Who would have thought I'd get another chapter out so soon! And just think, I'm half way done with chapter 7 too.

I'd like to thank my faithful readers and reviewer, without you motivation, I wouldn't have made it this far without giving up lol.

Notes: I've added other characters. Info about Misao and Aoshi. I gave Misao the name of Misao Makimori, and Aoshi is Rin Shinomori. It turns out he is still part of the same family line. Rin can be either a boy or a girl. I don't know why I picked that name, I just did. They won't be in depth characters. It's just a mere explanation where their spirits ended up.

I gave Shinta a different last name, It would not make sense to make him a Himura. Other than that, I've been following the same aspect of renaming the future characters by just switching some vowels in their names.

Hope you enjoy this chapter- Thanks for reading.

Disclaimers: I do not own RK or any of the characters.

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Chapter 6: Remembering the Longest Battle: Past Meets Future…

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Kaoru sighed and scribbled a tiny entry into her dairy. The pen rose to her chin as she thought about what she would write.

"Today was the greatest day of my life. I can't believe that Shinta finally acknowledged my feelings. I don't know what it is, but some how I feel like a part of my life has just become complete."

After she finished the short paragraph, she placed the pen between the pages and placed the book into her nightstand drawer. She turned to the clock on her stand and set the alarm for 9:00 am. She wanted to be early to rise to prepare; tomorrow was Shinta's exhibition match against Makoto.

As she arranged to put her head down onto her pillows, the phone began to ring. Kaoru reached for the receiver and picked it up with a single hand. "Hello?" She yawned.

"Kaoru, You sound rather tired. Did I call you at a bad time?"

"I'm fine, Megan. This is the sound of happiness." Kaoru laughed.

"Why are you so happy?"

"It's nothing really," Kaoru laughed. "Shinta finally told me he loves me."

"Congratulation, but don't let it go to your heart too fast."

"Why are you being so pessimistic?"

"Love is a fickle thing," Megan replied. "One moment, it makes you so happy that you think your going to die and the next minute, it grabs you by the ankles and drags you to hell."

"Really?" Kaoru questioned. "You have Daisuke, why so negative all of a sudden?"

"I caught Daisuke cheating on me before, and I think he may be doing it again."

"With whom?" Kaoru sighed.

"I don't know who she is," Megan sighed. "But she's no where as pretty as I am. She's got long black hair and blue eyes. She usually keeps her hair in a braid. Oh, and I hear that she is three years under us."

Kaoru snorted, "A ninth grade student?"

"Yes!" Megan sighed.

"I know who that is, her name is Misao," Kaoru reached for an old year book. "Misao Makimori, page 62 of the year book. She's no threat; she's dating a college guy by the last name Shinomori. Those two are very much in love and plan on marrying as soon as she graduates high school."

"Now that's a long wait."

"I've seen her boyfriend; he is probably one of the hottest guys I've ever seen. He's tall, eyes that are like ice, chiseled to perfection, smart and sophisticated."

Megan began to laugh, "Yeah, I have nothing to worry about because we all know Daisuke is not the brightest crayon in the box. He is far from sophisticated and definitely not quiet. But, he's tall and cute."

"And he cares about you," Kaoru added.

"I guess he does, even though he doesn't express it too often. That rooster-head!"

Kaoru broke down laughing, "That's a healthy pet name."

"So, what have you been calling Shinta?" Megan smirked.

"Shinta..." Kaoru raised a brow. "What did you expect?"

"You are no fun at all," Megan mocked.

"That's right," Kaoru happily sighed.

"It's getting late and there are a lot of things going on tomorrow. I probably won't see you until school."

"Yeah... I'll call you if I've got the time."

"Fine... Later..." Megan hung up the receiver.

(*DREAM*)

After the telephone conversation, Kaoru settled back against her bed. Sweet thoughts of Shinta soon caused her to drift into the deepest of dreams, and then pitfall of nightmares.

The rainy night, the night she dreamed of so many times. The flaming street lights blazing except a few toward the end of the row. She followed the sound of arguing men in hope to end the dream.

She knew she was dreaming, it was too scary to be her life, and it was far too frightening to be real. Kaoru looked down at her calloused hands, and then raised them to her ponytail. She could feel everything, smell the fresh air, taste the breath that left her mouth, and hear the cry of pain that sounded far too real.

Kaoru raced toward the sound. This time she was going to put a stop to it and confront it. No more nightmares, no more dreams of mayhem. This had to end here and now.

She came to the dark area of the street, and to her horror, two men stood. One had just been completely impaled with a sword. The red-hair man of her dreams still remained faceless, hidden by the shadows of night. His hands gripped the blade of the taller man's sword, but all it did was antagonize the man to twist and pull it out. The shorter male spat blood to the ground and fell backward, landing in a pool of his life fluids. It was obvious; the red-head man had been taken by surprise. His sword had been drawn, but lay far from his body.

