A TEST OF LOVE
Part One



Late one evening at the Kamiya Dojo, Kenshin and Kaoru were busy cleaning up after dinner.

"I am surprised by the amount of food we have left over."

"That's because that little brat is spending the night in town with Tae-chan," replied Kaoru. "I'm sure Tae-chan will not have any leftovers tonight with Yahiko around."

Kenshin chuckled while thinking about Yahiko's hugh appetite.

"I think I will prepare for bed now," she said after letting out a big yawn. "Could you make sure the dojo gates are secure Kenshin."

"Hai. Oyasuminasai Kaoru-dono."

"Oyasumi Kenshin."

Kaoru sat in her room brushing her long silky black hair. Suddenly, she heard the shoji being slid opened softly. She could feel the rush of cool air upon her skin. A soft smile began to creep across her face as she felt his presence.

She kept her back to him, pretending that he wasn't there. With cat like steps, he slowly approached her. When she felt him upon her she glanced upward only to find herself staring into his ever glistening eyes. Kaoru smiled and asked, "Did you miss me?"

"Hai, my darling," he replied as he knelt behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist.

"Every moment away from you is pure torture," he said while turning her around to meet his gaze.

"My desires for you are like the fires of hell. Only you can extinguish the fire burning deeply inside of me." With that, he began nibbling at her ear.

Kaoru giggled and began playfully hitting him with her brush. "Kenshin no baka!" He chuckled.

Knowing that they had the house to themselves, Kenshin began to express his feelings more freely. He ripped off his gi and grabbed Kaoru around the waist again. They both fell backward on her futon. She screeched and then giggled.

"Kenshin! What are you doing?"

A wicked grin grew across his face as he replied, "I'm going to make love to you all night." He began bestowing soft kisses upon her neck.

"Making love all night with Kenshin... Ahhh... That would be great if only I knew for sure that Yahiko wouldn't come back and spoil things for us like he did three days ago."

While she relished all of his sweet kisses, she stopped him from kissing her by putting her fingers over his lips.

"Kenshin wait. I can't do this anymore." She sat up.

Concern grew upon his face. He sat up too and asked, "What's the matter darling? Did I hurt you?"

"No. It's just that I'm tired of sneaking around like this. We've been sneaking around for a month now. I want to know when are we going to get married."

Kenshin grew silent.

"Kenshin."

He sighed while taking his hand and gently removing the strands of hair that covered her face.

"I knew it would be a matter of time before you brought this subject up. I was hoping that we could wait a little while. We are at the beginning of our relationship."

"But we've know each other for two years."

"I know, but it's just that the thought of getting married again frightens me."

"Why?"

"My first marriage ended up in tragedy and I don't want that to happen to us. And what if we have children? It is not that I don't want them, I am just afraid that I will pass the evils of the Hitokiri Battousai on to our children."

"Kenshin just because something bad happened between you and Tomoe doesn't mean it will happen to us. Please give our love a chance. I know that we will have a good marriage and our children will come out fine. As long as we are together we can make it work."

She leaned over and pressed her lips against his while tenderly kissing him. "I love you Kenshin," she whispered ever so softly into his ears.

"I love you too my darling," he uttered while burying his head into her chest. "I don't know what I would do without you." Tears began to stream down his face. "Please give me a little more time. I promise that soon we will be married and have children."

As she continued cradling his head into her bosom, she smiled and replied, "I will give you all the time in the world as long as you promise never to leave me again."

Kenshin looked up into her loving eyes and answered, "I promise." She wiped away his tears as he began tenderly kissing her.

A MONTH LATER, Yahiko and Kaoru were sick with the flu. Kenshin was up early making breakfast and preparing the medicinal tea that Megumi sent for Yahiko and Kaoru.

Sano dropped by. "Hey Kenshin what's for breakfast?"

"Breakfast will be ready shortly," replied Kenshin. "But first I must prepare some medicinal tea Megumi-dono gave me for Kaoru-dono and Yahiko."

"Are they still sick?"

"No thanks to you," Kaoru replied as she walked into the kitchen.

"Eww.... You look pretty sick Jou-chan."

"This is all your fault! If you hadn't come over here spreading your germs we wouldn't have gotten your cold you big jerk." She sneezed, "Achoo!"

Yahiko came in and said, "Yeah you big chicken head!" Then he sneezed, "Achoo! Achoo!"

Sano started waving his hands saying, "Stay back! Stay back! I don't want to get sick again."

Yahiko started chasing Sano trying to sneeze on him. Kenshin and Kaoru just smiled.

Two days later, Yahiko was up and running around but Kaoru was still sick. Kenshin had prepared his usual breakfast. He noticed that Kaoru ate very little. Sano and Yahiko were fighting over the last bowl of rice.

Yahiko looked over at Kaoru's bowl and asked, "Hey ugly are you going to eat that?"

Kaoru shook her head. Kenshin noticed that Kaoru didn't look well. Kaoru stood up and then began to waver a little. She had gotten dizzy. Kenshin caught her before she fell. Kaoru weakly smiled and said, "Arigato Kenshin. I'm okay now. I can stand."

"No. I won't let you fall again," he said while lifting her up. "I think your cold has gotten worst. I'm taking you back to your room. You need to rest."

Kaoru was too weak to put up an argument. She leaned her head into Kenshin's chest as he carried her out of the kitchen back to her room.

Sano and Yahiko stopped their bickering long enough to stare at Kenshin and Kaoru leaving the kitchen.

"You think she's going to be alright?"

Sano arched his eyebrow at Yahiko and replied, "Hai. I think so." Then he snatched the last bowl of rice from Yahiko.

"Hey you big jerk! Give that back!" With that they started fighting again.

After placing Kaoru on her futon, Kenshin covered her up and gently kissed her forehead. "Please rest now darling," he whispered. "I will be back to check on you later." He smiled at her and then left the room.

Karou began to feel nauseous again. "What is wrong with me? Yahiko and I were sick at the same time but the sickness has left him. Why am I still so sick?" She turned over and tried to go to sleep.
Kenshin was in the kitchen thinking about Kaoru. He became worried and thought, "Why is Kaoru still sick? I better have Megumi-dono look over her." He sent Yahiko to get Megumi.

Megumi returned with Yahiko. Kenshin thanked her for coming so quickly. "Megumi-dono I think Kaoru's cold has gotten worst. Maybe she will need another type of medicine." Megumi smiled and said, "Don't worry, Ken-san I will look after her."

Megumi went into Kaoru's room. She could see that Kaoru was sick. She thoroughly examined her. Kaoru sat up and was anxiously awaiting Megumi's findings. Megumi began putting her medical instruments away ignoring Kaoru.

Kaoru couldn't wait any longer. "Megumi-dono what is wrong with me?"

Megumi seemed a little annoyed. "There isn't anything wrong with you," she responded.

Kaoru was confused. "Then why am I so sick?"

"You really don't know?" asked Megumi.

Kaoru shook her head. "No. I don't know. Megumi-dono, please tell me what is happening to me."

Megumi bluntly replied, "You're pregnant."

Kaoru put her hand over her mouth and gasped, "Pr…Pregnant? How can that be?"

"Well little girl, if you don't know the answer to that one then you shouldn't be sleeping with a man," retorted Megumi.

Kaoru started to cry, "What am I going to do?"

"That is something for you and Ken-san to decide. That is, if Ken-san is the father."

"Of course he is! Kenshin is the only one that I ever…" Kaoru quickly covered her hand mouth.

Megumi stared at her for a moment and then turned her back to Kaoru. A teardrop fell from her eye. "Why am I not surprised. Now I know I will never have a chance to.... "

"Megumi-dono promise me that you won't tell Kenshin," begged Kaoru. "I want to tell him myself."

"I promise that I will not say anything to Ken-san. But sooner or later he will have to know and I would suggest sooner." Kaoru nodded.

Megumi began packing up her medical bag. "I want to see you at the clinic in a week. You must get plenty of rest now."

"Hai," replied Kaoru.

"One more thing, you will have to cut down on your training with Yahiko."

"What!"

"No strenuous exercising in the first three months of your pregnancy, it may harm the baby," Megumi firmly stated.

Kaoru held her head down.

Megumi look toward her, "Kaoru-chan you are no longer a little girl. You are a woman now, and will be a mother soon. So you better get use to it." Megumi left the room as Kaoru cried silently.

Kenshin worriedly asked Megumi; "Is everything all right? Will she be okay?"

"She will be fine. She is resting now. If you will excuse me, I must return to the clinic. I have patients waiting for me."

"Arigato Megumi-dono for coming." Megumi smiled and then left.

Kenshin could sense something was wrong. He went in to check on Kaoru. She pretended to be sleep. He quietly left the room as not to disturb her.

When Kaoru was sure that he had left she turned over and began thinking, "I'm pregnant. I'm going to have a baby. Kenshin's baby." She cried softly, "What am I going to do?"


---



A TEST OF LOVE
Part Two



....When Kaoru was sure that Kenshin had left the room she turned over and began thinking, "I'm pregnant. I'm going to have a baby. Kenshin's baby."


**********************

A frightening look crossed her face. "What will Kenshin think? He clearly said over a month ago that he wanted to wait. That he didn't want to have children or get married now. He was happy just the way things were. Now I have messed up everything. What will he do? Are we still going to get married or will he leave me?" Kaoru silently cried herself to sleep.

Later that night, after Yahiko had fallen asleep, Kenshin eased into Kaoru's room. He had prepared a small meal for her.

"Do you feel like eating now?"

She slowly sat up and responded to his question rather weakly. "H... Hai."

He began looking at her through concern eyes.

She quickly mustered up a smile for him so he wouldn't worry about her. "Hai. I would like something to eat. Arigato Kenshin."

He smiled and handed her the bowl of food. As she ate, he tried not to watched her but he couldn't help himself. "Her appetite seem to be returning to normal."

"Arigato for the food Kenshin," she said while handing him an empty bowl.

He smiled as he took the empty bowl from her hand. "You're welcome my darling. It pleases me to see you eating again."

"Hai, I guess all that resting was just what I needed."

Kenshin smiled and took the bowl back into the kitchen.

"Even though I am not feeling well, I must keep up this charade. I can't worry Kenshin or the others. I'm just not ready to tell anyone about my pregnancy yet."

Kenshin returned to her room. "Yahiko is sound alseep," he said while removing his gi and taking his place next to her.

He looked at her face. It seemed to glow slightly. "She must be getting better. The paleness in her face seem to be fading." He slowly put his arms around her saying, "I was so worried about you my darling. Megumi-dono said that you will be fine."

Kaoru smiled slightly and replied, "Hai. That's good."

"I love you so much," he said. "You must promise me that you will take better care of yourself."

"Hai, I promise."

Kenshin began passionately kissing her. As he eased his hand into her yukata he began to loosen it. She became frightened.

"Oh no! I can't let him see my stomach. I must stop him."

"I…I don't want you to catch my cold," she said while slowly moving back from him. "I just want to sleep tonight."

"Alright darling, if that is what you wish, we shall just sleep tonight." He gently pressed a kiss on her forehead.

She turned her back to him. Tears began rolling down her face. "What am I going to do?" She finally fell asleep.

A week had passed and Kaoru still hadn't told Kenshin that she was pregnant. After her visit with Megumi, Kaoru began walking home.

As she walked past a group of women she overheard them saying, "Isn't that the Kamiya girl?"

"Hai. She's the one that let a strange man move in with her," replied one woman. He's been staying there for a while."

Another woman responded, "Is that so? Well I hear that there's always men coming and going from her house. What kind of respectable woman would allow such a thing?"

An older woman added, "I've known the Kamiya family for years. They were an honorable family. But her conduct has brought much shame on her father's house in the way she has been living. She should be ashamed of herself."

Kaoru turned and glared at the women. They covered their mouths and then began to disperse. She started crying.

