Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ The Long Way Home ❯ Shattered ( Chapter 1 )

Hello everyone! This is my new fic entitled "The Long Way Home". The story takes part after Enishi's(Tomoe's brother) attack on the Kenshin-gumi. For almost two years, there have been a relative peace in the country and of course, our Kenshin-gumi's lives. Megumi settled down in Aizu and Sanosuke went out of the country as a fugitive of the law. Yahiko left the dojo and lived on Sano's previous place. Kenshin and Kaoru, well they're together finally and are living a very peaceful life until, an accident sets them apart. Kenshin thought Kaoru was dead and it almost made him mad. Kaoru was actually alive, saved by a young man who has fallen in love with her. But there was still a problem, Kaoru has been seriously damaged by the event and has lost her memory!!! And the story begins… Will they ever find each other again… Find out! Enjoy!!!!

The Long Way Home

Chapter 1

Shattered

Kenshin shielded his sensitive eyes from the somewhat harsh light of the setting sun. He smiled and took his time to marvel at the enthralling blend of orange, red, pink and purple that painted the sky. He would've stayed longer but duty calls. Taking the basket, full of raw food and spices, from the ground, he proceeded to the direction of his home, their home. It had been peaceful--this past 2 years of his life. After Enishi's attack, there had been no other serious disturbances that occurred in the country. As a matter of fact, the only concerns of the people today are the minor rebellions that ensue every now and then. It was hardly a threat though--of that, he was sure. Almost no deadly weapons involved. And for the past two years, he wasn't visited by any police or military official--that's why it bothered him to find a number of policemen standing outside the Kamiya dojo. He frowned. He didn't like it one bit. He stopped right in front of them and managed a small smile to grace his lips. They all bowed at him in respect and he bowed back too.

"I am glad to finally see you, Mr. Himura." a man who looks like the head of the pack spoke to him in a bossy tone. "My name is Hokushin Sanada, by the way."

"I don't think it proper for us to be out here when my hope is just in front of us. Please come i--"

"That won't be necessary." Hokushin cut him off.

"Oh." was Kenshin's only reaction.

"Police Chief Uramura requests your presence right away, Himura."

"And when, precisely, is that 'right away', Mr. Sanada?"

"Right now."

"I see. What's this all about?"

"I have nothing to say to you, besides; I don't have to answer your questions. My orders are to take you to the headquarters. No more, no less." Hokushin snapped.

Kenshin kept his calm exterior. "Did he? I'm sorry but I cannot comply with his summon, Mr Sanada."

"What?!"

"I have many chores to do and--"

"Trash! This is the police chief's orders, Himura. I say you come with me before I lose my patience!" Hokushin roared. The other police cringed visibly at this outburst.

Kenshin merely blinked. "Tell him that I'm busy, good sir--"

"You don't know who you're messing right now, Himura..."

"I'm not going."

"Why you--" Hokushin suddenly stopped as a cold glint flashed before the tiny man's eyes. He was frozen in his place. One of his men approached the cause of his sudden stiffening and heard him say--"I'm so sorry, Mr. Himura. We will be leaving now." He hadn't even noticed himself move until they were steps away. He glanced one more time to the disappearing figure of the redhead. He gritted his teeth, there was something about that guy that's really freaky. A tap on his shoulders brought his attention to the disturbed faces of his men.

"Are you okay, sir?"

"Of course I am!" Hokushin snapped. "I may be new here, but that doesn't mean I can't have the respect I should rightly received! Tell me, who the hell was that guy and why does Urumura wants him?!"

"Um well... He's name is Kenshin Himura, that's all--"

"I already know that, you baka!" Hokushin snorted. "He even got a stupid name!"

"He's lucky that guy is out of earshot." one of his men whispered to no one in particular. Unfortunately for him, Hokushin heard it.

"What did you say?"

"Who me, sir? Nothing sir." the poor guy squeaked.

"You don't want to make me angrier, now do you? Speak!"

"Um.. Ah he's more than ah..how he looks, sir..."the guy stammered.

Hokushin growled and gripped his collar. "What the hell do you mean by that?!"

The poor guy flinched but managed to hold his gaze. "You should not have talked to that guy harshly, sir. He kind of resembled someone WE don't want to mess up."

