Standard disclaimers apply
***CHAPTER 12***
The hours dragged past, but still the bridegroom did not appear. Sunday saw the return of Enishi. He reported that the landlord of the Tokaido Inn at Kiyomizu had seen nothing of Mr. Amakusa in the past month. He was not expected, and had sent no word that he would be arriving. Enishi also informed Saitou that the housekeeper at Rakuto Street confirmed that her master had not returned there from Tokyo.
Saitou was beside himself with rage. â??Damn it, what is that blasted fellow up to? How dare he treat my daughter in this ungallant fashion?â??
â??It is certainly most mysterious,â?? murmured Yumi.
â??Mysterious? It is downright unforgivable! I give him permissionâ??against my better judgment, I might addâ??to marry my daughter now instead of waiting until heâ??s proclaimed as Battousai, and what does he do? He disappears off into the blue!â??
â??Perhaps,â?? ventured Kaoru, trying not to sound too cheerful, â??he has met with an accident?â??
â??In which case he should have sent word,â?? snapped Aoshi.
â??Well, my patience is exhausted,â?? declared Saitou. â??I refuse to spend another day in this hateful city. Aoshi, is there any more business for me to attend to?â??
â??Nothing urgent, Father.â??
â??In that case, kindly order my carriage. I am taking Kaoru and her mother back to the country immediately. And if that fellow should dare to show his face hereâ??â??
â??Donâ??t worry, Father. Iâ??ll give him a sound horse-whipping!â?? Aoshi promised grimly.
Two hours later, Saitou and Yumi were ready to leave. As Kaoru kissed Misao goodbye, the dark-haired girl whispered, â??If I hear anything of our friend, I will let you know.â??
Kaoru hugged her. â??Oh, Misao, I hardly dare hope. Goodbye, and thank you!â??
In the weeks that followed, all the fashionable women in the county called at the Kamiya mansion to express their sympathy for Kaoru. The jilted girl herself found it all highly diverting and adopted an air of forlorn bravery while inside her spirits were soaring.
â??How incredibly rude of him!â?? rasped the Widow Sekihara as she sat with Yumi and Kaoru in the shade of an oak tree one hot August afternoon. â??Still no word of the man, I take it?â??
â??None,â?? intoned Kaoru, attempting to sound mournful.
The Widow Sekihara cast her a shrewd glance. â??Mmm. I always thought youâ??d be better off without him. The entire Amakusa family are dissolute and unreliable.â??
Yumi swatted a drowsy bee with her handkerchief. â??But what has become of Mr. Amakusa? How could he just disappear like that? No one seems to have an idea where he could have gone.â??
The Widow Sekihara laughed. â??Perhaps he ran off to join the Army. It seems to be the fashionable thing to do nowadays.â??
Kaoru started, wondering if by any strange chance, the Widow Sekihara could be referring to Kenshin.
â??Just because Soujirou left to join the war, it does not mean that every other man we know is going to do the same,â?? said Yumi tartly.
Nevertheless, the Widow Sekiharaâ??s chance remark was repeated in drawing rooms throughout Tokyo and Kyoto. Gradually, it became accepted that Shogu Amakusa had gone to fight for his country. Of course, it was appalling of him to jilt poor Kaoru like that. But no doubt he felt the strong call of duty. As no one could think of any other explanation for his behavior, the idea of the Army seemed as reasonable as any.
September, however, brought news which drove speculation about Shogu Amakusa from everyoneâ??s head. Saitou gathered his family together in the library and gravely informed them that his son Soujirou had been injured in Taiwan. He had been taken to a hospital some distance from the front, and although his condition was serious, he was expected to recover.
â??But wounded in the chest!â?? wailed Yumi. â??And in a foreign hospital! Why, they donâ??t even speak the same language! How is he to make himself understood? He will die, I know he will, alone in an alien land!â??
It took Kaoru a full day to calm her mother and persuade her that Soujirou was blessed with a strong physique.
â??And after all,â?? said Kaoru practically, â??he is probably far safer lying resting in hospital than out in the front line fighting the French.â??
Although Yumi saw the sense of her daughterâ??s words, she remained restless. Kaoru was glad when Misao arrived at the mansion to prepare for the birth of her child. Taken up with all the preparations in the nurseries, Yumiâ??s mind was diverted from the fate of her younger son.
