Final Chapter! This story ends now! Woohoo! COMPLETE! … that's a word this one doesn't use very often, so don't get to know it too well! (gomen, for this one's forgetfulness. This one has now added replies to reviews on the bottom.)
Chapter 6
Megumi shooed them all out of the room.
"Out, out, all of you! I can't work with you all hovering above me!" and she slammed the door shut. Kenshin and Sanosuke stared at the door, their eyes wide with disbelief. Yahiko was the first to break them out of their astonishment.
"What's up with her? We're just worried about Kaoru!" He grumbled and glared at the door, as if it were the doctor herself.
"Oi, Yahiko-chan, you didn't call her 'busu'. That's odd, you must secretly like Jou-chan," Sanosuke announced with a smirk, his need to get his mind off of Kaoru and her situation taking manifestation in the teasing of Yahiko.
"First off, don't call me 'chan', and second, if busu's sick, I can't train, and if I can't train, I won't get stronger than her. That's all it is!"
"You sure about that, Yahiko-chan?"
"Don't call me 'chan'!" As Yahiko and Sanosuke battled it out between each other, Kenshin was left staring at the door, his eyes full of worry and fright. His mind was swirling with things that could happen to his Kaoru, and he couldn't think of anything else. His body was paralyzed on the spot, unable and un-wanting to move, afraid that if he traveled too far, his Kaoru could be taken from him in an instant, by the swift shadow of a beast or the quiet wind of the heavens.
"Kaoru…" It slipped from his mouth. He'd said it aloud, loud enough for the quarreling pair to stop in mid swing and turn their eyes to their friend. The fight was long forgotten between them, and they lowered their fists, eyes still gazing intently at the red-headed rurouni, the ex-assassin that considered himself to be below the rest of humankind, at the man who - for the first time in ten years that they knew of - spoke such a name without a humble suffix of respect and humility.
"Kenshin…" Sanosuke was unsure of whether he should speak. Breaking the silence that Kenshin had caused almost seemed taboo, but his curiosity got the best of him, as well as his guilt. Here he had tried to rid his mind of all thoughts pertaining to Kaoru, and yet Kenshin could think of nothing but.
"Sano," Kenshin turned his head slowly from the door, but averted his gaze to the floor. His once brilliant amethyst eyes were now a shade of almost deep blue, as if night had found its way into his heart. "There is something sessha must tell you about Kaoru…dono." He added the suffix as an afterthought, realizing that already he'd slipped up twice in his self-promised humbleness. Sano only nodded and followed Kenshin as he turned and began walking away from Kaoru's room. Yahiko could only stare in wonder at the strange behavior of his seniors.
"A-ano…" Yahiko also felt that the silence that had once again been dropped into the hallway should not be broken, but wanted desperately to know what was going on with his teacher –his sister.
"You too, Yahiko." Kenshin spoke softly without turning around, but Yahiko heard well enough and followed quietly. Normally he'd be bounding around, asking questions loudly as to what the big secret was and why everyone was being so quiet. But he knew better, for his heart and his mind were more mature than he sometimes let on. So, ever so silently, the three men walked to the opposite end of the Kamiya dwelling to discuss the health and welfare of the young kenjutsu teacher they'd all come to love in their own ways…
Megumi tended to Kaoru in silence as she listened to the arguments of Sanosuke and Yahiko outside of the door. Finally, when the voices subsided into light whispers and then nothing at all, she decided that they had finally left. Finishing her tasks quickly, she began speaking to pass the time and loneliness that seemed to fill the room.
"Baka Tanuki. What were you thinking going outside in your condition? And today of all days. Hottest day of the year and you decided to practice swords. Baka. You could've killed yourself." Megumi stared down sadly at Kaoru. She didn't stir, didn't offer retorts to Megumi's comments, nothing. She was almost as still as a doll and as pale as the porcelain they were made of. If it weren't for the light breathing and the slight raise of her chest with each breath, Megumi would've almost sworn the girl was dead. "Dead by your own stupidity…" Megumi didn't really feel like insulting Kaoru any further. The girl was asleep and had no means of self defense. Sighing, she turned around and picked up some of the food Yahiko had managed to get from the Akabeko.
It was a great feat, Megumi thought, for Yahiko to have run to the Akabeko and back in a mere matter of minutes. Tae had readily understood and packed all that she could as quickly as she could. Megumi smiled softly, knowing that both she and Tae shared a bond with Kaoru as great as this one. Kaoru had trusted them with her secret, an embarrassing and problematic secret that one would not wish to voluntarily share. Kaoru had come to them for help and support, and they were glad to readily give her everything she needed.
But Kaoru had not just flat out asked for the money, nor quickly asked for jobs. Her first task for them was to sell some of her old belongings, treasures that would fetch fair prices so that she may feed the people she loved. Both Megumi and Tae were shocked at this, but the pleading look of Kaoru's eyes told them to do as she asked. She was a strong girl, and very stubborn, but she was not foolish. They didn't think she was foolish.
