WELL! Another Chapter! So far, I hope your enjoying it. I put a lot of thought into these and try to make them fun, detailed and intresting... I hope Im doing so. This chapter promises to be a good one, so... enjoy! Sometimes I really can't beleive Im doing this, but hey! Im just a beginner on this site anyway, and I just started writing, so hopefully I won't stop soon... Say, does anyone want AOSHI/MISAO? If I get at least five reviews for it, then I will incorporate it into the story!
Me: Kenshinnnnn!
Kenshin: What?
Me :... I forgot...
Kenshin: ... (sweatdrop)
I seem to be forgetting everything these days, my car keys, my cellphone, even my hairbrush. Last night I went to get a drink of water, and I opened up the refridgerator, and there was my hairbrush between the pickles and mustard. (My dad is a pickle-mustard sandwhich freak.) Im still trying to figure out how it got there... Okay, I'll shut up now and let you read the story.
Disclaimer: I dont own RUROUNI KENSHIN. sob Roses are red and attract butterflies and bees, Im just a poor kid, please dont sue me... (ugh, what a bad rhyme... oh well.)
SOUJIRO POV (hah! bet you weren't expecting that!)
Suddenly, Kenshin threw the picture he was holding to Kaoru and made a dive for the window. He was moving so fast, just a blur...Kaoru threw the picture to me and made a dive for Kenshin. "Stop!" she yelledI watched in shock grasping the picture from my place on the floor. Everything was in slow motion. Kenshin's upper torso was out the window...Kaoru had one of his legs...then they were both gone out the window...
AOSHI POV
I gently rubbed my temples. This loud music was making my head ache, and... Suddenly, I saw a flash of red hair as someone bolted out the window...someone yelled "Stop!"... and two people tumbled to the ground right next to us from the window.A certaindarkhaired girl landed with a thump on top of the unfortunate red-head. "Kaoru!" I shouted. She groaned and rolled to the side panting, glaring daggers at her companion. Kenshin, (At least I think so, with that long red hair,) lay face down in the dirt groaning. "Orororo..." He muttered, limply trying to heave himself up from our garden bed. "Kaoru, what the HELL is going on?" I yelled, helping her up. She dusted herself before answering, eyes filled with anger. "I don't really know, He just made a mad dash for the window, so I thought he might be up to something, and... Hey! where do you think you're going?" she screeched, as Kenshin began to speed away in the other direction. Without hesitation, she took off after him. By now, the party guests had detected the disurbance and were milling about, whispering to each other. Soujiro ran out from the house waving a picture frame, shouting something I couldn't hear above the noise. Tomoe came from another direction, demanding to know where her boyfriend was. And Sano was still slurring out a tune, oblivious to the pandemonium around him.I groaned and rubbed my temples again. Why did this always happen to me?
KAORU POV
I saw him from time to time in the streetlights, running down the deserted streets. I picked up speed, listeningto everytime I heard his sneakers thudding on the pavement. Thoughts rushed about madly in my head, as I tried to gain on him. Why was he still in the house after I left? Why was he running? What was that picture he was holding? The wind was whipping past me, I was so focused on him that I never saw the three strange men, trailing behind me...
KENSHIN POV
Again and again I berated myself. what the hell was I thinking? What the hell was I doing? Why why WHY did this always happen to me. I was confused, I couldn't think straight. Poor Tomoe must be furious with me now. And what wasI going to say if I ran into Kaoru and her brothers again? And what if... I cleared my head. Kaoru was a fast runner and if I didn't concentrate, she would probably be able to catch me. I poured on the speed, heading straight for the darker side of town. Maybe I could lose her in the alleyways... I could hear her behind me, easily keeping time with her strides. soon, the scenery changed. Abandoned stores and vacant lots were everywhere, shady characters lurking around the stoplights, and graffiti everywhere. I finally saw a nice dark alley, perfect for hiding in. I darted in and quickly hid in a small cove like area, trying desperately to blend in with the shadows. soon, I heard her rush in, breathing hard. "Damn Kenshin..." I heard her wheeze, her hand on her knees. "Still as fast as ever... Maybe he went down a side alley or something." she began to edge out of the alley toward the street, and I let out a sigh of releif. Kami-sama only knows what would have happened if she had caught me...
KAORU POV
I exited the alley into the dim orange light of the streetlight. Dang kenshin was still faster then me. Suddenly, three men surrounded me, blocking off my exit. "Where do you think you're going hotstuff?" one grinned. His breath smelled like alchohol, and old shoes. I treid to edge past them but they roughly shoved me back towards the alley I had just left. "Leave me alone you perverted morons." I hissed. I was being slowly forced backwards. "Awww, little kitty. Its cold tonight and me and my friends would be glad to warm you up." One glowered. I felt my heel come in contact with the back wall. I could retreat no further. So I did what any cornered cat woul do. I attacked. I bounded off a sidewall and lunged forward with a sidekick. My foot connected with a very suprised face, and the next moment he was on the ground howling in agony. One of them tried a wide punch but I used an arm trap and hammered his ribs. but the third one had snuck up behind me and I didn't see the chain until I felt it connect with my arm. there was a terrible crack and I felt red-hot pain shoot up my arm. One kicked me and I went sprawling into the backwall. They began to beat me. I felt slap on my face, kicks at my stomach. Every time I tried to stand I was knocked back down. I felt hand try to loosen my shirt but I lashed out. I was rapidly losing conciousness from the pain and exhaustion. I felt the darkness closing in. "Im sorry, Sano, Aoshi, Sou...everyone...Even you...Kenshin..." she whispered before she fell unconcious.
