At long last readers, my computer has been completely fixed and upgraded.
It's been a while since I've updated, so this chapter is longer then normal
as a reward for all your patience. For the Inu fans, our favorite dog
demon has made his grand entrance back in Kaoru's life. But I'm not gonna
give too much away...
And I got a lot of comments about Soujiro and the hopes that he hasn't done anything illegal. Well I can only hope for your patience, as the Tenken has gotten himself in a sticky situation that will take a couple chapters to uncover.
Otherwise, I can only say on with the show!
Much luv
Sephiress
Me no own RK or Inu
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Don't Let Go by Sephiress
Chapter 6) Can't Change the Past
The scene was so familiar, too familiar. Everything was as left it all those years ago. The rocks still piled by the eastern ledge. A crisp scent hovered in the air, purified by the flowing waters and healthy plants. The same trees opening into a vast clearing in the heavens, its leaves and branches framing the clusters of stars just as it always had. It was as though the gods had placed a shield around the area, protecting it from life, from destruction, from time itself.
The grass was moist between her toes, the night dew cooling heated skin. But dawn fast approached, Kaoru could smell the growing heat.
'It would be better to wait 'til the sun rises to cross over, who knows what youkai hunt in the area during the night.' The voices in her head were that of her demon nature. Though the instincts had been released less than an hour ago, Kaoru felt like they had never left her. In honestly, she was grateful to have such acute senses. Otherwise, she might have stepped into a battlefield of predator versus prey.
Kaoru's eyes watched as the eastern horizon was transformed into a mirage of scarlet and tangerine hues. To the west, the full moon wrung out its last moments in the heavens, before it was swept away by the light of the sun. Directly above her form, the constellation of Cainous Minor twinkled lightly in the faded blues of the sky. And as her sapphire depths wandered the scene above her, a sigh of regret could be heard from her lips.
'I am truly doing the right thing? Leaving this all behind?' Flashes of her Tokyo and Kyoto friends appeared behind her pupils, the memories swarming her being. All they had been through...Kanryuu, Shishio, Enishi...they had tackled all obstacles together, forming an unbreakable bond. Her thoughts flew by, only one true aspect sticking out from all others.
"Kenshin..."
The regret held in her midnight pools turned to deep remorse as the thought of her samurai fell into place. She could see his small stature and scarred skin, the cross mark on his face which she longed to heal. His endless violet eyes, clear as the purest waters. She could see lips, whispering those three words he had told he once before, only to be shot down. She could almost feel his thick red strands through his fingers, colored the deep shade of fresh blood...
Blood...
A scream echoed through her dazed mind, scattering all her memories away until all that was seen was the horrific picture of Kagome and Inuyasha's mangled bodies, blood seeping from multiple wounds. The sound reverberated against the inner walls of her head, torturing the sensitive wolf ears atop her head. Kaoru clamped her clawed hands over her furry ears, her eyes shutting desperately, trying to gain control over her mind.
"Onegai...please make it...stop..." And at her whisper, the voices stopped, visions faded and calmness restored the young hanyou's body. Slowly, her eyes opened and Kaoru uncovered her ears, relishing in the sound of silence.
"Kami-sama...what was that?" Kaoru whispered to no one. By then, the sun had risen fully, beginning the day and waking many creatures in the forest.
Kaoru glanced at the waterfall, knowing in her heart that even though her life here was precious, there was no more time to wait. There were people counting on her, calling in their agony, and for the life of her, Kaoru could not ignore that call. The moment was now.
Her bare, clawed feet made no sound as she slipped them into the water, slowly wading to the waterfall. The cool pond was up to her mid-chest, chilling her body and arousing goose pimples over her fair skin. White beaver-fur clothing clung to Kaoru like a shield while the lower parts of her ponytail floated in the clear water behind her. A few unseen waterweeds caressed her submerged wolf tail, it's length flicking back and forth causing ripples. But her eyes were locked and unmoving, completely focused on the task at hand.
A rouge hand lifted itself, its clawed nails reaching for the glassy window of the waterfall. Kaoru could see herself in its surface, a once-forgotten face looking back at her with familiar eyes, eyes full of determination.
'No turning back...'
Kaoru's fingertips made contact, letting the crystal liquid barely skim over her top-most layer of flesh. Changing the angle of her wrist, Kaoru brought her palm parallel to the gleaming barrier, loving the way it felt on her.
A deep sigh.
'No turning back...'
From one of the highest branches on an old ash tree, a mother squirrel poked her head out just in time to see the young wolf woman fall against the waterfall. A light splash echoed through the clearing, but there was no sound of her body hitting the rocks behind the fall. Because as the woman fell through the steady stream, she crossed an age-old barrier. Leaving one age behind to rescue another.
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Black lashes fluttered open suddenly, though Kaoru's eyesight was still groggy. There was a hard surface beneath her back, pressing against her shoulder blades. After blinking twice, her vision cleared, letting her see the sight before her...
