Disclaimer: I don't own Rurouni Kenshin.

"In the light people see many things. In the dark people see much more."

-Y.M.R.

Cherry Blossom Dream

Chapter Seven: The Broken Bondage

She stared at innocent eyes from across the room, and her heart became still as ice. Her breath lessened and quivered; she couldn't breathe. The blond hair of the innocent she could still see shimmered slightly. She smiled at the girl to give her an uncharacteristic act comfort, all the while hiding the fact that she couldn't breathe. She felt as though she couldn't go on acting, but she pressed on for the sake of Sylvia. Her eyes were like a sword piercing her last ties of bondage.

Why was she trying to protect her? Was she not just two days ago trying to ruin her? No one was ever there to protect her, but here she was trying to comfort the girl from afar. Why...

Kaoru closed her eyes for the briefest of second's after seeing William's body lying in a dark red substance. The metal in his chest no longer shined; in fact she couldn't remember if she ever saw a silver blade. She resisted the urge to clasp her neck; why couldn't she breathe.

"Kaoru my dear." A voice penetrated though her mind. She must act, she must hold her breathe for a little while longer.

"Master." Her voice was distant. He couldn't know what she was thinking for the punishment would be far too horrible. He would call her weak. No! Her eyes glowed with an inner rage; she would never be weak in front of him. Never.

He touched her face noting the rage in her eyes; that was his Kaoru, never one for tears. He made sure of that. Nodding at the blonde haired girl in the corner he asked, "Is that girl William's maid?"

Kaoru lowered her head. "Yes, Master, but she served me." Kaoru looked up at his angelic features; he was indeed a beautiful man. She could help but been draw in and disgusted, at the same time, by the man who had claimed her those six years ago.

His eyes narrowed. She smiled at him as if he were the only one of importance, and to herself thinking that her many years of acting paid off in the end. She knew what ground she treaded on with her Master, Kaoru prided herself on knowing him. He once said that she would never be rid of him, but as she smiled practically at him she also knew that he would never be rid of her. She knew. She knew too much for him to ever let her go.

"I have started to converse with her." Her impish smile remained on her face. He laughed quietly knowing her true meaning.

"Yes, if converse is the correct word." He touched her face as he spoke a few words to the men present with him. She saw them grab Sylvia and take her away. To hide her fear she smiled again never looking over to where the blond girl was taken.

"You did a magnificent job my little foreign money maker." He applauded lightly. She knew what her response was to be; it became pure instinct after a while.

"I'll do anything to please you." She kneeled in front of him showing her submission, her lowliness as being apart of the female race. 'Anything except that which has to do with my past.' She acknowledged that he owned her future, but he would never own her past. It was not his to touch.

Ever.

She looked up at his towering figure thinking of how he always loved to see his girls kneel before him for. It made him feel like a god. Kaoru eyes showed nothing as she remembered a time when she would have swore that he was a divine being. He turned to look at William, she followed his suit.

"Yes, I must say a wonderful job, but my dear," He grabbed her hands pulling her up. "We must go before anyone finds us here." He reached out pulling a black cloak out from the closet. "Put that on we would not want anyone to see you."

He strode over to the mirror. "It is good that no one has seen your face." She didn't question him. She had felt the eyes upon her ever since she arrived in Tokyo, she had felt his minions follow her constantly, she knew that he had every detail of her stay...except for that one night.

"Get anything that you need, I will be outside." He walked to the open door and paused. "And please do hurry, my dear." She sensed his smile, and the meaning of his sentence. She gritted her teeth, and then shook her head. Why was she acting so...different? Clutching the cloak in her hands she went to the dresser pulling out a brown bag. She threw in an extra dress, her money, and was about to walk out when she stop.

Something warm ran up her spine as she passed the secretary. Her eyes were instantly draw to the drawer where she hid the Bible Anotino had given her, and for some unknown reason she opened up the compartment and shoved the worn book in, intent on thinking that she did it for the purpose of giving it back to Anotino when she got back to San Francisco.

She heard her named called and habitually ran out to meet it, stepping over William and not once looking back at his cold form as she closed the door.

