Me: Hey everyone! I'm glad that I actually got to do this chap before I go into pain for a whole week! Oh the horror of the dentist!

Yami Kikkay: Tell me about it!

Me: Um, you will never go through the pain I will! And I hope you never will!

Sillymail: Thanks for your review!

Half-breed-demon-fox: Sorry, but if I told you who he is, that would spoil all the fun, ne? I can only tell you that he will be a lot of trouble for Kenshin and Kaoru… and he's cute!

Blaizin Wolf: Nope, I can't tell you who he is. Yep, Yahiko is cute when he cares about her.

Sims are awsome: See! You're out of school too! You didn't have to hurt my feelings! Just kidding! I wasn't hurt at all… well, maybe just a little. LOL I never floss. I watched Batman because my friends didn't want to watch any other movie, but it rocked and I still wanna watch Madagascar! It's not fair! I'll rent the game one day, don't worry. I always wanted a twin; I'm an only child and I get really bored because my parents say I'm mad and they never pay attention to me… psyche, I'm just kidding, they pay a lot of attention to me. And I've never ever mentioned him before.

Me: You know, I really wasn't counting on making Kenshin jealous; it just came out that way. He was really upset because she was close to a complete stranger (to him) and his rage made him talk like that. After reading it, I found it quite cute because it turned out like that.

Yami Kikkay: Do you think they'd actually care about that?

Me: Mommy! My other self is being mean to me!

Mom: Get a life and stop talking to yourself!

Me: I-do-not-talk-to-my-SELF! left eye twitches faints

Yami Kikkay: Since she's out cold, I'll do the disclaimer!

Disclaimer: She only owns the plot, her characters and names. She does not own RK but does manipulate some of their cast.

Heart of a Demon

Chapter Seven: Haunted

"When the story of Destiny is told, it will be written in blood..."

(A/N: Just so you know, for effects of this chapter and the following, most of the clothes they wear are kinda' made of leather, but there are some people who stick to the tradition and wear kimonos. And also, when I say that the city is big, I don't mean it's a huge metropolis or something. Picture it as a village with lots of houses with 2 and 3 stories, and stores, and there are a lot of plants and trees. Just a little reminder so you don't go 'what the hell is this?')

'Oh, I know more than that. Your thoughts, your deepest secrets, your darkest desires…'

Kenshin, Kaoru and Yahiko were already on the road to Osumo. It was dawn and it was still a little dark.

'Come with me Kaoru. You are so lonely… but I can help you. I'd be with you, and you'd never be alone again. I love you.'

Kaoru couldn't stop thinking about Kurenai and what he had said. It seemed like he'd known her forever, but they have really never met before.

'I love you…'

A blush crept to her delicate rosy cheeks. No one had ever said those three words to her. Sure, she had some guys stalking her back at her home village, but it was never too serious. Aoshi had always scared them away. The thought of Aoshi made her remember their horrible encounter back at the cave.

'I promise you we will help him.'

Kaoru's eyes shone as sapphires as she remembered those words. And they triggered a cute image of an amazing smile. She blushed even more and giggled as a little girl with a crush (Me: maybe she is!). Yahiko eyed her as if she had gone mad; after all, laughing in the middle of nowhere with no reason at all was mad.

Yahiko: "Okay… have you lost it ugly?"

Kaoru: "Sorry. I just remembered something. UGLY?"

Kenshin: "I bet she remembered that asshole." (Me: That's a no-no Ken-Ken, no swearing in this fic )

Kaoru: "Huh?"

Kenshin: "Nothing. Walk faster."

They did as they were told, and by the time the first rays of sunlight shone through the sky, they reached the humongous city of Osumo.

Kaoru: "Wow, I had never seen a city this big!"

Yahiko: "Bet you had never been out of your house."

Kaoru: "Well, you're right. I only went out when I was kidnapped or when I went hunting demons with the gang, but that was only to forests and caves."

The three paced around the city. It was really crowded, but then again, it was big. There were a lot of stands that sold different things like antiques, medicinal herbs, clothing and food. Yahiko pleaded Kenshin for some food. He got a little black bag from his pocket and gave it to him.

Kenshin: "Go with Kaoru and buy yourselves a good meal. We don't know when it will be the next time we eat."

Yahiko: "Where are you going?"

Kenshin: "To search for that old man."

Yahiko: "So I'll be stuck with her for eternity! No way! Take her with you, I'm no babysitter!"

Kaoru: "I would be the sitter you brat!"
Yahiko: "Yeah right, I bet you'd get lost!"

Kaoru: "Would not!"

Yahiko: 'Would too!"

Kenshin: "Quiet! I'm the babysitter! Kaoru let's go!"