A ceiling?
"Demo..." Kaoru whispered thickly to herself, trying to grasp reality. The last thing she remembered was taking a deep breath and letting her body fall through the portal. She had seen the lights of the past as her being was thrown through time, and then suddenly, nothing but black. Was it all a dream? Had just woken up from a terrible nightmare and was still in the empty dojo?
Kaoru tried turning her head, to see if she was still in her bed...or somewhere else. But she was met with a sharp pain on the left side of her head, releasing a tortured groan from the young woman.
"Kagome, I think she's waking up."
The voice was high-pitched, stinging Kaoru's already aching head. A shot of annoyance went through her at the inconsideration of some people. It was only after she closed her eyes and tried to calm her throbbing temples, did her mind register what was said.
Her body shot up of it's own will, desperate to determine what she had heard, momentarily forgetting about the splitting pain in her skull. Another pain-filled gasp could be heard as Kaoru's eyes began to water because of the abuse. She snapped them close in pain, her hands reaching to the spot on the left side of her head.
"Ooo, Kaoru-chan, let me help you." A calm voice reached her wolf ears as gentle fingers pried away her own. A moment later, a cold shock went through Kaoru's body as an ice pack was placed on her hurting part. After a few seconds, Kaoru became used to the coldness and held the pack to her head while looking up into concerned brown eyes.
"You fell into the water and hit your head on a nasty rock", the girl said. "You were lucky there wasn't any blood."
A true smile tugged on the hanyou's lips.
"Arigatou, Kagome-chan..."
Kaoru's smile reflected to the face before her, that of one Kagome Higurashi. Kagome was about the height of Kaoru with sweeping black hair and messy bangs that nearly fell over her dark chocolate eyes. Her skin was pale and fair, but scars nicked her bare legs and other parts. She wore a short pleated green skirt with a long sleeved white shirt with matching green handkerchief around her neck. Lower, Kagome's legs were clothed with white knee socks and her small feet adorned by brown leather shoes. Looking back to her face, Kaoru was surprised to see her friend's eyes glazed over with unshed tears.
"Kagome? What's wrong?" Kaoru drew her friend into an embrace as tears slipped silently down her face, Kaoru whispering soothing words. Gently, she tried to coax words out of Kagome, but failed.
"She's crying because she's happy." Kaoru turned her head at the voice, realizing they weren't the only two in the room. Her blue eyes widen as they took in the sight of the rest of the gang.
"We've been waiting a long time for you, Kaoru Kamiya." Her eyes trailed from the dark haired man who had spoke, his frame drowned in monk's robes, to the woman at his side. Kaoru looked into her dark orbs, watching a knowing smile play across her deep pink lips. In her arms, was a small child youkai, his tail flicking left and right as his innocent eyes peered at the crying woman in Kaoru's arms.
"What do you mean, Miroku?"
The monk sighed, this would take a long time to explain. But for now, it was enough to know that the one person that they knew could help was here.
The group glanced up as a familiar ki approached the hut, clawed hands pushing the door opened. Kaoru's breath shortened, as she knew that aura better then any other. And as the shouji door slid open, sapphire blue eyes widened as they once again stared straight into endless gold.
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Sanosuke was quiet for once, the tension in the air so thick he could have cut through it with Kenshin's sakabatou. He, Yahiko, and Kenshin walked down the roads of Hokadate, the prisoner with them. Yahiko walked in front of him with Soujiro a step behind, while Kenshin walked behind. At first, Sano and Yahiko were reluctant to be within ten feet of Soujiro, who seemed to be seething with suppressed emotions. According to Saitoh's orders, they were to be with Seta-san at all times, including sleeping arrangements.
There was something about this Soujiro that he had never liked. When he had joined Kenshin and Saitoh in their mission at Shishio's headquarters, he had ran into the boy once before. Before, he had been all smiles until Kenshin set him straight. And even after the Tenken was defeated, his cheery demeanor had found its way back.
But now...
Sano shook his head, thinking so hard was bringing on a migraine. He briefly stole a glance at the short man. He looked so much like a child, but his eyes held age and suffering at the same time. A chill swept through the street fighter's body as his gaze met blue eyes.
Yep, there was something he just didn't like about the kid.
"Eh, hey Kenshin, where are we staying again? ...Kenshin?" Sano turned when no response came from the rurouni. The red head stood there in the middle of the road, not paying any attention to his companions.
"Kenshin?!"
Nothing.
Becoming annoyed, Sano walked over to his friend, smacking him out of the frozen state. But when Kenshin seemed to come around, his face rose to reveal violet eyes brimming with a devastating pain and ache.
