Date Started: August 26, 2005

Alright, thank you for your responses on the last chapter! Reviews make me feel special, but I fear I have become addicted to them… something I did NOT want to happen. Kyoto was a special place and I hope to go back there someday, which I probably will. I am sorry some people thought that there was not enough of a fluffy moment. I enjoy writing fluff, but I don't want things to happen to quickly! I hate it when some people move the romance too fast… it's like, they meet and the next day they are already in each other's pants. There will be the very much wanted very fluffy scene before the end of the story, don't worry! I just don't want to have the scene until the right moment. Now then, time for the final parts of this story to begin. Everything, will fall into place very soon. I think I know exactly how I will end it, especially since I am going the longer route to be mean to characters. Ahem… please, RxR!

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Butterfly Kisses

By: Hotaru

Rating: R; for language, gore, and some adult material

Standard Disclaimer:

I do not own Rurouni Kenshin in any way whatsoever. I do, however, own any characters that I may introduce as my own, and this plot line. If I catch you stealing it, you grovel at my feet and beg forgiveness, or die.

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Kaoru sat down at her seat, and quietly studied the string orchestra that was playing its music. She barely noticed the red head come sit next to her she was so busy scrutinizing and thinking at once. What if the bribe Shishio were to use were impossible to refuse? What if she had to relent, and give herself over to the devil of a man, and force Polaris to obey him? 'To many what ifs!' There was nothing she could think of that he would threaten that would be impossible to refuse. He could say he would kill Kenshin, but the assassin could not be killed so easily, he could defend himself, and seemed impossible to kill at this point. She was sure Shishio did not know of her friendship with Megumi, but Megumi was currently in the care of Sano, who would protect her to no ends, and was a skilled fighter as well. Nothing else in the world mattered to her, aside from the few people she knew.

Noticing a tall, grandfather clock, she saw the hands read 11:45. 'Only fifteen minutes…' She tightly clutched her napkin, wringing it tightly with her hands. The food that was placed in front of her was left untouched. She had lost her appetite long ago. The room seemed stifling, as though she couldn't breathe. The girl was tempted to return to the patio outside, but turned down the idea, for it was to close to the appointed time that Shishio presented himself. She refused to look at Kenshin. She was afraid that if she were to look into those beautiful eyes, she would break down. It was obvious that he still wanted to tell her something, but she could not listen to anything he would say right now. This was far to worrisome. Keeping the strong appearance in front of him was becoming very hard. Everything seemed to finally be catching up to her. Things were happening to fast. She was not ready to do this. 'STOP putting yourself down! You have to be strong! After all this, you can finally relax.' The girl argued with herself. She knew that if she weakened any, Polaris would know, and force Kaoru to go to sleep, forever staining her blue eyes black.

That little problem still confused her. What was it that was causing Polaris to want complete control over her?

11:55

A small bead of sweat tricked down from her brow, along the side of her face. Running one hand along the sheath of her katana, she felt comforted that she had a form of self protection. She never wanted the sword in the hands of Shishio again. It meant to much to her. The blue eyed girl was grateful that she was skilled in the sword. She might not be the best, but she was good.

-DONG-DONG-DONG-DONG-DONG-DONG-DONG-DONG-DONG-DONG-DONG-DONG-

The clock struck midnight.

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Shishio glanced past the curtain, "There you are my beauty…" The quiet voice hungrily said, "So beautiful tonight you are…" Yahiko sat several feet away, utterly disgusted by the lust in the man's voice. The man was grandly dressed, and despite the nasty wrappings, he looked rather dashing. Turning around to face the young boy, the ruler stated, "And tonight, my boy, you will finally run free. Don't worry, I won't hurt her to much."

"Bastard! You have wounded her far worse than any man could wound a woman! You lie. I know you will beat her, rape her, abuse her powers." The boy's brown eyes were filled with fury, and if it weren't for the bonds around his wrists and ankles, he would have attacked the man. Constant struggling with his bonds had caused his wrists to bleed. His ankles were not so bad, because of the traditional socks protecting them, but they too burned from the heat of the cloth.

They both quieted as the clock chimed it's hour, one with a look of joy, the other with hate, "Now, dear child, you will see how strong your bond with her is. Say hello to your freedom. Have a nice life!" And with that, Shishio walked out into the crowd, leaving the boy to his own fury.

--

Two sets of eyes looked down upon the room, filled with guests of every nation, from high up in a dark rafter of the ceiling, "What do you think he will do?"

"I am not sure… Battousai simply said that tonight Shishio would introduce himself to the world, and make a proposition. He said tonight was the night for him to be killed."