Neither Megumi not Tae expected Kaoru to starve herself. If anything, they half expected her to starve Sanosuke or Yahiko. But like some holy saint she fed them before herself, sacrificed her belongs for them, and would, if brought to it, sacrifice herself for them. It was sad but true. Kaoru would rather die if it meant the others could go on living, though the rest of them would tell her otherwise. Megumi knew that if Kaoru ever decided to die for their sake, they'd die for her first.
Many times Megumi had thought to herself that the one thing keeping them all together was Kenshin. Kenshin had saved Kaoru from the Hiruma brothers, Yahiko from the Yakuza, beaten some sense into Sanosuke, saved Megumi from the clutches of Takeda Kanryuu, and so many others. Kenshin had saved them all in some way, and Megumi had always thought that he was their one common bond. But then, thinking about it, Megumi discovered that maybe it wasn't just Kenshin. Maybe the one person that kept them all together was Kaoru.
Kaoru had found Kenshin. Kaoru had let Kenshin stay in her home. Kaoru kept Kenshin from leaving again and again. And Kaoru always brought Kenshin back. So it was Kaoru, Megumi thought, that kept them all together. No matter how much she thought about it, Megumi couldn't see why Kenshin would've stayed if Kaoru had never been there. In the end, it was Kaoru that held them together as a family. And just like the head of a family, Kaoru was trying to sacrifice it all to keep her family alive and well.
Megumi shook her head. She'd spaced out and was still holding the food from the Akabeko. Returning to her intended task, she began to slowly and carefully feed Kaoru the food. Even in Kaoru's unconscious state, she was able to take in the nutritious food that her body had so long been deprived. Megumi sighed to herself, more to break the deafening silence than anything else…
Kenshin moved through the halls like a ghost, his movements fluid and silent. Sanosuke and Yahiko followed close and yet from a distance. The air seemed almost still and cold, as if it were deprived of the very essence of Kaoru, who made it always seem so warm, even when she wasn't near. Now, in her languid state, the entire property seemed to weep and mourn for her. Sano couldn't help but let the thought drip into his mind, 'what would happen if Kaoru died?' He shook his head of such thoughts and silently chastised himself for ever thinking such a thing.
Kenshin rounded a final corner, bringing them to the Kitchen; far enough away that neither Kaoru nor Megumi could hear, but close enough to Kaoru for Kenshin to keep track of her being. Sanosuke and Yahiko didn't say a word, but entered a bit wary, for Kenshin's attitude brought their levels of curiosity and disturbance to a frightening height. They both wanted to burst with the questions that were forming in their brains, their fears and concerns for Kaoru running rampant through their emotions.
After entering the room, both Sano and Yahiko turned their eyes expectantly to Kenshin. They both knew that Kenshin knew something that they did not, and were dying to know what it was, especially since it involved Kaoru, a very important person to them. But Kenshin kept his eyes to the ground, hidden by his long, scarlet bangs. He seemed to shift his weight constantly, as though weighing possibilities in his mind and coming to an unsettling decision. Kenshin's mind wished greatly to speak to the two men in front of him, but his mouth didn't seem to want to cooperate. Torn between his promise to Kaoru and his sense of moral duty, he finally began to speak, his tone flat and betraying nothing of his own emotions.
"Sano. Yahiko." It was a difficult start even to address them. Kenshin was unsure of his words, unsure of himself. But he had to continue. It was all for the sake of Kaoru's safety. "Kaoru-dono…is…" What would he say? She's broke? She'd been starving herself for the past month or so? He'd made a promise to her that he wouldn't tell anyone? What exactly would he say?
"Kenshin, you're going to have to tell us sooner or later," Sano said, his tone carrying a current of aggravation. Kenshin was a great friend to him, but if Kenshin was holding back information regarding Kaoru, Sano was ready to go into an all out battle to squeeze it out of him. But Kenshin took a deep breath and Sano wound himself down, understanding that whatever it was, it was difficult for Kenshin to talk about it.
"Kaoru-dono, for the past few weeks or so, hasn't been eating." Sano stared at Kenshin, wanting more than just a silly explanation of "hasn't been eating." There was more to the story, and Sano wanted to hear it. Now. "Kaoru-dono…ran out of money a while ago-" Before Kenshin could even finish his sentence both Sano and Yahiko began to throw little fits of anger into the air.
"Why the hell didn't she tell us?" Sano looked like he wanted to punch out the wall in front of him. Yahiko's face became very stern, almost angry, and the questions "why" and "how" and "when" were written all over his features. Kenshin could only take yet another deep breath and continue.