He had never seen those amethyst orbs filled with such hurt, leaving Sano to worry what was going through Kenshin's head. What thought could be so striking that it snuck upon the Hitokiri Battousai and paralyzed him with its power. Sano grabbed Kenshin's shoulders, trying to shake him out of whatever nightmare was plaguing his mind.
It apparently worked, as the silent agony was replaced with dizzy swirls. Sano sighed in relief; his friend was back.
Kenshin's head shifted around in confusion, a loud 'Oro!' suddenly heard. He looked up surprised at the taller man, who was shooting a confused and worried expression back at him.
"Gomen nasai Sano, what were you saying?" Kenshin's face flicked back to normal, the rurouni grin in place.
"Ummm, yeah...I was just asking where we were staying..." Sano peered closer, trying to see past the expertly placed mask Kenshin always wore. "You sure you're ok, buddy?"
"Hai hai, I am fine. And we're staying at the police headquarters in the city. Saitoh has sent a letter to them giving us permission to." Kenshin smiled at Sano, continuing on the road. He waved ahead at Yahiko, who had stopped to watch them, Soujiro also standing still, but not facing them. The rurouni walked on with a spring in his step, pretending nothing was wrong.
But something was troubling him, both mentally and physically.
Kenshin had been focusing on the problem of Seta-san, his thoughts running a mile a second, when something, an invisible force stabbed him.
It was the most exquisite pain Kenshin had ever faced in all his life. He felt as though someone was ripping through his chest with talons sharp as a blade. A cold hand reaching past his bones, past his heart, to grasp the man's soul in it's icy fingers, wrenching it painstakingly out of his being. The bonds between him and his soul were stretched to the limits, Kenshin craving them back as he pulled with his inner strength.
But his strength faded as the links were severed, his heart stopped for a moment, only to continue again, but now at a slower, more drudging pace. He felt drained, so tired as though he had run for miles. And then he had felt hands shaking him out of his state of shock, back to reality.
And even now, as he walked again like there was no pain, his body was empty. A vague achy sensation within his core, craving to be full once again. It felt as though his soul had walked out of his body and crossed over into another world... ((A/N: ok, if there is anyone out there who still doesn't get what I am really trying to say about Kenshin feeling like he's lost part of his soul, please say in a review and I will email them personally!))
The four men were soon standing outside a large, official looking building that Kenshin had declared as the police headquarters. It had been a long night and Kenshin, Yahiko, and Sano were all craving a bed that wasn't being tossed around on a train. And Soujiro was just plain craving a bed.
The officers inside nodded to the gumi as they were led to their room by the captain. None, however, seemed too keen to approach, the stories around the viciousness of the angry prisoner too gruesome to test. At last they found themselves in a large room with four futons. Their other sets of clothing had been washed and folded neatly by their owner's respective futon.
Sanosuke's eyes lit up at the soft bed, he quickly unfolding the mattress and flopping down without changing into sleeping attire. Soon the room was filling with loud snores, much to the other's discomfort. Kenshin chuckled at Sano's carefree attitude.
Yahiko and Kenshin, on the other hand, had been living with Kaoru for the past two years, thus learning the art of cleanliness. The two neatly placed their belongings into the traveling sacks that were brought with, making sure every article of clothing was counted for. Finally, everything was in place, earning a satisfied sigh from the two neat-freaks.
"Kenshin, I'm gonna sleep now, you really should get some rest too..." The last part was trailed off as he looked pointedly over at the last occupant of the room. Soujiro was sitting on his futon, his back turned to the two. His eyes were focused on some unknown object, his mind obviously on something.
Kenshin nodded to Yahiko telling him silently not to worry. The boy looked unsure for a moment, but soon shrugged and changed into a sleeping yukata before settling down into his blankets. A second set of snores was soon heard.
Looking out the window, Kenshin could see the sun had already fully risen, though the morning was still young. The rurouni sighed deeply, running long fingers through his crimson mane. His eyes struggled to keep open, the episode on the road taking so much strength from his already weary body. Kenshin wanted nothing more then to settle onto the delightfully soft futon and sleep for hours.
But there was still the matter of the Tenken to assess.
"Seta-san...you should get some sleep. We'll be leaving again in a few days after our supplies are replenished." A silence ensured, as he offered no response to Kenshin's words. And then...
"Himura-san, I know you are just dying to ask me, so I won't beat around the bush." Soujiro turned to face the stunned redhead, the flaming anger that laced him before had settled slightly.
"Soujiro..."
"I did kill them." A heavy tension fell over the two men, each staring the other down. Kenshin had no idea how to respond to that, though it was the truth. But there was something he needed to know.
"Why? Why Soujiro? I thought you were seeking the truth after the passing of Shishio...I thought I had taught you to use your sword to protect others." Kenshin looked away, feeling much like a teacher whose student had done wrong.
And then out of nowhere, the rurouni felt a large spike in Soujiro's warrior ki. Without warning, Kenshin found himself pinned to the opposite wall of the room, a calloused hand at his throat, angry blue orbs staring into his widened ones. And then Soujiro's voice shot out, angry venom filling each syllable.
