PLEASE READ: From now on...ALL chapters will have music to go along with the mood of this fic. It'll be posted on my 'homepage/xanga'...just go there...scroll down to the bottom and choose the song. But remember--no STEALING or I'll shut down my 'site'. (ALL RK or another anime song!!!)

Before getting on with the story. I have to tell you readers that I've been going through depression lately and was about to quit writing. But after reading all the reviews you guys gave me last chapter. It allowed me the willpower to move on and continue. Thank you so much guys! You truly don't know how much this means to me. For those who have stuck with me throughout this fic...I really wanted to say thank you...every single one of you...

Warnings: A little more violence, darkness, and suspence...nothing new...but what's this? A slightly happier ending for this chapter?...What is the world coming to?

Royal Past

Chapter 12: Bring Me to Life (Part 2)

By: S3r3nity

Previous Chapter

Kaoru looked down hopelessly. "What do I do?" she choked within' her sobs. "I can't do this..."

She held the rag around her wrist tightly. There was only one answer...

'Is this how I truly want to live my life...? Do I believe this is the way that I'm supposed die? I haven't even said...'

Her eyes widen as her thoughts came into realization. She was just seconds away from the destination. "Battousai..." she whispered. "I've found the answer..." Kaoru closed her eyes tightly.

And with that, the sound of waves echoed for the last time.

Back at the house that was filled with chaos and disturbed emotions, Megumi sat patiently waiting for the one girl to wake up. Immediately Kaoru shot up from the floor vomiting blood.

The older girl immediately rushed to Kaoru's side. "KAORU!" she yelled urgently. The girl fell back into unconsciousness once more.

She turned to Battousai to realize that he was no longer there. Megumi panicked as to what her fear might've turned out to be. "No..." she denied fearfully. "It can't be..."

She felt Kaoru's head and felt her pulse. Megumi breathed steadily while continuing to search for any signs of life. With a swift move, she torn out the bandaged—her eyes widen with surprise.

Misao clutched her stomach once more while dodging another attack. She winced in pain. "Damn...why is she so strong?!" Misao cursed angrily.

Tokio struggled at the hold of Chaos. "She must be achieving her full powers!" she warned. Immediately Tokio was dropped to the floor.

The demons eyes glowed happily. "Give up...?" She glanced at the entire room as no one responded. "Is that so? Then I shall tell you all something..." She took a bracelet off her wrist and revealed a gem. "This is the Black Crystal, it was used on the night you saw Kihei."

As all eyes continued to gaze upon the gleaming gem, a dark light emerged and exploded. The group recovered from the semi-attack and looked around.

"I sensed the darkness..." Aoshi replied out of the silence. "Be very alert..."

"HEY!" Tokio interrupted angrily. "I was supposed to say that!" She clutched her bow with hatred. Misao, suddenly overcome by the emotion glared at Tokio.

"Don't say that to Aoshi!" she warned. "I mean it!"

"Yeah, like I care!" Tokio replied back stubbornly. "Now let's continue to battle..."

The girl laughed. "Why should we listen to you?" Misao declared out of the blue.

"Well why shouldn't you?" she asked rhetorically. The next reply was not was everyone expected.

"You're a dead girl!" Misao replied nonchalantly. "Why bother to listen?"

Tokio flinched at the words that pierced through her nerves. "What was that?!"

"You heard what I said old woman!" Misao countered back. Tokio's patience snapped as she lung at Misao angrily.

"I'll teach you a lesson for saying that!" Tokio lunged forward and shot an arrow. Misao easily countered the attack with her kunai.

As an aftershock, the weapons exploded in mid air. Misao and Tokio continued to glare at each other as they attempted to use their powers once more. "Their powers are removed..." Sano observed with confusion. He turned to Aoshi, "How's that possible?"

"When two warriors on the same side attack each other, then they will be force to throw away their powers to fight fairly..." Aoshi informed.

"But why are they fighting?!" Sano asked impatiently.

The wolfish man gazed at Sano with no emotion. "That's what we're about to find out ..." The three men turned their heads back to the battle.

With a battle cry, Tokio tackled Misao to the floor and slapped the girl. "Take back what you said, bitch!" she threatened with another slap. "NEVER!" Misao in return pushed Tokio off and kicked her in the stomach.

Sano bit his bottom lip with anticipation. "Stop this now, girls!" he evaded between and pulled them apart. Misao and Tokio continued to lung at each other throats. "This is NOT a catfight!" he declared. The two, however, continued to fight.