"Kaoru-dono had tried cutting back on her meals at first, but when that didn't work, she began selling some of her old belongings…" Kenshin looked up at Sano.
"That box…with her mother's stuff…" Sano's eyes were wide and his mouth gaped open slightly.
"What box?" Yahiko looked back and forth between Sano and Kenshin. There was a mutual understanding there that he was upset to be left out of.
"We found a box in Jou-chan's shed. She had left it open after she took something out of it. When we went to look, it was full of her mother's stuff." Sano ran his hand through his hair. It was all so confusing and painful to him. Yahiko could only lightly utter an "oh" before returning to his previous look of frustration.
"Kaoru-dono has also been working different jobs for Megumi-dono and Tae-dono." Kenshin looked at the other two, their features seeming to become more and more guilty the more they heard.
"So while I'm here looking for a free meal…"
"Kaoru-dono is out working to pay for it, yes."
"Dammit, she could've said something!" Sano looked like he wanted to cry, but of course his manly demeanor wouldn't allow such a thing to happen. Yahiko also looked extremely dejected and had not been able to utter a word. Finally, after a period of silence between the three, Yahiko was finally able to think of something to say.
"So what happened to her today?" Neither Kenshin nor Sanosuke moved. They too had wanted to know the answer to that question.
"She fainted from the lack of energy of course." Megumi stepped into the kitchen so suddenly that it caused all three of the men to jump. "Without proper nutrition, the body cannot operate properly. When you add extreme temperatures to the mixture, the body will not be able to sustain itself, especially when a lot of energy is exerted."
"Our practice today?" Yahiko didn't make it sound as though it were a question, but rather a statement of truth. Now there was guilt riding on his shoulders.
"Yes. It would seem Kaoru pushed her body too hard, and the heat and lack of nutrition caused her body to go into a complete shutdown. There isn't much treatment I can give her, other than to feed her slowly and make sure she drinks plenty of water. Other than that, it will be her sheer will to live that keeps her alive. And by the way she'd been giving up everything just to feed you three freeloaders, I'm sure her will to live is very strong." Megumi leaned herself against the wall, fanning herself with her hand. An extended silence passed between the four of them.
"Kaoru-dono did not want sessha to tell either of you," Kenshin finally said to Sanosuke and Yahiko. "She wished for it to remain a secret, and sessha promised to keep that secret. However, sessha also promised to help Kaoru-dono. Sessha is unsure of how it is to be done without the help of you two as well." Sano and Yahiko were quiet for a moment, before looking up at Kenshin.
"Of course we'll help her!" cried Yahiko. "She's done so much for us, why shouldn't we help her in her time of need?"
"I don't know about the rest of you, but I've taken so much of what she's given me for granted. It's only right that I help her out now and in times to come." Sano turned his face away, but his features remained the same, a stony resoluteness etched into his face.
"Well, it's all well and good that you all want to help, but exactly how will you help?" Megumi stopped fanning herself and looked at the three men. They were silent for the longest time, each thinking about exactly how they were going to help Kaoru. Saying it was one thing, but executing the plan was another. Yahiko was the first to speak up.
"I could always get my old job back at the Akabeko. You know, when I was working to buy a sakabatou? Only I'll use the money to help Kaoru with her expenses."
"A wonderful plan indeed, Yahiko-kun," Megumi gave her acceptance to the young man, who appreciated the gesture. "And you two?" Megumi looked over at Sanosuke and then at Kenshin. Neither had said anything yet.
"I suppose…" Sano spoke and thought at the same time. "I could always try and find some sort of job somewhere. I'm sure Katsu'll help me find something…" Megumi nodded her approval. Finally, all eyes were on Kenshin. He still hadn't thought of anything. He felt so useless, unable to help the person that he lo-…cared for… Realizing his indecision, Megumi decided to intervene.
"Why don't you two go check on Kaoru. See if she's awake yet. If she is, try and feed her something. Be gentle though!" Megumi almost pushed Sano and Yahiko out of the room, but they left without complaint since they knew this task involved helping Kaoru. Megumi turned back toward Kenshin. "There is something you can do that will help Kaoru." Kenshin looked up a bit to stare Megumi in the eyes.
"And what might that be, Megumi-dono? What can I possibly do?" He wanted to scream because of how worthless he felt.
"It's a very important task, that I think only you should perform…"
Three days later
Kaoru was finally recovering. Her skin was no longer a deathly white, and her once empty, hollow features were now once again filled out. Her hair began to regain its previous shine and her smile could once again light up the room. The air within the house seemed lighter, now graced with Kaoru's presence, and it's inhabitants were finally getting back into a normal routine.
Yahiko had been working diligently at the Akabeko, bringing home money each evening. Sano had also found a job, but was secret about it, and refused to tell even Kenshin what it was or what it dealt with, but his paycheck was enough for all to forgive him. Megumi had refused to let Kaoru stray too far from her bedroom, as it had only been three days since she began to recover, so everyone decided that the best thing to do was to eat in her room. Kaoru didn't mind of course. This time, she was able to join in the eating, having more and more each day as she became used to having food again.