"LIES! ALL FUCKING LIES! The strong were not meant to protect the weak, Himura! You made me believe that this was the truth, that my sword could protect those I loved...well you were WRONG DAMMIT!" Soujiro's breathing was ragged, anger threatening to take hold, his hand clenching an unclenching as though it longed to hold swords again and pierce them through Himura's stunned face.
And suddenly, those blue orbs were empty again, as though someone had pulled the plug and drained all the emotion out of Soujiro's being. The angry snarl was gone, replaced with a deadpan look. Kenshin felt the hand at his throat being pulled away, his body sliding down the wall like a rag- doll. Soujiro walked back to his futon, his movements slow and tired, letting Kenshin realize just how mentally exhausted the younger man was.
"Go to sleep Himura-san. I'm not going to try anything." His voice was chillingly empty, but honest to say the least, and Kenshin found himself obliging. He knew he wasn't going to get anything out of Soujiro tonight, but tomorrow was another day.
Not bothering to change into a yukata, Kenshin settled onto his futon, the scent of clean sheets calming his senses and reminding him of the simple times when he would do laundry in the dojo. And much like every night, before his eyes fell closed into the bliss of sleep, one thought flashed though his weary mind.
"Osyumi nasai Kaoru-dono..."
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"So you guys have finally collected the remaining jewel shards, and all that's left is the ones Naraku has?" Kaoru watched as her friends nodded solemnly. She sighed at the situation and continued.
"Well, I would be worried too, seeing as how half of you guys are injured and Naraku and his demons could strike any moment."
"So hence the reason Kagome has been calling out for you", Miroku said from the corner. Kaoru looked upon the monk with curiosity, silently asking for someone to explain.
"Kaoru, have you been having strange dreams the past few nights?" Kagome asked, continuing at Kaoru's slow nod. "Well, I've been...umm...kinda the cause of all those. I hoped you would get the message that something was happening here and we needed your help..." Kagome twiddled her thumbs, hoping Kaoru wouldn't be angry, but was surprised when she heard a chuckle from the hanyou girl.
"Kagome, I'm not angry. But I am impressed your miko powers have developed so well!" Kagome blushed prettily at the compliment from her friend.
Kaoru sighed in content, she felt so at home with all these people. Her eyes strayed over from Kagome who was tickling Shippo, to Miroku and Sango in deep conversation. There was something strange going on with those two, her wolf nose could literally smell it. Miroku's scent was mingled into Sango's body, leaving only one possible situation. Kaoru's smile widened knowingly, hoping that if this kept up, there would be little Sangos and Mirokus running all over the place.
Tearing her gaze from the happy couple, she looked to the last member of the group, the one that had stayed silent for majority of the conversation. His silver hair was still long and sweeping, complimenting those bright golden eyes. He still wore the same red gi and hakama, only now they were more torn from the many battles he had been through.
His eyes met hers, as his gaze had never left her face, she noted.
"Kaoru, can I talk to you outside?" The group turned at Inuyasha's sudden words, none of them hearing him speak that night. Kaoru nodded and the two walked out stride for stride into the forest.
The moment they stepped onto the forest floor, there were two flashes of color as the demons raced to their favorite spot. It was an ongoing game for them, one challenging the other to be the better hanyou. The red blur swerved around the large maple and oak trees while the white colored one jumped branch to branch through the thick foliage. In then end, the two met at the same time underneath the large God tree that had been there for many ages. There was still a scar where Inuyasha had been pinned fifty years ago, but that was in the past, long forgotten.
Kaoru stared into those golden eyes while the returned the gentle gaze. It had been so long since she had seen him, and yet Kaoru could never forget.
"It's been too long Inuyasha..." The tone was so gentle, the happiness lying beneath the words so completely wonderful. The dog hanyou nodded in agreement before he swept her into his strong arms. Kaoru could feel a tear of joy sliding down her cheek into his silver hair, so glad to be in his hug once again.
Beneath the shadows of the legendary God tree, the two forgot the past and lost themselves in the warmth of each others embrace, holding onto each other like a lifeline.
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HAVE I GONE PLAID!?!? HAVE I CHANGED MY MIND AND MADE THIS AN INU/KAORU PAIRING? I know you're all thinking 'let's kill the authoress', but please remember this is how it I intended it. It will all work out in the end, but this is a drama.
The part about Kenshin losing his soul...yea just in case you guys are confused about that whole thing, here's what I was trying to say: Kenshin loves Kaoru with all his heart. She has literally become such a key factor in his life, that when she goes back to the Feudal Era, he can feel her leaving. It causes him pain be cause the ties between them are severed.
This will play an important factor in the future chapters, but for now, anyone who still needs explaining, just email me at
Anyway, I gotta go cut the grass now, so drop Sephiress a review so she'll write faster! Thanks to all the great people who reviewed so far!
