InuYasha Fan Fiction / Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ Two Worlds Collide ❯ Returning Home... ( Chapter 4 )
[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]
By: Kenji Inutashiou 
The Inu-gumi along with Kaoru begins to venture out to find the jewel shards when suddenly a youkai appeared. Then as the group get seperate at the sudden attack of the youkai Inuyasha starts to act strange at Kaoru. Meanwhile Kenshin is buried in deep depression of Kaoru's disappearance...
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction / Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction | Genre(s): / Romance | Type: Crossover | Uploaded On: 03.24.2005 | Pages: 7 | Words: 10.2K | Visits: 314 | Status: Completed
The Inu-gumi along with Kaoru begins to venture out to find the jewel shards when suddenly a youkai appeared. Then as the group get seperate at the sudden attack of the youkai Inuyasha starts to act strange at Kaoru. Meanwhile Kenshin is buried in deep depression of Kaoru's disappearance...
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction / Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction | Genre(s): / Romance | Type: Crossover | Uploaded On: 03.24.2005 | Pages: 7 | Words: 10.2K | Visits: 314 | Status: Completed
Two Worlds Collide
Disclaimer: Sessha does not own Inuyasha or Rurouni Kenshin...oh well...sessha tried to tho'...:Sigh:. Nor do sessha own "Sotsugyou: Sayonara Wa Ashita No Tame" By: Tacky & Tsubasa...another loss there too...Hmm...
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"Dialogue" - "Lyrics"
'Thoughts' - 'Battousai Speaking'
:(x): Flashbacks/Dreams
-x-x-x- Setting Change
POV Point Of View
A/n [Author's Note]
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Chapter 4: Returning Home...
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The Inu-Tashi, after bedding Sayonara to Keade-Baba went off to hunt more jewel shards. They were now miles away from the village in complete silence until Shippo became restless. "Kagome!! Can we eat? I'm hungry!!!!" He wailed as Kagome glanced down to him sighing softly to herself before responding.
"Alright Shippo-chan!" She turned toward Inuyasha who was close behind them with his arms crossed over his chest, eyes firmly closed. "Inuyasha! Can we stop to take a break?" She asked hoping he'd agree.
Inuyasha opened his eyes glancing at her then to Shippo. "Feh, why should we? We ate before traveling! Why stop now when there could be Shikon no Kakera out for the taking!!!" He said as they all stopped on their tracks as he dropped his arms to his sides.
"Well! Because Shippo is hungry and I'm tired!! We should rest!!!" Kagome shouted her foot tapping on the dirt road they had been following her face flushed with anger.
"Well I don't care if your tired or if the runt's hungry we're not going to stop!" He shouted back earning a glare from her. "Feh, and besides there's nothing you can do to stop me." He announced as he continued to walk on ahead of them.
"Ooooh! Yes, there is Inuyasha!!.....OSUWARI!!!!!!!!"
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From miles away some traveler felt the ground shake. "Hmm, wonder what made the ground tremble so much?...Oh well." The traveler shook his head and continued onward...
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Kaoru sighed to herself as she poured hot water inside a cup filled with dry noodles that Sango taught her how to. She glanced beside her to see that Inuyasha was still swirlling in swirlsville as he continued to twitch and shake every so often. Shippo laughed himself to tears at his poor state, while Sango and Miroku sighed both sipping tea that she had made with perfection. Both hadn't said a word nor showed in their expressions about the whole 'Sit' incident. She shook her head as she noticed Kagome huffing in anger at him as he finally came back to the living. Rubbing his head and shaking the dizziness from his eyes he looked up at Kaoru but then quickly closed them from the blinding sun. "What the hell happened?" He asked groggry as he blinked his eyes to focus more clearly.
Kaoru bit back a giggle as she watched him slowly but clumsly get into a sitting position. "Well for starters you got Kagome real angry at you when you didn't agree with her. So she than 'Osuwari-ed' you...um about 50 times that made you pass out..." She said gesturing toward Kagome who was seen throwing rocks at the ground at a badly drawn up Inuyasha. He flinch at the way she was torturing her Victim, he turned away shaking in fear.
"Well...lets just leave her alone for a while ne?" He asked glancing behind him to see Kagome stomping on the drawing. He gulped a knot that had suddenly formed in his throut then sharply turned back. He heard Kaoru giggle to herself as he raised a brow in surprise. "What are you laughing at?" He said as a demand as she shook her head saying it was nothing. He narrowed his eyes at her when suddenly his nose pick up a heavenly scent. He sniffed once, twice, then his eyes widen in ecstasy as he peered behind her to the cooked up ramen.
Her eyes followed his until it reached the food she was preparing moments ago. "Oh! That's right! Here Inuyasha." She picked up the cup and chop sticks then handed it to him while his eyes dratted back and forth at her. "What? Is something wrong?" She asked.
He looked to his right not wanting to make eye contact with her. "Ano...isn't this yours? I mean you made it for yourself ne?" He said still not wanting to face her.
Her face showed confusion until realization hit her. 'He thinks I'm pitying him about what happened...Hmm Inuyasha...' Shaking her head she replied "Iie...it wasn't for me...I made it for you when you were to wake up!" She reasoned.
His eyes widen in shock then glanced back at her blinking his eyes out in disbelief. 'She made it...for me?...' "...I...uh...You didn't have to!!" He barked as the others glanced at the pair all with questioning eyes.
"Well I know but I did anyway so please eat it...I know your hungry after the Osuwari's you just had..." Kaoru stated. He finally gave in and with a nod of his head he procceded to gulp down the contents of the said cup as she sighed in glee at his childish antics. 'He can be such a child...but then again so can I...' She was about to ask him if he wanted more when Kagome pluped down right beside her with a book in hand.
"Kaoru-chan can I ask you a question?" She asked kindly as she glanced at her waiting for a reply.
Sango, Miroku, Kirara, and Shippo soon joined in around the circle as Inuyasha finally finished with his precious ramen. "Um...Sure Kagome shoot!"
"Well I was wondering...can you tell us a bit about your friends from your time? You hadn't spoken a lot about them...and I just wanted to know what they were like." She asked.
"Hai, it would be nice to hear some of your tales from this Meiji era that you are from Kaoru-sama." Miroku asked as well.
"Hai, please tell us what your world is like Kaoru." Sango asked also.
"Yeah!!! Tell us if they had any choco-late like in Kagome's time!!!" Shippo said while bouncing onto her lap his eagerness getting the best of him.
Kaoru smiled softly at their questions then nodded her head, she staightened herself then held Shippo on her lap as she began to speak. "Okay...hmm where do I begin...oh yes! I have many friends from my time like...Yahiko for example." They all knotted their brows in confusion, she laughed nervously as she sweat-dropped. "Well his name is Yahiko Myojin and he tends to call himself 'Tokyo Samurai' or here as you call it 'Edo Samurai'." They nodded their heads wanting to know more about the boy. "He is ten years old and can be an arrogent brat at time and very mischivious when he has to be." They all at that point glanced at Shippo who was looking back and forth at them.
"What? Why are you all staring at me?"
"Because this Yahiko boy sounds almost exactly like someone we know." Inuyasha stated as they knobbed their heads in agreement.
"But at least I'm not an egotistic maniac like you!" Shippo pointed out which ticked Inuyasha off.
"Wha?" His fist shook violently in front of him as his eyes twitched in anger. "What the hell is that suppost ta mean?!"
"Shhh!! Inuyasha Kaoru-chan didn't finish yet." Kagome said completely ignoring the glares he sent her, he gumbled to himself afterwords about a baka girl and a baku kitsune.
Kaoru sweat-dropped once more before continuing. "But he was also very caring, kind and was also my student in the Kamiya Kasshin-Ryu."
"What is this Kamiya Kasshin-Ryu? Thing?" Shippo asked as everyone stood dead silent.
"Well Shippo-chan...it's a sword style that my father created." Everyone's eyes widen in surprise as they sinked the information in.
'Kaoru knows how to handle swords?...Wow...' Inuyasha stared at awe for the second time at her as she blushed a hue of pink. His eyes soften at her as he thought it over. 'She always seem to surprise me every time...'
She smiled softly at them before continuing. "He has spicky black hair, brownish-black eyes, he's probably 4' 7", and is like a brother to me...at times..." She explained while everyone was trying to picture the ten-year old boy she described to them.
"Wow!! Is he really your brother?" Asked Shippo.
"Iie, he's not...he had been taken advantage by these thugs so Kenshin and I saved him and took him in." She answered a he nodded his head.
"Who is this Kenshin?" Miroku asked as the others also voiced the same question.
"Oh! Him he's also one of my friends...he had saved Sanosuke Sagara and Megumi Takani as well...and not to mention Yutaro Tsukayama...and many others that are now my friends..." Kaoru rambled as everyone else tried to figure out who the people were.
"Who is Sano-su-ke and Me-gumi? And this Yu-taro?" Inuyasha asked.
"Um, Sanosuke Sagara is 19 years old and has rooster-like brown hair, he's 6' 7", and has chocolate colored eyes-"
"Ooooooooooooh!! Chocolate!!! He has chocolate!!!?" Shippo squealed in delight interrupting her sentence.
"Bam-bam-bam-bam-bam!!" Came down Inuyasha's fists as he hit Shippo on the head. "Will you shut up!! Kaoru was saying his eyes looked like chocolate but it doesn't mean it is you Baku!!!" Inuyasha stated as Shippo began to cry.
"Wahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Kaoru he hit me!!!!!" He wailed. Kagome then began to argue with Inuyasha about what he did, while Kaoru tried to calm Shippo down.
"Shhh, it's okay...Inuyasha didn't mean it...don't worry..." She reasoned and soon enough...after the ten Oswaris being heard she continued. "Sano wears all white with a Kanji of 'Aku' or 'Bad' on the back of his shirt, he also wears a red bandana around his forehead, he use to carry a Zanbatou with him which gave him the nickname: Zanza...and also was a Fighter-For-Hire, which meant that if you paid him enough money he would fight whoever you wish for him to defeat..." Sango's eyes held confusion as she looked down to her lap thinking about this "Sano", Kaoru noticing this explained the rest. "But he didn't get paid to help or protect anyone...he got paid to do...terrible things...so no it isn't the same as what Sango-chan does." Everyone's eyes sadden at the thought of the man they began to picture.
"One day he came to challange Kenshin to a duel because at that time he was paid to do so. At first Kenshin refused the offer but Sano compelled him and in the end Kenshin broke his Zanbatou and defeated him...then he became friends with us soon after that." Kaoru said while Kirara began to rub against her knee, while everyone stayed silent waiting to hear more. "He loves to gamble, drink, and to...be a freelouder..." She spoke through clenched teeth as everyone raised a brow at her behavior. "But he is like the older brother I never had, and a good friend..."She smiled at the fond memories she began to remember about him, she shook her head to clear her thought as she continued. "Then there is Megumi Takani...she has long black hair, brownish-green eyes, and is a great doctor, but she tends to be...a vixen at times..." Kaoru explained as Miroku grinned in pure joy at that detail.
"Honto Kaoru-sama? My, my...that is some lady friend you got there...I would be surely happy to meet her..." Miroku said as everyone just rolled their eyes in disgust, he looked around in confusion at them. "Nandai Wo?"
"No...I don't think you would want to mess with her...she likes Sano..." Kaoru pointed out as Miroku's head dropped down at that statement.
"Ooooooooooh, man!! I thought I had her!!" He said snapping his fingers together while shaking his head. He cried anime-style as he pictured her. "Whhhhhhhhhhhhhyyyyyyyyyy!! She sounds soooooooooo beautiful-" 'Thump' He was met with the ground as Sango calmly put down Hiraikotsu glaring at him the whole time.
