Disclaimer: I don't own Rurouni Kenshin! Wish I do, though! Anyway, they are Watsuko-sama's! Enjoy!
Last time...
"What kind of question is that, Shishio? Of course I am. I have waited for this moment all my life. Eversince I saw him with my sister years ago, I knew he would destroy her. He ruined my sister's happiness, and now I will ruin his." Enishi said angrily to his bestfriend, and partner-in-crime, literally.
"Forgive me for asking. I didn't mean to upset you." Shishio apologized, with no remorse.
"I'm not upset, old buddy. In fact, I am overjoyed. Himura will suffer, and so will his woman." Enishi glared at the couple. "Have fun while you can, Himura. It won't last long."
Chapter 9: Lost in the Darkness
Kenshin shifted uneasily in his bed. On the mall later this afternoon, he felt a presence but he can't point out who. It exuded an aura of hatred towards him, possibly an unknown enemy. He was afraid for Kaoru's safety. Or maybe that was just his imagination. He shrugged. Maybe.
But he could't shake that foreboding feeling away. That something bad will happen. To him, and to Kaoru.
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Megumi dashed around the school, trying to find a certain roosterhead. She found a note on her side table when she returned back to the hotel. It's in Sanosuke's handwriting, telling her to go to Seijuro High if she wants to talk to him, and the address of the school. So when she arrived home, she took the note, hailed a cab, then went directly to the school...
...bringing her back to her original problem. Where is that roosterhead? Deep in thought, she didn't notice a girl walking straight toward her until...
CRASH!
"Itai..." the Megumi said, rubbing her head.
"Gomen nasai! Are you hurt?" the girl asked, holding out a hand, immediately recovered.
Wow. I bumped her and she didn't even show any signs of being hurt. And to think she's a lot smaller than me... Megumi thought, accepting the offered hand gratefully.
"I'm Makimachi Misao, by the way." the girl said cheerfully.
"I'm Takani Megumi."
"Hmm... you don't look like you study here... are you a teacher, perhaps?" Misao asked, indicating the traditional kimono she wore.
"Me? Iie... I'm just looking for someone..."
"Maybe I can help you, Megumi!" Misao said cheerfully.
Megumi smiled. I feel like I have a younger sister in her... almost like Kao-chan...
"I guess it wouldn't hurt... He's name is Sanosuke Sagara, I would like to talk to him..."
"What? You're looking for that lazy bum, Sagara? Spiky-haired, tall, acts like a punk or something?" Misao asked incredulously.
"Uh... yeah. That's him, alright. You know him?"
"Yes I do, Megumi! That bum is one of my childhood friends, you know, besides Aoshi and Kenshin."
"Kenshin? Is he red-haired, violet-eyed, and uh, kinda small?"
"Yup. That's Himura, alright. But if you're looking for him, too... well, he's out with Kao-chan... don't know where... I just saw them running out of the school." Misao shrugged casually.
"Kao-chan? As in Kaoru? Kaoru Kamiya?"
"Yup. She's studying here now. Do you know her?" Misao asked curiously.
"Hai. I am a... friend."
"I see. So you're looking for Sanosuke? Let me help you." the younger girl took her hand, running through the whole campus. Megumi felt like she wasn't touching the ground, and everything around her was a blur. Suddenly, they stopped.
"Ha! I found you, roosterhead!" Misao said triumphantly.
"You don't have to be so loud about it, weasel-girl... What do you want from good old me? Don't tell me you want a date, I wouldn't want to mess with Iceman, you know." He grinned.
She fumed. "Why you no-good roosterhead! I'm not here to ask you for a date, I mean, who will? You're one lazy bum, y'know? Anyway, Megumi-san here wanted to talk to you. So, see ya later!" she bounded away.
Megumi appeared behind Misao. "Hey."
"Fox? How come I didn't see you? So, what do you want?" he asked. "Couldn't wait for our date?"
"Iie, tori-atama. I just want to..." Suddenly, she jumped in his arms, hugging him tightly. "... thank you... for last night..."
He grinned inwardly. "No problem, fox. Could you just let go of me? I know you like me and all, but not here, ok?"
She let go, blushing. "Whatever."
"Hey, fox. Wanna hang out with me today here, or do you wanna go back to the hotel?"
She looked at him incredously.
"And stay at that place, alone? I think not. Besides, I hear Kao-chan's here."
"Oh yeah. Jou-chan. She's out with Kenshin. You remember him?"
"Of course, roosterhead. So, is he taking good care of her?" she asked uncertainly.
"Of course." he mimicked her. "He loves her, fox. He just doesn't know it!"
She smiled. "I bet he does..."
"So, want a tour around the school?" he asked, offering his arm.