Much luv
Sephiress
And I got a lot of comments about Soujiro and the hopes that he hasn't done anything illegal. Well I can only hope for your patience, as the Tenken has gotten himself in a sticky situation that will take a couple chapters to uncover.
Otherwise, I can only say on with the show!
Much luv
Sephiress
Me no own RK or Inu
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Don't Let Go by Sephiress
Chapter 6) Can't Change the Past
The scene was so familiar, too familiar. Everything was as left it all those years ago. The rocks still piled by the eastern ledge. A crisp scent hovered in the air, purified by the flowing waters and healthy plants. The same trees opening into a vast clearing in the heavens, its leaves and branches framing the clusters of stars just as it always had. It was as though the gods had placed a shield around the area, protecting it from life, from destruction, from time itself.
The grass was moist between her toes, the night dew cooling heated skin. But dawn fast approached, Kaoru could smell the growing heat.
'It would be better to wait 'til the sun rises to cross over, who knows what youkai hunt in the area during the night.' The voices in her head were that of her demon nature. Though the instincts had been released less than an hour ago, Kaoru felt like they had never left her. In honestly, she was grateful to have such acute senses. Otherwise, she might have stepped into a battlefield of predator versus prey.
Kaoru's eyes watched as the eastern horizon was transformed into a mirage of scarlet and tangerine hues. To the west, the full moon wrung out its last moments in the heavens, before it was swept away by the light of the sun. Directly above her form, the constellation of Cainous Minor twinkled lightly in the faded blues of the sky. And as her sapphire depths wandered the scene above her, a sigh of regret could be heard from her lips.
'I am truly doing the right thing? Leaving this all behind?' Flashes of her Tokyo and Kyoto friends appeared behind her pupils, the memories swarming her being. All they had been through...Kanryuu, Shishio, Enishi...they had tackled all obstacles together, forming an unbreakable bond. Her thoughts flew by, only one true aspect sticking out from all others.
"Kenshin..."
The regret held in her midnight pools turned to deep remorse as the thought of her samurai fell into place. She could see his small stature and scarred skin, the cross mark on his face which she longed to heal. His endless violet eyes, clear as the purest waters. She could see lips, whispering those three words he had told he once before, only to be shot down. She could almost feel his thick red strands through his fingers, colored the deep shade of fresh blood...
Blood...
A scream echoed through her dazed mind, scattering all her memories away until all that was seen was the horrific picture of Kagome and Inuyasha's mangled bodies, blood seeping from multiple wounds. The sound reverberated against the inner walls of her head, torturing the sensitive wolf ears atop her head. Kaoru clamped her clawed hands over her furry ears, her eyes shutting desperately, trying to gain control over her mind.
"Onegai...please make it...stop..." And at her whisper, the voices stopped, visions faded and calmness restored the young hanyou's body. Slowly, her eyes opened and Kaoru uncovered her ears, relishing in the sound of silence.
"Kami-sama...what was that?" Kaoru whispered to no one. By then, the sun had risen fully, beginning the day and waking many creatures in the forest.
Kaoru glanced at the waterfall, knowing in her heart that even though her life here was precious, there was no more time to wait. There were people counting on her, calling in their agony, and for the life of her, Kaoru could not ignore that call. The moment was now.
Her bare, clawed feet made no sound as she slipped them into the water, slowly wading to the waterfall. The cool pond was up to her mid-chest, chilling her body and arousing goose pimples over her fair skin. White beaver-fur clothing clung to Kaoru like a shield while the lower parts of her ponytail floated in the clear water behind her. A few unseen waterweeds caressed her submerged wolf tail, it's length flicking back and forth causing ripples. But her eyes were locked and unmoving, completely focused on the task at hand.
A rouge hand lifted itself, its clawed nails reaching for the glassy window of the waterfall. Kaoru could see herself in its surface, a once-forgotten face looking back at her with familiar eyes, eyes full of determination.
'No turning back...'
Kaoru's fingertips made contact, letting the crystal liquid barely skim over her top-most layer of flesh. Changing the angle of her wrist, Kaoru brought her palm parallel to the gleaming barrier, loving the way it felt on her.
A deep sigh.
'No turning back...'
From one of the highest branches on an old ash tree, a mother squirrel poked her head out just in time to see the young wolf woman fall against the waterfall. A light splash echoed through the clearing, but there was no sound of her body hitting the rocks behind the fall. Because as the woman fell through the steady stream, she crossed an age-old barrier. Leaving one age behind to rescue another.
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Black lashes fluttered open suddenly, though Kaoru's eyesight was still groggy. There was a hard surface beneath her back, pressing against her shoulder blades. After blinking twice, her vision cleared, letting her see the sight before her...
A ceiling?
