Author's Notes: Hey guys, back again and feeling incredibly stressed and overwhelmed with some things. Plus I just watched The Virgin Suicides. I don't know how many of you have seen that movie...but it did not make me feel good at all. The absolute only thing I felt right now was writing out this chapter, which I did, so please enjoy.
On another note, I am moving into some hopefully more interesting plots and mishaps among them. Wolfdaughter, thanks for pointing that out. I hadn't even caught it! Fixed it! I know the '-san' sounds strange at the end of his name, but Dr. Gensai has to be polite! Okay, so moving on!
Kaoru had risen early only to find that their guest was already up. Apparently he had something on his mind, even though he tried hard not to show it. His lack of strength however and evident fatigue were beginning to be too much though. Kaoru had picked this fact up the moment she had come across him, his back and head leaning against the outer wall of the dojo porch. She came up along-side him quietly.
"Ohayou, Kenshin."
"Ohayou gozaimasu, Kaoru-dono."
She smiled slightly at his formal greeting. "No need to be so polite," she said softly. The morning was such a lovely one, she couldn't take the risk in ruining it by speaking loudly.
He only nodded, not once glancing up from his gaze off into nowhere. She stood in silence for a moment, trying to follow his gaze before finally clearing her throat.
"I hope you're feeling better this morning?" It didn't look like he had slept to well. She opened her mouth to ask him about that as well, but decided not to overwhelm him.
"Hai," was his simple response. Perhaps he was just tired then.
"Are you hungry," she proceeded tentatively.
A simple shake off his head gave her the answer. She nodded her own head to herself and retreated slowly to the kitchen. This time Kenshin did look up, wondering if he should follow.
-
Megumi joined Kaoru shortly after. The slightly older woman gave a yawn and a stretch before leaning against the large wooden table for chopping vegetables.
"Is Ken-san hungry this morning?"
Kaoru found it odd how she found the way she said his name irritating. "No."
Megumi's face fell, her hopes of him gaining an appetite looking low. "Well maybe if we got him something that was actually edible."
Kaoru rolled her eyes. "That food last night was from the Akabeko."
Megumi pretended to look surprised. "Oh right, that's why Sano and Yahiko were eating."
Kaoru was ready to jump on her, but stopped herself. Instead, she turned to her and replied.
"I need to go shopping."
Megumi waved her hand as a signal to leave, and as Kaoru marched defiantly out the door, she nearly hit the young red-haired man attempting to get in.
"Oh! Gomen Nasai Kenshin!"
"Daijoubu," he answered softly. "It was my fault."
She turned away when the faintest of blushes came to her cheeks. He said nothing else. She finally looked up while putting on a smile and concluded that perhaps some fresh air would do him some good.
"I'm going shopping, would you like to come?"
He hesitated, glancing to the side where he could see outside. It was bright out now, and the markets would be swarming with people.
"I'm not sure I should."
"But you went out yesterday," she responded.
He knew the answer in his head, but wouldn't say it out loud. Yesterday he had still been near delusional. The only thing keeping them from fully knowing it was his self-control. Even when ill, he could conduct himself somewhat properly. This was a skill he wasn't sure of where he had picked up, but he was just glad that he did.
"I think...fresh air would be good for you." She paused. "And Kenshin, you don't have to hide anymore."
He blinked and looked away from her, staring at his socks absently. A sigh brought him back.
"It's fine if you don't want to go. I'll be back soon."
She turned to walk away, and it took a moment before he found himself going after her slowly, but his intentions were clear. She turned when he caught up to her at the gate.
"I'll go." The way he said it, those two simple words showed her how hard it was for him, and she appreciated that he had decided to actually come with her.
There has to be hope for him afterall.
-
The market was indeed busy. People brushed past each other in a bustle of busy shopping trips and casually strolling friends and couples. It was the best place to people watch. Kaoru noted with near sadness the way Kenshin would go out of his way to avoid coming in contact with other people. He would turn completely to the side, let them pass by first, or flinch if they did touch.
"Kenshin, over here," she called when she stopped at a particular stall. This was where she bought her tofu. He turned so that he would come up alongside her, and watched carefully as she paid the man. He was pleasant looking; rather young, probably had a family to provide for somewhere by the way he handled the money so carefully.
Kenshin was rewarded for watching the simple exchange with a bitter sting of pain as he remembered his short time as an apothecary when he and Tomoe hid in the mountains.
"Kenshin!"
His name brought him back, even in his deep thoughts. When Kaoru glanced around quickly at the sound of it he knew that it wasn't her that had called. No, it had to be...a child?
Running through the crowd of people came a young girl in a flowery red kimono. She carried a pinwheel in one hand, and still shouted out his name.
"Kenshin!" She giggled when she threw her arms around his lower legs.
Kenshin only blinked and let out a surprised breath before bending down when he was released.
"Kasumi-chan," he acknowledged softly. "You haven't lost your okaa-san again, have you?"
"Iie! She's coming too! Behind me!" She pointed in a general direction behind her and Kenshin couldn't help but bring a small smile to his face. "I found you this time," she said happily. "If you're lost, this time I can help you find you're okaa-san!"
