Controlling emotions

FreyA-wings

Chapter 19: The Devil's Cry

I guess having more than 3 reviews is okay. I'm sorry. It's my fault for not writing this story sooner. You have to forgive me because not only was this one hard to write, but I have a major project due in two weeks. I promise I will finish this. Thank you all for reviewing. Kenshin and Kaoru forever!!!!!

diddi: yes I have updated. That's right. I don't care how many reviews I get as long as I finish this story. Thanks Diddi for reviewing. BIG HUG

Inukensgul: hahahaha… you can guess and the answer is in this chapter. More of the devil's cry will come later in the other chapters. Thanks for reviewing. Keep reading. BIG HUG!

Lyptha: well, just read the story and you'll find out LOL. Thank you so much for encouraging me. I hope this story finishes. Thanks a lot. BIG HUG

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Last Chapter

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The man looked at me with an intimidating face but when I gazed into his eyes, I don't feel menace. I felt a sense of ease and security flowing through me.

'Hey let's go back,' Megumi's voice was at the back of my head. I couldn't stop staring at him. He blinked his eyes, stared at me with that intensifying gaze one last time and walked back. I watched his figure slowly dissolved within his own team mates as they began to disappear into the crowd.

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Kenshin's POV

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I watched Kaoru's odd behavior as we settled down for the night. She was rather quiet and dreamy after she and Megumi ate at the ramen stall. The time was nearing midnight and I was still awake.

I stood up and saw Sano, groaning in his dream. I chuckled to myself. His figure in his sleep is way too dorky than when he's awake.

I went out of bed and walked out of the bedroom door, carefully closing the door as I walked out. I went to the fridge slowly and was about to open the fridge door when I noticed a figure sitting behind the window, staring at the scenery beyond the glass window. I recognized the silhouette. It was Kaoru.

Curious, I went up to her figure and she noted my presence behind her and looked up without feeling surprised. I was a tad confused when I looked into her eyes and found the emotions twisting inside of her that I wasn't familiar with. 'Kenshin,' she approved my presence and I sat down next to her.

'What are you doing up this late?' I asked in a low voice. Kaoru stared back out the window, 'I was just curious.'

I frowned and wondered which one of us was really curious. 'What's wrong?' I asked. Kaoru dropped her head and settled her body around the corner of the window sill. They both could hear the traffic and the busy noise out in the streets.

'I just couldn't sleep. I keep thinking about…' Kaoru stopped in mid sentence and I was inquisitive to know what she was going to say next. Kaoru looked into my eyes and I melted away with that gaze. I think I am so much in love with her, I thought to myself as the traffic lights shone on her face, the shadow slowly diminished in her face shadow. She was staring intently at me and for the first time ever, we felt like we don't need to verbally communicate.

'So who is the Devil's Cry?' Kaoru asked with a whisper, 'Am I going to see them?'

I licked my lips and shook my head, 'no… no you won't.'

'Why not?' She simply asked with an innocent questioning look.

I didn't break her gaze and I still drowned in her eyes. 'Because of my past,' I whispered. Kaoru tilted her head. I made a small and weak smile and Kaoru bit her lip. She leaned forward from the corner of the window sill and wrapped her arms around my waist. She leaned her head on my shoulders and pressed her body against mine. I felt my insides burning and I cupped her neck with one of my hand and held the small of her back with the other. I smelt her intoxicating smell of her hair and pressed my cheeks to hers. Her skin was so soft and fragile, I kissed it. She moaned a little and I pressed my lips against her earlobe. I could feel Kaoru shiver underneath my touch and I felt a huge desire within me.

But I stopped it. I kissed her cheeks again and pushed her softly aside. She had a curious look on her face.

'It's late,' I barely whispered. I had to stop it before I decide to bring myself upon her. I didn't think I was ready, nor was she. She slowly nodded and looked rather disappointed but I took her hand and led her to her room.

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Sano's POV

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I was fixing the black thin cloth on my forehead when Kenshin walked into the room. His face looked wary and tired and I hoped this won't affect anything that will happen after this. When he saw me he made a small smile, 'you're really worked up about this?'

I chuckled and adjusted my sweater, 'I have been waiting for this ever since we came here. It would be great to finally meet the gang.'

Kenshin followed me and changed. He drew his shirt away from his tanned golden skin, his blood red hair made a swift velvety movement on his back and I could see the mark where a deep scar was made. It was no ordinary scar. It hurt Kenshin more than just physical.

'How are the ladies?' I asked casually, wondering how Megumi was.

'I just put them to sleep,' Kenshin said as he put on a dark red shirt and black sweater.

I chuckled again, 'you sound like you were tucking them to sleep.'