"Demo..." Kaoru whispered thickly to herself, trying to grasp reality. The last thing she remembered was taking a deep breath and letting her body fall through the portal. She had seen the lights of the past as her being was thrown through time, and then suddenly, nothing but black. Was it all a dream? Had just woken up from a terrible nightmare and was still in the empty dojo?
Kaoru tried turning her head, to see if she was still in her bed...or somewhere else. But she was met with a sharp pain on the left side of her head, releasing a tortured groan from the young woman.
"Kagome, I think she's waking up."
The voice was high-pitched, stinging Kaoru's already aching head. A shot of annoyance went through her at the inconsideration of some people. It was only after she closed her eyes and tried to calm her throbbing temples, did her mind register what was said.
Her body shot up of it's own will, desperate to determine what she had heard, momentarily forgetting about the splitting pain in her skull. Another pain-filled gasp could be heard as Kaoru's eyes began to water because of the abuse. She snapped them close in pain, her hands reaching to the spot on the left side of her head.
"Ooo, Kaoru-chan, let me help you." A calm voice reached her wolf ears as gentle fingers pried away her own. A moment later, a cold shock went through Kaoru's body as an ice pack was placed on her hurting part. After a few seconds, Kaoru became used to the coldness and held the pack to her head while looking up into concerned brown eyes.
"You fell into the water and hit your head on a nasty rock", the girl said. "You were lucky there wasn't any blood."
A true smile tugged on the hanyou's lips.
"Arigatou, Kagome-chan..."
Kaoru's smile reflected to the face before her, that of one Kagome Higurashi. Kagome was about the height of Kaoru with sweeping black hair and messy bangs that nearly fell over her dark chocolate eyes. Her skin was pale and fair, but scars nicked her bare legs and other parts. She wore a short pleated green skirt with a long sleeved white shirt with matching green handkerchief around her neck. Lower, Kagome's legs were clothed with white knee socks and her small feet adorned by brown leather shoes. Looking back to her face, Kaoru was surprised to see her friend's eyes glazed over with unshed tears.
"Kagome? What's wrong?" Kaoru drew her friend into an embrace as tears slipped silently down her face, Kaoru whispering soothing words. Gently, she tried to coax words out of Kagome, but failed.
"She's crying because she's happy." Kaoru turned her head at the voice, realizing they weren't the only two in the room. Her blue eyes widen as they took in the sight of the rest of the gang.
"We've been waiting a long time for you, Kaoru Kamiya." Her eyes trailed from the dark haired man who had spoke, his frame drowned in monk's robes, to the woman at his side. Kaoru looked into her dark orbs, watching a knowing smile play across her deep pink lips. In her arms, was a small child youkai, his tail flicking left and right as his innocent eyes peered at the crying woman in Kaoru's arms.
"What do you mean, Miroku?"
The monk sighed, this would take a long time to explain. But for now, it was enough to know that the one person that they knew could help was here.
The group glanced up as a familiar ki approached the hut, clawed hands pushing the door opened. Kaoru's breath shortened, as she knew that aura better then any other. And as the shouji door slid open, sapphire blue eyes widened as they once again stared straight into endless gold.
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Sanosuke was quiet for once, the tension in the air so thick he could have cut through it with Kenshin's sakabatou. He, Yahiko, and Kenshin walked down the roads of Hokadate, the prisoner with them. Yahiko walked in front of him with Soujiro a step behind, while Kenshin walked behind. At first, Sano and Yahiko were reluctant to be within ten feet of Soujiro, who seemed to be seething with suppressed emotions. According to Saitoh's orders, they were to be with Seta-san at all times, including sleeping arrangements.
There was something about this Soujiro that he had never liked. When he had joined Kenshin and Saitoh in their mission at Shishio's headquarters, he had ran into the boy once before. Before, he had been all smiles until Kenshin set him straight. And even after the Tenken was defeated, his cheery demeanor had found its way back.
But now...
Sano shook his head, thinking so hard was bringing on a migraine. He briefly stole a glance at the short man. He looked so much like a child, but his eyes held age and suffering at the same time. A chill swept through the street fighter's body as his gaze met blue eyes.
Yep, there was something he just didn't like about the kid.
"Eh, hey Kenshin, where are we staying again? ...Kenshin?" Sano turned when no response came from the rurouni. The red head stood there in the middle of the road, not paying any attention to his companions.
"Kenshin?!"
Nothing.
Becoming annoyed, Sano walked over to his friend, smacking him out of the frozen state. But when Kenshin seemed to come around, his face rose to reveal violet eyes brimming with a devastating pain and ache.
He had never seen those amethyst orbs filled with such hurt, leaving Sano to worry what was going through Kenshin's head. What thought could be so striking that it snuck upon the Hitokiri Battousai and paralyzed him with its power. Sano grabbed Kenshin's shoulders, trying to shake him out of whatever nightmare was plaguing his mind.
