EDITED REPOST, 10/20/05

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Disclaimers: Oh how I would love to own Kenshin… but sadly I don't.

Oro..? It's been about 20 days since I updated this story (yeah I counted). Don't hate me for making this chapter short!

CHAPTER 19

Both her palms were sweaty and tingling with unwanted anticipation. Silently she sat in the normal looking taxi that resembled many of the others cruising hastily down the busy streets. It was good, though, because then they would not be so easily recognizable. That must have been the obvious reason as to why he chose such simple transportation.

"You know, you should really breathe before you pass out."

Refusing to look over where the voice came from, Kaoru continued to stare out the window, ignoring the snide comment. Her thoughts allowed themselves to trail back to Kenshin and an earlier conversation they had engaged in. She had been the one to initialize the call. Only because she felt that if anything happened he deserved somewhat of an explanation. Sure it probably startled him a great deal but Kaoru figured that by the time something went wrong he'd be able to clue in then and only then. Titling it her 'last attempt', Kaoru prayed that it wouldn't be needed to put into use.

-Flashback-

"If something happens I want you to know that it was of my own choice," she firmly explained.

"Kaoru? What are you talking about?

"Just listen to me," she demanded and explained again. "Keep these words to yourself only. If something happens it's because I agreed, okay?"

She's planning to do something, Kenshin realized. Jumping to his first reaction he attempted to probe further. "What are you planning to do?" he stated sharply, hoping to be able to dissuade her to a degree. Already she sounded as if she had a stubborn mindset. "Tell me where you are right now."

"Goodbye," she whispered back into the phone.

"Kaoru! Damnit don't do this! Tell me where you—" He stopped and stared at his phone. Useless. I'm absolutely useless.

The call had been ended despite his deeply verbal warnings. Hatefully he stared down at his cell phone and cursed aloud. It sounded as if he were blaming the phone itself. "Shit," Kenshin angrily yelled and ran for his car keys. Please wait Kaoru, he thought, don't do anything stupid, I'll be there as soon as possible. He swore quite audibly again as his front door to his apartment slammed shut, rattling all the dishes in his cupboards. He'd no idea where she was because she had blocked her number.

First place first, and that's her apartment. Determined with a set goal in mind, Kenshin started up his sporty two door vehicle, squealing the tires in the process of reversing and then surged forward like a dolphin, disregarding each and all of the city signs littered along the way.

-End of Flashback-

No, he wouldn't find her there. She had been long gone from her apartment but smartly left some lights on hoping that Kenshin would waste time by searching her out, assuming she was just hiding somewhere in there. The call had taken place much before hand strategically. And glancing back over to her immediate left, Kaoru wondered if the mysterious man beside her had any idea about what had taken place. Tingling nervously, she thought, does he know? Is he pretending to not know? They pulsed in, and out of her with every breath and heartbeat until it made her feel nauseous and ill.

"What's wrong?" he commented, his eyebrow rose amusingly at her sickly expression.

Oh god, Kaoru thought, and suppressed the sickness back into her stomach and away from her throat. "Relax," he murmured as he placed a hand atop hers. That brief touch was enough to make her recoil instantly, and she heard him faintly sigh with aggravation. As soon as it had become noticeable, it quickly smoothed itself away and they both fell back into a silent reclusive state.

When the car blessedly came to an abrupt stop, Kaoru thanked god but before she could even glance up at her surroundings, she found herself being ushered out.

"What? We aren't even there yet," she muttered under her voice upon taking a quick glance that showed her just as much.

The taxi sped off, unconcerned, and almost happy to give up two of its oddest passengers that day. The man had still carefully concealed his face but didn't seem to be bothered one bit that he was out in public dressed accordingly to the sketches the police had on file. He's almost parading around, and if I didn't know him better I'd guess that he's almost proud of his reputation. How disgusting. The feeling of dread brooded over her as the shops nearby became recognizable. The antique shop on the corner on the left hand side was where her mother had always stopped by. Tons of heirlooms were scattered throughout the tiny shop, so much so that it almost seemed impossible for it to really hold that much. Many mistook it for a ratty old building that sold nothing but junk but that was what Kaoru's mother had loved about it. Finely crafted vases to beautifully selected jewelry pieces were always on display and up for sale. It was there little secret. As she became older, Kaoru found that her interest, or lack of it often made her wait in the car rather than join her mother inside. Looking at it now, it almost made her cry. What she wouldn't have done to go back into time and be safe again once more, holding her mother's hand as they explored the miniature shop.