"Gladly." she replied, looping a hand around it.
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Sano grinned, flopping down on his king-size bed. He had a great time early this afternoon, having a tour witht the fox, and their date earlier on. He just arrived home, and he was reminiscing about the day. He remembered the admiring looks they caught as he and Megumi arrived in an Italian Restaurant.
Flashback
"Bonsoir. This way please." the waiter said, leading them to a quiet corner of the restaurant. He pulled a chair for Megumi, and she smiled gratefully at him. He felt his insides flutter. God, she looked beautiful. She was wearing a white gossamer dress, and her ebony hair was let down, contrasting with the outfit she was wearing. He in turn, wore a dark blue formal suit, making her a perfect match for Megumi.
He just realized that some men were OGLING at her, and that just made his blood boil. He glared at the men, sending a silent threat towards them. 'If you don't turn your heads in a second, I swear I will personally yank your eyes out, then torture you slowly you'd wish you died.' They immediately turned their heads away.
"Sano! Hey, roostehead!" Megumi hissed. Sano turned to look at her, giving one last glare at the 'ogling men'.
"What?"
"What? You're asking me what? C'mon, Sano! I agreed to go out on a date with you thinking we'd go to a mall or something but what? You bring me here in this... in this fancy restaurant I feel so freakin' out of place!" she whispered angrily.
"I changed my mind, fox. Don't you worry, you don't look out of place at all. In fact, you fit just right in, considering your status and all."
Megumi didn't know if she should look insulted or not. "Is that a compliment, or what?"
"Nah. Just a sarcastic compliment, Meg."
"Is there such a thing?"
"Nope. I invented it." he grinned. "But you do fit in, Meg. Don't worry."
She blushed prettily, glaring at him. "Whatever you say roosterhead." she turned her head away, avoiding Sano's eyes. Fine, so he looked really hot tonight, but she couldn't help but think if he kissed her or hugged her or-- naughty! Naughty! She blushed again, overhearing some comments about her and her date.
"Aren't they cute?" an elderly woman asked her husband.
"They sure are. Lovely couple. Ahh... young love..." the man said, sighing wisfully.
"I remember our good old days..."
"We were just like those two... I'm positively sure they are in love... just look at how the boy looks at his date! Oh my..."
"Yup. They are so cute..."
Megumi bowed her head. Did they really look like a couple? Are those people right?
'How does Sano look at me, anyway?' she thought. 'As a friend-- more like an enemy-- or a possible girlf-- I mean... crap.'
Sano reached over and covered her hand with his. "What are you thinking, fox?"
She blushed at the contact. "Nothing..."
Sano raised an eyebrow, unconvinced, but he decided to let it pass. "Meg... care to go out with me again?"
"WHAT?"
"Hey, it's just one dance, and Kenshin and Kaoru are there so you won't be uncomfortable at all..."
"Kao-chan's there?"
"Yup. Jou-chan's going out with little missy..."
"Sou ka... then I guess I could go..." she smiled, seeing his features lit up with joy.
"Really?"
She shrugged. "It's just a dance. And Kao-chan's there too. I want to see how our redhead treats her."
"You'll be shocked to see how he treats her... I'll bet you'll say it's too much..."
"Really?" she mimicked him.
"Yeah. And fox? Did I say you'll have to wear gowns too?"
"WHAT?" she screeched. Then their date went through the night.
End of Flashback
Sano grinned. "Looks like I have another date with the fox."
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Saturday morning at school
"Kaoru-chan! I haven't seen you since last morning!" Misao exclaimed cheerfully, seeing her bestfriend. They quickly developed a bond between them.
"Gomen, Misao-chan... I, we went to buy a gown for tonight, and we got a little carried away, you know what I mean?" Kaoru giggled.
"I know what you mean, Kao-chan! Good thing I already bought a gown two weeks ago!"
"Two weeks? But how did you know about the dance?"
"Huh? Did I forget to tell you that Aoshi's the student council president?" Misao asked sheepishly.
"Misao!" The two girls laughed.
"So, I'll see you later, Kao-chan! I've got Science class with Fujima-sensei! I swear, he's so hot!" Misao sighed dreamily.
"Fujima-sensei? How about Aoshi, Misao?" Kaoru teased.
"Of course! Aoshi is the hottest guy in the whole world! I'm just pointing out that Fujima-sensei's hot for a teacher, with those gorgeous brown locks and those dazzling blue eyes... but he can't match up to Aoshi of course... Aoshi has these ice blue eyes that will make you melt..." Misao sighed. Kaoru tried to hide a snicker. Aoshi can melt a person all right, out of fear.
"No, no." Kaoru disagreed. "Kenshin has these fiery red locks that makes you wanna touch them, plus his oh-so-captivating amethyst eyes..."
