DISCLAIMER: I DON'T OWN ANY OF THE RURUOUNI KENSHIN CHARCTERS AND PLACES…ONLY TAKA IN CHAPTER 1, MR. SAKURAGI AND THE SNOOTY LADIES AND THE YOUNG BOY IN CHAPTER TWO, NOTHING MORE…YET.

CHAPTER 4

KINDRED SPIRITS

Eyes opened.

The crimson sky illuminates such relaxation of beauty and delight…

Hmmm…that sweet scent – reminds me of, yes, Jasmine

Head rested on meadow grass as soft as a pillow

Heaven far beyond reaching might…wait, is this heaven?

Light shone upon Kaoru as she slowly opened her eyes. The first thing that came into sight was color brown…brown rectangles aligned vertically. Maybe chocolate rainbows aligned vertically…heaven's sweetness. The chocolate rainbows then started to from a clearer view. They appeared before her eyes to be wood…wooden planks…the ceiling.

The ceiling?!?!? Kaoru opened her eyes wide. Wooden planks aligned vertically, yes, it formed a ceiling.

Kaoru suddenly became alert. She tried to sit up, but her back seemed aching and heavy. She looked around. This wasn't heaven; it was her room.

My room? How the heck did I get here?

She tried to remember what happened the night before. Flashes of what happened came to her, but all she can fully remember was that Battousai lounging forward, his sword aimed. Then suddenly, she lost consciousness.

So it means I'm still alive, thought Kaoru and a frown appeared on her face. She knew that everything that happened could never be mended. Her world was, again, falling apart.

She heard footsteps coming, and she knew right away who could it be.

"D-Dr. Gensai!" Kaoru called out before the old man could even speak.

Dr. Gensai slid open the door and entered. He was wearing his usual cheerful smile, quite odd Kaoru thought and sat beside her.

"Feeling better now?" smiled the doctor.

Kaoru nodded but her eyes fixed on the ceiling. She was too ashamed to look at Dr. Gensai. She lied to him. Besides, he might have known already.

"Is something bothering you?" worried Dr. Gensai.

Kaoru still didn't look at him. Tears started to fill her eyes again, but she tried hard not to cry.

Dr. Gensai sensed Kaoru's melancholy.

"You know, Jasmine is in bloom this season. I'm sure the children would love to stroll by the roadside and go pick some. Though it's not that much appealing to the eye, it's sweet scent is what draws the people in appreciating it. If applied to real life, though you may not say that person is beautiful to your eyes, still her sweetness and her determination in pursuing her dreams is what makes her beautiful inside, and that what makes people like her. I know you know who THAT person is, Kaoru," smiled Dr. Gensai.

But Kaoru cannot control herself from crying. Tears started continuously pouring down.

Dr. Gensai had been good to her ever since she could remember. When her father was killed, he took Kaoru in and treated her like his very own granddaughter. In return to his kindness, she let him stay in her house with his two granddaughters, Suzi and Yumi. Somehow they became like a real family and the four of them became inseparable.

"Kaoru…" Dr. Gensai was alarmed when he saw her crying.

"G-Gomen nasai," whispered Kaoru.

"F-For what?"

"F-For b-being so s-selfish and a hypocrite; f-for lying to you and to the children. For getting myself in danger for stupid and personal reasons; for making all of you worried and fro breaking my promise that I'll never leave this family until the day my soul will leave this earth for eternity. I'm so sorry, Dr. Gensai. I hope you'll forgive me," cried Kaoru.

Dr. Gensai smiled and caressed her raven hair.

"Kaoru, when your father died, I vowed to myself that I'd take care of you and protect you from anything that will harm you. You've been like a granddaughter to me, and as a grandfather I would never forgive myself if anything bad happens to his grandchildren. Of course, I forgive you. For whatever reason it is that made you do it, I understand. I just hope for your happiness."

Kaoru wiped her tears off and smiled at Dr. Gensai. Every time she would cry, someone is always there to cheer her up. Her father, Dr. Gensai, Suzi, Yumi, Kenshin Himura…

Kenshin Himura…thought Kaoru. Upon thinking of him, her stomach gave a lurch. Somehow, she didn't really want to think about the swordsman and decided to think of something else.

Oh, yes!

"Dr. Gensai, how did I get here?" asked Kaoru. But of course, thought Kaoru, that it would be the usual: somebody fortunately found her lying abandoned on the ground, unconscious, covered in blood and bruises. But it wasn't.