Across the street had been a candy shop but it'd been torn down years ago to make way for tall office buildings. What a shame…

"We are traveling the rest on foot on top of the roofs, CAREFULLY," he emphasized.

"What!" She cried out in utter disbelief. The roofs? Is he fucking kidding me? Are we attempting suicide here? A painful twist of her arm reminded her just who was in charge and who had the last say. "You heard me correctly. Do not draw any unneeded attention to yourself, Kamiya. Need I remind you of the consequences if we fail this particular plan that I have set out?" She shook her head and winced at the pain that engulfed her arm. "Good," he finished and she could tell he was smiling from beneath his guise.

The man directed her through some secluded alleyways, obviously knowing where he was headed. They finally stopped at one and he pointed at a metal ladder above. It was a good two or three feet above Kaoru. "I take it that isn't going to pose as a problem? You are proficient in a form of martial arts aren't you, Kamiya?"

Kamiya Kasshin Ryu sure didn't teach anybody how to climb walls like Spiderman. She was thinking something along the lines of that but knew better than to foolishly open her mouth and anger him further. I can try. That's the best I can do, can't I? And it wasn't really as tricky as it first seemed either. Kaoru gathered herself, stepping far back and then curved her body. Without a second's hesitation, she bolted forwards, jumped up onto the concrete like siding and kept with the momentum that held her suspended regardless of gravity. "Ungh!" she groaned with force as her hands came into contact with the solid metal railing. It burned! Grasping it firmly with both hands, she heaved herself up and placed both feet onto one of the steps. Triumphantly happy with herself and the end result, she leaned back, letting her hair sail behind her with the wind to look over her shoulder and much too her surprise, the man had already done the same and was waiting for her to move on up. Teeth set into her bottom lip, Kaoru struggled upwards, trying to keep the speed and distance between him and her. As they reached the first roof top he stopped and commended her. That she chose to ignore.

The rest of it was like a frightful dream. She'd watched many movies where actors and actresses would run across roof top gaps spanning over several hundreds of feet. And of course since they were movies with professionally paid stunt actors and awesome computer effects, she felt ill again when she thought of what might happen if she dared to look down in mid-jump. These rooftops here were not miles apart, thank god, and she was able to make it safely across them all but it terrified her out of her wits. The man garbed completely in black nearly ran out of all his patience and threatened to throw her off if she didn't just hurry up and jump. So with that bared in mind, she kept up constantly just behind him.

"We're almost there," he told her without looking back at her over his shoulder. Together they moved against the darkness like two melded ghostly shadows. Think of it this way, Kaoru tried to humor herself, at least I'm getting some exorcize. Very crude humor at the most inappropriate time. Wish I could have been more like that during the rest of the trials I faced in life. Thin trails of perspiration were starting to slip down her face uncomfortably.

The plan… she faintly reminded herself. It was something that she had been trying to keep out rather than imbed it in her brain like she should've. Soon enough, very soon enough she was going to have to recall it and put it to use. Unfortunately.

-Flashback-

"The security cards and cameras become ineffective once the main power supply has been turned off or cut off. Your job is to get into the security facility, and to turn it off. There should be a security guard there but I will take care of that.

Once you have accomplished that you will give me the cards so that I can access the stairway to level four. Because the power is off, the security tracking system won't trace the cards." Even through his facial covering, Kaoru could tell that he was smiling.

"The building security was smart enough to create the tracking system with those miniature cards, Kamiya but when the power is shut off nothing gets imprinted onto the code cards, so you are free to go wherever you want without being tracked."

"How do you know this?" She didn't want to sound as if she was impressed but she could hardly hide it. She was the heir, practically the owner of the company herself and even she hadn't been informed of this system. The company was obviously keen on keeping it's security private knowledge.

"You needn't worry about that. All that you need to know is that once the system is deactivated you must move swiftly out of there. We don't have much time before the backup generator kicks in."

"Back up… generator?" she questioned mildly.

"Yes. Of course since they knew they couldn't get the cards to work in a power failure they had back up power generators. We have approximately less than five minutes before they turn on. What I need for my task will take less time than that. You should be fine," he added when he noticed the doubtful look on her face. "After I have eliminated my problems I will move onto…"

-End of Flashback-

As they approached the building that looked like an architect's dream, Kaoru's stomach dipped. Glass encased the whole structure. It glittered endlessly under the bright city lights. Being pretty much transparent, one could easily see everything just by standing on the neighboring side walk. Three large columns spurted from the earth, ranging widely in size from small to big. Engraved in the black marble were names of the dead back dating back to the Meiji era. Kamiya Kasshin Ryu wasn't exactly all it had been in the very beginning, but it was Kaoru's father who had financed the project and turned it into a non-threatening form of kenjutsu. You could say the whole legacy of it was driven down his family line many hundreds of years ago. When she was little, Kaoru could faintly remember meeting the construction crew and almost on a daily basis she visited the site with her father, approving on the plans or changing it around here and there. Right now the whole area looked eerily dark and unwelcoming; the first time she'd ever seen it seem so. It radiated a warning sign to flash on and off in her head but it was beyond too late. No way could she turn her back now and run away unless she wanted to die.