Chaos cackled loudly. "Now this is what I call interesting..." she murmured with amusement. "Wouldn't you say so?"

Aoshi snapped his head towards Chaos. "So this was your doing all along?" his voice burned with fury and his eyesight blurred.

"YES!" Chaos admitted. "The Black Crystal alters ones judgment and creates a new emotion filled with anger, pain, and revenge." She looked at Aoshi's eyes with fascination. "Tell me, have you felt those emotions, preferably around Kaoru?"

He crumpled his fists and looked away with pain. 'So all this pain we've caused to Kaoru was all just jewelry's doing...a spell...' He turned his attention to Saitou, who nodded back at him. Aoshi turned his head back and fixed his sight upon Chaos.

"Let's go..." he murmured softly. Immediately Saitou and Aoshi disappeared out of the scene.

Chaos flashed with confusion. "Where did they...?" Saitou quickly held her back from behind.

She looked forward to see Aoshi's angered gaze. His cold blue eyes pierced through her, as if he's preparing for another kill. "I'll kill you for this..." he said threateningly.

"Kill me then," she taunted. A hint of hesitation appeared in his eyes. She laughed. "It's because I look like that girl huh?" she asked rhetorically, "Don't have the strength to hurt me, right?" Her eyes met up with his to see yet another emotion.

"No," he replied. Chaos was immediately surprised and shocked. "I want to see your fear one last time before killing you..."

Quickly, she regained her calm posture with a soft smile playing across her lips. "I will come back!" Chaos warned, "Remember who I'm still connected with. If I die...she dies too!"

It was now his turn to play cool. "Wrong..." Aoshi replied with a snickering smirk. "You tricked us into believing that for quite some time..." Her face suddenly dropped with fear as her plan was unfolded. "Eventually we caught up to your game..." A short sword formed in his hands.

"A kodachi...?" she asked, confused.

He pointed the sword to her left wrist. "And now...it's the end for you..."

Chaos, for the first time shuddered. "NO!" She cried while struggling to escape out of Saitou's grasp.

Aoshi moved softly. Swaying back and forth with a fluid-like motion, he made the strike. As time took a slight pause, Chaos stared at Aoshi with disbelief. She shrieked in horror as she felt her chest about to split into slices of fresh.

Sano watched as Chaos' chest open with blood splattering all over the cold man. "Kaiten Kenbu..." he analyzed slowly. "Dance of the wheeling sword..." Finally it occurred to him that something wasn't right. 'Since when did he learn such an attack?"

Aoshi's face remained unemotional with anguish visible in his eyes. Sano watched as the two girls fall out of the spell. Tokio immediately fell back with sadness in her eyes. Misao managed to regain her senses quickly. She watched the Tokio with regret as her thick bangs covered her eyes.

Misao walked up to Tokio and held out her hand. "I'm sorry..." she replied quietly. "I never would've said those things..." Tokio recovered quickly with a grin on her face, she simply nodded and took Misao's hand.

"I understand..." she replied with a forced smile. However, it was clear that she was hurt. With the last of her strength, Tokio stood up and walked out the door.

"Let's go now Saitou..." she beckoned him near her. Finally she turned to the entire group. "

"Wait!!!" Misao cried as the pair was about to exit. Tokio turned to Misao to listen. "Does it mean that Kaoru is..."

Tokio turned to exit through the door as Saitou begin to close it. Before leaving she turned around and nodded. "She is..." was her reply and with a small bow, the two left.

Aoshi looked at Misao with an eager face, her back was turned to him. "Hey, Misao!" Sano bellowed loudly. "Did you her what she just say or do I need to remind you?!" He cracked his knuckles loudly.

Seeing Misao shoulders slump down, Aoshi stopped Sano from threatening any further. He approached the silent girl slowly. "Misao...?" he asked cautiously. She turned her head slowly. Aoshi was immediately entranced with the scene.

Her huge emerald eyes were filled with shimmering tears. "Aoshi!" she sobbed loudly with a smile on her face. "KAORU IS ALIVE!"

Tokio walked down the street silently. "Saitou...?" she asked out of the blue. She stopped her pace and faced the wolfish man.

Sensing him standing next to her, she continued. "Am I still dead?" she asked more to herself than him. Her eyes began to fill with tears.

Tokio felt a warm palm on her shoulder. She looked right up to the man and blushed. His dark short hair was pulled back with light bangs pouring over his robust face.