"Will you be quiet! I'm trying to hear to what Kaoru-chan has to say!" She hissed at him before smiling back at Kaoru who was laughing nervously at her. "Please continue Kaoru!" She said with excitment in her voice.
"Umm, Oh! Yes, she is 22 years old-" She wasn't able to continue because she was cut off by Miroku's glee.
"Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooh!!! She's 22!! My, she is older then me by 4 years!! My, my...but it won't change the fact of the matter...young or old is fine with me!!" He pointed out with eyes closed as everyone fell anime style. "But they do say that older women tend to be more intelligent than-" He paused as he felt three pairs of eyes glaring his way, he opened his eyes to be faced with three pissed off onnas. He sweat-dropped then quickly corrected himself. "B-But that i-is my op-opinion about...*Cough* Please continue Kaoru-sama...Hehehehe..."
Kaoru huffed in anger before continuing. "But she was forced into making Opium from this mad man named Kanryu Takeda..." She explained sadly but pressed forward. "But we were able to save her from him and now...she is like an older sister to me!" She smiled happly as the others joined in as while.
"Wow!! You have lot of friends!!" Shippo said bouncing up and down on her. "Tell us more!! More and more freinds you have!!" Shippo asked.
Kaoru smiled in agreement. "Oh, okay! Lets see..." Then for the next hour or so she explained to the Inu-tashi about Misao, Aoshi, Hiko, and all the other friends she had made in her time. Once finally done she sighed in exhustion as the others sinked everything in. "Ano...I think that's about everyone...or did I miss someone?" She asked to herself as everyone sighed in peace, then Kagome snapped her fingers in rememberance.
"Yeah! You forgot one person!" She remarked.
"What? Who would that be?!" Kaoru asked. 'Who could I have missed?...'
"Um, that guy...we kept hearing of...that guy who saved almost everyone...umm, Oh! Yeah! Ken-shin...yeah I think that's his name!! You didn't explain us much about him!!" She pointed out.
Kaoru froze at that remark as her mind flew in confusion. 'How could I? How could I forget about mentioning him?...Of all people!...' Kaoru stood silent until Kagome asked if she was alright. She nodded her head then began to explain about her red-head friend. "Ano...this last...friend...of mine is...very complicated to explain really..."
"How is he complicated?" Sango asked all now interested in this Kenshin person.
"Well...he didn't have much of a pretty past...it was mostly dark..." She trailed off.
"Aren't all past's dark..." Inuyasha stated as Kaoru looked up in confusion about his statement.
'What does he mean by that?...Did he have a past like Kenshin's too?...' She cleared her head of the subject and continued. "For starters...his parents died when he was eight...of an illness called Chlora(Sp?)...he was then sold into slavery..."
"Oh! My Gosh! That's horrible!" Kagome shrieked in shock as Kaoru nodded her head in agreement.
"Hai...it was...but it got worse then better...for then that night he had made friends with three girls...but sadly that same night bandits came and killed them...all of them..."
"Did he make it?..." Shippo asked fearing the worst, he gripped on Kaoru's gi as he layed his head there in fright.
Kaoru patted his head in reassurance as she continued. "Hai, he did make it, for Hiko-san...came and killed the bandits that were about to hurt him."
"Whooo! That's good!" Shippo said lossening his grip.
"Hiko-san then ordered Kenshin to go to the nearby village for help...but Kenshin didn't follow his orders..."
"What did he do?" Kagome asked.
Kaoru gazed at her directly then on her lap and said. "Kenshin stayed up all night burying the corposes...both bandits and slaves..." She whispered as everyone's eyes widen.
"You mean he stayed up at the age of eight to bury those died bandits that could have killed him?" Kagome asked.
"Hai, Hiko-san then came back to find every single body buried and Kenshin...standing in the middle of them all..." Kaoru whispered.
"Well that is...quite...interesting..." Miroku said as the others stayed silent waiting for more info on this Kenshin.
"Hai, I guess it is...well then Hiko-san took him in as his pupil and so..." Kaoru then began to explain about Kenshin as everyone else either were deadly surprised or in pure shock as she layed out what she knew about the red-head. Also, making sure to leave out Tomoe and Enishi for she reasoned that, that was one of his personal secrets she promised to keep and she would not go against her word. "Ano...that's about all I know for now...then after that encounter with him... he stayed at my Dojo ever since..." Kaoru finished as she petted Shippo's head as the others blinked their eyes out.
"Woooooooow! This Kenshin guy...is very complicated...and sad..." Kagome said in awe.
"Hai, demo there is one thing I didn't tell you about him tho'..." She said as Inuyasha raised a brow at her.
"And that would be what? I mean you did say he killed those people in that...Bakumatsu or whatever...so what is there that would change it?" He asked.
"Ano...He was very famous in the revolution...very famous...His comrades and his enemies use to call him...Hitokiri Battousai..." She said softly as everyone's eyes widen in shock. Kagome trembled as she lifted her finger at Kaoru all the while gripping her book tighter.
"Y-You...You m-mean the Hi-Hitokiri B-Battousai! The Hitokiri Battousai!!!" She jumped as everyone looked her way as if she had finally lost it.
"Um, Hai but he's not a manslayer anymore...now he's just Kenshin Himura...a Rurouni..." Kaoru reasoned but froze as her thoughts suddenly clicked. "Matte...How do you know about Kenshin?" She asked.
"It talks about it in here!" She then took out her History book she held in her hands as she began to scan through the pages rapidly as the others gathered around her waiting for her to finish. Kaoru's heart raced as she looked down at the bright colorful pages as she saw some familiar pictures from her time. "Oh! Here it is!!" Kagome squelled as she showed Kaoru a painting of a man. Kaoru peered at it until her eyes widen in realization.
'Kami-sama! It's Kenshin!' The painting showed a man with bloody, red-hair tied back in a high ponytail. The man was wearing a dark navy blue gi with grayish-white hakama, which were both smithered in blood. He had his grip on his Katana which was still inprisoned in its sheath as he was posed in a Battou-jitsu stance, his right hand hoovering over it dangerously ready to attack. But his face is what caught Kaoru's attention his lips were pursed together in a tight line, his cross-shaped scar appeared fresh and was bleeding down to his chin. But his eyes...they were a color of Golden-Amber swirling together like a whril pool. She lifted her right hand then placed it on top of Kenshin's face. She felt a ping of pain fill her heart as she traced his bloody cross-shape scar. 'Kenshin...This is you as a boy...Oh, Kenshin...'
Inuyasha watched as she traced over what appeared to be a scar on the guy's cheek as he saw in her eyes an emotion he didn't want to believe. 'No...there's no way she could?...Is she? Could she lo-...No! That's ridiculous!!' He shook the thought away as he continue to study her and that damn painting of the guy. He felt a ping of what? Jealousy? settle in him. 'Wha! What the Fuck? Why would I be jealous?! Come on!...But why do I feel like tearing her hand away from that damn painting and clawing it in the process? Nah! I'm going crazy that's what! Me jealous of a stupid painting...Please, I have better things to do then be jealous of a...guy...that Kaoru might...Grrrrrrrrr...' His thoughts ended as he heard Kaoru asked Kagome a question.
"Why is Kenshin in here? In the book I mean!?" She asked finally taking her hand away reluctanly from Kenshin's face, which Inuyasha sighed in relief with.
"Oh! That's because this is a history book! It talks about the past and stuff like that! See I'll show you." Kagome then showed the others about the 1700s and the 1600s as everyone stared in awe at how the so called History book showed everything about the Daimyo up till the Bakumatsu and beyond that even they didn't know of. After thirty minutes of teaching them about History, Kagome sighed as she finally closed the book. "Well, that was fun...gomen nasai Kaoru-chan...I didn't mean to sound so uptight about Kenshin-san...It's just that well..." Kaoru then cutted her off.
"That Kenshin is really the Battousai and that it is strange that I offer him a place to stay right?" Kaoru said as Kagome nodded her head. "Well I know it's weird and that some people would think it's wrong to house a...manslayer that is hated by almost everyone in Japan...but ano, he is a very nice person. You wouldn't even think that he had comitted those crimes if you look at him at first glance...He himself feels guilty of what he did and now he is repenting for the sins he had caused...and besides..." Kaoru trailed away as she bit her lower lip.
Inuyasha finished it off for her. "And besides...you aren't that type of person who would judge people because of their pasts...you see through that...you accept them for who they are...not what they are..." 'Just...like...me...she didn't wither away like most people would or accused me of being half-man, half-demon...instead she accepted me...like she did with that Kenshin guy...I guess me and him do have a lot in commen...' Inuyasha finished both sentence and thought the whole time looking directly at her who stood frozen in her place. His eyes soften at her as he finally looked away while the others whispered to themselves about the strange incident. Inuyasha glanced back at her briefly before returning back to his cocky oldself. "What is that I hear! You damn houshi!" Inuyasha said glaring at Miroku who was sweat-dropping nervously. "I better not hear anything from you! Or else!" He barked as he held Miroku by the collor shaking him a bit.
"Inuyasha! Leave Miroku-sama alone or else!" Kagome shouted.
"Or else what!?" Inuyasha challenged as everyone including Kaoru slapped their foreheads at his stupidity.
"Or else this! OSUWARI!!" Then the group heard a huge 'thump' followed by a muffiled Inuyasha swearing who-knows-what as the others shook their heads at him.
Kaoru smiled softly at him as the others went back doing their previous things while saying 'Thanks' or 'That was an interesting life you have' to her as she made her way to him. He lifted himself up as he brushed away dirt still swearing under his breath. "Hehee, Inuyasha you shouldn't make Kagome-chan mad at you like that!" Kaoru said kneeling at his level as she heard him 'Keh' then turn his head away from her. She smiled at his antics as she layed her right hand on top of his left one, which caused him to looked at her in shock. "Arigatou Inuyasha...for what you said back there...that was...very sweet of you..." She said which caused him to blush lightly at her.
"Keh, it's not like I did that for you! I did that cause you were stuttering and I felt like saving you the embarassment!!" He said arrogantly as Kaoru continued to smile that same sweet smile at him causing him to gulp loudly. "And what the hell are you smiling at!" He asked.
She shook her head then frowned lightly as she turned away from him. "Do you think their doing fine without me? I mean do you think their alright back in my time?" She whispered as Inuyasha dropped his ears flat down on his head as he too looked away.
"I...I really don't know...they should be fine...I mean sure they must miss you but...I'm sure their just fine...unless you feel homesick..." He whispered back as he gazed at her. 'Unless you want to go back home...back to that Kenshin guy who probably is looking for you right now...and leave...me...' His eyes sadden as he continue to wait for her to answer. When no response came he was about to leave her to herself when she answered back.
"Hai, I do feel homesick...very much...I want to so badly to go back home with Kenshin and the others..." His heart sank as he listened to her confession. "But..." She turned to look back at him smiling once more. "But, I feel like I was sent here for a reason that I must complete..." she than squeezed his hand softly as his gaze never left hers. "And besides...I wouldn't want to leave my new friends that I made...and you...for that matter..." His ears twitched lightly as he returned her smile, his heart soring to great lengths at her statement. "And also..." She lifted one hand and began to message one of his ears. "I promised you I would stay by your side...and I'm not going to break it just because I'm homesick..." She stopped messaging his ear then stood up still not tearing her eyes from his nor her hand. "And besides...your here with me!...So I have nothing to feel sad about...anymore." With that she turned around and began to walk back toward the others who were preparing lunch all the while leaving a very happy Hanyou behind.
