshin said from behind her.

Kaoru spun on her heel to face Kenshin. He was in his yukata again and in his hand was a towel that he was drying his hair with.

Fine I guess. Just hungry. She responded with a smirk.

Just as realization dawned on him, Kenshin's eyes widened. You're not supposed to be walking! He then quickly picked her up and carried her to the living room, leaving the carelessly dropped towel in the hall.

Kenshin then laid her on the couch and gave her the blanket that he'd been using. Stay here and I'll fix you something to eat.

Kaoru nodded reluctantly. She then began to think about how life had changed. She knew she was lucky. Someone is actually giving me a chance. Kaoru said in her head. As another thought appeared, Kaoru began to feel tears line her eyes. Kenshin's giving me a chance at being free. There was no hope of stopping her tears from flowing now. She panicked once she heard Kenshin's foot steps coming closer.

Kenshin raised and eyebrow once he heard Kaoru sniffle. Sitting the tray on the coffee table, Kenshin looked over at Kaoru, catching her expression. Quickly he sat down next to Kaoru and grabbed her shoulders turning her to face him. Why are you crying?

Kaoru feverently wiped at her tears even though they wouldn't stop. Just forget it.

I can't just' forget it. Kenshin replied.

Kaoru stared at him for a moment before she lunged into his arms. Oh Kenshin!

After the initial shock, Kenshin wrapped his arms around her and held her head to his chest. It's okay Miss Kaoru. I know things are scary right now.

Gently she pulled away from him. They were so cruel to me.

Do you want to talk about it? He asked gently.

It's so hard. All the memories I have left are bad. Kaoru admitted.

Well maybe it would help if you did. Kenshin advised.

Where should I start? Kaoru asked him, the tears finally calming down.

Why not at the begining. Kenshin took her hand in his and held it tightly. I've got all day if that's what it'll take.

Ok. I guess I'll start when my parents died. Kaoru stated. Her face then changed as she thought to the day so long ago.

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My mother died twelve years ago when I was five. Kaoru began.

So your only seventeen? Kenshin asked. When she nodded Kenshin asked her to continue.

She died from a disease, but I never figured out what it was. Even though we weren't poor exactly, the hospital bills were heavy, or so I was told when I got older. Since we couldn't afford them, my father asked the man that owns me now for some money. Kaoru stopped and looked at Kenshin. I'm sure if he had another choice he would have taken it. From what I can remember my dad wasn't a ganster type.

I believe you're right. Kenshin assured her.

Anyways, it ended up that he couldn't pay them back. They gave him more time and he tried, but just couldn't find the money. Finally he decided to take me and run. Kaoru stopped, this was one point in the story that was hard. They found us. I had to whatch them kill my father. Kaoru's voice was broken.

I'm so sorry. Kenshin told her.

Well they took me back to their boss. I was payment for my father's debt. I was taught how to steel and when I turned ten it was time to steel enough money to pay them back. Kaoru paused for a moment to organize her thoughts. I was good, so instead of allowig me to leave, I was kept to make more money. Everyone thought I was killed like my father so I no longer exsist. I never had to go to school, even tough I wanted to. Kaoru was amazed at how interested Kenshin was at her tale. I guess now you want to know what they did to me.

It does concern me. Kenshin admitted.

When I was younger, whenever I would do the normal child rebelion stuff I was hit with different objects. I constantly saw people being shot or tortured. People always spoke crudly around me. Calling me crud names. So I began to teach myself how to ignore everything. By the time that I was twelve I had taught myself to go into a trace of shorts where I feel nothing. It's like I leave my body.

Is that what happened at Miss Megumi's? Kenshin asked.

Yes, but not as severe as usual. It was good that I had figured out how to do it when I did though, because when I turned twelve I found the corage to escape. They found me though and beat me. I couldn't move for three days. From that day on though, they began to... Kaoru took a deep breath. They began to make sexual advances towards me. Kaoru looked up to see Kenshin's eyes grow angry. One night I came back really late and for punishment I was sent to my bosses worse killers. I refused to allow him to take advantage of me so he started to hit me. He took a training sword and hit me in the ribs, and most of the scars and bruises on my body are from him.

Oh, Miss Kaoru. How could anyone be so cruel to you. Kenshin took her in his arms and held her to him as she began to cry again. Kenshin was shocked though when she began to laugh. What is funny, Miss Kaoru.

Well I can remember being warned some nights that I needed to be careful because the Battousai' was going to catch anyone that worked for my boss. I was scared that he would get so upset by me that he would break his promise to never kill.

You thought that I would kill you? Kenshin asked.

When she saw the confused look on his face she continued. I thought the Battousai' was going to, not Himura, Kenshin.