It apparently worked, as the silent agony was replaced with dizzy swirls. Sano sighed in relief; his friend was back.
Kenshin's head shifted around in confusion, a loud 'Oro!' suddenly heard. He looked up surprised at the taller man, who was shooting a confused and worried expression back at him.
"Gomen nasai Sano, what were you saying?" Kenshin's face flicked back to normal, the rurouni grin in place.
"Ummm, yeah...I was just asking where we were staying..." Sano peered closer, trying to see past the expertly placed mask Kenshin always wore. "You sure you're ok, buddy?"
"Hai hai, I am fine. And we're staying at the police headquarters in the city. Saitoh has sent a letter to them giving us permission to." Kenshin smiled at Sano, continuing on the road. He waved ahead at Yahiko, who had stopped to watch them, Soujiro also standing still, but not facing them. The rurouni walked on with a spring in his step, pretending nothing was wrong.
But something was troubling him, both mentally and physically.
Kenshin had been focusing on the problem of Seta-san, his thoughts running a mile a second, when something, an invisible force stabbed him.
It was the most exquisite pain Kenshin had ever faced in all his life. He felt as though someone was ripping through his chest with talons sharp as a blade. A cold hand reaching past his bones, past his heart, to grasp the man's soul in it's icy fingers, wrenching it painstakingly out of his being. The bonds between him and his soul were stretched to the limits, Kenshin craving them back as he pulled with his inner strength.
But his strength faded as the links were severed, his heart stopped for a moment, only to continue again, but now at a slower, more drudging pace. He felt drained, so tired as though he had run for miles. And then he had felt hands shaking him out of his state of shock, back to reality.
And even now, as he walked again like there was no pain, his body was empty. A vague achy sensation within his core, craving to be full once again. It felt as though his soul had walked out of his body and crossed over into another world... ((A/N: ok, if there is anyone out there who still doesn't get what I am really trying to say about Kenshin feeling like he's lost part of his soul, please say in a review and I will email them personally!))
The four men were soon standing outside a large, official looking building that Kenshin had declared as the police headquarters. It had been a long night and Kenshin, Yahiko, and Sano were all craving a bed that wasn't being tossed around on a train. And Soujiro was just plain craving a bed.
The officers inside nodded to the gumi as they were led to their room by the captain. None, however, seemed too keen to approach, the stories around the viciousness of the angry prisoner too gruesome to test. At last they found themselves in a large room with four futons. Their other sets of clothing had been washed and folded neatly by their owner's respective futon.
Sanosuke's eyes lit up at the soft bed, he quickly unfolding the mattress and flopping down without changing into sleeping attire. Soon the room was filling with loud snores, much to the other's discomfort. Kenshin chuckled at Sano's carefree attitude.
Yahiko and Kenshin, on the other hand, had been living with Kaoru for the past two years, thus learning the art of cleanliness. The two neatly placed their belongings into the traveling sacks that were brought with, making sure every article of clothing was counted for. Finally, everything was in place, earning a satisfied sigh from the two neat-freaks.
"Kenshin, I'm gonna sleep now, you really should get some rest too..." The last part was trailed off as he looked pointedly over at the last occupant of the room. Soujiro was sitting on his futon, his back turned to the two. His eyes were focused on some unknown object, his mind obviously on something.
Kenshin nodded to Yahiko telling him silently not to worry. The boy looked unsure for a moment, but soon shrugged and changed into a sleeping yukata before settling down into his blankets. A second set of snores was soon heard.
Looking out the window, Kenshin could see the sun had already fully risen, though the morning was still young. The rurouni sighed deeply, running long fingers through his crimson mane. His eyes struggled to keep open, the episode on the road taking so much strength from his already weary body. Kenshin wanted nothing more then to settle onto the delightfully soft futon and sleep for hours.
But there was still the matter of the Tenken to assess.
"Seta-san...you should get some sleep. We'll be leaving again in a few days after our supplies are replenished." A silence ensured, as he offered no response to Kenshin's words. And then...
"Himura-san, I know you are just dying to ask me, so I won't beat around the bush." Soujiro turned to face the stunned redhead, the flaming anger that laced him before had settled slightly.
"Soujiro..."
"I did kill them." A heavy tension fell over the two men, each staring the other down. Kenshin had no idea how to respond to that, though it was the truth. But there was something he needed to know.
"Why? Why Soujiro? I thought you were seeking the truth after the passing of Shishio...I thought I had taught you to use your sword to protect others." Kenshin looked away, feeling much like a teacher whose student had done wrong.
And then out of nowhere, the rurouni felt a large spike in Soujiro's warrior ki. Without warning, Kenshin found himself pinned to the opposite wall of the room, a calloused hand at his throat, angry blue orbs staring into his widened ones. And then Soujiro's voice shot out, angry venom filling each syllable.
