Subject: [KFFDisc] Tak's Untitled Fic (this is it) Part 3 Date: Mon, 08 Mar 1999 14:20:05 -0600 From: Robin Kloster Reply-To: kenshinfanfics@egroups.com Organization: The Demoness Quartet To: kenshinfanfics@egroups.com And here's part 3. - Meimi ________________________________________________________________________ Tak62077@aol.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------ eGroup of the Day: "QueerLaw" - Discuss queer legal theory, sexual orientation and The Law. http://offers.egroups.com/click/240/0 eGroup home: http://www.eGroups.com/list/kenshinfanfics Free Web-based e-mail groups by eGroups.com --------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: Re: [KFFDisc] Comments... Date: Mon, 7 Sep 1998 15:15:52 EDT From: Tak62077@aol.com Reply-To: kenshinfanfics@makelist.com To: kenshinfanfics@makelist.com In a message dated 98-09-07 06:51:56 EDT, you write: << .so this chapter is set after two years when Kaoru left Tokyo ne?...a Kaoru and a Kaori! (My Japanese friends said that Kaoru is a name for boys and Kaori is for girls. Guess it doesn't really matter...) Tak, do you mind if I edit your work send it over to you? Let's continue with my commenting, this IS a great fic and great job! Kyahahaha...I knew it was going to happen...Kenshin stopping the wrong bride! *starts laughing again* I really love this fic!!! Such a nice happy ending...^_^ >> Yep, it's set two years after the ending of the second part. Feel to to edit! <> Ack! Sorry for all the trouble! It totally slipped my mind to convert it into text, I'll definitly be more careful next time! I couldn't do the usual cut and paste because it was longer than excpected and my E-mail wouldn't allow it. (I'll need to make my chapters shorter too.) So I'm resending it as a .txt file. Honto ni gomenasai! (I'm truly sorry!) (Tak62077@Aol.com) --------------------------------------------------------------------- * * * * * Kaoru sat on the train looking out the window. She loved riding on trains seeing the beautiful countryside of Japan. Passing by rice patty fields, the ocean, made her think about how peaceful Japan has come since the Meiji era began. Also, riding on the train made her content because it reminded her of the fond memories of her, Kenshin, Yahiko, and Sanosuke took their first train trip to Yokohama. Kaoru snickered to herself and wondered if Sanosuke ever got over his fears of trains. She also was glad she used the reward money to take a photograph. Kaoru took the photo out of her bag and looked at it. She laughed as she saw how they looked, all dirty from fighting those train robbers. And looking at Sanosuke's face and stiff body made her chuckle. She never would have believed someone so strong could be such a superstitious chicken. It must go with the hair she thought. Just then Hikari sat next to Kaoru and presented her with a cup of green tea she had fetched from the dining car. "Doozo. Is that the photograph you took at your first trip in Yokohama?", she asked pointing to the picture in Kaoru's hands. Kaoru nodded,"Yes, we look so awful because we were stopping the train from being robbed. What an crazy train trip that was" Hikari laughed. "You are so lucky to have such exciting adventures to talk about. I never get tired of hearing them. Especially, the one about how Kenshin defeated Shishio Makoto. Even though you must have been scared, I wish my life was filled with adeventure like that", Hikari sighed. "You must be looking foward to returning to Tokyo after all this time." Kaoru nodded. This was the first time in two years she would be going to Tokyo. Even though she was sad when she left Kenshin and her friends, living with Hikari and her real family wasn't as hard as she thought it would be. Her family welcomed her with open arms and even though Hikari was younger than her, she made sure Kaoru learned the ropes and was happy. During her stay for the past two years, Kaoru was enrolled in bridal training classes where she finally learned how to cook, proper etiquitte, and many other skills that were expected of a wife. She was allowed to take poetry and art classes which she found relaxing and enjoyable as well. Kaoru was also was forced to change her physical appearance as well. Her aunt said that she looked too much of a tomboy and no longer allowed Kaoru to wear her hair in a ponytail. She had remarked that it was too childish. Kaoru's hair was cut a little below her shoulders now and worn up in a bun. But, she did keep a few loose whisps framing her face like she had before, for some reason those loose hairs would never stay up anyways, even when she wore it in a ponytail. Kaoru's whole wadrobe changed too under her aunt's supervision. Her aunt believed in the Western fashions, and Kaoru was forced to wear dresses instead of kimonos. Kaoru hated the form fitting dresses and itchy lace, but after awhile she grew used to it. Even though she didn't want to admit it to herself, she definitly believed she had changed and matured into proper lady as her aunt promised she would become. But, despite all she had done, Kaoru missed Kenshin and her friends in Tokyo greatly. Her aunt did not allow her to write or receive letters from anyone back in Tokyo. Not even Genzai Sensei. And even though Kaoru