Yahiko stuck his tongue at Kaoru and ran as fast as he could to the nearest food stand. Kaoru, on the other hand, walked calmly behind Kenshin. She gazed at his long auburn hair, which was tied with a blue rubber band (Me: I failed to mention that in ch 1 : ). Kenshin felt someone staring at his back and turned his head. Kaoru quickly looked away. She then found herself looking at some clothes. There were many cotton blouses, leather coats, leather skirts, leather tops, and kimonos. Kenshin noticed she was looking at them, and felt a little guilty. 'How long has it been since she bathed and changed clothes? I might be a little mad right now, but…'.

Kenshin: "Here, buy yourself some clothes."

Kaoru: "Huh? No, I couldn't."

Kenshin: "Just do it."

Kaoru: "Well…"

Kaoru grabbed the little bag he was holding and ran to the stand. After picking a new leather blouse and a skirt (Me: I guess she did buy some underwear, right?), she thought it wouldn't hurt to buy something for Kenshin, after all, it was HIS money. She chose a nice dark blue shirt and paid for it. She went over to him with a big smile.

Kaoru: "Look what I got for you!"

She showed him the shirt expecting a great smile. He arched an eyebrow and looked at her, then at the shirt.

Kenshin: "…Thanks. Now, let's get going."

Kaoru gasped. How could he be so emotionless? She made a mental note never to buy him something again and kept walking, this time, by his side.

Kaoru: "Um, how are we going to find that guy?"

Kenshin: "I already know where he should be."

Kaoru: "Oh."

They reached a two-story house that had a nice garden. There were lots of cats around it (Me: Me like cats!). Kenshin walked over the door and knocked. He kept knocking until someone who was passing by stopped and told them he was not home.

Kaoru: "What do we do now?"

Kenshin: "We wait and we find Yahiko before he eats all our food."

They went back to the place where they had separated. Seeing no signs of Yahiko anywhere, they sat on a bench and waited patiently. Kenshin was awfully quiet.

Kaoru: "Kenshin, is there something wrong?"

Kenshin: "No, not at all."

Kaoru: "Why are you so quiet then?"

Kenshin: "I've never been one to talk much have I?"

Kaoru: "Well, yeah, but you talk more than that you know."

Kenshin: "…"

Kaoru: "Are you mad at me?"
Kenshin: "Why would I be mad at you?"

Kaoru felt incredibly stupid after that. 'Why would he be mad at me? It's not like he'd be jealous or something.' But, she wanted him to be jealous…

Kenshin: "It's nothing. I'm just… scared."

Kaoru: "Scared?"

Kenshin: "Yeah."

Kaoru: "Why?"
Kenshin: "Because I don't know who I really was in the past. What if I was evil?"

Kaoru: "I don't think so. Is there anything that makes you think that?"

Kenshin: "Don't play dumb Kaoru. I know Yahiko told you."

Kaoru laughed nervously. 'I think he's mad now.'

Kaoru: "I'm sorry--"

Kenshin: "It's okay. I guess you had the right to know."

Kaoru: "I really wanted to know. I… want to help you find out who you really are. And I don't believe what anyone else says."

Kenshin: "Thank you."

Kaoru smiled warmly at him. Kenshin's gaze softened and his hand moved automatically to her cheek; an action that surprised both. After noticing what he had done, he removed his hand and looked away. Yahiko came running towards them carrying five bags.

Yahiko: "Look what I've got; food for at least two months!"

Kaoru: "Well, what are we waiting for? Let's eat!"

Yahiko: "Oh, I already did."

Kaoru fell anime style. Kenshin sweatdropped. Yahiko just smiled broadly. After a few minutes, Kenshin and Kaoru practically devoured their part; after all, they hadn't eaten in a while. They started walking again and reached Tomoko's house. He wasn't home yet either.

Kaoru: "Geez, he's not home yet."

Yahiko: "What do we do now Kenshin?"

Kenshin: "We wait."

Yahiko: "WHAT? But I'll get bored!"

Kenshin: "It's not my fault that you're retarded."

Yahiko: "What do you mean by that?"

Old man's voice: "Oh ho ho! I see I've got visitors!"

The three of them turned and met with an old man, with white hair and tired pale blue eyes; so pale, they seemed white. He also had a long white beard. He smiled kindly and walked over to Kenshin.

Kenshin: "You must be Tomoko."

Tomoko: "Yes. I must say I'm amused. I've never had a demon visiting me before. I hope you don't want to kill me, he he…"
Kenshin: "I have no interest in killing neither you nor anyone. I'm here so you can tell me about my past."

Tomoko: "Now I'm even more amused. You want to know about your past? Most people come so I can tell them about their future."

Kenshin: "I have my own reasons."

Tomoko: "Well then, come in! What are your names?"

After introducing themselves, Kenshin, Kaoru and Yahiko followed he fortuneteller inside his house. After walking through a nice living room, they reached a dark room. Tomoko clapped his hands and a few candles lit. There was a table in the center of the room. Tomoko took a seat behind the table and motioned them to seat at the other side.

Tomoko: "Now, this is not free."

Kenshin: "How much then? I'll pay anything."

Tomoko: "My, you are desperate. I was actually kidding. It's free for beginners. Now, I need your right hand."