"A man by the name of Kenshin Himura suddenly appeared at the doorstep, carrying you in his arms. You were, of course, unconscious. He insisted on helping me watch over you all night -."

Kaoru suddenly sat up straight, not minding the ache.

"WHAT! HE WAS HERE LAST NIGHT? DR. GENSAI, THAT KENSHIN HIMURA IS THE FAMOUS BATTOUSAI!!!" stammered Kaoru.

"Well, yes, in fact, he's outside right now, cooking breakfast -."

"WHAT! HE'S HERE NOW COOKING? DR. GENSAI, C'MON LET'S GO NOW, HE MIGHT KILL US ALL – wait a minute…he's cooking?"

Dr. Gensai shockingly nodded and pointed outside. Kaoru, though her back ached so much, took the initiative to go out and look for herself. There, blowing the fire on the stove was Kenshin Himura.

Kenshin noticed the girl and greeted her.

"Ah! Ohayo de Gozaimasu, Kaoru-dono. I hope you're feeling better now. Gomen nasai, I somehow frightened you last night," apologized Kenshin.

Kaoru just stood there. The great Battousai was just inches away from her, in her house…cooking.

"Ah, I see you're…cooking?" said the confused girl.

"Yes, I'm making breakfast. Oh, don't worry. It's nearly done."

"So…you're cooking."

"Hai," Kenshin smiled.

This isn't making any sense at all. First, he was a humble delivery boy. Second, he was Battousai then he's a stranger making breakfast in our house, for us. Somebody please pinch me, I think I'm hallucinating.

"Kaoru-chan?" called out a young girl. Suzi entered the kitchen and stopped when she saw Kenshin.

"Ohayo de Gozaimasu. Who are you?" she asked Kenshin.

"My name is Kenshin. What's your name?"

"Kenshin…" muttered Suzi as she was trying to memorize his name, "I'm Suzi! I have a sister. Her name is Yumi but she is still sleeping. Do you want me to wake her up?" smiled Suzi but Kaoru gave her a warning look.

"Well, I think that won't be necessary," smiled Kenshin.

"Okay," and Suzi left the kitchen.

Kenshin looked back at Kaoru.

"Suzi was sure nice. Is she your sister?"

"Well, sort of – wait a minute, what are you doing here anyway?"

"Last night you fainted and I decided to take you home. I don't know, but somehow the directions to your house flashed back suddenly in my head," laughed Kenshin.

"But…why would you do that?" asked Kaoru, suddenly her voice lowered down.

Kenshin put out the fire and placed the food on the bowl, then looked up at Kaoru.

"Kaoru-dono, I know that you think Battousai still lives within me, but I have gotten rid of him once and for all. What I did last night was what Battousai might not have done. To make up for my mistakes, I decided to help people in any way that I can, especially with my sword."

Kaoru thought for a while. The man that's just inches away from her was known to be skilled in swordsmanship, and was even feared for it, was just inside her home, cooking, and giving her words of wisdom. And before, she thought that he might bring a burden to Tokyo but she was so blind to see it. She was wrong about him, and to give him a chance seemed like a good idea.

Later that afternoon was the most unlikely afternoon for Kaoru. Not only did Kenshin made the two girls take their afternoon nap, he also helped Kaoru with the household chores. He did the laundry, polished the floor and swept the leaves in their yard. He was a guest, of course, but an unlikely one for he insisted in doing so. I wish there are more guests like him to come, Kaoru even thought. Kenshin was of big help that day.

"Oh, I'm so exhausted! This has been the busiest day, ever!" sighed Kaoru. As she was passing by the dojo, she found the door ajar.

"I know I left it closed when I was finished cleaning it," she said to herself and was about to close it when she noticed there was someone inside. She entered and was quite surprised. It was Kenshin.

"Oh, Himura-san! Don't worry; I've already finished cleaning the dojo. You may take a rest now," assured Kaoru.

Kenshin looked at her.

"Oh! Kaoru-dono, I didn't notice you enter. I was just looking around, I hope you didn't mind."

Kaoru shook her head.

"Don't worry. It's okay."

Kenshin smiled gratefully at her and looked back at the wooden swords displayed neatly on the wall. He always smiles, Kaoru thought.

"This seems to be a nice place," Kenshin said.

"Huh?"

"The dojo," Kenshin looked back at Kaoru, "you practice kendo?"

"Oh, hai. My family owned this place."