KENSHIN POV
I couldn't beleive what was happening.Kaoru lay on the ground moaning as they tore at herclothes. I didn't even have to think about it. for the moment I forgot about all the hate, all the anger and the sadness.But one thing shot through my very soul.
Those bastards were going to pay.
I lunged from the shadows, kicking one in the gut. He fell to the ground, gasping. A thought that was not mine echoed through me again.
Protect her... quickly, before its too late...
I edged between them and Kaoru, as they gazed stupidly at me. "Hey kid, beat it before we rough you up some too." one snarls. He does some quick punches, but I manage to deflect them easily. I need a bokken...or a katana... or... I catch sight of a discarded desk. Quickly, I grab one of the legs and wrench it off. The familiar feeling of having a weapon in hand eases me. I quickly dispatch two of them, bounding off the walls, and using the leg like a bokken. The last one whips outa long chain. "You're toast you son of a bitch," He growls. The iron links shatter my table leg of a sword, but at the same time, I edge beneath his defences. Without hesitation, I kneed him hard in the stomach. As he went down, I slammed his head into the wall, and he was out cold. The three men lay groaning all about me, trying to crawl toward the exit. I hurried over to Kaoru. Blood oozed from cuts in her skin and from the corner of her mouth. Her arm looked twisted and was at a funny angle, bruises were everywhere. She moaned softly, trying to sit up. I grabbed my cellphone and called 911. A cool feminine voice answered. "Hello, 2nd district police department." "I need an ambulance an a police car over here. there was an attempted rape, and my fri.. an aquantince of mine is badly hurt." I quickly rattled off the directions and shut the phone. Kaoru had managed to open her eyes, tears of pain running down her face. "Am I alive? She tried to move, but gasped as the pain in her arm shot through her. She settled back, a small smirk on her face. "Well, I guess I am." she coughed and blood appeared on her lips. "But maybe not for long..."
KAORU POV
I felt suspended...There were bright lights, red and blue, flashing, I could see the forms of people walking around... People were talking, but it sounded muffled, like I was inside a room watching what was happening to me... I didn't feel any pain, just a strange numbness that dulled everything. Someone was holdng my hand, whispering something over and over. Someone with bright red hair... "Kenii?" I asked I heard excited sounds, and the grip on my hand tightened. It was so warm and it inveloped mine. Then I was drifting again, swimming in and out of conciousness. I was slightly bewildered, and confused. My brain refused to work, as images swam past my eyes. I couldn't move at all... Then finallyI was sinking deep into a comfortable darkness away from everything...
KENSHIN POV
A small concussion, two fractured ribs,one of whichnearly pierced a lung,a broken arm, ruptured stomach lining, and fifty-five stitches. from what the doctors say, its a miracle she's alive still.
Which means it wouldn't be a suprise if she died any minute.
I sit beside her bed, still holding her hand, listening to the steady beat of the heart monitor. Across from me are her three brothers. As soon as they heard what happened, they came. All sit patiently, watching her chest rise and fall. Much calmer then before.
(flashback two hours previously, still kenshin pov)
As they rush her into E.R, they tell me to wait at the door. I can feel the overwhelming waves of guilt rise up in me, consuming me. My fault. If I hadn't run into the alley, if I hadn't gone into the badside of town, maybe none of this would have happened. The three strangers had been taken into custody and I thought for a moment about turning myself in. Suddenly, the doors of the hospitals slam open, and Aoshi comes storming in, pushing protesting doctors and nurses out of the way. Sano and Soujiro follow after him, apologizing. Aoshi storms up to me grabs me by the collar, eyes flashing dangerously.
"What the hell did you do to my sister? Havn't you hurt her enough?" He growls, as Soujiro tries to pull his hand away.
I turn my head, waiting for the blow, wanting it to come, to lessen the dead weight in my soul. Instead a brave nurse steps forward. "Sir, put that man down. He's the reason that she's safe here. He's the one that called 911, and he's the one that fought off the three offenders." she pipes. Immediately the vice-like grip slackens, before letting go. "Sorry." he says gruffly. Suddenly, a nurse bustles out of the E.R. "Sirs, Miss. Kaoru's condition is still serious, but it looks like she is stabilizing. She's in room E45." Aoshi, Sano, and Soujiro rush to the room directed, me tagging behind. My emotions threaten to drown me, thoughts reeling about my head. She deserved it after what she said...No, no one deserves that...It was your fault...No it wasn't... my thoughts continued to echo.
