Hello.
This is a bit shorter than the past 2 chapters. It's like a breather. *smile*
Enjoy, rate&review or...I don't know...Megumi will poison you?
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The hallway was quiet as Okina spoke. "I could never lie to you Kaoru. He killed your parents, in an attempt to get a hold of your fortune." His voice was reassuring as he approached the Battosai and Kaoru. He sat beside her and waited for her response. She didn't respond, so Okina continued. "He realized that one way of gaining the fortune was to marry you after he killed your brothers. And even Misao…just as a precaution. Aoshi stiffened at the threat associated with Misao.
But the small ninja paid no mind to her planned fate. Her only concern was of Kaoru, her most and only beloved sister. Misao walked past Aoshi and Okina and hesitantly took Kaoru from the Battosai's arms. Kaoru clung to Misao as the girls began to sob. All the sudden the truth seemed clear as day, and they finally saw the wickedness of their uncle. As the girls cried quietly, Himura and Aoshi watched them…their heart aching at the sight. As they though of Mokoto Shishio, they felt their blood boil. He would pay for his crimes against the girls and their family.
"Do Sano and Yahiko know?" Kaoru asked once she regained her voice. "Yes, they were the one's who learned of your uncles plan. They told Hanya and found out that the entire Jupongatana were a group of spies sent to stop Sishio's plans for a new war. He kept his plans tucked far away…so as not to risk you girls finding out. He has begun planning a new revolution for Japan. Where we would follow under his dictatorship." Okina explained. Kaoru and Misao's tears began to dry as the truth was revealed to them. "I just can't believe he killed my parents." Kaoru mumbled into Misao's chest.
Misao stroked Kaoru's hair and smiled slightly as she saw the Battousai gazing at Kaoru. "I'm so sorry my darling. I'm sorry I wasn't able to come to you sooner and tell you the truth." Okina apologized hesitantly taking her hand in his. Kaoru smiled but something he had said sunk in. "If my brothers knew about our uncle's plan why didn't they say anything…to me I mean?" she asked Okina. "Because they saw how happy you were. They knew your parent's death had affected you more than them. They wanted to protect your happiness as long as they could. They wanted to protect your smile…which brightened their day every time." he explained. Kaoru nodded and swore she'd have a few words with her brothers.
"So…" Kaoru started but failed to construct the proper words in a sentence. Everyone waited as she sat on the floor mulling over everything. Misao help Kaoru stand when she signaled it. As Kaoru stood, she felt as if a weight had been lifted of her chest. Perhaps she had known all along that her uncle was an evil man. But her brothers and grandfather were right. Their parent's death had destroyed Kaoru on the inside. For the longest time, she felt as if she'd never be happy again. But living with Sishio and the others had healed her heart. And once she met Misao, her life began to have more meaning.
But now that Misao knew her past…and had her future standing next to the Battousai, Kaoru began to fear if Misao no longer needed her. Before Misao could read the fear in Kaoru's eyes, she dismissed the feeling and promised to deal with it later. Right now they needed to deal with Sishio…and Kaoru wasn't sure if she could bring herself to watch his death. No matter what evil plans he had planned for her brothers and Misao, he still took them in. and she hated him…for taking away her parents and exiling her grandfather. She knew he deserved to die…but could she really watch?
As everyone gathered around Kaoru, the only person that she focused on was the Battousai. Kenshin met Kaoru's eyes without hesitation. Misao smiled as she gazed at the pair. 'This looks promising!' she thought as she saw Kenshin gently take her hand. Aoshi looked down at Misao and laid his hand on her shoulder. Misao looked up and smiled at her once fiancé. Okina was grinning like a Cheshire cat as the couples got lost in each other. "How is it possible that you can make me feel like this? A mere woman make the infamous Battousai feel like he's breathless?" Kenshin asked Kaoru with all sincerity. Kaoru was struck breathless at his words. 'Could I really love a killer?' she thought to herself but smiled as she felt him give her hand a small squeeze. 'Maybe' she thought and squeezed his back.
"Ah, how touching!" a voice rang out from the end of the hallway, tearing the couples apart. "Shishio!" they all cried as the figure began approaching the group. "Yes, I left my study in search of my darling nieces and nephews, but here I find them in the comfort of two assassins and the crazy kidnapper. My, my things certainly have changed." Shishio said calmly. Kaoru felt a rage posses her as she looked upon the monster that murdered her parents. "You killed my parents!" Kaoru accused. Shishio shook his head in pity. "See what you've done. You've filled my beautiful Kaoru's head with lies. You must be punished!" Sishio said as he pulled out his Gatosu.
The Battousai and Aoshi immediately stood in front of the girls with their hands rested on their weapons. Okina stood by the girls, prepared to pull them back if they got in the way. Kaoru reached out and grabbed Kenshin's gi. He turned and met Kaoru's eyes. "I'm not sure why, but I need you to be careful! And if you don't mind…could you tell me your real name?" she asked. Kenshin felt his heart stop for the millionth time that day. He felt a smile tug at his lips as he answered her. "It's Kenshin Himura. And I'll be careful…for you." Kaoru felt as if her world began spinning again as Kenshin gently whipped the tears from her face. "Kenshin…"she whispered as she softly caressed his hand on her face.
Misao and Aoshi watched them and smiled as they subtly reached for each other's hand. "I lost you once, I won't lose you again." Aoshi said as Misao brushed away her tears. "Same here, you be careful Aoshi." Misao said smiling up at him. Before Aoshi could respond Sishio's voice whipped low in the air. "Let's go! You can have them plan your funeral arrangements later. Now we fight!" Kenshin and Aoshi broke away from the girls and slowly approached Sishio. Misao and Kaoru clung to each other as they drew their weapons. "Makoto Shishio tonight is the night you die!" Kenshin said reverting back to the Battosai within. "I don't think so!" Sishio replied and then the battle began.
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Ah, another cliff hanger!
How do you like that?
I will admit I am a hopeless romantic, so deal with it.
2 more chapters left!