Before Kaoru knew what was going on, her instinct went into overdrive. She raced toward the battle and collapsed over the bleeding man.

"Kenshin!" She huffed.

"Come to join your lover in death?" She looked up to see the man behind the voice.

"Makoto!" Kaoru spat.

"I've finally made you a faithful slave," He laughed. "I bought you, so I own you!"

"You may own my body and my home, but I'll never be yours," Her eyes narrowed.

"Kaoru, don't fight with him..." Kenshin lifted his eyes to meet hers. "You must live."

Makoto smirked, "I am god, and you both shall die." He rammed the blade of his sword through Kenshin's heart.

"The best part, Fujita Goro shall take the blame." He began to laugh a sinister cackle.

"Why?" Kaoru asked.

"You know why," Makoto spat.

Kaoru's fingers tightly gripped the purple, blood soaked kimono under her hands. Precious tears sprang from her eyes and landed roughly upon her knuckles. "How dare you!" She muttered.

"What was that? Speak louder my little mouse."

"How dare you steal my happiness!"

The words of contempt angered Lord Shishio, "How dare you defy me!" Just as his swords were to slice into her young flesh, an alarm went off. (*End Dream* ) Kaoru sat straight up in bed covered in tears and sweat. Yet, she could not remember why she had been crying. The dream had faded as quickly as a shooting star streaking the heavens. What bothered her was the sense of loss rooted within her heart.

After a morning shower, she raced out the door and headed toward the festival. She had over slept. The alarm had been blasting for well over two hours. The dreams grasp on her had been so tight, that it had been the sleep of death. Instead of 9:00 am, she awoke at 11:25.

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Shinta paced within his dressing room; he was nervous. For the most part, he was wondering if Makoto was going to pull some sort of stunt. His hands flexed on the hilt of his false weapon and he performed a quick battou-jitsu, drawing his sword from the sheath and running the dull blade across the chest of the dummy.

A sharp knock penetrated the small room, and Shinta moved toward the door to let the visitor in.

"Sensei Kiyusato, what brings you here?"

Akira weakly smiled, out of distress than actual happiness. "Makoto backed out, he says he's ill and can't make it."

"I'm sure," Shinta growled. "Now what are we going to do?"

"I shall take his place," Sensei Kiyusato replied.

"Do you think you can handle it?"

"I made the routine, I know it by heart."

The crowd started to flock about the demonstration area. Shinta looked out the window and eyed the front row. There was no sign of Kaoru.

"Damn it," Shinta hissed.

Akira smirked, "You're looking for a girl?"

"My...girlfriend said she would be in the front row." The word 'girlfriend' seemed almost a forbidden word. He had never been with a girl before; even when he became aware of his urges, he always found ways to suppress the need for love.

"Ebony hair with blue eyes? About this tall?" He placed a hand under his chin, "And her name is Kaoru?"

"Yeah, where is she?"

"Here," She stuck her nose around the corner. Her bright smile lighting the deepest corners of his heart.

"I was going to tell you about your visitor, but business comes before pleasure."

Akira walked out the door without notice and headed toward the other dressing room to prepare for the battle.

Kaoru walked in, almost on eggshells. Shinta looked mad, like he'd been betrayed. "What's wrong?" She questioned and laid a hand upon his shoulder. The reaction she got was not quite expected. He spun her in front of him and pushed her to sit upon the counter of the lighted mirror.

Kaoru's face illuminated, the blush intensified with each heavy breath landing softly upon her neck. She couldn't force herself to look up into his eyes. She had a feeling if she had, that they would be those of amber flame upon tides of violet. Those eyes frightened her, yet made the heat of anticipation grow.

He placed a finger under her chin and forced her to face him. His eyes were like what she had imagined, but far more intense. They were slightly narrowed; a mixture of yellow and purple hues.

"Shinta..." She gasped, only to find his mouth devouring her. His lips moved over hers, taking soft nips until her lips parted. His tongue began to stroke the roof of her mouth; his strong hands massaging her shoulder blades. Her hands instantly ran through his long red hair, causing it to spill from the tie and land around his shoulders and cascade down to the center of his back.

He receded from her lips with a slight hint of happiness gracing his face. The amber glow still remained, burning with an inexplicable lust. Was it the battle making him like this? Kaoru's heart pounded, causing her to shyly look away. "What was that for?" She pressed her fingers to her lips.

He wickedly grinned, "Because I wanted to."

