Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ A Simple Twist of Fate ❯ Chapter 2

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

 

The sun beat down on her as she leaned over the stream. She hated today. Today was laundry day, or at least the day she was forced to haul all the linens to the small river to be washed. She detested it and longed for Tae to take in another stray so she would be relinquished of the chore. She was only grateful it was a beautiful day. A gentle breeze stirred the trees and Kaoru sat up, stretching her back. It was early afternoon and she was nearly halfway done. Sitting back on her heel, Kaoru eyed the pile of dirty clothes, debating on whether she could take a break or not. Her dark blue eyes scanned to where she had hung string to dry the sheets and she giggled to herself, rising from her position. Who was to know?

 

Feeling mischievous, she kicked off her shoes and waded into the stream. The cottage was not visible, hidden just around the bend. The water was cool against her feet and she held her skirts up so as not to wet them. Then deciding she didn't care, she let them fall and threw her arms up, embracing the warm sunlight that danced across her face. It was moments like these when she felt free.

 

For nearly fifteen years she had lived under the tutelage of Tae. Who the old woman was to her exactly, Kaoru wasn't really sure. While the woman rarely allowed her to leave the woods without supervision, she had managed to find friends over the years. It had begun with Megumi's introduction. How much older she was, Kaoru didn't know and wasn't about to ask. It was enough years that Tae agreed to allow the two to go to the nearest town without her. She couldn't even fully recall how she had met Misao. One minute she had been there next to Megumi, the next she had been alone, lost in the vast market, unsure of where to go.

 

The petite girl had appeared out of nowhere, her green eyes full of questions and mischief. Who was she and where was she going? How had she gotten lost and did she want to see the castle? Kaoru, who had been fifteen, was completely caught off guard by the young female. She still had no clue as to why the woman would associate with her. Kaoru was nothing more than a peasant. But over the next few visits to town, they had become fast friends and Misao opened a world to Kaoru that she had only envisioned in her wildest fantasies.

 

Misao held a distant connection to the royal court, just what it was the woman always waved aside. But she had been trained in the arts of ninja and had taught Kaoru how to sneak around the village without attracting attention to her. Once she had mastered it and had actually managed to sneak up on Misao one afternoon, the petite brunette had given her the most delightful treat Kaoru could imagine. They had snuck into the impenetrable palace.

 

She had laid eyes on the king, a tall and impervious man who day in and day out saw petitioners. He had been sitting on his throne, listening to some of his advisors discuss some matter. He was impressive to behold with his majestic beauty. Misao told her nearly all the woman of court fawned all over him, though he refused to marry. Instead he spent every night locked in his room, nursing a jug of sake and challenging those around to games of chess.

 

Of course she had actually only been inside the castle once, discovered by Misao's mentor. Aoshi had not seen the humor in allowing two teenage girls to infiltrate the stronghold and the two had never made the attempt again. But Kaoru dreamed of the fabulous balls that must occur and the handsome men who attended. She only hoped they were not all like Aoshi with his cold demeanor. It had taken her years before she had become comfortable with the man. Even still, when his temper was up, Kaoru squirmed underneath the icy blue stare.

 

Numerous times she had thought to ask to sneak in just to watch such an event just for a few minutes. She knew there had been a celebration just a few days ago. The recollection of Aoshi's stony glare was enough to keep her mouth closed so she never brought it up. However, Misao had given her numerous novels of ill repute that spoke of what supposedly really went on at court. Part of her wished she hadn't. It stirred emotions Kaoru longed for and at eighteen had begun to give up on feeling. There were very few men in her life and she no desire to progress their relationship beyond friendship.

 

She wandered upstream a bit, careful not to step on rocks or anything else that might be hiding beneath the depths. She knew the woods well, having grown up among them and knew there was a trail leading into a small clearing where she would come and practice on occasion. She never met the man who had taught her to wield a sword here. She did still heed some of Tae's warnings. But, she didn't want the old woman to realize exactly what rules she had broken, and therefore she kept her budding ability to herself.