"Saitou." Kenshin greeted coming up behind the Wolf after talking with the chief of police, Yamgata, as he quickly briefed him on all the details about the recent murder of William Harold; the man that the government had been looking at for sometime suspecting that he was apart of a large underground ring having to do with Lacher and the transfer of opium and illegal firearms.

"Battousai, glad you could finally make it." Saitou voice didn't even try to hide his sarcasm. Kenshin chose to ignore his partner as he tried to ignore the smell of blood floating around the room. He had just gotten back from Kyoto, accompanied by Aoshi. Kenshin almost smiled at Misao's reaction of husbands return. She had stayed in Tokyo to finish up some business.

"A nice, 'Welcome back, Himura,' would do nicely, Saitou."

Kenshin walked beside him after not getting any reaction. It was hard to admit, but after six years working together the two once sworn enemies had come to a peace, an understanding one would call it, with the help pf Saitou's wide Tokio whom had always insisted that Kenshin come over for dinner, much to the annoyance to her husband.

Kenshin lifted an eyebrow as he looked down at the body of Harold thinking that if he were another man he would have flinched at the sight. What had the man done to deserve this? Quietly, Kenshin asserted his surroundings. Saitou, he, and about every police officer as well as some government officers were inside on of the most expensive rooms in one of the most westernized hotels in Japan. The best hotel in Tokyo. The room was obviously high class, with dark furniture, a huge bed, two different sitting rooms, and a marble wash room. A secretary laid in the corner with a bottle of red chardonnay atop of it. Maybe it was his last drink. Never would he know how wrong he was.

The room seemed somewhat rushed as though some person had been trying escape quickly. But who? Kenshin walked over to the secretary, knowing that Saitou followed closed behind. "I'm guessing no one saw anything."

"Correct. Hotel employees did say that he was with a woman, but they can't say what she looked like." Saitou pulled out a cigarette. Kenshin frowned as his fingers skimmed the desk.

"And the woman?"

"Hasn't been found." Saitou sounded annoyed. "She seems to have disappeared. That and no one in the entire hotel heard anything amiss, except for the fact that."

Saitou paused for a moment then with a quick smile contained. "Except for the fact that Harold had been bringing gentlemen into his room and leaving them there, most likely with this woman who Harold was accompanied with."

Kenshin felt his heart contracted for some unknown reason. He had seen and heard of many prostitutes, and woman of infamous characters, but why now did his heart react so?

Kenshin spared a glance at the body. "The photographer is coming, besides we have to take in evidence. The politicians want pictures..." Saitou turned around as a man came up towards him. He was a tall lanky man with dark black hair, and he spoke with an American accent.

"May I enquire if you men are Himura-san and Satiou-san?" Saitou eyes narrowed. The man didn't seem right.

Kenshin was the first to speak after sparing a glace at Saitou both having the same feeling. "Yes, that is us."

He smiled before speaking. "Great. My name is Samuel Hichinson." He waited for a few moments for a response, but when they did not reply he sighed heavily and continued.

"I'm from the American Embassy, and I need to ask you a few questions about what occurred here."

"Save it for the politicians, Mr. Hichinson." Saitou put out his cigarette.

"We can't answer your questions. Now if you'll excuse us we have a murder to investigate." The man, Kenshin could visibly see, paled, swallowed, and with the customary bowed, and left immediately.

"He's a snitch." Kenshin put in smiling. Saitou nodded when he called Yamgata.

"What may I do for you?" His tone was always controlled and stable. Kenshin left them leaving Saitou to send some officers after the so called Samuel Hichinson. He may be their only clue, if any in this investigation.

He walked over to the secretary again. For some reason he was immediately drawn to it. His eyes narrowed. What was it about this secretary that made him feel so edgy?

Touching the panels he slowly opened the side compartment and saw a red bound book. He felt a faint accent of curiosity as he looked at the cover; it was in English. He opened the hard back cover and his sight was met with more English writing. It looked like a note inscribed to someone.

