Author's note: Last chapter. I know no one really cares and I'm just
talking to myself here, but please review...I would really like it.
Anyway, it's really short, but I hope everyone enjoys it.
Kaoru sat on the porch, staring out at the trees, which were swaying
slightly in the wind. It had not been so long ago when she had sat here
with Kenshin on a very similar night. It wasn't fair! He shouldn't have
to go away again! So much had happened in the past few weeks, it was hard
to believe she was having a normal day. Well, as normal as possible
without Kenshin.
"Hey, Kaoru?" She turned. Yahiko was stepping out onto the porch.
He sat beside her but avoided her eyes. "What's the matter?"
She hesitated, then said, "Nothing...I'm fine."
"Oh come on! I'm not stupid, you old hag! Something's bothering
you. You haven't thrown anything at me or Sano all day. It's Kenshin,
isn't it?"
"No." Yes. It was. "I'm just not feeling good...today." Yahiko
abruptly stood up. Kaoru looked up at him.
"Fine, ugly. Not like it matters if Yahiko knows! He isn't
important. Just pay no attention to him. He can't help or anything, so
why bother! Good night, Miss Kaoru!" He stomped back inside. Kaoru swore
and turned back to the trees. At least they made her feel a bit calmer.
She could sit here all night...
* * * * *
Battousai dodged Korajin's blade and moved in. Korajin managed to
block his initial attack, but became slightly off-balance. Battousai used
this to kick him. Korajin stumbled backwards and Battousai drove the blade
straight at his heart. Korajin dove to the side at the last second, so the
sword only pierced the side of his stomach. Blood spattered the wall.
Korajin stood up, breathing heavily.
"Doesn't seem like the place we'd finish this, does it, Battousai?"
he said mockingly. "I mean, two legends such as us shouldn't be reduced to
fighting to the death in some rotting, decrepit old room in some nameless
inn." He began to smile an insane smile. Battousai knew this battle would
be to the end.
* * * * *
Sano burst into Kaoru's room. She sat up immediately and stared at
him.
"What is it?!" she demanded.
"Kenshin's fighting Korajin right now! I just heard!" He turned and
ran down to Yahiko's room as she jumped out of bed.
* * * * *
Battousai jumped over Korajin and rebounded off the wall at him.
Korajin barely ducked in time and only parted with a few hairs from his
head. He whirled around and struck out at Battousai, who parried the
attack and brought his blade up. It cut off the left side of Korajin's
nose. He cried out in pain and stumbled back. Battousai smirked and began
to laugh.
"After all you have said, this is the extent of your skill? You have
disappointed me, Korajin." Korajin shot forward suddenly, catching
Battousai off guard, and piercing the left side of his stomach. The
Battousai spun around and followed Korajin's attack with one of his own,
directly at Korajin's head. Korajin again averted Death by dropping to the
ground. He kicked out the Battousai's feet, and he fell down as well.
Korajin jumped up and aimed the end of his sword at Battousai's heart.
* * * * *
"Kenshin!!!" Kaoru burst into the room where they were fighting.
Battousai looked up at her and rolled to the side as Korajin's blade
embedded into the floor. He jumped up and swung his blade at Korajin, who
managed to lean to the side.
"Miss Kaoru!" he called. "You mustn't be here! Go now!"
"No, Kenshin! I am not letting you get away again. You're going to
finish this here tonight." Battousai kicked Korajin back and stared at
Kaoru. "Yes, Kenshin, I'm serious. Kill him. He deserves it too much to
go free." Battousai jumped over Korajin's swinging sword and kicked him in
the back of his head. He landed and swung around. His sword caught
Korajin in the arm. Korajin screamed and dropped his sword. He fell to
the ground. Battousai raised his sword, but hesitated.
"I can't...it's been too long," he said. I can't kill him." Korajin
stood up.
"Fool Battousai!" he said. "After all I have done, you still are
reluctant to kill me. Do you not remember what I have done? Back in
Kyoto? I did not know who she was, but I knew she would die if she was
with you. So I killed her. Now I know she was your sister, and that makes
it all the more pleasing." Battousai's eyes widened in rage and his grip
grew tighter around the hilt of his sword.
"Then, Battousai, imagine when I discovered that you had settled down
here with yet another woman. I was amazed at your stupidity. Already two
had died thanks to you, and yet you were willing to let another do the
same. And you were unable to protect her again. I took her from you. I
almost killed you. I thought I had. But you lived...yet again, you
survived. So now I realize the truth...no matter what I do, you will
defeat me in the end. Kill me, Battousai. Kill me." Battousai's grip was
so tight on the sword that blood was dripping from his hand.
"You dare mock her...after so long, after you killed her, you still
think it's funny?! THEN DIE, KORAJIN!!!" He swung his sword straight
through Korajin's neck. Kaoru gasped in shock and crumpled to the floor.
Battousai dropped his sword and ran to Kaoru. He gently picked her up.
Looking back at Korajin, he whispered, "Reiko...it's over. I've won."
Then he walked away.
* * * * *
"It's okay, Kenshin. She will be fine."
"How can you be sure? She's been attacked by Korajin more than
once."
"I can give you my personal assurance that she is not in any danger."
"Then I will remain here. To stay with her."
"Kenshin, don't worry! I'm telling you, she is going to be okay."
Kaoru opened her eyes. She was lying on a futon in her room. It was
still night. Dr. Genzai and Kenshin were talking at the door. She sat up,
and they both looked at her. Kenshin immediately ran to her side.
"Miss Kaoru, don't try to get up now, save your strength." Kaoru
shook her head.
"No, Kenshin, I'm fine. What happened?" Kenshin said nothing. Then
Kaoru remembered. Kenshin fighting. Korajin laughing. Kenshin killing...
"Never mind." Kenshin nodded and stood up.
"Dr. Genzai says that you need to rest, so I will be sleeping in my
own room." He paused. "I guess I'll see you tomorrow." He left the room.
Dr. Genzai walked over and sat down next to her.
He said, "I didn't want Kenshin to know until you wish to tell him,
but there's something you should know..."
* * * * *
Kenshin woke and heard Kaoru crying. He hurried into her room. She
looked up at him in surprise, but to his shock, she was smiling.
"What's going on?" he asked uncertainly. She ran forward and
embraced him.
"Oh Kenshin, Dr. Genzai just told me!" He stepped back and stared at
her.
"What?"
"Kenshin, I'm pregnant!"
Yay!!! The end! Another story coming soon about...well, I guess the last
line gives you a clue! Please please please please please please
review...thanks!
The author would like to thank you for your continued support. Your review has been posted.