Freedom
Chapter 10
Breaking Me

~*~*~*~*~

Translation at bottom~

arasoi wa mada tsuzukun darou
dono michi ima ga taisetsu na no sa
gamushara ni natte miotoshite kita mono
tatoeba dare ka no yasashii hohoemi mo

~*~*~*~*~

Kenshin sat on his cot, his head in his hands and his elbows resting on his knees. I have to help her. He said once again. Kenshin could barely think though with the image of Kaoru hurt and struggling.

How are you? Sano said through the cell bars.

Kenshin looked up and allowed his eyes to show. His eyes had gotten narrow and the violet now had specs of amber that were slowly taking over. He watched for a moment as Sano took a step back. How do you think I'm doing. He grounded out.

Kenshin, I know that you care for little missy, but... Sano tried to reason with him, but was stopped when Kenshin got to his feet and lunged at the bars.

Care? You have no idea. Kenshin hissed. He was gripping the bars so tightly that his knuckles were turning white. Kenshin lowered his gaze to the ground and allowed the specs of amber to fade. I haven't slept in days. My home now feels lifeless. I find myself daydreaming about her. She deserves to have a life. Every time she got hurt, I panicked. I never panic. When she was staying with me, at night I would get so scared that something if I heard a sound then I would check on her. When she moved out and I'd start to worry, I'd drive around until day came. Kenshin finished and turned around to walk back to his cot.

Sano was almost shocked at the words he heard. He knew Kenshin cared for Kaoru, but never really figured on how much. My hands are tied, Kenshin.

Why can't someone go after her though. Kenshin asked.

I already told you. Sano lowered his eyes and shuffled around nervously.

No. You told me a lie. I want the truth, Sanosuke. Kenshin's voice was a monotone. He had the feeling that there was a larger reason that kept him from saving Miss Kaoru.

Damn Kenshin! Why can't you just leave it alone! Sano yelled his hands in fists. When Kenshin looked him in the eyes though, Sano knew the answer. Sano sighed and looked back to the ground. They think it's not worth it. They believe that more people's lives could be lost and they think that one person isn't worth it.

Kenshin just sat on his bed quietly. He listened to Sano sigh in defeat and walk off, His feet clicking in rhythm. Kenshin wanted to scream, but couldn't. He was stunned. Day slowly descended into night, but Kenshin took no note of it.

~*~*~*~*~

Kaoru awoke to the sound of a door slam.

We got him boss. Kaoru could hear someone yell.

Slowly Kaoru got to her feet and slinked over to the door. It was late night or early morning, so the house was just now catching the light of day. Placing her ear to the door Kaoru listened. She couldn't hear much and curiosity was a large force that Kaoru just couldn't resist. With all those fighting against her, Kaoru caved and opened the door to slip into the main room.

You shouldn't put your nose in where it doesn't belong. Do you know why? Susumu asked the man.

Another man stuttered.

As Kaoru slipped behind the couch she saw that Susumu was standing over a kneeling man with his henchmen standing behind him.

Because my friends behind you have this thing about cutting off overly nosey noses. Susumu ended with a laugh. Now. I need to know just what you were doing.

I...uh...I was sent to get information. The man stammered.

You mean to steal. Susumu leaned in.

If that's how you think of it. The other man was trying to cover his faults.

Susumu leaned back and looked at his men before returning his gaze. That is how I look at it, but don't worry, you want be looking much any more.

Kaoru peered over the couch and watched as Susumu lifted the gun to the mans head and pulled the trigger. Kaoru released a scream and immediately clamped her hand over her mouth. Tears streamed down her face.

What do you think your doing! Susumu yelled as he grabbed her hair, sending pain to the still untreated wound on her head.

Stop! I'm sorry. Kaoru screamed out. She was then thrown by Susumu. She slid across the wood floor on her side, slamming into one of the walls. Kaoru passed out at that moment.

~*~*~*~*~

I thought you were taught a long time ago to stay away when we are taking care of business? Susumu said once Kaoru began to stir.