"You've already existed in this world..." he replied. "The old form that supposedly passed away was just a carrier of your memories. So currently...who you are right now..." Her face began to light up like an innocent child. "You are alive..." he finished.

"Then..." she began shyly, her blush became even deeper. "Why do you hate me?" Her eyes met up with his dark tanned eyes.

Saitou looked down strangely at the girl standing in front of him. He coughed to interrupt any thoughts coming up. Eventually realizing the truth, Tokio jumped with delight.

"Then you're really not bothered by me?" she asked eagerly. Saitou coughed again, which made her frown. He began to walk past her. "Are you listening to me?" Tokio cried angrily at his silence. "Answer me!" she bellowed and chased after the mysterious man she has yet to wonder about.

Saitou looked behind; a smirk appeared on his lips. 'You'll eventually find out...' he thought patiently while ignoring the insults being thrown at him from behind.

Eventually...

Misao, Aoshi, and Sano stepped in front of Kaoru's bathroom door. Silence was felt as no one wanted to enter into the place where their friend had once nearly died. A loud gasp interrupted the group as they listened attentively.

She ripped then bandage off to see the cut glowing. Gently, Megumi held her hand over Kaoru's slash and healed it. She looked down to see Kaoru's eyes gazing upon her with no emotion.

"Kaoru...?" she asked softly. Kaoru remained silent.

The silence was interrupted when Kaoru shifted nervously where she sat. "There was a battle downstairs..." Megumi explained. "Aoshi and the rest were fighting against Chaos..."

Kaoru got up from the floor and walked towards the window. It was then Megumi got up from her place and grabbed Kaoru hands shakily.

"Please forgive us!" she pleaded. "I beg of you..." Megumi broke down in tears. "I...we...found out the truth..." Kaoru pulled away, startled by Megumi's sudden action.

"There's nothing you guys can do now..." Kaoru faced away from her friend. "At the time when I really needed you...you all lost trust in me..."

"It's because we didn't know!" Megumi defended, frustrated. "If we did then..."

Kaoru shook her head with disbelief. Megumi was caught in utter shock. "It didn't matter what you guys knew..." Kaoru pointed out. "What matters was the trust you guys had in me..." She turned away, hurt with pain. "Yet...you believed the demon..."

Misao from outside allowed the stream of tears to fall out of her eyes as she listened to what Kaoru had to say. Aoshi and Sano hung their heads down as they listened to her confession.

"Please, Kaoru...we're really ..." Megumi was interrupted. Kaoru shook her head.

"Don't apologize..." She asked softly. "I wouldn't have trusted myself if such a thing happened..."

It was then that everyone looked confusedly at the girl. "What...?" Megumi replied with eyes wide open.

The girl turned away towards the window. "Everything is my fault..." Kaoru repeated quietly. "But...I will find a way to help you guys!"

From outside the door Misao attempted to leap into the scene. Sano continue to pull her back. "Don't risk going in there!" he growled lowly into her ears.

The girl didn't stop and continued to push. "NO!" she cried loudly but was covered into a muffled scream. As Sano pulled his arms from her mouth, Misao sobbed silently. "It's not her fault..." she whispered. "It was never her fault..." Immediately she collapsed into Aoshi's arm sobbing.

"It's not your fault Kaoru..." Megumi persuaded. "NOTHING was..."

Kaoru held up her hand to stop Megumi from continuing. She was ready to admit the truth. "I'm selfish," she confessed. "If I never wanted to hang with you guys...then..." Tears fell out of her eyes.

Megumi continued to allow tears to fall out of her eyes. It was then Misao broke out of Aoshi's embrace and screamed. "Kaoru!" she cried.

Megumi and Kaoru looked at the door, surprised. With one glance at Kaoru before doing anything else, Megumi walked up to the bathroom door and pushed it open. Misao leaped in with determination.

"KAORU!" she paused to look around the room. Misao turned to Megumi. "Where's Kaoru?" As Sano and Aoshi reached inside the bathroom, it was then that they realized that Kaoru was gone. The window was left wide open...

Misao collapsed to the floor, shaking her head. "Why?" she questioned. Megumi sat next by the sobbing girl and pulled her to a comforting embrace.

"Kaoru lost her trust in us..." Megumi explained. She pulled away and looked at Misao in the eyes. "I don't know if we'll ever get it back..." Megumi watched as Misao turned around with pain lingering in her emerald eyes. "But we will..." she answered without hesitation. Misao looked away unhappy with the answer, but eventually faced Megumi and nodded silently.