Kaoru finally arrived home. It seemed unusually quite. She went into her room and found a note from Kenshin on her dresser. It read, "Kaoru-dono, I've gone fishing with Yahiko. Will be back soon, Kenshin." Kaoru held the note in her hand. She took her fingers and lightly traced over the words on the note. She sighed, "Kenshin,"

Suddenly Kaoru heard the gates to the dojo rattle. "Kenshin and Yahiko must be back." She quickly wiped away her tears and headed toward the gate.

Upon reaching the gate, her eyes widened in surprise at the man standing before her.

"Surprised to see me?" asked Yukishiro Enishi.

Kaoru grew angry, "What do you want with Kenshin this time Enishi!"

"I did not come for the Battousai, I came to see you."

Kaoru was stunned. She began to stutter, "Wha... What do you want with me?"

"Please do not be frightened. I can assure you that I mean you no harm. I just dropped by to see how you were feeling."

"My health is none of your concern Enishi!"

"Oh but it is," he smirked. "Tell me now, during Jinchuu, do you recall waking up in my mansion dressed only in a bathrobe?"

"H... Hai," she nervously answered.

"Wouldn't you say that was about three months ago?"

Kaoru's face had grown pale as she clutched the top of her Kimono. "Wha... What are you trying to say?"

Enishi smiled and replied, "Like I said before, I stopped by to see how you were doing? It's only natural for me to be concerned about you since you are carrying my child."

"Nooooo!!" she shouted. "It's not true!!! How dare you come here and say such a horrible thing to me!!"

"Oh I'm sorry, did you not know that you were pregnant?"

"I don't need you to tell me what condition I'm in!" She retorted. Then she put her hand on her stomach and yelled, "This is not your baby, it's Kenshin's baby!"

"Hmmm.... I see that I have to convince you," Enishi said while smiling.

He tilted his head and began staring at her left leg. "Now, if my memory serves me right, I recall seeing a pretty little birthmark on the top of your left thigh. It is very close to your...."

"Stop!!!" she shouted while covering her ears. "I don't want to hear anymore!" She fell to her knees and began crying. "Please... just go away!!"

"I'm sorry to have caused you to become upset. Maybe I'll come back later so that we can break the joyous news to the Battousai." Enishi left while saying, "I'm going to be a father. How wonderful!!"

Kaoru continued sitting on the ground crying. She covered her mouth in disgust as she thought about Enishi.

"This can't be happening! It just can't be his baby! I don't remember him ever touching me. But how else could he have known of my birthmark! I can't believe that he violated me!!" She continued crying then she looked at her stomach.

"What will Kenshin think? He'll probably hate me and leave me forever! Oh Kami-sama! Why me! Why me!!" She continued crying.

Finally, Kaoru stood up and began pacing back and forth. "I can't tell Kenshin and I can't stay here any longer," she said as tears streamed down her face. "I have no other choice but to... leave. I must leave before Kenshin or Enishi returns."

Kaoru quickly went inside the house to gather up her things. She scibbled a brief note and left.

Kenshin and Yahiko had finally returned to the dojo. They had been out fishing most of the day.

"Gee Kenshin, it took all day just to catch one fish," complained Yahiko. "That ugly girl better appreciate it."

"I am sure Kaoru-dono will appreciate our hard efforts," replied Kenshin.

"If she doesn't then I know I will," said Sano as he hoped over the gate.

"Hey! We don't have enough food for jerks like you!"

"What did you say you little brat!!" Sano and Yahiko started fighting.

Kenshin chuckled at the sight of them fighting and thought, "It is a good thing that we caught a big fish. We will certainly need it judging from the way those two eat."

He took the fish into the kitchen. "I wonder if Kaoru has returned from the market yet. I think I will go check on her."

Kenshin went down the hallway to Kaoru's bedroom. He knocked lightly on her door while calling her name. "Kaoru-dono, I'm home. Kaoru-dono?"--------------------------

He waited for a minute but didn't get a response. Kenshin carefully poked his head inside her room and saw that it was empty. His heart began to pound. "I sense that something is wrong."

As he looked around the room he found a note lying next to the window. He quickly read the note. Kenshin clutched the note to his chest and dropped to his knees in tears crying out, "She's gone! My Kaoru is gone!! Karrrooouuuu!!!!"

Kaoru was quickly making her way through the forest. "I have to move faster. I can't allow Kenshin to find me." She found herself tiring out. "Why can't I move any faster? I'm so tired."

She stopped for a moment to rest. As she leaned against a tree she became nauseous. "Oh no! Not again!" She began vomitting.

"I see that you are in need of assistance," said a voice coming from behind her. "Allow me to help you."

Kaoru looked up and saw that Enishi was now standing before her. "Leave me alone! Go a...." Before she could finish speaking, she became sick again. Enishi used the opportunity to pick her up.

"Put me down!" she screamed.

Enishi smiled and replied, "You must not get yourself so worked up. It's not good for our baby."

He continued carrying her. She was so exhausted that she couldn't fight against him. He looked down at her and said, "Don't worry my darling, I'll have you in a nice safe place soon. Just relax. I'm going to take care of you."

As she slumped down into his arms Kaoru silently sighed, "Kenshin" before passing out.




A TEST OF LOVE
Part Three



....As he looked around the room he found a note lying next to the window. He quickly read the note. Kenshin clutched the note to his chest and dropped to his knees in tears crying out, "She's gone! My Kaoru is gone!! Karrrooouuuu!!!!"


**********************

Sano and Yahiko quickly ran into Kaoru's bedroom after hearing Kenshin scream. They saw Kenshin on the floor clutching a note to his chest.

"Kenshin, what's the matter?"

"Kenshin!"

Kenshin remained silent not answering either one of them.

Sano bent down and carefully pried the note from out of Kenshin's hand. After reading the note, he crumbled it up and tossed it on the floor. He began uttering curses under his breath as he stuck his hand in his pockets while leaning against the wall.

Yahiko stood looking back and forth between Kenshin and Sano. Kenshin remained motionless on the floor while Sano was now gnawing on a fish bone.

"Would someone tell me what's going on around here!! Where's Kaoru?"

"She left."

Yahiko stared at Sano in disbelief. "But why?" Sano didn't answer.

He turned to Kenshin. "Kenshin, why would Kaoru leave us?"

Kenshin looked up into the young boys' worried eyes and answered, "I do not know. But I am going to find out."

He stood slowly and secured his Sakabatou. He rested his hand upon Yahiko's shoulder saying, "Yahiko, please stay here and…"

"No! I'm not staying! I'm going with you," stated Yahiko. "I want to find Kaoru too!'

Kenshin looked over at Sano. Sano smiled as he pounded his fists together. He spit the fish bone out of his mouth and said, "It's been a long time since I had a good work out. We better hurry if we want to find Jou-chan."

Kenshin knew he didn't have time to waste arguing with them so he looked at both of them and said, "Since I cannot convince you two to stay, then we must leave quickly to search for Kaoru-dono."

They all took off in search of Kaoru.

ELSEWHERE, Kaoru was slowly regaining conscientiousness.

"Wh… Where am I?" She asked while taking in her surroundings. "Somehow this room seems familiar to me."

Kaoru slowly stood up and made her way to the window. As she looked out the window she gasped, "Oh no! Not this place again!"

Then she looked down and noticed that she had a white bathrobe on. She cried as she clutched the top of the bathrobe together. "Oh Kami-sama! Not again!"

A figure began slowly approaching her from behind. "Did you sleep well?"

Enishi! What have you done to me! Why have you brought me back to this accursed island?"

"Why for nostalgic reasons," he smirked as he casually strolled over to her.

"Don't you know, this is where it all happened," he stated while slipping his arm around her shoulders. "Where you and I conceived our child."

"Stop it!" she shouted as she slapped his arm from off her shoulders.

"Where are my clothes? I want to go home!"

"Are you sure that is what you want to do?"

"Hai!"

"Then let us not delay. I can't wait to see the look on the Battousai's face when he hears of our joyous news."

Kaoru's face grew pale as she covered her mouth realizing that she hadn't told Kenshin of her pregnancy or about Enishi. Tears began streaming down her face.

"Why did you do this to me Enishi?" she cried while slumping down on the western-styled bed. "Why did you take me?"

"It wasn't my intention to take you," he answered as he sat next to her on the bed. "My earthly justice was directed only toward the Battousai. But after my first fight with the Battousai, I deemed it as a victory. You, my dear, were the spoils of war."

Kaoru slapped him in the face shouting, "You beast!"

Enishi just smiled as he rubbed his heated cheek.

"You call me a beast? Ha! I think you are sadly mistaken. Your precious Battousai is the real beast. It was he who took the innocence and purity away from my sister. It was also he who destroyed the only thing I ever loved in this world."

Kaoru held her head down remaining silent.

"Please, let us not fight now. It is not good for our baby."

Kaoru glared up at him.

"Are you hungry?"

"No!" she said. But her stomach betrayed her with several gurgling sounds. She glared down at her stomach mouthing the word, "traitor."

Enishi chuckled as he looked at her stomach and said, "Well, if you don't want to eat that is fine with me. However, I will not allow our baby to starve."

He stood up and headed toward the door. "Now you lie down and rest until I return with some food."

Before leaving he turned to her saying, "I am sure you recall the layout of my mansion. So it would be in the best interest of you and our baby if you stayed here where it is safe opposed to escaping. You don't want to become fish food for the sharks now do you."

Kaoru glared at him as he closed the door. She sunk deeper into the bed.

"Why does he have to make a mockery of my pregnancy? 'Our baby this and our baby that,' Arrgh… I hate him."

Tears began to stream down her face. "Oh Kenshin, will you come for me? Will you still love me even if this is not your baby?"

Enishi stood outside of the door thinking, "Don't worry my sister, your desire for me to be happy will be realized soon. I know that I will win her heart from the Battousai. Then Kaoru, the baby and me will be one big happy family. You won't have to worry for me anymore. You can rest peacefully."

MEANWHILE back in Tokyo, Kenshin, Sano and Yahiko had exhausted all means to find Kaoru. They were now back at the Kamiya Dojo.

"Do you think we should contact old icy blue eyes and weasel girl?"

Kenshin shook his head. "No, not yet. I am sure we will find Kaoru-dono soon."

Sano just shrugged his shoulders. Then he glanced over at Yahiko. Yahiko had fallen asleep sitting up with his shinai in hand. Sano smiled as he watched him sleep. "The little punk looks kind of cute when he's not running off that big mouth of his."

He turned back to Kenshin and said, "I'm going to put the kid to bed. We'll try again in the morning okay Kenshin."

Kenshin just sat staring at the floor.

As Sano picked up Yahiko he glanced down at Kenshin and said, "I think you should get some rest too. There's nothing else we can do right now."

Kenshin still didn't move. Sano turned down the hallway and put Yahiko into bed.

He glanced back down the hallway toward Kenshin. Kenshin was still sitting in the same spot not even blinking an eye. "He better not go Battousai yet. We need him to find Jou-chan."

Sano went into the spare bedroom and plopped down on the futon. "Geez Jou-chan! Why'd you have to up and leave like that? Don't you know you're worrying a lot of people?" He turned over and fell asleep.

After making sure that everyone had fallen asleep, Kenshin quietly left the dojo. He headed for the lake where he had said goodbye to Kaoru before leaving to Kyoto to fight Shishio.

Once at the lake, he looked around at all the fireflies. He sat quietly watching them float through the air. The fireflies seemed to be performing a dance.

"Can you see them Kaoru? They are dancing just for you tonight."

Tears streamed down his face. Finally, he closed his eyes and began leaning back against a tree. He sat recalling how beautiful Kaoru looked when the fireflies floated around her face. More tears streamed down his face as he sighed, "Kaoru, my love, where are you? Please come back to me."

A TEST OF LOVE
Part Four



Tears streamed down his face. Finally, he closed his eyes and began leaning back against a tree. He sat recalling how beautiful Kaoru looked when the fireflies floated around her face.

More tears streamed down his face as he sighed, "Kaoru, my love, where are you? Please come back to me. Kaoru."


**********************

The next morning Yahiko had woke up. As he lay staring at the ceiling he asked, "Was it all a dream?