--

Sanosuke silently watched the woman he loved as she slept peacefully. He was worried, more worried than he had been when he had to leave. Megumi should not have to be involved in all this. What if Shishio knew about his love for her? The female doctor would then be in great danger. He had taken her to the hallway, and asked one of the guards where she could be put. He told the guard that she was sitting next to him, and then she suddenly passed out.

The guard looked worried, and quickly showed him a small room that was far from the main party, that had a small couch and a chair, saying that Sano could stay with her so if she woke up she wouldn't be alone. It was the perfect opportunity for him to just simply watch her. He distantly heard the clock ring twelve, "Good luck Battousai, Kaoru."

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The room erupted with loud applause, as the ruler of Japan walked onto the small stage, and stepped up to the podium. The people were not daunted by his wrapped up face and hands. It was simply something that could not be done, for this was one of the most powerful men in the world. He smiled eagerly, welcoming the attention. Kaoru saw him stare right at her, those eyes that she feared so, but continued to stare into them trying to let him know she was not afraid of him. Shishio looked away as soon as he saw her acknowledge that he knew she was there, and then motioned his hands for silence. She moved her arm and tightly grasped Kenshin's wrist, but still did not look at him.

The red head saw how pale she was, how her hand shook as it gripped his arm, how her eyes filled with so much fear. He didn't know whether he should tell her about the boy who was supposed to be dead. He knew he should… but if he told her here, she might cause a scene that could not take place. The assassin was struggling with what little of a conscience he still had.

"Ladies and gentlemen, from near and far, I welcome you tonight to the yearly anniversary of the new rule. These past years have been glorious, Japan has become a key country in the world's development. Our technology, has improved the conditions of the world. My colleagues have researched like no others, they have gone the extra stretch." He paused as he looked around the room, as though looking each person in the face, and that included Kaoru and Kenshin, "Tonight, I will show you how this work has paid off. I will show you, how we have come to a conclusion, on uniting the planet Earth to one world power, through peaceful transactions!" Again, the man looked straight at Kaoru.

By now, her grip was hurting the assassin's arm, but he did not tell her. She was far to afraid. He whispered into her ear, "Whatever you do, don't do anything that will make the public suspect anything. If he asks you to go forward, do so. Remember to keep your weapon hidden, and go along with things. All of this should be kept low profile until the two ninja and I take action." She finally looked at him. He saw her fear, but she nodded agreement. He thought he better tell her now, "Look… you MUST know-" He was cut off again, as Shishio's voice beckoned, "I now call Kamiya Kaoru-sama forward."

Everyone looked in the direction that the powerful leader was looking. Kaoru's blue eyes turned to the stage in fear disguised as surprise. All eyes on her, she felt Kenshin squeezer her shoulder gently and then quietly whispered for her to stand up. Slowly, the young woman stood. She was trembling, her knees weak. She thought that at any moment she would pass out or be sick. But that didn't happen. She kept her hands folded in front of her, the long sleeves of her beautiful kimono successfully hiding her katana. Kaoru made her way to the stage as steadily as she could, keeping her eyes on the ground, watching her sandal clad feet head towards the stage, making sure she wouldn't trip over anything.

The steps up to the stage were in front of her. It felt like it took hours for her to reach them, when it had actually took less than a minute. She hadn't passed out, she hadn't become sick. The raven haired girl went up the steps, and then she was there. Kaoru was on the stage, standing next to the man she feared, despised, hated the most in the world. The man who she had seen for the first time in three or four years only the night before. He then, continued on with his speech, "Now, Kamiya-sama, has been blessed with a power far more extraordinary than any power ever known to man. We will go backstage now for a few moments, so that she can prepare for what will be shown to you, the POWER to create our world peace! If you will excuse us." She hadn't expected to have to go back stage. She was already afraid as it was, but now having to be away from the careful eye of the Battousai, she was more fearful.

Shishio touched her. It caused a shiver to run down her spine. He kept his hot hand on her shoulder, as he guided her to behind the curtain that separated the stage from a room she had known, when they were in love. He led her out of that room, and carefully guided her to another. They did not speak, Kaoru to fearful to say anything, and Shishio simply relishing in it. The moment the door was shut, he bolted it shut so that no one could enter. His greedy eyes turned to her, and he finally spoke, "My… do you look lovely tonight. I have never seen you so beautiful my dear." Anger was starting to overcome her fear, and she felt she would yell at him for what he was telling her, but she kept quiet. The man walked forward, and the woman took a step back. The process continued, until Kaoru was finally cornered at a wall, 'STUPID!' He ran a bandaged finger along her cheek, she felt his steamy breath upon her neck.