Sano simply looked around the messy bathroom. Blood was all over the floor, water overflowing from the tub, and towels thrown all around. He glanced by the tub and walked over slowly. He picked up the familiar dagger and looked at Aoshi, who was looking out the window.

Feeling the tip of the blade, he sighed. "Where do we go from here?" he whispered sadly, looking at the dagger with dejection. He snapped out of his thoughts when he heard a light tinkling sound hitting the roof.

It's raining again...

The icy cold wind and rain continued to shower her pale face. Kaoru jogged desperately through the streets looking around with anticipation. Her feet abruptly stopped at the front side of a park. She looked around breathing heavily. 'He's around here...I know it...'

As soon as a strong breeze of wind brushed upon her, Kaoru shuddered and hid away. While recovering, her sapphire eyes caught a sight of red hair brushing against a tree. She began to walk towards the sight.

His back leaned against a thick tree—he wore a simple black t-shirt and navy jeans with the sword hanging neatly by his side. Kaoru paused as she was a few feet from the mysterious man—the man whom she wanted to push away, the man that she thought she didn't need help from. The man who saved her life more than in once is ones lifetime. His blood red ponytail was tied untidily due to the battle he went through before. She gazed from his hair to his face and paused as she came to a scar. A vertical scar that was made between him and Otowa...

Kaoru closed her eyes and brushed the persistent tears threatening to stream down her face. As she opened her eyes—she found the manslayer looking at her. His amber eyes were dark and had a dangerous aura surrounding it. She walked up to him and stood in front of the man. Although he wasn't as tall as Sanosuke or Aoshi...he was still taller than her. Kaoru began to feel inferior.

"Battousai..." she whispered shyly. She watched as he shifted off the tree he was leaning on and gaze upon her. 'Why must he be so quiet?!' she thought hastily. He began to walk away. Frantically, Kaoru immediately blurted out what she wanted to say. "Thank you!" The manslayer stopped dead at his tracks.

Kaoru looked down at the wet grass—blushing light pink. "I never had the chance to..." Kaoru drifted off until she felt a warm hand lifting her chin up. Battousai leaned in closer and Kaoru's heart pounded rapidly. His warm breath tickled upon her soft lips.

Kaoru opened her eyes wide, unable to speak. His tender amber eyes reflected with kindness and all things she would've never expected to find in a manslayer.

"I..." she uttered but drifted off as his face leaned in closer, his red hair covering her pale face. Kaoru blushed deeply and continued to be entranced with Battousai's eyes.

It was at that moment when a calm and soothing voice came out of the manslayers mouth. "Anytime..." Battousai whispered tenderly while pulling away softly.

Feeling the warmth of Battousai's touch going away, she was able to regain control of her body. Kaoru reached up to his left cheek to feel the scar. Tears formed in her eyes as she realized all the risks the manslayer went through by just watching her. "I'm sorry..." she sobbed painfully. Kaoru began feel her knees weaken as her head became light headed.

Unexpectedly, a pair of muscular arms caught her in the fall. Kaoru immediately knew who it was and smiled inwardly but tears continue to fall knowing that she brought this all to herself.

As if he was reading her mind, Battousai held her petite body soothingly. "Don't worry, Kaoru..." he whispered. "Everything happens for a reason... all we can do is wait..." All Kaoru could do was nod and stifle her sobs. Her determined eyes looked deeply in to his.

'I won't push you away anymore, Battousai...' she vowed secretly. 'I will help you find your princess even if it's at the cost of my life...'

Allowing the rain to pour all over his dark hair, Aoshi clutched his knuckles tightly as he saw the pair. His icy blue eyes revealed sorrow and at the same time joy.

"Kaoru..." he whispered unemotionally. His vision blurred as a faint memory lingered across his mind.

'Have you truly forgotten about the past we had?'

To be continued...

Songs used for this fic (Specific order): Heart of Sword....Kaoru to Misao...Parting...(All of them are good...trust me!)

Another song use: Fushigi Yuugi- Star

Review Response:

Katty or Kat or Artemis- Awwww...thank you so much for the review! It made me feel so much happier!!! It motivated me to update and type faster! Thank you so much! Review again please!

hikaru-wings- WOW...no one has ever said that my fic was 'pretty'...I've always thought that it was too suspenseful. Thank you so much for the review!!! Review again please!