Aware of the question that was uppermost in Kaoruâ??s mind, Misao hastened to assure her that she had received no word of or from Kenshin. Inevitably, the news of Soujirouâ??s injury had increased Kaoruâ??s fears for the man she loved, the man who was at this moment far away on foreign soil, with his life in danger every minute of the day and night.
One morning, the normal routine of the mansion was disrupted when Saitou once more ordered his family into the library. Yumi immediately called for her smelling bottle, convinced that her husband had received yet more bad news about Soujirou.
As Kaoru entered the book-lined room she noticed that her father was holding a thick card, elegantly embossed in gold.
Clearing his throat, he declared, â??I have to tell you all that we are summoned by the Emperor to a reception at the Imperial Palace.â??
There was a moment of stunned silence. The only sound was that of the garden boy sweeping up the dead leaves outside.
â??At the Imperial Palace!â?? exclaimed Yumi. â??Oh my dears, what an honor! Does it say, Saitou, why we have been invited, what the occasion is, whenâ??â??
Saitou raised a hand. â??No further information is given on the card, except that we are to present ourselves on the twenty-third of October, at seven oâ??clock.â??
â??The twenty-third!â?? cried Yumi. â??That is barely two weeks away. We have so little time to have new dresses made. To be sure, I have nothing suitable to wear to the Imperial Palace!â??
Saitou frowned. â??My dear, I fear that although your name is included on the card, it will be impossible for you to accompany us. After all, Misao can hardly attend the reception in her condition. And she cannot be left here alone.â??
Seeing her motherâ??s acute disappointment, Kaoru said quickly, â??I will stay with Misao. Really, I have no interest in going to the Imperial Palace.â??
Misao would not allow this blatant lie to pass. â??Nonsense, Kaoru. Of course you will go. And Mama, too. I am sure if I approach the Widow Tae Sekihara, she will come and keep me company while you are away.â??
So it was arranged. The family set forth for the Imperial Palace for the Emperorâ??s reception.
The Imperial Palace! As they approached the great, impressive columns just before seven the following evening, it seemed as if the entire elite class was thronging up the steps.
Yumi was becoming agitated in her excitement. â??Look, Kaoru, there is Lady Akiko Tsuneyoshi. What magnificent sapphires! And see, there are Mr. and Mrs. Hayashi. My, how grand they all look. I am sure they will think us rustic in comparison.â??
â??Calm yourself, Mama,â?? urged Aoshi. â??You and Kaoru both look charming.â??
Kaoru raised her eyebrows, for a compliment from her brother was a most unusual occurrence. But she did indeed look quite enchanting, in a kimono of palest pink. Her raven hair was arranged in a cascade of fetching curls, while her ears were adorned with sapphire earrings which matched exactly the color of her eyes.
They gathered with the rest of the guests in one of the great rooms of the Imperial Palace. Never in her life had Kaoru seen such magnificence. She gazed up in wonder at the graceful columns which supported a silver cornice set against a lavender background. Above the columns, the beautiful sky-blue ceiling was hung with six shimmering chandeliers.
As the guests formed two long lines in the room, Kaoru reflected that this was certainly the most dazzling occasion. Everyone was exquisitely dressed, and the room was soon filled with the glitter of priceless jewels, the rustle of silk, and the fragrance of expensive perfume.
Excitement mounted as the time approached for the Emperor himself to make his entrance. At last, the great double doors at the end of the room were flung open, and the Emperor appeared with his retinue.
He was an impressive figure. The Emperor walked regally down the red carpet, smiling in acknowledgment of the bows of the assembled company.
On reaching the dais at the end of the room, he turned and addressed his guests:
â??I am very pleased to welcome you here this evening,â?? he said, in his firm, measured tones. â??I have called you together to join me in honoring some of the fine, brave officers who have acquitted themselves so gloriously in our war against the French.â??
Kaoru saw that behind the Emperor a footman had appeared, holding a blue velvet cushion on which were laid some medals.
â??First,â?? went on the Emperor, â??I ask you to pay tribute to an officer who has not only fought valiantly and with great courage on our behalf. He has also, and at great peril to himself, saved the life of a fellow officer. But his accomplishments go far beyond that. He was the one who pave the way for this Meiji era. I call before you all the legendary Battousai!â??
The double doors were flung open. Kaoru felt the room spin around her. The legendary Battousai! So it was true, then, that the loathsome Shogu Amakusa had indeed gone away to the war. And somehow, he had covered himself in glory and was to be received with honor and pomp by the Emperor himself!
