NEWS----I have said this many times already but it bears saying again. This story has been nominated for Best Drama on the RKRC awards this year. I want to thank the individual who did the nominating. It is a great honor to think that someone thought that much of this piece of my work to do that for me. But truthfully, I owe the success of this story to all of you who have been reading it all these months. If not for you and your wonderful reviews and words of support and encouragement, I might not have kept writing. So this is as much your nomination as it is mine. WE did a great job. Go vote for us and we'll see what happens. But truthfully, I'm just so honored and humbled by the fact that I got nominated at all . . . the rest is just icing on the cake. God bless you guys from the bottom of this old lady's heart. I love you all. Kanzen ne Tsuki 3 3 3 3 3
BN: Hey, the name's Nguardian just wanted to introduce myself, as the new beta for our beloved Tsuki-san. I promise to do the best that I can in order to present a well-edited chapter. This is my first time so please be gentle. Any mistakes due to grammar and spelling, you can blame me, I take full responsibility for that. This BN is already way too long, but I just wanted to thank you on behalf of Tsuki-san and the rest of us who worked hard to present this literary piece to you, for the honour of nominating this story, as she said this is for you. See you later
Review Responses at end of Chapter
Chapter Twenty-two
Restorations
Sedgmont, New York
Early Spring, 1818
His sharp blue-green eyes narrowed in retrospect as he considered the extraordinary responsibility his father had entrusted to him. The complete overseeing of the construction of the building, and at the age of twenty-two it was an incredible opportunity for Elliot. It made him feel somewhat proud of himself that his stern and demanding father thought him capable of such an important task, and he had vowed to give it his utmost consideration and greatest effort. After all, it would be an accomplishment that could either make him or break him as a carpenter within the small tight-knit community, and he needed every advantage he was given.
A gentle, yet cold breeze caught the silky length of his black ponytail where it hung between his shoulder blades and playfully tossed it about his neck. It was still early morning and Elliot squinted against the brightness of the rising sun as it peered through the scattered clouds in the sky. There was no evidence of rain or wind in the air, and he smiled. It was going to be a profitable day where the new church structure was concerned. He and Ethan O'Massy had been waiting for a clear day to show up so that they could load up the wagon with digging supplies, round up the workers who had signed on to help with the excavation, and start on the long awaited foundation hole.
As he turned reaching for his horse's reins, a massive pain ruptured inside of his head, and he slumped to the ground cradling his temples in his trembling hands. Low, agonized moans tumbled out of his quivering lips as he curled into a ball shaking with shock, while unbidden tears of pain streaked down his lean handsome face. It felt as if a great fist were closing around his skull and crushing it into useless pulp.
"Dearest God," Whimpering in a frightened voice, he toppled over onto his side and pulled his knees up to his chest in a fetal position. "Help me. I think I'm dyin'. Please help me." Then the blessed darkness came and closed around him sweeping him off into the blessed silence saving him from the pain.
000000000000000
The pain was so intense that she found herself leaning over the chamber pot in her room and vomiting until her entire body was shaking beyond her control. Her head felt as if it were going to explode and it was all she could do to stagger to her bed and curl up around one of her pillows. As tiny whimpering sounds escaped her throat, she began to pray that whatever demon had seized her, would soon grow tired of this game of tormenting and depart. Thoughts of having the pain go on much longer filled her with the primitive terror of an animal caught in a trap, and she did not know if she could endure the ferocity of its stabbing agony without losing her mind. Tears of pain and fear boiled over her thick black lashes and streamed down her taut features.
But as the world began to dim and fade away into blackness, Cassandra breathed a prayer of thanks to God for his immeasurable mercy in sparing her any further suffering. With a long sigh of heartfelt relief she gratefully succumbed to the oblivion of unconsciousness and allowed her body to go limp beneath the assault of the unknown attack. She looked as still and lifeless as one of the hand-painted porcelain dolls that resided on her wall shelves.
000000000000000
His mother found him pale and almost lifeless, slumped over the breakfast table with his flawless boyish face buried in his eggs and pancakes. Fresh vomit coated the side of his cheek and his flesh was cold and clammy to the touch. Pulling his eyelids up she had found that his dove soft blue-gray eyes had rolled far back into his head until nothing but the white showed, and she had started screaming for her husband.Together they had lifted his limp body up and carried him back to his room. After laying him back on his bed, she fetched a cloth and a bowl of cold water and began to wash his face hers etched deeply with worry and fear. Neither she nor his father had heard him make a sound, and neither could remember him saying he felt ill. On the contrary, he had been in excellent spirits that morning laughing and joking as usual. This drastic turn of events was more than frightening . . . it was terrifying.
Nathanial O'Massy left to fetch the doctor. He was not even aware that his only daughter was laying upstairs in her room just as unconscious as his son.
00000000000000000
He had gone out to saddle his horse and then not returned. After more than a quarter of an hour, his housekeeper became concerned and went to the barn in search of him. A startled cry filled the crisp early morning air when she discovered the young School Master lying in an unconscious heap over his horse's saddle. It seemed he had lifted it off its support post, turned around, and then simply dropped it in the dirt and fell on top of it covering it with his chest.
