Freedom
Chapter 15
A Pain Inside and Out
DarkKishi




Ai suru hito wo mamoru tame ni kitto
Otoko wa umarete kita yo
Kimi no namida nuguu yubi
Sukoshi ranbou demo
Kokoro no itami nakanaru made zutto
Otoko wa tatakau darou
Ai ga nakerya tsuyoku nakerya
Yasashiku wa narenai

~*~*~*~*~

Where is he? Susumu fumed impatiently. I don't have time for this.

Sir, here he comes. One man said pointing in the distance. They stood in an alley not far from the house. The sun of in the distance was just now settling on the the ground, casting shadows.

Susumu had sent a man to find out anything he could on Kaoru. Now he stood his guns strapped at either side of his body. His long faded black coat covering, but still adding suspension to him. What did you find? Susumu said wasting no time.

I'm sorry sir. This one is tricky. He responded.

Susumu pulled out a gun and pointed it at him. If you value your life, you will find a way to make it less tricky!

~*~*~*~*~

Kaoru lead Kenshin into the thrift store and walked over to the tall check out counter. There she saw the owner. She said in a quiet tone.

The woman slowly turned around and her eyes widened when she saw Kaoru. What are you doing back here?

We came to return these clothes. Kenshin said as he put a protective hand on Kaoru's shoulder.

Thank you again for all of it. Kaoru said as she handed the bundle to the woman.

She stared at the bag and nodded. I'm just glad to see such a lovely girl off the streets. You see to many young lives ruined before they even start.

Kenshin and Kaoru both voiced their thank you's once more before walking back onto the sidewalk. Kenshin held her hand as they walked towards the door, but before he let her go to get in Kenshin pulled her to him and planted a loving kiss on her lips.

Look here. Kamiya has found herself a fairy tale. A familiar voice taunted.

Kenshin felt her body tense up and then she began to shake. Kenshin turned around making sure that his body shielded Kaoru.

Do you know how much trouble I went through to find you Kamiya? Susumu asked.

Kenshin felt Kaoru fisting her hands in the material of his shirt. Leave her alone. He grounded out.

Susumu took out his gun and aimed it at Kenshin. See the problem is that I can't leave her alone. She's mine and your just in the way.

Kenshin looked around for all of his options. Guns were nothing to play with and his sword was in the trunk. Two men stood behind Susumu and both had guns aimed. The best bet was to try and get in the car as fast as possible. Damn the car's locked. Next time I get remote controlled locks. He thought with a grimace. I want let her go with out a fight.

Fine. You'd better get ready though. Susumu said.

At least allow me to get a weapon out of my car. Kenshin said. Susumu nodded with a huff and Kenshin turned around. He kept Kaoru at the door and reached around her to unlock the door. As soon as it was unlocked he threw open the door and pushed Kaoru inside and tumbled in after her.

Hey you can't get away! Susumu yelled as he figured out that Kenshin was trying to escape. Fire at them!

Right as Kenshin started the car, bullets began to fly recklessly. He pushed Kaoru to lay across him to shield her from the bullets. A bullet came towards the window breaking the glass and sending pieces everywhere. Kenshin yelled in pain not so much from the glass, but from the bullet that was now lodged in his body.

Kaoru immediately sat up in concern. She then screamed when she saw the blood and his face was covered in pain.

Steer Miss Kaoru. I can't see. I'll keep my foot on the gas. Kenshin said as his head rolled back.

I can't Kenshin. She said as she took the wheel.

You have to. He whispered with a voice laced in pain.

Once she had franticly driven a few blocks she told Kenshin to stop the car in the middle of the road. There she got out and soon one man got out of his car and came over. Please, you have to help me.

What's wrong? he asked.

I have to get him to a doctor! Kaoru pleaded. The man conceded to help and drove the two where Kenshin had told him.

~*~*~*~*~

Kaoru sat on a stool next to Kenshin's bed with a grimace on her face. Megumi had treated Kenshin first and was now pulling all the shards of glass from Kaoru's back and head. She was cleaning them at the same time. Kaoru looked over at Kenshin's sleeping form and shook her head.

He's okay you know? Megumi stated.