"Oh..." Hokushin trailed, sarcasm in its tone. "And who might that be?"

"Why sir, didn't you see the almost faded cross mark on his cheek?"

Whispering ensued. Hokushin growled again. "Are you insinuating that the short whimp is the Legendary... Battousai?" he hissed dangerously.

"N-no, sir. Not really..."

Hokushin snorted and threw the man to the side. "Your stupidity will get you nowhere! Let's go. Battousai, ei? Bah! And I'm the king of the world..."

The sun has finally set and a new paint of dark blue glazed the sky. Kenshin stepped inside the dojo and looked for the one person that made him whole--

"Kenshin! Where have you been? I was so worried about you."

Kenshin turned to the direction of the voice and found himself smiling at the sight of the woman in his life... "I'm sorry, Kaoru. I was interrupted in my way here." Kenshin found himself staring at the beautiful woman fussing over him. "I'm fine honey." He found himself backing away from her upon seeing the 'don't-argue-with-me' look from Kaoru's face.

"Don't you honey me, you--you person." and she turned away from him pouting all the way to the dining area. "Dinner's served."

Kenshin couldn't help but smile at the beahviour of Kaoru. She had mood swings lately. One moment she's do emotional and suddenly she's lashing angry words at him. Could she be... Nah. She would've informed him if she is. He watched her every move as she placed the food on the table. Kaoru seemed to sense his actions for she whipped her head and glared at him.

"What?!" she snapped.

"Nothing darling. I was just thinking about how extremely lucky I am to have the most wonderful woman in the world as my wife..." He saw her blush and turn away from his piercing gaze. How long has it been? Ah... Their eight months of marriage had been a beautiful beginning to their new life. He remembered how those pretty eyes sparkled with joy when he finally proposed to her. She stood there, not moving a bit, staring at him out of total surprise. Then suddenly, one by one, warm liquid flowed from her eyes and without warning, she jumped at him and cried all her tears out. He embraced her back and after that, all was settled. It was early spring when they got married. It was simple totally successful and enjoyable. All their friends, excluding Sanosuke (he's out of the country being a fugitive of the law), were present. And as for their honeymoon, it was very VERY romantic. Aoshi's gift to them were tickets to an awesme place in the northern part of Japan. 'The weather is quite pleasing out there and is very much suitable for the occasion...'--was what Aoshi said while grinning madly at him. He snickered knowing full well what the other man means. Their honeymoon had been awkward at first but as moments passed, a feeling of ease wrapped them both and enveloped them through the passion in the night and for the rest of it. They returned back home after two weeks and then continued their new bonded life in each other's company.

"You better lie down, Kenshin. You look sick."

Kenshin blinked a few times before sorting out Kaoru's suggestion. "No thanks, Kaoru. I'll wash the dishes and you get some sleep..."

"But--"

"No buts. Go to bed." Kenshin said playfully.

Kaoru just rolled her eyes and proceeded to their room.

Kenshin finished his chores and walked inside their room. He found Kaoru lying on the bed, her back facing him. A devious smile graced his lips as he changed his clothes, not bothering to put an upper clothing. He slithered his way beside his wife's form and slowly scooted her closer to his body. He nuzzled on her neck and suddenly, he found himself in an uncomfortable--'needy' situation. He felt her stiffen.

"What's bothering you?" he whispered huskily in her ears while roving his free hand on her curves.

Kaoru shivered upon contact and tried hard to control he ever growing hormone level in her body. She managed to wriggle her way to face the concerned and ahem...'needy' face of her husband. He worries too much for her. She placed a hand on his cheek and gave him a peck in the nose. Kenshin happened to misunderstand this gesture as a welcoming response so he began removing her night clothes. Kaoru giggled and finally sighed. She happens to know where this is leading to but--she has to tell him about... "Kenshin..." she rasped. "Stop, stop... I want to tell you something..."

Kenshin snapped back to his senses and looked at the form of his wife. "Yes, hon, what's that?"

"Kenshin, I--I..."

"Is something wrong?"

"I'm--I uh..."

"Kaoru, it's okay. Tell me..."

"I'm... I'm pregnant, Kenshin..."