The tousled mass of his heavy red hair lay spread all about him as his cheek pressed its mark into the powdery dirt, and fine streaks of mud clung to his damp cheeks where they were wet. The older woman gently reached out and brushed tangled red strands out of his face so she could look closer and discovered much to her shock that there were tears still oozing from the corners of his eyes. He was crying and completely unconscious.
"Oh me poor, poor, boy." She exclaimed in distress. "What has happened to you? What has happened to you?"
00000000000000
He was drunk and so close to passing out that the pain meant nothing to him. It was just another inconvenience to deal with as he crawled beneath the quilts of his bed and pulled them over his head. Blessed oblivion was only scant moments away and his father would be otherwise occupied at the church today with Elliot and their building plans. No one would notice his absence for a few hours, so Daniel closed his eyes and drifted off into the darkness without a single care. The pain in his head was as quickly pushed aside and forgotten as it had been noticed. It was just another hangover.
00000000000000
"What the fu . . . Where the hell am I?" Kenshin sat straight up and despite the severe pain pounding in his temples, gazed in wide eyed confusion at his foreign surroundings. "This is not my room." He muttered more to himself than anything since he was alone in the strange room. "This isn't even the school dorm. What the fuck is going on here? Where is this place, and how in the hell did I get here?" He swung his legs over the edge of the bed trying to be especially careful not to jar or move his throbbing head to fast. But even that much movement sent a wave of nerve screaming pain stabbing through his skull and forcing him to drop his head between his knees as nausea surged up his throat. "Ohhhh shit . . . What the hell happened to my head?""Are ye feelin' any better, Master Edmond?" The voice of an older woman spoke to him from across the room. Kenshin raised his head and located the woman where she stood in the partially opened doorway. Her soft, wrinkled face was wearing an expression of deep concern as her sharp gray eyes raked over his trembling form. "Would you be wantin' a cup of Earl Gray maybe? It might settle your stomach, I'm thinkin'."
"Earl Gray?" He knew he was looking at her like she'd grown two heads, but he couldn't help it. "You want to make me a cup of tea?" 'She called me Edmond . . . what the hell is going on? Where am I?'
"Aye. You're always drinking it when your stomach gets upset." The woman's eyes narrowed with confused worry and she stepped further into the room. "Are ye alright, Master Edmond? Did you hit your head when ye fell?"
"Hit my head?" He repeated in a dumb, bland voice his own growing confusion becoming evident. "Where did I fall?" 'Boy, did I ever hit my head. I must have hit it damn hard to be having a nightmare like this. Shit! I'm actually dreaming I'm Edmond, or me, or whoever 300 years ago. Geez, can't I get away from this crap?'
"In the barn," She replied, and then began wringing her hands on the apron tied around her ample waist. "Don't ya remember anything about what happened this morning?"
"I... ah . . . no, I really don't." He started rubbing his fingers against the throbbing on both sides of his head, and a small groan of pain slipped free from his clenched jaw. "Maybe you could refresh my memory." 'Maybe I can wake up . . . I really need to wake up.'
"You went out to saddle up Mister Jenner and never came back. I started to get worried when you didn't come in to get your lunch and your coat, so I went lookin' for ya."
"Uh-huh. Then what?" 'Saddle up Mr. Jenner? Please God, please tell me Mr. Jenner is a horse.'
"That's when I found you passed out in the barn laying face down in the dirt." She was almost to the point of wailing as she wrung her apron into wrinkled knots. "You'd fallen right on top of your saddle. I had to run down the street to Master Harvey's place to get him and his boy to come and help me get you back into the house. I tried to send for Dr. Keysel but he was gone out to the O'Massy's place . . . "
"O'Massy?" Kenshin's head shot up the pain making his vision swim into double and triple images. "Did you say 'O' Massy'?" 'Oh shit . . . I'm gonna be sick . . . I am seriously going to be sick . . . oooooohhhhh noooooo . . . '
"Why, yes I did, Master Edmond." The old housekeeper looked at him perplexed. "You remember the Bread Maker, don't you?"
Kenshin moaned in misery and just happened to spot what he hoped was the chamber pot. Lurching to his feet, he stumbled to the corner of the room and dropped to his knees while grasping the side of the brass, urn-like, vessel. Almost immediately his stomach contracted violently and evacuated all of its contents spewing everything Edmond had eaten for breakfast that morning into the depths of the brass pot.
"Ooooh God," He moaned as he weakly leaned his head against the wall waiting for the spasm to pass. "Let's not do that again, Eddy . . . Ok."
"Master Edmond?" The light touch of the old woman's hand came in contact with his shoulder as she bent over him. "Are ye alright, Sir? You're talkin' to yourself like you're another person . . . maybe ye should go back to bed and I'll send word to Dr. Keysel to come as soon as he can. All right?"
"Sure, I wouldn't mind going back to bed for a little while, but I don't need a doctor."
"But Master Ed . . . "
"I'll be right as rain with a few hours rest. I don't need a fu . . . I don't need a doctor." He turned and looked up into her pale shocked face and thanked the Lord for the ability to think rationally under pressure, or he may have ended up in the stockades for cursing. Especially cursing with THAT particular word. 'If I'm in Colonial America, I better becareful what I say or I might end up on the wrong end of a rope.'
