Shoot! This is the longest I tell yah! Hehe! Well, I just want to say thanks for the reviewers and readers of this damn fic! Well…the ending isn't that much in shape cause I was in a hurry to have it finished! Vitwo thanks for congratulating me! hehe! I'm too young to be in college! Thanks anyway

Disclaimer: I DON'T OWN RK AND THE STORY DOESN'T GO ON WITH THE FLOW OF THE ORIGINAL RK SERIES

Chapter 20: Tomoe

"Kenshin…"

There was a soft chuckle…then another…

Pair of arms wrapped him from the back…it was sad…a slow sad song…

Kenshin looked around…he…is he alive? Still?

Then, everything went clear…

His eyes opened wide…why is he alive? All he remembered was that the tip of the weapon was only a few inches away from him…and that…

Shit!

"Tomoe!" he gasped, taking her in his arms. What the heck is she doing? They fell to the ground, hugging her and tried not to cry. Tomoe looked at Kenshin, her face went silent little by little. It was pale…

Blood!

She was hit instead of him…damn her…why you….

Taking his rough fingers, he wiped a tear of blood on her cheek and then tried to comfort her. "You're not going to…" he mumbled. But she fell…landing on his shoulder and then took a long nap.

Anger was in his heart…what does she wish to have? Why did she do this? What an idiot…

Looking up, he saw Saitoh fascinating a grin. His Japanese sword was blood stained and then he backed up. Staring at the couple from afar, he growled his face. Damn that woman…why would she do that? Saving the lives of others by risking her life…now that's patriotism…

Kenshin stood up, looking straight at the demon that did this. Though he was stupid to let Tomoe get hurt, he cannot accept the fact that she could…just leave her like that. His thigh was hurting alright but he has to fight…for the person he loved…he really did love her but then…he couldn't tell her. Since he felt bad about what he did to Kaoru. He really didn't mean it…he was simply plain stupid.

Raising his sakabattou on his shoulder level, he remembered to keep an eye to Okita, who was behind him and panting. The boy was planning to attack but of what he saw, he gave respect to the fight and decided to charge later on. Battousai was now angry…his energy went to the fullest and he was about to step forward when-

"Himura!"

He looked, and then felt discontented upon seeing Katsura. Why did they come late and just now? Saitoh saw the batch and then commanded Okita to withdraw from the plan to destroy Battousai. The young boy nodded and then ran as fast as he could. The Ishinshishi were slow to catch the two but it was not a worry…the war isn't over yet.

Kenshin looked at Katsura Kogoro, saw him walking up to him and saw the fallen body of Yukishiro Tomoe on the forest floor. He stopped there and then looked at Kenshin, thinking it was him who did it.

"I didn't." Kenshin told him, withdrawing his sword and tucking it on its sheath. He looked at Tomoe and then took her in his arms. He pressed his lips against her neck…bullshit…why now?

Katsura sat next to Kenshin and then looked for any signs that Tomoe isn't dead. For a sure shot, he believed that she was still alive. Looking at Kenshin, he knew what the man meant…he wants to see her alive. "Let's take her to the hospital, Himura." He commanded, standing up and looking at the couple at his feet.

The younger man didn't move.

"Himura."

"There is no hospital nearby…this Otsu is somewhat remote…" he told his boss. He was so angry…guilty and he felt completely stupid about what happened today.

"I…I see…"

Katsura observed the woman's body from the back. She was stabbed in the back with went through her left chest…which could be the heart. But he still believes that she is still alive and maybe she was strong not to die.

Kenshin departed his lips from her neck and then observed the quiet face. He surely felt a few heartbeats on her neck…is she alive? But how can she survive this? She was hit in the heart bull's eye. But he could hear her soft and shallow breathes and her hand, which he placed on his back grasped softly on his gi. It really meant she was alive. He then stood up, placing the injured Tomoe on his back and then faced Katsura.

"Sir, I ask permission to let me look for any clinic…any clinic that is near in Otsu." He begged, his eyes were yellow…but then a few spots of violet appeared, making him look calm as ever. His boss nodded and then accepted the offer.

Quickly as he could, Himura ran as fast as he could, using his ki to search for any available help centers or something. He entered the woods and hoped he could see some help…if available on the way.


Kaoru ran, hoping she could've reached the sight of her loved one. But as she reached the center of the forest, there was no one…except Katsura and his troops. She saw the blood spilled on the floor. She swallowing, who could've lost a lot of blood? She wondered…

Enishi and Nataku was behind her, panting as they tried to catch their breath on Kaoru's side. They kept balance on their knees and then panted hard. That was some running to them!

