Hi everyone!
Sorry for the delay. Now that i've finished the second part of this story in portuguese, I think i'll have much time to update this one.
Also, maybe my chapters are going to be smaller, but updated with more frequency.
Thanks to those who reviewed and favorited this fic.
Hope you to enjoy this chapter.
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Chapter 11 - Running Away from Me
She sat at his side on the futon.
Sakura knew her husband too well. We was lost in thoughts probably because of the last events. In a short period of time, they were attacked several times, and in one of those attacks his brother Saigo end up being killed. Because of that, they were forced to constantly change their whereabouts and Sakura was afraid of the effect that constant rush would have on the kids.
In her point of view this increasing attacks only happened because they knew Ishin was fragile. Somehow the news about a traitor among them were spreading to the outside quickly and their enemies were striking at full strength hoping to destroy the group. Worst of all, the problems not only came from the outside, there were internal problems as well.
Since Katsura, Okubo and Saigo knew there was a traitor they started questioning some members, and of course no one felt comfortable in that suspicion atmosphere.
"I don't know why Kenshin left." – Sakura made her point. Himura was her husband's personal bodyguard, with him out of the scene Katsura hired another samurai, one that sent shivers down her spine. She heard he was very skilled but his eyes were ferocious showing no sign of compassion or humanity.
On top of everything she didn't understood why Himura left so suddenly, and most of all she couldn't understand what happened to Kaoru.
Katsura sighed, that was probably a subject that crossed his mind more than once: "I trust Kenshin with my life, but Saigo and Okubo were worried about the news of a traitor between us, and after what happened to Kaoru…they decided to change the routines."
"But he is your bodyguard you should know better than them!" – It was innerving that the other two were making decisions like this about her husband's life. For Saigo it didn't end up well and she was afraid that the same thing would happen to Katsura.
"I Know, that's why I am asking him to come back." – He finally said. But there was a suspicion on his eyes when he turned to look at her: "You are missing Kaoru. That's why you're asking me about this, isn't it?"
She got up from her sitting position: "I don't believe Kaoru to be the traitor." – she said, hands on her hips.
"Neither do I darling…" – he finally says
Sakura sits again on his side and sighs: "I wanted to go to the restaurant to see how she is doing, but we are trapped in here like mice!" – she felt the urgent need to talk to Kaoru ever since she heard Kenshin telling her husband about the betrayal and the reason he sent her away from his place. Katsura had avoid telling her about Kaoru being attacked because he knew she would request to see her immediately… so she knew nothing about that.
"On the day he left Kenshin seemed very upset and I didn't want to touch on the wound telling him my thoughts on the matter, also I knew how Saigo and Okubo would react, so I decided to wait."
"I need to talk to Kaoru." – she immediately said
"Wait Sakura, just be patient." – he put his hands on hers. Katsura knew he had to tell her before she would hear it from anyone else. "I didn't let you go and visit Kaoru because she wasn't at Aka."
"Then, where is she?" – she lifted her eyebrow.
"She is at the castle, protected by Shinomori Aoshi." – the last sentence made his wife blink twice. "Come again?"
He started to explain: "Kaoru was attacked in the same night she left Kenshin's house, and…" – he was immediately cut off by Sakura."What?" – Sakura couldn't believe that he had hide that from her. "Shhh.." – he reached for her hands – "Please calm down. She is ok now, as far as I know Aoshi saved her. I didn't tell you because I was sure about your reaction."
"But, don't you see? Kaoru saved my life! She saved our kids! I owe her that much." – she stared at him in disbelief. Why couldn't he see that?
"Sakura, we don't know…" – he rubbed his temple. " What if that heroic gesture was a fake? What if it is a plot from the beginning?" – Katsura replied.
She shook her head negatively: "I saw the fear on her eyes when she put herself in front of that swords." – her voice was solid as she could put her hand on fire for her friend and be sure that she wouldn't get burnt. But she knew that sentimentalism wouldn't work on her husband, so she used logic: "Since Kenshin went away things got worst! Maybe we are looking at things on the wrong perspective." – she fixed her eyes on him and her voice went low: " Maybe, whoever want us you dead is faking all of this just to make you vulnerable, just to see an opening on your defenses, or, do you think that this lack of trust from you three won't put the trust and respect of your followers on the line? "
He kept quiet for a while. Katsura had already thought about that, she just put his thoughts out loud. As head of the Chousu he made a vow of protecting innocent people. In this new era there would be no more powerful people crushing the weak ones. No more.