"Well, alright but only if you're certain." She offered him an arm and helped him up. "You just don't seem to be yourself."
"I swear I'll be fine, Mrs.... Mrs . . . " 'Shit! How am I supposed to know her name? Eddy, you tight-ass primrose, where are you when I need you?'
"Mrs. Connely." Her sturdy arm reached around his slender waist as she helped him walk across the room back to the bed. "I really am worried about you, Master Edmond. You aren't remembering what happened this mornin' nor are ye remembering me own name, and here I've been working for ye these last four years. Oh dear, are you certain I shouldn't call for the doctor?"
"No, Mrs. Connely. I'm sure it's all just temporary. Forgive me about your name . . . I remember it now. I just needed a little prodding, that is all. I'm sure everything will come back to me. Please put your mind to rest and leave poor Dr. Keysel to the people who really need him." Kenshin patted the old housekeeper's hand in reassurance as he thanked her for all of her kindnesses to him, and then he lay back down on the bed, gingerly resting his still throbbing head on the pillow. "I just need to rest, and then I'll be fine."
"Well, alright, Master Edmond. But if you are still acting strange when you wake up, I'm calling for Dr. Keyes." And with a firm nod she turned and marched out of his room closing the door behind her.
"Eddy," Kenshin mumbled under his breath as he surveyed the room. "What the fuck have you gotten me into now, and for that matter, where the hell are you?" Closing his eyes, he forced himself to release the tension in his neck and shoulders by relaxing the muscles one by one. As he felt the tautness leaving his body, he began to wonder about his present predicament, and by way of logical thinking he decided to test a theory. Lifting one hand, he reached across his chest and pinched his other arm . . . hard.
"Ouch! Dammit!" 'Fuck! I guess that proves it, I'm really here. But how did I get HERE, and if I'm here, is Kaoru here too? Is Hiko here?' Questions began rolling around inside of his head until soon he was wondering if he and Kaoru had actually switched places with Edmond and Cassandra. 'Are they playing 'us' in 'our' bodies in the future? And if they are, what is happening at the lighthouse?' As the memories of the confrontation with Hiko/Daniel began to surface through his conscious thoughts, Kenshin began to relive the sword fight with his step father just as it had taken place; blow for blow right up to the very end.
In his minds eye Kenshin could see the big, dark-haired man as he lay on the floor in the blossoming pool of his own blood, and he remembered tying the tourniquet around the freely bleeding stump of the man's wrist. Then there was the gapping wound in the man's chest that he had packed full of linen to stop the loss of blood there. But as the disjointed images flashed before him, he began to tremble in shock and horror. Suddenly he remembered everything.
"It will never be over, Eddy . . . You 'ere me, me boy? It'll never be over as long as there's breath in this body." Unbelievably, Daniel's left hand shifted to his boot, and before the Angel-wolf or Edmond or Kenshin could understand or react, the hand pulled back and sent the glint of sliver flying through the air dead on its mark.
Pain blossomed inside of the red-haired man's belly, and as his eyes blew open wide in amazement, he felt himself dropping to his knees. His hand reached for the pain and found something solid, he pulled at it, and was surprised to feel the weight of a short blade as it came loose in his grasp. Looking down he saw the dark stain appear on the lower left side of his blue vest, and was almost fascinated as it began to grow larger.
"You fucking bastard . . . " He rasped as he looked up and met the malevolent green gaze of the man he had just saved.
"I told you, Eddy. This will never be over, Laddy . . . never."
"Fuck you, Daniel." The Angel-wolf reached for his katana but his vision began to swim. "I'm going to end this now . . . once and for all. I refuse to let the likes of you win, you Godless sonofabitch." Edmond's clear cultured tones started breaking through as the sword began to slide free of the wooden sheath. "I promised Sandra I wouldn't die, and, by God, I'm not going to..."
"Oh my God," He moaned on a sob of pain and grief. "He killed me. I saved his fucking life and he killed me. No, no, no . . . Oh God. Kaoru . . . Where are you, Kao? Where are you? I need you. Help me . . . Oh God . . . help me." Kenshin rolled onto his side and curled up into a ball of despair. He'd lost everything.00000000000000000000
"We're all right, Father. For pitiesake, let poor Dr. Keysel go home." It had taken Kaoru and Soujiro about ten minutes to figure out what had happened to them, and even though neither of them had any idea how they came to be in Ethan and Cassandra O'Massy's bodies back in 1818, it was a fact they could not deny. So, together they had somehow convinced their 'parents' that they were probably only suffering from some sort of a stomach ailment or temporary fever and both would be fine with just a little rest. Dr. Keyes, who had been unable to find anything wrong with either young person, was forced to agree.
"Nathanial," The older man dressed in his customary black suit stood up and walked over to the worried parents. "I can't find anything amiss with either of them. It could be the chill that was in the air the last few days as well as the fog and the rain. There have been several people in town who have taken ill over the past several weeks because of the weather fluxuations, so it is not entirely out of the question that your children could have caught something. Considering how much time they both spend out in the elements helping you with your business, I'm surprised they haven't become ill much sooner."