Kaoru felt Aoshiâ??s hand on her arm, steadying her. Taking a deep breath, she raised her head, prepared to look Shogu Amakusa boldly in the face as he advanced toward the Emperor. Dazed, she watched the immaculately dressed officer striding past the men and ladies, down the red carpet toward her.
It seemed to Kaoru that her memory must be playing some tricks on her. Surely Shogu Amakusa doesnâ??t have that beautiful red hair? She blinked, to clear her vision.
A flutter of hope stirred within her. No, she had not been mistaken! That man was not Shogu Amakusa. It could not be! But who?
And then her heart missed a beat. She knew that manly stride, the commanding set of those shoulders! Yet how could it be? What trick of fateâ?|?
He was nearly upon her. Kaoru could hardly breathe for the joy that consumed her. For it was not Shogu Amakusaâ??s evil face into which she gazed, but that of the man she loved, her beloved Kenshin!
As he drew level with her, in that single split second, he caught her eye. And she was sure he winked at her!
Yumi turned to her husband and hissed, â??What is this, Saitou? That man cannot be Battousai! The title was due to pass to Mr. Amakusa! That officer must be an impostor. You must denounce him as such to the Emperor!â??
Too late. Already, Kenshin was kneeling before the Emperor and the gold medal was being pinned to his chest, amidst resounding applause from all the distinguished guests.
Kaoruâ??s heart surged with pride. Never had she experienced such a fever of excitement and impatience. Oh, how she longed to rush and fling herself into Kenshinâ??s arms. There were a million questions she wanted to askâ??but they could wait. For the moment, all she desired was to hear his voice once more. To gaze into his violet eyes. To know that she belonged to him, and that he would never leave her again.
But the ceremony was by no means over. There were other war heroes to be honored. Kaoru had to curb her impatience and watch Kenshin take his place behind the Emperor and wait while a line of other, lesser officers entered the room to receive their medals.
At last, the formal part of the evening was over, and the Emperor gave the signal for the orchestra to play. Kaoru, could not take her eyes from Kenshin. She saw him speak to one of the Emperorâ??s aidesâ?|who then led the red-haired officer across to the silk-draped window where she stood with her family.
As he approached, Kaoru dared not look at him, lest her mother should happen to glance at her and see in her eyes all the love shining forth for the legendary warrior.
The aide was addressing her father. â??Mr. Kamiya, the legendary Battousai, Kenshin Himura, has requested the honor of being introduced to you and your distinguished family. I also feel constrained to tell you what our legendary guest of honor will notâ??namely, that it was your son whose life he saved in the battle.â??
Kaoru kept her eyes firmly on the carpeted floor, while her father exclaimed, proffered his thanks, his gratitudeâ?|and Kenshin demurred, insisting that he had merely acted as any soldier should in defense of a fellow officer.
Kaoru could guess what had happened. Had not the Emperor himself declared that Kenshin had saved Soujirouâ??s life at great peril to himself? Clearly, the hot-headed Soujirou had recklessly hurled himself into the line of fire. Kenshin had come to the rescue, laying himself open to attack as he did so.
Then she heard her father say, â??May I present my wife, Yumi, my son, Aoshi, and my daughter Kaoru.â??
The moment had come. Kaoru bowed down, then lifted her lovely head as Kenshin bent low over her hand. Oh, how handsome he looked, with the Emperorâ??s medal gleaming proudly on his dark blue uniform. He held Kaoruâ??s hand just a fraction longer than was necessary and flashed her a brief laughing glance.
Then, turning to her father, he said gravely, â??I am delighted to meet you, sir. Though I suspect you are surprised to find me bearing the title of Battousai.â??
Yumi had the grace to blush. Only twenty minutes before, she had been ready to denounce him as an impostor! But Kaoru could see that her mother was truly overwhelmed with Kenshinâ??s dignified bearing, his good looks and impeccable manners.
Saitou said, â??We were under the impression that one Shogu Amakusa was the heir to the title of Battousai.â??
Kenshin nodded. â??A lot of people thought so. You see, I was orphaned at an early age and was sold to a group of slave traders. But they were murdered by a group of bandits with whom we had crossed paths with. Luckily, my master, Hiko Seijuurou saw the carnage and killed the bandits before they could kill me too. He decided to take me into his care and begin my training of the Hiten Mitsurugi school. When Iâ??ve completed my training I asked his permission to let me leave and use the things Iâ??ve learned. We got into a heated argument which was left unresolved. Then, I was discovered by Katsura Kogoro and Takasugi Shinsaku during the recruitment activities to form the anti-shogunate group of warriors called the Kihetai and I was assigned as an assassin. Mr. Kogoro and Mr. Shinsaku were the only ones who knew my identity. During my years as an assassin, I heard that my master has taken on a new student.â??