Inuyasha grinned in pure delight as his mind began to wonder on it's own. 'Yes! She won't leave me for that...Kenshin guy...hehee!! She really is...special...probably even more then...Kagome and Kikyo...' He thought as he sat there thinking about what she had said earlier. His ears then picked up Kaoru's angelic voice saying that lunch was ready. He stood up brushed himself then dashed down to the group all the while thinking one last thought to himself. 'But I must wonder...What her friends are doing now? Especailly that Kenshin guy?...'
-x-x-x-
The moon settled high above the dark, night sky as everyone were either laying in their warm beds or out at work as the wind howled down apon them...all but one. He stood up silently from his postion then quietly creeped out of his room, surreptitiously making his mid-night rounds. But this night he didn't go around his home as he usually did. This time he preambulated up to a room close by his own. He stood there gazing at the shoji debating weither to go in or not. 'It's not like anyone is going to know...' He thought sadly as he silently, but swiftly entered the room. It took him a moment to adjust to the darkness of the room, for the shades blocked off most of the moon's light from entering...
"Moshimo Hitotsu Dake..." "If There Was One,"
"Tatta Hitotsu Dake..." "Just One Wish..."
There laying in the center of the dark, vacant room was a well made futon...as if that person had just made it...but no, that wasn't the case...He slowly and hesitately made his way toward it. His heart pounding in unknown fear as he peered down at what was on top of the well made bed. On the top of the bed that stood out of it's pearl white sheets...was a ribbon...an Indigo ribbon which at the tips and center of it...were smudged in blood...his blood...he had accidently place apon long ago...Oh how he longed for things to return back to normal like the way they were...
"Kanaerareru Nara..." "That Could Be Granted..."
"Nani Wo Inoru Kara..." "What Would I Wish For?"
But at the mere sight of the ribbon his mind flashed with memories as his legs gave way making him collapse on top of the futan. Clenching the Indigo ribbon as a lifeline, his tears he had held back finally fell apon it. "...Why?!...Please...Come Back To Me!!...I should of...I should of protected you...Why!!..." He cried out in anguish. "WHY!! WHY! Why couldn't I protect you Koishii?!...Why do I continue failing you?...Why are you not by my side?...Why!! WHY!!...Koishii...Where could you be right now? Who are you with right now?..."
"Ima Doko Ni Iru No?" "Where Could You Be Right Now?"
"Ima Dare To Iru No?" "Who Are You With Right Now?"
He looked up at the pale, white, full moon as his tears of pain, fear, gulit, and anger spilled down his cheeks. He closed his eyes and lowered his head as he thought back to everything he had down that horrible day..."One Whole Week...One whole week I have been looking for you...B-But I c-can't f-find you anywhere...no matter w-where I looked you w-weren't t-there...K-Koishii Why? Where are you?!...Koishii come back...We all miss you...I miss you...Why does life have to be so cruel to me?...Why does everything dear to me leave...Why? Why did you have to go?...Kami...WHY!!! Was it because the sins I commited?! Was it because I was never truly worthy enough for her love!!! I know that...but still I love her...I love her...BUT YOU HAD TO TAKE HER AWAY FROM ME!!!! WHY!! SHE DIDN'T DESERVE THIS!!!!...SHE DIDN'T DESERVE ANY OF THIS..." He shouted out as he lifted his face up toward the moon glaring at it with his amber-golden eyes as if it were to blame...
"Aoi Sore Miyage..." "Looking Up At The Blue Sky,"
"Sotto Toikakeru..." "I Whisper These Questions..."
He closed his eyes as memories flashed before them. He lowered his face until it landed on the soft pearly white pillow. Suddenly, he caught her scent...her beautiful Jasmine scent he grew to love everytime he was near her. He inhaled in the sweet intoxicating smell of her and suddenly, he felt light-headed...like high on a drug...and he smiled at the thought. 'Yes, she is the drug I'm addicted to...and I want that feeling back...' But his heart sanked, knowing she was not here with him...not here beside him. "Koishii..."
"With You...Sugu Soba Ni..." "With You---You Who Were Right At My Side..."
"Ita Koro No Kimi Wa Inai..." "Are No Longer Here..."
He sighed then lifted his head glancing around the room taking everything in. He even sent a letter to the Oniwabanshou to help, and Aoshi had agreed to help by Misao's presistence, but not even they could find her. He soon felt anger surge in his vains at his stupidity...He wasn't quick enough to save her, if only he had gotten there faster...He might have saved her...But now he knew not even his Hiten Mitsurugi speed was able to save the love of his life...and he felt outraged at himself. The whole week he spent trying to find her he hadn't ate, slept, or even tried to do any of the usually chores because of his distress. But his appearance looked pitaful to say the least. His bloody-red hair was tangled and dismaid and tied in a low messy ponytail. His clothes filthy and torned of milage he had taken in trying to find her. But his face is what made even his friends look away in guilt. His face looked old, tired, bags were under his eyes of no sleep, and his eyes were dull...their once beautiful amethyst color was now a dull steel bluish-violet...All because of her disappearance...All because she was no longer there...with him...by his side...
"With You...Hanaretemo..." "With You---I Promised You That I Wouldn't Change..."
"Kawaranai To Yakusoku Shita No Ni..." "Even If We Are Apart But..."
He cried after a while...He was starting to lose hope in finding her...He would even see her right beside him as if she were right there, and she would speak to him as if she were actually real. He knew then, that he was starting to go insane...and if he didn't find her soon...He didn't know what he'd do...and he feared he would do something that he would regret for the rest of his life if he didn't find her...He once had a nightmare of her...and it was worse than anything he ever faced...she was dying in his arms, and he couldn't do anything to stop it from happening. But what scared him the most was that it may have already happened to her. "NO!! Stop!! I must not think such thoughts! She is alive and well and is...waiting for me to find her..." He whispered, but what if he didn't find her? What if she really was gone? All he had left of her were her belongings and the memories they shared...But he didn't want that...he didn't want past memories...he wanted her here so they could make new ones...But what if he forgot about her one day? No, he didn't want her to fade from his mind nor didn't he want Them to be a mere memory of long ago either...
"Tatoeba Bokutachi Ga Omoida Ni Naru..." "If We Become Memories..."
"Soba No Nukumori Ni Wa Mou Kanawanai Kara..." "Even Memories Cannot Contend With The Warmth At Your Side,"
It was funny really that he would act like this just because of her...Because of the woman he loved...It's funny how love can do that to a person. One minute it could make you feel like you were on top of the world, then the next you were thrown to the lowest, deepest pit of hell it could send you...and yet, you keep hoping...Hoping that you would be on top again with no worries riding on your shoulders. But he knew if he ever wanted that feeling back he'd have to find her...Sulking wouldn't do him any good he also reasoned. But what if he never does find her? What will he do then? "No!...I will find you Koishii where ever you are...I'll find you even if it takes forever...And once I do find you I promise to never let you go...I promise...I promised you Kaoru that I will protect you...and I will fullfill that vow!" He announced to himself as he layed back down on her futan. Memories of her filling his wounded and aching heart...
"Setsunai Tameiki Ga fui Ni Koboreta..." "So A Wishful Sigh Unerringly Welled Forth,"
"Maiagare Haruka Tooku Kimi Ni Todoku You Ni..." "May It Take Flight And Go So Far That It Reaches You..."
He suddenly felt tired...but then again he hadn't slept a wink since after the nightmare...but now with him vowing to find her he suddenly felt renewed, refreshed, and a new hope began to shine in his heart as he replayed that statement to himself. But there was still that nagging doubt that still clouded him: Will he ever find her? 'Iie I have to be strong...I have to find her, I will find her! You got to pull yourself together Kenshin!' He reminded himself as his vision started to get fussy. He finally let a deep-heartful sigh escape his lips as he subconsiously smiled. He'd find her, he just knew he would..."I will find you Kaoru...I don't care how long it takes or how far away you are from me...But I'll find you again like I always have...I hope you can hear my prayer Koishii...Because I won't give up yet...I'll find you Kaoru...No matter what it takes..." Kenshin whispered to himself as he felt himself about to go into a deep peaceful sleep...Sighing once more he glanced up to the full blue moon as he pictured her beautiful smiling face watching over him. He smiled once more but before he feel into the realm of dreams he muttered her name to the silent peaceful night. "Kaoru..."
-x-x-x-
Kaoru glanced at the pale full moon when she suddenly heard something. She looked around her to see all her cohorts sleeping peacefully not making a sound. She turned back to look at the moon when she heard it again. She listened silently wanting to make out what it was saying. "Kaoru..." Her heart missed a beat as she gasped. 'Who? Was it my name that was being called out? Or was I imaging it? But who...was it-' Suddenly, she felt warmth surge through her as if she was wrapped into someone's arms. She felt her heart ping with what? Longing? Pain? Heartache? She didn't know, but what she did know was the voice who called out to her. "Kenshin..." She whispered to herself as she layed down in her sleeping bag Kagome had lend her. She smiled softly to herself as memories of him flashed before her now closed eyes. 'Oh, Kenshin how I miss you...But I can't go back home yet...But I promise to be back to you soon...I promise...' She wondered though if it really was him, but she shook her head believe that he did somehow get to her. She glanced up to the stars that were twinkling down at her as she made her vow. 'I promise to see you again Kenshin...' With that she closed her eyes and fell into a blissful sleep, dreaming about a certain red-head...
"Alright!! lets be on our way!!" Shippo shouted as he and Kirara bounced around the tashi as Kagome giggled at their childish antics. Inuyasha 'Feh-ed' who was quietly ahead of them with his arms across his chest. Sango and Miroku taking the rear were talking about this or that. Kagome and Kaoru in between the group watching as the young ones played, chating here or there. Kaoru sighed for what was probably the millionth time since that morning.
Kagome sensing something wrong asked. "Daijibou Kaoru-chan?"
Kaoru smiled kindly at her and answered back. "Hai I'm fine don't worry about it..." She trailed off looking the other way.
Kagome sighing to herself. 'She's so stubborn sometimes...' "Kaoru-chan what's wrong? Don't act like Inuyasha."
Kaoru looked at her with confusion at the last statement. "What do you mean 'Don't act like Innyasha' Kagome?" She asked.
"Well, very time Inuyasha looks away like that it means he hiding something." She stated matter-a-factly.
Kaoru giggled at that remark as she nodded her head in agreement. "Gomen then...Ano...it's about..." She trailed off once more.
When Kaoru didn't continue Kagome nodded her head and voiced. "It's about what Kaoru-chan?"
Sighing once more Kaoru was about to answer her, when she suddenly felt a presense. "Matte Minna-san!" She shouted as everyone turned toward her wanting to know what was the matter.
"What is it Kaoru-chan?" Kagome asked first.
Kaoru turned toward her before answering. "I sense a Shikon no Kakera nearby." She stated as everyone's eyes widen.
"Really? Where Kaoru?" Inuyasha voiced excitedly wanting to get a hold of it.
She closed her eyes then quickly snapped them open. "By the riverbank." She answered as they all turned toward the river they had been following.
"Are you sure it's there Kaoru?" Shippo asked as they began walking toward it.
"Hai, it's there I sense it too." Kagome answered for her as they nodded their heads.
"Alright then! We'll get that shard then we'll be one step closer of completing the jewel." Inuyasha explained as they were nearing the steady river.
Kagome shook her head at him but came to a halt that went unnoticed by the group except for Kaoru who fell a step behind who soon turned toward her. "What's wrong Kagome?"
"Nothing Kaoru-chan...Say, why don't you wear the jewel for a while?" She asked as she stripped the necklace from her neck then placed it in Kaoru's plam.
"Wha? Nani? But I can't it's yours Kagome! I can't just take it!" She reasoned as she looked from the jewel to her then back at the jewel again.
Kagome just shook her head at her then they both continued to catch up with the others. "Iie it's alright! You should have a chance of handling it too! After all you are a Miko too you know!"