It was then the faint smell hit him. His muscles tensed...that smell; it was the smell of lavender. His eyes faintly flickered, but in the next moment the smell was gone. He inwardly growled. Would Kaoru's memory ever leave him? If she chose never to come back to him why wouldn't God be merciful and left him forget her, but he knew. God had no reason to be lenient with him, but didn't Anotino once say that God was all forgiving.

He smirked at the faint memory of the Hispanic man whom he had met not four years ago. He had invited him to stay with him at the dojo, just as Kaoru once did for him, and it was there that the man formed and almost instant friendship with Kenshin, and it was there the man told him where salvation lay. Anotino had stayed for about three months and then out of the blue he departed leaving behind one single note which plainly read:

We'll meet again, my friend. Thank you.

A flash broke him from his memories instantly bringing him back to the buzz of communication whipping around the room. The photographer was here.

Saitou came up to him bringing three other men: Yamgata, Hachiro Iginata, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Anzai Suzai, the Speaker of House of International Affairs. Kenshin bowed.

"We have reason to suspect that it was Lacher who arranged this occurance."Saitou was strait to the point as usual. Kenshin's eyebrow rose.

"It's possible."

Iginata was the first to speak up. "It has just been brought to the government's attention that William Harold was secretly delivering messages for Lacher."

Kenshin stiffened looking at the men. "When was this found out?"

"Just now." Saitou smirked. "The Oniwaban just received an informant."

"You mean a traitor." Saitou just smiled.

"We'll talk about this later," Kenshin looked at the now covered body of Harold being taken out of the room. "At a more appropriate time, don't you agree gentlemen?" They nodded.

"Yes, I will arrange a conference, Himura-san?" The elderly Iginata conversed having Kenshin nod in affirmation. It was then he remembered to book and took it out.

"Suzai-san, you can read English am I correct?" The man who had been silent up to then nodded. Kenshin held out the open book. Saitou and the others looked at him curiously.

"I found this in the secretary." He explained. The men nodded as Suzai took the book in one hand while the other pulled on some wire rimmed spectacles. He was a man who wore his emotions on his face, because as he started his reading his eyes became wide and troubled.

"What does it read?" Yamgata asked. The man chocked a bit handing the book over to Kenshin.

"You may want to take that into evidence, Himura-san." Kenshin nodded as the man cleared his throat. Kenshin spared Saitou a glance. Maybe this case was finally going to get somewhere.

"It translates..." He said tapping on the book which Kenshin held.

My Dear,

Take this book as a gift from me for everything you have done. Though I have no clue as to why such a sweet girl such as yourself ever fell in the hands of the devil, may you accept my offer to take you away from it all. If you only knew how much I had to debate with Lacher for your company, I know you would come away with me.

You, my dear, I have never though as an escort, but as a friend and lover. I do hope it was the same with you. Sometimes you can seem so fairy like that it just proves to me that your special, and then other times I could have sworn I've seen a darkness in you, but I know you, you are much to kind to ever have an evil thought. I can offer you the world. You know I'm good to my word.

I'm afraid if you don't answer me soon, though, I will accept the nothingness with a heavy heart, and then I won't be responsible for my actions, my dear. Once I'm done doing Lacher's business then we will go back to America and if you still haven't accepted my offered then I afraid I will do something drastic. Please my dear answer my call of adoration. I cannot live without your passion after I have known you so well.

Mon Cherie, adieu until tomorrow,

William Harold

His body pounded hers, but she felt nothing. She reached out and touched his face caringly. He was the only man in the world, she chimed to herself. At least, Master, was not someone new to please…but did they not all become the same after a while.

"Let me hear you, Kaoru." His voice with raspy with pleasure that she gave him as he made love to her hard and fast. He was her first, and he planned to be the last.

Kaoru moaned in fake pleasure just to make this hateful angel of a man feel satisfied. How long ago had it been since she had last been in William's room, seen his body, and some how saved Sylvia from the men's grasping hands? How long would the girl remained untouched?

She felt him about to reach his peak and she instantaneously arched beneath his groan, and she closed her eyes placing her face in his chest not wanting to see his beautiful eyes.