Silence ensued and threatened to swallow the whole place. Kenshin was beyond surprised and excited. Kaoru's with a child. HIS child to be exact! He's going to be a father. A father! Slowly, he met his wife's eyes and it mirrored the joy he's feeling. He stood up and carried her with him while spinning and laughing all the way around the room. Kenshin hugged Kaoru as though his life depended on it.

"I'm gonna be a... father..." the word was so distant--so unfamiliar yet so intriguing... For years he'd been taking life from this world and now, he's making a new life... What an irony...

"Yes, you are..." Kaoru whispered while snuggling closer, if that's still possible, to her husbands warmth. She was surprised when the tie around her robe was removed. She looked up to find the grinning face of her husband.

"I guess, this calls for a celebration..." Kenshin teased and wound one hand around her waist while the other carefully tugged Kaoru's clothing one by one. With a gentle pull, the tie on her hair fell to the floor making her long raven hair cascade freely on her back. They locked each other into a passionate kiss while Kenshin gently lowered his partner to the bed.

Kaoru wound her hands on Kenshin's hair and gently removed the tie on his hair. His hair fell on his face, accentuating his handsome form. She was about to remove his clothing when suddenly, she felt her husband stiffen and stop his actions. She watched him as he frowned and pecked her on the lips before standing up and dressing himself. He didn't utter a sound and it made her worry. Following his move, she dressed up too. "What's wrong?"

Kenshin looked at the worried face of his wife. He calmed his gaze at her and smiled gently. "There are a bunch of people outside the dojo. I'm going out there and see what they want. Stay here, okay?"

"No. I'm going with you. This is my house too so it concerns me." Kaoru said in a tone that says no arguement is accepted.

"Kaoru..."

"Kenshin please." she stood up and stopped before Kenshin. "Don't worry about me," she smiled at him and kissed him on a cheek. "I'm a big girl already..."

Kenshin's smile broadened. No one can argue with her out of anything if she has decided already. With a deep sigh, he nodded his head and they walked quietly towards the entrance of the dojo. "It's already dark, my friends. Do you need anything from us?" Kenshin started behind the closed doors of the dojo. Kaoru was standing right behind him trying hard to look unaffected but failing miserably.

"We heard that Kenshin Himura lives here. Police Chief Uramura requests his presence in the headquarters right away."--was the muffled reply behind the doors.

Kenshin slowly opened the door and found about ten policemen staring back at him. "I am Kenshin Himura. I'm afraid I cannot come."

"Mr. Himura, we apologize for the disturbance but our chief ordered us to bring you no matter what. He sai he wants to dicuss with you about something important."

Kenshin's brows furrowed. This must be very important judging by the order, Uramura gave his men.--Bring him at all cost! "Alright. Kaoru, let's go."

"Mr. Himura. The chief gave us strict orders to bring only you and none other to the headquarters. Madam cannot come with us..."

Kenshin fixed a stern face. "Then I'm not going. My wife needs me here. Tell him that."

"Kenshin, it's okay. Go with them, I'll be alright." Kaoru interrupted.

"Kaoru, don't say that--"

"I'll be okay. What? Do you think I can't handle this? Remember that I'm a big girl already." Kaoru offered a smile.

"No. I'm not leaving you alone." he turned to the policemen. "If he wants me then it's either let me bring my wife with me or just send him here." He didn't know why he's acting way too much. Of course he had left Kaoru, all alone for hours, in the past but right now--there is that nagging feeling that screams at him to not leave her.

"Kenshin!"

"Mr. Himura, I have a proposition. I'll leave five of my men to stay here and guard your wife. How is that?"

"No." was Kenshin's quick answer.

"Kenshin, you are NOT treating me this way! I can take care of myself and you know that! Please... It's as if something would happen to me." Kaoru snapped. "Besides, I think this is really very important. You need to know what it is. I'll be fine..."

"Kaoru.... Fine! I want all of you to stay here. I'll go on my own." Kenshin firmly said.

"Only nine of us, Mr. Himura. I'll accompany you."

"It's okay, Kenshin, now go before the chief gets mad." Kaoru joked.

Kenshin approached his wife and kissed her. "I won't be able to win this argument, now will I?" Kaoru just shook her head. "Okay, but be careful." he turned to his guide. "Let's go."