I just feel guilty. Kaoru admitted. Kaoru then reached over and grabbed his hand. You know, earlier today he told me that he loved me. It was the best day of my life, and now look at him.

I was hoping that he would sooner or later. Megumi said.

If he would have just let me go then he wouldn't be hurt right now. Kaoru said, a tear rolling down her cheek.

Even if you told him to let you go, he wouldn't. He doesn't care for just anyone. He'll be kind unless someone pushes him to far. The only thing is that he makes you believe that he's expressing his true feelings when in truth he's hiding his turmoil. With you though, its different. He'd tell you the whole inner workings of his soul if you'd give him the time. Megumi said in the all knowing tone that she carried often.

Kaoru looked at him and flitted her fingers along his cheek with her other hand. I just wish it could be different. Maybe if I'd never met him he'd be okay right now and live a good life, not one full of fear and constant running. Kaoru finished and turned around to look at Megumi.

What kind of a life would that be. Life with out love is no life at all. Kenshin whispered. Any ways I'm the Hitokiri Battousai. My life since I was fifteen has always been about fear. Kenshin took his hand from Kaoru and struggled to sit up, so Megumi came over to help him. When he was comfortable, or at least as comfortable as he was gonna get, he turned to Megumi with a smile. Miss Megumi could you please...

Sure I'll go check supplies or...something. Megumi said cutting him off. She then immediately whisked away closing the door behind her.

Miss Kaoru... Kenshin began.

Kenshin, I know what you're gonna say. I love you too, but loving something is letting it go. I need to let you go, to save your life. She reached out and grabbed his hand. I promise I won't go back to Susumu.

Kenshin simply said.

Kaoru was confused by his answer.

Kenshin took his hand from her and laid it on her cheek. I won't let you go. If the only reason why your leaving me is so I won't get hurt then that's not much of one. Shouldn't it be my choice if I want to risk getting hurt or not? Just like it should be your choice if you want to risk getting hurt or not by staying with me.

Kaoru allowed another tear to fall as she nodded her head. Your right Kenshin. I'm sorry, but I'm scared. To see you covered in blood and unable to keep your eyes open because of the pain, was the worse moment of my life.

Well when I saw you in my head being kidnapped and then when you called me and you were being kidnapped were the most freighting times in my life. Can't you see, if were not together then we're not living. Kenshin stopped and saw that she was crying harder now. He pulled her to the bed with him and held her as best he could with out putting himself in pain. Please don't leave me only because you're scared for my safety. Please tell me you'll stay with me. Kenshin begged.

Kaoru laid in his arms the tears obstructing her sight. She wanted to yell and tell him exactly what he wanted to hear, but that would be lying. Every part of her body and soul begged to never leave his side, but her mind had other plans. I love you Kenshin. I'd never hurt you on purpose.

Kenshin laid there and allowed a single tear to role down his face. It wasn't like him to have tears, but it hurt so much. She hadn't answered his question. That only meant that she was still thinking of leaving him, and while he was hurt there wasn't much he could do. All I can do is tell her I love her and hope she stays with me. He thought as he fought the pain in his heart and not the pain from his wounds. And I love you too, Miss Kaoru...with all my heart.

~*~*~*~*~

Kaoru laid with Kenshin her mind racing with thoughts. She could feel his breathing slow and figured it was the medication that Megumi had given him. She sighed before getting up and walking to the door. She turned around one last time and saw that he looked as if he was still holding her. Kaoru held back tears as she walked back to him and pulled the covers firmly over his body. She traced the cross-shaped scar on his cheek before flitting her fingers over his forehead and then to his other cheek. A smile graced her lips as he moaned and leaned into her hand.

Finding herself being pulled back to him, Kaoru sharply pulled her hand away and held both hands clasped under her chin.

With a loss of hope beginning to fill her, Kaoru quickly dashed out of the room and out of Kenshin's life.

What are you doing? Megumi stood in the hall, blocking her path.

I'm leaving while Kenshin sleeps. She said quickly.

Megumi allowed her to step around, but then quickly spoke. You know he won't be asleep for as long as you'll be gone for.

Kaoru stopped in her tracks and began to shake. I know that, She had trouble speaking. ...but its for his own good.