Nervousness sank in as she stood atop the roof and gazed up and down her family's building. What happens if something goes wrong? I don't think I'd be able to cope if something DID go wrong. I've got a very bad feeling about this; he's up to no good. At those unreassuring thoughts, Kaoru felt her optimism drain away completely. But there's no backing out, and it's not like you had much of a choice to begin with. That's right there was no alternative solution, she soundly told herself, wary that perhaps the thought had been concocted just to comfort her. It did little of that but she held onto its strength to keep her going.

Most of the employees had gone home for the night but there were still a few office lights lit up. Kaoru knew of that particular section; it was the marketing and campaigning research group. Apparently the company was trying to go all out and launch other programs such as fitness apparel. But something inside roused Kaoru's curiosity. Was it possible that he was after someone instead of some thing?

Getting down from the building's slanted roof proved to be less complex than it looked. Obviously the man had researched his plans to the fullest extent. A ladder had been set to the side and reinforced with metal chain links. As soon as there feet touched the solid pavement, which Kaoru was beyond thankful for, he spoke up and gave her brief directions. "At my hand motion, you slip the card in. Stay right behind me, and keep up because if you are even half a second behind, everything will be over with. Are you ready?"

Kaoru's face remained blank. It's happening. I'm really about to break into my own company.

"Now."

He led the way, and as they reached the door she slipped in the card, and quickly pushed. The door hesitated for a moment but gave in and the two ran through. He veered sharply to the left pulling Kaoru with him. "This is the security facility room," he indicated by nodding his head. His eyes locked with hers, and the comprehension between them seemed to settle in. After this there was no turning back. She knew that the next room contained the security guard. She closed her eyes, and bit her bottom lip, hoping that the task would soon be over with, and accomplished quickly. She slipped in the master card, and withdrew herself immediately away from the door.

Once she saw him slip inside she heard the voice of someone. Maybe a father… a husband… a lover… a son. Kaoru shut her eyes.

"Hi, sorry this room i—" his voice was cut short. Kaoru's well trained ears could pick up the sound of a sword being quickly unsheathed and the drop of a heavy body as it hit the floor. Kaoru covered her mouth, muffling out any horrified cry that tried to sound. This isn't real! Her mind screamed over and over. But then her so called companion called out to her, breaking any nightmarish spell she thought she was caught within.

"Come."

Trying her best to keep her head up, she failed miserably, and gave a dry heave. Instinctively she turned away and found herself pressed up against him. She trembled madly.

"Kamiya," he whispered, drawing her head back and forcing her too look up into the black depths of his eyes. They did not shield any un-merciless pride. He exalted deeply with his brutal, bloodied actions. With both hands, he steered her body around and gave a short shove towards the computer sitting at the front of the room. "There's the power control. Give me the stairwell card, and the master card to enter the rooms above." When she shakily handed them over he continued. "Enter the system, and deactivate it, Kamiya. Prepare to run after that."

"Run? I could get caught easily!"

"And that problem is not mine of course." At that her expression hardened over and he caught it completely. "Don't even bother telling them the truth."

Gasping as he suddenly got a hold of her, he jerked her body towards the one lying on the ground and forced her head down to stare at it. "Observe it well," he instructed. "If you think you will turn me in, this will be your destiny as well." Aware that the girl looked as if she were about to throw up, he casually threw her aside and pierced her with his eyes. "Go to it then."

But the main problem for her hadn't even been resolved. He doesn't care. I have to figure a way out of here. Then she realized how stupid she had been. The ladder! Okay, I can use the ladder and go through the roof tops for a couple blocks or so until it's safe to get down. That'd work.

"I don't care how you get back to your apartment, whether it be prostituting your pretty little self or by some other means, I want you back there within half an hour." He reached for his sword and the muscles in Kaoru's bodies tensed up. "Enter the system. Now." As he spoke the words Kaoru noticed how his eyes were glued to the monitors before them. She walked towards the computer, and took up her position in front of the keyboard. Her clicking nails were the only audible sound in the room.