â??We had heard that there were rumors that Master Hiko has another student,â?? said Aoshi. â??But no one is quite sure if it were true or just a rumor.â??
â??My master was a very private man,â?? explained Kenshin. â??He doesnâ??t like it when people pry into other peopleâ??s affairs. Heâ??s a very reserved man, not to mention quite stubborn too.â??
As are you, thought Kaoru, smiling to herself.
â??So you had an extremely unsettled childhood?â?? inquired Yumi sympathetically.
Kenshin smiled. â??Iâ??m still lucky than most children at that time of chaos. My master taught me a lot of things and since my master was a very wealthy man, I had advantage to everything, that is until Iâ??ve decided to leave to pursue my own destiny.â??
â??Then you suddenly found out that someone is claiming your title,â?? muttered Saitou.
Kenshin looked him full in the eyes. â??It was for this reason that I joined the Army. It seemed to me the only way in which I could in some measure redeem my name and my honor.â??
â??That you have done in full, sir,â?? commented Aoshi.
Saitou frowned. â??But why did you not claim your title months ago? Surely you must have been aware that after Master Hiko was found dead, Shogu Amakusa was claiming the title?â??
â??I knew nothing of the tragedy and I was shocked to learn of the death of my master, and even more appalled to discover that Shogu Amakusa was claiming my title. As a matter of principle I felt I could not claim the title until I had proved myself worthy. For I knew that by doing so, I would once more bring honor to the name of Battousai.â??
Kaoru sensed that Kenshin was anxious to avoid any more questions on the subject, especially those concerning Shogu Amakusa. Fortunately, before Saitou could say another word, supper was announced.
â??Mr. Kamiya,â?? smiled Kenshin, â??may I have your permission to escort your charming daughter in to supper?â??
Yumi looked delighted. That the acclaimed war hero, the legendary Battousaiâ??the gallant officer who had rescued her son Soujirouâ??should be seen by the guests escorting her own Kaoru at the Emperorâ??s reception! There was glory indeed!
Saitou gladly gave his consent. And the eyes of every fashionable lady in the room were fixed jealously on Kaoru as the legendary Battousai led her into the supper room.
Each table was decked with delicious delicacies of every description, but Kaoru was too overcome to feel hungry. Kenshin drew her into a secluded arbor. For a long moment, they were content just to sit and gaze on one another, and delight in being together once more.
â??Kenshin, I can hardly believe it is all true!â?? Kaoru murmured. â??When the doors opened and you strode into the room! It is a wonder I did not faint right into your arms!â??
He laughed. â??I am sorry to have shocked you. But it would not have been right, before, to have told you who I was.â??
â??But what about Shogu Amakusa? Where is he? Do you know, I was about to set out for my weddingâ??things had gone that farâ??but he did not appear.â??
Kenshinâ??s face darkened. â??What I am about to tell you is for your ears only, Kaoru. I will not tell the public the truth about Shogu Amakusa. What happened is this: I came to Shimabara intending to apologize to my master. I was amazed to learn that he had drowned.â??
â??It was very tragic,â?? sighed Kaoru.
â??It was very peculiar,â?? said Keshin grimly, â??for my master was an extremely strong swimmer.â??
â??The story was that Master Hiko had been drinking heavily,â?? said Kaoru. â??He must have toppled into the water and then fainted.â??
â??My suspicions were aroused,â?? said Kenshin, â??and I decided to investigate. Not many people in Shimabara knew my identity for during my training, my master and I rarely left his estate. I discovered that my master had indeed been drinking that dayâ?|with Shogu Amakusa.â??
Kaoruâ??s eyes widened. â??What was so strange,â?? went on Kenshin, â??was that Shogu Amakusa and my master had had an argument and had hardly been on speaking terms. The people there told me that they overheard my master and Shogu Amakusa arguing.â??
Kaoru had a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach.
â??Then,â?? said Kenshin, â??when I heard that Shogu Amakusa was already claiming the title for himself, I determined to keep him under close watch until I had got to the bottom of the matter. Of course, he had no idea that I even existed. My master probably didnâ??t even mention that he had another student. He decided that if he could remove my master, there would be nothing to stop him from inheriting the title and my masterâ??s fortune.â??