Yukishiro Enishi looked up and then looked around for his sister's image. But there was none. Only Katsura and the spilled blood…almost everywhere. He knows some of it belongs to Kenshin's…but how about the others? To his foe? Where is the foe? Approaching Katsura, his heart began to pound hard. He gave a slight tug to the man's uniform and then tried his best to talk to the older man.

"Um…where is my sister?" he asked, his muddled hair blowing softly on the night air. Katsura looked back and saw Enishi, Tomoe's little brother. He gave him a smile and tried his very best to comfort the kid. Crouching to reach the boy's level, he laid in hands on the boy's shoulder. "She's fine, kid." He told her. Then he stood up, still looking at Enishi. "I know that she's fine sir…but…I wish to know where is she?" he asked, staring at the older man with the irritated eyes. He wishes to know where his sister was but this idiot told her how she was …dumb, he thought. Katsura couldn't answer, he can't tell his sister was wounded at was taken to the hospital for some treatment…the boy would rave around wildly! Sighing he looked at the woods, and then looked for an answer.

"He was with Himura, boy." He told the kid kindly. Enishi sat on the ground, landing on his butt. Nataku ran towards Enishi and then paused as he met Katsura's gaze. It wasn't fear…it was nothing. Then he continued his way to sit next to the other boy, who wished to cry.

The raven-haired maiden took steps forward and then grasped on her kimono. She was so worried about Kenshin and her friend Tomoe. What happened to them and where they went.

"Katsura…" she spoke to her kindest. She then took some steps forward until she was near to the man. Katsura looked at her and then tried to keep her up with his smile. "Where's Kenshin?" she asked, looking at the older man's eyes. "He and Tomoe…" he paused and then glanced on Enishi, making sure that the kid wasn't listening. "…searched for a clinic…your friend's wounded." He continued, whispering the words into her ear. Kaoru nodded and then tried to smile, it's possible that Kenshin was wounded too.

The maiden jumped on the sound of a few sniffles coming from behind. Looking behind, it was Enishi…he was crying and Nataku was hoping to make him feel better. Kaoru approached Enishi and then comforted the kid, taking him in her arms. She rocked the kid and hushed him not to cry. "Tomoe is fine, Enishi." She whispered, "Just like what they say."


Kenshin felt that it was hopeless, Tomoe could lose blood in a few minutes and if he didn't see a single car in the road, he knew it would be hopeless.

He was there, in somewhat road which doesn't lead to Kyoto. It was way different and familiar…he know this road but this was a lot different. He got used to the country and it left him realize that it was the future…he's in the city. The road was rough…and he began to ran again, looking for another automobile to help him on the way.

Hope

In was the only thing he wished for…he wished for hope.

Finally, there were a pair of big lights heading his way. He paused on his steps and then took a step backward. Those pair of big lights stopped in front of him, it was a truck. The load contains some hay and other stuffs which was not that important. The fat driver stretched his neck, taking a look at the small samurai that has a woman piggy-banked on him.

"What seems to be the problem, boy?" the pig asked, snorting.

"I need to locate a hospital…do you know where?" he asked. The pig paused and then began to think. With the sword on the side of the man, he felt fear. True to his thoughts, this man could be a killer. His wasted looks and wounded clothes could show that this man was a killer…or someone. Kenshin caught his look and then gave him a glare. "It's necessary." He growled. Time was running out, and if he stayed longer with this fat ass, Tomoe could loose some blood.

The driver squealed and then stretched his arm to open the door, allowing Kenshin and whoever he has in hand in. Kenshin gave a nod, thanking the man and then let Tomoe in first. He was about to step forward but then, he paused. If the people see him with a Japanese sword, tattered clothes and bloody cloth on, they would address him as a killer…on the loose. He closed his eyes and then sighed, if he would leave her, he may not ensure her safe trip…and this fat ass might…rape her. Uck! What a mess…but there was no other way…

He closed the door and then tried to break his tears that very night. The fat man was shocked, what did he do? Leave the woman inside? "Hey!" he shouted, "How about you?"

Kenshin looked up and then glared at the man's eyes. "Take her to the hospital…safely and don't say a word…or else…." He growled, showing his sword. "You'll go to hell safely."

The fat man squealed again and then started to drive away.