"You are certain, Dr. Keysel?" Nathanial O'Massy cast a worried look over the older man's head in the direction of his children. "Neither have ever been stricken like this before. It was so . . . sudden."
"Yes, I am certain. They just need to be kept warm, and kept inside so they can rest for the remainder of the day. They should be just fine by morning." Dr. Keysel turned to Nathanial's wife, Lydia, who was wringing her hands in her apron. "You mustn't worry yourself so, Lyddie." He chided in a gentle understanding voice. "They are both strong, young people. They will be fine."
"Thank-you, Stanly." She squeezed his hands and tried to smile. "Thank-you for coming so quickly."
"What's a cousin to do when family is in need, Lyddie?" He leaned into her and kissed her cheek. "You know I always come when you need me."
"God be with you, Stanly."
"God be with you and yours, Lyddie." Nathanial escorted Dr. Keysel to the front door and courteously let him out.
When he returned, Lydia had already shuffled both children off to their rooms with strict orders that they go right back to bed and rest. Both were still complaining of roaring headaches, and each had vomited at least twice since waking up. It was a curious illness, but if the doctor felt certain it was harmless and set itself to rights soon, then he would not worry. After all, Stanly was Lydia's third cousin and had been a doctor for nearly twenty-five years. Everyone trusted him.
0000000000000000000
A few hours later Soujiro crept up the stairs and snuck into Kaoru's bedroom. Tip-toeing across the room, he reached the side of her bed without making so much as a board creak, and so when he reached out and touched her arm, he was very careful to do it with the barest of caresses so as not to alarm her.
"Kaoru?" He whispered close to her ear as he stroked the skin of her forearm. "Kaoru, wake up. We need to talk. Kaoru?"
"Hmmmm . . . " Kaoru stirred and shifted her position by rolling onto her side and facing him. Large, round blue eyes opened and peered at him with caution and puzzlement as she tried to make out his features in the dim light of the room. "Sou? Is that you?" She mumbled in a sleepy voice. "What are you doing awake? Do you feel better?"
"Yes, enough that I don't feel like painting the walls any more." He grinned at her as she offered him a disgusted look. "How about you? Are you feeling any better? Is your headache going away?"
"I guess so. At least it doesn't feel like I'm getting crushed in the Gensai's trash compacter any more."
"That's an improvement."
"Definitely." She smiled into his laughing face and raised herself into a sitting position in slow, deliberate movements meant to keep her from upsetting the new delicate balance of comfort she was enjoying. "So, what do you think happened to us?"
"Ummmm, that is a very good question." He stood up and sat down beside her. "The last thing I remember is talking to Cassandra, and then everything went black."
"You were talking to Cassandra?" Kaoru looked at Soujiro dumfounded. "How did you know it was her and not me? And for that matter, what were you doing at the lighthouse anyway?"
"That's a little complicated."
"Well, it doesn't look like we're going anywhere real soon, so tell me what's going on."
"It started after that animal, Daniel, took you and Quii and disappeared into nowhere." Soujiro reached out and took Kaoru's hand as he felt her shivering beside him. "Kenshin went totally nuts. I really thought he was going to lose it."
"He . . . he did?" She asked in a small voice.
"Yes. He loves you, you know. The only thing he could think about was finding a way to get you back. That was all that mattered to him. He couldn't think about anything else." Soujiro watched as Kaoru nodded in silence, but when her hand tightened its grip on his he knew how much Kenshin's devotion was effecting her. "So, he and us guys got together and . . . "
"He and you guys?" She cut him off. "What 'guys'? Who besides you and Kenshin are involved in this thing?"
"Aoshi, Sano, and Ruakii."
"ALL OF THEM?" The stark incredulity in her voice brought a smile of pride to his face."Yes Ma'am. All of them." He squeezed her hand tighter. "We came up with a plan to go to the lighthouse and get both you and Quii out."
"Kenshin came down to the pit for us." Kaoru said as she turned and looked off into nowhere. "I remember the light shining down inside and hearing his voice telling me he was there to get us out. I thought I was going to explode with relief, but then, I knew deep down inside he was going to come for me. I knew he was."
"Well, he did, and he went inside alone."
"Alone?" Her face whipped back to stare at Soujiro. "Why in the hell would he go in alone? That's dangerous, Sou. Why would he do that knowing Hiko and Daniel were in there waiting for him? Why?"
"Because he's my brother." Soujiro shrugged and looked away. "Because that's how he does things. He goes first so no one else gets hurt."
"To protect you, right?"
"Yes, to protect us. But he told us if he wasn't back in fifteen minutes me and Aoshi were supposed to come looking for him while Sano and Ruakii went back to the school for help."
"Back to the school? Is he insane?"
"No, he's not insane." Blue-gray eyes filled with fierce loyalty turned and looked deep into Kaoru's face. "He left a note for Master Saitou before we left telling him everything that was going on as well as where we were going and what we were going to do. He didn't want us to be caught out there without some kind of a back up, and he knew Master Saitou would come looking just to find out what the hell was going down."