was the master of Kamiya Kashin Ryu, she was not allowed to even pick up any type of weapon. Her aunt believed that fighting was vulgar and not for proper young ladies. Her aunt sternly severed all ties she had in Tokyo. Finally, after two long years, Kaoru was going back to Tokyo. Unfortunatly, it wasn't to go back to her past life. Her aunt had arranged an o miai (marriage meeting) with a suitable young man and his family. Her aunt believed that Kaoru was way past marriagable age and thought that she needed to wed at once. Even though Kaoru opposed the thought at first, when she found the meeting would take place in Tokyo, she jumped at the opportunity. Before the trip, Kaoru's aunt was planning to accompany her, but fell ill. Instead, Hikari was sent in her place and Kaoru was forbidden to visit the Kamiya dojo. Even though Kaoru hated lying and wanted to respect her aunt's wishes especially after all she had done for her, she was still hoping she might accidently "bump into" her friends without actually setting foot in the Kamiya dojo were she once lived. "I wonder what your friends are doing now. It's been so long. Do you still think they are living at the dojo?", Hikari wondered. "They are", Kaoru assured. She knew that Kenshin would never leave and keep his promise to her. But, what are they like? she questioned to herself. I wonder if they changed much. I wonder what they are doing. She had always thought about her friends. Yahiko must have grown strong in these past two years. She wondered if Kenshin decided to take Yahiko on as his student. Kenshin knew Yahiko always wanted to become strong, and now that Kaoru wasn't there to fulfill his wish, maybe Kenshin would accept the task. Also, Kaoru wondered about Sanosuke and Megumi. Despite Megumi's flirtaous behavior towards Kenshin, she knew that there were signs of a romance developing between the two. Kaoru always wondered who would be the first two admit their feelings since they were both so stubborn. And of course, Kaoru wondered about Kenshin. There wasn't a day that went by in these past two years that she didn't think of him. He was someone she would never forget. Finally, the train pulled up to Tokyo station. Kaoru and Hikari got off and was brought by carriage to a nearby hotel in Tokyo. When they arrived a telegram was already waiting for them in their room. Kaoru opened it and read it out load to Hikari. "It's from obasan. She says that the marriage meeting will take place tonight. She also says not to even think about going back to the Kamiya dojo", she sighed. "Kaoru, you're not going to obey are you? I think you ought to go. I don't think it's right for her to keep you from seeing your friends, no matter who they are. I promise I won't tell", Hikari offered. Kaoru shook her head. No matter how much she wanted to see them, she didn't want to lie to her aunt. She hated lying, her father always taught her it was a great sin. "I can't disobey her anyways. She's done so much for me these past two years. Besides, I don't even know if they would want to see me anyways." * * * * * Later that evening, Kaoru and Hikari were sitting in a private room of a fancy Western style resturant. Kaoru was nervous, this was her first marriage meeting. Even though she had no desire to marry whoever walked into the door, she reminded herself that it was only a meeting and nothing was set. She knew no matter who she had a meeting with, no one could compare to Kenshin. Just then a elderly, but distinguised couple walked into the room followed by a young man. That must be him she thought. The young man was tall and was dressed in a Western style suit and tie. His face lacked a smile and had a serious look. "Konbanwa, Kaoru san. My name is Nishida Koji and this is my wife, Norika.", the elderly gentleman said. "And I would like to present my son, Nishida Motoki." Kaoru stood up and bowed. "Nice to meet you. I am Kamiya Kaoru and this is my cousin Hikari, who has accompanied me in place of my aunt." They all sat down at the table. "Yes, I heard your aunt had fallen ill. I hope she is on her way to recovery.", Norika said. Kaoru nodded. "She will be fine." "Tell us about yourself, Kaoru san. We've heard so much about you from your aunt, but we would like to hear more.", Koji requested. Kaoru fiddled with her thumbs. "Well, for the past two years I've been living with my aunt and have been taking bridal training classes. I also love haiku and painting.", Kaoru said. The couple nodded and looked at each other. "As you know this is a marriage meeting your aunt has set up. We received a telegram from you aunt this morning saying that if we approve of you, then to have the wedding ceremony immediatly." Kaoru looked at the couple in shock. She had heard nothing of this. She was only told before she left that it was a meeting, not a ceremony. "There must be a mistake", she spoke. Koji shook his head. "There's no mistake. Actually, I guess you weren't told by you aunt of the details. It is my duty to make you aware of these. Your aunt wanted one of her daughters to marry into our family because of land we own on the coast in the southern part of Japan. As you know, your uncle owns a foriegn import company and needs that land to expand his