 

Deciding a short practice session would be in order before finishing her chore, Kaoru headed her way upstream, her azure eyes searching for the break in the tree line. Finding it at last, she crossed the bank and clambered out of the water. She had forgotten she had left her shoes behind and cursed softly to realize her folly. Her teacher would not approve, but then, he wasn't here. Grinning impishly, she quickly made her way down the hidden path towards the clearing she had made her small haven. So caught up in her own pleasure, she didn't notice anyone else as she burst through the trees and quickly made her way towards the small cache where she kept her wooden bokken.

 

Swiftly she dropped to her knees and moved the rocks aside, revealing the small narrow hole she had dug to hide her practice weapon. Very few people came here, though Sanosuke knew to find her if he needed her, which was rare considering his primary focus when he made a visit was to harass Megumi. Still, even the tall brunette wasn't aware of her skill and she preferred to keep it that way. Finding the long wooden shaft, she pulled it out and stood. She grinned in delight as she took a stance, her wooden blade above her head. She brought it down in a smooth motion, her wrist twisting as she brought it across her body. She took a quick step backwards, her weapon low. She threw back her shoulders and twirled, her skirts swirling about her ankles. She whipped the bokken around, striking at an invisible opponent, her long ebony hair trailing around her shoulders.

 

Immediately she dropped the wood, a gasp escaping her lips as she stared wide-eyed at what she had missed before. The man stood twenty feet from her, next to the small pond, which sat on the edge of the clearing. He was dressed as a traveler, a samurai sword hanging on his hip. Bright red hair was tied back from his face. But what struck Kaoru first were the inquisitive amethyst eyes that watched her. They were large and studying her with a mixture of surprise and curiosity. She felt herself blush and she looked at the grass at her feet. Aware of her state, her flush deepened and she crossed her feet, trying to hide her bare toes.

 

Her mind began to race with thoughts. Who was he? What was he doing here? Tae would be ashamed for her appearance and then furious she had not been more careful. She was not to speak to strangers. Despite the number of times she had snuck away to the village, she kept to herself mostly. She cast another quick glance at the man through her dark lashes. He didn't appear dangerous, though there was a red cross marked scar on his left cheek. Somewhere the image stirred something in the recesses of her mind, but was gone before Kaoru could fully perceive it. The redhead was still watching her, his head tilted to the side slightly.

 

Her mortification began to turn to uncertainty and an air of uneasiness began to settle over them. She wasn't sure what she should do. Did she merely turn and walk away or say something to the handsome stranger. And he was handsome. She looked at him again, this time allowing her dark blue eyes to linger over his form. The man was more than handsome; he was beautiful with his long fiery hair and strange colored eyes. Something in her belly twisted and she dropped her eyes to her bokken trying to make sense of the situation.

 

“Forgive me.” She murmured at last, breaking the stillness that hovered between them. “I did not mean to intrude.”

 

She turned to leave the way she come, gracefully reaching for the wooden shaft and heading once more towards the stream.

 

“Wait!” The word made her pause and she bit her lip, though she didn't turn around. “It is I who should apologize. It appears you know this place, that it does, and I am the one who is intruding.”

 

Slowly she turned to face him, indecision crowding her mind. “I didn't know anyone would be here.”

 

“I was passing through and stopped for a short rest.”

 

“Are you on your way to the village?”

 

The man hesitated and she took a step towards him. “I have no destination, that I don't. I merely wander from place to place.”

 

She wrinkled her nose, her inquisitiveness overshadowing her sense of caution. “Doesn't sound like much of a life.”

 

The man's upper lip curled into what she thought might be a smile. “Why is that?”

 

Kaoru took another step. “How would you know if you had a warm bed to sleep in or a hot meal to stomach?”

 

“I don't mind sleeping underneath the stars and I don't think I would die if I missed an occasional meal.”

 

“Don't you have any family?”

 

“You sure ask a lot of questions.”

 

She stopped and blushed. “Megumi tells me that too.” She nibbled on her bottom lip and approached him again as he turned away from her to stare down on the still surface of the pond. “Can I at least ask you your name?”

 

The violet eyes flickered in her direction. “You may ask.”

 

She grinned to herself having played this game with Aoshi before. “Will you tell me if I do?”

 

 

The man blinked and looked at her once more. The curl deepened and a soft smile graced the man's face. “Hai. I will grant the one question.”