"He's still playing the 'big brother' and taking care of everybody, isn't he?"
"Yes, he probably always will. But, Kaoru, you have to remember one thing."
"What's that?"
"He came for you. He may have taken all those measures to protect me and the guys as much as he could, but he came for you, and that is the only reason he came."
"Oh Sou . . . What happened? I don't know what happened after Cassandra took over my body. It was like I was in this really bizarre dream and all I can remember are images and pictures. Nothing makes sense. Please tell me what happened."
"Aoshi and I came inside looking for Kenshin . . . it was wicked, Kaoru. The whole interior of the lighthouse was changed."
"Changed, what do you mean changed?"
"Changed, like it was brand new."
"But, how?"
"I don't know. It was like walking into a movie of a ghost story or something. You know, how ghosts drag people into their past life and the world changes to their reality? Well, that is just what it was like. The lighthouse was looking like what it must have 300 years ago. It was beautiful, but that wasn't the strangest thing."
"What was?" Kaoru was starting to feel dizzy and it had nothing to do with her headache.
"Aoshi and I . . . we changed too."
"You changed?"
"Uh-huh. Our hair, our clothes, everything. We looked like a couple of colonial fops complete with flouncy shirts and fancy bow tie things, leather boots and short pants, and ponytails tied up with black ribbons. It was very weird." Then Soujiro turned to face Kaoru and took both of her hands in his. "But that was just the beginning. We were running through the rooms looking for Kenshin when we accidentally found someone we thought was you with Quii, but it turned out to be Cassandra in your body."
"I'll bet that was a shocker." Kaoru offered him a repentant smile.
"No shit, but that was just the first one. When she got a look at Aoshi and me, she went all strange and started talking to us like she knew us."
"What?"
"It seems that you, Kenshin, and Hiko aren't the only ones who are on the reincarnation guest list here. Aoshi and I are just as deeply involved as the rest of you."
"But how is that possible, Sou? I don't understand."
"Well, look at us, Kaoru. I'm your younger brother, Ethan O'Massy, and at some point after you get married to Daniel, I challenge him to a duel because of his abuse and . . . " Soujiro's voice trailed off and he lowered his eyes staring at their hands. "And he kills me."
"Oh my God, no. No, tell me that's not true, Sou. Tell me that's not true." Kaoru's voice rose on a note of panic and Soujiro reached out and pulled her into his arms.
"I wish I could, but Cassandra told me herself that it happened, so who am I to dispute the fact. Ethan O'Massy is the first murder that Daniel March commits, even though it is done beneath the guise of a gentleman's duel."
"Sou, oh Sou . . . " Kaoru broke into tears burying her face in his shoulder.
"There is more, Kaoru, and you have to hear it. It's about Aoshi."
"What? What about Aoshi?" She turned stiff against him as she prepared for the telling.
"His name is Elliot, and he was Cassandra's closest friend from the time they were children. He wanted to marry her but couldn't because of some screwy laws they had back then about older sons and profitable matches. She would have married him as well but her father wouldn't allow it and instead he promised her to Elliot's older brother who stood to inherit the majority of his father's wealth."
"O-older brother . . . ? Are you saying . . . are you telling me that Aoshi is . . . that Elliot was . . . "
"Elliot is Daniel's younger brother, and Cassandra O'Massy's best friend."
"I can't take this anymore, Sou. I can't." Quiet sobs shook her thin shoulders as she sagged against the man next to her. "What happened to Elliot?"
"Cassandra didn't know. He was the one who helped her and Edmond escape Sedgmont after they fell in love, but she never saw him again. However, she believes Daniel probably killed him after somehow making him tell where they had gone too. She thinks that is how he found them."
"Another senseless murder, all in the name of possessing a woman he couldn't have."
"Yes. So it would seem."
"Sou?"
"What?"
"Do you think Kenshin, Aoshi, and Hiko are here the same as we are?"
"You mean, here in this time in their other selves' bodies like we are?""Yes, do you think they came back here with us?"
"It would stand to reason. We were all in the lighthouse at the same time, and these five people are all significantly tied together by this string of events that leads up to Daniel murdering Edmond and Cassandra."
"If they are here, we have to find Kenshin and Aoshi." Kaoru raised her head and looked into Soujiro's soft eyes. "We have to get all of us together and figure out what we are supposed to do while we're here."
"I should think that was obvious, Kaoru."
"Obvious? How?"
"We have to stop Daniel from completing the series of murders he committed 300 years ago. We have to stop him from killing Edmond and Cassandra. If we don't, you and Kenshin are already dead and the cycle will start all over again creating another paradox like the one existing within the lighthouse."
"We can't let that happen, Sou."
"No, we can't." He watched the expressions play across her face and felt a flood of relief wash through him as a look of determination settled on her features.
"Then let's go find them." She said, her blue eyes snapping with renewed vigor as she jumped off the bed. "I don't think setting around here waiting for them to find us is going to do any good, so let's go."
"Ok by me." He hopped off the bed and took her by the hand. "Come on, pretty girl. There's no time like the present, and besides that, we need every second we can get."