business. But, unfortunatly, I cannot sell that land to him because of conditions in our ownership papers for that area. Since that land is owned in our family name, it must be passed down to the family. As you can see, if you marry into this family then your name will be changed to Nishida Kaoru and we can pass that land to you. But, since you are still not twenty years of age, all your acquired assets got to your aunt and uncle.", he explained. Kaoru sat there in shock, while Hikari spoke up, "What? But, why was Kaoru chosen? She's not a blood daughter of my aunt and uncle. And what's in it for your family? You're basically giving your son and land away for nothing then." "I know, but your aunt informed us that your eldest sister Kaori was already promised to a man of a government position and you, Hikari, are still too young. We will be giving our son and land away, but we will receive monetary gift for the wedding. It's the same amount as the price of the land your uncle will be receiving." "So this is a political marriage? And why does it have to take place so soon? My mother or father aren't even here in Tokyo.", Hikari exclaimed. "Well, normally a couple would wait to make marriage arrangements. But, our son, Motoki will be studying abroad in England next week. He is in the process of learning Western medicine practices. And of course if he and Kaoru wed, she will have to go there as well.", Koji anwsered. Kaoru couldn't believe what she was hearing. She must have planned it all, Kaoru thought to herself. Everything, forcing me to leave Tokyo, then enrolling me in bridal training classes right away. And she knew I would jump at the chance of going to Tokyo after two years no matter what the reason was. That's why she held the marriage meeting here. Kaoru felt stupid. She had fallen for it all. "I'm sorry, but I cannot accept your marriage offer. I don't intend to marry someone without even meeting or knowing them.", she declined. "Your aunt figured you would say something like that. But, I have a signed contract already promising us that it was a done deal." "What?! Kaoru's not a slave, you can't sell a person into marriage!", Hikari exclaimed angrily. "It's not a contract that states Kaoru has to marry into our family. It's a contract that provides us with compensation if Kaoru does not agree. If Kaoru does not agree, then the Nishida family will inherit all of Hikari's material assets that she would have obtained when she turns twenty. We will also be inheriting some land in Tokyo as well." Hikari's mouth dropped. How could her own mother do that to her. Kaoru's aunt had covered every angle. Her aunt knew that Kaoru had grown close to Hikari in the past two years and that Kaoru would never let Hikari lose everything like that. She knew Hikari wanted to use her money to go to school after she turned twenty, but if Hikari lost that money, she could not fulfill her dream. Kaoru looked down. How could this be happening? She couldn't make Hikari lose her money that was rightfully her's and the land in Tokyo he was referring to was definitly the land that the Kamiya dojo was built on. How could she become trapped like this? Tears started to well in her eyes. She forced them back, she couldn't give up hope. Norika Nishida looked at Kaoru sympathically. "Why don't you and Motoki take a walk outside and get to know one another? If the only reason you are against this marriage is because you don't know one another, then now is the perfect opportunity. You might find you have something in common.", she suggested. Kaoru nodded. She wanted to go outside for some fresh air. She felt dizzy and as if the room was closing in on her. She and Motoki headed outside the resturant. The sky was filled with stars as a warm breeze passed through the trees. Even though it was a peaceful night, the silence screamed through her ears. Motoki was the first to speak. "Personally, I don't want to get married to you", he said coldly. Kaoru spun around and faced his serious eyes. He looked at her and continued. "All I care about is completing my studies. I hate political marriages, but my father says if I didn't agree then he wouldn't fund my schooling any longer." "Is that why you agreed?", Kaoru asked softly. Motoki nodded. "If we are married, I don't want you to interfere with my studies. I hate the thought of dragging around some woman with me in England!" That statement made Kaoru even madder. Everything had been building up to this point and now she was going to explode. "Well, you're not the first choice I had in mind either! And the thought of me spending my life with a stuck-up, smart ass boy is beyond me!", she snapped. Motoki was in shock by her foul language. She was definitly not the girl he had thought she was. She looked like a prissy snob when he first met her, but this was definitly a different side of Kaoru. He laughed out loud. "What's so funny?!", Kaoru demmanded angrily. "You don't look like the type to swear!", he laughed as he held her side. "I misjudged you." Kaoru calmed down then a slight smile spread on her face. She used to swear and lose her temper all the time when she lived at the dojo. Motoki's face softned a bit. "I guess we are in the same boat. But, I have to follow my father's orders in