Misao grinned. "Whatever you say, Kao. But I still say Fujima-sensei's the hottest teacher here."
"Definitely. Saitou-sensei's no match for him." Kaoru affirmed. "Speaking of classes, I'm late for History class! The wolf will skin me alive! See ya later, Misao!" She ran off, waving at the smaller girl.
"Ja ne!"
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"Is everything set, Jinei?" Enishi asked another of his pals.
"Perfect. Our plan's foolproof." Jinei grinned wolfishly.
"Good. Shishio?"
"I know, Enishi. Everything's fine." Shishio said, smiling wickedly.
"Good. Tonight, Himura will know the exact meaning of the word 'suffer'. He will experience something worst than death. I will do this for my sister... my late sister..." Enishi glared at the sky. "Himura will pay... with his life... as well as his woman's... tonight."
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Saturday night...
"What is taking her so long?" Kenshin asked Sano, pacing back and forth.
His bestfriend shrugged. "I don't know, buddy. Good thing Megumi here finished early." Sano said, pointing at the fox lady sitting beside him.
"Don't worry, Kenshin. Probably women stuff." Megumi said, smiling. Kenshin had to admit the doctor-manager looked stunning, clad in a blood red gown that reached the floor. It even has a tail on it, connected to her middle fingers with a silk cloth. Her hair was done in a complicated style, Kenshin could already see lots of pins in her hair. She looked like a goddess. He could say that Sano is lucky indeed.
"She's here..." Megumi announced, smiling slyly. Sano whistled.
"Looking good, missy!" he hooted. Kenshin turned to look at his date, and thought his knees would buckle with his weight.
Gods, she looked beautiful. True, Megumi looked like a goddess, but Kaoru looked like... like... he can't describe it. She wore the gown they bought yesterday, but it seemed like he never saw it before. Her hair was arranged that half of it was put up, the other half cascading down her back in soft curls. She even have a small crown on her hair, courtesy of his mother (she was positively sure Kaoru will be the Queen of the ball). She was perfection personified. Descending the stairs, Kenshin felt like he was seeing an angel... a supreme goddess... an enchantress...
Breathe, Himura. Breathe. Kenshin told himself.
Kaoru felt like she was floating. When she looked at herself at the mirror, she was sure everything will turn out right. She will tell Kenshin she loves him, and (hopefully) he will return her love. Tonight is the night. No worries, no problems. She even pushed that nagging thought away, nothing can possibly happen to her, or to Kenshin, tonight. Nothing will stand in her way. And seeing Kenshin's expression when she descended the stairs boosted her confidence even more.
He stood there with his mouth opened, and she swore his eyes would pop out of their sockets. She saw a hint of amber in his eyes, giving her a sense of anticipation, excitement, but never fear. This was Kenshin. He will never hurt her. Then he smiled, sweetly, tenderly, lovingly (she hoped), she thought she'd melt.
"Shall we?" he asked her, holding out his arm. She nodded, taking his offered arm. Then, the couple, with Megumi and Sano trailing behind, went to the limousine that was assigned to bring them.
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When the limousine arrived, the noise of students stopped. Girls crowded in front of the limousine, curious to see who Kenshin brought. Some said that he dumped Kaoru, after that newspaper scandal, but many (those who are not jealous of Kaoru) believed that the handsome redhead will bring Kaoru.
The footman appeared, opening the first door. Sano came out. Girls were screaming everywhere. He did looked hot, wearing a white tuxedo. He looked like a fashion model, with his height and all. He held out a hand, then a pale white hand appeared, taking his hand. A stunningly beautiful brunette stepped out, holding on to Sano's arm. The girls stood, shellshocked. Who was this woman? They were already defeated, intimidated, by her beauty, her charm, by her presence. The boys stood shellshocked as well. How did the rooster get a date as hot as her? The couple walked down the red carpet, prepared for the ball.
Next, the footman opened another door. Kenshin stepped out, and the screams were louder than before. He smirked inwardly, well, he had to wear something good to impress his girlfriend right? He wore a tuxedo of royal blue color, nearly darkened to black. It has an aura of confidence, authority and power around it. He held out a hand, as Sano did, and a milky white hand took his hand. A moment later, a raven-haired beauty stood beside Kenshin, smiling sweetly at the redhead (and the crowd). The girls' jaw abruptly dropped. Who are these women? They were defeated, again. The boys' jaws dropped too. Where did they get such beautiful dates?
A girl (who didn't have any interest on Kenshin) stepped out to the couple bravely.
"Himura-san? May I ask who is this lovely girl beside you?" she said pleasantly.
Kenshin opened his mouth to reply, but Kaoru beat him to it.