"You're not just kidding about that." She replied and followed him out of the room. "Let's find Kenshin first, Ok?"
"Ok. Do you know where to look?"
"No, but someone has to know who Edmond Fetlock is. All we have to do is ask if anyone has seen him."
"Good point, just be sure to ask in as vague a way as possible. Remember where and when we are. We don't want to end up in trouble for being improper or unlawful or something."
"Point well taken." She shuddered as a vision of the old colonial stockade passed through her mine. "Well, shall we?""After you, Miss O'Massy." Soujiro bowed and waved her on in front of him.
"Smart-ass." Kaoru grinned and smacked him on the shoulder. "Quit showing off and let's go." The handsome boy just chuckled and followed her down the stairway.
They cautiously walked out the front door and into the street. Urgency was of the utmost importance so they hurried off to find someone who looked like they might be willing to answer a question or two. As always, time was against them. It seemed some things never changed.
TBCReview Responses:
Thanks to everyone who continues to read this story. And thanks to nameless masses who read in silence and keep coming back. Everyone of you are humbly appreciated, and you are all what have made this a great story. Arigato to the greatest fans in fanfiction. KnT
Psychotic-catster: Yes, I know there are 'E' names abounding in here, but I couldn't help it. They are like my all time favorite turn of the century type names. And they just popped out of my head when I was writing. I didn't even think about it until I went back to re-read what I wrote.
You read this on Friday the 13th? Crazy kid. And I'm sorry about the long waits in between updates. I just have so much going on right now it's hard to find time to write. But I promise, I will finish this story. Bless you, you funny thing. Tsuki-san
Unknown beedee: I know I'm awful. I have your new story posted on my webby but I haven't read it yet. I have a ton of chapters to read on a ton of stories. I need to take one day this week and just set down and read everything. I'm glad you're still here reading. And I'm glad you're back writing. Don't give up...not ever. Tsuki
JD Fielding: Ah, my beloved JD. My thoughts and prayers will always be with you, dear friend. As well as my unwavering respect. You are one of the Great Ones.
Thanks for all you say and for cheering me onward. I'm glad you think Hiko/Daniel go what he deserved. Thanks for the compliment on the fight scene. You have no idea how many times I rewrote it because it just didn't sound right. I'm always tickled when I surprise you. HEHEHE And surprising you about everyone's pasts being linked together was great! It is something I just came up on a whim and it seems to work as well as give the story a little more credibility with the ghost thing which is something I've been looking for from the beginning. Glad you approve. See you soon, my friend. God Bless. Tsuki
Kik-ting: Hiko/Daniel just proved what a truly evil persons they really are. Never trust a man who would make his wife give up her only son just because he won't let the man wreck havoc in his home. Glad your still here, Kik. Tsuki
Reignashii: To tell the truth, most of my sons friends can't believe I like Anime and video games either. They think I'm the weirdest Mom they ever met. And when they found out I write fanfiction too, well that just sent them all over the top. I guess I'm just the Mom who never quite grew up. I'd rather get on the floor with my boys and watch Anime/Adult Swim than just about anything else. Glad you like the story. Thanks for hanging around to read and review. Tsuki
Lere: Lere, lere, lere.... my most beloved and sweet friend. I am honestly thinking of a lemon/lime with Edmond and Cassandra before this thing is over... but you know It would have to be more limey than Lemon. But you're right... they do deserve it. Thank you for all of the stories you sent, and the wonderful, excellent fanart links. I am planning on redoing my RK gallary very soon. You are wonderful to me. I am planning on finding a way to incorporate your name Lere into my webby as a contributer to my content. So look out, your going to be there in the future. Also, catti-dono. Both of you provide me with so much stuff. I have to put you on. I love you, you sweet brazilian woman. Tsuki-san
Kaoru-890: Thanks for the return hug. I like hugs too. Glad you loved the blood and gore. LOL. There will be more in the future. I'm just so happy you're still here. God Bless your sweet face. Tsuki-san
Sakura-chan87: Ok, ok... I will do a lemon with Edmond and Cassandra. But like I told Lere, it will have to be more limey because of 's regulations. I was half-way planning on it anyway, you two just made up my mind. Little hentai women.