Yahiko quickly got dressed and ran to Kaoru's bedroom. It was still empty. He pounded his fist against the wall in frustration. "Urgh..... Where can that ugly girl be! I better go check on Kenshin."

He ran down the hallway to Kenshin's room. Upon opening the door he found that Kenshin's futon was still rolled up. Yahiko began to worry. "Ma.... Maybe he's making breakfast. Yeah, that's right! He's always the first one up making breakfast."

Yahiko ran to the kitchen, but Kenshin wasn't there.

"What the heck is going on around here? First Kaoru disappears and now Kenshin. What's happening to my family?"

A tear rolled down his cheek. He looked down the hallway where Sano was suppose to be sleeping. "I hope that rooster head is still here. He better be!" Yahiko quickly ran toward his room.

Sano was lying on his futon having a dream. He began mumbling, "Snake eyes, I win."

Yahiko saw Sano in his room. He smiled whispering, "Good! The rooster head is still here."

He began shaking him hard while calling out to him. "Hey Sano! Wake up! Sano!"

"I won fair and square," shouted Sano. "Now pay up!"

Yahiko frowned at him and started yelling at him, "Hey you big chicken head! I'm not one of your gambling buddies! It's me, Yahiko! Wake up!!"

One of his eyes flickered opened. He caught a glimpse of Yahiko. "Go away kid, you're bugging me!" he said while turning over.

By this time Yahiko was thoroughly annoyed. He snatched the blanket from off of Sano while shouting, "Hey you big lazy jerk! Get up! Kenshin is missing!"

"What!" he shouted as he jumped up grabbing Yahiko by the gi, "Why didn't you say so you little punk! This is serious!"

Yahiko jerked back from him. "What do you think I've been talking about you big dumb jerk!!"

"Quit flapping your trap!" he yelled back as he headed for the door. "…and let's go find Kenshin!"

As he ran out of the house he bumped into Megumi.

"Idiot!!!" Megumi shouted while rubbing her head. "Why don't you watch where you are going you?"

"I don't have time to play around with you today fox," he smirked. "I got to find Kenshin."

"He's disappeared!" yelled Yahiko.

Megumi put her hand to her chest and gasped, "Ken-san? What has happened to Ken-san?"

"It's not just Kenshin, Jou-chan is missing too."

"What!!" she shrieked out as she stared at Sano.

"Yeah!" nodded Sano. "She ran away two days ago. I'm sure Kenshin is out looking for her. He should have waited for us. But then again, it's just like Kenshin to run off and leave us behind."

Megumi stood frozen thinking, "That silly girl! Why did she run away? Poor Ken-san."

"Come on Sano!" shouted Yahiko. "We're wasting time!"

"Right!"

"I'm coming too!" stated Megumi.

"Oh no you don't fox. I don't want anything to happen to you. This must be something really serious. Why else would Kenshin leave us behind?"

Megumi frowned and waved her fist at Sano. "…and just who do you think you are telling me to stay here? You don't own me you know."

Sano smiled and uttered, "not yet."

"What was that you big chicken head!"

"Hey you two! We don't have time for all this romantic stuff. Kaoru and Kenshin is missing, remember?"

Sano whacked Yahiko on the head saying, "Aw… pipe down you little punk."

"What did you call me!" They both started fighting.

"It doesn't matter what you say. I'm going with you two whether you like it or not. Ken-san and Kaoru-chan may need my help." She looked down thinking, "Especially Kaoru-chan."

They stopped fighting each other long enough to look at Megumi.

Megumi smiled and said, "Come on boys, you know you need me. Besides, someone has to make sure you two behave."

"Well you better not slow us down fox. We have to hurry."

The three left quickly in search of Kaoru and Kenshin.

Kenshin was already miles ahead of them. He sat on a rock to rest for a moment. He began thinking of Sano and Yahiko.

"I know that they will be angry at me for leaving them behind but I have no choice. I must not get anyone else involved. I know that Kaoru is in trouble. I can feel it. I only wished that I knew which one of my enemies has taken her away from me?"

He stood and looked into the blinding sun. "Hold on Kaoru, I will come for you soon." He resumed his search for Kaoru again.

Back at Enishi's hideout, Kaoru was slowly awakening from a long sleep. She could feel strong arms wrapped around her body. Without opening her eyes, she smiled and sighed, "Kenshin."

Kaoru began cuddling closer into the warmth of his chest while whispering, "I've missed you my darling."

He stroked her hair gently while responding, "I've missed you too."

Suddenly, an alarm went off in Kaoru's head. "That voice! It's not Kenshin! It's..." Her eyes flew opened only to confirm her worst suspicion. She was lying in the arms of Enishi.

"Enishi!!" she shrieked as she leapt out of bed. "Why do you keep doing this to me!!"

"Whatever do you mean? It's only natural for a man and his woman to sleep together. Especially since we've already made a child together."

"I told you before, this is not your baby! It's Kenshin's baby!"

"Are you sure?" he smirked.

"Just give me back my clothes!" she demanded. "I want to leave now!"

"And go where?" he asked. "Do you really think the Battousai will want you back after finding out you slept with the enemy?"

Kaoru sat on the floor crying.

Enishi walked over and sat next to her. "Please don't cry Kaoru. I want you to be happy. I love you."

"Stop saying that! You don't love me or anyone else! You only love hurting people!"

"Is that what you think?" he asked while sliding his dark glasses upon his nose. "If I really wanted to hurt you I would have killed you long ago. Your body is what the Battousai would have really seen in the dojo that day, not a decoy."

Kaoru looked at him in horror and then became angry. "Then why didn't you kill me? You had plenty of chances to do so once you had me here."

"Hai, I know, but I chose not to. You see, while recovering from my first fight with the Battousai, I was surprised by the way you treated me."

"What do you mean?" she asked while looking at him.

"Well think about it. There you were, locked in a room as my hostage. You could have escaped but you didn't."

"I did try to escape but I changed my mind. I decided to wait for Kenshin."

"But did you have to cook for me or show concern regarding my health? You even commented on my training. Why did you do all those things Kaoru?"

She bit her bottom lip and replied, "I... I don't know."

"At the end of Jinchuu, you came over and handed my sister's diary to me. Through your touch, I felt your compassion for me. At the time, I was too distraught to think about that. The Battousai had beaten me and I didn't get a chance to carry out my revenge.

But one day, while rotting away in Rakuminmura, my sister came to me and told me the good news. She told me that you were pregnant, that you were carrying my child. I was so happy and my sister was too. She really likes you. So, I quickly prepared a place for you and our baby. Look in the closet..." he pointed toward the closet.

"I have all the clothes you could ever want."

Kaoru saw many beautiful kimonos and western-styled dresses hanging in the closet.

"...And later, we can go and take a look at the baby's room. You'll love what I did with it. If you don't like it, we can always change it later."

Kaoru sat frozen. She was too overwhelmed by the things she saw and heard from Enishi to move.

Enishi took her hand and said, "Kaoru, you are the only woman who has ever cared for me. Please allow me to love you and our baby. I know that I will make a good father."

Kaoru began getting nauseous again. She grabbed her stomach in pain. Enishi quickly helped her up. Before they could reach the door, she vomitted on the floor. Kaoru was so embarrassed. She kept her head down not wanting to look at him.

Enishi gently lifted her chin toward his. He saw that her cheeks had redden from embarrassment. Without a word, he smiled and calmly grabbed a nearby cloth, wiping away the sweat from her brow and cleaning her mouth. Then he proceeded to lift her up and place her back on his bed.

As she lay in the bed, she watched him clean up the mess. Kaoru began to feel guilty. She sat up and said, "Enishi, you don't have to do that. Let me clean that up."

"No, it's not a bother. You see, when I was young, my mother was very ill. My sister and I had to clean up behind her every time she got sick. Finally, the sickness overtook her and she died."

"Enishi... I'm so sorry..."

"Don't be. Now you just lay there and get some rest. I'll bring you something to eat later." He left the room.

Kaoru lay flat on her back staring up at the ceiling.

"Somehow, Enishi seem to have changed from the way he was during Jinchuu. Is he really all that different from Kenshin? Kaoru no baka! Stop thinking like that! Of course Enishi and Kenshin are different!"

She turned over and began staring out the window. In a nearby tree, a bird had suddenly flown to its nest. Several little baby birds began chirping. Kaoru seemed to be in a daze as she watched the mother bird feed her babies.

She put her hand on her stomach and began thinking, "What if Kenshin doesn't take me back? And what if this baby really is Enishi's? Can I really love Enishi for the sake of my baby?"



A TEST OF LOVE
Part Five



"Somehow, Enishi seem to have changed from the way he was during Jinchuu. Is he really all that different from Kenshin?.....

She put her hand on her stomach and began thinking, "What if Kenshin doesn't take me back? And what if this really is Enishi's baby? Can I really love Enishi for the sake of my baby?"


**********************

Kaoru became restless, turning to and fro in the western-styled bed.

"Mou! I just can't get use to this bed. I want to be in my own futon."

She finally settled into the bed. As she thought on Kenshin, she rested her hand upon her stomach again.

"I wished I knew for sure whose baby I am carrying. I just knew that it had to be Kenshin's. I remember the first night we made love. It was a little after Jinchuu. Everyone seemed be so depressed. That's when I decided to throw a party at the dojo. There was plenty of food and drink. We all had so much fun that night. I guess we had a little too much fun, especially with the drinks.

Later that night, after everyone had fallen asleep, I heard shouting sounds coming from Kenshin's room. I sat up immediately, but the shouting had stopped. Everything had gotten quite. At first I thought I was imagining things, so I decided to lie back down. But then the shouting began again. It seemed to have gotten louder.

I softly padded to Kenshin's room. He was having a nightmare. I guess all that drinking had caught up to him too. I tried calming him down. He kept crying and calling my name. He seemed so distraught, acting as if I had died or something. At the time, no one had ever told me what really happened during Jinchuu. I shuddered when I found out later.

Anyway, I wrapped my arms around his body trying to comfort him, trying to let him know that I was alive. Whispering to him that I was okay. But nothing seemed to work. He just wouldn't calm down.

It was on that night that I decided to let him see how alive I really was. I took his face and gently cradled it between the palms of my hand. I began kissing his sweet lips ever so softly. He seemed to respond to my kisses. By then I knew that he had awaken from his nightmare, for his kisses had become more intense. That is when we first made love.

The next morning, when I had awakened, I was surprised to find myself lying in his strong arms. As he gazed into my eyes he gave me the most cutest smile that I have ever seen. I don't recall him ever smiling at me that way before.

At first I thought it was all a dream. I didn't want to wake up. I just wanted to lie there and gaze at his dreamy face, soaking up all the attention he was pouring on me.

Suddenly, my brain began to register the predicament I was in. I felt a scream coming on. Before it came out, I felt his gentle hand covering my mouth whispering, 'Shhh…. We don't want to wake the others.' I slowly nodded. From that day forward, Kenshin and I had been secretly sleeping together. Ahh... Kenshin."

Kaoru began to frown. She sat up and took one of the pillows from off the bed and threw it against the wall.

"Kenshin no baka!! This is all your fault! If you had just married me then none of this stuff would be happening now."

Then she looked around the room and sighed, "Enishi… What am I going to do about him?"

She suddenly began to get an itch. "I hate this cotton bathrobe! It's not like my silk one. This thing itches!" Kaoru said as she opened the bathrobe while scratching her shoulders.

"If you don't like that one, I can always give you another one," remarked Enishi as he walked into the room holding a tray of food.

Kaoru quickly closed her bathrobe. Her face had turned crimson in color as she screamed at him.

"ENISHI YOU PERVERT!!" she yelled before throwing a vase at him. "HOW DARE YOU ENTER MY ROOM WITHOUT MY PERMISSION!!"

Enishi laughed while ducking the vase she had thrown at him. The vase had crashed and hit the wall.

"Your room?" he asked. "Hmm… Does this mean you have come to terms with our relationship?"

"NO!!!" she shouted as she grabbed the closet thing she could find to throw at him.