Kenshin didn't respond but finished changing and he looked at me with a serious look. It was a look that I have not seen since Tomoe crashed his boat into her sea. Kenshin was home, a home he no longer thought he would go back to again. But his face showed determination and I choked a grin at him, showing I will be behind him all the time. Kenshin sighed and we both made our way out.

The time then was half past midnight and yet the streets are still gloriously bustling with diligent activities.

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Megumi's POV

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I was already awake when Kaoru and Kenshin entered their room. They were both silent and I could sense a disturbance in Kaoru's behavior. When Kenshin finally walked out, satisfied at Kaoru's sleeping figure, I immediately got up and slowly opened a few inches of the door apart, curious at Kenshin's odd expression.

Kaoru rustled in her bed sheets and I was surprised at the sudden noise. I looked back at her and smiled ruefully. Her man is about to do something very special for her, and she didn't even know it.

Smiling, I saw Kenshin and Sano appear from their bedroom with dark clothes a few minutes later. Their shadows cast a suspenseful glare and I shivered a little. Suddenly, my heart beat rapidly, a feeling of uncertainties spread throughout my body. What if they didn't succeed?

I gulped as they passed the living room and slowly walked out the door, their dark figures disappearing into the night. I finally closed the door and settled into my warm bed sheets. No matter how hard I tried to stop it, I was really worried.

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Kenshin's POV

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The town looked smaller now, I thought. The streets looked smaller and more people seem to be busying themselves with their own midnight activities. The air was crisp and I could smell the intoxicated smell from the exhaust of mobiles.

Sano was waking beside me, wearing his dangerous black mark on his forehead. I smiled to myself. The last time I saw him with that on is when someone had reportedly assaulted his previous girlfriend. The man did not survive, nor did he look like himself. Sano was sent to prison for a few months. He didn't feel guilt or remorse for what he had done. He beamed brightly when he was finally released, a big smile upon his face as the freedom sunray shone on his ragged face.

We finally turned a corner to a deserted alleyway. There was no one to be found. The place was dark and dead.

We both stopped in front of the alleyway, remembering our past and why we are brought here again. I was determined. I glanced at Sano. He nodded at me with indomitable eyes, signifying his support. I registered his resolute mind and we both walked into the alleyway, where we once nearly killed someone.

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Sano's POV

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The alleyway looked exactly the same. Nothing has changed. That garbage dump was always full. That hairy, tailless cat was always there. That red and black mark on the wall was still shining its ultimate glory as we passed. It was the mark of the Devil's Cry.

Suddenly, appearing from nowhere, a figure appeared from the shadows and I noticed a short figure. He was alone in the dark and I smiled, realizing who it was.

'It's been a long time,' I said to the silent air, breaking the trepidation. The figure in front of them didn't say anything. Sano chuckled and put my hands into my pocket. 'We're not here to fight. We just wanted to see the devil himself.'

The figure didn't respond for a moment, but he slowly moved forward, allowing the darkening moonlight to shine his silent figure. It was a boy no older than 15 years of age, wearing the symbolic red and black cloak. He had piercing eyes and dark ebony hair, masking his fair face with shadows only he could make himself look more frightening.

Kenshin smiled and didn't say a word.

Finally the young boy spoke with a firm and daunting voice, 'you have the nerve to come into this territory, Sano.' I deliberately smiled mockingly, 'and you have the nerve to talk back, new boy.'

The boy glared at him with his unexpected sharp eyes and he frowned when he looked at Kenshin. Kenshin was unresponsive and impassive. He barely showed any sign of movement. He was still and precise, reading the boy's movements.

'Yahiko,' I repeated with a straight-face, 'take us to the devil. We wish to speak with him.'

'And what makes you think I will do that?' the boy snickered and folded his arms sardonically. I was still patient. But my patience was running out, a weakness of mine that results to endless fights and torments.

I sniffed and poked a cigarette into my mouth. I lit the cigarette and puffed a smoke, releasing the toxic haze slowly from my mouth. Then I walked slowly forwards, calmly taking step by step with careful motion, never taking his eyes off the boy. Even for a second, I could see a glimpse of fear spread his face.

The boy took a step back as he saw my figure approaching him, casting a threatening shadow over his small body. Then I stopped and slowly released the smoke from my mouth, still not taking my eyes off the boy.

'You are not allowed to enter, traitor,' the boy said and forcefully took a wooden sword from his back and pointed it to my body. He looked at me threateningly, a determined eyes I see.

I calmly smoked the cigarette and spoke casually, 'you're not being so friendly Yahiko. Is this what you say after we haven't seen each other?'

'You left us, remember,' Yahiko took a step forward, 'or are you too stupid not to remember.'