Lendra-chan: Are you back from camp or wherever it was you went? And by the way, you funny kid. I am not in my 20's or 30's. I'm in my 40's so now everyone can be shocked and appalled. GASP!! I'm even a Grandma with my oldest step-son LOL. My oldest son is almost 18... shudders. You are so funny. I love you. LOL P.S. I can't find your friend, Ditox, on I hope they didn't delete her account or something. Anyway, I tried searching for it and everything, but it won't come up. Could you please e-mail me a link to it. For some screwy reason 'search' isn't finding it for me. It could be all the gliches has been having lately, but whatever, I can't get it. So, please email it to my Ladyinblk4 aol account. Tsukisan
Xia Xue: I don't read romance books. My mom used to read them 24/7 too. THE WEDDING SCENE?? That is the kewlest! Of course, you're past there now so you know what happened. It was great! BTW, I'll have to look into that fic you mentioned... sounds interesting. So they call you the 'Beast'? Works for me. Everyone should have a good nickname. Mind is the Dragon Lady. Nice to meet you, Beast. - Peace, baby. Glad you liked the update. Hope this one was good too. Catch ya laterz. Tsuki
Steph: Hey girly! I am so glad you didn't think I went to far. Sano and Ruakii went back to the School to get help. Remember, Kenshin left the note for Saitou? And remember when the five guys had the talk outside of the lighthouse? Kenshin told Ruakii that he would need someone to go for help is something went wrong. Well, that's were he sent them... back to get help. Hope that helps you out. Happy you think it's a great story. God Bless, Steph. Tsuki
Catti-dono: Oh my lovely friend! You are so wonderful to me. You and Lere are the rocks I stand on. I showed Cameron what you wrote and he laughed. He wasn't even upset you called him 'chan'. He just kept poking it in my face that he saved me from certain death by fans if I hadn't posted the second chapter. LOL. BTW... Like I told Lere, I am going to incorporate your name into my webpage because you and she do so much for me by sending me stories and weblinks and information that helps me out. I want to acknowledge you both for the help you give me. So, once I figure out where I'm going to put it... You are both going up in blazing glory. Thank you for helping me, for supporting and promoting me, and thank you for being one of my dearest friends. I love you, cat. Tsuki
Nguardian: Hello, you sweet thing. Thank you for being my new beta reader. Thank you for your friendship and the laughs we share when we chat, and thank you for believing in me and sticking with me for this long as a fan. I hope this finds you well, and in finer spirits with less feelings of inadequacy than the last few times we talked. You just remember, high school or not... if you are in college courses now, you are just as smart as those jerks who are already in there. Don't let them intimidate you. You have every right to be there so ignore them and just focus on what is important to you. I believe in you, and pray for you every day. God bless, dear friend. Tsuki-san
MZ AmbER EYES: I apologize that it took me so long to update again. It seems like my life is suddenly so full of obligations and things to do, I hardly have time to go to the bathroom let alone write. I'm just so glad to see you. I'm always glad to see you. Thanks for being here. Tsuki
Formerly Kuroi Tamashii: Is this anything like 'The Artist Formerly Known as Prince' ? Just kidding. I like the name. It's definitely one you won't forget easily. wink. I'm glad to see you here. And no, you never told me you were madly in love with Drama and watching/reading about other characters pain/anguish etc. LOL... sick girl. That's ok, so do I otherwise I wouldn't write about it so much. Tsukisan
BelleDayNight: Oh me Belle. You're back in school again... but at least Patho is over and this semester is much more manageable... yes? And, yes, I know I went 'E' crazy. I don't know why other than they are my favorite turn of the century type guy names, and they just popped out when I was writing. As for the multiple past lives... It was just something I came up with one day out of the blue, and liked. It went back and added somemore meat to the ghost story which is something I really wanted to do... and it seems to be working. I'm glad you approve. I saw your updates, and I swear I am going to get to them soon. I was out of town all weekend, F-M for my husbands birthday, and I need to take just one whole day this week and read. I am so far behind on everything. Like, when am I not, right?. Thanks for being there, Belle. Love you, girl. Tsuki
Rain-angst: It's almost time for the leaves to start turning orange, yellow, and red around that cabin. And it's going to start getting cold too. Are you ready for the first cold snap of Fall? Hope there is a good wood pile out back and a lot of fresh quilts to bundle up in. Need a book? Glad you liked the chapters. And so happy you're still here. God Bless, Tuski-san
Luraia Soul: Did you like 'where/when' I took all of them? And did the chapter stand up to your expectation? Tsuki
The Lone Lemon: Colonial Soujiro AND Colonial Aoshi... yummy! Ahem... cough cough. Shoot me??? Would I do such a terrible thing as to kill Kenshin?? Me?? Nah..... LOL tsuki
RkfaN930: I always notice new names. And I notice when they come back. Thanks for coming back. I'm glad you like the story enough to stick around and review again. And thanks for your concern about my health. I appreciate it. It's and up and down battle I deal with one day at a time. God Bless. I hope you liked this chapter. Come back and see me again. Tsuki-san
Kodora Fairy: Of course a lot of things seem unfinished, sweetie. It's not over yet. There are at least 8-10 chapters left to go. Maybe a few less but there is a lot that still has to happen. I am so happy you think its GREAT, as well as one of the best you've read. That means a lot to me. I hope you come back and finish reading the whole thing. God Bless, Small Tiger Fairy. Tsuki
Paisita: What is going to happen? Well, honey, if I told you that it wouldn't be a surprise. wink. It is always so wonderful for me to see you here. And may I say, your english writing is getting better every day. You are beautiful. Tsuki-san
Sephiress: I see you so often on line, sweetling, but a review is still a treat. I love how you word things, and everything you say to me means so much. I hope you know you've been adopted as one of my psuedo-kids. I love you, kiddo. You are one of the lights that shines in my heart. I'm always here for you. Glad you still like the story. God bless, Angel. Tsuki-san
El Captain: WoW! You came over to read my story. I'm surprised and flattered. The summary got cut off right in the middle. If you go back to the first chapter and re-read the outline at the very beginning, it explains the legend. The summary asks the question 'what happens when Kenshin get's tangled up in the towns oldest ghost story'. I have tried to re-word it about 4 times trying to get that in there, but it keeps going over the 250 word limit. So whenever someone mentions that, I redirect them back to the first chapter. No one ever bother's to read that stuff. Anyway, glad you liked the story. Thanks for reading... that is so cool. I really liked your chapter in the round robin too. God Bless, Captain. Tsuki-san
De Lazy Lime: Cameron is on cloud nine 'I told you so, Mom'. He is strutting around like his poop don't stink cause everybody is thanking him for making me post that second chapter. LOL Cocky little brat. That's what you get when you let a 13 year old read your stories. LOL
I love to see you here, Sara. You are one of my absolute favorite fans and dearest friends. I love your letters and everything. Did I tell you? Catti and Lere have talked me into doing a limey between Edmond and Cassandra... thought your hentai little mind might like to know that. LOL Tsuki-san
Sick Galaxy: Don't you know ice cream melts in Arizona? LOLOL I had to drink it out of the bucket... but boy oh boy, was it ever good. SMACK SMACK! One of my favorite parts was having Sou tell Aoshi he looked good in green. I giggled the whole way through. Hmmm, sorry about your little bro.... Daniel, eh? Actually, Daniel is one of my favorite boys names... but, oh well. Take care, sweetie. Tsuki-san.
