Disclaimer: I do not own Rurouni Kenshin and its Characters.

A/N: Hi. Well another chapter's up and I'll hope you will enjoy it. A bigthanks to Howard for editing this chapter and also to the people who had read and given me their Reviews. Thank you very much.

Story Format: -THOUGHTS- , "SPEECH" and the ITALICS are flshbacks.

Evangelistic Evanesce

Chapter 4

"Sano..you sure it's this way?" Misao groan miserably with every step she took. The three of them had been walking deeper and deeper on, but the path seemed endless.

Sano cursed as he yet again tripped over an unknown object, "Do you see any turn? Of course it's this way!"

"I think." He muttered darkly only to himself.

Kaoru walked on, not a single word escaped her. They rounded yet another corner and Sano halted in his track. An unreadable expression flash onto his face.

"Why are we stopping?" Misao demand, looking utterly annoyed.

Sano spun around and glare at her. "Quiet. I hear something." He whispered urgently.

"I don't…" Kaoru started and her words died in her throat as she caught sight of her friend's face.

They were staring transfixed at something behind her.

Slowly she turned around, a dark silhouette of a man. Even in the lack of light his hair still glisten ever so brightly.

She knew it was him. Unconsciously she took one faltering step towards him. And a splitting headache took her by surprise. The most straining flashback hit her hard. Clutching her head, Kaoru felt her eyes brimmed with tears as her body gave away. The last thing she knew before the waking world faded away was two strong arms that break her fall.

Kenshin saw her falling and rush forward to catch her right before she hit the stone-paved floor.

He noted how pale she was, and felt his heart pound violently. Didn't know what to do, he held her close, still couldn't believe that she was really there. It seemed like an eternity had passed until he turned his face up to see his best friend and Misao watching him silently.

Scooping, Kaoru's frail body, he stood up and carried her away completely ignoring the other two.

Misao stood in utter awe, it had been a long time since she had met him and he had certainly changed. He no longer had on that boyish grin and his once beautiful eyes had lost the sparkle of the olden days. She studied his expression and wonder how he could ever leave. It was clear that he still love Kaoru. She watched in silence as he carried her friend away.

"Sano..Did you see that?" She whispered keeping her voice low.

"I think I just understood something..let's go Misao." Came the gruff reply.

Kenshin kicked his bedroom door open and glided in. Gently he place the still unconscious girl onto his bed. He tucked her in and knelt down beside the bed. It shouldn't be this way. He had kept away this long, had his emotions completely under control. She shouldn't be here. Just the mere presence of her already stirs enough suppressed emotion inside of him. Kenshin knew he had to do something soon or everything he had done would become useless. Sighing he brushed a stray strand of hair away from her forehead and stood up.

He'll have to tell Sano to take her home. Even if that's the last thing he wanted.

He strode out of his bedroom to find his best friend and the Misao standing just outside the door.

"Himura." The young girl acknowledge curtly.

"Misao…It's been long isn't it." He replied with equal politeness. "Sano.." He greeted.

And before he could even dodge a fist flung out of nowhere and hit him squarely in the jaw.

"You owe me that, Kenshin." Sano said heavily.

Rubbing the sore spot on his jaw, Kenshin shook afew strand of hair out of his eyes. "Whatever.

There's two guest bedrooms on this floor, make yourself at home." He said emotionlessly as he walk away leaving the two friends to stare unbelievably after him.

"Misao, you go ahead and get yourself settle in. I need to talk to that arrogant prince." Sano was on the brink of breathing out fire. This is definitely not the Kenshin he had grown up with. This redhead is just a stuck up, prince not his childhood friend. He sprinted off after the redhead, leaving the young girl to throw her hands up in frustration. "Great!" She muttered sarcastically and sauntered off to find the said 'guest room.'

Sano found Kenshin in the library absorbed in a book. He didn't even look up from the thick volume as Sano stormed over to him.

"Why are you doing this?" The younger guy shouted as he towered over the chair his friend was sitting on.

Silence.

"Kenshin! Answer me.."

Silence.

"Or now that you're a prince, you can no longer befriend someone like me?"

Silence.

"Look. Your highness..Answer me. How could you do that to her. To Kaoru!"

Kenshin slammed the book shut and glare darkly up at his friend. "You shut up, Sano. You don't understand. You're not me." He said in a deadly tone that sent a strange shiver down the younger man's spine.

Gulping down his fear he stare straight into his friend's eyes. "Well make me understand. We used to talk. And you owe that girl a good explanation when she wakes up!"

Kenshin closes his eyes and place the book down onto the table. Wearily he stood up and walked over to the window. For the first time Sanosuke noted how strained Kenshin look.