He chuckled again as he dodged a pillow saying, "I see you must be feeling better. Your ill temper has returned."

She glared at him and then folded her arms and turned her head toward the window.

"Well here's the food that I promised." He sat the tray of food next to her.

"I'm not hungry!"

"Suit yourself. I have some business to attend to, so if you will excuse me, I'll leave you to your meal." He backed out of the room, closing the door behind him.

Kaoru turned and looked toward the door. "The nerve of that pervert, coming in here like that! I don't care if it is his room. He should still knock before entering."

Her stomach started growling again. She looked toward the food he had left for her. She didn't want to partake of it but then she began getting a lot of hunger pains. "I guess eating his food is better than starving to death."

As she ate the food she began to frown. "I hate it when everyone else can cook better than me?! First Kenshin, now Enishi."

Enishi had been standing outside of the room listening to her. He chuckled softly before a more serious expression crossed his face.

"Hmm... I can see a slight change in her attitude toward me. I think I am slowly winning her over. That's good. Pretty soon my dear sister, everything will fall into place. I will realize my Earthly Justice again.

Now on to Phase II, the family reunion. No family reunion will be complete without the Battousai. I can't wait, I'm sure he can't either."

SIX WEEKS LATER, there was still no sign of Kaoru.

Kenshin stood high upon a grassy hill looking down over the next town.

I can't believe that I still haven't found her. During the days of the Bakumatsu I was able to track down anyone. Even the most experienced of my enemies, who hid in the shadows, could never escape my notice. I always found them.

But why can't I find you Kaoru?

Tears began to stream down his cheeks. "I know she is still alive, I can feel it. Please hold on just a little bit longer for me Kaoru. I promise that I will be there for you."

After reaching the bottom of the hill he looked around the area trying to determined which direction he would search next.

"I think I will stay close to the river. In that way, I can avoid as much contact with the police as possible. Too many questions about me carrying a sword will only slow me down."

As Kenshin headed toward the river, he heard some voices of a group of people coming into his direction. He ducked out of sight.

"I think we're lost. Maybe we should go back…"

"Listen fox, I told you before that I know what I am doing. Now just shut up and let me lead the way."

"Now let's see, I think we should go…. Ouch!!!"

Megumi whacked him on the head. "Don't tell me to shut up you big rooster head!"

"Geez fox!" he shouted while rubbing his head. "Did you you have to hit my head so hard!"

"Well that's the only way that I can get throught to that thick rooster skull of yours."

Kenshin chuckled lightly as he stood quitely in the background watching Sano and Megumi bickering with one another.

"I should have known that they would follow me. Just like the time when I left them behind to go to Kyoto."

Kenshin looked over to Yahiko. He was standing with his back toward Sano and Megumi crying. Kenshin felt bad for him. "He must miss Kaoru too."

Kenshing quietly approached Yahiko saying, "Don't worry Yahiko. Everything will be okay."

Yahiko looked up into Kenshin's face and hugged him as tight as he could. He buried his head into Kenshin's gi crying, "Kenshin!! I knew we would find you!! I knew it!!"

Sano and Megumi turned around and saw Yahiko and Kenshin.

"Kenshin?"

"Ken-san."

He looked at both of them and gave them his famous rurouni smile.

"Sano, Megumi-dono, it is good to see you two again."

Megumi ran to him saying, "We were so worried about you Ken-san? How have you…"

Before she could finish her sentence, Sano had punched Kenshin so hard that he flew up and landed against a tree.

"That's for leaving us behind," Sano said as he pretended to blow the dust of his fist.

As Kenshin's eyes swirled in his head he said, "It's… good… to… see… you… too…Sano. Orooo!"

"Ken-san?" Megumi quickly ran to his side. "Are you alright?"

"Hai," he answered while sitting up and smiling. "I will be fine. You do not have to worry about me Megumi-dono."

She glared up at Sano. "What did you do that for you big dumb jerk!"

"It's just my special way of greeting Kenshin whenever he leaves me behind," responded Sano with a smile.

"Kenshin, did you find Kaoru yet?"

Kenshin looked over to Yahiko and replied, "No Yahiko. But now that we are all together, the search will go much faster."

"I still can't believe that she is gone," said Yahiko. "It's been weeks now and…"

Kenshin could see Yahiko trying to fight the tears from forming in his eyes.

"I know that it seems like a long time since we have seen Kaoru-dono…" He cleared the knot that was developing in his throat. "But I know that she is alive and is waiting on us. We must not disappoint her. Shall we all begin our search?"

Sano and Yahiko shouted, "HAI!!!"

"And I'll lead the way!" shouted Sano.

Yahiko glared at him saying, "What do you mean you will lead the way? Aren't you the one who kept getting us lost over the past few weeks?"

"Oh shut up you little punk!"

"What did you call me rooster head!" They both started fighting.

Kenshin used that opportunity to quietly approach Megumi.

"Megumi-dono, before we start our search, I must ask you about Kaoru-dono."

Megumi knew what he was going to ask. "I know I promised Kaoru-chan not to tell Kenshin, but he has to know. I only wished I knew of a better way to break the news to him without hurting him more than he is now?"

"Megumi-dono please tell me, is there something that you know about Kaoru-dono that you have been keeping from me? I need to understand why she left all of us." "...and why she left me."

"Ken-san, I really hate to be the one to tell you but. I think Kaoru left because... She… She's pregnant."

Kenshin stood frozen thinking, "Pregnant? Kaoru's pregnant?"



A TEST OF LOVE
Part Six



"Megumi-dono please tell me, is there something that you know about Kaoru-dono that you have been keeping from me? I need to understand why she left all of us." .......and why she left me."

"Ken-san, I really hate to be the one to tell you but. I think Kaoru left because... She… She's pregnant."

Kenshin stood frozen thinking, "Pregnant? Kaoru's pregnant?"


*************************

"Hai. She made me promise not to tell you Ken-san."

"Pregnant?" he asked out loud. "But why would she…"

"Leave?"

Kenshin nodded.

"Ken-san, she seemed very worried over your reaction. During her last visit to my office, I tried to tell her that you would understand but she was still too afraid to tell you. Had I known that she would run away I would have…"

Tears began to form in Megumi's eyes. Kenshin put his hand upon on her shoulder as to comfort her.

"Arigato for telling me Megumi-dono," he said in a somewhat uplifting way. "We will find Kaoru-dono soon, that we will."

Megumi watched as he turned aside from her. She closed her eyes briefly replaying the image of Kenshin as she told him about Kaoru's pregnancy. His eyes displayed a deep hurt and sorrow.

Normally, the rurouni could mask his feelings through a simple smile. But this time he was taken by surprise, allowing his true feelings to surface.

Megumi became angry as she thought on Kaoru.

"That little fool! How dare she give up on Ken-san! I told her before to never to give up on him!"

Tears streamed down her face as she turned and brought her hands up to her chest.

"It pains me deeply to see Ken-san hurting for her like this."

Kenshin called out to the two bickering boys. "Sano! Yahiko! We must hurry now to find Kaoru-dono!"

They both looked up upon hearing Kenshin's voice. Sano took note of Kenshin's demeanor.

"Something is wrong with Kenshin," he said while dropping Yahiko to the ground.

"He sounds so... different. Almost leaning toward the Battousai side. As a matter of fact, he doesn't look so hot either. I wonder what he and the fox was talking about over there. I better go check it out."

Sano ran over to Kenshin. "Hey Kenshin, buddy, are you all right?"

"I better not worry the others." Kenshin quickly put on his famous rurouni mask by smiling and saying, "Hai, sessha is fine. Shall we get started?"

"Sessha?" asked Sano. "Hey Kenshin, what's with this Sessha business. You haven't…"

Megumi tugged at his shirt, shook her head and whispered, "I'll explain later."

They all follwed Kenshin in search of Kaoru. As Kenshin walked ahead of them he thought,

"I must find Kaoru quickly, especially now that I know that she is pregnant. I will need more help in finding her. I think it is time to contact Misao-dono and Aoshi Shinomori."

BACK AT ENISHI'S HIDEOUT, Kaoru was ripping another page from off the calendar hanging on the wall.

"Mou! It's been over six weeks since I've been cooped up in this accursed place with Enishi!"

She plopped on the bed and took her face and cradled it into the palms of her hands while resting her elbows on the pillow. She began looking out the window at the birds again. The mother bird had returned to feed her babies. She smiled watching the little baby birds chirping for food from their mother.

She got up, walked over to the window and sat on the windowsill.

"I wonder where the father bird is?"

She put her hand on her ever-growing stomach and asked, "I wonder where the father of my baby is?"

A teardrop fell from her eye. "Kenshin, where are you? Why haven't you come for me?"

Enishi stood outside her door knocking. (After having Kaoru throw various pieces of furniture at him for entering her room without knocking, he learned to knock at her door.)

"Hai! What is it!" she yelled out in response.

"It's time for breakfast," answered Enishi.

Kaoru got up and opened the door. "Well it's about time! I'm starving!" she yelled as she snatched the tray of food from his hands.

"It seems like the birds around here eat before I do! What took you so long!" she shouted as she began woofing down her food.

Enishi smiled as he watched her eat. "Gomen Kaoru, but I had some business to attend to. I promise to have your next meal on time."

Kaoru ignored him and kept eating. But she couldn't help but wonder what he meant by "business."

"He seemed to be very busy lately with his "business." I wonder what he is really up to?"

Kaoru had finished eating. A piece of rice seemed to be plastered on her face. Enishi knelt down beside her and leaned as close as he could to her without raising her suspicion.

As he slowly inched his face ever so close to Kaoru's she became frightened. "Oh no! Is he trying to kiss me?"

Enishi looked in to her eyes thinking, "Just a little closer and her lips will be mine for the taking."

Suddenly Kaoru moved back shouting, "Enishi! What do you think you're doing!"

He sat up and smiled. "Why I was just trying to see what was on your face? That's all."

"Whatever is on my face is my business!"

"Fine, if you prefer to walk around with rice on your face then I guess that is your business," he retorted.

Kaoru glared at him and replied, "Speaking of business, don't you have some to attend to now?"

"Hai," he said while standing up. "As a matter of fact I do have something I must attend to."

He started for the door. But before leaving he turned to her and said, "Please remember my dear Kaoru, you are carrying my baby and have been living under my roof for the past two months. The Battousai clearly doesn't want you or else he would have come after you by now. So that means you belong to me and I can have you anytime I please."

"Enishi you pervert!!" yelled Kaoru while throwing a rice bowl at him. "I'll never let you touch me again!"

He smiled at her as he closed the door.

Kaoru screamed inwardly:"Aaaaaa!!! That pervert!! Everyday, he's been getting more and more aggressive with me!"

She rested her hand upon her stomach.

"At first I hated when he kept saying, "our baby this and our baby that." But during the earlier part of my pregnancy, he really helped me out alot, especially when I got sick.

He treated me with respect and acted like the perfect gentleman. He provided me with whatever I needed. I really felt bad about being so rude to him.

But now, he's becoming absolutely obnoxious. Always trying to kiss me or grope me or do whatever else he can get away with. Uggghhh!!!

Kaoru walked back to the windowsill and looked out at the mother bird again. She smiled as the look of determination was now secured to her face.

"If that mother bird can take care of her babies without a father bird, then so can I. I know I can take care of my baby regardless of who the father is. I know that I left Kenshin, but if he really loved me he would have found me by now. I'm tired of waiting on Kenshin!!"

She quickly locked the door and reached under the bed for the broom she had taken from the closet. She broke the bristles at the end of the broom in order to fashion the broom handle after her bokken.

As she worked diligently on the broom she thought, "I'm not going to let that pervert touch me again! I have to hurry and finish this before he gets back!"

As Enishi stood down the hallway he began thinking of Kaoru's behaviour.

"Her temper seems to be getting out of hand lately. I know the doctor said that pregnant women have a wide range of mood swings, but she seems to always want to "swing" at me.