"I'm almost done," she told him a minute later but his attention was still held by the ever-changing monitors. Floor four! She thought. That's where he's headed isn't he? She paused in the middle of her task to glance over. As the keyboard noises halted he sharply turned his attention back to her.

"What are you doing?" He angrily asked.

"Nothing. I was just checking to see if the guard… was still down."

"He's dead," a flash of amusement crossed his eyes. "You know that as much as I do and from the amount of the blood coming out of his body, I don't think he will be getting up anytime soon, Kamiya."

Ignoring his words she turned back, and proceeded with the onscreen commands. Minutes later she prompted, "I'm finished," just as the lights went out around them, dousing them with complete darkness. But not before Kaoru stole another glance at the flashing screens. Wait, she thought hesitantly. I think I recognize but…she squinted. It was too late. The monitors died on her, and she almost cried out in dismay. She would have thought more about it if she had the time but her companion was now speaking again. "You now have a few minutes to do the fastest sprint ever, Kamiya. Get out. I'll be in touch with you again," he trailed off as he disappeared outside. "Kuso," she swore under her breath and followed him to the hall but turned to head out the main doors. She glanced behind her but he was gone.

I can't believe I'm doing this. Kaoru huffed as she ran hurriedly down the back street, eyes wide opening, scanning for the metal ladder. She ran to it as fast as her long legs allowed her to. God, I just committed a crime! And whatever he's doing inside is also going to be on my head too. Ok girl, just breathe and try not to worry about this right now. Adrenaline took over her body and she couldn't ever remember having to move so fast before. Everything around her was a dizzying blur, her surroundings flew past as she raced on taking inhuman leaps across the gaps. With her fear of falling long forgotten, Kaoru almost fell proud of herself and the distance she had covered in less than two minutes. When she was approximately three blocks away, she stopped and looked for an escape route. Initially she had just wanted to run but now she felt stupid and lost. The pride slowly started to fall away. I don't even remember where we started from. How the hell am I supposed to get off the roof without the original ladder? Oh god!

Frantically now she searched for anything, anything that could allow her to escape back to the earthly ground. At first her eyes flew right past it but then she quickly glanced again and almost cried out with relief. A fire escape! She gathered her legs and ran towards it, practically sliding down the stairs more than anything else. Completely out of breath now, she jogged the rest of the trek, pushing herself onwards for the sake of her life.

The revving of an engine brought her neck snapping back up.

"Damn," she muttered under her breath as she turned to run back into a darkened street. Even as she did so a loud car honk nearly caused her to jump out of her skin. She turned to see an expensive looking red vehicle pull up to the curb. Her first reaction was Sano! But it wasn't.

Instead of the spiky brunette her eyes drifted to the rich red long hair which was pulled back and resting lightly on the shoulder of a forest green sweatshirt. His black sunglasses had been pushed back atop his head as they were no use since the sun had set several hours ago. The faded light blue jeans gave off the impression of a rugged look but his expression softened everything. Against her will and better judgment, Kaoru ran to him and into his outstretched arms. There she fit absolute snugly. The both of them were silent as they took in the serenity of the moment but Kenshin knew it had to be broken. "Where have you been?" he asked her, completely full of worry and he only held on more tightly. "I have been EVERYWHERE looking for you, do you know that? Your call earlier scared the living daylights out of me, Kaoru. Damnit where have you been?"

Lie. That was the first thing she had to do. Worry about the consequence later.

"It was silly of me to make that call Kenshin. I guess I wasn't really thinking properly at the moment but I—"

"Did he hurt you?" Kenshin held her at arms length away and looked over her carefully.

"Who?"

"Enishi. Did he do anything to you?"

Oh.

Oooh. He thinks I was with Enishi. This is perfect. He's just given me the perfect excuse out of this.

"Uh… no. He didn't do anything, Kenshin. I'm ok. Sorry for frightening you earlier."

That was a sudden change of attitude. Kenshin narrowed his eyes cautiously and tilted her face up so that she would meet his eyes.

"So why would you call me like that if nothing happened?"

"I was just… scared—"

"You're lying," he cut in smoothly, and held her in place with both his eyes and hands. "No I'm not," Kaoru quickly replied. Suddenly he wasn't feeling very comfortable to her anymore. He was suspicious without a doubt, and he has the right to be. "Nothing happened. He didn't do anything, okay? So can you please just let me go?" Surprised completely, Kenshin's eyes widened but he shook his head, replacing that emotion with something more solid. "No. You're lying to me again. How do you expect me to help if you never plan on telling me anything?"

"I'm not expecting you to. Damn it, Kenshin! We've already been through this over and over! You already have a girlfriend—"

"Whom I don't love," he interrupted.