Tell yourself whatever you need to, but make sure you believe it first. With that Megumi walked back to Kenshin, leaving Kaoru alone.
After sometime Kaoru took a deep breath and ran out of the clinic, while allowing tears to fall.

~*~*~*~*~

Kaoru walked down the street regrets of leaving Kenshin swimming in her mind. She knew that Kenshin, and anyone else that knew her, would be safer, but something else told her that she was wrong.

She didn't like the idea of living alone, but it was either this or go back to Susumu. Deep down inside her, she knew there was another and better choice, but she couldn't allow that one to surface. She knew if she recognized it then she would most certainly run back into Kenshin's comforting arms.

Ack! I need to forget him! She told her self once she realized that she was already having trouble keeping her feet in a forward motion.

It was still night, probably around midnight, and she was growing tired. Finding herself in the middle of a park, Kaoru decided to sleep on a bench. She soon found a secluded one that seemed that even on the brightest day that it would still stay hidden by shadows.

She laid down and tried to get comfortable, but it was no use. She missed the warmth. She missed the sheets and blankets. She missed the bed and even missed the comfort it gave, but most of all, she missed Kenshin. Why me? She asked her self.

~*~*~*~*~

Sanosuke and Yahiko walked down the hall and into the room where Kenshin laid. Megumi was in there tending to him when Sano began to speak.

Where is Little Missy? He asked.

Yea, I thought Ugly was with you. Yahiko said.

Kenshin snapped his gaze towards Yahiko. Don't say such horrible things about Miss Kaoru!

Yahiko's mouth dropped slightly at Kenshin's fierce tone.

She left. Megumi said. I saw her in the hall and she said that it was safer with out her around.

Sano asked in shock. He then turned to Kenshin. Did you know she was leaving?

Kenshin just stared ahead. She expressed her thoughts to me.

Well what did you tell her? You didn't just let her go did you? Did you say anything? Sano said in a sharp voice.

Kenshin looked over at Sano. If one looked hard enough they could barely see glints of amber. Of course I tried to convince her to stay. I told her that she had no need to worry. I could take care of myself. I told her I was used to this kind of life style. She just wouldn't listen to me. Kenshin then closed his eyes and snapped them wide again, as if he'd just gone into a trance. His eyes were different now. They were narrowed and calculating. A flame of amber roared inside of them, mirroring the flame inside of him. I told her I loved her. Over and over again, all day, I expressed my feelings for her. I cut my self open and risked rejection and right before I fell asleep I begged her not to leave. I begged her to promise me that she'd stay with me! Kenshin jumped out of bed and grabbed his sword off of the counter. Do you have any idea what she told me?

Sano watched as he turned around in the door way? No Kenshin. I guess I don't.

She said... Kenshin gripped the handle even tighter. She said that she loved me and would never hurt me on purpose! Kenshin shook his head. She loves me. She deserves to be happy, and I'm gonna make sure she gets it! With that Kenshin ran off down the hall.

What should we do? Megumi asked.

All I know is that I've never seen two people that deserve happiness more than Kenshin and Kaoru. If being together makes them happy, then that's what they need! Sano stood in the doorway now. I'm going too help Kenshin. Megumi please take Yahiko home. Sano waited for Megumi to nod before running off.

You think she'll even come back? Yahiko asked.

I know that if she doesn't then we'll lose Kenshin. Megumi asked.

What do you mean? He asked.

I mean that the Kenshin we just saw was not Kenshin, but a Kenshin who is very close to becoming Battousai again. If she doesn't came back then neither will our Kenshin. She answered him. She knew that what was happening was not a good thing at all.

~*~*~*~*~

The sun hung low in the sky slowly making its way to brighten the day. People began their morning rituals. Some getting up early to run or walk their pets while others lay in bed fighting for just a second more sleep.

That is where Kaoru wished to be, but instead she was trying her hardest to ignore the people in the park. Slowly she cracked a eye open to something wet on her hand. When she looked over she was met by a dog's face.

A woman yelled at the animal. She yanked him behind her and scolded the pup before turning back to Kaoru. where did she go? The woman asked when she found Kaoru gone.

~*~*~*~*~

Kaoru ran down the path that twisted throughout the park.