Fate's Destiney: Yes, I am going to keep going. I promise I will finish this fiction. I don't know how long it will take because it seems like my life just exploded into pure chaos, but I will finish it. Thanks for thinking its cool. I hope you hang around for the end. Tsuki
Kean: Kean, kean, kean... the voice of pure reason and honesy. How I love to see you here. I know you will give me an opinion I can trust implicitly. If you say I didn't go too far, then I will stop worrying. And if you say it is FAN-tastic, then I'm ok. God Bless you, you wonderful friend. Thanks for being there for me. You have no idea how much it means to me. Thank you. Tsuki-san
Midi Tenshi: My Little Angel girl. I know you hate the cliffies, baby. Everybody does, but sometimes, they happen because I run out of stuff to write. LOL. Oh, and thanks for adding one more puff of hot air to Cameron's already huge head. He thinks he's all that and a bag of chips now because half of everyone has thanked him for making me post the second chapter. I keep hearing, 'see, Mom... I told you so." Arrgh! LOLOL... boy, is he ever 13. I hope you liked this chapter, sweetie. I do so love seeing you here. God bless, Angel girl. Tsuki-san
Pixel the Evil Fairy: It's the fairy girl again. Kewlness! Thanks for not thinking I blew it with this last chapter. I really hope you liked the one I just posted. I just have to say it again... I love your name. It reminded me of that one movie/cartoon that came out a few years back with all the fairies in it trying to fight off the evil sludge that oozed out of the tree the sawmill company cut down. God, I can't remember the name of it. It had Robin Williams in it as a Bat that had been abused as a lab bat and he had eletrodes or something coming out of his head. I wish I could remember the name... anyway, your name reminds me of that movie. It was a funny movie though it had very heavy environmental undertones. Tsuki
RK YGO YYH IY: Did you know, on my webpage, I have RK, IY, and YYH fanfiction. And I have RK, IY fanart gallaries Most of the pics in the IY gallary are hentai, and I'm working on a YYH fanart gallary at the moment. Not to big of a YGO fan, but I have a friend who is, and she's getting me into the fanart if not the fanfiction. Anyway... I'm happy that you love my story, and I hope you hang around til the end. Try not to eat so many M&M's. You'll live longer. LOLOL Tsuki
Blade of Fire: No worries about how long it took you to review. Look how long it took me to update. I'm just happy you're still with me and still like the story enough to let me know what you think. God Bless , Blade. I know school is a pain in the butt. Hang in there. Tsuki
Ixchen: A spinning mind is a beautiful thing. grins wickedly. Tsukisan
Immortal Blood: I'm glad you came back, and its nice to know you still love the story. I am continuing and hopefully I will be able to finish it. Thanks for coming back. God Bless. Tsuki
Lemon drop: I reminded you. Did you like it? Tsuki
HaPPy BuNNy: You ThInK You'Re GeTTiNg NaUcioS? WoW! Nope! Didn't get this story from anywhere but my own twisted little brain. And baby, is it ever twisted. The only thing I really used was 'The Scarlet Letter' and that was just for some of the old time Colonial laws and treatment of women way back then. They really looked at things a whole lot differently than we do now. But other than that... it's all mine. Don't know where it came from either... just pooped itself out one day, and it keeps on coming. I'm glad you still think it's a great story. Hope you still think so at the end. Love you kid. Tsuki-san P.S. I am not doing your homework. LOL
Twishinky: Dearest Twish... I know you're out there you adorable woman. You are always out there. I haven't had time to go read 'Internal Affairs' since you updated. I am so far behind on my reading that its a criminal offense. I am going to do it though. I need to take one day this week and just read. I love you you sweet thing. Hope life is treating you as well as possible I know how hectic your life is. God bless sweet friend. Miss you too. Tsuki-san