 

Her mind reeled trying not to waste this brief moment between them. She wanted to know so much about him, but most importantly, she didn't want her time with him to end. Aoshi had a tendency to play these word games with her and Misao. Kaoru had long struggled to beat him at his own game in order to glean the information she sought. Trying to prolong his stay and not waste her question she ignored his words. “Since you have no destination, perhaps you might enjoy a warm meal before you head on your way to nowhere.”

 

He blinked at her again and chuckled softly. “You are definitely full of surprises.”

 

She smiled fully at him, delight flooding her for having broken through the man's façade. “Is that a yes or a no?”

 

He hesitated again and then slowly nodded his head. “That would be nice.”

 

“And surely it would be rude to not give your name, since I am going to give you dinner.”

 

The violet eyes narrowed thoughtfully. “Kenshin.” He finally said.

 

She curtsied, not bothered any more by her appearance. “Tis a pleasure to meet you Kenshin, I am Kaoru.”

 

She rose feeling a bit silly for having indulged in one of her fantasies and color stained her cheeks when she saw the furrowed brow of the redhead. Then he bowed and took her hand in his before she could protest. “The honor is all mine.” He murmured, pressing his lips to her knuckles. It was such a simple gesture, but it had her heart pounding. She had never had a man respond in such a manner. Sanosuke laughed her and she had never thought to greet Aoshi that way. Her teacher, though polite, had never given her a second glance as a female.

 

Kaoru took a shaky breath to calm herself and glanced at the sky. She offered Kenshin a sheepish grin. “There's just one thing.”

 

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Kenshin watched the young woman out of the corner of his eye. She was a paradox if ever he had met one. Then again, what else did he expect to meet once he had left the stone walls? It had been three days since he had left, his curiosity as to why Hiko would want him to seek out the healer in the forest driving him through the local village for the old woman. However, his search had come up short and he had left, heading through the woods towards the nearest town, a full days walk from the castle. There he had not learned much more. There was no old woman healer, but rather a young pretty one with a way with medicinal herbs. No one knew where she came from, nor where she went; only that she appeared every so often.

 

Deciding he owed it to his mentor to at least try and find the strange woman, he had wandered beyond the trails through the woods. That had been yesterday. He had half a mind to abandon the errand completely, not liking he had been given a chore in the first place. He had stopped at the small glen for a drink absorbed in his thoughts, never noticing the rustle of bushes until the intruder was upon him. He could contain his surprise to see it was a young woman. She moved with purpose to a small pile of rocks and searched for something. Kenshin had risen then and allowed her to sense his presence.

 

He wondered if she was the woman with the herb knowledge, but she had pulled out a weapon, a wooden one, but a weapon nonetheless. The way she gripped it and the move she had performed before spotting him had seemed familiar to him, but he had fought so many, it was hard to tell what style she had learned. It had been a long time since anything surprised Kenshin and the strange woman startled him with her innocent aura and engaging friendliness.

 

Kenshin chanced another glance where she stood folding the sheets that had already dried. He was aware that she watched him though she was extremely unobtrusive about it. He doubted she had even been to court, considering the simple nature of her garments. He had noticed that even the peasants of the village replicated the styles of the courtiers to their best ability. But Kaoru's dark green dress was simple, hugging her frame to keep her warm, yet allowing her easy mobility.

 

The woman was clearly intelligent as well. She had asked for permission to ask his name. Without another thought, he had given his answer, commonly retorted when the silly chits of court wanted his attention. Instead of accepting the bait, she had replied neatly with desire for his answer and then proceeded to not even ask the question. Instead she had invited him to dinner and making him seem rude for not giving his name initially.

 

Now he knelt on the bank, a white sheet in his hands. A few feet away, Kaoru hung another on the line to dry. He had never had to do laundry, growing up within the walls of the castle and then on his own on the road. When he needed clean clothes, he always stayed at a small hotel where someone gladly offered to wash any of his belongings. But now, underneath the late afternoon sun, he felt a sense of serenity settle over him. There was something about the mundane act that allowed him to feel at ease for the first time in a long while.

