Cursed

by lossehelin

For a thousand years the village has known of the beast living in the old palace. A beast said to live on human blood. One father knows the truth, and is now bound by word to return a favor he has ignored for thirteen years.

44. Twisting Fate

I was asked whether everyone was naked when they changed back. While a very amusing thought, and very probable, they are going to be fully clothed in this story. My excuse being that they were changed by magic and so magic can accomplish whatever it pleases. I.e. they are clothed in whatever they were wearing when they were cursed. Sorry, but even though creating a scene of amusing and embarrassing encounters of all these naked servants and other residents is tempting and sounds quite fun… it wouldn't fit into what I've got going on or planned. Maybe next time.

Disclaimer: I think you understand, otherwise I'd be charging you money, lol.

Chapter 44: Twisting Fate

"My name is Kana. Only child of Kiyosato Akira and his wife, Sorceress Tomoe."

Tomoe gasped, shaken by the revelation and also frightened by the presence of the daughter she had unknowingly left behind. "Kana…" Tears fell from her dark lashes, one hand fisting against her sternum, and her black eyes roamed her daughter's face. "My beautiful daughter." Her bottom lip trembled. "H… How I've longed to see you."

"And I you, Mother." The warm smile on Kana's face became gentler. "Through Kaoru-chan's eyes I have seen much already." The gentleness turned sad. "This curse has been very hard on you."

The black eyes of the sorceress fell in shame. "I am not what I once was. I am sorry you have seen me this way."

"Do not despair, Mother. Because of Kaoru-chan you have regained much of your true self. I have seen this as well. Her presence is very purifying."

"Her presence could never right the wrong I have done to good people. My vengeance nearly destroyed many, many lives, and now… it has destroyed hers. I have brought such dishonor upon the once great reputation of my bloodline."

Mounting the steps, Kana placed a light hand on Tomoe's bowed head, bringing her mother's almost pleading gaze back to her. "All shall be well. I have come to restore your honor, Mother."

"You have?" Frowning, Tomoe's features trembled in confusion. "I don't understand. How is it possible you are even here?"

Pained violet eyes studied the new arrival, his hope slowly dying inside his chest as she spoke to the sorceress. It was almost torturous that this woman looked nearly identical to Kaoru. Torturous because she was animate and alive while the Kaoru he loved was lying lifeless in his arms. Slowly lowering his gaze to her limp body, he caressed her face and hair, tormented by the freedom he had acquired and could not now share with her. Had he been wrong? Was the life he thought he had felt within that necklace not his beloved, but simply another witch?

"I will explain, but it must be brief. Lord Himura." Head lifting reluctantly from its resting place on Kaoru's forehead he gave the new witch his attention. The warm smile was back on her face and it made him feel like she was dealing with a wounded animal. "When I told you earlier that I was not your beloved, I was referring only of the consciousness now speaking to you. I am Kana, but I own only a bare fraction of the life that is within this vessel." Gently her hand touched the necklace resting against her chest. "Another bare fraction is the remaining magic leftover from my mother, Sorceress Tomoe, and is all that remains of the spell binding her to this world. The rest of the energy stored here belongs to Kamiya Kaoru."

"It does? Then I was correct?" The returning grip of hope constricted his lungs, his arms tightening around Kaoru's body. "Kaoru is still here?"

This time her smile was just as breathtaking as Kaoru's could be. "Yes. Ever clinging to life, she is quite stubborn. Even without my help she would not have surrendered easily."

"You helped her?" Surprised, Kenshin felt new gratitude. Tomoe however felt a different form of surprise.

"For how long? Binding a soul to such an object takes a lot of preparation."

Kana titled a smaller smile over her shoulder, the look mysterious. "Since before she was born. When I was but a child, I had a vision. I had many powers that I inherited from my mother before me, but my strongest assets were the visions I was given. In my vision I saw my mother grieving for the loss of her loved ones and casting a vengeful curse upon the residents of this palace. A thousand years later a girl would find her way here and cast a pebble into the pond of fate. Because of her the lord was able to comprehend emotions he never knew, and so teaching him to recognize and accept compassion and love. To be able to break the curse, he needed to meet her. However, I saw also that she would die as a result of this need. Neither her life nor her death was unnecessary. The lord would need to witness both. Unfortunately, the future I saw for the lord and this palace after her death was not a desirable one. Even with the ending of the curse. I will not repeat what I saw for fear of the repercussions, but know only that nothing happy would ever come from such a timeline.

"It was not until many years later that I came to the solution. I wished to help, but I knew no way to do so. Visiting the palace was not an option, as it would negatively affect everything that I saw, and I had no way to get there as a child, anyway. During my adolescent years I was invited to live at the Emperor's court, where I learned and experienced much. It was there that I met my husband and we agreed to move back to my home to settle down. It was during the pregnancy of my first child that I understood what I was to do. The vision came to me suddenly, showing me a detail that I had missed in the beginning. If I were to place a dormant spell within my daughter, a spell devoted only to Kaoru and the conclusion of this moment, I could change the despair I once saw into hope."

"I don't understand." Frowning, Kenshin glanced down at the necklace then back up to her face. "How could casting a spell on your own daughter affect Kaoru?" The obvious answer came to him even as the words left his mouth, and he sharply studied her features again. Smiling kindly, Kana nodded.

"The dormant spell I placed within my daughter would pass itself down through each first born daughter of my direct bloodline until it found the right carrier. Then and only then would the spell take affect and wake the consciousness you are now speaking to."

"Kaoru-chan is a descendent of your house?" Tomoe finally stood once more, but there was horror on her features.

"Not just mine. Of yours as well."

Trembling, Tomoe covered her mouth. "Was it punishment that I would unknowingly harm my own blood with this curse?"

"There may have been no other way, Mother. Fate has a way of fixing our mistakes in ways that cancel out our karma. That she is of your own blood merely suggests that our family needed to correct the wrong that was done, no matter how long it took."

"Excuse me, uh… Lady Kana." All eyes swung to the man kneeling behind Kenshin, his grey-blue eyes staring up the vision of a woman that resembled both his daughter and his wife.

"Yes, please speak, Kamiya-san."

"My wife… she was also a daughter of your bloodline."