Kaoru sighed to herself but finally gave in, with a nod she placed the jewel around her neck as she glanced back at her. "Arigatou Kagome I promise to take good care of it like you did." She said as they finally made it to the bank of the river where the presense grew the strongest.
"Nah, don't worry about it! Just make sure you don't-" Kagome was cut off as the ground around them began to tremble. "What's this? Why is the floor-AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!" Kagome screamed as a giant water demon spat out of the river.
The demon appeared to be a water snake that stretched about as long as the river itself as its beady red eyes glared down at them. "Who daresssssss to dissssterb me!! You will all pay with your livessssssss." The demon hissed as it slethered closer to them.
Inuyasha just smirked in response as he pulled out his deadly Tetsusaiga posing in a stance. "So you want to fight me then your on!" He declared. With a battle cry he suddenly leaped up in the air, with his tetsusaiga over his head he brought it down with a slash. The slash cutting the snake in half, with a death cry the water snake than tumbled to the ground. Inuyasha smirked once again then gently landed back on the ground with his tetsusaiga back in its sheath. "Well that was easy! Hey Kaoru!! Kagome!! Do you sense any jewel shards on him?" He asked as everyone huddled up next to the now dead demon.
Kagome and Kaoru scanned at the demon both trying to sense if the water snake possesed it. Kagome smiled in joy as she pointed out. "Hai! I found it!"
"Where is it Kagome?" Inuyasha asked as he and the others looked at her direction.
"It's on the snake's neck! But you'll have to pull it out 'cause it's in there too deep." She explained as Inuyasha huffed than procceded to take what was now rightfully his.
Inuyasha was just about to lay a claw on the snake when both halves of the snake suddenly began to move. "Oh no!! It's trying to regenerate!!" Miroku wailed as they began to step back from it.
"Not if I can help it!" Inuyasha said as he once again took out tetsusaiga. But he wasn't able to use it when one of the halves of the snake wrapped its tail around him. "YAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!" Inuyasha shouted as he was then thrown to the other side of the group: in the deep forest.
"INUYASHA!!!!!!!" Kaoru screamed as she started to chase after him not paying attention to the other half of the snake that was quickly reaching from behind her.
"KAORU-CHAN!! BEHIND YOU!!!!" Kagome and Sango screamed at once as they began to chase after her.
"Huh?!" She was now in the deep forest, but turned around once she heard Sango and Kagome call out to her. Her eyes widen as she saw the snake approch her with amazing speed.
"Die!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You ssssssssssstupid wench!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" It lunched at her as he finally caught up with her.
Kaoru readied her bow then knotched the arrow loss as it hit bulleye on the snake's forehead. It layed there on the ground once more as Kaoru slowly and hesitately approched it. 'Is it really dead? I won't know for sure if I don't take the shard out of it soon.' She was six feet away from it when it suddenly jerked straight at her. "AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!" She screamed as she closed her eyes waiting for it to strike, but nothing happened. She opened her eyes slowly than peered down at herself. 'Wha? What happened? Wasn't the snake about to kill me?' After checking herself she glanced back to the spot where the snake was suppost to be, but in its place only stood Inuyasha with a shard in hand, behind him were the remains of the snake.
He gazed at her than slowly walked up to her. "Hey! You alright Kaoru?" He asked lifting a hand out for her to take.
With a sigh of relief she accepted his hand then slowly stood up smiling at him in gratitude. "Hai, I'm alright arigatou for saving me Inuyasha." She said sweetly at him.
He shrugged it off with nod than turned his back to her. "Well, no problem I got what I wanted. Lets go find the others." With that he began to walk off as Kaoru followed closely behind. After about five minutes of walking Kaoru was beginning to get worried.
"Inuyasha? Are you sure we're going the right way? Inuyasha?" She asked as she waited for his response. When no response came she gently layed a hand on his shoulder. "Inuyasha why don't you answer me? Inuyasha?" She asked again this time pushing on his sleeve.
"We're almost there so be patient." Was his only response as Kaoru gave up questioning him and followed quietly behind.
About another five minutes passed when he finally came to a halt, almost causing Kaoru to bump into him from behind. She glanced at him then up ahead to see they had stopped by the Goshinboku tree. Her brows knitted together as she glanced back to Inuyasha who slowly turned to her with a grin on his face. "Inuyasha why did you take me back to the Goshinboku tree? Where are the others?" She asked as she watched him closely.
He closed his eyes than sighed deeply as he snapped his eyes open, his grin still there. "Well I thought we could have some alone time if you know what I mean." His noice sounding gruff as he gazed at her.
The back of her hair rised up at his tone of voice as he chuckled to himself. 'What? What's wrong with Inuyasha?! That doesn't sound like him at all!!' She subconsiously took a step back as she felt fear consume her. "N-No I do-don't know w-what you m-mean..." She stuttered as she watched him tilt his head to one side, a smirk manifesting on his lips as his eyes darken with mischief in their depths.
"Of course you know what it means Kaoru..." He purred her name as she felt a cold shiver run down her spine as he advanced closer.
She took another step back, until her back met the bark of the goshinboku tree. she glanced from side to side looking for a way out. 'What's going on with him! Why is he actting this way!!'
"Tsk, Tsk, Tsk now you know you can't run away from me Kaoru-Koishii..." He cooed as he layed both arms on either side of her, his face almost touching hers.
Kaoru gasp sharply as she looked into his eyes to see no warmth, no kindness, and no meaning in them. All there was, was lust and desire. She feared she wouldn't be able to escape him as he gazed deeply at her taking everything in.
"Now see!? Isn't this better Koishii hehee...Now why don't you give me a kiss." With that statement he leaned his head near hers to take a kiss from her percious lips. Kaoru took this as an advantage and pushed him away causing him to blink his eyes back open to see her dash out of his reach. He growled dangerously low to himself as he took off speeding up to catch her. "Come back here you wench!!!!!!!!"
Kaoru's heart raced as she heard Inuyasha's voice not too far away as she blinked back the tears that were slowly coming down. What's happening? Why is he like this? Inuyasha what's happened to you?! I have to stay away from him and warn the others...' With that thought in mind she forced her legs to go even faster a she prepared her bow and arrow hoping with all her heart she wouldn't use them. She ran left than right as she sensed him getting closer, she than spotted the well she crawled out of and sprinted toward it. She panted heavly as she came to a close halt than glanced around her with her bow and arrow ready. But suddenly as she turned around she was face to face with him..."Why!!! Why are you doing this!!!" She screamed as she backed way from him. He advanced to her with a smirk snaking his way to his lips once more as he shrugged lightly at her frantic question.
"I don't know...maybe I want to make you suffer...or maybe I just want you..." He said his voice filled with lust as his amber eyes scanned her body briefly before looking into her frighten ones.
She shook her head as tears flowed out on her porculain face. She pulled out her bow as she felt the hard solid wood of the well meeting her knees. "G-Get away!! Or I-I'll sh-shoot you!" She said in vain as he took another step towards her as she bit her lower lip in fear.
"Now you know you can't hurt me...after all I might die if you did ne?" He asked as he cupped her face and held her close, which caused her to drop her bow and arrow. She tried to squirm away from him but he held her tight. "Now is that anyway to treat me, after all the things I did for you?" He asked as he started to kiss away her tears as she shut her eyelids tight.
She tried to escape once more but it did no good his grip was to strong. 'How am I going to get out of here?' Her thoughts ended though when she felt him take the Shikon no Tama that hanged around her neck. "No!! Give it back!!!" She shouted.
He looked at it then back at her smirking once more. "No I think I won't do that...your no longer in charge of it as of now...but thanks I'll take it with gratitude...Arigatou for the farewell gift to bad I don't have one for you..." Her eyes held confusion as he stood perfectly still letting her go. He then answered her silent question. "But I promise to make it up to you someday...heehee farewell Kamiya Kaoru...it was fun while it lasted." he said then suddenly she felt herself being pushed backwards. With great shock she fell through the well, but as she screamed out she looked up at the opening of the well to see him waving down at her.
Her tears trailed behind her as she screamed out his name. "INUYASHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!" 'How could he...I thought!!' Then the same pink-purplish light swallowed her whole as he shook his head at her.
"Sorry..." He said without any remorse as Inuyasha laughed out loud. "Sorry Kaoru...But I'm not Inuyasha...hahahaha!!" Then "Inuyasha" began to change soon his face and body began to change into his formal self. "Well now...it's Inuyasha's turn to suffer...this is to easy...just like fifty years ago..." with that Naraku turned away and became one with the shadows as if it never happened...leaving behind her bow and arrow as the only fact of her existence...
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Well how was that? Hoped you enjoyed it! The song sessha used for Kenshin is from Inuyasha called Sotsugyou: Sayonara Wa Ashita No Tame or in english; Graduation, Farewell Is For Tomorrow's Sake. It's heard on episode 124? Don't remember but it's about when Naraku kills Kikyo again. And while Inuyasha finds out about her death the song plays so basically it's Kikyo's song. It's very sad and since Kenshin was in that sorta stage sessha thought the song was perfect for it! And also the people who sings that song also sings; One Day, One Dream as well. It's the fifth opening from Inuyasha and sessha must say they are the best!! But that's just sessha's opinion. ;^^x Also, gomen if the fic was too long...Hehee Sessha couldn't help it! All tho' sessha does believe the next chap will be even longer...Hmm, don't know, but anyway PLZ Review Minna-san! And also here below is a little part of the next chap...Enjoy! ^_^x
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Kenshin and the others laughed at one of Sano's jokes as he glanced toward the shoji that led to the kitchin. 'Hmm, I wonder what's taking her so long?' He stood up and was about to open the shoji when they heard another being opened.
Everyone turned their heads toward the other side of the room as they saw a man in red with long black hair, and violet-blue eyes staing at each one of them. "Where is she?" He demanded as Kenshin walked up to him. He quickly noticed that the man had a sword strapped up to his hip. "Where is she!?!" He asked again as Kenshin and Sano narrowed their eyes at him.
Sano stood up then layed one fist in his plam. "Why do you wanna know?!" He asked not liking the way the man just bargged up in here like it was his.
The man in question huffed then glared at him with his now steel blue eyes. "You must be the Tori-atama; Sanosuke."
"What!!!" Sano shouted as he stomped his foot down hard on the ground.
"And you..." He nodded with his head at both Megumi and Yahiko. "You must be that brat Yahiko and the Kitsune; Megumi."
"Why I never!" Megumi said as she stood up glaring at him angerly.
"Hey!! Who are you calling a brat!!" Yahiko said, him too standing up.
"I think it's best for you to leave." Kenshin said as the man studied him for a moment before answering back.
"And you must be Kenshin...or also known as the Hitokiri Battousai!" He remarked as he watched Kenshin and the others stiffen at his discovery. "Now tell me where she is Now!" When no response came he huffed once more and procceded to walk past them. But he was soon stopped by a blade hanging dangerously below his neck. He glanced at the blade then to the owner to see it was Kenshin, whose eyes were harden with a hint of golden-amber in them.
"I said for you to leave now! You are not welcomed here so leave at once or else!" Kenshin hissed deadly at him which caused the others to shiver at his voice.
Not phased at all with the threat he placed his left hand on his sword, he then gazed at him with a frown. "Not until I see her!"
Kenshin was about to remark back at him when he was cut off by a voice. "Oh, you guys sorry about taking so long." They all turned to see her with a tray in hand. She glanced at them questionly wondering what was going on. "Kenshin what are you doing with your sakabatou like that! And sir who are you?" She asked as she walked up to them but was put to a halt when she heard him speak.
"Kaoru..." He whispered softly at her as his eyes glowed with an unknown emotion.
