Freedom
Chapter 17
A Fire from With In


~*~*~*~*~

Umi wo watatte yuku chou no you na
Tsuyosa hoshii

~*~*~*~*~

Kaoru kneeled in the front of the entry way, the smoke coating the room in its darkness. It was to dark to see even the hand she held in front of herself. Kaoru could already feel the smoke entering her lungs, constricting her breathing. Kaoru pushed herself forwards anyway. She would not allow that little girl to live her fate. If she had to die in the process then so be it.

Hello? Can anyone hear me? She called out into the darkness.

No one answered so Kaoru crawled on further. She ran into multiple chairs trying to get further into the building.

Please! If you can hear me then say something, anything! She called out again.

As Kaoru crawled down the hall she finally heard someone moan from inside a room. Quickly she turned into the room and moved closer to the sound. She pressed her hand up against a pile on the floor only to find a woman. Are you okay? She asked out of concern.

No. I can't move my leg. She answered.

Kaoru sat slightly straighter as she thought of a solution. I need to get you out of here. She said. I know! She exclaimed when a solution finally came to mind. Could you climb up onto my back.

I'm not sure. I can try. The woman answered back. Once Kaoru laid on her stomach the woman began to pull herself closer until she limply hung over Kaoru's own body.

Let's get out of here. Kaoru said before she took another deep breath and pushed her self off of the floor, careful not to cause the other woman to fall. Kaoru slowly and with extreme caution, crawled through the building.

After many wrong turns she found herself back where she had started. Kaoru could see a man clad in fire gear at the entrance, but collapsed before she could get to him. Hurry and crawl to the light. It's a man! Kaoru ordered.

What about you? The woman questioned.

Just hurry! You have a little girl to get to! I'm not worth the worry! Kaoru screamed. With another burst of energy Kaoru pushed the woman towards the man. Kaoru laid her face on the ground and tried her hardest to regain her energy. Once the light had disappeared, Kaoru used what energy she had regained to crawl to the door. Finally when she was right in front of the door she saw cameras recording the incident. She saw one reporter point at her before a crackling sound came from above. The balcony above began to collapse and in a desperate defense, Kaoru threw her arms over her face. She was trapped once again.

(A.N.~ I could have been even more evil and left it here, ne?)
~*~*~*~*~

Kenshin still sat on the couch next to Yahiko watching the reporter. The screen now showed a women being carried out of the fire by a fireman before returning to the reporter.

No sighting of the young women has been announced yet, but the mother who she went in for has just been rescued. Once she had finished another yell was heard.

Look! Its the women. Quickly the camera scanned back to the fire where a young women stood in the doorway, obviously very weak.

Miss Kaoru! Kenshin yelled as he realized who it was. He slid off of the couch and closer to the TV. In horror he watched as the balcony began to fall trapping her inside again. Kenshin jumped to his feet as the reporter told the horrific event and how brave the young woman was. Come on Yahiko! We need to get down there!

~*~*~*~*~

Kaoru dropped to her knees once again as fear began to envelope her again. This is it. She whispered to herself. Tears began to drip down her face and slowly she slumped to the ground, her breath in sort gasps. Images began to flash before her eyes. The harder she tried to look away the stronger they forced themselves upon her mind. There her mother stood flashing in and out of her vision before she stood there clearly.

The older woman's face swept up into a soft smile as she stared at her daughter. Why have you given up? Her voice was just a whisper.

Do I have much choice? Kaoru retorted. What's the point? Kaoru looked down at her hands before looking back up. I can finally be with you.

The point is that you have someone standing out side this very building waiting for you. This man is slowly losing himself.

Because of me? Kaoru asked. I can't go back to him. I want him to be safe.

I won't force you, but please don't give up. Even though your father and I died don't let it be in vain. Kaoru's mother whispered as she began to disappear.

Wait! How do I get out? Just as Kaoru finished her question a loud banging sound came from her side. When she looked over at it she saw a flashlight. With a smile she began to crawl over to the light hoping he would see her. She moaned.