"Yes. What is it that you wish to ask?"

"The stories she told, were they also part of your plan?"

Amused, Kana smiled laughingly. "Very good. This was indeed part of what needed to be done. Kaoru was never meant to be prejudiced against the palace. Growing up, I heard the rumors that were spreading about the palace and the demon that had supposedly taken up residence there. If what I saw in my vision was correct, Kaoru would be born near the palace and such rumors would undoubtedly reach her ears. To prevent any intolerance from taking root in her heart and mind I started a tradition in my village, relating all of the facts that I had seen in my visions about the occurrences that led up to the curse. I had to be selective, however, some of the stories were meant to be told to the daughters."

"Others were told to the sons." Haruki spoke up next to Koshijirou, and then ducked his head in apology when Kana lifted a brow at his interruption. "Sorry, ma'am."

"Is that why you are here?" All three boys shot him a sheepish look.

"We didn't know about this, sensei! We didn't know she was going to die!" Desperate, Kazuki pleaded with his master to understand. "We knew only that we would be needed by the Lady Kana when the time came."

"That will be enough, young one." Calming them with a hand, Kana waited until the three boys nodded in understanding. "I have much left to explain and time is running short." Returning her attention to the lord, his violet irises steady on her face, she dropped her eyes to the girl in his arms and smiled fondly as her train of thought reconnected. "When Kaoru was born the spell passed on to her, but did not awaken until her first visit to the palace. The necklace was a large part of my plan, once it was created for her and placed around her neck the spell reacted to the magic already within it." Touching a hand to it, it glowed in reaction. "Because it was essentially created by my mother and was already acclimated to magic it was the perfect vessel. After a few days my spell was able to transfer into the petal without damaging the magic already there and then begin its preparations. All that was left was enough time to fulfill its duty."

"Which was what?"

Tomoe stepped up next to her daughter and shared a smile with her, both sets of black eyes settling on the lord. "To bind Kaoru's soul to the petal. With all of her life-force stored within it, the necklace now anchors her soul. It is not a large enough vessel to hold both her life energy and her spirit, but I was prepared for that. What I was not prepared for was the effect living here at the palace would have on her. The result of living within the boundaries of the curse's magic had an amazing impression on her."

"Because Kaoru can use magic?"

"Because Kaoru has magic of her own. The necklace did not assist her, Lord Himura. Whatever spell she cast on you and your people was of her own making."

Astonished, Kenshin glanced down at the girl in his lap, but his amazement turned quickly to shock. "You said you were unprepared. Does that mean something has gone wrong?"

"No, we were very lucky. I did begin to worry when the energy I was pulling into the necklace abruptly tripled in strength after a mere two months of living here. It was very erratic and uncontrolled in the beginning, and there were a few times I thought it might very well break the petal in consequence. Her magic, like the rest of the magic passed on through my blood, is diluted. Some of the children can consciously use it, while others unconsciously tap its energy. It is dangerous to unconsciously use magic, but there have been very few with enough energy to do more damage than simply breaking glass or spilling a tea cup. Kaoru-chan though… caused a blizzard just so her father could stay longer on his visit." Kenshin balked, the extreme difference of power between the examples very blatant. Behind him her father was just as surprised.

"There have been other instances, such as making it rain for nearly a week when she found out about the truth behind the curse. The strength of her magic in these two instances is shocking, but it's the unpredictability that is truly dangerous. The night you two fought out in the snow and she threatened to leave, I thought I was going to lose her. I am still not certain what happened, between that solid section of cliff suddenly becoming brittle and the chain of the necklace breaking. Whatever she caused almost destroyed this vessel. I am very grateful you apologized, otherwise I do not know what would have happened."

"It sounds as if she only performs such magic when she is upset." Tomoe spoke thoughtfully, pulling Kenshin's stunned gaze from one witch to the other. Black eyes connected with his, then shot to Kana. "If that is so, bringing her back could be dangerous as well."

Shocked, Kenshin tried to stand, his legs trembling at the abrupt action and allowing him only to gain another step up on the stairs. "Are you saying you wish her to stay dead?"

"Be calm." Lifting an arm between them, Kana intervened. "I am telling you this for a reason. If all goes well you must allow Kaoru-chan to learn how to control her power. I know you have no love for magic because of this curse, but it is necessary for her to do so. Magic is a part of her, a very strong part of her, and it will not always cause unpleasant things. Sadness may cause mishaps, but when she is happy her magic is stable and much stronger. The day you two played in the cherry grove and the night you two watched the fireflies calmed her heart. The happier she was the stronger this vessel became. The night she spoke with your mother mended much of the unconscious damage done to this necklace." Violet eyes widened in shock, but Kana merely smiled. "I showed her the vision, but she did much of the work connecting to your family… but I will leave this story to her. What I need to know is if you are willing to let her control her magic."

"O-of course." Blindsided by the thought of Kaoru speaking with his long dead mother, Kenshin jerked his thoughts back to the present. "I would never force her to be someone she is not. So please… I know all of this is important, but… I just want her back."

Smiling, Kana knelt in front of him. "I know you do, Lord Himura, and I know you are impatient, but there is one last thing that I must explain to you. Bringing her back will be difficult and it is imperative that you understand the details. Because neither I nor my mother has enough magic left to perform the correct spell to pull Kaoru's soul back, I must use the magic of another."

"Three others, actually." Ren stood at the base of the stairs, his timid voice breaking in.

"Yes, three others, as long as they are willing."

"Of course!" The other two stood as well, their voices chiming in. Crowding onto the steps when they were beckoned, Kana spoke quickly to them about what they needed to do. Each nodding in turn, she cast one last look at the youngest, her smile pursing on her lips.

"You already knew all of this."

Blushing, Ren ducked his head. "I have inherited a weak gift of sight. I saw this when I was young, and my mother made me promise not to tell anyone." The two brothers glared and he ducked his head further. "Sorry."

"You will be a strong asset to this then." Patting him on the head, she turned back to the lord once again. "They will assist." Nodding his head impatiently, Kenshin hurried her along. "I must ask for your help as well, Lord Himura."

Brow line furrowing, Kenshin could not see what help he would be, but gave his consent quickly. "Yes of course. Whatever you need."