"You will never know, Sano..How I feel. How useless I was. I couldn't do anything." He whispered quietly with his back to his friend.

The rooster head frown instantly knowing that he was right all along. "It's not your fault Kenshin. You knew that."

Kenshin turn swiftly around his eyes flashing. "I know. But I couldn't stop it. I couldn't, because I had no power."

Sighing the younger man shook his head. "So I was right..Listen, it's not your fault Shishio's troop invaded that village."

"I couldn't let it happen again. I'm going to make sure that it will never happen again!"

"By..leaving behind the single most important thing in your life?" Sano pressed on.

Kenshin stare back at his friend. "The only thing that matters to me right now is securing my title." He answered brusquely. "You'll have to take her home. She couldn't stay here."

"You really are misleading did you know. But I've got my answers as to why you banned me from entering the kingdom and to other stuff as well." Sano said offering his friend a small smile. "And you should know I couldn't force her to go anywhere."

Kenshin turn his attention back to the window. He heard the door click shut and close his eyes.

-I know you'd understand. You've always been the only one that fully understands me, Sano.-

Sano trodded down the second floor's corridor and let himself into one of the free bedroom, a small smile still pasted on his lips. He had been right all along and he very much trust his friend's judgement and heart. Things will eventually fall into its places. He will make sure of that.

Fishing out a tiny locket that hung loosely around his neck on a thin silver chain, he clicked it open as he threw himself down onto the bed. A picture of his very own angel, did not smile sweetly back at him, but was flashing him one of her trademark smirk. Something he wouldn't trade for any other girls' smile. He let his thoughts drift back to how they had met. He had sighted her the same day

Kenshin had seen Kaoru. She had been the head of the group of security guards searching for the missing princess. Sano kissed his locket tenderly and had to grin at the memory their first encounter.

"Kenshin..Look it's that girl from the other day, Princess something." Sano said pointing to the young girl who was strolling down the lane with two guards trailing behind her.

Sano nudge his friend lightly knowing that the redhead had taken a fancy to this princess. And then his eyes went straight pass the princess to another girl who was also strolling up in his direction. Her dark hair flowing freely about her. And she was too absorbed in her book to notice that a large group of kids are running straight at her, for they too are also absorbed into their game of tag to notice anything or anyone around them. The spirit of being the knight in shining armour got over his sense and Sano found himself running forward to the pretty girl to keep her out of the harm's way (in his idea).

He pushed her aside just in time before the kids knock her off of her feet. Only he expected to her to praise him for what he had done not throwing him a death glare.

"Who're you! Get your hands off me! You've ruined my medical book!" And without waiting for his explanation she had elbowed him hard knocking the wind out of him before stomping away.

And that's when Sanosuke had found out that the pretty lady Megumi is not as sweet as he had imagined her to be.

Sano chuckled at himself. After Kenshin and Kaoru had started going out and they had moved into the palace, he soon found out that Megumi despite her sharp tongue is really a wonderful person.

They fought, argued and called each other names, but they grew so fond of each other that they became inseparable. And not very long after that..they started dating. Only a lot of people found them a very weird couple. It's not unusual to find them fighting in the garden one minute and another minute kissing in the deserted corridor.

The door to his room creaked open and he sat up on his bed. A lady stood framing in the doorway with both hand poise on her hip.

Sano rubbed his eyes blearily. "Oh..I must be missing her that bad. I'm hallucinating."

The image of Megumi, however strode over to him and punch his arm.

Sano jumped up his eyes widening at his girlfriend. "M-Megumi!"

Megumi's nostril flared angrily as she punch repeatedly. "You-left.-Without- telling -me! How dare you, you rooster head."

Sanouke was shock beyond word at how upset she was. And to his horror she broke down crying.

"I thought you left..." She sobbed as he drew her close and strokes her hair soothingly. It now dawned on him that she had thought that he had left her the same way that Kenshin had left Kaoru back then.

"Oh Megumi..I'm so sorry. I would never leave you…But hey how did you get here?" He asked curiously.

Megumi wiped her eyes. "I went to your house but you weren't there. So I went to Okina's and he told me you left. I got so angry..and sad and….I just understood how Kaoru must have felt."

Sano grinned and hug her tight. "So..you really can't live without me?..Foxy lady."

She slapped his arm playfully. "Don't' be so full of yourself all of the sudden Rooster."

"So how did you get here?"

Megumi frowned. "Misao..called for me. Okina gave her this mirror that connect to our realm. If she hadn't call, I wouldn't know where your location is."