Kenshin sat on the ground, cupping his wound on his side. Surely he would die first than that fat asshole. He could feel the blood loss, oh the pain. Shit.

Will he live? Looks like the chances are no…

Shit…he should've just got in the damn truck but he could suffer some consequences. His face fell on the floor, shuddered by death and fear of it. Damn it. Amazingly, he could see some lights again, coming his way. It was the asshole…what does he want? Is Tomoe dead? No way…

As the vehicle haulted in front of him, the driver came down and then lifted the pained man. He went to the other side and then settled him inside. As the fat man drove again, Kenshin saw his self beside Tomoe…she was smiling…alive.

"Kenshin…don't leave me." she whispered. The red head smiled. It was for another time…

"You know what, kid, if you wish to die on the road…it's not the best place to die." The fat man spoke, hand on the wheel. Kenshin smirked. "Where do you think is the best place to die?" he asked, taking Tomoe's hand in his own.

"Anywhere…but with the person you love…"

He chuckled and then cried in pain, it was stinging inside him. Tomoe was shocked to see his appearance like that. Looking at the old man, she tapped his shoulder. "Please make it fast…for the both of us." She pleaded. "No prob." He replied.

"What's your name, man?" the red head asked, looking at the person handling the wheel.

"Akira."

"I see…"

Tomoe looked at the man…Akira…that was the name of her ex-fiancée. And it was Akira who was helping them after all… "Thank you, Akira." She said.

"No problem." He replied, "Oh yeah, do something with his belongings…he could be arrested there…on the hospital." Tomoe nodded at then began doing as told.


Waking up, I see myself lying on the hospital bed. Everything was white clean and there were a few tubes in my skin. The hospital was a busy place and hopefully, we were able to locate this. But what I'm worried about was…how is Kaoru…and mostly…Enishi…we were separated almost at all times. Looking at the ceiling I was thankful that I was alive…here in a room…but all alone.

The door swung open, revealing a man wearing a red shirt and some white pants. I couldn't see his face and it took me some minute to know who it was…it was Kenshin. He was fine…I'm glad. Walking towards me, he smiled and then sat on the chair beside me. His features have changed…and that is what I began to notice.

"Hey." I smiled weakly, trying to ease the pain of the plastic needle on my right hand. He pinched my cheek and then kissed my forehead. As he settled to his seat, I looked at his face. He was bandage well, especially the scar on his left cheek it was long. "So, how are you?" I asked, remembering that he lost lots of blood. "I'm fine…after these days…" he answered. These days? Huh? "You mean…"

"You were in a comma for a few days since you lost a lot of blood…but the best part was that you're alive and well." He told me.

"Yeah…"

Standing up, he brushed his hair up and then grinned. "Well, I have to go now." He told me. I tried to get up on the bed, easing the pain on my chest. "Where are you going?" I asked.

"I'm going to Katsura…tell him everything."

"But…I'm going to be all alone here."

"No…you have company…Enishi is downstairs waiting for you…good thing I saw him some days ago…long story."

"But-"

"Don't worry about the bills…I paid them."

Then he turned around, about to exit but then something stopped him. He spun around to face me…there was sadness in his face. Taking my left hand, he frowned. "Tomoe…I have something to tell you…" he spoke. "I am going to tell Katsura that you died and…"

Died me? But it could be for my own safety…

"…I can't leave Kaoru…I feel that I have to love her." He told me gently.

I wish to cry, it hurt and all the pain…but he was right…he has to love her…he can't stay with me…he has a child there. There was guilt in my heart…I wish to kill someone. "Kenshin…before you go…" I whispered.

"No need to say, Tomoe."

I was a bit surprised…does he know?

He neared his face to mine and then hugged my back with his arm. He hugged me and then started to kiss my neck…jaw line…cheek…and finally lips. He took them respectively and as if he wanted me badly…rough…our lips chasing on each other's mouth and then he licked my lips as we departed. Our faces were inches apart again, my hand reached something long and sharp. Taking off the bandage on his left cheek, I dug the sharp thing and then made another line on his face…to have his scar look like an X.

He slapped my hand which made the sharp thing flew off and then he replaced the bandage on his left cheek. "That was painful…what were you doing?" he asked.