order to finish school and you have to follow your aunt's in order to save Hikari." Kaoru sighed. She knew she had to think of some way out. But was there a way? * * * * * It had been a week since the marriage meeting and she still didn't know what to do. The marriage ceremony was set for this afternoon. She couldn't sleep a wink all last night and decided to go for a walk, which she would hope to lead to some guidence. As she walked through Tokyo, a wave of nostalgia swept over her. She finally reached the bridge that she had always crossed to go home to the Kamiya dojo. Maybe I should ask my friends what I should do she thought. But, maybe they have all moved on with their lives. It's been so long, maybe they have forgotten me. Maybe I shouldn't show up on their doorstep and burden them with my problems. Just then a toy ball rolled to her feet. A little surprised, she picked it up. "Sumimasen!", a small voice called out. Kaoru turned around and saw two children approaching her. As they grew closer to retrive their runaway ball, Kaoru gasped. "Arigato, ane-chan", one of the girls said as she handed the girl the ball. "Ayame chan, Suzume chan!", Kaoru gasped. Even though it had been two years and they had grown, she definitly recognized them. Ayame and Suzume looked at Kaoru questioningly. They don't remember me, Kaoru thought a little saddned. Kaoru looked down to the ground. "Ah! Kaoru nesan!", Suzume exclaimed with a big smile on her face. Kaoru looked up. "Suzume chan, Ayame chan. Ohisaburi, how are you doing?" "Kaoru nesan! We are fine!", they said in unision and rushed to hug her. A warm feeling of happiness washed over Kaoru. She was so happy to see them after such a long time. She hugged them back. "My, you two have grown." "Kaoru nesan. You're so pretty! What a pretty dress!", Ayame exclaimed as she clenched the satin fabric in her hand. Kaoru smiled. "Is everyone else doing good too?" They both nodded. "Are you coming back to the dojo?", Suzume asked. "Well...actually, I can't.", Kaoru stammered. Ayame and Suzume frowned. "Come back with us! Breakfast will be ready by now. Hurry!", they said as they grabbed her arms and lead her to the dojo despite their protests. Kaoru knew she shouldn't be going to the dojo. But, she didn't resist too hard when they insisted. Walking down the old pathway to her house made her feel content. The familar path under her feet seemed to be created just for her. When the reached the dojo, everything was the same as she remembered. Even the sign that said "Kamiya Kashin Ryu Dojo" was still in it's place. The two young girls pushed the door to the dojo open as Kaoru felt butterflies rising in her stomach. Just then a voice called out, "Ayame chan, Suzume chan, is that you?" "Hai! Tadaima!", they yelled. They ran in the back of the dojo leaving Kaoru standing out front in the yard all by herself. A woman walked out of the dojo. Kaoru gasped, it was Megumi! "Oh, excuse me. Did you bring Ayame chan and Suzume chan home? Sumimasen for the trouble.", Megumi said. She doesn't recognize me, Kaoru thought. Do I look that different? Just then another figure walked out to Megumi and pulled on her sleeve. "Is breakfast ready yet? Hurry up, I'm starving!" Kaoru looked at the familar figure. It was a tall boy carrying a shinai on his back. It's Yahiko! How much he's grown, yet his attitude hasn't she thought. Kaoru noticed another figure sitting on the porch leaning against the rail. The man had a fish bone in his mouth and she knew it was Sanosuke. Sanosuke still wore his white jacket with the "aku" character on the back. She laughed to herself that he still was the same. They are all still together after all this time and had really turned into a true family. She wanted to hug them all. Yahiko turned to Kaoru with confused look, "Who is this person?", he asked. Kaoru's eyes widened, she should tell them? But before she anwsered, Megumi spoke up. "She brought Suzume chan and Ayame chan home. I'm always telling them not to run off so early in the morning.", she turned to Kaoru. "I'm truly grateful. What was your name?" Just then the sounds of the two girls returned. "Hurry Ken nisan! Kaoru nesan is waiting for you!" they ordered as they pulled him right in front of Kaoru. "...Ka...oru?", Yahiko said in shock. The fish bone fell out of Sanosuke's mouth. Kaoru looked into the familar violet eyes starring at her. As always, she could feel herself becoming lost in it's hypnotic powers it had over her. Kenshin hadn't changed over the years. He still wore the same outfit and his hair and X shaped scar trademarks were still the same. She welcomed such a sight that she had not experienced in so long. She felt her heartbeat rapidly increasing. "Ohisashiburi, minna.", she replied. They looked at her for a moment, acting as if she was an imposter playing a trick on them. When Kenshin looked at Kaoru and pondered over how much she changed. The young girl he once knew was now gone and a mature and elegant woman stood before him. But, despite all the physical changes, once he looked into her eyes, he knew this was the Kaoru he cared deeply about. "Kaoru san!", Megumi exclaimed. "Is it really you?" Kaoru nodded. "I'm glad to see you all again." Sanosuke walked up behind her, "Jo