At first she seemed to be so frightened, confused and weak. I should have used that opportunity to…

Well it doesn't matter now. Regardless of how strong she gets, I am much stronger than she will ever be. Besides, the Battousai will be here soon. I have sent him a personal invitation to our "baby shower." Then, our little family reunion will begin."

FOUR WEEKS LATER, after thoroughly searching three nearby villages, Kenshin, Sano and Megumi were all awaiting word about Kaoru at one of the Oniwabanshuu's contact points.

While sitting on the ground repairing his broken sandle Yahiko looked up to Kenshin saying, "It seems like we searched everywhere for Kaoru."

"Hai," replied Megumi. Even the Oniwabanshuu's been having a hard time finding her too."

"Why haven't we found her yet Kenshin?"

"Don't worry Yahiko, I am sure we will find her soon," replied Kenshin. "I know that Misao-dono and Aoshi are doing the best they can."

Suddenly Sano ran up with a piece of paper in his hand. "Hey Kenshin! I just got word from the weasel girl! I think they found Jou-chan."

Kenshin, Megumi and Yahiko quickly stood and turned toward Sano.

Sano handed the note to Kenshin. After quickly reading it he put his hand to the hilt of his sword saying, "Enishi!! He's got Kaoru-dono! We have no time to lose!!"

Everyone stared at Kenshin.

"What! You mean Jou-chan's been kidnapped again by Mr. Dark Glasses?"

Kenshin took off running.

"Hey Kenshin wait for us!" shouted Yahiko. They all ran as fast as they could to catch up with Kenshin.

BACK AT ENISHI'S HIDEOUT, Enishi sat out onto his balcony allowing the cool mist from the nearby waters to caress his face.

"Ahh…. nothing like a nice cool misty breeze when you're sitting on top of the world. Soon Battousai, we shall meet face to face again. I trust you have received my little invitation by now. When you come, you will truly be in your Battousai form, now that you know that I have your woman again.

He turned and stared down the hall where Kaoru's room was. A smile began to curl upon his face.

"In the meantime, while I wait on the Battouasi, I think I will go play with my little Kaoru kitten. She get's sooo frisky at night. It's no wonder the Battousai likes keeping her close."

He stood, pushed his dark glasses upon his nose and headed for her room.

Kaoru was in her room applying some finishing touches to her new makeshift bokken. She smiled as she firmly gripped her new bokken while thinking, "I'm ready for anything now


A TEST OF LOVE
Part Seven



He turned and stared down the hall where Kaoru's room was. A smile began to curl upon his face.

"In the meantime, while I wait on the Battouasi, I think I will go play with my little Kaoru kitten. She get's sooo frisky at night. It's no wonder the Battousai likes keeping her close."

He ... headed for her room.

Kaoru....firmly gripped her new bokken while thinking, "I'm ready for anything now!!"


*************************

Enishi stood outside of Kaoru's door thinking about how much fun he would have with her. He knocked lightly on the door calling her name ever so softly. "Kaoru."

He smiled thinking that she was asleep. He quietly opened the door and crept across the floor until he neared her bed. Kaoru was lying down with her back to him. Enishi eased on the bed and watched her from behind. He assessed that she was asleep by the way she was softly breathing.

Just as he was about to touch her, Kaoru quickly turned and took her bokken and shoved it as hard as she could into his stomach. He fell to the floor while holding his stomach in pain.

Kaoru stood within a safe distance of him with her bokken in hand yelling, "Enishi you pervert!!! If you think you can take advantage of me just because I'm pregnant then you're wrong!"

While lying on the floor, he stared up to her and started laughing. HA! HA! HA! HA! HA!

Kaoru grew angry and shouted, "What's so funny?!"

"Do you honestly think you can beat me with a little broom stick? I'm sure if you were watching the battle during Jinchuu between the Battousai and me you would know what I am truly capable of. "

"Don't you think I know that!? she yelled back at him while she stood in her fighting stance firmly holding her bokken.

"I clearly remember the battle between you and Kenshin. I remember how Kenshin never gave up," she stated while still standing defensively.

"So even if you are stronger than me, it doesn't matter, I'll not let a pervert like you to touch me again!!"

"I see," he replied as he slowly sat up. He knew that any sudden moves would cause Kaoru to attack him again so remained cautious.

"I'm tired of being on this accursed island, locked up here with you!! I'm leaving and you're not going to stop me!!"

"So, is this the thanks I get for taking care of you and our baby all this time?"

"I didn't ask you too!" she yelled, "You brought me here remember? and it's MY BABY!! Not yours!!! You don't own me or my baby Enishi!! I'm in control of my own life!!

Enishi just sat quietly on the floor smiling at her.

Kaoru wasn't sure what he was up to but she decided to use the opportunity to leave the room.

She began slowly edging toward the door with her bokken still firmly in hand saying,

"Enishi, thank you for helping me when I was sick. But it is time for me to leave now. I don't know where I will go or what I will do. However, there is one thing I do know and that is that I have my baby's life to think about."

He smiled while making a casual gesture to her. "Well since you are so determined to leave then you may go, I will not stop you."

"However…."

She stopped for a moment. "I know he is up to something. But what?"

He smiled as he saw her stop moving. "However, I am sure your precious Battousai will be disappointed if you were to leave now."

"What do you mean? Kenshin doesn't know that I am here. I left without telling him where I was going."

Enishi stood slowly and chuckled, "Hai… I guessed that you hadn't told him of our baby so, I told him for you."

Kaoru's eyes widened at what Enishi had said. She began to stutter. "Wha… What? You told Kenshin that I was pregnant!"

"Hai! He should be here just in time for the baby shower I planned to have tomorrow. It will be a wonderful family reunion with you, me and the Battousai. Doesn't that sound like fun?"

Kaoru stood frozen thinking, "Kami-sama!! He told Kenshin that I was pregnant? Now my chances of ever getting back with Kenshin are ruined!"

She became so enraged that she lost all sense of reasoning. Kaoru charged at him while screaming out his name, "Eni...shiii!! I hate yooouuuu!!!"

As she neared him, Enishi could sense the strength in her attack.

"Hmm… this may hurt. I better protect myself this time."

He received a painful jab to his left side while grabbing her bokken preventing her from striking again. He used his long right arm to lift her up and toss her onto the bed. Enishi quickly pinned her down before Kaoru could move again.

"Get off of me you pervert!!" she screamed while struggling against him.

He chuckled and said, "You know you could have really hurt me with that attack."

"That's what I was trying to do, you pervert!! Now get off me!!"

He put his face close to hers whispering,

"Like I said before, I can have you anytime I want. But since the Battousai is coming in the morning I think we should both look our very best. So why don't you be a good girl and get some rest now. I have some last minute preparations to handle before he comes tomorrow."

He inched his face closer to her lips saying, "How about a little good night kiss?"

Kaoru had managed to get one of her hands free. She scratched him deeply across the left cheek shouting, "NO!!"

He felt a tinge of blood trickling down his cheek. He took his hand and traced the scar. The scar seemed to be diagonal in shape.

He laughed manically saying, "Oh how apropos, you're trying to turn me into the Battousai."

He grabbed her hand and put it up to his cheek. "Why not complete the scar? Then Battousai and I will be identical." He started laughing again.

"No! I'm not going to play your sick little game anymore Enishi," she hissed.

Enishi stopped smiling. He released her hand, stood up and said, "You're no fun anymore. It's time for me to leave." He headed toward the door.

As he turned back into her direction he saw that she had gotten back into her fighting stance again. She gripped the makeshift bokken as tightly as she could.

"You better not try anything again Enishi! This time, I won't lose my focus!!" she shouted more determinedly.

His eyes peered over his dark glasses at her as he backed out of the room closing the door.

Kaoru heard the door being locked from the outside.

"He's locked me in!!"

She ran to the door and started banging against it demanding that he let her out.

"Enishi!!" (bang, bang, bang) "Let me out of here!!!" (bang, bang, bang) "Enishi!!"

There was no sound. "He's gone!! Now I'm stuck in here!"

Kaoru went over and flopped down upon the bed thinking,

"Kaoru no baka!! Why did you have to lose your focus?"

Tears began to form in her eyes as she thought about Kenshin.

"We've been separated for so long. I wonder if he will accept me back? If he can love me again, even though I've been locked up with this creep. What about the baby? I wished I knew who….

She couldn't think anymore, her brain had fallen asleep.

As Enishi entered his bedroom he walked over and looked into the mirror. He chuckled while admiring his new scar.

"She should have completed the scar. Oh well, I guess there can really only be one Battousai in the family."

He sat down on the side of his bed thinking about Kaoru.

"She so uncouth and nothing like my sister. My sister had charm and finesse, whereas Kaoru is ill-mannered and violent.

But somehow... I find myself strangely attracted to her. No other woman would ever dare stand up to me like she did. She knew she couldn't beat me, but yet she still tried.

Now I see why the Battousai loves her. It's her compassion, strong will and determination that makes her so desirable. A man with his past needs someone like that. She could help him keep his resolve not to kill. That is why he keeps her so close.

Well, none of that really matters any more. My plan will finally be realized tomorrow when the Battousai arrives. I've already done what I wanted to with his woman and by tomorrow it will all be over."

He got up and started making final preparations for Kenshin's arrival.

A TEST OF LOVE
Part Eight



".....My plan will finally be realized tomorrow when the Battousai arrives. I've already done what I wanted to with his woman and by tomorrow it will all be over."

He got up and started making final preparations for Kenshin's arrival.


*************************

The next morning Kaoru had awakened early.

"I wonder if Kenshin is really coming? It's been nearly five months since we have last seen each other. What do I say to him?"

She stood and looked into the western-styled mirror at her protruding belly. She quickly turned her head away as tears formed in her eyes.

Kaoru walked over to the window and stood watching the mother bird feed her little babies. This time, she saw a male bird fly into the nest. The mother bird and the baby birds seemed to cuddle up next to the male bird. They all began chirping.

"That must be the father bird," she utterd as tears trickled down her face. "He's finally returned to his family."

With all the emotions stirring inside of her, Kaoru suddenly felt the baby flutter inside her stomach. She took her hands and gently placed it upon her stomach enjoying the first feelings of movement. She hadn't noticed any movement before. Tears of joy streamed down her face.

"It must be a sign. Even the baby knows. Kenshin is coming for me!"

She quickly turned toward the closet opening it only to find her kimono inside. The day before, the closet had been filled with many western-styled dresses and fine kimonos. She grew angry.

"That pervert must have come in here while I was asleep and put my kimono in the closet."

She quickly slipped it on. Kaoru noticed how it didn't fit as it had before. She had gained weight and her pregnancy had become more obvious.

"I don't care whether it fits or not, I must hurry and get dressed. Kenshin is coming for me. I can feel it! Kenshin!!"

As Kenshin neared the island of Enishi's mansion, he immediate stood up in their boat.

"Hey Kenshin, what's the matter?" asked Sano.

"I heard Kaoru-dono call me. We must hurry to her."

Sano, Yahiko and Megumi all looked at him strangely because they hadn't heard a word.

"He's really wound up pretty tight there," quipped Sano. "I better keep a close eye on him."

They had finally reached the island. They saw balloons tied around many trees.

"What's this?" asked Sano. "Mr. Dark Glasses is throwing us a party?"

"Sano, we must keep our guard up," replied Kenshin.

Yahiko went over to one of the trees. He saw an invitation attached to the balloon tied to that tree.

"Hey Kenshin look at this!!" shouted Yahiko as he pointed toward the invitation. "I wonder what it is? It may be a clue or something."

"Yahiko! Don't touch it!"

Yahiko was a little startled by Kenshin's reaction.

"Why not? It just looks like an ordinary piece of paper."

Before Kenshin could respond to Yahiko, Sano had snatched the invitation off the tree and opened it.

After reading it he scratched his head saying, "Baby shower? What's that psycho up to now? Hey Kenshin..."

"Sorry Sano. But we don't have time to waste. We must hurry," responded Kenshin as he continued heading in the direction of the mansion.

Megumi whacked Sano on the back of the head as they followed Kenshin.