"Kaoru tell me that your mine." His voice was hard, he was hard, but as always she had leaned to ignore what he gave, which was quite difficult since he, as she, were master of the art of sex, not love.

Kaoru opened her eyes and looked at his. Nothing but possession and lust filled him and she felt a cold chill run up her spine. This was what she always made to say, and she said it impeccably, after all this was as good as it was ever going to get.

"I'm yours." She felt him enter her hard and fast, ripping through her until he was far within her walls. He grunted, and she plastered on a smile, as she thought: I'm yours, but what if I die, and the last thing she remembered was his blond hair hovering over her knowing that he wanted more.

He wanted her in the most vicious way possible, but what?

A/N: Okay, I'm going to try this time to talk and thank each one of my reviewers personally...because really ya'll are the greatest! And, yay! I almost have 110 reviews, I so happy! Thank You All!

Now if only I could get nominated for a Fan Fiction Story Award. I'm just messing with you. winks

And wow! Who would have guessed that Kenshin knew Antonio as well. I wonder who he is and what effect he will have on the story.

Also I am planning on have Kenshin and Kaoru meet in the next chapter, if I know that I have explained everything you need to know till this point, which I'm pretty sure you do. And I know you want them to meet so I will have them meet next chapter, okay!

Ochako107: Yeah I hoped Kaoru would seem evil, but personally I was worried that she didn't seem evil enough, and I can't believe I actually gave you the chills. Well all I have to say is get out the blanket and hot chocolate out because its going to get allot cooler. Thanks for your review!

NekoNeko: I think your name is cute! OMG. I didn't ever think I was capable of making a dark fic. You have bestowed an honor on me so great! lol! I just though my story was sad and dramatic, never dark. I absolutely love you! Hehe.

insrcutable: I think I just may have a squeal, but its still up in the air. I have in store what everything, I think will like. Yeah, I also do love happy ending they are so up lifting to read. Thank you for reviewing and I hope this story will live up to your and everyone else's expectations.

kaorurules: Wow! You are so to the point and enthusiastic- I like that. lol! Thank you for loving my story it really does touch my heart, and...cries...I love you too. Hehe!

(To who ever did this?): Okay although I admit your name thing is pretty out there I do love that you ask questions about my story. Feel free to ask me at anytime! Okay to your first question: Sylvia is William's maid and she serves Kaoru. To your second question: the ma'ma thing...errr...I meant to spell Ma'am. And why did Kaoru's personality change, well its hard to explain, but I didn't really change. You see I said she had been acting the whole time so she never gets to be herself, and that mean, evil personality what I showed you represents her evil side which she has kept hidden ( she thinks that's what she really like. I mean how would you act if you lived in an environment like hers). Thank you for your question, and please continue to review.

sessinu girl: Oh but I do have to listen to you, lol! Thank you for reviewing and I think you may one day get what you have ask of me for this story...only the future may tell. THANKS FOR REVIEWING! Hehe. (everyone always said I was loud).

Hiei's.punk.rocker.girl: I know what you mean. I love sad endings, too, but for some reason I never read them because I get to sad...even though I think they have some of the best endings. Though I must sadly admit that every time I read one my breath gets taken away in awe and I really do feel as though I can't breathe. Weird, huh? And what I mean by squeal is that I think I might have one. The idea is still up in the air. Thanks!

kittycat: Aww...kitties. So you want a happy ending I see. What about if I just tell you I'll try my best to make you happy for as I type this very moment I have idea, lots of ideas, tumbling around in my head. It's crazy over here! lol! And, no, I' m not crazy. Thanks for your review.

pyramidgirl89: Umm, were you born in 1989...snaps her fingers...No you say, well I just though I would give it a try because you put 89 down, but 89 could stand for anything. Okay, back to the main point, thank you for voting and reviewing, and you're not a sucker. Don't be mean to yourself, lol! But I know what you mean I love happy endings as well.

blue faery: I love your name its cool! Especially how you spelled 'faery.' So you want a happy ending with allot of drama...oh don't worry the drama is coming, and it will come in heaps. How I do so love to torture the cast. I mean who wouldn't! Just like one of my favorite authors. Scented Candles. She tortures me with her stories and especially the RK cast. Okay well any who thanks for your input, and until the next time...stay healthy! Hehe.

battousaifreak: I'm a freak about Battousai too. Whoever isn't is just a loser...just kidding! I'm glad you like my story enough to tell me to update quickly. I hope this chapter didn't take me mouths like the last....well thanks for your comments. Come again! What?