Kaoru's eyes widen at him as she dropped her tray to the ground taking a shaky step back. "Inu...Inuyasha?...What are...What are you doing here?" She asked fear evident in her voice.
He frowned at her but took one step toward her, completely ignoring Kenshin's blade. "I came...back for you...Kaoru..." He whispered as Kenshin and the others stood there in shock.
Kenshin glanced back at the man and had only one thought in his mind. 'Who is he!? And how does he know My Kaoru!?'
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Well, there you go! Hoped you liked it! See ya next chappy!! -^_^x-
Converting /tmp/phpWWauZU to /dev/stdout
Disclaimer: Sessha does not own Inuyasha or Rurouni Kenshin...oh well...sessha tried to tho'...:Sigh:. Nor do sessha own "Sotsugyou: Sayonara Wa Ashita No Tame" By: Tacky & Tsubasa...another loss there too...Hmm...
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"Dialogue" - "Lyrics"
'Thoughts' - 'Battousai Speaking'
:(x): Flashbacks/Dreams
-x-x-x- Setting Change
POV Point Of View
A/n [Author's Note]
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Chapter 4: Returning Home...
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The Inu-Tashi, after bedding Sayonara to Keade-Baba went off to hunt more jewel shards. They were now miles away from the village in complete silence until Shippo became restless. "Kagome!! Can we eat? I'm hungry!!!!" He wailed as Kagome glanced down to him sighing softly to herself before responding.
"Alright Shippo-chan!" She turned toward Inuyasha who was close behind them with his arms crossed over his chest, eyes firmly closed. "Inuyasha! Can we stop to take a break?" She asked hoping he'd agree.
Inuyasha opened his eyes glancing at her then to Shippo. "Feh, why should we? We ate before traveling! Why stop now when there could be Shikon no Kakera out for the taking!!!" He said as they all stopped on their tracks as he dropped his arms to his sides.
"Well! Because Shippo is hungry and I'm tired!! We should rest!!!" Kagome shouted her foot tapping on the dirt road they had been following her face flushed with anger.
"Well I don't care if your tired or if the runt's hungry we're not going to stop!" He shouted back earning a glare from her. "Feh, and besides there's nothing you can do to stop me." He announced as he continued to walk on ahead of them.
"Ooooh! Yes, there is Inuyasha!!.....OSUWARI!!!!!!!!"
-------------------< br>
From miles away some traveler felt the ground shake. "Hmm, wonder what made the ground tremble so much?...Oh well." The traveler shook his head and continued onward...
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Kaoru sighed to herself as she poured hot water inside a cup filled with dry noodles that Sango taught her how to. She glanced beside her to see that Inuyasha was still swirlling in swirlsville as he continued to twitch and shake every so often. Shippo laughed himself to tears at his poor state, while Sango and Miroku sighed both sipping tea that she had made with perfection. Both hadn't said a word nor showed in their expressions about the whole 'Sit' incident. She shook her head as she noticed Kagome huffing in anger at him as he finally came back to the living. Rubbing his head and shaking the dizziness from his eyes he looked up at Kaoru but then quickly closed them from the blinding sun. "What the hell happened?" He asked groggry as he blinked his eyes to focus more clearly.
Kaoru bit back a giggle as she watched him slowly but clumsly get into a sitting position. "Well for starters you got Kagome real angry at you when you didn't agree with her. So she than 'Osuwari-ed' you...um about 50 times that made you pass out..." She said gesturing toward Kagome who was seen throwing rocks at the ground at a badly drawn up Inuyasha. He flinch at the way she was torturing her Victim, he turned away shaking in fear.
"Well...lets just leave her alone for a while ne?" He asked glancing behind him to see Kagome stomping on the drawing. He gulped a knot that had suddenly formed in his throut then sharply turned back. He heard Kaoru giggle to herself as he raised a brow in surprise. "What are you laughing at?" He said as a demand as she shook her head saying it was nothing. He narrowed his eyes at her when suddenly his nose pick up a heavenly scent. He sniffed once, twice, then his eyes widen in ecstasy as he peered behind her to the cooked up ramen.
Her eyes followed his until it reached the food she was preparing moments ago. "Oh! That's right! Here Inuyasha." She picked up the cup and chop sticks then handed it to him while his eyes dratted back and forth at her. "What? Is something wrong?" She asked.
He looked to his right not wanting to make eye contact with her. "Ano...isn't this yours? I mean you made it for yourself ne?" He said still not wanting to face her.
Her face showed confusion until realization hit her. 'He thinks I'm pitying him about what happened...Hmm Inuyasha...' Shaking her head she replied "Iie...it wasn't for me...I made it for you when you were to wake up!" She reasoned.
His eyes widen in shock then glanced back at her blinking his eyes out in disbelief. 'She made it...for me?...' "...I...uh...You didn't have to!!" He barked as the others glanced at the pair all with questioning eyes.
"Well I know but I did anyway so please eat it...I know your hungry after the Osuwari's you just had..." Kaoru stated. He finally gave in and with a nod of his head he procceded to gulp down the contents of the said cup as she sighed in glee at his childish antics. 'He can be such a child...but then again so can I...' She was about to ask him if he wanted more when Kagome pluped down right beside her with a book in hand.
"Kaoru-chan can I ask you a question?" She asked kindly as she glanced at her waiting for a reply.
Sango, Miroku, Kirara, and Shippo soon joined in around the circle as Inuyasha finally finished with his precious ramen. "Um...Sure Kagome shoot!"
"Well I was wondering...can you tell us a bit about your friends from your time? You hadn't spoken a lot about them...and I just wanted to know what they were like." She asked.
"Hai, it would be nice to hear some of your tales from this Meiji era that you are from Kaoru-sama." Miroku asked as well.
"Hai, please tell us what your world is like Kaoru." Sango asked also.
"Yeah!!! Tell us if they had any choco-late like in Kagome's time!!!" Shippo said while bouncing onto her lap his eagerness getting the best of him.
Kaoru smiled softly at their questions then nodded her head, she staightened herself then held Shippo on her lap as she began to speak. "Okay...hmm where do I begin...oh yes! I have many friends from my time like...Yahiko for example." They all knotted their brows in confusion, she laughed nervously as she sweat-dropped. "Well his name is Yahiko Myojin and he tends to call himself 'Tokyo Samurai' or here as you call it 'Edo Samurai'." They nodded their heads wanting to know more about the boy. "He is ten years old and can be an arrogent brat at time and very mischivious when he has to be." They all at that point glanced at Shippo who was looking back and forth at them.
"What? Why are you all staring at me?"
"Because this Yahiko boy sounds almost exactly like someone we know." Inuyasha stated as they knobbed their heads in agreement.
"But at least I'm not an egotistic maniac like you!" Shippo pointed out which ticked Inuyasha off.
"Wha?" His fist shook violently in front of him as his eyes twitched in anger. "What the hell is that suppost ta mean?!"
"Shhh!! Inuyasha Kaoru-chan didn't finish yet." Kagome said completely ignoring the glares he sent her, he gumbled to himself afterwords about a baka girl and a baku kitsune.
Kaoru sweat-dropped once more before continuing. "But he was also very caring, kind and was also my student in the Kamiya Kasshin-Ryu."
"What is this Kamiya Kasshin-Ryu? Thing?" Shippo asked as everyone stood dead silent.
"Well Shippo-chan...it's a sword style that my father created." Everyone's eyes widen in surprise as they sinked the information in.
'Kaoru knows how to handle swords?...Wow...' Inuyasha stared at awe for the second time at her as she blushed a hue of pink. His eyes soften at her as he thought it over. 'She always seem to surprise me every time...'
She smiled softly at them before continuing. "He has spicky black hair, brownish-black eyes, he's probably 4' 7", and is like a brother to me...at times..." She explained while everyone was trying to picture the ten-year old boy she described to them.
"Wow!! Is he really your brother?" Asked Shippo.
"Iie, he's not...he had been taken advantage by these thugs so Kenshin and I saved him and took him in." She answered a he nodded his head.
"Who is this Kenshin?" Miroku asked as the others also voiced the same question.
"Oh! Him he's also one of my friends...he had saved Sanosuke Sagara and Megumi Takani as well...and not to mention Yutaro Tsukayama...and many others that are now my friends..." Kaoru rambled as everyone else tried to figure out who the people were.
"Who is Sano-su-ke and Me-gumi? And this Yu-taro?" Inuyasha asked.
"Um, Sanosuke Sagara is 19 years old and has rooster-like brown hair, he's 6' 7", and has chocolate colored eyes-"
"Ooooooooooooh!! Chocolate!!! He has chocolate!!!?" Shippo squealed in delight interrupting her sentence.
"Bam-bam-bam-bam-bam!!" Came down Inuyasha's fists as he hit Shippo on the head. "Will you shut up!! Kaoru was saying his eyes looked like chocolate but it doesn't mean it is you Baku!!!" Inuyasha stated as Shippo began to cry.
"Wahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Kaoru he hit me!!!!!" He wailed. Kagome then began to argue with Inuyasha about what he did, while Kaoru tried to calm Shippo down.
"Shhh, it's okay...Inuyasha didn't mean it...don't worry..." She reasoned and soon enough...after the ten Oswaris being heard she continued. "Sano wears all white with a Kanji of 'Aku' or 'Bad' on the back of his shirt, he also wears a red bandana around his forehead, he use to carry a Zanbatou with him which gave him the nickname: Zanza...and also was a Fighter-For-Hire, which meant that if you paid him enough money he would fight whoever you wish for him to defeat..." Sango's eyes held confusion as she looked down to her lap thinking about this "Sano", Kaoru noticing this explained the rest. "But he didn't get paid to help or protect anyone...he got paid to do...terrible things...so no it isn't the same as what Sango-chan does." Everyone's eyes sadden at the thought of the man they began to picture.
"One day he came to challange Kenshin to a duel because at that time he was paid to do so. At first Kenshin refused the offer but Sano compelled him and in the end Kenshin broke his Zanbatou and defeated him...then he became friends with us soon after that." Kaoru said while Kirara began to rub against her knee, while everyone stayed silent waiting to hear more. "He loves to gamble, drink, and to...be a freelouder..." She spoke through clenched teeth as everyone raised a brow at her behavior. "But he is like the older brother I never had, and a good friend..."She smiled at the fond memories she began to remember about him, she shook her head to clear her thought as she continued. "Then there is Megumi Takani...she has long black hair, brownish-green eyes, and is a great doctor, but she tends to be...a vixen at times..." Kaoru explained as Miroku grinned in pure joy at that detail.
"Honto Kaoru-sama? My, my...that is some lady friend you got there...I would be surely happy to meet her..." Miroku said as everyone just rolled their eyes in disgust, he looked around in confusion at them. "Nandai Wo?"
"No...I don't think you would want to mess with her...she likes Sano..." Kaoru pointed out as Miroku's head dropped down at that statement.
"Ooooooooooh, man!! I thought I had her!!" He said snapping his fingers together while shaking his head. He cried anime-style as he pictured her. "Whhhhhhhhhhhhhyyyyyyyyyy!! She sounds soooooooooo beautiful-" 'Thump' He was met with the ground as Sango calmly put down Hiraikotsu glaring at him the whole time.
"Will you be quiet! I'm trying to hear to what Kaoru-chan has to say!" She hissed at him before smiling back at Kaoru who was laughing nervously at her. "Please continue Kaoru!" She said with excitment in her voice.
"Umm, Oh! Yes, she is 22 years old-" She wasn't able to continue because she was cut off by Miroku's glee.
"Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooh!!! She's 22!! My, she is older then me by 4 years!! My, my...but it won't change the fact of the matter...young or old is fine with me!!" He pointed out with eyes closed as everyone fell anime style. "But they do say that older women tend to be more intelligent than-" He paused as he felt three pairs of eyes glaring his way, he opened his eyes to be faced with three pissed off onnas. He sweat-dropped then quickly corrected himself. "B-But that i-is my op-opinion about...*Cough* Please continue Kaoru-sama...Hehehehe..."
Kaoru huffed in anger before continuing. "But she was forced into making Opium from this mad man named Kanryu Takeda..." She explained sadly but pressed forward. "But we were able to save her from him and now...she is like an older sister to me!" She smiled happly as the others joined in as while.
"Wow!! You have lot of friends!!" Shippo said bouncing up and down on her. "Tell us more!! More and more freinds you have!!" Shippo asked.
Kaoru smiled in agreement. "Oh, okay! Lets see..." Then for the next hour or so she explained to the Inu-tashi about Misao, Aoshi, Hiko, and all the other friends she had made in her time. Once finally done she sighed in exhustion as the others sinked everything in. "Ano...I think that's about everyone...or did I miss someone?" She asked to herself as everyone sighed in peace, then Kagome snapped her fingers in rememberance.
"Yeah! You forgot one person!" She remarked.
"What? Who would that be?!" Kaoru asked. 'Who could I have missed?...'
"Um, that guy...we kept hearing of...that guy who saved almost everyone...umm, Oh! Yeah! Ken-shin...yeah I think that's his name!! You didn't explain us much about him!!" She pointed out.
Kaoru froze at that remark as her mind flew in confusion. 'How could I? How could I forget about mentioning him?...Of all people!...' Kaoru stood silent until Kagome asked if she was alright. She nodded her head then began to explain about her red-head friend. "Ano...this last...friend...of mine is...very complicated to explain really..."
"How is he complicated?" Sango asked all now interested in this Kenshin person.
"Well...he didn't have much of a pretty past...it was mostly dark..." She trailed off.
"Aren't all past's dark..." Inuyasha stated as Kaoru looked up in confusion about his statement.
'What does he mean by that?...Did he have a past like Kenshin's too?...' She cleared her head of the subject and continued. "For starters...his parents died when he was eight...of an illness called Chlora(Sp?)...he was then sold into slavery..."
"Oh! My Gosh! That's horrible!" Kagome shrieked in shock as Kaoru nodded her head in agreement.
"Hai...it was...but it got worse then better...for then that night he had made friends with three girls...but sadly that same night bandits came and killed them...all of them..."
"Did he make it?..." Shippo asked fearing the worst, he gripped on Kaoru's gi as he layed his head there in fright.
Kaoru patted his head in reassurance as she continued. "Hai, he did make it, for Hiko-san...came and killed the bandits that were about to hurt him."
"Whooo! That's good!" Shippo said lossening his grip.
"Hiko-san then ordered Kenshin to go to the nearby village for help...but Kenshin didn't follow his orders..."
"What did he do?" Kagome asked.
Kaoru gazed at her directly then on her lap and said. "Kenshin stayed up all night burying the corposes...both bandits and slaves..." She whispered as everyone's eyes widen.
"You mean he stayed up at the age of eight to bury those died bandits that could have killed him?" Kagome asked.
"Hai, Hiko-san then came back to find every single body buried and Kenshin...standing in the middle of them all..." Kaoru whispered.
"Well that is...quite...interesting..." Miroku said as the others stayed silent waiting for more info on this Kenshin.
"Hai, I guess it is...well then Hiko-san took him in as his pupil and so..." Kaoru then began to explain about Kenshin as everyone else either were deadly surprised or in pure shock as she layed out what she knew about the red-head. Also, making sure to leave out Tomoe and Enishi for she reasoned that, that was one of his personal secrets she promised to keep and she would not go against her word. "Ano...that's about all I know for now...then after that encounter with him... he stayed at my Dojo ever since..." Kaoru finished as she petted Shippo's head as the others blinked their eyes out.
"Woooooooow! This Kenshin guy...is very complicated...and sad..." Kagome said in awe.
"Hai, demo there is one thing I didn't tell you about him tho'..." She said as Inuyasha raised a brow at her.
"And that would be what? I mean you did say he killed those people in that...Bakumatsu or whatever...so what is there that would change it?" He asked.
"Ano...He was very famous in the revolution...very famous...His comrades and his enemies use to call him...Hitokiri Battousai..." She said softly as everyone's eyes widen in shock. Kagome trembled as she lifted her finger at Kaoru all the while gripping her book tighter.
"Y-You...You m-mean the Hi-Hitokiri B-Battousai! The Hitokiri Battousai!!!" She jumped as everyone looked her way as if she had finally lost it.
"Um, Hai but he's not a manslayer anymore...now he's just Kenshin Himura...a Rurouni..." Kaoru reasoned but froze as her thoughts suddenly clicked. "Matte...How do you know about Kenshin?" She asked.
"It talks about it in here!" She then took out her History book she held in her hands as she began to scan through the pages rapidly as the others gathered around her waiting for her to finish. Kaoru's heart raced as she looked down at the bright colorful pages as she saw some familiar pictures from her time. "Oh! Here it is!!" Kagome squelled as she showed Kaoru a painting of a man. Kaoru peered at it until her eyes widen in realization.
'Kami-sama! It's Kenshin!' The painting showed a man with bloody, red-hair tied back in a high ponytail. The man was wearing a dark navy blue gi with grayish-white hakama, which were both smithered in blood. He had his grip on his Katana which was still inprisoned in its sheath as he was posed in a Battou-jitsu stance, his right hand hoovering over it dangerously ready to attack. But his face is what caught Kaoru's attention his lips were pursed together in a tight line, his cross-shaped scar appeared fresh and was bleeding down to his chin. But his eyes...they were a color of Golden-Amber swirling together like a whril pool. She lifted her right hand then placed it on top of Kenshin's face. She felt a ping of pain fill her heart as she traced his bloody cross-shape scar. 'Kenshin...This is you as a boy...Oh, Kenshin...'
Inuyasha watched as she traced over what appeared to be a scar on the guy's cheek as he saw in her eyes an emotion he didn't want to believe. 'No...there's no way she could?...Is she? Could she lo-...No! That's ridiculous!!' He shook the thought away as he continue to study her and that damn painting of the guy. He felt a ping of what? Jealousy? settle in him. 'Wha! What the Fuck? Why would I be jealous?! Come on!...But why do I feel like tearing her hand away from that damn painting and clawing it in the process? Nah! I'm going crazy that's what! Me jealous of a stupid painting...Please, I have better things to do then be jealous of a...guy...that Kaoru might...Grrrrrrrrr...' His thoughts ended as he heard Kaoru asked Kagome a question.
"Why is Kenshin in here? In the book I mean!?" She asked finally taking her hand away reluctanly from Kenshin's face, which Inuyasha sighed in relief with.
"Oh! That's because this is a history book! It talks about the past and stuff like that! See I'll show you." Kagome then showed the others about the 1700s and the 1600s as everyone stared in awe at how the so called History book showed everything about the Daimyo up till the Bakumatsu and beyond that even they didn't know of. After thirty minutes of teaching them about History, Kagome sighed as she finally closed the book. "Well, that was fun...gomen nasai Kaoru-chan...I didn't mean to sound so uptight about Kenshin-san...It's just that well..." Kaoru then cutted her off.
"That Kenshin is really the Battousai and that it is strange that I offer him a place to stay right?" Kaoru said as Kagome nodded her head. "Well I know it's weird and that some people would think it's wrong to house a...manslayer that is hated by almost everyone in Japan...but ano, he is a very nice person. You wouldn't even think that he had comitted those crimes if you look at him at first glance...He himself feels guilty of what he did and now he is repenting for the sins he had caused...and besides..." Kaoru trailed away as she bit her lower lip.
Inuyasha finished it off for her. "And besides...you aren't that type of person who would judge people because of their pasts...you see through that...you accept them for who they are...not what they are..." 'Just...like...me...she didn't wither away like most people would or accused me of being half-man, half-demon...instead she accepted me...like she did with that Kenshin guy...I guess me and him do have a lot in commen...' Inuyasha finished both sentence and thought the whole time looking directly at her who stood frozen in her place. His eyes soften at her as he finally looked away while the others whispered to themselves about the strange incident. Inuyasha glanced back at her briefly before returning back to his cocky oldself. "What is that I hear! You damn houshi!" Inuyasha said glaring at Miroku who was sweat-dropping nervously. "I better not hear anything from you! Or else!" He barked as he held Miroku by the collor shaking him a bit.
"Inuyasha! Leave Miroku-sama alone or else!" Kagome shouted.
"Or else what!?" Inuyasha challenged as everyone including Kaoru slapped their foreheads at his stupidity.
"Or else this! OSUWARI!!" Then the group heard a huge 'thump' followed by a muffiled Inuyasha swearing who-knows-what as the others shook their heads at him.
Kaoru smiled softly at him as the others went back doing their previous things while saying 'Thanks' or 'That was an interesting life you have' to her as she made her way to him. He lifted himself up as he brushed away dirt still swearing under his breath. "Hehee, Inuyasha you shouldn't make Kagome-chan mad at you like that!" Kaoru said kneeling at his level as she heard him 'Keh' then turn his head away from her. She smiled at his antics as she layed her right hand on top of his left one, which caused him to looked at her in shock. "Arigatou Inuyasha...for what you said back there...that was...very sweet of you..." She said which caused him to blush lightly at her.
"Keh, it's not like I did that for you! I did that cause you were stuttering and I felt like saving you the embarassment!!" He said arrogantly as Kaoru continued to smile that same sweet smile at him causing him to gulp loudly. "And what the hell are you smiling at!" He asked.
She shook her head then frowned lightly as she turned away from him. "Do you think their doing fine without me? I mean do you think their alright back in my time?" She whispered as Inuyasha dropped his ears flat down on his head as he too looked away.
"I...I really don't know...they should be fine...I mean sure they must miss you but...I'm sure their just fine...unless you feel homesick..." He whispered back as he gazed at her. 'Unless you want to go back home...back to that Kenshin guy who probably is looking for you right now...and leave...me...' His eyes sadden as he continue to wait for her to answer. When no response came he was about to leave her to herself when she answered back.
"Hai, I do feel homesick...very much...I want to so badly to go back home with Kenshin and the others..." His heart sank as he listened to her confession. "But..." She turned to look back at him smiling once more. "But, I feel like I was sent here for a reason that I must complete..." she than squeezed his hand softly as his gaze never left hers. "And besides...I wouldn't want to leave my new friends that I made...and you...for that matter..." His ears twitched lightly as he returned her smile, his heart soring to great lengths at her statement. "And also..." She lifted one hand and began to message one of his ears. "I promised you I would stay by your side...and I'm not going to break it just because I'm homesick..." She stopped messaging his ear then stood up still not tearing her eyes from his nor her hand. "And besides...your here with me!...So I have nothing to feel sad about...anymore." With that she turned around and began to walk back toward the others who were preparing lunch all the while leaving a very happy Hanyou behind.
Inuyasha grinned in pure delight as his mind began to wonder on it's own. 'Yes! She won't leave me for that...Kenshin guy...hehee!! She really is...special...probably even more then...Kagome and Kikyo...' He thought as he sat there thinking about what she had said earlier. His ears then picked up Kaoru's angelic voice saying that lunch was ready. He stood up brushed himself then dashed down to the group all the while thinking one last thought to himself. 'But I must wonder...What her friends are doing now? Especailly that Kenshin guy?...'