++Later++

"Mr. Himura, I'm glad you could come." Police Chief Uramura stood up and led him to his private office.

"I don't want to but your men insisted." Kenshin answered back.

"Oh sorry about that. But I need to discuss with you a very VERY important matter..."

~~Kamiya Dojo~~

Kaoru was about to doze off when a strange sound reached her ears. It sounded like objects being thrown. She stood up and picked a bokken. She slowly slid the door open and almost stumbled to find all of her guards blood-soaked bodies scattered outside--DEAD. She was about to open her mouth when a hand shot from behind and stopped her movement.

"Don't scream, I'm not going to hurt you... for now..."with that, the stranger threw Kaoru inside the room.

Kaoru stood up. "Who are you and what do you want?!" Kaoru exclaimed oblivious to the bloody wound in her temples. She finally noticed six more big guys, clad in black, in the corner.

"We're here for battousai. Someone informed us that he lives in this house." a guy whose face she couldn't make out, spoke. He was bulky and very tall.

"There's no battousai living in this place so I suggest you leave now." Kaoru spat trying desperately not to collapse from the pain in her head.

"Oh really. And who might you be?"

"I am the owner of this dojo. I will not tolerate this madness anymore. Either leave or--"

"Or what? You're calling the police. They're right outside, lady, swimming on their own blood. "Now tell us where battousai is!"

"There's no battousai in this house, you jerk!" she shouted. A strong slap on her face sent her flying to a wall. The pain she's feeling right this time is beyond measure and it almost knocked her out. Kaoru froze in her place as a strange metallic smell caught her senses. Slowly, she turned her head and found a pool of blood forming at her feet. 'Oh no... No please no...' she unconsciously gripped her womb squeezing it tightly, trying unsuccessfully to hold on to what was already lost. 'No please...' A tear escaped her eye followed by another and then another until a river of tears and blood flowed from her eyes. All reasons left her broken form and without thinking, she attacked the bulky guy with fury clouding her senses. She managed to knock him out but then another slap came flying towards her. She fell to the floor and she felt numb. 'This is not happening...'

"Let's blow up this place!"

Kaoru didn't move. 'This is a very bad nightmare... I want to wake up now...' How could this be happening... Her baby... "KENSHIN!!!"

Kenshin whipped his head to the direction of the Kamiya Dojo. "I heard Kaoru..." he stood up and headed towards the door.

"Himura, what're you saying? Kamiya dojo is more than a mile from here, there's no s--"

"BOOOOM!!!" a loud explosion suddenly caught their attention.

"What was that?!" Uramura growled.

"It's coming from... oh no! KAORU!" with that, Kenshin blasted blindly towards the direction of the Kamiya Dojo. Tears threatened to spill out from his eyes and it did come. 'Kaoru please no...' The explosion originated from the western part of the city, that's where the dojo is located. He definitely has a bad feeling about this. ^The western part is very wide. How can you be so sure that it was really the Kamiya Dojo that exploded?!^-- his mind tried to reason but it still didn't make him feel any better. But he held into it and brought a sparkle of hope to grasp. By every step he took, his heart seemed to weigh more until he finally reached the most horrible sight he's ever seen. He couldn't push through anymore because the way towards the dojo was engulfed in flames, including the houses around within a fifty-meter radius. 'NO!' He tried to go again but the mass of people running here and there prevented him from doing so. Kaoru is still in there and she needs his help! He started pushing people away and he made his way towards the burning haven. Some people tried to stop him but he shrugged them away. 'Kaoru... I'm coming...' tears are flowing freely from his eyes. He was about to reach through the flame when--"BOOOOOM!!!" It's as if his whole world fell and vanished before his eyes. He found himself flying backwards due to the blast and land right on a soft surface. 'She's gone...' He just laid there, not moving while staring straight ahead... H's body was numb from the bain he received from the explosion, from the soft fall of the rain, from everything, except for his heart. It felt as though it was crushed and burned altogether... He was alone again... Alone... "KAORU!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

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jagan-I: So what do you think of it? Please review and tell me what you think of my story. It would really make someone happy---ME! I hope you enjoyed it. The next chapter is coming up!!!