Kenshin gave him his right hand and he gazed at it cautiously. After inspecting it a few minutes, the old man closed his eyes and sighed. Kaoru and Yahiko looked nervous. Kenshin frowned slightly.

Kenshin: "What's wrong?"

Tomoko: "My, I can't do this with an empty stomach."

Kenshin: "…"

Kenshin, Kaoru and Yahiko fell anime style. Tomoko retreated to his kitchen and ate a quick meal. Then, he came back to the room quite satisfied and sat on his previous chair.

Tomoko: "Well, give me your hand again."

Irritated, Kenshin growled, but did as he was told. Tomoko closed his eyes once again; the other three held their breaths as a thin white aura surrounded the old man's body. He opened his eyes; they were blank. Kaoru let out a shriek as she noticed this; she held onto Yahiko's arm.

Tomoko: "I see… a boy, a red haired boy along with a man which face I can not describe; it is surrounded by shadows."

Kenshin: "Is it me! Please, tell me!"

"I can see darkness spreading from that boy's soul as he grows into a young man." "That same young man is now standing proudly over some… corpses."

Kenshin's heart sunk. If it WAS him…

"I can hear… laughter." "Voices are calling the name… Battousai? Wait! I can see another man now!"

Kenshin: "ANSWER ME!"

"I see… that young man, fighting with another." "He just got a scar… on his, left cheek!"

Kenshin: "GOD DAMMIT ANSWER!"

"He is laying somewhere woody, unconscious, covered in blood from his own wounds…"

Tomoko's orbs returned to their normal pale blue and he looked solemnly at Kenshin, who was staring right back at him.

Kenshin: "So that was me, right? The little boy, the man with the corpses, the one fighting… they're me, aren't they?"

Tomoko: "…yes."

Kenshin stared at the ground. Kaoru placed her hand on his shoulder; he quickly shook it and stood.

Kenshin: "Kaoru, I can't let you touch me… you are pure and innocent and should never touch such a monster as me. You'll have to find someone else to help you save your brother, for I can not keep you or Yahiko with me."

Yahiko: "Kenshin don't be stupid! We don't care about your past, right Kaoru?"

Kaoru: "Of course not! Please let us stay with you!"
Yahiko: "You don't even know what that means! What if you used to save people by killing the bad guys, just like you do now!"

Kenshin: "…I want to be alone."

Tomoko: "I'm sorry I didn't see what you wanted, I really am…"

It was darker by now and the air was chilly, especially outside. Kenshin stood out in the balcony, gazing at the still crowded city. A familiar scent made its way to his nostrils; Kaoru.

Kaoru: "Kenshin?"

Kenshin looked at her; exhaustion, depression, frustration written in his sad features. It broke Kaoru's heart to see the easily angered demon like this. She took a few steps and stood before him. She held out a round mirror and raised it in front of his face.

Kenshin: "What are you doing?"

Kaoru took a deep breath and blushed before answering. Her father always used to do this whenever she felt sad or upset.

Kaoru: "I just want you to see yourself as I see you. What do you see?"

Kenshin: "I see… me."

Kaoru: "Exactly."

Kenshin: "Huh?"

Kaoru: "Don't you see? You're not a monster, you are you. And everyone should see you like that. Those that don't are blind."

Kenshin: "…"

Kaoru: "This is you on the inside. And I don't see a monster; in fact, I see a very gorgeous man, both inside and out."

Kenshin: "…Thank you Kaoru."

Kenshin chuckled as her blush intensified. She smiled in satisfaction and turned around, ready to go inside. An unsure hand stopped her by grabbing her wrist. Kenshin pulled her closer and leaned his head on her back.

Kenshin: "How come you always make me feel like this?"

Kaoru: "L-like what?"

Kenshin: "Like this; you… make me smile…"

Kaoru smiled as she leaned her head on his shoulder. They were not aware of the hundreds of shadows flying in circles above them, until one of them came down and landed swiftly in front of them. Both Kaoru and Kenshin were startled and looked at the gigantic dragon in front of them. Kenshin went in front of her protectively.

Kenshin: "Just stay back Kaoru!"

Yahiko came out the house and screamed as he encountered the dragon. The whole sky was full of them. The dragon leapt and stroke Kenshin with its tail, grabbing Kaoru by her shoulders in the progress. Kenshin grabbed her feet just in time, but his grip was loosening quickly. If he fell, he'd probably lose Kaoru, forever!

Me: Did any of you notice I'm using this ( ; ) thingy a lot?

Yami Kikkay: Don't tell me, you're bored again?

Me: Of course not! Anyway, I think I'm going a little to fast with Kenshin and Kaoru, but just so you know, it's not my fault, those fluffy scenes just pop in my head and I write them. They still haven't started saying 'OMG, I think I love him/her!' But, I'm slowing this down a little with Kurenai! YAY! And no, it's not a love triangle.

Yami Kikkay: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Me: o.o Any reviews? No flames pls!