What if, Kaoru is innocent?
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She smiled, finally Aoshi agreed to let her take a walk to the outside. But with one condition: Hannya should escort her. Kaoru didn't mind, she had learnt that no matter how scary these guys looked like sometimes, they weren't a threat to her. She could almost laugh at the way they acted towards her, always trying to be so polite, as if she was a princess or something… well they already had a castle… so…
The man walking beside her was remembering the fight he had against Battousai and wondering why was she so important to the red-haired samurai. He saw concern on his eyes on the day they fight. Could a demon like him have feelings? He should know better that men like them can't afford to show emotion… Because it would end up destroying the people that they are connected to. Miss Kaoru was just lucky that his Okashira was nearby as she was attacked.
"Hannya, is that your name, right?" - her soft voice shook away his thoughts.
He bowed his head a little: "Yes my lady…"
"Don't call me that, just Kaoru please." – she walked slowly at his side appreciating the gardens around the castle.
"I am sorry, but I cannot do that, my lady, it's a signal of respect both for you and my master." – he said.
She sighed. Kaoru was happy to see the day light again, but she didn't wanted to bother anyone so that could have her moment of freedom. "I am sorry you have to baby sit me… but there was no way Aoshiwould let me go to the outside alone… and I was tired of being inside of the castle."
She seemed sincere, and quickly she gains his respect: "I do whatever my master tells me to."
Kaoru stopped at the stop: "Wait a minute…Did you said…Master?"
"Yes My Lady. Aoshi is the head of the Oniwabanshu. He is our master because he personally trained all four of us." Behind his mask he smiled at the shock on her face: "But he is so young? In order to be a master don't you need to achieve a certain age? He is probably four or five years older than me… How could he be a master?"
"At the age of fifteen master showed great skills and aptitude, so much, that our previous lieder Okina, passed his testimony to him, as a sign of trust, he made him the head of the most powerful secret organization in Japan." - Kaoru opened her mouth so much that for a while she thought her jaw was about to fall to the ground. "That's outstanding." – she managed to reply, still in awe with the things she heard.
He nod. She was easy to read. No signs of hidden intentions or mischievousness. He could clearly see it. She was the vivid colored character on the black and white canvas. Obviously she didn't belong there, she fell into the picture only to contrast with the rest of the people in it.
"Oh… It so beautiful…"
While he was lost in thoughts she took a few steps away to look at something. She slowly kneeled beside a purple/violet flower. This field is almost naked because the winter is already here… How can this little flower stay alive? She gazed upon the flower and in her mind his eyes appeared. His soft loving violet eyes. And she shivered a feeling of sadness and nostalgic got control of her.
Hannya could see the cut from Udo's sword, the one that went all the way up to her neck. Not even her kimono could hide that. A woman should never be treated like this, even more one so fragile as she seemsto be. "The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all." – he says.
But instead of her usual smile she just stared blankly to the horizon, and he could see she was fighting against to control herself: "Well, no matter how beautiful it is Hannya, the rain and snow will eventually destroy all the beauty, and end up killing it." – She had no faith on her future with Kenshin, the news about him and Tomoe had killed most of it.
"A storm is coming you should go back inside." – Aoshi appears from behind them. Hannya had already felt his master's presence. He was observing them since few minutes ago.
Kaoru nods as she turns to look at Aoshi, and then she bows her head: "Thank you Hannya for escorting me."
He bows back: "My lady."
When she leaves with his master, Hannya stares back at the flower with her words echoing in his mind: No matter how beautiful it is Hannya, the rain and snow will eventually destroy it…
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Aoshi thought that Kaoru would be happy after the walk, but She is strangely silent. As if for some reason something or someone changed her mood. "How are you felling?" – he asks
"Most of the times I have no pain." Except for my soul which is still bleeding. – she mentally adds.
He nods, sensing her low energy and he wonders what in the world would change so drastically her mood. "What do you plan on doing after you get better?"
"I will carry on. I will get back to my job at Aka." – once again, no smile.