~*~*~*~*~

Kenshin ran out of the car and closer to the scene. Yahiko trailed behind him, trying his hardest to keep up. Kenshin stopped once he reached the front of the group and waited. When finally a man came walking out carrying a woman, Kenshin knew immediately that it was Kaoru. Pushing his way through the crowd, Kenshin finally made it to Kaoru as the man sat her down. Miss Kaoru!

Kaoru immediately looked up to see Kenshin running towards her. She held her self while coughing, but only for a moment. When he kneeled down in front of her, Kaoru looked to the ground in shame. I'm sorry. She whispered.

Kenshin heard her words, but said nothing. He just wrapped his arms around her and held her tightly.

Kaoru showed no reluctance to his embrace, but instead she fell into it. No Kenshin. She soon whispered before she pulled away. If I stay near you then I put you in danger. Kaoru looked away from Kenshin before she slowly got to her feet.

Kenshin watched in shock before he also got up. Staring at her back he tried to convince her otherwise. Please don't think like that. Why hurt yourself only because you're afraid?

Kaoru didn't turn around. She just kept walking.

Excuse me? May I ask you some questions? A reporter asked.

No. I have nothing to say. Kaoru said as she kept on walking. She could hear Kenshin walking behind her, but refused to stop.

With each step Kenshin's anger grew. Once he was close to an alley way, Kenshin grabbed Kaoru's arm and pulled her into the alley with him. Look at me. Kenshin ordered.

Kaoru stood with her back to Kenshin, staring at the back wall while trying to keep her coughs at bay. He had used a tone with her that was unfamiliar. It sent chills through her, but she refused to turn around. As luck would have it, rain began to pour from the sky.

A classic movie affect. Kenshin scoffed. He took a couple of steps forward.

Kaoru could feel hands grab her shoulders, slowly turning her around. She kept her eyes closed as she responded to Kenshin in a whisper. You only make this harder.

Why won't you look at me? Do you hate me so much that you can't even look at me? Kenshin's voice was almost taunting and yet it was still a question.

Kaoru shook her head before slowly opening her eyes. That's not it at all. I won't look at you because... Kaoru stopped short of finishing her statement because of the shock of Kenshin's eyes. They were a pure amber color. What's happened to you?

What? Do I seem different to you? Kenshin asked. Guess that's what happens when your heart has been ripped out of you.

I told you that I didn't mean to hurt you. Kaoru defended as she allowed her hand to wander up to Kenshin's cheek.

Kenshin forcefully smacked it away and watched as Kaoru held it with hurt in her eyes. You didn't mean to, but you did. Kenshin then spun around, droplets that hung in his hair spraying out in a circle.

Have you returned to your former self? She asked.

You could say that. And then he was gone, sprinting with unnoticeable speed down the block.

Kaoru stood there in shock still clutching the rejected hand when Yahiko walked up. Scary looking ain't he.

Kaoru coughed a little while nodding her head. What happened?

Maybe you should go talk to Sano. He'd explain it better. Yahiko said before he began to walk off.

Where are you going? Kaoru asked.

Yahiko looked back at Kaoru. I'm late for school and I don't really feel like catching a ride with Kenshin right now.

Do you want me to walk you there? Kaoru asked him.

No way! Who would ever want to get walked anywhere with you, Ugly? Yahiko screamed before running off.

Shut up you Kid! Kaoru yelled back. Before she dropped to the ground with hacking coughs.

~*~*~*~*~

Kaoru had walked to Megumi's clinic to ask her where Sano lived. Now she sat on the bed in one of the rooms with a blanket wrapped around her shoulders. She had walked through the rain and now she was shivering, sneezing, and still coughing. Megumi, I just need to know where Sano lives!

I'm not about to let you wander around in your condition. Megumi retorted.

Fine! I'm leaving! I just wanted to ask him about Kenshin. Kaoru jumped off of the bed and began to walk towards the door.

I'll take you. Follow me. She said with an exasperated sigh.