Scented Candles: Did you know you are one of my favorite authors ever! I talked about you a little while up, basically I said you torture your characters far more than I do. I do always look forward to what you have to say, and I must say you are almost always so proper in them. I love it. lol. Thank you for telling me of my errors, I do have a knack for making them, and thank for saying I write well, but honestly I think we can both say you are the better writer. I'm not kidding either, so don't argue with me. And I hope you update your stories soon as well. I hope, though, this story lives up to your expectation, and I look forward to hearing you again! Bye! Did I tell you you're name is very creative...I like it. Sorry I haven't written you back I have been really busy this week! I will try to write you ASAP!

limelie: Your name is funny, it rhymes...sadly I cannot do such a thing as rhyme. Well too, me your name rhymes, maybe I'm just crazy. So you want more angst then do you? Well don't worry because more will be coming soon. And thanks about Saitou, I think he is like one of the coolest RK characters, and I doing from his point of view because Kenshin is hard to do, and he basically is like sad all the time. Another thing is too get Kenshin's character down I think its best for my readers to see him through another's eyes, whoever it may be. Thanks!

WraithWoLf368: Goodness, my arms are getting tried from writing all these Thank You's, but it all worth it. I will be a brave little solider and continue on, lol. I know, I know this chapter is short but can you ever forgive me. I too dislike short chapters, but...but I couldn't help it (cries). The suspense is killing you. Muahahahahaha! Perfect! lol! I'm sorry but don't worry it will all be over soon. Thanks for commenting.

Candycorn Anime: Well Candy I glad you like my story, and I hope you will continue to be amused by it...hopefully. I think you are right about the happy sad endings; those are always a good mix of the two! I'm looking forward to talking to you again, thanks!

Reignashii: Ahh, one of my loyal reviewers, how I do so appreciate you. Sad endings leave you depressed gasps they leave me happy, lol! Don't worry for you I will try to have a good ending, one that will make everyone happy...or sad, which ever. And what am I reading, you want Sylvia to died...you are soo cruel. LOL! Nope she didn't die in this chapter it was Dear William (He was kind of naive, very innocent in a sad twisted way.) You started liking Saitou, was that my doing, or did you just start to like him. I have to say I think Saitou is a cool man. And if I do make a squeal, it will probably like that trusting thing as you said. Thanks you, forever!

lilsakli: Don't worry Kenshin and Kaoru will meet again! How could you have ever doubted. Hehe. Thank you for liking the chapter, I was afraid people would hate me for it being so short. But thanks again for updating, please continue reviewing. I do so love hearing from everyone.

silver-nex: Thank you for the compliment, and if you don't mind asking what does nex mean, if it does mean anything, or did you just make it up. I think I would make a cool name for a character in my story if you would allow me to use it. Oh well, but thank you for reviewing!

erica6060: Hello, again! Yeah, Kaoru did change. She is so evil its awesome, and you know why I did it...I did it so she could hurt Kenshin. Yes, evil plan. Don't worry everything will work out in the end...at least I hope so. Hehe! Thank you for reviewing, and please continue to do so. Thanks!

horse-crazy-gurl: Do you like horses? Because I love them! And I know what you mean...FINALLY, I have wanted to get that last chapter out for a long time. Thank you for saying my story is one heck of a story; I really do appreciate since I don't think I'm that wonderful of a writer, but still thank you for your comments! Chao!

And to all those who I didn't thank, well thank you, and please review again and tell me if I did not thank you so I may properly do it in the next chapter, or else I will feel bad for leaving people out!

Okay well I got to go now, but until then stay straight, lol!

CrypticMaidenRK