"Why did she call you then?"

The girl shrugged. "She said she felt that you're being horrid to her and that I should come and tone you down."

Sano gaped back at his girlfriend. "I did not!" He wailed indignantly and to his amazement Megumi smirked back. "I was kidding, it was Kaoru she wanted me to check on. Not you."

Feigning faint-like action, Sano shook his head. "She didn't look all that good. If Kenshin didn't catch her exactly on time she'd probably break her neck."

Megumi's eyes flashed up with interest. "Oooh…so they've had a talk?"

"Nah..Kaoru collapsed as soon as she saw him." He reached out and squinted his eyes, almost instantly a glass of water appear on his hand much to Megumi's surprise. She looked at his cocky smile and stared at the glass brimmed with crystal clear water that he was holding out for her.

"How?" She simply ask.

"Complicated.." He replied grinning.

The girl took the glass and sip gingerly before placing it onto the nearby table. With a sweet smile she stood up and turn to leave.

"Where are you going?" He asked curiously for he knew she had no place to stay for the night and was more than happy to share the large bed.

"To bed, ofcourse." Was her nonchalant reply.

At that his grin turn into a seductive smirk. "And where might that be, love?"

Megumi spun around and frown at the endearment. "Don't you even dream about that, spike head. I'm still angry. And for you information, I'm sharing the bed with Misao not you." And she disappeared out of the door.

Sano shook his head and chuckle. "Well if you ever change your mind my bed will always have a place for you." He called after her, imitating her italics.

Grinning he threw himself back onto the bed and couldn't help thinking of another couple who is struggling so with their relationship or to be exact. struggling to get back together. "Well that's what you get when one's a 'too much of a hero' and another a 'thick, lovesick girl'." He muttered to himself as he close his eyes and almost burst out laughing again at the picture of yet another weird couple of a 'way too yappy girl' and a 'walking statue'. "And it's not like my own romance's a normal one." He mused with his eyes close.

-""-

Misao sat crosslegged on the four-poster bed talking at a lightning speed into the mirror with her fiancé's emotionless face as the reflection. "—And so..he ran off and told me to just settle in. Aoshi sama you won't believe how long it took me to find out the way to open the door. That rooster head never mention that the doors are locked. I was lucky to find..well can't really tell if he's a ghost or one really creepy butler. I had to explain I knew Himura 'cause as soon as he saw me, he thought I was an intruder, and you won't believe how they take care of intruders here. (She shudders visibly). It took me almost ten minutes to get him convinced that I really was a guest and after that he fish out these really large key and unlock a room for me. Then he just trod off muttering something under his breath—"

The door to her room gave a small click causing the young girl to pause. "—I think Megumi's back..I better go now. Good night Aoshi sama."

"Good night." Was his curt reply and Misao shove the mirror under her pillow just before Megumi walk in and promptly close the door.

"I bet you met that creepy dude, didn't you?"

Megumi blinked back. "What dude?"

Misao waved impatiently. "Nevermind.." That's when she noticed that her roommate's cheek had strange pink hue to it. And the young girl grinned inwardly. "So have you checked on Kaoru?"

The doctor shook her head and stroll over to the bed. "Couldn't, all the door on this floor's lock except Sano's and this room. And I had no idea which room she's in."

Misao frowned. "Oh well..I guess she'll be alright..and there's night gowns over in that closet." She added pointing to a very large mahogany closet in one corner.

"Thanks.."

-""-

Kenshin paused reluctantly at his bedroom's door. He contemplated whether he should enter or just walk away and find himself another spare bedroom. Heaving a sigh, he turned the silver doorknob and let himself into the large room, knowing that he will sorry for not walking away.

The moonlight from the ceiling high window illuminated her porcelain skin making it look even paler.

He made his way to the bedside and sat himself down by her unconscious form. His eyes softened as he stroke her midnight tresses lovingly and let her familiar scent of jasmine filled his senses. Without knowing Kenshin found himself drifting to the past where his most cherished memories was. They used to be so happy together. Up until that day…the day that changed everything. The day that his dream had been haphazardly broken into million pieces.

"Don't you wish that Spring would last forever, Kenshin?" Kaoru asked glancing up at the clear blue sky, a bright sunshine smile adorning her pretty face. Her long silky ravenous hair blowing gently in the wind.

"No.." He replied mischievously propping up on his elbow and gaze distastefully at the blossoming flowers around them.

"And why's that?" Kaoru asked collecting flowers around her and make it into a wreath. She had no idea why someone like Kenshin wouldn't enjoy an eternity of Spring. He had adored the flower field as much as herself.