"Konbanwa. Watashi wa Kamiya Kaoru desu. Doushite?" Kaoru asked softly.
"Ah. Kaoru-san? Nandemonai." the girl smiled triumphantly, then disappeared in the crowd. Their audience was silent after Kaoru's introduction.
Kenshin smiled innocently, leading his date inside the school.
"Kenshin! Kao-chan!" a cheerful voice squeaked.
"Misao-chan!" Kaoru exclaimed.
"Aoshi." Kenshin greeted.
"Himura." was the reply.
"Kaoru-chan! You look so pretty!" Misao said cheerfully, almost bouncing.
"I should say the same for you, Misao-chan..." Kaoru grinned. It was true. The petite little girl now sported a simple green gown, with a matching shawl. Nevertheless, she looked enticing.
No wonder Aoshi couldn't take his eyes off her... Kaoru and Kenshin thought at the same time, snickering.
"Let's dance, Kaoru?" Kenshin asked. Kaoru nodded, being led by the handsome redhead.
Moments later...
Kaoru fanned herself, Kenshin by her side. They were sitting on a couple's table, and Kaoru was tired after being swept off by how-many-she-couldn't-count boys from Kenshin's arms. They just had a dance before Kaoru decided to retire.
"Koishii?"
"Hm?" she asked, tired eyes half-lidded.
Kenshin leaned forward.
"Smile." he breathed, then captured her lips in a sweet kiss. A camera clicked noiselessly, the only thing that affirmed that her-- their picture was taken was the flash of the camera.
"Thanks Himura-san!" the photographer said cheerfully, moving onto another couple. Kenshin broke the kiss.
"Mou, Kenshin! You should have told me! Mou!" she pouted cutely.
"I just love it when you pout, koishii..." he grinned.
"Mou!"
"You areso adorable..." he tweaked her nose. "Wanna go dancing again?" She nodded. They stood up. The band was playing an upbeat song, and the couple danced, smiles on their faces.
After several minutes...
"I'll go get us some juice..." Kenshin said, kissing Kaoru's cheek before leaving.
"Mou!"
Suddenly, all the lights went out. Everyone was quiet, the audience thought it was a part of the ball. Then a piercing scream ripped through the stillness of the night, a name was heard in the midst of the darkness.
"KENSHIN!!!" After that, all went quiet. At the punch table, Kenshin stiffened, holding two cups of orange juice. That voice. No... it can't be... He took a deep breath. Maybe it was just some fan of his, screaming for attention. It can't be her. Please... anyone but not her...
The lights went on again, and Kenshin found himself the center of attention. Everyone was looking at him, but he paid them no heed. He was too busy looking for his girlfriend to notice everyone was looking at him. Then his mind registered something.
No raven-haired girl standing in the dance floor. No one wearing a blue gown. No Kaoru...
No... please... not her... this is just a dream... a nightmare... no... Kenshin thought frantically, searching the crowds for his girlfriend.
"Hey, Kenshin." Sano called. "Was that your name called?"
"S-sano..." Kenshin said shakily. "D-did you see Kaoru?"
"Jou-chan? Nope. Why?" Sano asked curiously. Then something hit him. If Kaoru's missing... "Crap." When it was light out... That scream, it was hers, calling Kenshin for help. No...
Just then, he heard an agonized cry, so full of fear, of terror, that it made the hairs on the back of his neck stand.
"KAORU!!!"
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a/n: so..... do ya like it? sorry 4 the delay... i'm kinda lazy 2day, hehe... finally, finally, i finished chapter 9 and i'm so proud! (wipes a tear) i thank u all 4 ur wonderful reviews, i really feel so loved! KK fans, i'm not really some threatening kind of author, but i want some more reviews to inspire me to write again... hehe... i know it's foolish but... a writer wants to be praised once in a while... arigato! anyway, there are approximately 1 or 2 more chapters 2 go, so thnx 4 d support from my beloved readers! oh yeah... Fujima-sensei's really the Fujima in slamdunk! hehe, well, he's hot, you know? and i can't think of any more characters... i don't own him too! and i already have a new story coming up! promise me u won't get angry! promise? ok, i'll tell you... basically it's still a KK fanfic (applause), but Tomoe's present! (dodges behind curtain) is anybody angry? none? good. it's nice (in my humble opinion), and there's no love triangle whatsoever. period. so, watch out 4 it! hehehe! sayonara, ja ne!
Preview:
"Don't you dare say her name, woman! It's Himura's fault she died! Don't you dare taint her name with your unworthy lips!"Enishi said angrily. Kaoru felt her consciousness fade.
I can't breathe...
Distantly, she heard a voice. A very familiar voice.
"It is not my fault Tomoe died, Enishi."
Then everything went black.