I smiled, relishing the fear and anger in his eyes. Yahiko was shaking. He knew this was not his fight. 'I don't want to fight you Yahiko,' I said again and I carefully took a step forward. Yahiko immediately set his bamboo sword closer to my chest, his position in a defending stance. I sighed, disappointed at his actions.

'I said,' I said once more, my voice slightly sharper; 'I will not fight you.'

'My instructions were clearly to fight off traitors,' Yahiko said with a slight shiver in his voice, 'and as far as my eyes can see, both of you remain traitors.'

Without warning, Yahiko took a quick step forward, brandishing his bamboo sword quickly to my face, cutting the air with his weapon. I was quick. I dodged his sword just slightly, which nearly touched my jaw.

Yahiko made a counter-attack, wield his sword into the air and slicing the thin air in front of him. Yahiko gasped and found his target next to him. I leaned forward and whispered in his ear, 'that would hurt.'

Yahiko sniffed and slashed his sword into a yet again thin air. He was breathing quite heavily and I noticed he used a lot of his energy on his moves. Yahiko gritted his teeth and looked around to find the aura of his enemy. Too late, I was already above him, using my hand to hit the back of his neck, sending him breathless and pounded to the ground.

He cursed and choked, coughing the blood from his throat. I looked at him with a sudden guilt as he gazed up at me with blaring eyes. Yahiko struggled to lift himself off the dirty and damp ground. I looked at Kenshin, signaling him to pass, leaving my business with Yahiko to myself. Kenshin nodded and walked past Yahiko, noticing he was new to the gang and walked off into the dark of the night.

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Kenshin's POV

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I could hear my own footsteps echoing the dark halls, a trivial shadow following me as I walked through the dark and humid night. The air was cold but it didn't affect me.

It was odd, I thought to myself as I glanced around the hallway. I remembered the scent, the fluttering cold breeze and the graffiti walls. They all looked the same as far as I remembered. But for some reason, the only person standing guard at the front gate was a boy who appeared to have a connection with Sano. That would mean one thing, the devil knew I was coming, and he wanted me to come alone.

Suddenly I came to a halt when I heard a sound of a sorrowful yell at the end of the hall. I looked back and frowned. Sano surely must be alright. It was only a boy after all. I shook my head, releasing the tension spreading throughout my body and looked forward at the seemingly endless dark, and waited.

He should come soon.

Sure enough, I could feel a sudden rush of wind passing by me, waving my blood red locks. I didn't move. There were two, no, four people around me, running faster than the wind, breaking the air around them and making it their own. They were deadly silent, each pursuing their own silent paths as if walking on air. But that didn't stop me. I could still feel them, I could sense their aura.

I closed my eyes and listened to the soft calling of the zephyr. They were walking so fast around me, but then stopped to a sudden halt and then there was a deafening silence.

I slowly opened my eyes and said with a low and dangerous tone, 'you always liked surprises Aoshi.'

There was no reply. The figures in the vicinity of me didn't make a move. Unexpectedly, out of thin air, two sharp blades coming from behind and pointed at my jaw and I had to lift my head up to avoid the sharpness of the airstreams. I paused, smirking slightly at the sudden acquaintance of those twin blades.

Then, I could hear a slight masculine voice in my ear, 'your presence here is unwanted.' I paused and the chuckled, laughing at the same voice which I had come to be friends with. That voice did not change at all.

'Aoshi,' I said in a low voice so only he could here, 'you have always been good at speediness. But you are still open.'

In a matter of one second, I was already behind a dark man with black clothing and red collar, pointing at his cheek with one of his blades I had just encountered. He wasn't staggered, as expected, but he suddenly withdrew another blade and nearly slashed my right shoulder but I dodged it elegantly.

We both paused and looked at each other. I stared deep into his bold dark eyes and pondered how we became enemies. He looked expressionless as usual, with long dark hair, covering his eyes. The moon shone on his figure, a beautiful abstract of shadows juxtaposing the soft fabric of his black and red costume, emphasizing the well toned body.

I smiled at his tall and lean figure, a masculine pride spread his face and I suddenly had a sudden recalling back to the past memories. I threw his sword to him which he caught gracefully and I sighed. This was what I had thought things would be, but I have to convince him.

'Aoshi, I'm not here to ask for a fight,' I said and looked at his bold eyes. The four figures that I thought surrounded me was actually a simple illusion to Aoshi's combat style. He could make his enemy confused by allowing himself to look more than one person. I smiled… this was the Aoshi that I knew.

'You sure have the guts to come back here,' Aoshi said with a deep masculine voice. I knew he was grinning behind that expressionless face.

