Hey, everyone. This story used to be called Wake Me Up When September Ends, but I had to change it because one of my other stories has the same title. Sorry if there is any inconvenience. Please forgive me.

Inner Pain

I was dreaming. In my dream, there was a man fighting for people that had no rights and no privileges. His foes were hurting the people and making them do awful things. He wanted to stop the suffering, but inside he was also suffering. He took the people's burdens and borne them, hoping that he could get rid of the evil that tried to destroy them. He wanted to help everyone he could, no matter what destruction he brought upon himself. His pain is so real. It is tearing my heart apart. There must be something I can do for him. Please let me help you.

Kanami woke from her dream and opened her eyes. Everything appeared blurry to her, but she soon focused in everything. She was lying on a bed. What was going on? Why was she there? Then she remembered everything. She was supposed to be working, carrying bags of rocks out of the caverns. She had collapsed against a man, but he helped her up. Then she had put herself in front of the crying woman and taken a beating. That was why she was there.

She had to get back to work. She tried to sit up, but the pain struck her and forced her back down on the bed. As she breathed to stay the throbbing, she heard the soft voice from before, the one that told her to hold on.

"You shouldn't move," the gentle voice said. "You need to rest. You went through quite the ordeal." Kanami looked up to find a man in a long, ragged cloak. He looked so gentle, especially his orange eyes. She laughed as she noticed the short, bluish-green hair. The cut reminded her of Kazuma. He had the same look in his eyes as Kazuma as well. It was a look of determination.

As she starred at him, he grabbed a glass of water and sat her up slightly and gently. "Here. You should drink this." She did as he said and took a tiny sip. He then laid her back down and smiled down on her. "How are you doing? Do you feel better?"

"A little," Kanami replied weakly. He then felt her head and smiled again.

"Well, your fever is gone, but you need to stay in bed for a little longer. That man out there broke your right arm in half. I'm surprised that he didn't break your backbone. Just try to get some rest." He started to leave when Kanami spoke up.

"Thank you," she said. He turned around and saw her beautiful smile. She looked so cute in that bed. He wanted to stay, but he had to tend to other things. That didn't stop him. He sat next to her and rubbed her head. Her curiosity got the best of her. "I remember you. You're name is Ryuho, right?" His smile disappeared at the question.

"Is that my name? I really can't remember anything before I came to this place." Kanami felt sorry for the man. It must have been horrible to have nothing to remember. Something else was bothering her. She had to ask him.

"I was wondering if you saw a man with an alter fist. Have you seen Kazu-kun?"

"Kazu-kun?" Ryuho asked.

"Yes, that's what I call him, but his real name is Kazuma." The next thing that happened made Kanami jump. Ryuho grabbed his head and started shaking as if he were in pain. "Ryuho, are you alright?" He didn't respond to her. He just kept muttering the same phrase.

"Kazuma, you did this to me. You caused all of this pain. It was you!" After saying that, he ran out the door, leaving Kanami wondering.

What just happened? Did I say something wrong? He definitely knows who Kazuma is. Kazuma always said horrible things about him. Why is there so much pain inside of him? What happened between those two to cause so much anger, and why do they hate each other so much? Kazuma, what is going on?

Hey everyone. I'm trying to finish this story, but it may take awhile. I'm sorry about the change in title. Please keep reading the story.

I would like to thank Erin Elric, Serenaclutz, and Matghost for reviewing. Also, I would like to thank:

Delina: Thanks, I think their age shouldn't matter either. Kazuma is sixteen and Kanami is ten or eight. That's only a six or eight year spread. I know married people that have twenty years between them.

Oathkeeper123liz456: Thanks for the great ratings. I want the story to be kinda like the TV Series, but not too much.

Kenshinluva75: Don't worry. I'm crazy too. No, I lied. I'm not crazy. I'm psychotic and demented. Hehehe.

Lilangelarishi: I know. Poor Kanami. She'll be alright. She's pretty tough.

Chocolatelover1: Don't worry. Ryuho took care of those bastards. I kinda felt sorry for them. NOT! Ha ha ha.

Anyways, thanks for all the reviews. I'll try to update soon. Cya.