chan has finally grown up.", he said inspecting her. Kaoru blushed a little. "What brings you back to Tokyo?" Kaoru looked down. She didn't want to mention the marriage meeting. "Uh... just some business that my aunt wanted me to take care of. I'll only be here for a few days." She looked at Kenshin who had not said a word. His face seemed to have fallen when she said that. But, then he smiled. "Kaoru dono. You look well. Please come inside your dojo, we were just about to eat breakfast." They led Kaoru to a table and all sat down. Megumi started serving everyone and then placed herself next to Kenshin. Kaoru sat in silence at first. Even though she was happy to be with them, it felt a little awkward. Finally, Yahiko broke the silence. "Kaoru, guess what?! Kenshin had taught me some of the Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu techiniques!", he annouced. "Really? You are finally learning what you wanted Yahiko", Kaoru congradulated. "How are you all doing? Are you managing okay?" Kenshin smiled, "Eh, Sanosuke finally got a job and stays here now. I still do all the laundry and housework though." "Sanosuke! You finally are working!", Kaoru exclaimed. Sanosuke nodded as they all laughed. "I do all the cooking now.", Megumi said. Kaoru looked at Megumi, "Did you move here too?", she asked. Megumi nodded. "After you left, I figured Ken san and Yahiko would need someone to cook for them. Since Ken san agreed, I moved in right away" Kaoru felt a sting of jealously. She moved in right after I left? she thought. Kaoru told herself not to loose control after all, she wanted to show that she had changed for the better. I'm not a jealous young girl anymore, she reminded herself. And after all, I did beg Megumi to take care of Kenshin for me. She looked at them once again, they seemed to have grown closer as a family now. A family she was no longer a part of, a family she had deserted, a family that had moved ahead with their lives. After breakfast, Kaoru decided she better leave. After seeing how her family moved on, she knew she had to move on too. Even though she didn't want to get married, she couldn't think of away out of it. She recalled Kenshin's words of two years ago "...Kaoru, I will never marry you. Please don't wait for me..." Was that what she was waiting for? Seeing them now, it seemed clear that Kenshin didn't love her anymore. He hadn't so much as hugged her when he saw her. Kaoru was sure after these past two years, Kenshin probably had lost any romantic love he had for her. Maybe this is a sign, she thought. Maybe seeing this is telling me I should go through with the marriage. Maybe I'll learn to love him and I'll be saving Hikari's future, she reasoned in her thoughts. "Minna, arigato. I'm so happy to have seen all of you again. I'm glad you are all living together and are doing well.", she said. She felt tears welling in her eyes. She knew this time would be the absolute last time she would ever see all of them again. Before anyone could say anything, Kenshin stepped foward. "Take care of yourself, Kaoru dono." Kaoru nodded at quickly left the dojo. She wanted to leave before she started crying. I'm not a cry baby anymore, she thought. From now on, I'm on my own and I have to be brave. * * * * * Kenshin watched the door the Kaoru had left over an hour ago. Something inside of him knew this was the last time he would ever see her again. Even though he fought to hide his feelings from her, when he saw her wanted to embrace her once again. For the past two years, each day he prayed for her happiness and to be safe. He was glad she had grown up into a refined and beautiful woman in such a short time. Megumi put her hand on Kenshin's shoulder. "Why didn't you say anything, baka! You still love her don't you?!", she lectured. "Oro?", Kenshin said. "He may be the best samurai in Japan, but when it comes to women, he's so dense!", Sanosuke said. Megumi folded her arms in disgust, "Ken san, couldn't you see it? Kaoru san was just begging for you to tell her to come back! I didn't say anything because I thought you would!" "It would have been kind of cool to finish learning all the disciplines of Kamiya Kasshin Ryu", Yahiko admitted. Just then, the dojo opened a slight crack. For a moment, Kenshin's heart stopped thinking Kaoru had returned. But, when the figure stepped in, they saw Kaoru's cousin, Hikari. "Konnichiwa,"she greeted. "Hikari san!", Kenshin said. Hikari ran up to them with a worried look on her face. "By any chance is Kaoru here?" Megumi nodded. "She was here this morning, but she left over an hour ago." "So she did come here! I wonder where she went?", Hikari wondered. "In two hours the ceremony will begin....", Hikari said. Kenshin and the other's eyes widnend. "Ceremony? What are you talking about?!" Sanosuke demmanded. Hikari put her had over her mouth. Shimatta, she thought. "You mean she didn't tell you about it?", she whispered. Megumi shook her head. "No! She didn't!", she exclaimed slightly annoyed. "What's going on?!" Hikari told them the details of Kaoru's arranged marriage. They looked at her in shock as she told them how her aunt was forcing this marriage upon Kaoru in order to save Hikari from loosing her fortune, Motoki, so he can keep going to