Kaoru looked up at the man who stood above her. She twisted around until she could stand directly in front of him. I'm no longer yours to torture.

Susumu grabbed her chin in his fingers. You can dream all you want, but from what I've heard from the government, they don't think your worth it.

Kaoru slumped back to the floor as Susumu left. She couldn't believe it, but Susumu didn't lie about those things. That was part of how the gang stayed on the streets. They had people that worked in the police station so they got all types of information. It's over. She whispered.
All here hope began to fad. This was it. If they really did care about her then wouldn't they have come by now? Was this her life? Tears began to coarse down her cheeks she didn't want to end up like this. She wanted to be free. She wanted to be with Kenshin! With every minute though, another piece of Kaoru's spirit broke form the once healing one. Kaoru was slowly reverting into her former self. The one who had nothing left to give.

~*~*~*~*~

Susumu walked back into his own room and sat down at his desk. His mind was flooded with Kaoru. Why did she act so quiet? Had her spirit been broken already. How come it was so easy? Was it because she was really happy? He asked himself. Susumu then got up from his desk and began to walk the room. He yelled. I had so many things planned for her, but now its all ruined. I'll be able to send her out on the streets sooner than I thought.

He picked up the phone and dialed a number. This is Susumu. Listen, I need a favor. I want to find out everything you can about where Kamiya was staying. I know that she has fallen for someone and I want to know who they are. The man on the other side said yes with no hesitation and then hung up the phone.

It was late night and tomorrow night he had a mission to take care of, so he decided to go to bed early that night.

~*~*~*~*~

Kaoru woke up to someone shaking her.

Get up! A man told her.

Kaoru nodded before she got to her feet. She was unsteady, but she tried to walk to the door. Does Susumu need me?

Yes. He is in his room waiting for you. He said.

Kaoru nodded and then walked to the other side of the gang house. Once there she knocked on the door and waited until she heard her queue to come in. Did you need me Susumu? She asked once she entered.

Come here. Susumu said from his bed.

Kaoru was reluctant and shook her head no.

Susumu took his gun out and pointed it at her. Don't disobey me.
Kaoru allowed her head to drop before she walked over to his bed and sat down. Yes Susumu. Kaoru sat at the foot of his bed while Susumu sat with his back against the wall.

Who were you staying with? He asked.

Kaoru was shocked.

I know that you feel connected with someone that you met while you were gone. Who was he? Susumu asked.

I won't tell you anything. Kaoru said.

Kamiya, don't push your luck. Susumu grounded.

I know why you call me that! Kaoru attacked.

You do? Well then you have figured something out. Susumu taunted.

Kaoru looked down at her hands. I know a lot of things. I'm very smart.

Susumu began to laugh. Yea I'm sure you are. He then held up his hand and began to count on his fingers. Let's see, you have very limited math skills. You can't read. You haven't seen a movie since you were a little girl. Face it, compared to society, Kamiya, you are the most uneducated child in the world. How ever do you think you could make it with out me?

Shut up! Just let me go! I'm not a slave. Kaoru was really upset.

Are you speaking badly to me? Apologize now. He ordered.

She screamed.

You little wench. Susumu yelled as he lunged at Kaoru. You are really pushing yourself Kamiya! Susumu said as he pinned her to the bed.

Kaoru squinted her eyes shut and shut her mouth into a grimace. She refused to say anything though.

Susumu rolled off of Kaoru and grabbed his gun. Get out. His voice was low.

Kaoru's eyes widened and she immediately jumped off the bed. She kept looking behind her as she scurried to the door. She saw that he was about to fire the gun. With a yelp she ducked out of the door right as the gun was shot.

Learn your manners Kamiya. He yelled.

Kaoru slid to the floor and began to cry. the bullets had just barely missed her head. She reached her hand to her head and pulled away with the tips covered in blood. So maybe it didn't quite miss her head. Oh my!