"I don't know…it might be a sign of remembrance." I whispered. Then our eyes left off…and then he exited the room. I felt weird there and then looked at my hand. Why would I do such a thing? I don't know…

The door swung open and then revealed my brother…Enishi…

He was in his best clothes and then he rushed towards me. His face was about to cry and then he hugged me…badly. "I miss you so much…" he whispered. Kissing his forehead I mumbled his name and stroke his hair. "I miss you too…"

Many months passed and I got to notice who was the puppet master in the woods days ago. It was my brother…he hid his talent from me. At first he was shy and all but then he finally realized how much danger it gave to me.

"I'm sorry, oneisan I was forced to-" he reasoned out. I smiled and then hushed whatever he was saying. "It's alright, Enishi…it's all over now." I told him, hugging him near me.

Enishi and I lived in Tokyo.

We moved there so that we could have peace and quiet. Back those days in Kyoto, there were many painful memories. Mostly about Akira and all our dreams…things we wished to begin with together and things we wished we could finish. I'm now standing on the porch of our house, drinking a cup of tea that was resting on my open palm. If you could've remembered, Enishi was once the small kid I used to hug and play around but then, it was different today. His hair of black was colored silver, since he made it that way and his height trespassed my own.

Since we moved to Tokyo, we looked for a job. I'm now a teacher at a nearby school, teaching Ikebana to the students there and also some other arts. Enishi gladly wished to help, he began to make puppets and some other dolls. He would often come over to the school I was working at and then sell some dolls to the little kids there. I could see his grin everyday inched farther…and I guess this is what he meant life. Yes, I agree…this was a perfect day and nothing can ruin this anymore.

Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you. The way our house looks like.

It wasn't that much big and we were happy that we never got to live in an apartment or some condominium. Luckily, the seller of this house was kind enough to sell the house for a bit low price. Though it wasn't big though, it was enough for me and Enishi to live together…as a family.

There were a lot of things going on after…and it's all about Enishi.

Some of my teenage students have a huge crush on him and they kept on asking if my brother was available. I couldn't help just laugh.

Enishi didn't finish his studies…he said he wanted to help me live life…he even said imagine Akira was there. He smiled made me smile at that. What a dear kid…still sweet and entertaining.

Well, it came that one day…something happened…it was both the worst and best days of my life…well…here it goes…

Walking along the road, I was heading for home. Enishi said he asked a girl out…just our neighbor. He said that the girl was working for a restaurant nearby and that he kept on eating there. Well, I said for him to have fun.

Oh yeah, Enishi told me to sell his dolls for a moment. Only for this day…he said. I gladly accepted that, only for him to have his date. As I was in front of the gate of our house, I opened it and then arranged the dolls on the garage. Opening the gates fully, I did my best to have the sale eye-catching to all ages. Then, I sat there, waiting for customers to come, take a look, leave or buy.

A few came and then more and more came. They were fascinated to see a doll dance…with the strings held up high.

A few minutes later, I was about to close the store down. One last toy on the sale…and I was thinking to close the store since no one might want the toy anyway. It was a top, red and yellow in color. The size of the top was small enough for a toddler to carry along in an open palm. I was about to take the top away when…

"'Kaachan!" A kid squealed. "It's very nice!"

Looking in front of me, I saw the small kid pointing at the top…the last toy that was resting on the table. The toddler ran and then looked at the toy in delight. I smiled and then crouched to reach his size.

"You want it?" I asked, giving the kid a grin.

Observing the child, it was no taller than other kids but he was cute to look at. His hair in deep red color, a blue yukata he was wearing and those tiny feet wearing goody slippers. His eyes were of violet with a faint touch of blue….that was so beautiful.

"Yup." He told me, smiling. Then he looked at the toy again, wanting to reach the toy. I helped him by giving the top to him, taking care of his small fingers from the pointed end of the toy.

"What is this?" he asked.

"It's a top."

"Ohh…a top."

"Yes."

I watched him as he shifted the toy gracefully in every angle. He wanted to see more of the toy and maybe he was wondering how to play with it.

"Kenji!" there was a woman's cry, maybe looking for her son.

The redheaded kid turned around and then looked at the couple that was looking for him. About to take a step forward, the kid turned to me first and then gave me the toy. I pushed it back to him, giving another polite smile. "It's alright…it's yours already." I told him.

I gladly hugged the small object in his arm and then grinned widely. "Honto?" he asked. "Arigatoo!"

"Kenji, where are you?"

And then another call. I pushed the kid to take his step, rush towards his parents. He did, carefully running towards the worried couple and then hugging one of them on the leg. The couple looked at me and then they smiled…then the woman, mother of the kid named Kenji ran towards me.