Kaoru didn't say anything as she followed Megumi down the hall and out the back door. There was a little white car sitting out there. Megumi took the blanket that she'd been wanting to wrap around Kaoru along with the other one and draped it over her seat. I don't want to get my car wet. Megumi snapped.

Thank you. Kaoru said as she slowly sat down in the car.

~*~*~*~*~

Sano opened the door and in his shock, he quickly slammed the door shut in Kaoru's face.

Kaoru began to laugh and then resumed her banging. Sano! Open the door!

The door slowly opened again with Sano stood in the doorway, rubbing the back of his head. "Sorry Little Missy. You scared me.

Kaoru nodded and then walked through the door and into his apartment. She let out an audible sigh at the lack of organization of the room and slowly crept around the many boxes and crates with clothes and sheets draped over them. Sano? Where do I sit? She asked realizing that there was no furniture.

Sano looked around before a smile slowly spread across his face. Right there. He pointed towards a crate with a shirt thrown over it. Once Kaoru sat down so did he. Why are you here?

Kenshin has changed. Kaoru whispered. When she saw the knowing look on his face, Kaoru knew that he wasn't shocked. I saw him today at...

The fire? Sano smiled when Kaoru gave him a shocked look. I do see some TV you know. Sano quipped. They've replayed it all day long on every channel. You're a hero little Missy!

I don't want to be a hero. Kaoru whispered.

I saw that Kenshin was following you when you left the scene. What happened? Sano asked.

I don't really know. I got upset and I guess he did too. Yahiko said that he was hurt. Kaoru leaned closer to Sano and in a low voice spoke to him. He held him self in a rigid posture. His hands were held in tight fists while his lips were pressed into a thin line. His brows were lowered over narrowed eyes and the color Sano, that was the most shocking part of it. Kaoru paused until Sano nodded his head, urging her to go on. They were a pure amber color. No violet in them, only amber.

What? Please say that you were kidding! Sano yelled as he got to his feet. It's too late.

Too late? What are you talking about? Kaoru questioned.

Sano stood in front of her and grasped her hands as he slowly kneeled. If his eyes are a pure amber, then we've lost him. You might as well forget about him. Sano told her in a serious tone.

What are you saying? Kenshin is now the Battousai? Kaoru asked in utter confusion. This is all my fault. If I hadn't left him or for that matter, met him then this wouldn't be happening.

I won't deny that your leaving did cause him to turn cold, but you shouldn't blame yourself. Sano told her.

That's not easy. I'm going back to him. It's all my fault, and I'm going to fix it! Kaoru jumped to her feet and began to walk to the door when Sano grabbed her arm.

It's too dangerous. You don't know him anymore. Battousai is...different. Sano warned her.

I don't care. I love him and the only reason that I left him was to save him, but in turn I hurt him more. Kaoru told him in a calm voice. Just let me go! She screamed as she tried to push away from him.

You don't understand! Sano yelled back. Please, Kaoru, clam down. Right as he finished speaking, the phone rang. With a groan he let her arm go and grabbed the phone. He snapped.

Kaoru heaved a heavy sigh before walking to the door. She heard Sano trying to get off the phone and decided she needed to hurry. Slowly she opened the door and bolted out into the hall. She could hear Sano drop the phone and run after her screaming before she began to run down the stairs. She didn't stop running until she was on the other side of the street.

She knew that Sano would give up. He had a heart that he tried to hide for the sake of his image. Kaoru knew that he was battling with his own self. Half of him wanted Kaoru to go back to Kenshin while the other half was afraid.

The rain still poured down soaking Kaoru once again. It was just one of those days. No matter what she did, she was gonna get wet. Kenshin said it was a classic movie effect, what ever that meant. She slowly walked down the many streets trying to decide on what to do. Should she be scared of Kenshin, or not.

Curtains of rain surrounded her as she walked. Her clothes and hair began to press to her body, following each curve of her body. She shivered as the cold began to twist inside her body. Before she knew it, Kaoru was standing in front of the apartment building. She began to twist her hands together before she jerked them apart and dropped them to her sides. She then walked towards the building and walked inside up to the floor that they lived on, and finally to the apartment. She took no time to think before she began to knock on the door. No one answered and as soon as she put her ear to the door, she realized that no one was home.