"I see…where are your father and mother? Are your grandfather and siblings the only ones staying here with you?"

Kaoru suddenly became silent and lowered her head.

"My parents passed away. My mother died when I was just two years old, and my father was killed. I'm the only one left. Dr. Gensai and his two grandchildren, Suzi and Yumi, are just friends. But they are like a family to me and they're the only ones I've got…"

Kenshin suddenly felt ashamed and apologized.

"Oh! Gomen nasai. Kaoru-dono. I didn't mean to –, I didn't know –, I –," Kenshin was starting to get worried.

"Mmm. it's alright."

Kenshin sighed with relief.

"A dojo…what style of kendo do you practice?"

"Actually, I'm a descendant of the Kamiya Kasshin Kendo style and I teach that style at the same time."

"A kendo teacher, that seems so interesting."

"Thank you," grinned Kaoru.

There was silent for a moment.

"Kaoru-dono?"

"Nani, Himura-san?"

"Oro…please call me Kenshin."

"Okay. What is it…Kenshin?"

"May I ask you something?"

"Anything."

"Last night, when there was a misunderstanding, a large man attacked you –."

"GOHEI!" Kaoru suddenly remembered. Whatever happened to him? I passed out so I really can't remember, but the last thing I remember was that he was screaming furiously and then…

"K-Kaoru-dono?" Kenshin was startled.

"Wha –? Oh! Gomen nasai, I was losing myself again. What happened to Gohei?"

"G-Gohei? Is he the man that attacked you?"

Kaoru nodded.

"Well, I kind of injured him. I had no choice. He was obviously trying to kill you…" Kenshin lowered his voice.

Kaoru was a bit amazed. He saved me. He bravely attacked Gohei to save my life. He helped me have the opportunity to be with my family again. But…why?

"Kaoru-dono, who is this Gohei?"

"Gohei Hiruma…he was…he was a student of my father."

Kenshin was a bit surprised.

"Yes, Kenshin," said Kaoru, "he was a student of my father when my father was still teaching the Kamiya Kasshin Kendo style when he was still alive."

"But why did he want to…kill you?"

"From the very start I knew him, I knew he's going to be a threat to us. When he learned the skills of the Kamiya Kasshin style, he turned against its very principle."

"Oh…what was the principle?"

"The very first principle of the Kamiya Kasshin style was that it is to be used to save the weak and not for the satisfaction of power and killing. But of course, Gohei wouldn't understand that. His mind and heart was filled with nothing but revenge, power and war."

Kaoru sighed heavily and sat down.

"My father wanted to save him from ruining himself, but he was a stubborn fool. One day, when there was a sparring, he badly injured his fellow student, and was even proud of it. He said the style was an old-fashioned one, a lousy one, and that he said it should be dumped with trash one of these days. He even challenged my father and boasted that he, Gohei, would eventually win in the end. But, of course, my father won at the end. Also, he expelled Gohei in front of the other students due to his extreme arrogance and threats to his fellow students. With that, Gohei was embarrassed and wanted to avenge himself ever since…" After that, Kaoru silenced for a moment.

Kenshin somehow felt Kaoru's grief. He too was, of course, orphaned at such a young, but somehow he survived it. He had to do something to help Kaoru. Any day, Gohei might suddenly appear at their doorstep and kill them. Kaoru had somehow become a dear friend to him.

"Don't worry, Kaoru-dono. Nobody's going to hurt you," assured Kenshin.

"Huh?" Kaoru was a bit confused.

"I wouldn't let him hurt you or your family. Nothing's going to happen to any of you. I wouldn't let that happen."

Why is this man helping me? Why is Battousai helping us all of a sudden? I barely know him and he barely knows me, yet he is offering his life to save us all.

"Well it seems to be getting late. I should be going now. Don't worry; I'll always be there to protect you. You can't fight him with just a wooden sword, you know."

Kaoru was a bit offended.

"Are you saying that I'm not as good as good in my field? The Kamiya Kasshin Kendo Style never fails. I was just out of my mind yesterday. Don't worry, when you see my moves I'm sure you would really get terrified. Someday you would realize that I'm better than you!" winked Kaoru and Kenshin gave a hearty laugh.

Kaoru escorted him to the doorway. It was already 7:00 in the evening and it was getting colder.

"I have to get going now. I have to find an inn to say for the night. Thank you for your hospitality, Kaoru-dono," said Kenshin.

"Hehehe… that was nothing," she felt her cheeks flushed.