How could something so beautiful bring her heart so much pain? Since his ghost appeared on her mind she was unable to block the sadness. She missed him after all. She wanted to hate him for treating her so bad and for misjudging her, but instead Kaoru found herself desiring to see him, longing to share her feelings with him.
I am going help you to find your friends Kaoru... a sad smile appears on her lips as she remembers the promise he once made. Kaoru lowered her head so that Aoshi couldn't realize how miserable she was feeling.
"What about Battousai?" – his question couldn't match her thoughts more.
"What about him?"
Aoshi 's eyebrow lifted in surprise. Was Kaoru learning how to disguise her feelings? "In the day you woke up you said you wanted to prove him your innocence."
"I have no way to prove that."
Why are you acting like you're ready to give up, when I know you're not? "What about the girl who is with him in Otsu?" – he knew he was pushing her, maybe a little too much talking about that, but he wanted her to speak her mind. That was the only way he had to know if she was planning to do something stupid or not.
She rolled her eyes: "What about her?" – Why is he talking about Tomoe? Every time I think about them together…. Rrrhhhhg. She mentally growled.
"Don't you find awkward that she appears at the same time you disappear?" – this time he stop to gaze at her. Kaoru's eyes widened: "Do you think she Is a part of their plan?"
Aoshi stuck out his hand and a few drops of water fell in it: "I was asking you."
She looks up to the grey sky: "I don't know."
He placed his hands on her back making her walk faster: "Do you even know who she is?"
As starts raining hard he took of his long gabardine and places it upon her shoulders: "Iizuka's cousin."
"Huhum.. I see."
Once inside, he follows her to her room, and before leaving her alone he asks one last question : "Do you wish to visit Aka tomorrow?"
This time her eyes showed surprise: "Really?"
He mentally congratulated himself for changing her mood: "I will personally take you there… I have some things to do at the city. I am going to send a letter to Yumi telling her to be there tomorrow at noon."
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As someone knocked on the door Yumi literally jumped from her chair. No one could see her visitor. She rushes to the door and opens it only enough for Yahiko to deliver her a letter. "From the castle to you." – the boy said.
She nods and quickly dismisses him, opening the envelope at the same time. Seconds later she stares at the her visitor: "Kaoru will be here tomorrow at noon. Maybe this is your chance."
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This quiet life was everything he desired for years. He would be rejoicing except for the fact that something was amiss. Someone was amiss.
Kenshin couldn't help but think about Kaoru and Aoshi. He heard a lot of tales about this man, how smart and respectful he was. How could he gain the respect of people even older than him… Maybe Kaoru fall for his charm and strong character. Maybe she was vulnerable and…
"AHHH. Hey he hit me!" – someone from the outside yelled.
Kenshin runs to the window and sees a bunch of kids, two of them seemed to be fighting. Wanting to stop them he comes to the outside and quickly picks this new boy who is on top of the other punching him on the face. "Stop!" – he pushes him aside and looks at the one on the ground, his face red in the spots the other beat him and his lip his bleeding. "What happened here?" – he asks.
The other two boys pointed to the outsider: "We just asked if he wanted to play along with us."
He sighed. "Go to the woman at my house and ask her to give you the medicine on the green box. It will stop the swelling. " – the three of them nod and run towards his house. Then Kenshin turns back to the other boy and says: "If you didn't want to play you just had to say no." – he dind't said a word in replied, so Kenshin assumed he was afraid. "You don't have to… ahhh…" – as soon as Kenshin placed his hand on the boy's head, he immediately bite the samurai's right hand.
"Enishi!" – As Tomoe walks out, he let's go Kenshin's hand and runs to her throwing his arms around her.
They know each other? Kenshin finds it odd but decides not to interrupt. Then… Now I am the one who has to find a way to stop the swelling.
::::::::::::::::::::::
She looks at the red-haired samurai and sees him leaving. Polite as always he was allowing her to have some privacy. "You must be hungry, follow me I was just making dinner." – she says.
The boy couldn't stop smiling as his sister hugged him once again."What are you doing here Enishi?"
"It's time for your revenge." – he grinned happy to be a part of the plan.
Tomoe stood quiet for a while.
"We are going to crush this moron."