"Why did you have to be so cruel? Why did you have to torture my body so? Why did you make my days so painful?" He asked her innocently. Kaoru moved her head back trying to escape his presence. He had a finger under her chin, forcing her to look up at him, into his black eyes, "What did I ever do to cause you to hate me so? We used to love each other… if you would only cooperate-"

"You simply want me for my power you ass!" She spat out at him, "And you will not have it!"

His eyes filled with amusement as Shishio smirked, "Aren't you fiery?" He paused momentarily, "But, what you don't realize, is that I WILL have your power. I am offering something you can not ever refuse."

"There is nothing you can bribe me with that will make me even consider doing what you want." Shishio thought she looked so beautiful when she was angry. He knew she was afraid, but that her anger was more powerful. He let out a sigh, and walked away from her and then pushed a button by the door, "Bring in… the proposal." Kaoru moved away from her corner in the wall and made sure that she was as far away from Shishio as she could be. He watched her in amusement, and then heard a knock on the door. Immediately, the man unbolted it, and opened the door. The girl couldn't see who was at the doorway, she was behind it. When the door shut, however, she barely stifled a scream as she fell to the floor, a hand over her mouth.

Yahiko.

"No… he… he's dead! Your men killed him!" Her eyes were brimming in tears. The boy was struggling with his bonds, his hands and feet bound with ropes, his mouth covered with duct tape.

"Don't you realize my dear? I saved his life. He was near death when we got there… but I did not allow him to simply die. He was not ever supposed to be killed. The bullet was for you, to wound you enough so we could bring you here… but this worked out far better than ever thought." He shut the door again repeating the bolting process, "Now, here is the proposition." Shishio walked over to the trembling girl, who was sitting on the ground, "You will first off, heal me of my scarred body. Second, you will make sure that your little assassin and those smelly ninja and the brat Sanosuke do NOT interfered. You will go to them as soon as I let you out of this room, and tell them that they must leave and not attempt to kill me. Third, you will relent to every request I ask." He looked at her again, her face still a look of horror, "Got that? All of that, in exchange for the boy's life and freedom, as well as the safety of your companions and friends. I do not break my treaties. He will be safe, as will the other. Never will my men go after them again."

She asked an unexpected question, "You have not asked that I forever sleep? I am surprised."

"Ahhahaha, yes, that is what I wanted at first… but after seeing you now, so beautiful, I realize that not only do I want Polaris, I want YOU. You will force Polaris to emerge when I please, preferably both of you as one. As she said so many years ago, you are far more powerful as one."

She continued sitting there. Her hand tightly grasped her still hidden weapon. She was tempted to unsheathe it and kill Shishio on the spot, but Kenshin had told her not to do anything until she was told to, and now that Yahiko's life was at stake, again, she would not risk it. The boy was far to valuable to her. She valued his life over hers. If she accepted, Shishio would allow Yahiko to go free, to live his life in peace. One thing she knew, was that the evil man would not break his treaty. When he made one, he abided by the rules.

"Think about what would happen if you decided to go against the bargain. You could kill me, yes, you could, but before you could do that the boy would already be dead. Believe me, I know you carry the weapon on you, it was quite obvious from the start by the way you carried yourself," He let out a laugh, "If I didn't know you so well, Kaoru, I would not suspect a thing." Kaoru was thinking of what would happen. She could become his little tool for his world domination, and she would at least know Yahiko and ones she loved were safe.

--

Kenshin was beginning to become extremely worried. The two had been off stage now for almost twenty minutes. Time was going to run short. He could not sense their presence, and he was confused as to why. People were quietly talking as though nothing were wrong. He wanted to go off and find her, but remained at his seat. He heard people talking about their thoughts on the whole plan:

Wow… world peace… I have never had such confidence in a man to complete the task.

This girl, I wonder how she can be the one to shape a worldwide nation?

Kamiya… Kamiya… I swear I have heard that name before!

Hah! World peace, many have tried and all have failed. This will be a laugh!

Finally getting fed up with it all, the assassin placed his hands on the table getting ready to stand up, when the whole room went silent, as they saw a figure emerge from the curtains. It was Kaoru. Everyone stared, as eyes followed her beautiful figure walk from the stage, and make her way towards the table that the red head sat at. When she reached it, he saw a look in her eyes that he had never seen before: defeat.

She leaned over and quietly said in his ear, "I am so sorry. You must not kill him. You must leave now, as well as Sanosuke and the two ninja he spoke of." Tears filled her cerulean orbs, but they did not fall, "He made an offer I could not refuse. Don't worry, he will not kill me. You, and the others will be safe." She turned his face and then set a gentle kiss upon his lips, and then she turned around and said, "Now go, if you don't he WILL kill me." And Kaoru went back to the stage, and behind the curtain, as though she had never left the area.