school and her family from loosing the dojo. Megumi sighed, "That girl is sacraficing herself again for someone elses happiness!" "Well, lets go find Kaoru and bring her back here!", Yahiko said. They started leaving, but Kenshin remained in place. "Wait, we can't", he said. They all looked at him, "What?! Are you kidding?! This is your last chance to get Kaoru back!", Megumi yelled. Kenshin shook his head. As much as he wanted to return to Kaoru, he didn't have a right to interfere with her current life. "Kaoru dono came back to the dojo and chose not to tell of us about this matter. Maybe she doesn't want us to intefere." Hikari ran over to Kenshin and bowed before him. "Please, Himura san. Save Kaoru from this. I know deep inside she really doesn't want to get married. She is only trying to save everyone from loosing everything. But, I know if you stop her, she'll listen to you. You're the only person! I've told her over and over that I don't care about the fortune I will lose. It's nothing compared to what she will lose if she goes through with it!", she begged. Kenshin looked at Hikari and realized Hikari cared about her cousin deeply. "I'm sorry, I just can't....", he said as he felt tears burning in his eyes. Hikari looked at him. "I thought you loved her! I thought you'd want to be with her no matter what! There wasn't a day that went by that she didn't think of you or mention your name. She always told me you were the strongest swordsman in Japan who would face any type of danger. But, right now I think of you as nothing but a coward!", she yelled and ran out of the dojo. The others watched Hikari run out and then turned back to Kenshin. He had fallen to his knees and stared at the ground. Megumi had enough of Kaoru and Kenshin's games. She went over to Kenshin and lifted Kenshin's face to her gaze. She immediatly raised her hand and slapped his scarred cheek. "She's right! I'm so sick of the games you two are playing! I don't understand if you love her, why do you just let her go?! So what, if you are being selfish?! Isn't that what love is anyways?! If she didn't want you to interfere, she wouldn't have come here in the first place?! I know you have things to work out from your past, but you're your still living now! If you let this chance go, you'll have to deal with this loss too! A person only has so many opportunities and this might be your last one!", Megumi cried. She fell down to her knees. Sanosuke and Yahiko were shocked by Megumi's actions, but they agreed with her. Kenshin and Kaoru were meant to be together, even after these past two years. They knew that nothing was the same without her. She was the one who had saved them all from the lives they once led. Now it was time that they saved her. "Let's go Kenshin. Let's get Jo-chan back!", Sanosuke exclaimed. Kenshin just sat there. His friends were urging him to go to Kaoru. What was holding him back? he thought. He knew he cared for her and wanted her to be near him. Then, Hikari's words came back to him "... She always told me you were the strongest swordsman in Japan who would face any type of danger. But, right now I think of you as nothing but a coward..." He realized that he WAS afraid! Afraid to let anyone come too close to him because everyone he loved always died. His parents, the three girls that protected him as a child, Tomoe... He was afraid Kaoru would share the same fate as them. He was afraid if she died, he couldn't handle the pain anymore. Two years ago when he told her he should leave he had thought he was sending her away for her own benefit, but now he realized he was pushing her away. Always afraid of what would happen if Kaoru died, he was now going to responsible for Kaoru's death if he didn't stop her from getting married. The death of Kaoru's happiness, the one thing he promised to protect her from. Kenshin stood up. He mind was clear and the doubts disappeared. He was now ready to face his fears and no matter what happened he would get Kaoru back, "Let's go... to get Kaoru-dono." Megumi looked up and smiled. "Thank goodness...", she sighed. "Let's go Kenshin! There's not much time. They are probably at the church in town. It's the only one weddings are performed at!", Sanosuke said. Kenshin nodded and all four of them left to return Kaoru to the dojo for good. * * * * * Hikari ran back to the room and found Kaoru in her wedding kimono. "Kaoru...", she said. Kaoru turned and smiled at Hikari. "Where were you? I was worried." "I was looking all over for you. What's going on? Are you actually going through this?", she demanded. Kaoru sighed. "I've decided it's the only thing to do." Hikari ran to Kaoru's side, "I know you don't want to get married. I know you went to the Kamiya Dojo this morning to see everyone, especially Kenshin! You still love him don't you?!", Hikari exclaimed. Kaoru turned to her cousin. "How did you know I went there?" "I went there myself after you left searching for you. They told me you were there. Why didn't you tell them about the wedding?!", she demanded. Kaoru looked at her reflection in the mirror. It was her wedding day, the day she always dreamed of since she was a little girl. But, no matter how lovely she looked in the expensive wedding kimono, she still