"Goodbye now, Kaoru-dono. It was really, really nice to have met you and your family. Please send my regards to Dr. Gensai since he's still not home."

But Kaoru didn't want to send his regards to Dr. Gensai. She didn't even want to say goodbye to him yet. She wanted him to stay with them. She wanted him to live with them in the dojo and undergo life's challenges and sweetest moments. She wasn't really sure what made her act like this, but she was sure it came from her heart.

"Kenshin?"

"Nani, Kaoru-dono?"

"Why… why won't you stay here, with us, for how many days?"

Kenshin gave her a surprised look.

"No need, Kaoru-dono! I might be a burden to you."

"Mm, no Kenshin. You won't be a burden. It's the least I can do for all the things you've done for all of us, and for making up for all the mistakes I've done to you. It would really be a great honor to have you stay with us here. Please, in behalf of Suzi, Yumi and Dr. Gensai," and she bowed down.

Kenshin felt her sincerity and said, "Well, if it's okay with all of you, I guess it's fine with me. Arigato de gozaimasu, Kaoru-dono," smiled Kenshin.

Kaoru smiled back. Deep down, her heart leaped for joy.

The silence of the evening was interrupted by the fireworks that illuminated the once dark sky. Blue and red sparks gave life to the tranquil place and it was such a beautiful sight.

"Look, Kaoru-dono. Look at how the fireworks gave life to the once starless sky. Look at how it liven the atmosphere and somehow inspires those who make a wish before it," sighed Kenshin as the colorful sparks continuously painting the black sky fascinated him.

"It's very beautiful," whispered Kaoru.

And that's how Kenshin came into our Kenshin came into our once dull life. I knew, from the very start I met him that my life would be changed forever. Adventure never seemed to let us escape when he came into our lives, together with a newly found friend named Sanosuke Sagara. At last our dojo already has a number one student, Yahiko Myojin. Because of Kenshin Himura, all of our problems seem to lighten and is already solved. He was a true blessing, to our home, our life, everybody… and to my heart.

As they were watching the fireworks display together, Kaoru suddenly remembered something. For so long, she really wanted to let him know how much he is to her ever since she met him, but was afraid to tell him so. She wanted to let him know of her affections for him, but wasn't sure how to say it. But this night is the time to let him know. Perhaps there would be hope in Kaoru's life, she thought. Backing off was the last thing she could think of.

"K-Kenshin?"

"Nani, Kaoru-dono?"

Kaoru was about to say it then she hesitated. But she smiled instead and said, "Arigato, Kenshin."

Kenshin looked at her.

"For what, Kaoru-dono?"

"For saving my life, and for being the one who happens to catch me every time I fall, two times around," grinned Kaoru.

"Always a pleasure to save a friend," grinned back Kenshin.

Maybe next time he'll know, thought Kaoru.

Being with Kenshin, Kaoru seemed to enjoy it. Whenever she's with him, she feels at ease and inspired, although there are times her heart beats fast whenever he smiles warmly at her.

Kaoru just wanted to enjoy the time, watching fireworks (although she thought it rather romantically) wit Kenshin, and thought that there would come the right time when he will know how much Kaoru felt for him.

Kenshin slowly took her hand and held it tightly but warmly. It may be a friendly touch towards Kenshin, but for Kaoru, she thought that she was falling, at last, for Kenshin Himura. She didn't seem to care now that he's Battousai, because Kaoru believed that Battousai doesn't exist now, forever… ever. It was Kenshin Himura that her heart seeks, not the feared and legendary slasher himself.

OHAYO! : Hey, how do like the chapter so far…or maybe the story itself? Yeah…I'm still bummed that Samurai X ended so fast, and quite of depressing at that! Anyway, you might think that this chapter is the end but it isn't. I thought so myself, but fortunately my mind was like "CONTINUE YOUR DARN FANFIC!" I think this chapter is really the longest one I've ever done so far. To those who know how to speak and write japanese, please don't hesitate to tell me anything that's wrong with the japanese words i've used. it would really be helpful and i would appreciate it. so now please don't hesitate to throw your criticisms and praises (if there are) at me now. vanishes with a swirl of pixie dust

THANK YOU FOR THOSE WHO REVIEWED THIS FANFIC.

I'm really grateful: Arigato de gozaimasu, Kamimura Kaoru, Misanagi, Kensannixme, Vlest01 and to Korogi-chan. And also to the other reviewers to review…I hope.