"Because.." He sat up and stare her in the eyes. "Our wedding is in Autumn..and if Spring last forever…"

Kaoru laughed outright at him. "Kenshin..you are soo practical. We can move or wedding up to next week if you want. And have the ceremony right here."

Kenshin cuddled her lovingly. "You are unbelievable."

And they laughed in unison.

A sound of hurried footstep caused them to break apart. In the distant Kaoru noted a palace guard is approaching them looking out of breath. Kenshin and Kaoru exchanged looks.

The guard fell to his knee, panting afew meters away from them.

"Y-your highness. T-there have been an attack..at one of the village near the border. Lord Okina asks for you at once." He reported as he tried to catch his breath.

Kaoru got to her feet abruptly while Kenshin rose slowly from his position.

"Who attack the village?" The young princess asked anxiously. "What about the villagers?"

The guard fumbled uncomfortably not daring to speak.

"Her highness just ask you a question." Kenshin said lightly and a second later, he wish hadn't said that.

"Er…not one survive the attack your highness." Was the guard's quiet reply.

Kaoru's face drained of all color. "Who…" Was all she managed to say.

"The dark kingdom's army." He replied not daring to meet the princess's eyes. The wreath in Kaoru's hand fell to the grass as soon as she heard that.

Kenshin felt his heart dropped to his ankle and his throat suddenly became very dry. He turned to his girlfriend to see her blue eyes widening at him.

She turned swiftly back to the guard you still knelt there. "Impossible." She said firmly and dash away to the palace with the guard following close at her heels.

Kenshin was rooted to the spot. Closing his eyes he focus on the location of the place he wanted to go. When he open his eyes he nearly double over in shock. Body littered the ground. There was blood everywhere and he knew he couldn't take it anymore. Closing his eyes again he transported himself to the front of a very large door. Without waiting he threw open the door and pranced into the room to find a familiar face which turned to him in surprise.

"I demand answer." He said his voice tinged with venom.

Shishio flashed him a nonchalant smile. "Well..Himura san. What brought you back. Tired of traveling?"

Kenshin took no heed and stomped forward. "Who is responsible for the attack in Rhea!"

"Oh." Was the small reply he got which livened up his anger.

"So it was you..that's responsible!"

Shishio gave a chortle like sound and walk daringly up to the redhead that seemed to be breathing out fire. "What if I say..yes. I'm responsible."

"You.." And his fist flew towards the guy before him. Shishio dodge Kenshin's punch easily and chuckle. "Calm down, Himura. I have the authority to dispatch troops. And those filthy villagers..they deserved to die. Sneaking into our land and stealing our crops. Invalids..they are."

Kenshin shook with anger. "They couldn't break into our land..there's a barrier."

Shishio shrugged.

"No use barging in here and screaming your head off Himura. They're already dead." A drawl from the door caused him to spun around.

"Enishi."

"There's nothing you can do here, Himura. You've got no authority or power whatsoever. You might as well keep quiet. You knew nothing of the kingdom's affair. So shut up, before I have the guards throw you out of the castle."

"Just try that Enishi, and you'll be sorry."

Enishi smirked. "Look Himura. Don't mistake your place in this court. Lord Hiko might be your guardian but you have no position, title, authority or anything here. People listen to you out of the courtesy of Lord Hiko. So better watch your mouth when you're talking to someone with an official ranking."

Kenshin glared dagger at his all time enemy and wish he could chop off that undeflatable head.

Knowing that there was no use staying to be humiliated any further he closed his eyes and transported himself out amidst the laughter of Enishi and Shishio.

He opened his eyes again and found himself in his bedroom in the peaceful, Rhea. Kenshin punched the nearest wall with all his strength, frustrated at how useless he was. Padding over to the balcony, he gazed out at the lovely country. Biting his lower lip. –I'll keep it beautiful..nothing can tarnish this kingdom.- He shifted his gaze to the nook where portraits of his angel laid. Picking up one of them he stared down at his beautiful Kaoru with saddened eyes.

'what if I say..yes..I'm responsible.'

'You have no authority.'

'No power.'

'Watch you mouth when you're talking to someone with official ranking.'

The mockey of Enishi and Shishio echoed endlessly in his head and Kenshin' fist clenched tightly drawing blood.

Putting down the picture gently, he had reached his decision.

Heaving another sigh he kissed her tenderly and whisper into her ear. "Forgive me."

He got up and made for the door where he turned to look at her sleeping form once before shutting the door silently behind him..

A/N: Another chapter…and if you like it PLEASE REVIEW. It really keeps me up with writing this story. Thank you once again. See you all again soon.