"Ouch! What'd you do that for fox!"

"Shhh…" she whispered while pulling him closer to her, "keep your voice down you idiot!"

"I just wanted to know why Mr. Dark Glasses would kidnap Jou-chan and drag all of us out here for a baby shower?"

Megumi squeezed her eyes closed in frustration.

"If I don't tell that rooster head about Kaoru-chan now, he'll blurt out something idiotic later."

"Listen you big rooster head, I'm going to tell you only once and you better pay attention."

She jerked his shirt toward her pulling him closer so she could whisper in his ear.

"Kaoru-chan is… is…"

"Is what?"

"Is Pregnant."

"PREGNANT!! JOU-CHAN'S PREGNANT???"

Yahiko ran back to them. "Hey! What are you two shouting about now?"

"Nothing," said Megumi while covering Sano's mouth.

"Well, Kenshin said we have to be quite. You two are making too much noise."

"Apologize to Ken-san for me Yahiko," responded Megumi. "Now please hurry up and catch up with Ken-san before you lose him."

"Yeah. Tell Kenshin that we are watching out for traps back here," said Sano. "You never know if he will attack us from behind."

Yahiko nodded and ran up to where Kenshin was.

Megumi whacked Sano in the head again. "What's the matter with you? Didn't I tell you to keep quite you big chicken head!!"

"Yeah, but you didn't say anything about Jou-chan being knocked up. Geez. Uhm... I wonder who the father is?"

Megumi glared at him.

Sano moved back waving his hands, "Hey don't look at me! I'm not the one who keeps catching her in the bathhouse with no clothes on. Go talk to Kenshin about that!"

"Would you just shut up and keep walking!" fumed Megumi. "We're going to lose Ken-san."

BACK AT THE MANSION, Enishi was resting out on his balcony.

"Ahh… anytime now… the Battousai will be here."

Suddenly Kenshin had arrived. He looked up and saw Enishi and called up to him.

"ENISHI!!! WHERE'S KAORU-DONO!!!"

Kaoru heard his voice. Her heart began to pound as beads of sweat appeared on her forehead. "Kenshin."

Enishi looked down at Kenshin and laughed saying,

"And the little boy grew up and decided to have a family. He took a woman for himself and made a baby."

"What the heck is that lunatic talking about?" asked Yahiko while scratching his head. "He gets weirder every time I see him."

Sano looked up toward Enishi and yelled, "Alright Mr. Dark Glasses, you've had your fun, now where's Jou-chan!"

"Oh, the fun has just begun," laughed Enishi. He leaned backward in his chair and said, "Kaoru darling, please hurry. We have guests."

Kenshin cringed at the very sound of Enishi referring to his Kaoru as darling. He could feel himself slowly losing control. He gripped his hand tighter around the hilt of his sword.

Enishi smiled as he noticed the way Kenshin was gripping his sword. "Good, good. Just a little bit more and the Battousai will emerge."

Finally Kaoru had appeared upon the balcony.

Everyone stared at her. They could see that she looked different.

When Kenshin met Kaoru's gaze he could see a sadness and other unspoken emotions within her eyes.

"What has he done to my Kaoru?"

Kaoru could see lavender eyes being replaced slowly by a glint of amber.

"Oh Kenshin, please don't fight for me. Each time you use Hiten Mitsurugi it takes so much out of you."

Yahiko noticed the Kaoru looked different. He tugged on Sano's shirt. "Hey Sano, why does Kaoru look so fat?"

"She's not fat you little punk, she's pregnant," responded Sano.

Megumi turned to the two trying to quiet them down. But before she could say anything, Yahiko blurted out:

PREGNANT?? KAORU'S PREGNANT!!??

Kaoru's cheeks had flushed from shame and embarrassment after hearing Yahiko shout out the word "pregnant." She bowed her head slightly while tears streamed down her face.

Kenshin turned and glared at him. Yahiko could see that the look in Kenshin's eyes were no longer that of the rurouni, rather it was of the Battousai's. Yahiko quickly hid behind Sano.

Enishi smiled and said, "What's the matter Battousai? Haven't you told them our little secret? Why else would I be having a baby shower? It's in celebration of our baby. Kamiya Kaoru and me."

They all stared at him in disbelief.

"That's not your baby you lunatic!" shouted Sano. "It's Kenshin's!!... I think."

Kenshin glared daggers at Sano and then turned his attention back toward Enishi.

Megumi whacked Sano hard in the back of the head saying, "Will you shut up you idiot!!"

Enishi laughed loudly and said,

"Think what you like, but I know the truth. During Jinchuu, while the Battousai was lying in Rakuminmura rotting away, I was lying in the arms of his woman enjoying the very essence of her innocence and purity."

"And all these months while you searched for her, we were having sooo much fun." He grabbed her from behind and put his arms around her stomach saying, "Isn't that right Kaoru darling."

"Stop it Enishi! Take your hands off me!!" she demanded as she struggled to free herself of his grasp.

By this time, the Battousai had completely surfaced. He had touched Kaoru, HIS woman. And now it was time for him to pay.

"ENISHI!! TAKE YOUR HANDS OFF HER!!! shouted the Battousai. He rushed to the front door slashing it down while racing through the mansion to find them. The others followed after Kenshin.

Enishi laughed while still holding on to Kaoru.

"Hurry Battousai, come for you woman. The party will be over soon."

A TEST OF LOVE
Part Nine




"ENISHI!! TAKE YOUR HANDS OFF HER!!! shouted the Battousai....

Enishi laughed while still holding on to Kaoru.

"Hurry Battousai, come for you woman. The party will be over soon."

*************************

As Kaoru struggled against Enishi she shouted, "Enishi! Stop!"

"I will stop, it will all stop once the Battousai comes for you."

Kaoru became worried, "What does he mean by, 'it will all stop?'"

"Enishi, why are you doing this?"

He pulled out a dagger and put it to her throat. She gasped.

"Like I said, it will all stop soon. It's time we put an end to our little baby shower."

The Battousai had finally arrived breaking down the door to Enishi's bedroom. He saw Enishi standing out on the balcony holding a dagger against Kaoru's throat.

"Release her Enishi," he demanded as he slowly approached them.

"And what will you do if I don't, kill me?" replied Enishi as he lightly pressed the dagger against Kaoru's throat.

"Enishi, let Kaoru-dono go," scowled the Battousai.

"What's the matter Battousai? Can't reach me? Why don't you just slash right through her like you did my sister? You'll be sure to get me then," quipped Enishi.

The Battousai stood motionless while quickly developing his strategy.

"I need to bring them toward me and away from the balcony without harming Kaoru. But first I must get the others away from here. I don't know if all this is a trap."

He heard the others running up behind him. Without diverting his attention from Enishi, he yelled behind him, "Sano! Take Yahiko and Megumi-dono outside and wait for me there!"

At first Sano was going to protest, but he could sense the intensity of the situation. He knew that this was something personal, something that only Kenshin and Enishi would have to settle.

"Right Kenshin!" He turned to Megumi and Yahiko and said, "Let's go outside and wait for Kenshin."

"No way!" yelled Yahiko. "I'm not going to leave Kenshin and Kaoru alone with that psycho! I'm going to stay and fight!!"

Sano just looked at him and shook his head. "Come on kid," he said while grabbing Yahiko by the gi, "it's time to change your diapers."

He slung him over his shoulders and carried him out of the room.

"Put me down you big jerk!" he kicked and shouted. "I want to stay and fight!!"

Sano ignored his little tantrum and continued carrying him down the hallway.

"Put me dooowwwnnn!!!"

Kaoru smiled inwardly as she heard Yahiko's screams continuing to echo throughout the mansion as they were leaving. "I miss that little brat. But I am proud of him for wanting to stay and fight."

After they had left Enishi said, "Why did you send the others away Battousai? Afraid they will see a cold blooded murderer in action?"

"Enishi, unlike you I do not involve others in my fight. If you want to fight me then I accept. However, Kaoru-dono should not be involved. Release her now Enishi!"

While still within Enishi's stronghold, Kaoru thought,

"Why does he keep taunting Kenshin? And where is his sword? Enishi can't defend himself with only a dagger in the state Kenshin is in now. It's almost as if…."

Kaoru silently gasped. "That's it! I think he just wants to end his life. Why else would he not try and protect himself. The coward! He's using Kenshin to end his life! I've got to stop Kenshin before..."

Enishi pushed her aside while still standing out on the balcony. "All right Battousai, shall we begin our fight?"

The Battousai slowly walked toward Enishi. He remained cautious while Kaoru was still near Enishi out on the balcony.

Kaoru could see hurt and anger in the Battousai's eyes as he slowly neared them. "I must stop Kenshin from fighting. I will not allow him to return to his former self."

"Kenshin please don't fight him!" she shouted as she threw her body in front of Enishi.

Both Enishi and the Battousai were stunned by her action.

"Enishi has no intention of fighting against you! Can't you see?" she said while pointing to his hand, "He has no real weapon to fight with."

The Battousai looked at the little dagger in Enishi's hand. Then he looked back at Kaoru.

"Enishi is not prepared to fight, he is prepared to die," she said. "He only wants to die by your hand, just like Udo Jin-eh did!"

Enishi grabbed Kaoru and pressed the dagger against her throat again. She winced slightly in pain.

"Why do you care what happens to me Kaoru? Is it because you have fallen in love with me over these past few months?" he asked as he rubbed his cheek on hers.

"Stop it Enishi!" she yelled as she jerked her face away from his.

Suddenly Kaoru heard Kenshin flipping the blade of his Sakabatou.

"Let her go Enishi!"

Enishi smiled and said, "I see you are ready to fight. That's good."

"Kenshin don't do it!" pleaded Kaoru. "Don't break your vow because of me. Please don't go back to your former self." Tears streamed down her cheek. "I love you Kenshin. Please don't do this."

Enishi could see that he was hesitating. He tried provoking him again saying, "Don't listen to her Battousai. You know you want to kill me. I have taken your woman and stained her. She's even carrying my baby. I have completed my revenge against you through her. Now it's time for you to carry out revenge against me."

He felt the Battousai's ki getting stronger. He smiled and then released Kaoru saying, "Go to your precious Battousai. I don't need you anymore."

Kaoru stood motionless, with her head bowed and tears streaming down her face.

Enishi turned to Kenshin. "I have released her as you have asked. Now are you ready to fight?"

"I will not fight you without a sword. Where is your sword Enishi?"

"Does it really matter? The outcome will be the same. I will be dead and you will have your woman back. Isn't that what really matters in the end?"

The Battousai stood in deep thought for a moment and then resheathed his sword.

Kenshin looked up at Enishi and said, "If you want to fight me then you will have to draw your sword. I will not assist you in suicide. I've learned long ago how precious life truly is. No life is worth taking, not even yours Enishi."

"Why didn't you think about that before Battousai? Before you murdered my sister!"

"Enishi, I never meant to hurt Tomoe. I loved her. I didn't know she was going to be there. It never should have happened," Kenshin said while lowering his head.

Enishi looked at Kenshin and shouted, "You say that it should have never happened, but it did! I have suffered all my life for it! My sister was my only true happiness. She was everything to me until you took her away.

While wasting away in Rakuminmura I read her diary over and over again. I read how her hatred for you turned into love. After coming to love you her guilt of betrayal had become overbearing. She wanted to atone for her sins. So she sacrificed her life for you. You weren't worth it!" he screamed as tears poured down his face.

"I tried to start my life over but I couldn't. I want to be with my sister again. She's waiting on me."

Kenshin stared at him.

"I know that I could have taken my own life, but it wouldn't be the same. I want to die by the hand of the man who destroyed my family. By the same man who murdered my sister and her fiancι. Can't you see Battousai? You killing me would be the perfect ending."

Kenshin remained silent while absorbing all that Enishi had said.

As Kaoru watched Kenshin and Enishi tears streamed down her face.

"They carry so much pain and suffering within their hearts. They lost the one who provided them with the love and nuturing they both so desparately needed long ago.