I squinted my eyes to make out how does the woman look like. And I really did know her! I really did!

"Tomoe!" the woman shouted, panting as she kept on running.

"Kao…Kaoru!" I asked, taking a few steps forward. As she was near me, she took me in her embrace, hugging me ever so happily. She then kept on babbling somethings, saying that how she missed me so much and her life with her husband was so great…everything worked out…thanks to me.

Wondering who was that husband, I looked straight at the man Kaoru left behind. my eyes opened wide, tears began to come out of my eyes. I was hugging Kaoru but then I was crying because…

I saw him…

It was the person who took my happiness…

…though he replaced it with another one…

…it was stolen by another…

It was Kenshin….the father of the red headed boy that now has the top…the husband of the woman I'm still hugging…

…"Thank you…" I whispered. He then paused, about to take my body then he looked at me, curious. "For what?" he asked. "For this…I thank you very much…" I whispered, answering his question. He smiled…it was beautiful…then he brought his self down…

…"Did you fell inlove…with me?"…

… "I feel that I have to love her…"

I wished to have him near me…stay beside me…but he has a child there…

Damn you, Kaoru…

I envy you…

That man took away all my sadness but I think there was something that made it come back…I don't know what it was…I wish to die…I wish to kill myself there and then…right now…let me die…please…

Owari


WOOOHHOOO! It is finished! Finally finished! Yes! And now I would like to thanks the following people for this fanfic…to all your reviews! Thanks a lot! And here are the thanks!

Sukisaki and Vitwo- two of my best readers…sorry I wasn't able to see muchof your story though! These 2 are to be supported and I will vote for the two of you to be the best fanfiction writers! The best among the rest!

Chibibren- yah…I'm not that much of a rurouni Kenshin addict and I really don't know what their attitude is. Even so, I try to make my story and please! The story doesn't go on with the original RK ok? Thanks!

Nilnil- yup! Heck you were good at that! But there was a person that read through my fics…a KK lover and she warned me! wwaahhh! I think that person…was um…in a bad mood.

Scythe195- this person is the one that makes me happy whenever I open my mail for any reviews. He or she kept on encouraging me to keep on writing! This fic is also for you!

Sadame11- heya! You just live right near our house and I don't know how did you know my username…dang ya! Was it just luck?

Sakabatou- oohhh…sorry! Kaoru wasn't the one who won but at least you voted for the one you really liked right? Hehehe! Thanks for voting though!

Wistful Eyes-hey! Thanks for the advice! Super! That could help me on my next fic! Thanks a lot! Super! Mwahz cyz!

Half-bree-demon-fox- whew! Long name! You voted for Kaoru but then she didn't get most of the polls…awww…anyway, there are no losers in this fic! Hehe! We are all winners!

Ryuko- thanks! Everyone did think so too! Thanks for the review as in superb!

Mitsugi- ei! Wrong spelling but I did consider that! I know that was Tomoe! Hehe! Thanks for voting though!

cc- I don't know what does it mean but….looks like it stands for something anonymous…I don't know…

Ana Minamino- the user name feels famous and I think you really are! Hey you voted for Tomoe and she got the most polls! Hehe! Thanks for voting!

Hikari- thanks for telling me that you liked my story! Hope you have one too! I'll read that!

Erythrose- I just saw you once…am I right? Hehe…thanks for the encouragement and support though! hehe! Mwahz!

Nikki- thanks for saying that it was awesome and all!

Chai Gurl- Hey! Don't be mad at me but I respect all pairings! I'm a KK lover too but this KT fanfic came into my mind and I didn't stop typing in here! Can we be still friends?

Reach- hey! Thanks for the review and the support! You made me smile there!

Weloveanime- yep, this person was in my friendster acct and really support her a lot!

Sakuramiko- yeah…I notice that Tomoe was a lot more beautiful…well…I think Kaoru is just…uhmm….cute! and she was luck in the end! Thanks for the advice about the anata and koishii!

Brittanie Love- hey! Thought it was britney! Hehe just kidding! Thanks for the review though!

Myname- thanks for the review! And also for saying that it was very brilliant! Hehe! Hope you have a story that I may read too!

Atomic Toaster- nice advice but I was a bit confused there! Thanks though! mwahz!

Last but not the least

Pego- I wish to say a lot of bad things to you or at you but then I suddenly realize everything was really wrong…thanks anyway! I couldn't accept the fact that some one would hate or dislike my fics…too young to type and too old to cry…