-x-x-x-
The moon settled high above the dark, night sky as everyone were either laying in their warm beds or out at work as the wind howled down apon them...all but one. He stood up silently from his postion then quietly creeped out of his room, surreptitiously making his mid-night rounds. But this night he didn't go around his home as he usually did. This time he preambulated up to a room close by his own. He stood there gazing at the shoji debating weither to go in or not. 'It's not like anyone is going to know...' He thought sadly as he silently, but swiftly entered the room. It took him a moment to adjust to the darkness of the room, for the shades blocked off most of the moon's light from entering...
"Moshimo Hitotsu Dake..." "If There Was One,"
"Tatta Hitotsu Dake..." "Just One Wish..."
There laying in the center of the dark, vacant room was a well made futon...as if that person had just made it...but no, that wasn't the case...He slowly and hesitately made his way toward it. His heart pounding in unknown fear as he peered down at what was on top of the well made bed. On the top of the bed that stood out of it's pearl white sheets...was a ribbon...an Indigo ribbon which at the tips and center of it...were smudged in blood...his blood...he had accidently place apon long ago...Oh how he longed for things to return back to normal like the way they were...
"Kanaerareru Nara..." "That Could Be Granted..."
"Nani Wo Inoru Kara..." "What Would I Wish For?"
But at the mere sight of the ribbon his mind flashed with memories as his legs gave way making him collapse on top of the futan. Clenching the Indigo ribbon as a lifeline, his tears he had held back finally fell apon it. "...Why?!...Please...Come Back To Me!!...I should of...I should of protected you...Why!!..." He cried out in anguish. "WHY!! WHY! Why couldn't I protect you Koishii?!...Why do I continue failing you?...Why are you not by my side?...Why!! WHY!!...Koishii...Where could you be right now? Who are you with right now?..."
"Ima Doko Ni Iru No?" "Where Could You Be Right Now?"
"Ima Dare To Iru No?" "Who Are You With Right Now?"
He looked up at the pale, white, full moon as his tears of pain, fear, gulit, and anger spilled down his cheeks. He closed his eyes and lowered his head as he thought back to everything he had down that horrible day..."One Whole Week...One whole week I have been looking for you...B-But I c-can't f-find you anywhere...no matter w-where I looked you w-weren't t-there...K-Koishii Why? Where are you?!...Koishii come back...We all miss you...I miss you...Why does life have to be so cruel to me?...Why does everything dear to me leave...Why? Why did you have to go?...Kami...WHY!!! Was it because the sins I commited?! Was it because I was never truly worthy enough for her love!!! I know that...but still I love her...I love her...BUT YOU HAD TO TAKE HER AWAY FROM ME!!!! WHY!! SHE DIDN'T DESERVE THIS!!!!...SHE DIDN'T DESERVE ANY OF THIS..." He shouted out as he lifted his face up toward the moon glaring at it with his amber-golden eyes as if it were to blame...
"Aoi Sore Miyage..." "Looking Up At The Blue Sky,"
"Sotto Toikakeru..." "I Whisper These Questions..."
He closed his eyes as memories flashed before them. He lowered his face until it landed on the soft pearly white pillow. Suddenly, he caught her scent...her beautiful Jasmine scent he grew to love everytime he was near her. He inhaled in the sweet intoxicating smell of her and suddenly, he felt light-headed...like high on a drug...and he smiled at the thought. 'Yes, she is the drug I'm addicted to...and I want that feeling back...' But his heart sanked, knowing she was not here with him...not here beside him. "Koishii..."
"With You...Sugu Soba Ni..." "With You---You Who Were Right At My Side..."
"Ita Koro No Kimi Wa Inai..." "Are No Longer Here..."
He sighed then lifted his head glancing around the room taking everything in. He even sent a letter to the Oniwabanshou to help, and Aoshi had agreed to help by Misao's presistence, but not even they could find her. He soon felt anger surge in his vains at his stupidity...He wasn't quick enough to save her, if only he had gotten there faster...He might have saved her...But now he knew not even his Hiten Mitsurugi speed was able to save the love of his life...and he felt outraged at himself. The whole week he spent trying to find her he hadn't ate, slept, or even tried to do any of the usually chores because of his distress. But his appearance looked pitaful to say the least. His bloody-red hair was tangled and dismaid and tied in a low messy ponytail. His clothes filthy and torned of milage he had taken in trying to find her. But his face is what made even his friends look away in guilt. His face looked old, tired, bags were under his eyes of no sleep, and his eyes were dull...their once beautiful amethyst color was now a dull steel bluish-violet...All because of her disappearance...All because she was no longer there...with him...by his side...
"With You...Hanaretemo..." "With You---I Promised You That I Wouldn't Change..."
"Kawaranai To Yakusoku Shita No Ni..." "Even If We Are Apart But..."
He cried after a while...He was starting to lose hope in finding her...He would even see her right beside him as if she were right there, and she would speak to him as if she were actually real. He knew then, that he was starting to go insane...and if he didn't find her soon...He didn't know what he'd do...and he feared he would do something that he would regret for the rest of his life if he didn't find her...He once had a nightmare of her...and it was worse than anything he ever faced...she was dying in his arms, and he couldn't do anything to stop it from happening. But what scared him the most was that it may have already happened to her. "NO!! Stop!! I must not think such thoughts! She is alive and well and is...waiting for me to find her..." He whispered, but what if he didn't find her? What if she really was gone? All he had left of her were her belongings and the memories they shared...But he didn't want that...he didn't want past memories...he wanted her here so they could make new ones...But what if he forgot about her one day? No, he didn't want her to fade from his mind nor didn't he want Them to be a mere memory of long ago either...
"Tatoeba Bokutachi Ga Omoida Ni Naru..." "If We Become Memories..."
"Soba No Nukumori Ni Wa Mou Kanawanai Kara..." "Even Memories Cannot Contend With The Warmth At Your Side,"
It was funny really that he would act like this just because of her...Because of the woman he loved...It's funny how love can do that to a person. One minute it could make you feel like you were on top of the world, then the next you were thrown to the lowest, deepest pit of hell it could send you...and yet, you keep hoping...Hoping that you would be on top again with no worries riding on your shoulders. But he knew if he ever wanted that feeling back he'd have to find her...Sulking wouldn't do him any good he also reasoned. But what if he never does find her? What will he do then? "No!...I will find you Koishii where ever you are...I'll find you even if it takes forever...And once I do find you I promise to never let you go...I promise...I promised you Kaoru that I will protect you...and I will fullfill that vow!" He announced to himself as he layed back down on her futan. Memories of her filling his wounded and aching heart...
"Setsunai Tameiki Ga fui Ni Koboreta..." "So A Wishful Sigh Unerringly Welled Forth,"
"Maiagare Haruka Tooku Kimi Ni Todoku You Ni..." "May It Take Flight And Go So Far That It Reaches You..."
He suddenly felt tired...but then again he hadn't slept a wink since after the nightmare...but now with him vowing to find her he suddenly felt renewed, refreshed, and a new hope began to shine in his heart as he replayed that statement to himself. But there was still that nagging doubt that still clouded him: Will he ever find her? 'Iie I have to be strong...I have to find her, I will find her! You got to pull yourself together Kenshin!' He reminded himself as his vision started to get fussy. He finally let a deep-heartful sigh escape his lips as he subconsiously smiled. He'd find her, he just knew he would..."I will find you Kaoru...I don't care how long it takes or how far away you are from me...But I'll find you again like I always have...I hope you can hear my prayer Koishii...Because I won't give up yet...I'll find you Kaoru...No matter what it takes..." Kenshin whispered to himself as he felt himself about to go into a deep peaceful sleep...Sighing once more he glanced up to the full blue moon as he pictured her beautiful smiling face watching over him. He smiled once more but before he feel into the realm of dreams he muttered her name to the silent peaceful night. "Kaoru..."
-x-x-x-
Kaoru glanced at the pale full moon when she suddenly heard something. She looked around her to see all her cohorts sleeping peacefully not making a sound. She turned back to look at the moon when she heard it again. She listened silently wanting to make out what it was saying. "Kaoru..." Her heart missed a beat as she gasped. 'Who? Was it my name that was being called out? Or was I imaging it? But who...was it-' Suddenly, she felt warmth surge through her as if she was wrapped into someone's arms. She felt her heart ping with what? Longing? Pain? Heartache? She didn't know, but what she did know was the voice who called out to her. "Kenshin..." She whispered to herself as she layed down in her sleeping bag Kagome had lend her. She smiled softly to herself as memories of him flashed before her now closed eyes. 'Oh, Kenshin how I miss you...But I can't go back home yet...But I promise to be back to you soon...I promise...' She wondered though if it really was him, but she shook her head believe that he did somehow get to her. She glanced up to the stars that were twinkling down at her as she made her vow. 'I promise to see you again Kenshin...' With that she closed her eyes and fell into a blissful sleep, dreaming about a certain red-head...
"Alright!! lets be on our way!!" Shippo shouted as he and Kirara bounced around the tashi as Kagome giggled at their childish antics. Inuyasha 'Feh-ed' who was quietly ahead of them with his arms across his chest. Sango and Miroku taking the rear were talking about this or that. Kagome and Kaoru in between the group watching as the young ones played, chating here or there. Kaoru sighed for what was probably the millionth time since that morning.
Kagome sensing something wrong asked. "Daijibou Kaoru-chan?"
Kaoru smiled kindly at her and answered back. "Hai I'm fine don't worry about it..." She trailed off looking the other way.
Kagome sighing to herself. 'She's so stubborn sometimes...' "Kaoru-chan what's wrong? Don't act like Inuyasha."
Kaoru looked at her with confusion at the last statement. "What do you mean 'Don't act like Innyasha' Kagome?" She asked.
"Well, very time Inuyasha looks away like that it means he hiding something." She stated matter-a-factly.
Kaoru giggled at that remark as she nodded her head in agreement. "Gomen then...Ano...it's about..." She trailed off once more.
When Kaoru didn't continue Kagome nodded her head and voiced. "It's about what Kaoru-chan?"
Sighing once more Kaoru was about to answer her, when she suddenly felt a presense. "Matte Minna-san!" She shouted as everyone turned toward her wanting to know what was the matter.
"What is it Kaoru-chan?" Kagome asked first.
Kaoru turned toward her before answering. "I sense a Shikon no Kakera nearby." She stated as everyone's eyes widen.
"Really? Where Kaoru?" Inuyasha voiced excitedly wanting to get a hold of it.
She closed her eyes then quickly snapped them open. "By the riverbank." She answered as they all turned toward the river they had been following.
"Are you sure it's there Kaoru?" Shippo asked as they began walking toward it.
"Hai, it's there I sense it too." Kagome answered for her as they nodded their heads.
"Alright then! We'll get that shard then we'll be one step closer of completing the jewel." Inuyasha explained as they were nearing the steady river.
Kagome shook her head at him but came to a halt that went unnoticed by the group except for Kaoru who fell a step behind who soon turned toward her. "What's wrong Kagome?"
"Nothing Kaoru-chan...Say, why don't you wear the jewel for a while?" She asked as she stripped the necklace from her neck then placed it in Kaoru's plam.
"Wha? Nani? But I can't it's yours Kagome! I can't just take it!" She reasoned as she looked from the jewel to her then back at the jewel again.
Kagome just shook her head at her then they both continued to catch up with the others. "Iie it's alright! You should have a chance of handling it too! After all you are a Miko too you know!"
Kaoru sighed to herself but finally gave in, with a nod she placed the jewel around her neck as she glanced back at her. "Arigatou Kagome I promise to take good care of it like you did." She said as they finally made it to the bank of the river where the presense grew the strongest.
"Nah, don't worry about it! Just make sure you don't-" Kagome was cut off as the ground around them began to tremble. "What's this? Why is the floor-AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!" Kagome screamed as a giant water demon spat out of the river.