"Go home Enishi." – she was cold and distant. She needed to be if she wanted him to go away, otherwise he would never stop following her around.
He widened his eyes: "What's the matter? Why are you protecting him? He is your enemy!"
:::::::::::::::::::::.
Kenshin went to river and stood there for a while. The cold water would help to heal his hand.
What a strange boy… he thinks about what happened with the kids. They probably are brother and sister… But how could he know that she is here?
Heavy footsteps woke him from his thoughts and as he sees Enishi approaching he walks to him: "Where are you going? It's almost time for dinner." – he says. He wasn't mad about what happened.
Enishi lifted his head and if his eyes could kill, Kenshin would be dead on the spot: "If only you had never existed."
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As planned Aoshi takes Kaoru to the restaurant and excuses himself with some errands to do, leaving Yumi and Kaoru alone.
"I am so happy to be here again." – Kaoru says but Yumi rushes her to the upper rooms: "I am sorry dear, but someone is waiting for you."
Kaoru stops walking and forces Yumi to stop too. Fear written all over her face. "Don't be afraid, I wouldn't allow this conversation if I didn't trust the person on the other side." – the other woman assures.
Who might be? Could it be? Could it be him? As hope grows inside her chest Kaoru walks faster following Yumi.
The geisha stops in front of one of the rooms and stares at Kaoru: "Your visitor is waiting inside." – she places a hand on the girl's face: "I am happy to have you here too, and I wanted to talk to you, But I think this conversation is important than whatever I may tell you. Take note Kaoru: This is the only time I will help you in your crazy plan, ok?"
Kaoru nod, almost didn't listening what she was saying. Her heart was pounding so much on her chest with the anticipation of seeing Kenshin… As Yumi slides the door to open, Kaoru sees the person who is waiting for her. As disappointment fills her heart, shock taints her voice:
"Katsura?"
:::::::::::::::::::::.
As Yumi leaves the room Haruka appears on the corridor and informs her that someone is waiting for her in the main room. Something inside her wishes that person to be Shishio… but she learn to control her emotions because most of the times they are mislead.
As the unpleasant scent of tobacco filled the area to the stairs, she didn't have to guess who was waiting for her. "Saito."
He turned, amber eyes staring straight at her: "I know the girl is here."
This is getting dangerous… Saito and Katsura in the same building… It's madness. "Yes, she is, but she is talking to someone now. And actually, she came with Aoshi, so, you shouldn't mind their business. " - she disguised the fear behind her words.
"I told you before. I want to talk to her." – he insisted. "I want to know the reason he tried to kill her."
"Listen, She is tired of telling that story over and over." – And that would only hurt her more.
"Then, you must tell me yourself." – he finished his cigarette and place it on the balcony.
"I think it was because of Battousai." – she couldn't disclose much.
"So, she is Battousai's woman?" –They fought almost a month ago, and he felt that his victory was postponed… if I manage to get close to her, maybe that will push Battousai to fight me again, once and for all.
"She is not your type Saito."
"I am not thinking about that. I am thinking that the puzzle just starts to fix." - Saito knew Jin-Hei killed Tokio Just because he stopped him from fighting Battousai. Then, maybe he decided to get revenge from Battousai by taking the life of this girl. In the end, just one action of his, end up hurting two innocent women. It was a shame Aoshi killed him. He would enjoy destroy Jin Hei.
"I will wait until the opportune moment to talk to her." – But that won't take long… Because if you don't get me to her, I will find a way to get her.
"Thank you." – Yumi waits for him to leave to sigh in relief. This is getting very, very dangerous.
::::::::::::::
They stay in silence staring at each other. Katsura was trying to decipher whatever passed on her mind, but he could only see a woman whose eyes showed hurt and pain. There were no signs of regret when she looked at him. That Could only mean one of two things. First: She wasn't regretted because she believed she did the right thing associating to the imperialist, or, Second: There was no reason to show regret because she did nothing to be regretful for.
"I heard you got pretty injured." – He took the first step into their conversation.
"I was taken care. I am fine now." – She was obviously being cautious. Kaoru didn't knew the reason of his visit.
He could sense her doubt. "I Talked to my wife last night … she says she doesn't believe you're the traitor."