"Do not be so hasty. I do not think you will decline, but I must warn you of the risks. As I said before Kaoru's soul is only anchored to this necklace. When I transfer her life back into her body I must use the anchor I have placed to coax her soul back as well. To perform such a task will take more than just magic. Right now her soul is residing in a place halfway between this life and the afterlife. The anchor is keeping her from passing on completely, but during the transfer I must break the anchor. To keep her from slipping away I need to give her a safety. I wish for you to do this."

"What do I need to do?"

"You must convince her to come back."

"That's it?"

"It will not be as easy as it sounds. Also, there are consequences." Closing her eyes, Kana sighed. "If this does not work, there is a possibility that your own soul will be dragged into death with her. What I am doing is essentially binding your souls together, but you must not try to force her soul to come back. This bond will be only as strong as the both of you make it. If you try to force her and she fights you, the bond will snap easily. If your wishes are the same, however, the bond will solidify, but just as you can pull her back here, she can also pull you there. You must be careful."

Hearing her explanation, Kenshin felt almost overwhelmingly relieved. Either way, it seemed they would be together. That was essentially all he wanted. "I will gladly do this, Kana-dono."

"I had no doubt you would, but I still need to warn you of one last side-effect. If all goes well and she returns to you this bond that I have placed will remain. It is not something that can be undone by magic, and once Kaoru's soul returns there will be nothing separating you two. The closer you become the stronger the bond will become. You must be careful of it, because even I do not know how it will affect you. There is a possibility of it becoming solid enough to irrevocably link you in life and death. Do you understand what this means, Lord Himura?"

Kenshin blinked. "Are you saying if I were to die first it would kill her as well?"

"There is a possibility."

"I see. Then I shall simply have to be careful from now on."

Smiling, Kana nodded. "You shall have to take care of you both." Touching a hand to the necklace, the clasp loosened, pooling the chain in her palm so she could press the glass petal to Kaoru's chest. "Are you ready, boys?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Very good. Mother." Tomoe knelt next to her. "I need you to use the last of your magic to heal her body. Afterwards… we can both meet father in the afterlife."

"Nothing would please me more."

Kana's other hand reached out, the tips of her fingers lightly pushing against Kenshin's chest. Darting a look at the two women before him, then down at the one in his arms, Kenshin closed his eyes on a deep breath. "Thank you. I know this is only for your mother, but you are also bringing back the woman I love. After what I did…"

"What you did, Lord Himura?" There was a smile in her voice, her words lightly chastising. "Do you mean believing the obvious lie Hisano-dono told you? Or do you mean helping the villagers you were supposed to kill escape from your father's wrath?" Kenshin tilted his face away, his features furrowing. "I am well aware you knew Hisano-dono was not the sorceress, and yet you chose to accept her sacrifice and respect her wishes. Was it because you wanted the real sorceress to carry out the orders given to her by the Emperor?"

Tomoe was staring, but Kenshin's eyes opened only enough to look at the hand touching his chest and the one now covering the wound in Kaoru's stomach. A mother and daughter, and both had reason to hate him. "I will admit… I saw a way to atone for my sins in the order given to the sorceress. I wanted you to kill all three of us, Kiyosato-dono… but now I am grateful that you didn't." Bowing his head in respect, Kenshin shifted Kaoru closer into his chest. "Thank you for giving me the opportunity to meet her."

Tomoe smiled sadly. "Thank you, Lord Himura, for sparing my daughter."

A sudden, amazed thought came to him, and he huffed out a breath in wonder. "I suppose if I had not, Kaoru would have never been born."

Laughing, Kana grinned. "And you two would have never met. What a strange twist of fate."

Smiling, Tomoe finally felt at peace. "Yes. Fate is a very mysterious power." Placing her free hand briefly on the back of Kenshin's head, she gave him the blessing he had asked for barely twelve hours before. "May happiness and joy find you both and keep you in their company for the rest of your lives."

X

Kaoru yawned, her head falling back to lean against the tree behind her. It was a beautiful cherry blossom tree, its branches full of rich blooms. Its fragrance was sweet and relaxing, and with its shade blocking her from the sun's heat and the light breeze playing with her bangs, she felt sleepy. Sitting between its roots, her arms crossed in her lap, she lazily gazed out across a small lake, trying to discern what was on the other side. The bank was close, and not far from her was a small ferry waiting invitingly for her to climb on board and explore. Too content to move from her resting spot, Kaoru thought she might do that later. Right now she had no compulsion to leave.

Besides, if she waited long enough Kenshin might show up soon. Smiling drowsily, she let her eyes slide closed. Not too soon, she hoped. Kaoru didn't mind waiting for him, and when he did show, they could explore together. Sharing the discoveries was so much more appealing than going alone.

Yawning again, Kaoru stood and circled the tree. It was quite large, and as she dragged her fingers along the bark she was reminded of the day they had played in the cherry grove. Grinning, she hugged herself to the trunk, her chin lifted so that she was gazing upwards along the trunk. Perhaps they could play some more when he showed up. Maybe if she thought up a lot of games they could spend quite some time there. Kaoru liked the cherry tree. It was warm and inviting.

Giggling, she danced her way around it, twirling in circles as the blossoms danced and showered her in petals. Whirling, she grabbed the trunk and ducked from side to side, imagining another playing with her. There was mischief in his eyes and promise in his smile. Kaoru wouldn't even mind getting caught. Laughing at her own fancies, she coyly skipped away to the edge of the shade made by the cherry blossoms, her fingers tangling with the skinny ends of the branches. She really hoped the time flew by for her. It was going to be wonderful when he did show, because then they would be together forever.

Rattling the branches, she laughed as blossoms covered her head and shoulders. Collecting them in her cupped palms, she threw them back into the air just to watch them fall a second time. Eyes lifted skyward, sapphire facing blue, she giggled and snorted as the petals brushed her face and nose. As the last one caressed her cheek, she lowered her gaze to the lake again, feeling something calling for her. Frowning, she backed herself further under the embracing limbs. She didn't want to go. She wanted to wait for Kenshin.

Bumping against the trunk, she snaked her hands back and encircled the tree behind her, anchoring herself. The voice calling for her was enticing, but it made her feel cold. Whatever it wanted was not what she wanted.