â??But how could you prove that there was foul play involved in Master Hikoâ??s death?â?? asked Kaoru.
â??That took some time, and a considerable amount of money,â?? Kenshin told her. â??I knew I had time on my side, so I asked the help of Mr. Shinsaku to find out more about Shogu Amakusa and to question further the servants at the Shimabara estate, while I kept an eye on Amakusa himself in Tokyo.â??
â??And what did you discover?â?? breathed Kaoru.
â??On the evening my master was drowned,â?? said Kenshin, â??one of the village girls was washing her clothes in the river. She saw Shogu Amakusa and my master stroll down the path. There was an argument and Amakusa was holding something, but was too far for the girl to really see, and was taunting my master. Then he hit my master, who fell into the river. In his weakened condition, he began to swim toward the bank, but Amakusa seized him and held him under the water until he was dead.â??
â??Kenshin!â??
â??The servant girl was terrified. She tried to hide, but sharp-eyed Amakusa noticed her. He beat her unmercifully, threatening to kill the poor girl if ever she revealed what she had seen. Naturally, she kept silent for a long time. But when I began asking questions, she was so frightened she ran away. Naturally, this aroused my suspicions, and I brought her to me in Kyoto. I promised her my protection, and she told me all. I hope she will shortly be safely employed in your sister Misaoâ??s household. I also discovered that Amakusa himself was very knowledgeable when it comes to plants, but mostly poisonous ones. He also forged my masterâ??s signature to make it looked like my master has left him all his fortune.â??
Kaoru was pale and speechless. And to think that her parents wanted her to marry that man!
Kenshin went on grimly. â??Fortunately, my master sent a letter to his good friend and lawyer Houji Sadoshima, who was at that time in Europe, informing him about his premonition. Being a cautious man, he sent him the original copy to his will, making me his heir. Mr. Sadoshima was the one who tipped the Emperor about Amakusa being a fraud. The Emperor, at first, refused to believe Mr.Sadoshimaâ??s claims but when Mr. Shinsaku finally showed him foolproof evidence, the Emperor finally accepted the truth.â??
â??But why did Mr. Shinsaku have to wait 10 long years to tell the Emperor the real identity of Battousai?â?? asked Kaoru.
â??Because he had sworn to Mr. Kogoro that no one will know my true identity until the time is right,â?? said Kenshin gently.
â??And Shogu Amakusa?â?? inquired Kaoru. â??Where is he? Why did he disappear?â??
â??As soon as I had the girlâ??s testimony,â?? said Kenshin, his voice icy, â??I laid in wait for Amakusa. I knew he was returning to Kyoto from Tokyo, on his way back to his Shimabara estate. I waylaid him by night on Suizenji Bridge. I wonâ??t go into details of the scene, but we had an extremely ugly fight. Once he realized that I knew the truth, he was determined to kill me.â??
Kaoruâ??s throat tightened as she imagined the scene beneath the yellow lights of Suizenji Bridge.
â??He drew a pistol on me. But after a violent struggle, I managed to smash it with my sword. The pistol went off, firing into the villainâ??s chest. He staggered backwards, and plunged over the bridge, into the swirling waters below.â??
â??Hisâ?|body has not been found,â?? whispered Kaoru.
Kenshin shook his head. â??The currents in that part are strong. By now, he will have been washed downriver and into the sea.â??
â??It was a form of justice, then,â?? mused Kaoru, â??for after drowning your master, Shogu Amakusa, too, went to a watery grave. But why did you not publicly denounce him, and tell the world what had happened? As it is, everyone believes the rumor that he went off to war, to fight gallantly for his country.â??
â??Let them continue to believe that,â?? declared Kenshin. â??As I said, there has been enough disgrace and scandal attached to my name. And it has ended well. I am now the rightful Battousai. At the first opportunity, my dearest Kaoru, I intend to ask your father for your hand in marriage.â??
As he spoke, he raised her hand and kissed it. Kaoru gazed at him with shining eyes. â??Kenshin, I can hardly believe that we are really to be married. When I think of all that has happenedâ?|all our secret meetingsâ?|â??
â??Ah, yes,â?? he smiled, â??there is one thing left to be done. Before we get married, I for the last time will journey to Haruno Grange, to replace the gold in Sayo Kashiwazakiâ??s summer house. I feel it is only right. And who knows, at some time in the future perhaps it may provide an adventure for another pair of lovers.â??