Unlike the shy girl he met on the day Kenshin brought her, as she heard him mentioning Sakura, she immediately answered: "I am happy to hear that. Only meanw that she knows me well." – her voice showed Conviction.
"Forgive me for not sharing the same trust, but, we are in war Kaoru." – he glanced at her. Could he read her?
"I am not blaming you, am I?" – she wasn't rude… But a part of her wanted to be. " Anyway, you were not the one I expected to believe me against all odds."
He smiled involuntarily. "I see." – she was quite fierce, Even the great Himura Battousai would have a hard time dealing with this girl.
"Listen, Katsura, Aoshi will be here in minutes, and as far as I know, you fight in opposite sides, I don't want him to see you here and start a fight."
He understood her urgency and knew she was right: "Tell me what happened Kaoru."
Her voice made an arch. Didn't Kenshin told you? "You know what happened. Kenshin put me out because Iizuka told him I was a traitor!" – she was tired of that story.
He nod. So Iizuka was the one that told Kenshin. He took a mental note. "Sakura believes that you're not a traitor… can you explain me why?"
She threw her hands up exasperated. Was he making fun of her? He should ask Sakura not her! But she didn't want to be disrespectful so she restrained herself: "I Don't know… Women have a better sense of… like a sixth sense to these kind of things…"
"I see." - he absorbed her words.
Why was he here? What was his point? Was he worried about her? Or did he came to set her up? "Listen Katsura, sooner or later everyone will know I am not what they say I am… when the truth shows up." – she didn't even knew how she was going to do that, but she felt the need to show her determination. Maybe this way he would understand she was innocent.
His eyes sharpened: "You talk like you know who the traitor is. Can you explain me your plan?"
She immediately regretted her words. "I am sorry, the more you know, the dangerous it becomes. Just protect Sakura and the kids." – I need to get away from here, I am making promises that I don't know if I will able to fulfill. She turned around ready to leave the room.
"Kaoru you saved my family once, let me repay you." – his words stopped her.
She closed her eyes and sighed: "I don't want to involve you and your family in this. Also I don't need any kind of payment for what I've done." – she turned around and looked straight to him: " I did it because I believe that we must act following our principles. Because I still believe in values and moral as much as I think you do."
Katsura nod with his head. He heard almost everything he needed to hear. He wouldn't force her to say the truth, nor would he act impulsively based on her words, he needed time to think clear… also, he would make sure to send someone to lay an eye on her. If she acted to show the traitor we would want to know first.
He walks to the door but before opening it he steps back and stares at her: "Not only woman have a sixth sense on things… some man also do."
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Aoshi stares at the man leaving Aka, he may be disguised, but he recognized him immediately.
She just arrived and they are already after her. he did nothing against him yet he would warn Yumi that was not pleased.
What would lead Katsura to leave his hiding place and come alone just to find Kaoru?
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Yahiko stared at the man in front of him. He knew who he was! Was the respectful Kogoro Katsura, Chousuhead asking his services?
"Please I need you to deliver this letter to a man in Otsu. His name is Kenshin Himura. You can't give it to anyone else, and no one else should know I was the one who sent you. And Don't worry you will be rewarded for your services."
Yahiko nod and left immediately. This was important.
:::::::::::::
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As Kaoru arrived to the castle, she couldn't stop thinking about the strange conversation she had with Katsura and his last sentence… Did that meant that he believes her?
"Oh." As she entered her room she immediately noticed the jar with the flower she saw on the outside the day smiled at the gesture.
This way, neither the snow or the rain will destroy your beauty. Because you're protected. – she thought.
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3 DAYS LATER
Kenshin, I heard you are enjoying your peace, and although I don't believe that you're totally in peace, I am happy to know that you can find some in this wild times.
But I am going to ask you to come back. Saigo was killed when you went away, and our enemies are gaining strength.
The future of my family is now on your hands.
Also I made some investigations on my own and have some things I want to share with you…
As a friend I need you by my side. You're one of the few people I can trust.
Kogoro katsura
Kenshin dind't have to read the letter again. His loyalty to Katsura was absolute and if he was asking him to come back, then he would do it.
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"It seems to be healing well." – the doctor said as he took one of the bandages from her back.
"So, does it mean I can come back to my routine?" – Kaoru asks.