lacked the cheerful smile she always carried. "I didn't tell them because I didn't want to burden them with it. They all seemed so happy and moved on with their lives. They've become a family, one that I am no longer a part of.", Kaoru said. Hikari shook her head. "No! They are still your family, just as we were even after all this time! When I told them the truth, they were worried about you." Kaoru's eyes widened. "You told them?!", she exclaimed. Afraid to ask, "...and what did Kenshin say?" Hikari looked down. She couldn't bring herself to tell her cousin Kenshin wouldn't come. Kaoru looked at her cousin's frown and knew. "It's alright. It's foolish of me to even think that Kenshin still loved me after these years.", she said sadly. Hikari grabbed Kaoru arm and shook it fiercely. "Kaoru! Don't do this! I don't care if I loose everything! I'd rather loose every last dress I own, then be the cause of your unhappiness! Even if you think Kenshin and the others don't care for you, don't you owe it to them to keep your promise?! You're promise that you would be happy?!", Hikari cried. Kaoru looked at her cousin and smiled. "The wedding is going to start... we better get going." * * * * * Kenshin, Yahiko, Sanosuke, and Megumi ran to the church as fast as they could. When they got to the church, they burst open the closed doors. Everyone turned around to see the four them panting. Kenshin looked at the backs of the groom and the bride as they were at the alter. "STOP!", Sansouke yelled at the top of his lungs. As they got everyone's attention, Megumi nudged Kenshin, "Go on! Tell her!", she ordered. Kenshin nodded and took a deep breath. From the end of the aisle he spoke, "Kaoru-dono! Don't do this! Don't get married to him! Onegai!", he continued. "I've realized that I was afraid, afraid of losing you! So before that happened I pushed you away. But, now I know I was wrong. Please forgive me! Even though there are still some unresolved things in my life, I don't want you to search for your happiness. If you'll allow me, I want to give you happiness from this day on!" The church was silent. Finally, she turned around and she had the veil over her face as she said. "You came after all, but it's too late... I can't accept your offer." Kenshin and the others gasped. "You selfish girl! After what we went through! Why?!", Megumi demanded. "I can't accept your offer because....", slowly she lifted the veil from her face. "I'm not Kaoru. You have the wrong person." Kenshin stared in awe as the person in the wedding gown was not Kaoru, but Hikari! "What the...?!", Sanosuke exclaimed. Hikari walked towards them. "I'm glad you decided to come. I apologize for calling you a coward. You've shown that you truly care for my cousin. All of you." "Then, where in the heck is Kaoru?!", Yahiko demanded. Hikari shook her head. "She realized that marrying would be a lie, something her father was gravely against. But, even though she knew she wouldn't marry, she still believed that she would be a burden to all of you. She said she was leaving to find her own happiness, but she didn't tell me where she was going." Kenshin's heart sank. Even though he was glad she had not gotten married, she was gone again. Hikari sensed his disappointment. "Don't worry, now that you know you love her, I'm sure you'll find her. I know you are going to search for her, so when you find her can you give her this?", Hikari requested as she pulled out a small wooden box wrapped in a cloth. Motoki walked up to them and smiled. "It's from me too. Tell her not to worry about me." Kenshin nodded and took the box. He looked at Hikari admiringly, "You were willing to get married in Kaoru's place?" Hikari smiled. "Even if you didn't show up, I would have gone through with it. I told you, didn't I? I would make sure Kaoru would be happy no matter what." Kenshin smiled. "Arigato, Hikari san." "Hurry, find her! She shouldn't have gotten very far yet.", Hikari ordered. Kenshin nodded and he and the others left the church as chaos arrupted. He knew he could count on Hikari to wrap up matters. "Why don't we split up? We'll cover more ground if we do.", Sanosuke said. Kenshin nodded. "Yahiko and I will check all the train stations and you and Megumi check the all the boat docks." Sanosuke and Megumi nodded and all of them were intent on finding their treasure, Kaoru. No matter what, I'll find you, Kenshin pledged to himself. * * * * * After several hours of searching, it was nightfall. They hadn't had found a trace of Kaoru yet. Kenshin and Yahiko started heading back to the dojo. They had not heard from Sanosuke and Megumi yet, so they hoped that maybe they had more luck. Kenshin and Yahiko went to all the train stations, resturants, and shops in the city, but no one had seen anyone fitting Kaoru's description. "Don't worry Kenshin, we'll find her! I, Moujin Yahiko, will not give up!", he said trying to cheer Kenshin up. Kenshin smiled. But, he was worried that he had lost her for good. Megumi was right, people do run out of opportunities and now he realized it when it was too late. They stepped into the dojo and shut the door. But to their surprise they heard a voice. "Okaerinasai!" Kenshin and Yahiko ran to the porch and was shocked to find Kaoru