Looks like you've got somewhere to go. A woman said from the shadows.

Kaoru looked over and saw a woman sitting on a bench. It was obvious that she was homeless from her looks. Not really. I just don't want to be found.

The woman answered simply. Who are you running from?

Lot's of people. Kaoru said in a sulking voice. She noticed the woman motion for her to sit and Kaoru did so hesitantly.

Like who? The woman asked.

Well, one person is a man named Kenshin. Kaoru stated.

Was he mean to you? She asked again.

Kaoru looked at her in shock. Of coarse not. She then returned her gaze to the pathway. He was actually a kind and wonderful man. I left so that he would no longer be in danger.

The woman began to giggle. Are you sure he is a man? She saw Kaoru's confusion and began to explain. I mean that he sounds really sensitive. You just can never tell anymore with all that makeup and surgery. A man can look just like a woman and the other way around.

Kaoru was still confused. She'd never seen a man/woman before? But then how would she know? No I'm sure he's a man. He's just had a lot of hardships. I guess they made him see past those stereotypes.

He sounds wonderful. She said. So who else are you running from?

Kaoru thought for a moment on what she should say. This gang. I used to work for them against my will.

Oh. Sounds like you got a pretty hard life too, but I'm sure this Kenshin you talked about would be more than happy to have you back. The older woman said.

May I ask you a question? Kaoru asked.

I think you just did, but your welcome to ask another. She retorted with a smile.

What does the word freedom' mean to you? Kaoru asked quietly.

Hmm, I guess it means not having to pay for everything. She answered.

Thank you. Kaoru said.

Your welcome. She watched as Kaoru got up and shook her head. I hope she realizes how lucky she was.

~*~*~*~*~

Ai suru Hito o Mamoru Tame ni; To Defend The One He Loves-Rurouni Kenshin-Kenshin Image song

Ai suru hito wo mamoru tame ni kitto
Otoko wa umarete kita yo
Kimi no namida nuguu yubi
Sukoshi ranbou demo
Kokoro no itami nakanaru made zutto
Otoko wa tatakau darou
Ai ga nakerya tsuyoku nakerya
Yasashiku wa narenai

Surely man was born
To defend the one he loves
The finger that wipes off your tears
Even a little violence
Perhaps a man would surely fight
Until the pain in his heart disappears
If there is no love If one is not strong
One cannot be kind

A.N.~
Okay this story is now a Pg-13 story. No nothing changed, I just had some reviewers tell me that it would better suit as a Pg-13 story instead R. Please still read! Also I'm still waiting on Fan Art. No rush, I'm just curious to see what ya'll did. I would love to know what your favorite scene is so far! I m not quite sure what mine is, but I'd have to say that it is probably when they were at their new house and Kenshin and Kaoru were holding hands.


For the Reviewers~

Kristina~ Okay! Heehee

Serene Faerie~ Thank you so much for all the wonderful compliments. They're just heart warming.

inuyashaz_luz~ Thank you.

mitenshi~I know isn't it great! It's like a birthday present.

Black_Twilight_Hitokiri~Okay so it's now a Pg-13. Thanks for reviewing and voting. It's really helpful.

Crystal Renee~ Well I'm so sorry that you are getting upset with the whole drawing thingy. I thought the whole therapist thingy was hilarious. So, so funny.

Koneko Battousai~ Well I'm so glad that I could help you with your glumy day.

Rinfiriathiel~ I'm so glad to know what your favorite is so far. it's nice to know.

Kawaii Kokkei Tsuita no Neko~ Heehee, but isn't even better now that you had to wait so long to read it.

Koishii Sweet~ yep they did kiss.

Angle1~I'm so sorry. I wish I could be that nice, but hey, it's suspenseful!

kristina~ now you saw what happened. You like?

Wolf^_^X~ Thanks for the review.

noner_89~ so sorry for the the delay.

billabongBob~ okay so it's now rated pg-13.

aglaia102~ thank you.

In My Head~
Not much to talk about except that my school is being real evil! They found out that I write and draw, so they want to put them in there magazines that advertise the school. As if I don't feel like a lab rat enough when the people tour the school, now they are gonna use my art and writing as a way to get more money! Mou! When will it end?


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.