A little disappointed, Kaoru turned around and retraced her steps back to the sidewalk. It's not like I have anywhere else to go. She told herself in a sarcastic voice before she sat down on the front steps. She rested her elbows on her knees covered her face with her hands as tears began to roll down her cheeks. The rain drummed on her body in a rhythmic fashion, but Kaoru took no note of it.

~*~*~*~*~

So she's a hero now. Susumu remarked as he clicked off the TV set.

Yes sir. What should we do now? A man asked from behind him.

Susumu swirled around on his heel and stared down a the man. What do you think? He asked in a growl.

The man began to back away as he answered in a weak voice. Go look for her?

If I weren't so smart then you just might have my job! Susumu replied, his voice drenched in sarcasm before he walked off.

Once in his room, Susumu sat down at his desk. With a fist he slammed his hand down on the desk. Finally with a deep sigh, he began to whisper to himself. If I let her go then what have I become. He knew that it wasn't that big of a deal if Kaoru got away, but it was the whole principle of the matter. How could he live with himself after someone like her got away from him?

The phone soon began to ring and Susumu took his time in answering it. He griped.

Don't what' me! Susumu's boss yelled. What in hell is taking you so god damn long? What would everyone else think if you let her get away? Her family thought that they could get away from us, but we made our message loud and clear! No one can do us wrong with out loosing everything!

I understand. Susumu said.

I don't think you do. He said. Susumu, if you don't get her back then you'd better start planning your funeral. I will have no regret in killing you!

Y-yes sir. Susumu responded and then hung up the phone. His life had shortened in just the last second and he could feel it.

~*~*~*~*~

Translation~

Kanashimi ni Tamesarete mo; Even When Tried by Sorrow~ Rurouni Kenshin

Umi wo watatte yuku chou no you na
Tsuyosa hoshii

I long for strength
Like that of a butterfly crossing the sea

A.N. ~
Okay so now what's to to happen? Any ideas? Hmm, well I know, but it might take me a little longer to write it. Sadly for you but nice for me, i have started to write a new story. i tried to suppress it as long as I cold, but it just didn't work. So if you want me to keep my updates coming at a good speed then please review because those are what gives me my motivation.

For the Reviewers~

Angel81~ Thanks for reviewing and I am so sorry about the evil cliff hanger. It doesn't happen that often.

Kenshin-gotenks~ I know I almost cried when writing it.

CurlsofSerenity~ Ooh, so so so sorry for the cliffy.

aglaia102~ Thanks for reviewing.

inuyasha0024~ no problem. I love it when people ask me questions. Explaining this are fun for me. Who knows, I'm weird.

Catrina3~ I'm so glad that you like it. It's really a honor when people express how much they like a story.

Uenki~ Did I update soon enough?

Ymir-chan~ Please say that I made up for the cliff hanger. Did I? I hope so.

Ginny-cry~ Yes I do like the bunny. Real creative.

Inuyasha~ Well I hope you like this chapter.

Crystal Renee~ Of course I couldn't let her burn in the building. I don't have that in me, you know? I just can't do it. Did you like what happened in this chapter.

one black tear~ oh please don't be mad.

Billabong-Bob~ I'm sorry that I upset you with this chapter but I have to make it exciting.

In My Head~
I made homecoming court! It's so weird because I'm just not the type of person to be in one of these things. Any ways, I want to win Homecoming Queen just to prove to people that it's not always the popular cheer leading girls that win. No offense if any of you are one. The week of Homecoming we are going to have competitions and spirit week. On monday we have pajama day, tuesday is mardi gras, wednesday is college day, thursday is fashion disaster day (that's going to be so much fun!) and then friday will be twin day! I'm so excited! Also, HAPPY HALLOWEEN to everyone! I love this holiday so much! I can't wait to go trick or treating and I'm seventeen so it will be great.