Kenshin still hadn't presented her with anything, though. Kaoru often wondered to herself why he wasn't helping. He had promised to help her after all, though he did break the promise not to tell Yahiko or Sanosuke. She forgave him for that though, after they told her that they insisted he tell them what was happening and that they were really concerned and were glad they knew. But still, there was hardly any word from Kenshin at all regarding her situation.
That night, Kaoru sat on the porch outside of her bedroom. She no longer looked at the stars with an empty gaze, but instead let them imprint their beauty into her mind. Kenshin walked out there soon after, and took a seat on Kaoru's right.
"Kaoru-dono, sessha would like to give you something, de gozaru." Kaoru turned her gaze over to the lovable rurouni. He smiled at her, and she noticed that there was more than just the empty, emotionless façade he had always put on before. He handed her a fairly large bundle. Confused but still smiling, Kaoru opened the package he had given her.
"Kenshin…" Tears swept into her eyes, but they were not the tears of pain or sorrow or fear, but of happiness. Inside the bundle were the ornate wooden box of her Grandmother, and the beautiful peach colored kimono of her mother. Unable to help herself, Kaoru flung her arms around Kenshin's neck and held him in a hug for the longest time.
"Kaoru?" Kenshin asked, unsure of whether she was upset or happy. His first instinct had been to utter an "oro" like he usually did, but this was a special moment meant only for he and his Kaoru. Kaoru only hugged him tighter and smiled more.
"Arigatou, Kenshin. Hontou ni arigatou!"
Owari, de gozaru--
…Ok, definitely not like this one had expected it to be, but…good enough, this one supposes. Don't like it? Gomen nasai. This is the first fanfiction this one has actually completed! A big accomplishment, ne? … well, this one thinks so anyway. Well, uh…hope you found it suitable!
Ari and Kat: hee hee…kaoru-chan no baka, ne? But it's all for a good cause, or so she says.
samuraiduck27: Kaoru will be fine, this one wouldn't dare hurt her, out of fear of her superior skills with a bokken…And see? In the end, she is ok. Better than ok…can't think of a word, but she is WAY better than ok.
Lukyirish12: It may be ending as it is written by me, but the story could continue in your own mind. One's imagination is limitless! Your comments bring great happiness to this one, though this one may not show it …
Bradybunch4529: Yes, Kaoru-chan is such a strong girl…too bad too bad this one isn't more like her…
nene-chan: Suspense is one of an author's greatest tools. Sad but true.
Evilteddybear: Why, thank you. This one tries hard to make her stories liked.
Marie Nomad: hee hee…their jobs are secret. No one will ever know (evil laughter)! And for Kenshin to get Kaoru-chan's stuff back? Simple answer: The people that bought her stuff were very kind and generous, and they gave it all back and asked for no refund at all. Wow…this one wishes people were really like that…
Ckat: Create another! …hmm…maybe I should…
Catti-dono: This one is very glad that you find it acceptable, de gozaru!
Tenshi-no-Hana-chan: Lacking, yes, this one agrees. The ending could have been much better. But this one has not written a story in so very long, that the skills required for writing were lacking as well. This one is sorry! Please forgive this one!
hime-chan: Yay! You liked my story! … or so you say … (paranoid) you're not lying, are you? (on point of Sano's gambling:) maaaaaybe…
Shin1: hee hee, what a pretty word! Thank you!
nerd1933: This one hopes these last few chapters answered any unanswered questions for you…like Kaoru-chan's eating and the 'free-loaders'…if not, this one is sorry…
Triste1: This one is glad you enjoyed the story and must agree with you that the ending was left a bit open. But, if in the future this one decides to make a sequel, that big "empty feeling" at the end can be filled up!
DreamHeart: Needless to say, this one has taken up your offer and this one's story is now posted at your site. Thank you very much!
Jupiter's Light: Thank you. This one is glad you liked it.
Islaille: This one does not think she could do any of those things either, but we must remember that Karou-chan will sacrifice anything for her family, ne?
GreenEyedFloozy: This one is not sure if you have read this before, but if you did, this one is glad you decided it was worthy enough to read again. Your comments are greatly appreciated! (This one is sorry that she doesn't have any other fics, though…gomen.)
Animegurl: Thank you. This one is glad you liked it.
WolfSpirt: This one is glad you liked it. This one tried her hardest to keep the characters in their original roles.
Anonyma: This one is glad you liked her story. It was fun for this one to delve into the mind of the not-very-main-character Kaoru-chan. Sometimes one just wonders what the kawaii tanuki thinks…or is that just this one?
GIGGLE WOMAN: Thank you.