Movement by the ferry caught her attention, averting her eyes from the distant shore to the one close by. Blinking, she found two women climbing aboard the small raft, their hands clasped together. Recognizing one, Kaoru let go of the tree and hopped forward.

"Tomoe-dono!" Waving a hand to catch her attention, Kaoru smiled when both women turned. Instead of delight, however, both wore looks of fear, Tomoe's free hand going to her mouth. The other woman held up her hand as if to detain her from moving.

"Stop, Kaoru-chan! Do not come any closer!" Freezing, Kaoru dropped her arm to her side, her feet almost to the edge of her tree's domain.

"What's wrong?"

"You must not come here! You must go back!"

"But… I just wanted to say hello to Tomoe-dono?" Pausing, Kaoru tilted her head and studied the new woman. "Do I know you?" Eyebrows lifting, Kaoru's mouth dropped in shock. "Is that you, Mother?"

Laughing despite herself, Kana shook her head. "That is very nearly correct, Kaoru-chan, but no, I am not Sayoko. Please, young one, go back. Lord Himura will be calling for you soon."

"Kenshin?" Excited, Kaoru stepped forward without thinking. "Where is he? Can I go to him?" Crossing the boundary line with one foot, Kaoru gasped as the air turned abruptly cold.

"Kaoru-chan! Hurry! Go back!" Falling backwards as the ground shook, Kaoru clenched her eyes shut in anticipation of the landing. When her eyes opened again, the ferry and the women were already well out on the lake. "Lord Himura will call for you! You must follow his voice and go back! Do not linger here! Do not let yourself be taken!"

"I don't understand! I want to stay here! I'm going to wait for Kenshin!"

"Kaoru."

The voice ghosted across her ear from behind, twisting her neck back towards the tree. "Kenshin?" Struggling to her feet, Kaoru searched her surroundings. "Kenshin, where are you?" Unable to find him, she turned back to the lake, but the boat was gone now, and so was the perfect day. Darkness was covering the sky, the calm lake boiled and rolled with waves and the distant shore was no longer even partially visible. Frightened, Kaoru ran back for the tree and its welcoming presence.

The trunk her arms wrapped around, however, was not warm and alive. The bark was black and brittle, the roots rotten under her feet. Alarmed she looked up and found that the lower branches were dying, the blossoms wilting and falling to the ground. The higher branches were still vibrant, however, but the sickness was spreading upwards fast.

Another voice called to her, but it was not Kenshin's loving voice. It was the cold one from the lake, but this time it did not sound enticing. This time it hid none of its irritation. This voice wanted her, and it did not like her disobeying. Glancing over her shoulder she gasped as the waters from the lake were closer now, washing over the darkening ground and reaching for her legs to pull her under. Shaking her head, she rejected the idea. Kaoru didn't want to drown, she wanted to fly.

"Kaoru, come back. Please come back."

"Kenshin!" Searching again, this time she was able to pinpoint the origin of his voice. It was coming from up the tree. Darting a look at the waters, she yelped and threw herself at the lower branches just as they splashed against the roots. Pulling herself up, she frantically began to climb.

"Kaoru, beloved, you promised not to leave me again."

"Kenshin, wait!" The disease was spreading rapidly, keeping the beauty of life just out of her reach. Desperate to climb faster, her foot slipped, leaving her dangling by her arms. The water was rising up the trunk after her, small tendrils snaking up to grab at her ankles. Kicking her feet, she broke their hold, tears threatening her eyes as she fought to find purchase. "Help me, Kenshin!"

"I have you, Kaoru. I won't let go. I'll never let go."

Warmth enveloped her, its invading touch tugging sharply at her chest like a lifeline someone else held the other end of, and she was suddenly propelled upward. Snagging a branch with her foot, she easily pulled her weight up, just like she weighed nothing at all.

Just shy of the very top she overtook the shadow of death, her hand grasping the last branch still clinging to life. Kenshin's voice was still beckoning her to come back, and as she grinned in triumph at reaching the pinnacle, the water grabbed firmly at her ankle. Yanked downward, she held fast to the last live piece of her tree, bending the supple branch into a wide arc. Crying out, she wrapped her other arm around the slim trunk and tried to rip herself from the water's clutches. In the midst of the struggle the branch in her hand snapped from the force, breaking it clean. Desperate to be free and follow the voice of her lover back to his side, Kaoru whipped the twig around, small cherry blossoms fluttering in the breeze. Smacking the water with all the force she could muster, life won over death and broke its hold. Scrambling her way up to the very top, she balanced herself precariously.

"Kenshin! Where are you?!"

"Kaoru. Please. You have to come back."

"I'm trying! I want to!" The water was regrouping quickly. She needed to escape. "Tell me what I need to do!"

"I promise you'll want for nothing. I promise to always take care of you."

"I know you will, Kenshin! I know you love me! Please, I want to come home!" Fighting tears, she clenched her eyes shut and clutched the small branch to her chest. "I love you, too."

"Our life will be so wonderful together. Just like flying. It'll be just like flying, Kaoru."

Eyes snapping open and pulling wide, Kaoru knew what she needed to do. Curling her legs, she flung herself out into the open air, her arms spread wide with the small branch still held in her hand. Light enveloped her just moments before the tree disappeared into darkness.

X

The sorceress and her daughter were already long since gone, the boys lying in an unconscious heap upon the steps. Kaoru's body was healed, the necklace a scattering of black dust on her white sleeping robe, but no matter what he said he could not get her soul to come back. With his arms tangled completely around her and his nose tucked into her hair he could feel the slow heartbeat that had returned to her body. Soft, almost nonexistent breath pushed from her mouth as well, but neither sign brought him joy. An animate body without a soul meant nothing to him.

"I don't want to live without you, beloved. Please… just come back."

Whatever bond Kana had created was either not strong enough or doing very little. Fearing he would break it, Kenshin had consciously left it untouched in the beginning. As his desperation grew however, his hold had tightened, trying to keep her from slipping away from him by force. Only a moment later and the strangest sensation had tugged at his chest, like a fishhook in skin. Terrified of snapping any connection he had with her, he had let go instantly. No other sensation had thrummed the line since.