You are tired of being locked in here: "Yes. You can. Just try to avoid picking up heavy stuff and at night leave the wound to breath."
"Thank you." – she said as the doctor got up.
"Miss Kaoru, you suffered a violent attack. You're lucky to be alive. To be honest, when I first saw you I didn't believe you would make it." – he didn't wanted to scary her, but he needed her to understand his point: "Your wounds are healing, but the major one, the one on your back will never disappear. And you will probably suffer because of that wound to the rest of your life. The medicine only helps to get relieve from the pain… But… But… you"
"Thank you doctor." – she replied understanding his words. Even if she wanted to, she would never forget that night. The night her life changed. "I will take care from here on. I assure you that no one else will ever hurt me like this once again."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
She knew he was waiting outside the door. She learnt how to feel his presence. So Kaoru got up and opened it. As expected he walked in.
"He says I am fine."
He nod."The path your traveling is a very dangerous one. Are you sure you still want to do this?"
"Yes I am." – Kaoru thought he was going to try to change her mind, so his next words caught her out of guard: " Yukishiro Tomoe is no relative to Iizuka. She came to Edo after his fiancé's death - Kiyosato Akira, who was killed by Battousai."
Kaoru eyes widened.
"Statically no one would believe her to be a treat – that's your disadvantage; your advantage is that she keeps a daily diary." - To him it was easy to gather this information, to her it would be impossible: "This is my goodbye gift to you, Kaoru. But I warn you, you're dealing with dangerous people, you must be careful."
Finally seeing a light at the end of the tunnel, and Unable to contain herself Kaoru hugs him and thanks him for everything. "Not only you but to the other guys too. They were very kind in all the time I stood here."
As she releases him and he turns to search for her things to carry he notices the violet flower: "A secret admirer?" – he asks
She shrugged her shoulders and gave a small smile: "Just Hannya." – she grabbed the book he gave her in the first days on the castle: "Will you visit me on Aka?"
Still thinking about the flowers he answers: "Perhaps. Just don't do anything stupid to make me go there."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::.
Next day Aoshi sent Hyotokko and another boy to help Kaoru with the changing. She didn't really have many things besides the kimonos Yumi offered her, the violet flower and her notebook.
The tip Aoshi gave her last night was ranging on her hears all her way to Aka. If the woman wrote everything on the journal, maybe if she could put her hands on it…. That could be the only way to prove her innocence. – But how would she find that journal? She was sure that if she asked Aoshi he would help her but Kaoru didn't wanted to do that... he already did too much for her.
As she arrived Yumi helped her to unpack her things and warned her that a man named Saito would be searching for her anytime soon.
Don't do anything stupid… Aoshi words echoed inside her head…
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Two weeks later
Kenshin came as fast as he could. If he was alone he would had arrive at least three days sooner… But as soon as he reached Edo, he went directly to Katsura's house.
"Come dear, you must be tired of the journey." – Sakura lead Tomoe to one of the rooms, so that both man could have some privacy to talk.
"It's not save for you to stay here." – If Kogoro Katsura died all their efforts as a group would be in vain. All the blood, all the deaths… were for nothing. Kenshin didn't understand how he could put himself in a spot where he knew he could be easily find.
"I knew you were arriving today so I came back. Sakura misses this place." – Yes… Women had the abilityto make simple things went difficult. "And I have another bodyguard, as well." – Yes, Kenshin saw him as he entered the mansion.
"I am sorry for Saigo." – the samurai said.
"He died doing what he loved I think he must be happy now." – a small smile formed in his lips.
Kenshin was happy to be back. Not that he missed his job, but he was connected to this place… because of her. "What do you wanted to tell me?" – If Katsura had a new bodyguard, why was he calling him anyway?
But the Chousu lieder dodge the question: "You seem exhausted. You must rest. We talk tomorrow."
Kenshin eyebrows knitted together."Do you want me to stay here?"
"No, there's no need of that, at least not for tonight."- He knew Kenshin would respect his decision even if he didn't fully understand it: "I needed you not only to protect me Kenshin, but also to help me toconsolidate our compatriot's moral. You're a symbol of our cause, if they see you here, they faith is restored. But for tonight, you must rest."