I understand now why Kenshin is always so overprotective. He doesn't want to lose the love he has found in his new family.

It is unfortunate that Enishi has never opened his heart to be loved by anyone. As long as he keeps revenge and hatred in his heart he will always be lonely. That is why he wants to end his life. But...."

"Enishi, I will not take your life," said Kenshin as he removed his hand from the hilt of the sword. "I will not kill again."

"Then you leave me no choice." He quickly grabbed Kaoru again and pressed the dagger harder into her neck allowing it to pierce her flesh slightly. She grimaced in pain.

"Enishi stop it!!" yelled Kenshin

"Still can't make up your mind? Well then I'll give you two choices Battousai. You can either kill me or watch your woman die. Which will it be?"
A TEST OF LOVE
Part Ten



"......Still can't make up your mind? ....Enishi grabbed Kaoru and pressed the dagger harder into Kaoru's neck allowing it to pierce her flesh. She grimaced in pain.

"Now Battousai, you can either kill me or watch your woman die. Which will it be?"

*************************

Kenshin remained motionless.

Enishi grew angry. He started hurling insults at Kenshin in order to provoke him into killing him.

"Why do you still hesitate Battousai? Is it because you are still holding on to that "non-killing" vow of yours? Is that vow of yours more precious than your woman? Don't you love her Battousai? Or, could it be that you don't want her anymore?"

The look of death was slowly creeping into Kenshin's eyes.

Enishi smiled and continued saying, "Ah yes. I think that is the answer. When you thought she was pure and innocent, you loved her, cherished her and even worshipped her. During Jinchuu, you nearly killed me for her. But now that you know that she's been sleeping with the enemy, she's too stained for you. So she's not worth fighting for now. Isn't that right Battousai?"

As Kenshin whipped his sword from out of it's sheathe Kaoru screamed, "STOP!!!" Kenshin stood frozen with his sword pointed towards Enishi.

"That's enough Enishi! I'm not going to let you use me to hurt Kenshin anymore!"

"Silly girl!" retorted Enishi while still holding the dagger to her neck. "You know that I could kill you at anytime but yet you still hold on to your love for him? How could you have love for a man who can't protect you?"

"My love for Kenshin is something you will never understand," she firmly responded. "It doesn't matter whether he can protect me or not. As I told you before, I am in control of my own life and I will never allow you to hurt me again!"

With that she slid the letter opener that she had carefully hidden in the sleeve of her kimono down and jabbed him in the thigh.

He shoved her to the floor while grabbing his leg in pain. With Kaoru out of Enishi's reach, Kenshin charged him shouting, "Hiten Mitsurugi Ryuu Kuzuryusen!" He struck Enishi's nine vital points causing him to fall backward over the balcony.

Kaoru jumped up to the balcony screaming, "Enishi!! Nooo!!"

Enishi was now lying on the ground. Sano, Megumi and Yahiko hurried over to where he had fallen. They stared at him briefly. Megumi knelt down beside him to check his pulse.

"Is he.... dead?" asked Yahiko as his face paled in color.

"I don't know," responded Megumi. She quickly examined Enishi and said to them, "It appears that he has suffered several broken ribs and there are some obvious bruises. He will live but he won't be able to move for a while."

Sano looked up at Kenshin and yelled, "The jerk is still alive! Should I finish him off for you Kenshin!"

"No!" responded Kenshin. "Megumi-dono, please take care of him until Kaoru-dono and I join you."

Megumi nodded and continued administering to Enishi's wounds.

Sano shoved his hands into his pockets and kicked some rocks around saying, "Geez! I was really hoping to catch some action out here. I haven't used my Futae No Kiwami in a while."

"I'll need a few splints for the broken ribs and some fresh water," replied Megumi. "Go make yourself useful rooster head and find those things for me."

"Hey fox, I do have a name you know."

"So do I chicken head." He frowned at her.

Yahiko looked at them and said, "Are you two going to start that romantic stuff again. If so, I'm getting out of here."

Sano grabbed Yahiko by the gi again and slung him over his shoulders saying, "You're coming with me kid. I can use that big mouth of yours to hold the water in."

"Put me down you big jerk!!" Megumi smiled while she watched the two bickering boys leaving. Then she turned her attention back toward Enishi.

While still on the balcony Kenshin moved closer to Kaoru asking, "Are you okay?"

She kept her head down and nervously replied, "Hai… Hai. I am okay."

"We'll talk later when we get home," he said while smiling and extending his hand to her.

She stood frozen for a moment, not knowing what to do. Then her face softened and she took his hand.

"Oh how I've missed his touch. Kenshin."



LATER THAT NIGHT at the Kamiya Dojo, Sano and Kenshin were sitting outside on the porch discussing the day's events.

"Do you think that lunatic will try something again Kenshin?" asked Sano while leaning against the house gnawing on a fish bone.

"No," replied Kenshin. "He is safely locked away in a special place. The chief police officer said that they have doctors trained to help people like Enishi. I only hope that he will get the treatment that he deserves so that he can be at peace with himself."

"Yeah, right."

Kenshin just smiled at Sano's answer.

Sano began staring at Kenshin wondering whether or not to ask him about the baby.

"Is there something you wish to ask me Sano."

"Geez, how does he do that? Uhm... Hai," he replied while clearing his throat. "Well, what if Jou-chan is not carrying your baby? Suppose it really is his ba...."

Kenshin glared daggers at Sano.

Sano gulped and said, "Hey, but there's no doubt in my mind. I'm sure that its yours and Jou-chan's baby. You two were always sneaking arou....."

Kenshin glared even more daggers at him.

Sweatdrops appear on Sano's head. "This is not going to good." He cleared his throat again. "Uhm... uhm... what I'm trying to say is uhm.... that,"

Kenshin sighed as he cast his head downward ignoring Sano's silly way of showing concern.

"I know what you mean Sano. But the only thing that matters right now is that Kaoru-dono is home and is doing fine. Wouldn't you agree?"

"Uhm… yeah, right."

"I think I will go inside now." Kenshin smiled as he went passed Sano into the house.

Sano leaned back against the house and shoved his hands in his pockets. He started thinking about Kenshin.

"You may try to hide your true feelings from me, but deep down inside I know you are hurting Kenshin. I would be too, if the woman I loved were taken by a psycho like Enishi.

And what about poor Jou-chan? Not knowing whether or not she's carrying the child of a lunatic or carrying the child of the man she loves.

I just hope this incident doesn't break those two up. If that happens, not only will both of their lives be messed up but Enishi's Jinchuu will finally be realized."

Megumi was sitting down sipping a cup of tea when Kenshin entered the room.

"Ken-san, would you like a cup of tea?" she asked while pouring some tea.

"Arigato Megumi-dono for the tea." Kenshin took the tea and sat down across from her.

"You're welcome Ken-san," she replied while bowing her head. After taking another sip of tea she said, "I have put Kaoru in your room. I am sure both of you will rest easier knowing that you are near each other."

"Arigato Megumi-dono," he responded while trying to hide the blush that had flashed across his cheeks. Megumi giggled lightly.

"I am sure once Kaoru-dono has rested she will be back to her former self again."

"No Ken-san," replied Megumi as she put her tea down and became more serious. "Kaoru will not be back to her former self."

Kenshin stared at Megumi.

"Ken-san, you must understand that within the first few months of a woman's pregnancy, her body and mind goes through many changes. It's during that time that a woman needs to know that she is loved. Kaoru never had a chance to feel the love and security we could have given her.

On the day of her disapperance, Kaoru had come to my office earlier that day for a check up. She still seemed despondent over her pregnancy. It took hours convincing her to tell you about it. She said that she was going to tell you that day, but then Enishi showed up and began planting many seeds of doubts in her mind. Kaoru didn't know what to do, so she ran away."

Kenshin remained silent for a moment and then asked, "Is that what she told you Megumi-dono?"

"Hai and there is more. During the months that she was with Enishi, he constantly told her that you didn't love her. He tried to make her believe that nobody wanted her. At first she didn't want to believe him. But as time went on, she almost found herself believing everything he said, especially when we didn't come for her.

From my examination and from what Kaoru has told me, Enishi was never really intimate with her. However...."

Kenshin stared up at Megumi again.

"Over the past few weeks Enishi had became more aggressive. She had to fight him off day and night. She never knew when he would show up in her bed or…."

Kenshin stood suddenly saying, "Arigato Megumi-dono for looking after Kaoru-dono. I think I will go to my room now. You are welcomed to stay the night."

Megumi put her hand to her chest and softly uttered, "No. I.... I need to go home."

"Oyasumi nasai Megumi-dono."

"Oyasumi Ken-san."

Sano walked into the room and looked over to Megumi saying, "Hey fox, what'd you do to Kenshin? He walked out of here looking like...."

Suddenly he noticed tears had formed in her eyes. "What's the matter with you? Did something happen to Jou-chan? Is she alright?"

"Hai, she is fine. I really don't feel like talking anymore tonight. I want to go home."

"I'll walk you home Megumi," he replied as his strong arms lifted her from off the floor.

She was a little started by his gesture and by him finally using her first name. "Arigato Sanosuke," she smiled.

"Uhm... you're welcome Megumi." Sano also couldn't believe that Megumi had called him by his first name. "Would you like to stop by my place for a cup of tea?"

"No, let's go to my place instead," she replied while blushing slightly. He smiled, put his arm around her waist and left the room.

Kenshin sat quietly upon the roof while watching Sano and Megumi leave the dojo heading for town. He smiled as he noticed how the strong arms of the former ganster named Zanza was wrapped protectively around the lady doctor. Then he turned his attention to where Kaoru lie sleeping.

"What I feared the most has finally come to be a reality. One of my enemies has abused her just to get to me." Tears streamed down his face.

"Enishi!! How dare he touch my Kaoru! I should have granted him his death wish by killing him a thousand times over for what he put her through!" His eyes were bordering on lavender and amber.

"However, had it not been for her compassionate pleas, I would have returned to my former self."

He looked up into the stars and began thinking about the baby.

"What if... what if he really did stain her and she is too afraid to tell anyone? What if she really is carrying his baby? What if his abuse caused her to never want to be loved again?"

More tears streamed down his face.

"What does all this mean for us now Kaoru?"

A TEST OF LOVE
CONCLUSION



As he sat upon the rooftop he wondered, "What if he really did stain her and she is too afraid to tell anyone? What if she really is carrying his baby? What if his abuse caused her to never want to be loved again?"

"What does all this mean for us now Kaoru?"

*************************************
Upon entering the house, he peeked in Yahiko's room. Yahiko was sound asleep. Kenshin softly padded down the hallway to his room. He quietly entered while sliding the shoji shut behind him. Kenshin cast his eyes toward his futon and saw Kaoru sleeping. He still couldn't believe that she was home.

Kenshin stood quietly watching her sleeping form. He so desparately wanted to touch her, hold her and smell her very essence. He needed to know that she was real and not just an illusion. So many nights he had envisioned holding her and loving her but upon awakening, he found that it was only a dream.

The longer he stood gazing upon the woman he loved, the more he desired to be with her. With stealth like moves, Kenshin had begun inching closer and closer to her until suddenly, "Take your hands off me Enish!!" Kaoru shouted as she shoved her bokken into his stomach. Kenshin tumbled backward while holding his stomach grimacing in pain.

"Get out of my room!!" she screamed as she charged toward him. This time Kenshin caught her bokken avoiding her attack. As he wrestled the bokken from her hand he called out to her.

"Kaoru-dono! Kaoru-dono! Please don't be afraid! I will not hurt you!"

"Kenshin?"

"Hai, it's me Kaoru."

She finally loosened her grip from the bokken. "I'm so sorry Kenshin, I thought you were…" Kaoru started crying.

"Shhh…" he whispered while wiping away her tears. "You don't have to apologize. I should not have disturbed your sleep," he said while pulling her into a warm embrace. She buried her head deeply into his chest and continued crying.