 

Finished with his chore finally, he sat back, the wet material in his hands. He watched the dark haired woman as she hummed to herself, collecting the dried sheets from the line. She paused and her dark cerulean eyes slowly glanced at him. She smiled shyly and ducked behind the linen billowing in the wind. Again he wondered if she had ever met a man, her erratic behavior told him no, but he had seen her carry a bokken. Something about the way she moved told him she was no stranger to the martial arts. He had rarely met a woman who had the desire to pick up a weapon, even a wooden one, and that meant she had learned her ability from a man. She had not mentioned a male; only of a woman named Megumi whom he deduced might be an older sister.

 

He had heard of a Megumi. Sanosuke spoke of her, and not always in a positive light. Kenshin always assumed she was possibly one of the few females he had encountered who didn't swoon when he flashed his easy smile. But in all of his dealings with the woman he referred to as `kitsune' the man had never mentioned Kaoru, or anyone who could even possibly be the beguiling young woman. Whether Megumi and Kitsune were the same woman was still a mystery.

 

Plus he didn't appear to be any closer of learning the identity of the mysterious healer who lived within the woods. Whether Kaoru was the woman or merely an acquaintance he had not yet gleaned. Eventually the answer would present itself. Perhaps after dinner he could ask if she knew of the doctor he sought.

 

“Are you finished?”

 

The question brought him out of his reverie. He nodded and held up the white linen. She took it and headed towards the line. “Have you always lived out here?” He asked, the question coming unbidden from his lips. He hadn't meant to be so forward, deciding it would be best, in case he frightened her off.

 

However the woman shrugged, unfazed, and glanced up at the sky. “As long as I can remember.” She answered, not a hint of fear in her words. “You don't think it will rain?”

 

Now his violet eyes skimmed the clouds in the sky. The sun still shone brightly. “I don't think it will, that I don't.”

 

She nodded to herself and looked over her shoulder at him as she hung the sheet. “I didn't realize how late it was. Tae will be worried.”

 

Another name to fit into the equation. “Your mother?”

 

The question seemed innocent enough, but for the first time since they had returned from the glen, she hesitated. “She is the closest thing to a mother I've ever had.” She finally answered.

 

He came to her and placed a hand on her shoulder. “Forgive me. I did not mean to pry.”

 

Kaoru turned to him and smiled brightly. “You didn't know.”

 

Her easy candor was catching and he found himself returning the grin. He could almost stay here in this moment, just as long as she was near. She licked her lips and finally took a step away from him. “I'll come back later, give them a chance to dry.” She murmured. He nodded and blinked. Where had that thought come from? Not since the wars had he had such a clear thought where a woman was concerned. It was probably the tranquility of the forest and a soft smile tugged at his lips as he watched the ebony haired woman pick up her basket. Perhaps Hiko was right. He just might find some solace after all, and so close to the castle.

 

He followed her deeper into the trees. Without thinking, he fell in step just behind her, his eyes darting from side to side searching for a threat. She glanced back at him and paused, waiting for him to stride next to her. “Don't walk behind me. It makes me nervous.”

 

“Why is that?”

 

The woman shrugged and tossed her long ponytail over her shoulder. “Because royalty has an entourage. I'm not anything like that.”

 

He offered her a weak smile. “It's a habit.”

 

Her smile was easy and teasing. “Just don't let it happen again.”

 

They walked along in silence, the sounds of the woods filling the air between them. Kaoru had her head slightly lifted into the warm breeze. Striving for conversation he recalled what had brought her into the glen in the first place. “Who taught you to wield a bokken?”

 

She came to a sudden halt, her azure eyes wide. Startled he stopped several feet in front of her. Slowly he turned to face her. Kaoru shrugged hurriedly, passing him as she resumed walking. “I don't know what you're talking about.”

 

Now he did a double take as he strived to catch up to her. She had seemed so open about everything else about her life, though she had hesitated on the question of her guardian. “The reason you dashed into the clearing in the first place.”

 

“Oh that.” She waved a slim hand dismissively. “I was coming from the river.”

 

“But you seemed determined.” He insisted.

 

She glanced at him through the corner of her blue eyes, her gait gaining speed. “I was just happy to be away from the laundry. I hate that chore particularly.”

 

“You picked up a weapon.”

 

“It was nothing more than a stick.” She laughed a bit uneasily.