"I'm not lost," he said softly.
She went into deep thought then, her face looking quite adorable. She finally had a plan. "You can come meet Okaa-san then!"
"I believe I met her yesterday. She-"
He didn't finish. Before he had the chance to do so, his eyes scanned the crowd again and rested on a quiet looking young woman. She held her hand together in front of her, and her hair was up in a messy bun. She was flushed in the face, and Kenshin stood up when Kasumi ran over to her.
"Where is Otou-san?"
"He's behind us. He'll be right here," she said softly. Her voice proved to be as gentle as her appearance. With a happy laugh, Kasumi ran off, but not before placing her toy in her mother's trustworthy hands. She fiddled with it absently while staring down at the ground.
"Kenshin, was it?"
Kaoru was standing next to him by now watching the woman warily. What did she want now? Kenshin nodded to verify that it was his name. The woman smiled.
"I'm Muriko. Kasumi has said a lot about you. I didn't realize you had helped her so much." She sounded deeply embarrassed, ashamed even. She dropped her voice to a near whisper. "Kasumi told me that some men had been bothering her earlier and she had run from them. They were following her, but stopped when they saw you pick her up." She was wringing her hands in front of her, clearly upset.
Kenshin realized then that they must have been who he felt following them. They didn't feel to be much of a threat, so he hadn't bothered to do anything.
Kaoru pitied the woman now. It seemed that yesterday had only been a misunderstanding between them. Kenshin didn't say a word, just watched her warily as if she were a time-bomb. Kaoru regarded this with curiosity. Was he afraid she would hit him again? When Kenshin didn't respond for quite some time, Muriko seemed to realize that he probably wouldn't.
"May I at least know your name? So that our family can thank you properly?"
"You really shouldn't," he said quietly. Kaoru glanced at him. Was that a trace of low-confidence in his voice?
"Just your name, that's all I would like," she was nearly begging him.
Kaoru watched anxiously, eager to learn of his last name as well.
Oh, please tell her.
The curiosity was eating her up.
"Himura," he finally said. "Himura Kenshin."
Muriko smiled. "Arigatou, Himura-san."
He nodded his head slightly, just to signify that he understood. After she waited a moment, she finally turned, but not before bowing shortly. He almost winced at the movement, and Muriko disappeared into the crowd. Kaoru didn't know exactly what to say, but decided to leave that alone for now. She chose another topic.
"Himura, hmm?"
He looked at her out of the corner of his eye and nodded his head.
"Why didn't you tell us before?"
He blinked. "I thought I had. Gomen Nasai, Kaoru-dono."
What is it with this manners?
She glanced at him again, her curiosity about him just growing more and more. "It's alright. I just wanted to know that's all. Oh, do you even know my full name?"
"Kamiya Kaoru," he said to her without even having to think to recall it. She looked mildly surprised, so he offered further explanation. "I remember names."
She smiled and laughed. Strangely, he found himself beginning to not mind her company so much. Her personality was pleasant and she didn't make him feel that uncomfortable. Of course, he was having issues with being out in broad daylight. Was it just him or were people staring?
He looked around again, more closely. No, these people were staring. His glances became quicker and more frenzied. As an impulse, he found his hand move quickly to his belt where he felt nothing. Kaoru recognized this movement immediately.
"They're at home, Kenshin. You can have them back when we get there, but you really don't need them. You're safe here, don't worry."
He let his hand drop, but his instinct to flee were screaming at him. His exterior looked calm and cool, but inside his head was swarming with images of surprise attackers and him being sword less. He was completely vunerable, and stuck out terribly. He may as well have been wearing a sign that read:
"Please attack me, I'm unarmed. -Battousai."
Kaoru caught the stares too, and suddenly laughed good-naturedly.
"It's your hair. It's not a very common color." She said it also to reassure him that not everyone walking by recognized him. Even if some of the people did, a lot of people here had been supporters of the Ishin Shishi.
He just nodded his head absently, but as they continued to walk from, she doubted his eyes had stayed in one place for more than 3 seconds.
-
They had hurried home, because she had a class to teach. It was her more advanced student class, so she was in her room preparing for a good workout. Since Yahiko lived there, she allowed him to practice with these kids. His level of skill was nearly equal to theirs, and he kept his own when sparring. She let out a relaxing breath and slid open to the door to meet her students outside.
-
Kenshin had long given up keeping his eyes closed. Each time two wooden swords hit each other and a 'hah!' was sounded, they would snap open. Without realizing it his fists had clenched and he was struggling to keep his breathing even.
Just then, another presence jumped out at him. It was nearby too. He was on his feet immediately. He looked around hurriedly for the threat, but couldn't find him. He turned sharply and headed into the training hall, where the sparring came to a sudden stop. 12 sets of eyes rested on him now and he looked to Kaoru for help.
"Keep with your sparring," she said in a warning tone. The students must have known what else could come, because they quickly returned to their previous task, sparring only a few seconds to look at the red-head once in awhile. Kaoru moved over to him. "Is something wrong?"