His simple statement went over like velvet, causing her to shiver. Sometimes she wondered if he had two other personalities. Sometimes he was serious, sometimes he would be fun-loving, and then there are the times where he is quiet and almost frightening. She did not know his true self out of the three. Surely, it had to be the serious side; that was the side that said he loves her. The man before her was fearsome in an intimidating way.

He picked up the hair tie from the floor and began to straighten his appearance. Kaoru noticed how he moved in a different way, much more casual, like he did not care what the world thought of him. He turned about and looked in her eyes.

"I have to go," He said and walked toward the door. He seemed calmer; maybe she was going about his diagnosis all wrong, or so she thought. The amber flare seemed dissipated, and the serious Shinta seem returned.

Kaoru was able to find a place in the front row, but it was not an easy task getting there. She had to push and shove, and even bribe a small child to sit on his father's shoulders; it cost her five yen.

Sensei Kiyusato spoke into the microphone. "I'm sorry, but the junior national sword fighting Champion, Makoto Shishiro will not be displaying his skills today. I, Akira Kiyusato, have taken his place for the demonstration battle."

There were a few cheers in the crowd. Sensei Kiyusato was actually one of the greatest sword fighters in all of Japan. Sensei Kiyusato placed the microphone onto the stand and took his place on the battlefield.

Kaoru jolted, a hand landed upon her shoulder. "I thought that was you."

"Sensei!"

"You didn't think I'd miss this, did you?"

Fujita Goro folded his arms across his chest and stared at the battlefield. Shinta arrived onto the field, where he picked up the microphone.

"Hello, I'm Shinta Hiroshiro, Master of the Nakamura-Ryu Battou-Do, better known as the way of the drawing sword. It's a method that uses god-like speed, strategy, and using your opponent's strength to your advantage." Shinta stepped back and allowed Sensei Kiyusato take the podium.

"I am Akira Kiyusato, A master of the Nakamura-Ryu Battou-Do, Iaijutsu, and Satsu Jin Ken. This year's demonstration is Satsu Jin Ken vs. Nakamura-Ryu Battou-Do. Satsu Jin Ken is known for its burning blade. Folklore describes the technique as sparks, or a heat created by friction; it has been known to burn opponents. Also, the flashes of light distract the opponent, creating ample opportunity to strike. The motto that follows the technique, 'If you are strong, you live; if you are weak, you die.' explains that during the revolution, it was created to protect the user, not the innocent; earning it the nickname, the way of the demon sword. A special sword is needed for any fighter of this style. A sword with a serrated blade. During fights, the serrated blade becomes infused with human oil and fat, causing the burning blade effect. The more kills, the stronger the sword techniques. Shall we begin, Shinta?"

He and Shinta bowed to the crowed and headed out toward the open area. Fujita intensely grinned. Kaoru noticed that he looked part wolf. His eyes seemed focused, like he was watching for spilled blood. Familiar amber flames seemed to spring to life among the darkness of his eyes. His stare seemed to scare her to the soul.

"That's it Kenshin, remember yourself and prove my innocence," His thought suppressed in the depths of his mind.

Shinta placed his hand near the hilt and prepared to draw. The familiar anger rose from the depths of hell and lay claim to his soul. He felt the change and could not suppress the urge to destroy the enemy.

Akira nodded and Shinta drew at the exact moment of his orders. The two swords clashed, creating the sparks and light just like Sensei Kiyusato promised. Shinta growled and followed through, and ended up behind Akira. Akira turned and the swords clashed again. The battle began to rage, except Shinta was no longer hearing the present, but the past.

"I will not!" Those were the words he thought were leaving Akira's lips.

"Drop your sword!" Shinta said and changed his stance into battou-jitsu, and challenged Akira with a charge. Shinta swung and missed. Akira's dull, slightly serrated blade moved swift, so swift that when he passed Shinta's face, it dug in, leaving a streak of blood running down his face.

He stopped dead in his tracks and woke from the nightmare. His hand lifted to his cheek and returned into view; he was profusely bleeding.

"Shinta!" Akira shouted, "Are you all right. I didn't mean it! It's just that you deviated from the routine and I couldn't handle your skill." He picked up a towel and pressed it to Shinta's face.

Kaoru jumped the guard rail and ran over to the scene. Fujita remained with an evil grin across his face. "It won't be much longer, Battousai, and you will remember who you really are."

He stepped over the rail and headed toward the scene, "May I be of assistance?"

"Sensei Fujita," Kaoru sighed as she let Shinta lean on her.

Fujita looked closer at the wound. "Looks like a cross. A cross-shape scar on the cheek; how strange. We best take you to the hospital and get it stitched up."

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Next CH: Fujita Goro finally confronts Shinta on his findings. His proof: The Sakabatou.