The demon appeared to be a water snake that stretched about as long as the river itself as its beady red eyes glared down at them. "Who daresssssss to dissssterb me!! You will all pay with your livessssssss." The demon hissed as it slethered closer to them.
Inuyasha just smirked in response as he pulled out his deadly Tetsusaiga posing in a stance. "So you want to fight me then your on!" He declared. With a battle cry he suddenly leaped up in the air, with his tetsusaiga over his head he brought it down with a slash. The slash cutting the snake in half, with a death cry the water snake than tumbled to the ground. Inuyasha smirked once again then gently landed back on the ground with his tetsusaiga back in its sheath. "Well that was easy! Hey Kaoru!! Kagome!! Do you sense any jewel shards on him?" He asked as everyone huddled up next to the now dead demon.
Kagome and Kaoru scanned at the demon both trying to sense if the water snake possesed it. Kagome smiled in joy as she pointed out. "Hai! I found it!"
"Where is it Kagome?" Inuyasha asked as he and the others looked at her direction.
"It's on the snake's neck! But you'll have to pull it out 'cause it's in there too deep." She explained as Inuyasha huffed than procceded to take what was now rightfully his.
Inuyasha was just about to lay a claw on the snake when both halves of the snake suddenly began to move. "Oh no!! It's trying to regenerate!!" Miroku wailed as they began to step back from it.
"Not if I can help it!" Inuyasha said as he once again took out tetsusaiga. But he wasn't able to use it when one of the halves of the snake wrapped its tail around him. "YAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!" Inuyasha shouted as he was then thrown to the other side of the group: in the deep forest.
"INUYASHA!!!!!!!" Kaoru screamed as she started to chase after him not paying attention to the other half of the snake that was quickly reaching from behind her.
"KAORU-CHAN!! BEHIND YOU!!!!" Kagome and Sango screamed at once as they began to chase after her.
"Huh?!" She was now in the deep forest, but turned around once she heard Sango and Kagome call out to her. Her eyes widen as she saw the snake approch her with amazing speed.
"Die!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You ssssssssssstupid wench!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" It lunched at her as he finally caught up with her.
Kaoru readied her bow then knotched the arrow loss as it hit bulleye on the snake's forehead. It layed there on the ground once more as Kaoru slowly and hesitately approched it. 'Is it really dead? I won't know for sure if I don't take the shard out of it soon.' She was six feet away from it when it suddenly jerked straight at her. "AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!" She screamed as she closed her eyes waiting for it to strike, but nothing happened. She opened her eyes slowly than peered down at herself. 'Wha? What happened? Wasn't the snake about to kill me?' After checking herself she glanced back to the spot where the snake was suppost to be, but in its place only stood Inuyasha with a shard in hand, behind him were the remains of the snake.
He gazed at her than slowly walked up to her. "Hey! You alright Kaoru?" He asked lifting a hand out for her to take.
With a sigh of relief she accepted his hand then slowly stood up smiling at him in gratitude. "Hai, I'm alright arigatou for saving me Inuyasha." She said sweetly at him.
He shrugged it off with nod than turned his back to her. "Well, no problem I got what I wanted. Lets go find the others." With that he began to walk off as Kaoru followed closely behind. After about five minutes of walking Kaoru was beginning to get worried.
"Inuyasha? Are you sure we're going the right way? Inuyasha?" She asked as she waited for his response. When no response came she gently layed a hand on his shoulder. "Inuyasha why don't you answer me? Inuyasha?" She asked again this time pushing on his sleeve.
"We're almost there so be patient." Was his only response as Kaoru gave up questioning him and followed quietly behind.
About another five minutes passed when he finally came to a halt, almost causing Kaoru to bump into him from behind. She glanced at him then up ahead to see they had stopped by the Goshinboku tree. Her brows knitted together as she glanced back to Inuyasha who slowly turned to her with a grin on his face. "Inuyasha why did you take me back to the Goshinboku tree? Where are the others?" She asked as she watched him closely.
He closed his eyes than sighed deeply as he snapped his eyes open, his grin still there. "Well I thought we could have some alone time if you know what I mean." His noice sounding gruff as he gazed at her.
The back of her hair rised up at his tone of voice as he chuckled to himself. 'What? What's wrong with Inuyasha?! That doesn't sound like him at all!!' She subconsiously took a step back as she felt fear consume her. "N-No I do-don't know w-what you m-mean..." She stuttered as she watched him tilt his head to one side, a smirk manifesting on his lips as his eyes darken with mischief in their depths.
"Of course you know what it means Kaoru..." He purred her name as she felt a cold shiver run down her spine as he advanced closer.
She took another step back, until her back met the bark of the goshinboku tree. she glanced from side to side looking for a way out. 'What's going on with him! Why is he actting this way!!'
"Tsk, Tsk, Tsk now you know you can't run away from me Kaoru-Koishii..." He cooed as he layed both arms on either side of her, his face almost touching hers.
Kaoru gasp sharply as she looked into his eyes to see no warmth, no kindness, and no meaning in them. All there was, was lust and desire. She feared she wouldn't be able to escape him as he gazed deeply at her taking everything in.
"Now see!? Isn't this better Koishii hehee...Now why don't you give me a kiss." With that statement he leaned his head near hers to take a kiss from her percious lips. Kaoru took this as an advantage and pushed him away causing him to blink his eyes back open to see her dash out of his reach. He growled dangerously low to himself as he took off speeding up to catch her. "Come back here you wench!!!!!!!!"
Kaoru's heart raced as she heard Inuyasha's voice not too far away as she blinked back the tears that were slowly coming down. What's happening? Why is he like this? Inuyasha what's happened to you?! I have to stay away from him and warn the others...' With that thought in mind she forced her legs to go even faster a she prepared her bow and arrow hoping with all her heart she wouldn't use them. She ran left than right as she sensed him getting closer, she than spotted the well she crawled out of and sprinted toward it. She panted heavly as she came to a close halt than glanced around her with her bow and arrow ready. But suddenly as she turned around she was face to face with him..."Why!!! Why are you doing this!!!" She screamed as she backed way from him. He advanced to her with a smirk snaking his way to his lips once more as he shrugged lightly at her frantic question.
"I don't know...maybe I want to make you suffer...or maybe I just want you..." He said his voice filled with lust as his amber eyes scanned her body briefly before looking into her frighten ones.
She shook her head as tears flowed out on her porculain face. She pulled out her bow as she felt the hard solid wood of the well meeting her knees. "G-Get away!! Or I-I'll sh-shoot you!" She said in vain as he took another step towards her as she bit her lower lip in fear.
"Now you know you can't hurt me...after all I might die if you did ne?" He asked as he cupped her face and held her close, which caused her to drop her bow and arrow. She tried to squirm away from him but he held her tight. "Now is that anyway to treat me, after all the things I did for you?" He asked as he started to kiss away her tears as she shut her eyelids tight.
She tried to escape once more but it did no good his grip was to strong. 'How am I going to get out of here?' Her thoughts ended though when she felt him take the Shikon no Tama that hanged around her neck. "No!! Give it back!!!" She shouted.
He looked at it then back at her smirking once more. "No I think I won't do that...your no longer in charge of it as of now...but thanks I'll take it with gratitude...Arigatou for the farewell gift to bad I don't have one for you..." Her eyes held confusion as he stood perfectly still letting her go. He then answered her silent question. "But I promise to make it up to you someday...heehee farewell Kamiya Kaoru...it was fun while it lasted." he said then suddenly she felt herself being pushed backwards. With great shock she fell through the well, but as she screamed out she looked up at the opening of the well to see him waving down at her.
Her tears trailed behind her as she screamed out his name. "INUYASHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!" 'How could he...I thought!!' Then the same pink-purplish light swallowed her whole as he shook his head at her.
"Sorry..." He said without any remorse as Inuyasha laughed out loud. "Sorry Kaoru...But I'm not Inuyasha...hahahaha!!" Then "Inuyasha" began to change soon his face and body began to change into his formal self. "Well now...it's Inuyasha's turn to suffer...this is to easy...just like fifty years ago..." with that Naraku turned away and became one with the shadows as if it never happened...leaving behind her bow and arrow as the only fact of her existence...
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Well how was that? Hoped you enjoyed it! The song sessha used for Kenshin is from Inuyasha called Sotsugyou: Sayonara Wa Ashita No Tame or in english; Graduation, Farewell Is For Tomorrow's Sake. It's heard on episode 124? Don't remember but it's about when Naraku kills Kikyo again. And while Inuyasha finds out about her death the song plays so basically it's Kikyo's song. It's very sad and since Kenshin was in that sorta stage sessha thought the song was perfect for it! And also the people who sings that song also sings; One Day, One Dream as well. It's the fifth opening from Inuyasha and sessha must say they are the best!! But that's just sessha's opinion. ;^^x Also, gomen if the fic was too long...Hehee Sessha couldn't help it! All tho' sessha does believe the next chap will be even longer...Hmm, don't know, but anyway PLZ Review Minna-san! And also here below is a little part of the next chap...Enjoy! ^_^x
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Kenshin and the others laughed at one of Sano's jokes as he glanced toward the shoji that led to the kitchin. 'Hmm, I wonder what's taking her so long?' He stood up and was about to open the shoji when they heard another being opened.
Everyone turned their heads toward the other side of the room as they saw a man in red with long black hair, and violet-blue eyes staing at each one of them. "Where is she?" He demanded as Kenshin walked up to him. He quickly noticed that the man had a sword strapped up to his hip. "Where is she!?!" He asked again as Kenshin and Sano narrowed their eyes at him.
Sano stood up then layed one fist in his plam. "Why do you wanna know?!" He asked not liking the way the man just bargged up in here like it was his.
The man in question huffed then glared at him with his now steel blue eyes. "You must be the Tori-atama; Sanosuke."
"What!!!" Sano shouted as he stomped his foot down hard on the ground.
"And you..." He nodded with his head at both Megumi and Yahiko. "You must be that brat Yahiko and the Kitsune; Megumi."
"Why I never!" Megumi said as she stood up glaring at him angerly.
"Hey!! Who are you calling a brat!!" Yahiko said, him too standing up.
"I think it's best for you to leave." Kenshin said as the man studied him for a moment before answering back.
"And you must be Kenshin...or also known as the Hitokiri Battousai!" He remarked as he watched Kenshin and the others stiffen at his discovery. "Now tell me where she is Now!" When no response came he huffed once more and procceded to walk past them. But he was soon stopped by a blade hanging dangerously below his neck. He glanced at the blade then to the owner to see it was Kenshin, whose eyes were harden with a hint of golden-amber in them.
"I said for you to leave now! You are not welcomed here so leave at once or else!" Kenshin hissed deadly at him which caused the others to shiver at his voice.
Not phased at all with the threat he placed his left hand on his sword, he then gazed at him with a frown. "Not until I see her!"
Kenshin was about to remark back at him when he was cut off by a voice. "Oh, you guys sorry about taking so long." They all turned to see her with a tray in hand. She glanced at them questionly wondering what was going on. "Kenshin what are you doing with your sakabatou like that! And sir who are you?" She asked as she walked up to them but was put to a halt when she heard him speak.
"Kaoru..." He whispered softly at her as his eyes glowed with an unknown emotion.
Kaoru's eyes widen at him as she dropped her tray to the ground taking a shaky step back. "Inu...Inuyasha?...What are...What are you doing here?" She asked fear evident in her voice.
He frowned at her but took one step toward her, completely ignoring Kenshin's blade. "I came...back for you...Kaoru..." He whispered as Kenshin and the others stood there in shock.
Kenshin glanced back at the man and had only one thought in his mind. 'Who is he!? And how does he know My Kaoru!?'
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Well, there you go! Hoped you liked it! See ya next chappy!! -^_^x-
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