'I have to guts to come back here because I am asking for help,' I said again, and put my hands in my pocket. I wondered where the rest of the gang was. They must be hiding, I thought as I carefully sneak a glance around. I chuckled to myself, so the devil wanted to see me personally. My, that is an honor.

'And what makes you think I will help you?' Aoshi simply asked, his face didn't alter a bit. I smiled genuinely, wondering how the great devil himself would accept an unexpected request.

I sighed and found my place in his eyes. He was now the devil. Aoshi, who used to be my sole apprentice, now replaced me. He had helped me when I was the devil. He even put his life in danger to protect me. Now, he looked at me with a distant eye.

'This might come off unexpected,' I continued, the soft breeze blew my red locks, 'but I want to protect someone.'

Aoshi didn't reply. He stood there with an arrogant stance.

'Quite some time ago I had seen someone that I love with another man. I know I wasn't acting mature. Now I realize my mistake,' I spoke with a determined voice, never taking my eyes off of Aoshi's even for a second, 'now, I don't want to make that same mistake again.'

I paused before continuing, 'I have someone that I want to protect, someone that I have learnt to love again. I have come to ask for a favor from a friend. If that friend can accept my apology, then I would be more than happy than to make it up to him. But if that friend does not want to help me, then I shall bow out gracefully.'

Aoshi bowed his head down and put his sword down. He was still using a sword even at this modern era, I smiled to myself. But I stared at him with a watchful gaze, wondering what his answer would be.

Then there came some footsteps behind us and I turned around to see Aoshi's subordinates running towards him. They halted in their tracks when they saw me, a surprised expression on their faces.

Aoshi held a hand, signaling for them not to enter and looked back at me. 'Himura Kenshin,' Aoshi said with a deep voice, 'if this person is important to you, then I shall help you.'

I made a small smile and bowed slowly, 'you have my thanks Aoshi.'

Aoshi's subordinates gasped and looked at me in terror. I sniffed, remembering I wasn't this soft before I left the town. My past had been ridiculously dark and dangerous. I was known to be the ultimate devil. I looked at them with intense eyes and looked back at Aoshi.

'Bring that person here. We shall talk,' Aoshi said simply. He was, of course, a man with not many words. I bowed again and slowly took a step back, gave a wave and walked out of the dark, a smile spread across my face.

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Kaoru's POV

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When morning came, I woke up with a smile upon my face. I had the most romantic dream. I looked up and found Megumi's bed was empty and tidy. I looked at my watch. It was past 7 already. I got up and quickly went out from the bedroom and found the others chewing on their breakfast.

'Good morning Kaoru,' came Megumi's voice when she saw me.

'Good morning Kaoru, come here and have some breakfast,' Sano said as he crumpled his hair with his hand.

Kenshin walked out of the kitchen with a frying pan, 'who want's some more pancakes?' Then he noticed me and smiled passionately. I shivered, wondering how he could turn my stomach upside down in an instant. I smiled back and placed a big grin across my face, 'I'd like some pancakes,' and settled to sit next to Megumi and Sano.

'Kaoru, we have to go shopping today,' Megumi said after she gulped on her white milk. I looked at her in confusion, 'why?'

'Because we are going to a party tonight,' Megumi replied as Kenshin gave two pieces of pancakes on my plate. 'What party?' I asked and Megumi spoke with a casual tone, 'it's Kenshin's parent's anniversary today and they are making a special party.'

I looked at Kenshin and he smiled reassuringly. Has he settled his problems with his parents yet? I wondered to myself.

'Yes, I'd like you to meet my parents Kaoru,' Kenshin joyfully said as he sat down and helped himself a cup of coffee. I blushed at the sudden thought. Meeting Kenshin's parents? I asked myself. If there was anything more intimate, is the thought of meeting a boy's parents. Not just any boy, this was Kenshin for crying out loud.

I smiled nervously and felt a pat on my shoulder. 'Don't get so nervous Kaoru-san,' Sano said with a chuckle, 'I'm sure this foxy can get you a dress that'll turn heads.'

Megumi hit Sano's head and Sano yelped. I giggled when I saw their expression.

A party… meeting Kenshin's parents…

I looked back at Kenshin and he smiled again. I sighed and thought that as long as Kenshin was there with me, everything would be fine.

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I guess I owe you all a very big apology. So sorry for not updating this sooner. I have sworn to myself that I will finish this story no matter what. So I have to thank the readers for being such a dear and reading this story until the end. BIG HUG TO ALL!

P.S. my end of semester is coming up and I have a big project due. Wish me luck!

Please review, it gets me get up and going. Please encourage me if I should continue with the story!

Cheers my friends.