Did that mean the bond had severed without him knowing? Was Kaoru gone? Had he lost her? Was it just his imagination, or was the heartbeat he felt from her body slowing down? Overwhelmed by the sudden return of sinking despair, Kenshin gasped for breath as the lifesaving hope he had been given shriveled into death with a painful cry.

"I'm not strong enough to lose you again, Kaoru. If you won't come back to me, then take me with you. I'll gladly go with you."

Gently a hand touched the back of his head, curling around the base of his skull. Wishing to hear no more placations, wanting nothing to interrupt or separate him from the only part of his lady that was left to him, he cringed from the contact. Arms wrapped firmly around Kaoru's shoulders, his hands weaved in her hair and fisted in her clothing as he burrowed himself closer into her neck. Instead of withdrawing at his obvious implication, though, the hand stroked his hair as if encouraged.

"Kenshin." The breathy, softly scolding voice stopped his heart, and the bond he had tiptoed around clenched firmly. This time it did not feel like a small fishhook, but more like a clamp. "Don't say such things. You know I would never wish death upon you."

"Kaoru." Kenshin's unsteady breathing was fairly loud in her ear, fluttering Kaoru's eyes open to find her vision obscured by hair. Weakly smiling, her body stiff and unresponsive, she blinked his red hairs out of her lashes. There was so much relief in his voice that it made her heart ache, the hand she had miraculously lifted digging at his tie to tangle in his low ponytail. "I thought I had lost you. I thought… you weren't coming back."

"I did promise to stay." Muscles trembling, Kaoru's arm suddenly felt heavy and her touch shifted on the back of his skull. Lightly two of her fingers brushed across his neck, touching bare skin. The abrupt contact was startling when she was used to feeling scales.

Shivering, Kenshin's relief made him feel at once weak and agitated. "Yes you did, beloved." Relaxing his desperate hold, he finally sat back, strangely nervous and eager to see as well as hear that she was fine. The hand that was touching him slipped around the front of his neck, slowly running her thumb along his jaw. Too anxious to reassure himself that she was fine, he missed the way her sapphire eyes widened in surprise. Flitting their revived depths over his face, her hand flinched back just slightly, a bit unsure.

"Kenshin?"

The muscles in his face twitched with emotion, the action still overcompensating for absent scales. As she watched, a lone tear slipped from one eye, his lashes falling too late to stall it. Concerned sympathy contorted her features and she immediately wiped the droplet away, but her uncertainty returned the moment his eyes blinked back open.

They were the same warm violet, and his hair was the same brilliant red. The rest of him, however, was deceitfully different, and yet the longer she looked the more similar he seemed. Without a doubt she recognized certain aspects about him that mirrored the painting she had seen in his room. There were, however, subtle differences about him that were not portrayed or were missing from the painting. He looked younger, which she found odd, but more importantly, he had a very distinctive aura about him that was not present in the scene Katsu had created. The man holding her held no resemblances to any of the likenesses she had thought to be him. Not the older brother she had seen in her dream, nor the younger version of himself, nor even the recreated vision in his hidden painting. This man was most definitely her palace lord, free and unhindered by the images and labels others had pressed upon him.

The doubt in her gaze turned to wonder, her fingers unconsciously flexing when his hand covered hers. A smile tugged on the corners of her lips and she struggled to shift in his arms. "I can see you, Kenshin." Laughing softly in delight, she tried to shift again. "I see you." Fingers pulling him closer, her voice whispering her satisfaction, her eyes slid closed as she planted her lips on his. It was several moments of enjoyment later before she was forced to pull away because of the weak muscles in her neck. Head resting on his shoulder, she sighed. "I'm glad you were finally able to find the real you."

"You found him, Kaoru, not me."

Eyelashes fluttering tiredly, she snuggled her nose against his jaw. "I only encouraged you to find him."

Smiling in amusement, Kenshin shook his head at her stubbornness. "Say what you want. I will always know better."

As the scope of their world expanded, murmuring invaded the lingering moment they had shared. It was a muffled cacophony of sound that was saturated with curiosity, anxiety, dismay, fear, sorrow, confusion, and hope. Whatever had happened on the steps to the shrine, no one could tell or correctly assume. A rumor had spread from the front that the lady might be given back to them, but no one knew how such a feat was possible.

Calloused fingers released hers to brush back the bangs in her eyes. "Everyone is worried for you, my lady. We should let them know you have returned."

"Everyone?" Eyes widening she listened to the agitated buzz of noise ebb and swell. "Kenshin… the curse is gone. That means everyone is normal again."

"Yes, my lady." Chuckling, he absently adjusted the loose collar of her robe. "Are you anxious to see what my people really look like?"

"Of course! But I… I won't recognize anyone. Do you think they will be offended?"

"Don't worry. You have plenty of time to get to know them all over again. Can you stand?"

"I think you'll have to help me."

"With pleasure, my lady."

Hooking his arm under her knees he stood, his legs only slightly shaky underneath him. The yard quieted as he turned, all eyes trained on their master, and watched with bated breath as he descended the steps. At the bottom, his eyes swept over the faces directly in front of him before landing on Koshijirou. There was restrained anticipation in his bruised eyes, and Kenshin tried a slight smile to relieve him of his apprehension. Shifting her weight after a moment, he sat her gently on her feet. When it was apparent she was standing on her own the silence broke and several different cries rippled backwards through the crowd.

The range of happiness was just as wide as their concern had been before; some of the residents laughing, some crying, while others gave praise to whomever they thought responsible. Leaning heavily against Kenshin out of necessity, Kaoru's eyes roved over the faces she could see, amazed by the reactions but also by the people themselves. It was heartwarming to know she had so many people who cared for her, and she never felt surer about where her home was than at that exact moment. These people loved her, their master loved her, and she loved them.

As her gaze made a full revolution of the half-circle in front of her she finally caught sight of her father standing only slightly behind them and to the side. His good hand was clenched into the hair of his bowed head, and his weakened posture sparked concern for his wellbeing. "Daddy, are you alright? What are you doing up? You're injured. You should be resting."

Steel blue eyes darted up, his features fighting amusement and joyful relief. "Aijou, you crazy girl. How can you scold me when you…?" Emotion choked his voice, but he didn't look away to hide his tears. His eyes told her he was afraid she would disappear.