Thank you Miss Kaoru. Kenshin said. He was glad that she saw them as two different people. He smiled when Kaoru began to laugh again. Now what is funny.

Just the fact that I live in such luxuries now. I mean I have more than one out fit. I get a nice bed, even though just being off the floor is nice. Someone takes care of me. I have some one to tell my fears too. Also, I get to take a bath and I don't have to worry about my privacy.

Oh, by the way, I need to buy you a new yukata. Yours won't clean. Kenshin said as he began to rise.

No, that's okay. I don't need one. Kaoru tried.

But you liked yours, right? When she nodded he went on. Then you need one.

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Kenshin made breakfast for Kaoru and while she ate he changed out of his yukata. He now wore a pair of dark colored jeans and a navy blue sweater over a white t-shirt. I can't believe that Kaoru had to go through all of that. Kenshin said to himself. No wonder she's scittish around people.

Kaoru called sweetly from the living room interupting his thoughts.

Yes Miss Kaoru? Kesnhin called back.

Can I get up now? Kaoru asked.

No. Just hold on. Kenshin quickly left the room and entered the living room.

Kaoru sat turned around on the couch staring at him. She wore one of Kenshin's oversized t-shirts and a pair of jeans.

Now what's wrong? Kenshin asked, his hands on his hips.

I'm uncomfortable. Kaoru pouted.

Well what do you want to do? Kenshin asked.

Get up and take a shower. Kaoru said with a large smile.

Kenshin thought a moment before speaking. How about a bath and I carry you there.

Kaoru pouted for a moment, but soon agreed.

Kenshin then walked over and picked Kaoru up in his arms and carried her to the bath room. He set her on the lip of the bath tub and turned it on. Now try not to stand while you change. Once your done then call me, but don't get out of the tub.

Kaoru practiculy yelled.

Miss Kaoru, I only mean so that you won't stand. Look I'll leave my yukata right next to the tub, so you can't put it on before I come in. Okay? Once she nodded Kenshin quickly ran into his room, got his yukata, and brought it back to her.

Thank you. Kaoru said once he opened the door.

Your welcome Miss Kaoru. Kenshin then left her alone.

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Once the tub was full Kaoru slipped into the tub, sinking below the warm water. Kaoru was so relaxed that she quickly fell asleep. When she finally awoke she could hear Kenshin calling to see if she was okay. Yes Kenshin just give me a few more minutes.

That's fine Miss Kaoru. He replied.

Kaoru did just that. After a few more minutes she pulled herself up on the lip of the tub and pulled the drain open. She then toweled herself off, which was sort of hard to do in a sitting position. Finally she pulled on Kenshin's yukata. It was a little big for her, but it felt wonderful. It was soft from being used for so long. With a large breath she breathed in Kenshin's scent, which was strong on the yukata. After shorting through all the different thoughts that came from his yukata she called out to him. Kenshin...I'm done!

In no time at all he was in the room with her. She looked wonderful. Her eyes were bright and she wore a large smile. Her hair was down to her waist. Something about her wearing his yukata also made him very happy.

He walked over and gently picked her up. Would you like to change or stay in the yukata?

If you don't mind...this feels really nice. Kaoru admitted shyly.

No, no. That is just fine. Kenshin said and then walked into the living room and placed her on the couch.

Kaoru said.

No Problem.

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A.N. ~

I sure hope that the length of this cha[ter will make up for the last one. I relize that it was short, but like I said last week was rough so at least I got it up.

To the Reviewers~

Angle1~ To answer you question, nope. In this gang at least, there is no one else that has been roped' into working for them. Everyone else that lives at the gang house are there bacause they won't to be. So, as you can see, she is very lucky to be away.

Kawaii Kokkei Tsuita no Neko~Here is more, happy? I just love how enthusiastic you are! ^_^

Kawaii-sama~ Wow! So many compliments. Since your on the tip of you seat then I hope you don't fall off. Ha Ha *Cough*.

ad (animeloca@yahoo.com)~ Thank You.

Koniko-chan~ I wanted to beat that character too. Haha!


In My Head~

Wow. Okay so know I have to get two projects done. My school is threatening to kick me out because I can't afford it, and to top it off... my aunt has six months left to live. Oh, were will it end! Haha. No other way to look at it then to laugh. Mybe that's why I write storys with people having such rough lives. Hmmm. Also, I just got the Inu Yasha comic volume 14, but I can't read it yet. See If I read it then it will be so hard to finish this story so i won't. I've got an idea for an Inu Yasha story so I really can't read it. Ugh, I'm so easily tempted! Haha.

Dark Kishi,

There are no bad reviews, only unwritten ones!

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