~*~*~*~*~

Kenshin walked down the long hall lined with cells. With one guard on one side and another on the other. He had just finished his dinner and had three hours before lights out. Today made a week. It's not like he hadn't tried to get away. It just wasn't possible to think of away to escape while he struggled to hold onto his sanity.

Kenshin entered his barred room and walked over to the window. You could say it was a good thing that he wasn't truly looking at the scenery. There wasn't much of a view, unless you like dirt and large electrified fences.

He was really watching his memories. One memory was of Kaoru kneeling before him, trying to comfort him. Another memory that was viewed often in his mind was the memory of catching Kaoru breaking in his apartment, or the first time they went out to eat. Her smiles and bright eyes called to him, but he couldn't get there.

Kenshin pulled his hand into a tight fist and once his frustration met its point he threw it into the thick concrete wall. When he pulled it away he watched the blood streak down his hand, wrist, and arm. The blood slowly flowed down the valley between his knuckles and then each breaking off into smaller streams. Some slid down to the bottom his arm sooner then others, but all ended up dripping off his elbow.

The pain was large and he was hoping that it would stop the guilt he felt for losing Kaoru, but it didn't. The image of Kaoru screaming for him to help her had haunted him night after night, day after day and hour after hour. Luckily there was a hope.

Sano came to visit him earlier that day and told him that he might have some good news for him in the morning.

~*~*~*~*~

Kaoru stood on the front porch trying to prepare herself for the night. Tonight was her first night back on the streets. She would be watched, but only from afar. Kaoru looked herself over and sighed. All she wore was the yukata. Blood crusted to the back, making it stiff, but she couldn't let go of it. It was all she had left of her time with Kenshin.

Slowly though, Kaoru was coming to terms with her life. Each day she got closer to giving up, to believing that she would always be a slave, never having a family.

Kaoru began to walk away from the house and to the city. The pavement was cold making Kaoru's feet freeze. She needed to get some type of clothing.

After thirty minutes of walking Kaoru stumbled into a flea market. She could see from the corner of her eyes that many people were staring at her, but she only lifted her head and walked further into the store. She picked up the first shirt she saw and pants. She needed to be out of their quickly. She found a pair of sneakers and finally a bag. Stuffing them all in the bag, she began to walk out of the store. Once Kaoru got to the door a hand grabbed her shoulder.

What do you think your doing? A man asked.

I'm sorry sir. Please don't hurt me. Kaoru begged tears running down her face.

From behind the man came a woman. Give me the bag. She asked.

Kaoru quickly gave it up. I'm so sorry, I just needed some clothes, but had no money. This is all I have.

I believe you. Here take it and get out of here. She said as she handed it back.

Ma'am, She's a thief. The man who was obviously a worker said.

It's only a few items. Look at her. All she has is a yukata, and that has what looks like blood all over it. She's either telling the truth, or is really desperate. Either way I don't care. The woman retorted, smiled and then walked off. The man followed soon after.

Kaoru stood there with the bag for a few moments before running off.

~*~*~*~*~

She walked out of the alley and onto the sidewalk, the town still busy. Kaoru was now dressed in the shirt that was a little large, long pants that were too tight to bend her knees in so she cut them and the shoes. They hurt like hell. her feet were to large for them so she had to jam her feet in making her toes curl in odd positions. She still wore the yukata though. She wore it like a coat. I just can't let it go.

Up ahead she saw a large group perfect for picking. Kaoru walked briskly into the crowd. With every step, she inched closer to a woman. Her purse was small so she only kept it on her forearm. Once Kaoru was close enough, she snatched the purse and pulled it from the woman, all in one fluid motion. Kaoru then bolted off. The woman's screams echoed through the streets closely followed by a harmony of men telling her to stop. Kaoru ran faster and faster, her feet clicking against the ground along with a few others. She knew she was being followed. Finally she saw a alley with a dumpster. Kaoru turned the corner and jumped into the dumpster. It smelled horrible , but she felt she was safe.

Moments later Kaoru began to shake. The men who chased her didn't fall for her trick and their voices were getting closer. Kaoru screamed when the dumpster opened. Three men pulled her out. She immediately gave them the purse and began to wiggle out of their grasp. When she was finally free she ran for the street.