"Daddy?"

"I'm alright, girl." Too weak to go to him, Kaoru was forced to let him step closer, his good arm wrapping around her for a quick, firm hug. "Just don't ever do something so reckless again. Parents are not supposed to bury their children." Kissing her on the forehead like he used to do when she was a child, Koshijirou stepped back and nodded at Kenshin. "I trust you to take care of her. I'll see to these boys."

"The boys?" Twisting her head to look over her shoulder, Kaoru blinked in shock at the prone bodies. "What happened to them? Are they alright?"

"They're fine, aijou. Just resting."

"But… I don't understand what's going on."

"Relax, aijou. You need to rest."

"Me? But you…"

"Kaoru." Interrupted, Kaoru looked back at Kenshin, the astonishment in his voice catching her attention. "Look." Allowing him to shift her, she raised her eyes to what he was indicating, blinking at the open doorway to the shrine. The stronger morning light was reflecting into the interior, illuminating it enough to see what was inside. The tree was still present, but its branches were no longer barren and dead. Instead they were covered in blossoms. Thousands upon thousands of cherry blossoms that rustled and shifted in the breeze that blew through the open shoji. They were live and supple, no longer glass and cold. The sign was apparent. Life would now begin again.

"How beautiful." In awe, Kaoru clutched at Kenshin's torn and ragged kimono, her body leaning heavily into his.

"I agree."

"You do?"

Lifting an eyebrow, an action he had been unable to do for a thousand years, Kenshin questioned the small frown on her face. "Of course. Is there some reason I should not?"

"Well, I just thought you didn't like Tomo…" Legs giving out completely she gasped in shock and was unable to complete her thought. Catching her quickly, Kenshin frowned in worry.

"We need to take you somewhere you can rest. It seems your body is still weak from…" Shying away from where the thought led, Kenshin shook his head and hefted her into his arms. "You need to rest."

"A-alright."

The crowd was still chattering away as Kenshin stepped into the middle of them, everyone reacquainting themselves or talking about what needed to be done. Some were calling out names, searching for loved ones they couldn't find. Many spoke their relief at seeing her well as they passed by, their heads ducking in respect to her and to their master. Trying to smile at them and place names with faces, Kaoru found she could recognize very few of them by their voice alone. Weak and weary, she gave up pushing herself, her head lying limply on Kenshin's shoulder as she relied on him to traverse the torrent of humans that had suddenly infested the palace. It was amusing that she found their appearances so foreign and unnatural.

Chuckling at her private thoughts, she blinked as a strong voice shouted over the crowd. "Milady! Milady! Wait for me!" Kaoru was shocked to realize that this voice was blatantly familiar.

From out of the throng of bodies a small woman forced her way into the clearing before them, her lungs gasping for breath as she focused her wide, aquamarine eyes on her. She was very petite, and pretty in a pixie way. A long, dark braid trailed down her back, and she wore an outfit that, while announcing her as a lady's servant, was still well made and quite beautiful in Kaoru's eyes.

"Misao?"

At the sound of her name her lips trembled and she started crying, thick tears rolling down her cheeks in overdramatic joy. "I was so worried, milady! You ran off and I couldn't find you, and then I heard you were dead! I'm so glad you're alright! And you recognized me! I'm so happy!"

"Calm down, Misao-san. The lady is fine now." Kenshin's firm voice quieted her hysterics, which Kaoru was quite grateful for. There was a headache fighting for dominance right behind her forehead and for some reason her stomach was beginning to churn. Then there was also the strange sensation in her chest that she had felt ever since waking up in Kenshin's arms. She wasn't completely stable yet, and the chaos in the yard was not helping her. Turning her face into Kenshin's kimono, she missed the frown he angled down on her. The strange sensation they were unwittingly sharing was making his stomach churn in empathy.

Looking up to order Misao out of the way, he was saved the trouble when another disturbance from the other side of the crowd erupted a taller person out into their small opening. Tall and well toned, his black hair cropped and his clothing nondescript, he was breathing heavily as well, but his ice blue eyes were not looking for the lady. Not Kenshin's lady, anyway. They locked instead on the smaller woman still sniffling next to them. Blinking now, her mouth dropped open and her tears were forgotten.

"Aoshi-sama!"

Throwing herself across the distance between them she latched herself to his chest, her feet dangling quite a ways from the ground. Catching her in what looked like a practiced move, Aoshi said nothing, but didn't look like he was going to let go anytime soon. Watching the interaction in brief surprise, Kenshin averted his eyes quickly and used the opportunity to escape. Kaoru however was trying not to laugh for fear of waking up her still dozing headache.

"Well I guess I know where I stand on Misao's list of important people."

Trying to hide his grin, Kenshin murmured his reply back. "Don't worry, beloved. You are on the top of mine."

"Hmm. That will always be pleasing to hear."

"Wait!" The call was from behind them and Kaoru felt Kenshin's shoulders stiffen. "Oh, I'm sorry, Aoshi-sama, but I need to go with the lady." Only Kaoru saw the desperate look that crossed Kenshin's face.

"That's quite alright, Misao-san. I will take care of my lady. You stay here and… carry on." Muffling her snort into his shoulder, Kaoru earned herself another lifted eyebrow.

"Oh, well if you're sure." Sounding reluctant and yet happy at the same time, Misao was barely able to draw out the syllables before Kenshin was reaffirming his decision.

"I am quite sure. You may return to your duties in two hours."

"Thank you, milord!"

"Anything to keep you occupied." Muttering under his breath, he sighed as Kaoru continued to giggle.

"You make it sound like her presence would only be a nuisance."

Adjusting her weight, he used the motion to hide the caress of his nose in her hair. "I suppose I simply don't wish to share you yet."

"Oh."

Though he made the claim, they were barely left alone. Between fulfilling his duties as the master and several of the servants paying the lady a visit, Kaoru got little rest and Kenshin was unable to stay fully by her side. He would not go far for long, however, and after midday he ordered everyone to leave the lady alone so that she could truly rest. With Misao on guard as Kaoru dozed on one of the porches, Kenshin reluctantly left so he could direct the cleanup of the palace. Many of the pavilions had been ransacked, including his own and Kaoru's. The northern pavilion that had at one time belonged to his mother was overturned but fortunately many of the objects that had been taken were later found scattered among the bandits.