"Thank you." – Kenshin nod and leaves Katsura with a felling that he is not telling him everything.
As he thinks about getting home, but something keeps bothering him and he doesn't know what it is. Stepping outside, his old friend Saigoro approaches and whispers something on his hear. Kenshin stares back at him for a while but then continues with his lonely journey, even more confused.
… She is back at work. You may find her at Aka…
Why would Saigoro think that I want to see her? Why would I want to see her anyway? She fooled me and took advantage of my kindness!
I am not a desperate man, and as much as I care, I will not spend a second of my time to see her.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
As days passed by Kaoru got comfortable with her routine at work. Her shift used to start early in the morning and end up at the middle of the evening. That way Kaoru had lots of time to herself, she could walk around town and visit the stores, which were things she avoid doing because she was afraid of what could happen. She had that strange felling that her movements are being controlled, and she didn't like that.
Today she was particularly tired. Haruka got sick and she had to cover her hours until late at night, and on top of all, work at night was a more demanding one, not only more costumers appear at that time,
but also Yumi made her wear a new and more expensive kimono. You can't work at night with a regular one, you girls are part of the decoration of the place, so tonight you're dressing a kimono that matches the name of the restaurant. She huffed remembering Yumi's words. So, when Yumiko told her she had a visitor, her mood became even worse.
It must the man Yumi talked me about.
:::::::
She is pretty. – he thought. The long loose black hair contrasted the vivid red kimono. The sleeves of hercloth was long and had some shades of golden in it, her obi was gold as well. Now I see what you saw in her, Battousai.
As he sees her approaching he presents himself. Kaoru shows no sign of surprise, and Saito realizes thatYumi should warn her about his upcoming visit.
"I know you're attack by Udo." – he simply said.
"Yes. Everybody knows that." – she answered tired of people acting with this secrecy. She was attacked, period. It was more than a month ago and she was tired of people asking her about that.
"I am here because he was one of my men." – his sentence catch her attention.
"If you're here to get revenge from your friend, I must say that usually I don't wish anyone's death, but he deserved what happened to him. He was a pig and a coward."
"Huhum…" – Saito lighted his cigarette in front of her face: "I agree with you." – What a wild cat you areKamyia!
"Do you?" – the look of shock on her face made him want to laugh, but he restrained himself.
"I should have been the one killing him, before he could hurt the people that we are supposed to protect…" – Although his indifference Kaoru could see through those golden eyes that he was talking for real. Then, an image snaps back into her mind. "You're the man who was here at the day Tokio was killed." – she said.
Forcefully ignoring her sentence he continued with his logic: "I knew Jin-Hei was out of control, but I never thought that he could start killing people randomly like this. So what happened to you is partly my fault." – he blew the smoke to the side and stared at her.
"I thought it had something to do with Kenshin." – Tell me… It's a shame he kicked you out, isn't it?... Maybe he was just feeling lonely and used you until he founds someone… better… Her attacker words ranged inside her head.
"I said it was partly my fault." – he focused on her.
She waited for him to talk but he only stare, and she couldn't stand the weight those golden eyes put on her: "Please explain yourself."
"Me and Himura are enemies. Once I saw in the battlefield I knew we were meant to fight each other to death." – a smile appeared on his lips and Kaoru hated to think of what that meant. "Battousai was fightingUdo and had already strike his right arm in a way that was impossible for him to hold the sword. So, I pushed him aside and took his place in the fight. He was no match for him after all."
"What does that have to do with me anyway?" – she hated to think of Kenshin as a killing machine.
"He sought revenge from Battousai by trying to kill you." – he concluded.
She sighed. What a sadistic little man:"And by killing Tokio… he got his revenge from you." – Saigo eyes hardened. He wouldn't allow her to pity him. He was perfectly capable of dealing with the situation by himself. "You don't have to worry. I am fine now." – Kaoru answered. It was odd how similar their situations were. Tokio died because of Saito's enemies and Kaoru got hurt because of Kenshin's enemies.
"Is there anything you want me to do for you?" – he asked
Kaoru shook her head: "No, thanks."
"No favor in exchange?" – he lifted his eyebrow, in her situation she could have asked him at least for protection.
As he mentioned the word favor, something crossed her mind, something to do with Tomoe and her diary, but she shove the thought aside and shook her head negatively again.