Kenshin tried consoling her by gently rocking her in his arms while stroking her hair. The more she cried the harder it was becoming for him to control his own emotions. He felt as though her tears had begun to seep into his heart stabbing it like wet daggers.

"This is all my fault. Kaoru suffered on account of me. She didn't deserve to be treated like that. She is so young and innocent. Why did he have to do that to her? If only I could have been there. I could have protected her. But once again, I have failed to protect the one who I truly love."

He gently placed her back upon the futon saying, "You should get some rest now. I promise not to disturb you again. I'll go…"

"No!" she said while firmly latching onto his gi, "Please don't leave me Kenshin. I'm afraid of sleeping alone. I don't want him to touch me again. Please stay." She started crying again.

Kenshin didn't remove her hands from his gi, rather he laid down with her. "Shhh.... hush my darling," he said while drying her tears. "I promise that I will never allow him to touch you again. Try to get some rest now."

She cuddled up into his chest while still gripping his gi. His strong arms were wrapped securely around her body giving her a sense of security. He could feel her body finally relaxing.

"Kenshin, I'm sorry that I ran away. Are you angry with me?"

"No I am not angry with you. Why didn't you tell me you were pregnant? Why didn't you wait for me?"

"I was so scared. I thought that you wouldn't want me anymore."

Kenshin tilted her head back so that he was looking deeply into her eyes. "How could I not want the only woman I truly love. My life has no purpose or no meaning without you Kaoru."

"Then why didn't you come for me sooner? Do you know what it was like living with that pervert?"

"I'm sorry that you had to suffer for me Kaoru. Had I known that Enishi had taken you I would have come sooner. I searched everywhere for you. Finally, I asked for the assistance of Misao-dono and Aoshi. They had all of the Oniwabanshuu out searching for you. After months and months of searching they finally found you. I came as quickly as I could. I was so worried about you Kaoru. I love you darling."

"I love you too," she said as tears trickled down her face.

Kenshin wiped her tears and slowly inched his lips closer to hers. He hesistated for a moment and began wondering if she would reject him. She pressed her lips encouragingly against his allowing him to kiss her. As the kiss deepened, he knew she was real. He wasn't dreaming anymore. His Kaoru had returned to him.

After breaking the kiss Kaoru gazed into his eyes and said, "I knew you would come for me Kenshin. I tried to stay strong just like the mother bird did. She stayed strong and took care of her babies awaiting the return of the father bird. The day that the father bird returned to his family was the same day that I knew you were coming for me."

Kenshin was bewildered. "Mother bird? Father bird?"

Kaoru giggled. "It's a long story. I must tell you about that some time."

"Hai," he said while smiling, "I would love to hear it." Then he took his hand and cradled her left cheek in it saying, "It is good to see you smile and laugh again."

Suddenly Kaoru felt her baby move. "Kenshin, give me your hand quickly."

Upon giving her his hand, Kaoru took his hand and rested it upon her stomach. He wasn't sure what he was supposed to feel but he just liked the fact of touching her. Then he felt the baby kick. His eyes widened at the experience. Kaoru smiled. He didn't want to move his hand. He wanted to keep it there to feel the baby kick again.

After feeling another kick he said, "Our baby is a hard kicker, that he is."

Kaoru smiled and then suddenly turned her head.

"What's the matter darling?"

"Suppose… suppose this isn't our baby Kenshin. Suppose it really is…" tears began streaming down her face. She buried her head into his chest again.

Kenshin pressed a kiss on the top of her head and then lifted her face toward his.

"Kaoru please don't worry about that. I love you and our baby.

"But how do you know if…"

Kenshin took his hand and put it on her stomach saying, "The baby is a part of you and no matter whom the father is, I will always love you and the baby just the same."

She smiled while still having her head in his chest. Sleep had now caught up to her. "I love…. you... Ken…. shin," she yawned before falling alseep.

Kenshin pressed a kiss to her forehead and whispered, "Oyasumi nasai koishii."

Her rhythmic breathing seemed to soothe him. A smile crossed his face as he felt the baby move under his hand.

"Its good to have you back home in my arms again, my darling. You may be too afraid to tell me what really happened between you and Enishi, but that doesn't matter. My love for you will never change. You and the baby will always be a part of my life."

Sleep had finally caught up to Kenshin too.

A week later, Kenshin and Kaoru discretely married and had a small celebration. They wanted to wait until after the baby was born before having a bigger celebration.

**On their wedding night, after everyone had left, Kenshin and Kaoru were finally alone. Kaoru was sitting up brushing her hair. She could feel Kenshin staring at her from behind. She smiled slightly.

Kenshin yawned loudly and said, "We had a busy day today. I am sure you are very tired. I'm going to sleep now. Oyasumi nasai koishii." He turned over to go to sleep.

After brushing her hair, Kaoru slid under the blankets with Kenshin. She could tell that he wasn't sleep. She smiled and whispered, "I spoke with Megumi-dono today. She said that we could still make love and that it won't harm the baby. I was hoping that we could....uhm.... never mind. I know that you are sleepy and I don't want to disturb you."

She gave him a little kiss on the cheek saying. "Oyasumi anata, I love you." Kaoru closed her eyes and pretended to fall asleep.

Kenshin's eyes popped opened as he asked, "Are you sure I won't hurt you or the baby?"

She giggled and replied, "Hai anata, I'm sure."

A big smile grew on Kenshin's face as traces of amber were now displaying in his eyes. He gently caressed her saying, "I love you Kaoru." He positioned her chin near his so that their lips could touch. Kenshin began passionately kissing her.

As they kissed Kaoru thought, "At last, I can enjoy making love with my husband, all night long without worrying about Yahiko catching us or what the others will think. Oh Kennnshinnn...."

They made love all night long.**

SEVERAL MONTHS LATER, everyone had gathered at the Kamiya Dojo. Kaoru had gone into labor. Kenshin, Aoshi, Sano and Yahiko stayed on the outside awaiting the news. They were all in deep thought.

"Kaoru please be all right. I don't want to lose you again."

"Come on Jou-chan, you can do this. Please let it be Kenshin's baby."

"This just got to be Kenshin and Kaoru's baby!"

Aoshi glanced over at Kenshin and then quickly turned his head.

"I hope the child is yours Battousai. You and the Kamiya girl have fought too hard to keep your non-killing vow."

Kenshin walked over to Aoshi.

"I heard you have new of Enishi."

"Hai. He has been transferred to a correctional facility in China. The family that raised him after his sister's death lives nearby. I hear they regularly stop in to see him."

"That is good. Maybe they can help Enishi find peace."

Suddenly, Misao ran out into the yard yelling, "Hey Himura! We need you!"

Kenshin began to worry as he and the others ran inside the house. When they reached the bedroom, they saw Megumi, Tae and Tsubame all smiling as they sat around Kaoru. Kenshin saw a baby swaddled in Kaoru's arm.

"It's a boy!" shouted Misao.

Their eyes all widened in surprise at the baby's appearance. He had flaming red hair and lavender eyes.

"There's no mistaking whose kid that is," quipped Sano.

"Yeah. He's so cute," said Yahiko. "He looks just like a you Kenshin."

"Arigato Yahiko," beamed Kenshin.

"It's a good thing the baby didn't get his looks from that ugly girl. Then he really would be cursed," snickered Yahiko.

Kaoru frowned and shouted, "Kenshin! Hand me my shinai. I'm going to teach that little brat some manners!"

Megumi shook her head saying, "Oh no you don't. I told you before, no strenuous activities for the next six weeks."

Yahiko snickered, "Heh, heh, heh! I have six long weeks to torture you."

Kaoru became enraged, "I'll make you pay for all the torture you put me through once Megumi-dono say it is okay for me to train you again Yahiko."

Yahiko laughed and chanted, "Ugly! Ugly!"

"Ouch!!" he bellowed while holding his head. "What did you do that for weasel girl?"

"That's for Kaoru-chan. She may have to rest for six weeks, but I don't. So if it's okay with Kaoru-chan I'll be your teacher for the next six weeks."

"What! No way!!" shouted Yahiko.

"Sounds like a good idea Misao. Make sure you wake him early and train him hard. He's such a lazy student."

Yahiko turned to Kenshin. "Kenshin! Do something!"

"Gomen, but Kaoru is your teacher. You must listen to what she says."

"Geez, thanks a lot!!"

Everyone laughed at Yahiko.

Then the baby started to cry. Megumi smiled and said, "Everyone, I think it is time for the new parents to get to know their baby."

"Hai," replied Tae. "Why don't everyone come to the Akabeko."

"Yeah, that's a great idea," said Sano. "Nothing like a free meal at the Akabeko."

"Sagara-san, I didn't say anything about free meal," replied Tae.

"Aw… come on Tae," he begged.

Megumi grabbed him by the ear and said, "Come on rooster head, I'll pay."

They all left the dojo. As they walked along the way Sano said, "Yep, that's Kenshin's kid all right."

"Yeah, he looks like a miniature Kenshin, replied Yahiko.

Suddenly Sano stops walking and shuddered.

"What's the matter with you rooster head?"

He turned to Megumi and answered, "I just had an awful thought. Can you imagine the baby coming out looking like Enishi with that spiky white hair and dark glasses?"

Megumi dropped her head mumbling, "He's hopeless."

They all continued going into town.

After securing the gate, Kenshin re-entered their bedroom. He sat next to Kaoru as he watched her nursing the baby. Kaoru burped the baby and then laid him down. The baby fell asleep.

"I still can't believe I had a baby," she whispered.

"Hai," he whispered back in response. "Our son is truly a miracle."

"Kenshin, suppose he really was…"

"I would love him just the same Kaoru. However, I always knew that he was our son."

"How did you know?"

"Do you recall the first night we made love Kaoru?"

"Hai. It was a very special night. Something that I would never forget."

"It was very special for me too. That night I had nightmares of seeing you in the dojo with Enishi's sword…" Tears began to form in his eyes. Kaoru took his hand into hers and gently squeezed it.

"I remember feeling your presence in the room. You were trying to comfort me. For some reason, I just couldn't wake myself out of that nightmare. But then I felt your tender lips against mine. When I tasted the sweetness of your lips, I knew you were alive. That night I knew you had given me something very precious Kaoru. I will always love you for that."

**"But what about the birthmark?"

"Birthmark?"

"Hai. On the day that I had prepared to tell you about my pregancy, Enishi came to the dojo. He told me that he knew of my pregnancy and claimed that he was the father of my baby. I was totally shocked. I hadn't told anyone of the pregnancy. Only Megumi-dono knew.

At first, I didn't want to believe him. But I was convinced after he told me where my birthmark was. He said that he slept with me during Jinchuu. The only thing I remembered that day was waking up in a white bathrobe. I never remembered him touching me. However, because he knew exactly where my birthmark was, I was convinced that he was telling the truth. I actually believed that he was the father of my....." Tears began streaming down Kaoru's face.

Kenshin pulled her into a warm embrace to comfort her. Then he wiped away her tears and said, "During the time we searched for you, Megumi-dono told me that you were pregnant. As we continued the search, she began mentioning other things that didn't seem to make sense. Once we found out that Enishi had you then it all became clear."

Kaoru moved back slightly from the warmth of his chest and asked, "Kenshin, what do you mean? What did Megumi tell you?"

"Megumi-dono said that prior to your last office visit, it appeared that someone had tampered with your personal file. That file contained information on your pregancy and other personal notes that Megumi-dono and Dr. Genzai made over the years regarding your body and your health."

"So that means that Enishi couldn't have touched me. I remember how severly injured he was after his battle with you during Jinchuu. He could hardly stand. It all makes perfect sense now! Oh Kenshin, I'm so happy," she said as tears of joy streamed down her face.

Kenshin smiled and wiped away her tears and said, "I love you koishii." Then he took his hand and gently rubbed his sleeping baby's back saying, "This is our baby and don't ever let anyone tell you differently."**

She smiled and kissed him. He helped her lie down and then wrapped his arm around her and the baby. Kaoru fell asleep. Kenshin took one last look at both of them before drifting off to sleep.

"My woman, my son, the way it was meant to be."

THE END