The fires were put out first thing, but the buildings that were affected were mostly unsalvageable. They would have to be demolished and then rebuilt, and though the destruction was nothing to celebrate, Shinobu was unable to hide his glee at finally having something to do. The many dead were taken care of properly and with honor, whether bandit or resident, and the remaining living bandits were thrown in a holding cell that had not been used in longer than anyone could rightly remember. Too shocked by the transformation of the palace residents, the bandits complained little but did not seem to like getting too close to anyone.

The wounded, including Kaoru's father and the still unconscious boys, were all taken to the infirmary, a building that had not been used for its intended purpose in too long as well. Since this left the orphans of the palace homeless, Kenshin commissioned a new building be found and revamped for their benefit.

The residents each adjusted differently to their returned forms, some shakily walking on two legs again, while others practically skipped with glee. It was amusing and at times embarrassing, but Kenshin felt undeniably relieved by the freedom that had finally found his home. For too long they had suffered under the curse his presence had forced upon them. Not one of them was complaining or accusing and they seemed more than happy to continue on as they were. In time, he hoped to reward their loyalty. Now that they were released from the curse, he needed to make sure his multitude of subjects could slowly catch up to the time they were living in.

It was late in the evening before Kenshin was able to safely remove himself from the activities that were finally winding down. The strange vise-like grip that was tugging at his chest was hurting again, but a quick peek in on Kaoru assuaged the feeling. Her pavilion had been righted, and she was only just finishing the braid in her hair. It hurt and relieved him to see her, the last few days of nightmares still too fresh and real. There was vitality in her eyes again, though, the stiffness in her muscles disappearing as the day wore on. It almost seemed as if nothing had happened, and yet the bruises on his heart were still there to remind him.

The surprise in her own eyes every time she caught sight of him was amusing, and he could tell this new appearance he had reacquired would take time for her to grow used to. For him he had every intention of enjoying his human form every way he could. He no longer had to worry about claws, or horns, or tails, or talons, or wings… The wings he would miss admittedly, and he knew Kaoru already missed them. More than once he had caught her staring mournfully at his wingless back. The unconscious look of petulance on her face was hard not to respond to.

Surprise and then joy lit her face at the sight of him, and with a satisfied sigh the pain in his chest dissipated. It was the bond Kana had spoken of. There had been no chance to speak to Kaoru about it yet, but he knew that if he was experiencing these feelings of anxiety then she was more than likely party to them too. Kana had said that how it would affect them would be a mystery, but for now it seemed determined that they not leave each other for long. What, he wondered, would it be like after a few years? If only a few hours had strengthened it enough to produce anxiety, then a few years might make it nearly impossible for them to be apart. Briefly he wondered if that wouldn't irritate Kaoru. He didn't see how he would suffer from such an arrangement. Kenshin had spent enough time alone.

It was too late to do more than share a quick questioning of concern and then a much longer goodnight kiss. As he left for his own pavilion he realized that it was already getting harder to walk away from her. Was it merely because he didn't want to, or was the bond becoming irritable? Rolling his shoulders on a sigh, he tried to resign himself to the trembling of disquiet that was already setting in. It was not good when combined with the desires he already felt to keep her in his sights because of recent events. It was going to be a long night.

Itching at the stitches lining his chest, Kenshin kicked open his bedding and adjusted the sleeping robe he was wearing. Once again able to dress and undress himself, not to mention wear his own clothing, Kenshin tried to let his contentment over such a small detail relieve his dissatisfactions. It didn't last long, however, as it only reminded him of how pleasant it had actually been to have Kaoru helping him. Perhaps, if he was lucky, she might still do so every now and again.

We will be married soon so be content. You have only a few more nights of this torture before she is able to stay with you for good. Able to finally spare enough time for a personal matter, Kenshin had made a point of cornering Koshijirou in private. The conversation had gone considerably well, and Kaoru's father had actually seemed relieved to give his permission. Perhaps it had much to do with Kenshin asking him to stay at the palace. Then again, after everything that had happened, he might have been offended if Kenshin had not asked to marry his daughter.

It happened the moment the light was extinguished. Whether it was the total darkness or the simple fact that it was going to be several hours before he saw her again, Kenshin felt no desire to understand which. The panic that slammed into him left no room for any thought other than the crippling fear tearing away at what felt like the very center of his being. Scrambling for the door, he tripped into the hallway and to the outer tsumado before he knew what he was doing.

The doors clacked shut behind him as he stared across the walkways to the clattering doors of Kaoru's pavilion. Sapphire eyes were staring back, their depths wide and confused, and she was breathing just as hard as he was. Biting her lip when it began to tremble, he watched her instinctively cover the distance between them, her hands bracing her on the posts as her legs trembled beneath her. Quick stepping to meet her halfway, he automatically caught her in his embrace and released a shaky breath as the panic ebbed. For a long time they did nothing but stand interlocked in the middle of the veranda.

"Kenshin… what's going on?" The question was barely audible, but her confusion was quite clear. Sighing, Kenshin pulled her just a fraction closer and closed his eyes. "I… I've felt strange all day. I've never liked being away from you but now… I feel edgy and unfinished. Like I might go crazy if you aren't near, and just now… it felt…" To his horror she started to cry. "It felt just like I was back there again. Like that water was trying to drag me under and all I wanted was to follow your voice. I don't want to go back there again, Kenshin. Please don't make me."

"Back there?" Appalled by what she was insinuating, Kenshin's stomach plummeted and he thought he could guess what she was talking about. "Oh beloved, I would never make you go back. I want to keep you here with me. I'll keep you safe. I promise."

"I know I'm safe now. I just… I don't understand why I feel this way."

Comforting her as her crying intensified; he waited until she was calmer before explaining what Kana had done. She listened quietly, and it was only then did he regret making such a decision without letting her choose for herself.

"I'm sorry, Kaoru. It's my fault. I was thinking only of getting you back, I didn't think about what could possibly happen afterwards. I didn't know it was going to be like this. I didn't know it was going to hurt you."