"But is still around regardless!" She stopped and shook her head. "I don't have time for this. Are you able to give me a ride back to my place or no?"

Thoroughly taken aback now, Kenshin let her go and stared incredulously, asking himself if she really did just say what she did during this huge moment that they were having. She just asked me for a ride like we've just finished class or something. I do not understand this woman at ALL.

"No I won't," he finally answered back and stubbornly, too. "Not until you tell me what the hell is going on with you."

"What do you mean?" she asked back, completely aware of what he meant.

"You're hiding things from me! There I was worried SICK about you! I drove all over the city looking for you, and now that I find you all you can say is, hi can you give me a ride now? How the hell do you think I feel? Shut out? Hurt?"

Damn I don't have time for this drama! Maybe it would have been better if he had never come along. But he was looking for YOU this whole time, and here you are acting ungrateful… but I have to get going, she pleaded internally. Already her watches hands were leaning to far past the half.

Breathe.

In.

Out.

"Kenshin." She placed her hands lightly on his chest. Looking up into his warm, deep amethyst eyes made her forget her troubles for a brief second. It was too brief because as soon as she let it go she was panged with the anxiety of her whole situation, and the feelings were becoming too familiar.

Kenshin melted. Even as he tried to keep himself angry, and look her straight in the eye he knew it was pointless. The warmth radiating from her body was enough to quell his thoughts peacefully. He was going to give in willingly to this innocent seductress that he had been looking for maniacally for the past couple hours. He was practically drowning already in those magnificent blue eyes of hers. Kenshin sighed deeply admitting his defeat. Taking her hands to his lips he kissed the tops of them lightly. "Fine. Tell me when can," he told her with a glum tone. Kaoru was at a loss for words. She had expected him to tug a little more but he hadn't. He had given into her so easily but she didn't have time to be in awe.

Home.

The word thrummed inside of her like an internal alarm clock.

"Kenshin, I really need to get back to my apartment, please."

He sighed deeply again, and mumbled something incoherent under his breath. Eyeing her one last time was all she needed to know in order to understand that he was going to let it go… for now.

"Thank you," she smiled at him gratefully as he unlocked the doors.

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Kenshin had left her only after she had practically promised a hundred times over that she would be okay. She re-called watching him drive off in his sporty red car. God, he looked so sexy. A car hood had never looked so sexually appealing ever before, she thought, but only if he was sitting on it with me on top. Oh get a grip Kaoru, she nearly smacked herself at the temperature rise in her cheeks. The giddy feeling that she had earlier at the Kasshin Ryu hadn't left her body. It was kicking in a different way now. She stepped inside the elevator, and readjusted her black shirt collar. What's wrong with dirty thoughts about Kenshin? He's hot, and thoughts are just thoughts. Nothing more unless… she licked her lips, and smiled devilishly to herself.

Enishi is going to be out of the picture! That thought alone nearly caused her dance to her door. She kicked her runners off, and jumped around enthusiastically. Ohhh I'm going to be freeeee! Free free free! No more blackmail for her, Kenshin would be out of Tomoe's grasp, and then she could continue her life the way she wanted to. Tomoe would never find out about her and Kenshin with Enishi gone. He's getting his soon enough, she thought grimly, and headed to the fridge for some ice cream.

Kaoru paused in mid step, held her breath, and listened closely. As she turned around she saw something being slipped underneath the door.

The access cards.

Warily made her way to them but when she opened the door no one was there. An eerie feeling crept up through her shoulders. He's going after Enishi now, I bet. Only thing I can do is sit back and wait.

This will be the hardest thing to do yet…

To my lovely reviewers: Xujin, Hitokiri Cumberdale, royal blueKitsune, lyn, flclgd14, erica6060, animeguzman, MZ.AMbER EYES, crest fallen212, SugaBab, Pixel-the-evil-fairy, Evil Karyta, Immortal-Blood, Phi-Dono, Reignashii, esmi, kara mcpherson (no you aren't right…), luna9871, kenshinlover2002, xYue, and RedAndBlackDragon… THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR THE WONDERFUL REVIEWS! I love you all very much and thank you once again to the continuous reviewers! If I have forgotten anyone I apologize and you have permission to kick my butt ok?

I put up my other story which is a little… naughtier than this one (just to warn you) so check it out when you guys get any free time.

Oh man today I read a really, really nice story by ChoNyx titled 'Winter'. It made me cry! I had yet to encounter a fic that brought tears to my eyes and what do you know… I found one. It's BEAUTIFULLY written, and really sweet so check that out too everybody!

Take care, and see y'all later!