standing there. The Kaoru they knew and loved. She was wearing her old, yellow kimono and her hair fell to her shoulders no longer tied in a sophisticated bun. "What took you so long?!", she demmanded. Yahiko was so happy to see his former sensei return, he ran up and hugged her. Kaoru was surprised, "...Yahiko", she said. He quickly let go of her realizing what he had done. "Uh... I'm just glad you're back so you can teach me the rest of Kamiya Kashin Ryu! I'll definitly beat you one of these days!" Kaoru smiled. "In your dreams!" Yahiko laughed and knew Kenshin would want to be alone with Kaoru. "I'll go find Megumi and Sanosuke!", he said as he ran out of the dojo. Kenshin looked at Kaoru, nothing in the world could ever make him happier than this moment. "Kaoru dono, what made you come back here? Hikari told me you left.", he asked. Kaoru stepped down from the porch. "This is my house, isn't it? This is my home. I have a right to live her.", she replied. "Besides, you told me two years ago to find all the happiness in the world and I've realized this is were I belong. I'm almost twenty years old now and I'm it's about time I made decisions for myself. I'm not going to let my aunt or even you tell me what will make me happy." Kenshin smiled, this was the stubborn Kaoru he loved. Kaoru turned to Kenshin and grabbed his hand. "You told me to find all the happiness in the world, and I've realized I'll never be happy if I'm not with you. I've learned that even if I have to wait for you forever, I'm happy just being by your side forever. No matter what you say or whay you do, I'll never wander away from you ever again.", she said. "You said you talked to Hikari, did you go to the church?" Kenshin blushed. "Yes....", he stammered. Kaoru beamed. "To stop the wedding, right?" Kenshin nodded. He was going to face his fear and tell her the truth. She deserved it. "I've realized that I've been selfish. I've been pushing you away because I was afraid something would happen to you. To spare myself the pain, I pushed aside my and your feelings. But, now I realize that I've been causing YOU pain. Honto ni Gomenasai. But, from this day on I'll spend the rest of my life making it up to you, I'll accept and return your feelings.", he said softly as he embraced her. He could feel her heart beating and held her tighter. No matter what happened, he would he would protect her newfound happiness. "Ken...shin...." Kaoru said. By being back in Kenshin's arms, she had never felt so happy in her entire life. Tears of joy rolled down her cheeks. She wanted to stay in his embrace for the rest of her life. Finally, Kenshin let go of her. Kaoru smiled, but then sighed. "I broke my promise to my aunt. She'll be furious when she finds out what I have done. I guess she'll end up selling the dojo. I hope Hikari won't get in trouble for all of this." "Oh! Hikari gave me this box to give to you. It's from Motoki too.", he said as he handed her the box. Kaoru quickly unwrapped cloth and open the box to find a letter and the box filled with ashes. "What's this?", she questioned as she read the letter: Dear Kaoru, I hope you have found your happiness. This is a gift from Motoki and me. Hopefully, it will ease your mind from any worries. These are the ashes of the will my aunt held saying the dojo was owned by her. Before we left for Tokyo, I had stolen the will and burned it. Now there is no proof that the dojo was ever left to my mother. Since there is no will, the dojo goes to the next of kin, which is you. Now you can live there forever without worrying about my aunt selling it. You are probably wondering why there are a lot of ashes. Well, the others is from the contract that Motoki's parents held about my fortune. I had told Motoki about what I had done about the will to the dojo and he did the same for me. Motoki was furious about the marriage too as you know, so he he wanted to put an end to all this. He says he'd rather fund his own education, then accept his father's money through all this deceit. So don't worry about me losing my fortune. Like you, I'll still be able to find my own happiness. Thank you for everything and take care of yourself and your family. Hikari Kaoru smiled, she was so lucky to have someone like Hikari that cared for her. "Hikari....arigato." Kenshin put his arm around her shoulders. "I think you look best like this.", noticing her old kimono. Kaoru blushed. "I like it too. But for some reason I can't find my favorite blue ribbon." She turned to Kenshin and narrowed her eyes playfully. "You didn't sell it did you?!" Kenshin laughed. "No, it's right here.", he said as he pulled it out of his pocket. Kaoru stared at him. "You kept it with you?", she asked. Kenshin nodded. "Ever since you left, I've carried it with me to remind me of you always." He tied it in her hair. "But, now I don't need it anymore since I have you beside me." "Ken...shin...", she loved him so much. She wrapped her arms around him and kissed his scarred cheek. Then, she grabbed his hand. "I've made dinner for all of us. Just wait til you taste it! I've improved so much, it will bring Yahiko and Sanosuke to tears!" Kenshin smiled. "I can't wait!", he said as he squeezed her hand tighter and followed her into the dojo. The End