It took a moment for him to meet her eyes. He had been watching her students, but when he finally looked at her and spoke, his voice was as calm as ever. "Where did you put my swords?"
"They're in the room you were in. Why?"
He didn't get a chance to answer, which he was almost glad for. However, his stomach lurched when he heard the reason.
"Battousai!" An angry voice called. The color almost drained from his face.
The caught every single person in the room's attention. The student's suspicions were confirmed. Battousai? Here, at their training dojo? Kaoru looked at him worriedly, but he missed the look. He was already heading outside where he had heard the voice. Kaoru rushed after him, but turned quickly first.
"You guys stay here," she ordered. She then walked after him but stopped abruptly when she remembered what vital objects the swordsman was missing. She rushed to get them.
-
Kenshin looked completely unfazed as he stepped out onto the porch that wrapped around the dojo. His eyes soon met a rather large looking man. Angry, yet unfamiliar.
"Battousai," he shouted again, as loudly as before. "I, Wantachi Shinichi will defeat you here and now! You ruthless murderer, you killed my only brother!"
Kenshin felt sick. Already it was starting. A string of people were beginning to try their revenge on him. How long would this last? He didn't want to fight anymore.
"Say something! Won't you even defend yourself?"
"No," was his simple response.
"What?" He was earnestly shocked.
No response. The man continued.
"My brother, was a good swordsman," he said angrily.
Again, Kenshin didn't answer. By now, Kaoru ran up behind him. She carried his two swords, of which he only took one. She gripped the swordsman's wakizashi tightly. He held his sword at his side loosely, but ready to draw if the need should arise.
"You are unfit to live," he spat out his anger rising.
"I know," Kenshin said softly.
But the man wasn't listening. "You cut down my brother, and he was a fine swordsman! I am not even at his level of skill so my chances of beating you are slim. But I will die to avenge him. If I get one scratch on your demonic body I will be happy!"
Kenshin spoke up before he got too far. "I will not kill you. I will defend myself if I have to, but I will not kill you."
"Ha! Do you realize the irony of your words? You will not kill? Do you expect to live a normal life now? Look at you! Where do you fight in?"
His words cut into Kenshin deeply. He knew it, but hearing it from another person, someone he didn't even know...was it that obvious?
"Fine," Shinichi spoke again. He waved a hand at the boy. "I won't waste my life, but yours, is through!"
Before Kenshin had time to react, there was a loud 'bang!' He whirled around and pushed Kaoru out of the way, and suddenly felt a sting in his left shoulder. He let out a hiss of pain and dropped to his knees, twisting to see where the man had gone. His eyes burned with anger and he searched around for his sword, wanting revenge. Kaoru stopped him though by rushing over to him. First she placed his sword of his reach and instructed him to lie on his back.
He protested passionately before falling flat on his back, barely having the strength to sit up anymore. The gun-shot had caused her students to rush out and hold in their gasps at the scene before them. Yahiko pushed past them to kneel down next to him and Sano was already off to find Megumi before Kaoru even had to tell him too.
-
Luckily the shooter had been a terrible shot and had only him Kenshin at the top of his shoulder. Megumi had easily removed the bullet and bandaged him up. He had still lost a considerable amount of blood though, and was now off his feet once again. Kaoru stayed with him while Megumi continued cleaning various other cuts she found, much to his protest.
"Oh stop Kenshin," she said , as she pushed his hand down gently again. He kept lifting his hand to push away her own each time she applied medicine to a wound of his. "Do you want this to get infected?"
He never answered.
Kaoru was deep in her own thoughts.
Why didn't he sense that man in the tree with the gun? He new that other guy was coming...
She answered her own question though. He still must not have been feeling 100. After all, it was only a few days ago that he had been delusional with a fever.
"You're unfit to live!"
"I know."
The brief exchange of words echoed clearly in her mind. Her question was burning so long that she finally she just had to ask it. She looked at Kenshin to find that his eyelids were slowly closing.
"Kenshin?"
He made an effort to look at her.
"You don't really...think you're unworthy of living...do you?"
He looked away again, staring at this opposite wall from him. He was very tired, and answered her question without even realizing fully what he said.
"I am not worthy of living, no. But death is a mercy I do not deserve either."
Kaoru blinked in shock at his answer. Megumi paused in her work as well and glanced to the boy whose eyes were closed to mere slits now. Finally they closed altogether and she looked over to Kaoru. Her expression was one of deep sadness and surprise.
"What an awful feeling that must be..."
Megumi nodded slowly. "We can help him I think, Kaoru. It will probably be quite difficult, but I think we can help him."
Kaoru nodded absently, her eyes still on the sleeping form of the former manslayer. She hadn't even known he had been that badly scarred emotionally. Yes, they would help him. They had to.
Author's Notes: Hmm...a better chapter I suppose. At least it's a bit longer!Geez, can Kenshin get a break or what? Lol, not likely. Stick around for more, and as always, please give me your thoughts on this chapter! I didn't have much time for editing again...just the stuff that jumped out at me immediately, because it's nearly 1AM and I have school tomorrow...lol, thanks!