Midoriko- I have updated! Hoped it wasn't too long of a wait. I don't really like those really cute Cinderella fics either. Thanks for the review!!! Review again please!

TimeWarper- Yes...we all have to figure out what Kaoru's real ROLE is. I'm so glad you like my fic so far! Thanks for reviewing!!! Review again please!

himesama16- I have updated! What do you think? Did this chapter satisfy you? Thank you so much for the review! Review again please!

tintin-chan- I hate cliff hangers too!!! But that's what makes my fic interesting right? Thanks for the review! Review again please!

Princess-oro- Yes, spinning the story is what I like to do best. Well...I hoped this chapter was better than the last. Thank you for reviewing! Review again please!

Jing-Jing- When you mix suspension with a fan fic...you must get a cliffhanger! MUAHAHAHA! I'm just so evil. Thanks for reviewing! Review again please!

Xeno-man- WOW...I feel so honored to help someone press on with their works (Meaning: YOU). Are you sure I haven't destroyed Aoshi's personality? Don't give up writing! A few times I've wanted to stop but it's readers like you that keeps me going! Thanks for giving me those inspiring words to keep me moving on. Thanks for the super nice review! I feel so...happy... Review again please!

LuneTigre- It's nice to see you again! How you've been doing? What...? Albino monkeys...wow...you have really err... "nice" threats. I hoped this chapter made you feel better since it hasn't even been a month yet! Right? Well...I want to thank you for the review before running away. So THANKS...! ((RUNS)) Review again please!

Peachie-Chan- I'm glad you like the fic so far! I hope that it'll remain interesting for quite some time. Thank you for the review! Review again please!

Art3m1s- OMG...your ex is so mean! Yeah, guys like that shouldn't even be worth your time! Haha..."The Exorcist"...I'm afraid of scary movies...before it begins I'm practically shaking in my seat with fear. I'm such a whimp...at least you watched half of it! Thank you for reviewing! Review again please!

Bradybunch4529- Here I was thinking that Aoshi and everyone else should take a nice break from their earlier actions. Well, maybe they should suffer some more...how about just letting them rest...for now? THANK YOU for reviewing!!! Review again please!

fantasy angel victoria- Yes, I feel sorry for Misao too! The poor girl...well...it's too late to change it now! Actions can never be changed! And yes, Kaoru is alive once more. Thank you for reviewing!!! Review again please!

samuraiduck27- No...thank You for taking the time to review my fics!!! Thank you soooo much!!! I hoped that this chapter was okay. Thanks for reviewing once again!!! Review again please!

legolasEstelstar- Yup...I had lots of candies left over from Halloween...! How about you? Well...I hoped this chapter was good! Thank you for the review! Review again please!

Jodibetz- I'm glad you think this fic is good so far!!! Well...I hope to hear from you soon! Thanks for reviewing! Review again please!

YAY- What? WOW...I've never thought that it's possible for anyone to think that this fic is 'the best'...I'm so flattered! ((blush)) Thank you for reviewing! Review again please!

kik-ting- Hey again, I have updated!!! Yup...no one has died except for Chaos...:) But that's okay! Right? I hoped that this chapter was okay...! And thanks for reviewing!!! Review again please!

Ochanoko- Kaoru is going through a really tough stage to be able to trust anyone. I don't know when she'll gain Misao's trust back. We'll just have to see right? Thanks for reviewing!!! Review again please!

Paleah- Well...Kaoru didn't die! Hoped this chapter was good! Thank you so much for reviewing!!! Review again please!

Kaoru4- I know the last chapter was sad...I highly doubt if happiness will appear again...auugghhh...being the writer of this fic is so hard...I glad you liked the fight scene! That was my first time! Thanks for reviewing!!!

xia xue- Hi, again! I'm glad you enjoyed the last chapter, so how was this one? Thank you for reviewing!!! Review again please!

animemistress419- HEY, I have updated! I'm so glad that you liked the action scene! It took me a while to write since it was my first time! How was this chapter? Did you like it? Thanks for reviewing!!! Review again please!

BurntAlive- Wow...looks like you reviewed just in time to be caught by me! I'm glad you like this fan fic so far! Did you enjoy this chapter? Please review! And thanks for taking time to read/review my fic!

And if I have forgotten anyone else...THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Truly, thank you everyone!!!

And...

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Until next time...

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I'm out!

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