RE-EDITED! Newer and better!
Disclaimer: Yes yes, I know we're all tired of saying this but… I do not own Rurouni Kenshin!
I'm back from my short (or would I say long) break! I finally, finally thought of another story. The inspiration sure does take a pretty long time. Oh well! Enjoy!
A/N: Kaoru's father is actually not dead in this story yet! So don't ponder to yourself why he suddenly appeared:)
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"I can't… I can't… Somebody save me, please… Onegai…" Kaoru stuttered to herself breathlessly as she fell onto the ground.
The soaring pain in her ribs, her aching head, her limp body. Her eyes wouldn't open but her mind is actively awake. Breathing got harder and harder every second. Her lungs were about to explode with pain.
"You're going to die now, Kamiya girl!" The man's voice yelled loudly as Kaoru struggled on the ground.
"So this is how I'm going to die… Maybe this was planned by God; maybe this is how my life is going to end, but what about the dojo… Who will take care of it now? I shouldn't worry… This is how my life is going to end. Where will I go next?" Kaoru thought to herself in her head.
"K-Kenshin…" Kaoru whispered as a tear silently dripped out of her closed eyes.
A clash of swords was heard and Kaoru slipped into slumber, perhaps eternal. Her pain was lifted and all worries were far away. Peace finally overcame her and she let herself go completely.
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Five days earlier…
"Kaoru-dono, there's something I have to tell you." Kenshin said awkwardly while Kaoru was cleaning up the dishes after dinner.
"What is it, Kenshin?" Kaoru replied happily with a smile. Today was the only day Yahiko and Sanosuke didn't complain about her food.
"I-I'm bound for Kyoto tomorrow morning." Kenshin said quickly.
Kaoru stopped what she's doing and became stationary. Her eyes were fixed on Kenshin and her mouth formed a small 'O' in shock. Kenshin faced away. He had completely ruined Kaoru's mood and he couldn't bear to see the hurt on Kaoru's face. An awkward silence between the two was formed.
"Again, you're going to Kyoto and leaving us behind to worry for you again? Whatever for, Kenshin? As far as I know, Saito hasn't requested for your services to suppress another anti-government threat!" Kaoru shouted with fury, breaking the silence.
"Sessha apologizes, Kaoru-dono. But this time it's different. It's T-Tomoe's death anniversary." Kenshin replied meekly while tears gathered in Kaoru's blue eyes. Her heart was sinking further and further.
Kaoru's body went weak. These were one of the last words she ever wanted to hear from Kenshin. Maybe she never ever had a place in his heart after all; maybe the only person that truly lived in his heart was Tomoe.
"So… This is how it's going to be then. She lived in your heart prominently all along. I never had a place in your heart… I'm so useless…" Kaoru said softly with tears rolling down her cheeks as Kenshin took a step forward towards her.
Clasping her mouth, Kaoru ran out of the kitchen past Kenshin and into her room. Shutting her door tight she ran to a corner and sobbed silently. Her love for Kenshin was so serious, so strong. All along she hoped that she could be in Kenshin's heart too and hopefully one day, his love for her could be stronger than Tomoe's. She knew she was being selfish, but this was what she secretly longed for, to be the only one in Kenshin's heart.
"Kaoru-dono, may I come in?" Kenshin's voice sounded from outside.
Kaoru wiped her tears away and cleared her nose. She didn't know what to do. No matter what, Kenshin would go ahead to Kyoto anyway. She decided to keep quiet and ignore him.
"Kaoru-dono," Kenshin asked again as he tapped slightly on the door and still no answer. Finally, he gave up trying and decided to let Kaoru rest.
Kaoru heard footsteps walking away from her room and she heaved a sigh of relief. She didn't know how to face him, especially after her vulgar attitude at the kitchen earlier on. Maybe Kenshin will realize how much pain she's in one day. Maybe one day he will finally see her in a new light.
With more tears coming down, Kaoru started to feel tired and fell asleep. Kenshin was sitting at the porch and staring at the wind chime as the cool breeze of the night brushed across his face. Contemplating hard, Kenshin squeezed his sword handle as he thought about Kaoru.
"Kaoru-dono… You'll never know how much I feel about you. I'm sorry for all the hurt I have caused you…" Kenshin whispered quietly to himself as he squeezed his eyes tight shut.
The leaves rustled and the air was fresh and crisp. Kenshin rose and walked out of the dojo. He felt that it was better if he left before Kaoru woke up, he didn't want to see her upset face as it would make his heart cringe even more. He looked back and heaved a heavy sigh. He didn't want to leave Kaoru like that, but he had no choice.
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The sun rose high upon the sky like a ball full of burning flame and heat. Kaoru was giving Suzu and Ayame rice balls when Sanosuke and Yahiko came before her.
"Where's Kenshin!" They both asked in unison.
"Gone to Kyoto," Kaoru replied coldly
"NANI? Don't kid me! Why did he go to Kyoto?" Sanosuke asked in shock.
"Tomoe's death anniversary," Kaoru answered uncaringly as she walked back into the dojo hall angrily.
"Yahiko something is very wrong here, why would Kenshin leave the dojo all of a sudden without even informing us? And he broke his promise again, he left without me!" Sanosuke questioned, frustrated.
"Don't ask me! He's probably out on one of his secret missions or something. I can't wait to be like him when I grow up!" Yahiko grinned and put his hands on the back of his head.
Sano rolled his eyes and left the dojo for the Akabeko. It's time for a feast since Kenshin's not around to cook proper food, plus he needed to vent his anger for Kenshin leaving him behind once again.
While Kaoru was inside her room mopping the floor, she thought of the times when Kenshin would do the laundry outside and yell good morning to her, she can't help it but let a few tears drop onto the ground.
"Tell me if I mean something to you, Kenshin. Please. Why did you leave me so suddenly?" Kaoru whispered to herself.
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My pain, my heartache;
When shall it be relieved?
Silent tears I cry,
But do you even hear me?
My voice will never reach you;
You heart seems so cold.
I try to hold you in my arms,
But you're never here for me.
Tell me if I still mean something to you,
My dear fearless one.
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RE-EDITED! Changed a little of the dialogue bits. Enjoy!
End of Chapter 1! This was one-shot so tell me what you think about it! I know it's quite short but well, it's 4.35AM and I'm pretty wasted. But neither did I want to wait any longer to post this! Give me your comments and suggestions! PRESS THAT REVIEW BUTTON! YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO! Much love:)