Digesting everything she had been told Kaoru chewed her lip, her nose pressed into his shoulder. "It doesn't hurt now, though, Kenshin. In fact I… well I feel wonderful when I'm with you. It's just when we're apart that I…"

"Yes. I have noticed as well. Kana-dono said that the bond would only continue to strengthen the closer we grow to one another. I'm afraid, Kaoru, that the longer we are together the worse this may become. I will understand if… that is not a life you would like to live." The words were sour in his mouth, but he forced himself to speak them. It was the truth. He did not wish to condemn her to such a co-dependent life when she was such an independent woman. "We may be able to find a way to sever the bond safely, but perhaps it might be best if we try to lessen it while it is still weak."

"Is that what you want?" Violet eyes blinked at the bitterness in her tone.

"I will do whatever is needed to keep you safe and happy, Kaoru, because that is all I want."

"Well then I want to keep it." Her fingers fisted in his yukata, her voice forceful with conviction. "I want to make it stronger. I don't ever want to be without you, and I already feel anxiety when you're not near anyway. Don't force me away from you for my own good. Don't do the same thing to me that I did to you. I don't want us to hurt each other again."

"Kaoru…"

"I like the idea of being connected to you, Kenshin. Not just in name or body but in spirit. It's like we're one person instead of two. And I know it makes you happy because I can feel it. I feel it right here." Pushing just enough space between them to press her hand over her chest, she lifted pleading eyes to his. "Can't you feel how happy it makes me?"

Swallowing, he nodded slowly, the warmth inside his chest so painfully intense he knew there was no other explanation but joy. "Yes."

"Then don't be sad. Don't feel guilty. I love you, Kenshin. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. If this bond wants to keep us together, and we want to be together, then we shouldn't see it as anything but a blessing. And who knows, perhaps because this bond is new it is just unsure. Perhaps the longer we are together and the stronger it becomes it will grow to be tolerant as well. Perhaps it only intensifies our feelings. I mean… I was already feeling a bit panicked because… of everything that happened. Maybe it's actually my fault." Ashamed and contrite, Kaoru ducked her head.

"I don't want to be away from you either, Kaoru." Trying to reassure her, he let her know that if blame was indeed found with either of them, it would not be with just her. "Even if this bond makes us incapable of leaving the same room, I will be more than just happy, as long as I am with you."

"Really?"

"Yes"

Sighing in relief, Kaoru wrapped her arms back around his ribs and chewed on her lip some more. "So… what are we going to do now? I… I don't want to go back to my room. I mean… not alone, anyway." Blushing furiously and afraid the proper side his mother had drilled into him would resurface and push her away, she hurriedly continued. "We could stay out here. It's still pretty warm, and the wind is nice and light. If we get some blankets, we could be comfortable."

"Kaoru, I don't think…"

The palace lord was resurfacing and Kaoru feared what he didn't think was proper. "We're going to be married soon anyway right? It's not really dishonorable. You did get my dad's permission, and I don't really want anything big or fancy. We should just get married tomorrow. If we're married tomorrow, then what difference will tonight really make?"

"Kaoru…"

"We're going to be together anyway. Why do we need someone else to tell us it's okay? Maybe I prefer your way, now that I've had some time to think about it. Maybe we should just…"

His mouth planted itself firmly over hers and she had the feeling he was just trying to stop her rambling. Whatever he was trying to accomplish, however, it seemed to take a lot of strength to pull himself off again. "Kaoru…" Gasping for breath, he tilted his head back and fought his lungs. "We are not going to sleep out here. Your legs are trembling and you can barely stand. Your muscles are still recuperating; you need proper rest. You are going to sleep on a futon and that's final."

"But…"

Stern violet eyes dropped to meet hers and she let her objections die off. Satisfied that she would not try to interrupt him, he lifted a hand to pet her hair and fought a grin. "Besides, my lady, it has been far too long since I was last able to sleep lying on my back. I really wish to try it out again."

"Oh, I'm… I'm sorry…" She sounded more disappointed than sorry. "I didn't think about that. …I understand. I'll just…" Chest quivering, she lifted her chin. "I'll be fine. It should calm down after awhile, right? Goodnight again, Kenshin."

"Don't be silly, beloved." Keeping his arm firmly wrapped around her waist, he turned to coax her towards his rooms. "I won't be able to stand it either." Sapphire eyes glanced up at him, wide and questioning. "And I agree. We shall be married tomorrow and no later."

"Then I am… staying in your room tonight?"

"If that is agreeable." Eagerly her head nodded, fearing the return of that overwhelming panic his absence had brought. Smiling gently, he opened the tsumado leading into his pavilion. "I have often wondered at how nice it might be to sleep and wake next to you. I suspect it shall be a pleasant experience." Chewing her lip, Kaoru glanced nervously at him again.

"Kenshin?"

"Hmm?"

"I'm not sure I'll be able to sleep."

Taking a steadying breath, he stepped up into his inner room and confessed. "I doubt I will either."

X

A/N: First and foremost… Merry Christmas! And I hope you have a Happy New Year, too. Hope this year was a good one for everybody, and I hope next year will be even better! And hey, the world didn't end! XD

So this is the final chapter… how sad. I'm going to do an epilogue, but this is the true finish to the plot line. I hope everyone has enjoyed this story, and this chapter. I hope you understood the ending, Kana's presence, and everything else. I don't think I have anything to explain, but if you do have any questions this will be the last chance for you to ask, because I will have only the epilogue left to answer them. I'm sad to see my story go, but I am also relieved. I wanted to finish it before the end of the year, because I am finally going back to school! That means I won't have any time left over to spend on my stories for awhile. I didn't want to do that to this story, and I'm sorry that it is going to happen to my others. I won't forget them, though, and I intend to try and finish them. I do hope life lets me.

Once again, thank you so much for sticking around with me. I hope you find plenty other stories to read and enjoy. Please let me know what you thought by leaving me a review. I have noticed I am only five away from breaking a 1000! How wonderful! You guys are simply the best! Hope to see you soon in the epilogue, and perhaps in any of my other stories, or new ones I might attempt. There are several rattling around in my brain. Maybe I should finally sit down and attempt a real book… but fan fiction is just too much fun, lol. Ciao!