(flashback end)
Kaoru suddenly opens her eyes, snapping my attention back to her. "Kaoru? Kaoru? Can you hear us? Are you okay?" Sano whispered intently. We all leaned forward, peering into her eyes. she coughed slightly, but smiled. "Yeah I can hear you." she whispered hoarsely. "And I've been better." She struggled to sit up, but Aoshi laid his hand on her shoulder. "Don't you even think about getting up. First you scare us all to death, then you get yourself all beat up like this!" he murmered. Kaoru's eyes rolled from person to person, but catching sight of me, they widened then narrowed accusingly. "What are you doing here?" she hissed. She snatched her hand from my grasp, and I felt my heart cringe for a second. "I...I came to apologize..."I started. "Don't even think about it! You...you..." she fell limply against the pillows. Turning so she had her back to me, she finally hissed, "Thank you for rescuing me. But I don't want to see you again." Again I felt my heart cringe. Silently I left the room, my heart and my mind all a mess as my emotions ran rampant. Why did her rejection hurt so much? Didn't I hate her? After all she had done to me? I had to get out. I had to get out of that place... Suddenly, someone ran up to me and hugged me. "Tomoe! I'm so sorry," I cried. She clung to my shirt, her tears clinging to her longeyelashes. "Oh Kenshin, I thought you were hurt...I came as soon as I could..." "Im fine Tomoe, however Kaoru seems to be worse for wear..." I felt her stiffen then she looked up at me admirably. "You saved her? after all she did to you? You're so sweet and kind..." she smiled. Together we left the hospital, arm linked in arm. But I still couldn't get Kaoru out of my head...
A COUPLEWEEKS LATER
KAORU POV
"Mou! Aoshi! GET ME OUT OF HERE!"I screeched atmy oldest brother. I was so damn tired of being in the hospital. I had missed so much already, and school had already started! I knew how much my brothers were sacrificing just to visit me. "Maa maa..." Aoshi soothed. "You get out in a few days! Stop being so impatient." "Why not now? Im fine see?" I flailed my limbs about, other patients instinctively ducking beneath there pillows. It seems I've sparked quite a reputation in this ward, and... "SOU!" I screamed happily, ignoring the glares of the nurses. Soujiro held a bouquet of white roses and tiger lillies, my favorite flowers. Behind him, Sano held (of ALL things) a sleeping Yahiko. "Damn Tanuki, your loud." Sano commented, practically throwing Yahiko into a chair. Yahiko woke with a start and glared at Sano. Shyly he came up to the edge of the bed and laid a misshapenly wrapped gift on the sheets. "I tried wrapping it myself," he said, looking everywhere but me. "But it came out kind of...weird." I delicately unwrapped the gift and had to stifle a giggle. Inside was a small plaque with the words "get well soon" embossed with glass. I glowered a bit when I read the back, which added in permanant marker, "busu". I whacked him on the head. "You little brat!" I laughed. I was really touched though. Aoshi gave me a small box of chocolates. As we all chatted happily, HE walked into the room.
The atmosphere changed instantly.
Everyone fell silent as Kenshingazed around sheepishly, then walked slowly up to my bedside. Without a word, he placed a small package on my bed covers, then turned and left. I was still trying to get over the suprise, I hadn't seen or heard from him in...well, since i told him to leave. With trembling fingers, I gently opened the parcel... and let out a gasp of shock.
Inside was a beautiful silver necklace with delicate silver trimmings. A beautifully carved blue sapphire was set gently in the canter surrounded by small silver whirls that looked like the wind.Inside the box was a small slip of paper with three words;"get well soon" I gently picked it up and gazed wistfully out the door he had just come. Just what are you trying to pull Himura Kenshin? I thought. Are you out to try to hurt me again or what? time unfroze and my brothers and Yahiko babbled together about his sudden appearance. I merely sat and watched the door, thinking. I don't know what is going on in that little head of his, but I did know one thing. There was hell to pay...
Hooooooo, Kenshin! You better watch your back! Kaoru's out for revenge! BWAHAHAHAHAH! I am so evil! And yes, he's a bit of a coward sometimes, but he's got to learn a few good hard lessons before he and Kaoru can finally get together. Also, how does everyone like having Aoshi, Sano, and Soujiro as Kaoru's brothers?
Also, Ive been doing my best to make the chapters longer, and steadily, they are. Its just I dont always have time... this thing called "reality" just keeps on butting in... Im glad people are enjoying it, so! MORE REVIEWS! MORE CHAPTERS! Also, in the last chapter, I said Tomoe was gonna be ticked. T-T I lied! Im soo sorry for those who were waiting to see the fight between kaoru and tomoe...Whoops! too soon, thats not coming for at least a few chapters. But in the coming chapters, she does her best to make kaoru's life a living hell... which kaoru does to kenshin, and kenshin...well kenshin just doesnt know! so anyway, I tried to make the chapters more detailed, but I kept getting interrupted, so please have patience! Okay, Ill shut up now and begin working on the next chapter.