"LIES! ALL FUCKING LIES! The strong were not meant to protect the weak, Himura! You made me believe that this was the truth, that my sword could protect those I loved...well you were WRONG DAMMIT!" Soujiro's breathing was ragged, anger threatening to take hold, his hand clenching an unclenching as though it longed to hold swords again and pierce them through Himura's stunned face.
And suddenly, those blue orbs were empty again, as though someone had pulled the plug and drained all the emotion out of Soujiro's being. The angry snarl was gone, replaced with a deadpan look. Kenshin felt the hand at his throat being pulled away, his body sliding down the wall like a rag- doll. Soujiro walked back to his futon, his movements slow and tired, letting Kenshin realize just how mentally exhausted the younger man was.
"Go to sleep Himura-san. I'm not going to try anything." His voice was chillingly empty, but honest to say the least, and Kenshin found himself obliging. He knew he wasn't going to get anything out of Soujiro tonight, but tomorrow was another day.
Not bothering to change into a yukata, Kenshin settled onto his futon, the scent of clean sheets calming his senses and reminding him of the simple times when he would do laundry in the dojo. And much like every night, before his eyes fell closed into the bliss of sleep, one thought flashed though his weary mind.
"Osyumi nasai Kaoru-dono..."
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"So you guys have finally collected the remaining jewel shards, and all that's left is the ones Naraku has?" Kaoru watched as her friends nodded solemnly. She sighed at the situation and continued.
"Well, I would be worried too, seeing as how half of you guys are injured and Naraku and his demons could strike any moment."
"So hence the reason Kagome has been calling out for you", Miroku said from the corner. Kaoru looked upon the monk with curiosity, silently asking for someone to explain.
"Kaoru, have you been having strange dreams the past few nights?" Kagome asked, continuing at Kaoru's slow nod. "Well, I've been...umm...kinda the cause of all those. I hoped you would get the message that something was happening here and we needed your help..." Kagome twiddled her thumbs, hoping Kaoru wouldn't be angry, but was surprised when she heard a chuckle from the hanyou girl.
"Kagome, I'm not angry. But I am impressed your miko powers have developed so well!" Kagome blushed prettily at the compliment from her friend.
Kaoru sighed in content, she felt so at home with all these people. Her eyes strayed over from Kagome who was tickling Shippo, to Miroku and Sango in deep conversation. There was something strange going on with those two, her wolf nose could literally smell it. Miroku's scent was mingled into Sango's body, leaving only one possible situation. Kaoru's smile widened knowingly, hoping that if this kept up, there would be little Sangos and Mirokus running all over the place.
Tearing her gaze from the happy couple, she looked to the last member of the group, the one that had stayed silent for majority of the conversation. His silver hair was still long and sweeping, complimenting those bright golden eyes. He still wore the same red gi and hakama, only now they were more torn from the many battles he had been through.
His eyes met hers, as his gaze had never left her face, she noted.
"Kaoru, can I talk to you outside?" The group turned at Inuyasha's sudden words, none of them hearing him speak that night. Kaoru nodded and the two walked out stride for stride into the forest.
The moment they stepped onto the forest floor, there were two flashes of color as the demons raced to their favorite spot. It was an ongoing game for them, one challenging the other to be the better hanyou. The red blur swerved around the large maple and oak trees while the white colored one jumped branch to branch through the thick foliage. In then end, the two met at the same time underneath the large God tree that had been there for many ages. There was still a scar where Inuyasha had been pinned fifty years ago, but that was in the past, long forgotten.
Kaoru stared into those golden eyes while the returned the gentle gaze. It had been so long since she had seen him, and yet Kaoru could never forget.
"It's been too long Inuyasha..." The tone was so gentle, the happiness lying beneath the words so completely wonderful. The dog hanyou nodded in agreement before he swept her into his strong arms. Kaoru could feel a tear of joy sliding down her cheek into his silver hair, so glad to be in his hug once again.
Beneath the shadows of the legendary God tree, the two forgot the past and lost themselves in the warmth of each others embrace, holding onto each other like a lifeline.
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HAVE I GONE PLAID!?!? HAVE I CHANGED MY MIND AND MADE THIS AN INU/KAORU PAIRING? I know you're all thinking 'let's kill the authoress', but please remember this is how it I intended it. It will all work out in the end, but this is a drama.
The part about Kenshin losing his soul...yea just in case you guys are confused about that whole thing, here's what I was trying to say: Kenshin loves Kaoru with all his heart. She has literally become such a key factor in his life, that when she goes back to the Feudal Era, he can feel her leaving. It causes him pain be cause the ties between them are severed.
This will play an important factor in the future chapters, but for now, anyone who still needs explaining, just email me at
Anyway, I gotta go cut the grass now, so drop Sephiress a review so she'll write faster! Thanks to all the great people who reviewed so far!
Much luv
Sephiress