Kaoru looked over her shoulder to see if they were following when she ran into something.

A man said from above as he grabbed her arms to steady her.
Kaoru slowly looked at his face. Oh no. She whispered. He was a police man.

Hey, I think that's the missing girl. His partner said.

Yea. She looks it. He scrutinized her face. Is your name Kamiya, Kaoru?

Kaoru shrieked.

Come with us. Everyone's been looking for you. He said as he began to pull her to the car.

What do you mean? Kaoru was hesitant to get in.

Even your friends Himura and Sagara are worried. The other man said.

Kaoru was so happy that she immediately ran to the car.

~*~*~*~*~

Translation~ Shinjitsu no uta (Song of Truth) Inuyasha

arasoi wa mada tsuzukun darou
dono michi ima ga taisetsu na no sa
gamushara ni natte miotoshite kita mono
tatoeba dare ka no yasashii hohoemi mo

This dispute will probably go on
about that which is most precious
i've become a rebel, i've overlooked things
even the gentle smiles of strangers

A.N. ~
Okay, yay its chapter ten. Did you like it? Once again PLEASE REVIEW. I've been so tired lately that your reviews are the only reason that this story gets out on time!

For the Reviewers~

Baka-Ryu~ I was so happy to see that you reviewed! I love the criticism also. I totally agree with you on having Kaoru tracking. That would have been god. If I ever have time (isn't very likely) I will be sure to go back and work on that. If there is anything else you see please tell me. Your opinion is very important to me! ^_^

BillabongBob~ That's a great idea, but I'm afraid that if I have Kenshin escape that way then the story would be much shorter. I just don't know how that would work, you know? But thank you so much any ways for the great idea.

Gayasinhappy~ Thank you for reviewing. I'm so happy you like the story.

aglaia~ Thank you also for reviewing. Reviews are my life. Teehee.

Inuyasha~ Oh wow I made you cry. *looks for tissue* Believe I don't cry much either...except for the Inuyasha episode called back to where we met. I'm still crying! *Still looking for tissue* ^_~

^^~ Nice name! Hehe. I updated...and i thought it was soon, so I guess I did as you said!

thunder sister~ Hehe. I'm so glad your happy now! It makes me smile!

Kenshin-gotenks~ Perfect? that's awesome. I think my heart is melting.

Angle1~ Okay I went back and read the chapter. Remember in the short chapter where Kenshin and Sano take Kaoru in the car while they take care of business'. Or do you remember when it said that Kenshin put Kaoru's saw in the trunk with his sword. Well, that's were Kenshin keeps his sword. It says in the last chapter that he walked to his car and got the sword out of the trunk. He doesn't carry it with him unless he knows that he wouldn't have time to get it later. Does that make since? If not I'll explain it more.

Crystal Renee~ I'm so sorry that i left you hanging. Yes I do know when the RK manga is coming out. There is a sneak preview of it in the november issue of Shonen Jump magazine that goes on sale October 7, 2003. It is supposedly scheduled to be leased thought in January! Just a little wait, but My b-day is then so its perfect timing for me! Thank you also for your sympathy with the soccer thing. In my head for this chapter i rant some more about soccer though.

Kawaii Kokkei Tsuita no neko~ Yes i think its cute when she says that some one thinks she's worth it to. Believe me I love the RK characters to much o let any of them die! ^_^

In My Head~
I get my high school ring on monday! Yay! The sad thing though is that Johnny Cash and John Ritter died! Ugh, it's not fair! Also, I dropped my dead aunt's high school ring down the drain by accident so we have to get that. The other thing that happened is that my school switched soccer leagues and they just found out that I'm to old to play so I've been kicked off the team. I can be an assistant coach, but that means I lose a year of playing! All this happened in just one day! Are they trying to kill me?

Dark Kishi,
PLEASE REVIEW! I LOVE THEM ALL!!!!
There are no bad reviews, only unwritten ones!

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