Her indecision didn't go unnoticed to Saito. She had something to ask, probably didn't trusted him enough to do it. " If you remember something, ask Yumi she knows where to find me." – he said.
"Thank you." – she said.
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As Kaoru was approaching her room, Yahiko told her someone else was waiting for her on the sighed. What a long night. Who would be now? She went all the way down again to find Aoshi waiting for her on the back of the restaurant.
A smiled appeared on her face as she saw him. "It took you two weeks… but you finally appeared."
"As far as I see, I wasn't the only one. I crossed Haijime in my way here." – he look straight at her and warn her: "You must be careful he is a dangerous man."
Kaoru shrugged her shoulders: "He just came because the man who attacked me was one of his group."
He nod. Saito must had something on his sleeve, he wouldn't bother to see her only to tell her of his fault on her attack. "He is one of the captains of the Shinsen. He is a powerful man. But dangerous as a hungry wolf."
She gulped. "I see." – If he was such a dangerous man, then, she shouldn't trust him…
"You look fine." – Aoshi changed his tone of voice. He developed a certain sense of protection around her, but he couldn't order her what to do. Kaoru seemed much more independent than other women he knew.
"Thank you." – She blushed. "How are the things on the castle?"
"The same." – he frowned feeling a strong presence. Someone was hearing their conversation and he was almost sure who that person was, but he kept talking to her: "How are you doing? How are you wounds healing?"
::
He didn't knew why his feet drove him there.
Kenshin wasn't planning on talking to her. He was going to take a look at her without her knowledge just to see if Kaoru was doing fine after the attack, but when he saw the tall man talking to her on the outside, the way she smiled and how Kaoru seemed so at ease with him everything went red.
Not to mention that she was dressed so differently. The kimono he gave her was nothing compared to the one she was using now, with it she looked so appealing so much mature… he felt he didn't recognize the woman he was seeing. Kenshin would have his doubts if she was truly Kaoru, if not for her eyes. That stood the same.
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Kaoru continued talking unaware of the tension building up in the air. "Better. Sometimes the clothes just makes them inch, other times the cold just makes them hurt more…but it's getting better with time. Thanks for the care."
Aoshi decided to strike: "I do care… and mostly when you're dealing with dangerous man like Saito andBattousai."
The mention of his self-made the samurai even more angrier and Kenshin didn't even wait for Kaoru to answer he show up immediately and gave Aoshi a sharp look: "You shouldn't speak about people on their backs."
Aoshi step up in front of Kaoru and faced the red-haired samurai: "Then you shouldn't give them reasons to talk."
Kenshin's hand flew to the hilt of his sword and Kaoru watch in horror as Aoshi showed his twin swords ready to fight.
How could he act like her savior? Shielding her from him? As if he could ever hurt her?!
"Stop it!" – Kaoru yelled putting herself between the two men extending her arms to separate them.
Kenshin didn't looked at her: "Step aside."
She shook her head and glanced at Kenshin : "No! No one is going to fight because of me." – Then Kaoruturned to Aoshi and murmured: "Please Aoshi leave."
He answered without taking his eyes away from Kenshin: "I am not leaving you alone with him."
That sentence only made Kenshin growl. Who do you think you are?
Kaoru felt like an ant between them:"Please…" – She almost begged. She was seeing Kenshin for the first time in more than a month and as she saw him, Kaoru immediately felt she needed a chance to explain him everything, and if he denied to accept, she would just tell him about Tomoe's diary and hope he would follow her advice. "Just leave I don't want you to fight because of me. Please."
Aoshi took a step back. He was waiting for an opportunity to fight Battousai even before he met Kaoru. He heard about how skilled he was and he wanted to prove he was stronger. But the look on her eyes made him retreat. "See you tomorrow." – he says to her and starts walking home.
She sighed in relief. Now, there was only Kenshin. But when she turns to him he turns his back on her and starts walking away.
"Wait!" – she started running after him "Kenshin please we need to talk!"
He stopped. Hope built-in her heart just to be destroyed seconds later: "You and I…"- she almost didn't recognize his voice as it was drenched with so much hate: "We have nothing to talk about… not now not ever." – and then he starts walking again.
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Jou-chan