Now THAT was something. She looked so sad… I guess that was the breakup?

Such a sweet couple!

He didn't know what to do. He could do as he was told and leave, guaranteeing her life to be safe, as well as the lives of everyone else. Or, he could stay, risk her death and then there would be success of the mission. He would rather die than have her life in more jeopardy than it had been. So, Kenshin did the only thing he could think of: he stood up and left the building, looking up to the rafters signaling for them to leave, and then went off in search of Sanosuke.

--

"See… now that wasn't so hard." A smooth hand held the back of her neck, "Now, let us show the world what your power has done!" The tears finally fell down her cheeks, as she peered out seeing the man she had begun to care for leave. She was glad he would be safe. He was strong, but there were other ways to kill. She knew Yahiko was most likely being driven home now. He was most likely furious with her for what she had done, but that was ok. He too, was safe.

She no longer needed to hide her katana. It was probably resting now on a small rack in the mast bedroom, where it had once rested. She quickly wiped her tears. From now on she would not cry. She would have to be strong for the safety of those she loved. The man behind her told her, "Now, my love, now." She simply nodded and he let go of his hold on her. Then, walking forward, he walked past the curtains, and Kaoru followed right behind him.

The crowd went silent again. People stared in awe at the transformation that had taken place. Shaggy black hair brushed his eyebrows, his skin, flawed only by a few scars, showed off his lovely features, "You see, fellow people, this woman's power, has healed me of wounds that I have suffered for years. She just now, healed! What can you say to that?" He paused letting the words sink in, "With her generous offer to heal, she could heal millions of sick children in third world countries. Not only that! Her powers are far more than that. The hunger that spreads throughout the world will disappear! We can make this world survive! With no more people dying of sickness, the human race will be strong again, like it was in the beginning!" Another moments pause, "Another great power she possesses, is the power to destroy evil! What would you say to no more terrorism? She does not kill, she simply makes people realize what is the true good, and know that the evil they were committing was wrong! I tell you now, consider this offer! I will contact all of you soon, for your answer. Good night, good people of the world, and have a safe trip home!"

His speech was ended with a huge round of applause. Many people stood, already spouting out agreement to the plan. Shishio simply bowed and turned around to leave the stage. He looked at her hard, and motioned for her to bow as well and to leave like he was doing. She simply did as she was told, and followed him.

--

They now stood in her former bedroom. Yes, she had had a bedroom in this mansion. It looked the same as she had left it, a full size bed with four posters, covered in pale sheets. A small dresser next to it, a full length mirror and a door leading to a closet and another to her own bathroom, "No doubt you wish to stay here?" Kaoru did not answer him, and just stood looking off into nothing. Just because she was now practically a slave to him, it didn't mean she had to speak, "Aah… you my pet, are so amusing." He sat on the bed leisurely, "A silent beauty… what must I do to get you to speak?" Standing back up he walked towards her, "Come dear, I am sure you are tired." He slithered an arm around her stiff, obi-bound waist.

Shishio guided her to the bed as though she were a child, "Now, now, it won't be all that bad." He gave her a now perfect smile, "Just like old times?" He touched her cheek, brushing his fingers lightly along her cheekbone. He leaned in to kiss her, but she pulled away, her back against the headboard, "Always hard to get." A slight sound of aggression was in his voice. He tried again, and was successful, as he brought her head forward and he kissed her hungrily, relishing in her sweet taste. She resisted, but soon she was breathless from her struggles, and felt herself weaken. The man was far stronger than her now.

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Wow... sooner than normal!

Hehehe… yay! Next chapter will be filled with pretty torture, and it has already begun. Umm… don't shoot me yet. I mean, how could she refuse? This was something that she could not just let fly. Ahem… well then, what do you think? Do you think Shishio will really have Kaoru heal the sick, create greater food supply, and get rid of evil? Is he really that kind hearted or is he doing what he does with many people? BRAINWASHING them? Well then, I have begun realizing I am forgetting some of my vocabulary. Words that I used to know and SHOULD know, I am forgetting. I guess that is what I get for living here in Japan… but that is NOT good! I must find a book to read so I can re-remember my English! –SIGH- Anywho, reviews are greatly appreciated, thanks for reviewing the last chapter. The plot thickens! What will they all do? Till next chapter! Hotaru

GO READ HAPPINESS IN SLAVERY WOOT!

Date finished: August 27, 2005