â??You are incredibly romantic!â?? laughed Kaoru. â??But I wish to come with you to replace the gold.â??
â??You will do no such thing,â?? he protested. â??Why, in a short space of time you will become my wife, a respected, respectable matron. It would be very unseemly for you to ride through the moonlit countryside with a cross- scared man!â??
Kaoruâ??s eyes twinkled. â??I have to advise you, my love, that I will never be a respectable matron, as you well know.â??
â??No,â?? laughed Kenshin, â??there is too much of the free, wild spirit in you for that. It is what I love about you, Kaoru.â??
â??Then I will ride with you to Haruno Grange,â?? she declared firmly.
On a crisp autumn night, when the sky was full of stars, Kaoru and Kenshin rode side by side to return the gold to Sayoâ??s summer house. Kenshin laid the bag of gold back into the hollow of earth, and Kaoru carefully replaced the yellow tile.
â??Thank you, Sayo,â?? she murmured.
Holding aloft her candle, she glanced around the summer house. â??You know, Kenshin, I sense a different atmosphere here now. That air of tragedy and longing has been swept away. Do you think poor Sayo has been watching over usâ?|and because we have fallen in love, she, too, has found the peace for which she was so desperately searching?â??
Kenshin bent and gently touched her face. â??I am convinced of it, my lovely one.â??
As Kenshin lifted her out through the window of the ivy-covered ruin, Kaoru whispered, â??How much has happened since we were last here. Then I felt chilled with sadness, knowing you were going away to the war. I was terrified I would never see you again.â??
He took her into his arms. â??This is the last time,â?? he breathed, â??that we will have adventure together as the red-haired stranger and the rebellious raven-haired ladyâ?|â??
And in the moonlight, he crushed her to him, his mouth warm and demanding. Willingly she surrendered to his passion, finding in his kisses and the masculine strength of his embrace a joy and rapture far beyond her wildest imaginings.
When at last the tide of ecstasy subsided, she was still for a moment within the circle of his arms. Then she reached up and caressed his cross- shaped scar.
â??I love you,â?? he declared. â??With all my heart and soul I love youâ??my future wife.â??
She replied with starlight in her eyes: â??And I love you, my beloved man of the night.â??
He drew her once to him and kissed her for a long, long time. Then he said, â??Come, my precious Kaoru. Our future together awaits us.â??
They were married in December. Soujirou, fully recovered from his injury, returned in time for the wedding.
The only member of the Kamiya family not present was the youngest, Saitouâ??s grandson, who was safely tucked up in his crib. Misao had been adamant that they must name the baby Kenshin, and the entire family had approved her choice.
Kaoru Himura was taken by her husband to his masterâ??s estate in Shimabara. As she anticipated, he proved to be a considerate husband and a passionate lover. He gave her everything her heart desired, and she was sublimely happy.
On her toilet table stood silver boxes crammed with priceless necklaces, bracelets and rings. But one special piece she kept separate from all the rest, in its own velvet-lined case. It was a simple circle of blue cloth, entwined with raven hair and with red hair.
And above the diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, and rubies, this was the jewel Kaoru treasured most of all.
THE END
AUTHORâ??S NOTES:
Whew! Itâ??s finally over, thank goodness! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU MINNA! Iâ??m so happy that Iâ??ve received many reviews considering that this is my first fic. ::HUGS & KISSES::
Battousai-angel & Crazygal â?? No, Iâ??m not going to write a sequel. But I did asked Dora- chan if sheâ??s interested in writing one. And if anyone is interested in writing a lemon version of this fic, then feel free to do so. Just E-mail me, okay.
Supernaturalove â?? Iâ??ve never seen that movie before.
Chibi-angel â?? Youâ??re really my angel bec. if not for your help, this fic would not have been possible. Youâ??ve got an awesome site.
JML, Kori Suketchi, Inuki & sync*in â?? You guys are wonderful! Thank you for reviewing every chapter of my story.
Dora-chan â?? Your reviews really amuses me. Thank you very, very much!
Linay â?? Pls. update your story, since I absolutely adore your battousai- kaoru fic.
Gypsy-chan â?? Iâ??m very flattered, but I must say that youâ??re one of my ultimate favorite authors.
Bunny â?? Iâ??ve visited your Sailor Moon site and it was amazing. I donâ??t know if I sign your guestbook though (GOMENASAI!).
*** I'm working on my second fic â??Blind Marriageâ?? (title courtesy of Chibi- angel).***
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