 

He let it alone, matching his pace to hers. She stopped suddenly and whirled around. Kenshin skidded to a halt and watched her. Her blue eyes were wary. “Why are you chasing me?” She demanded.

 

“You told me not to follow you, that you did.”

 

She flushed and looked down at the ground. “I did, didn't I?”

 

He took a deep breath and glanced at the sky. It was just visible amongst the waving branches, the late afternoon sunlight filtering through the leaves. “If you would rather I not join you for dinner, I understand.”

 

She shook her head, strands of her long dark hair hiding her face. “It isn't that.” She looked off into the distance and sighed. “I promised not to speak of it.”

 

He nodded, completely understanding her reluctance. Whomever her teacher was, he wouldn't want it getting around that he had taken on a female pupil. He personally didn't mind, his first love being quite adept with a blade. The memory threatened to surface and he shook his head to let it go. “I will not ask again or any other pressing questions, that I won't.”

 

There was probably a valid reason for the elusive doctor to live deep in the woods and any probing inquiries would land him out in the dark faster than if he kept to himself. She smiled in relief and granted him with a warm smile that he couldn't help but return. She turned towards their destination and he grabbed her wrist. “Kaoru-dono?”

 

Her blue eyes were wide and she licked her lips as she stared at him. He could feel her pulse beneath his fingertips and he was tempted to pull her against him. Instead he let her go. “If you ever want another perspective, all you need to do is ask.”

 

The woman blinked at him and a slow smile spread across her full lips. “Thank you.”

 

He nodded. “Shall we?” He gestured with his arm and Kaoru nodded. He fell in step beside her and they continued on towards the cottage.

 

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

 

 

Tae couldn't help but peer through the window again. It had grown late and while she knew Kaoru had a tendency to wander off, the woman should have returned by now. She was well aware of the woman's secret trips to the village, only because she had been prone to them herself at that age. But the young woman had always taken care and as long as she returned home before the sunset, Tae tried desperately not to worry. It was pertinent that she never realize the extent of what danger she could truly be in.

 

As she watched the shadows lengthening, two figures finally emerged in the gloom. She swallowed in apprehension knowing only one. Megumi had gone to the village to the east and would not return until late. That meant Kaoru had befriended someone else. She tried to stamp down her apprehension but it deepened once she saw the couple approached the steps.

 

She stepped away from the window and returned to the kitchen where she kneaded the flour for bread. A few minutes later the door opened and she looked up from her task. “And where have you been young lady?” She chided, hoping her anxiety was not apparent in her voice.

 

Kaoru blushed and glanced at her companion who stood behind the door. “Sorry. I took a break and found someone to help me.”

 

“And you brought this someone home, I suppose?”

 

She nodded and the door closed. Tae turned her curious gaze on the stranger and offered a warm smile. The stranger was handsome with long fiery hair and exotic violet eyes. A large scar adorned his cheek, stirring a memory within. She inclined her head in greeting and reached for a towel. “I'm Tae. Welcome to our humble abode.”

 

He watched her curiously and nodded in return. “It is I who owe you thanks. If not for Kaoru-dono, I would probably not be eating tonight.”

 

“This is Kenshin.” Kaoru retorted, placing the basket of clean sheets on the table. “He helped me finish the laundry, but I'll have to go back after dinner to get the last of them.”

 

Tae turned her dark brown eyes once more to the stranger. She studied him, slowly taking in his appearance. A samurai sword hung on his belt and she sucked in a deep breath, releasing it slowly. “Since Kenshin helped you initially, I'm sure he would be more than willing to accompany you.” She stated before turning her back.

 

She closed her eyes briefly as she moved to the sink. Tae fought down the fleeting panic and straightened her back. “Kaoru, why don't you show our guest to the attic where he can sleep this evening?”

 

“That is not—“

 

“Nonsense.” She turned back around. “By the time we finish with dinner and you return from helping Kaoru, it will be quite dark. The nearest village is quite a trek through the woods, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the way. It is only natural for you to stay here where you know you'll have a warm dry bed.”

 

He nodded his head again and followed Kaoru out of the room. Tae watched them go and swallowed several times. She had known this moment would come. She had just not realized it would come so soon. But then, it had been thirteen years. As she focused on preparing dinner, her mind ran rampant with the things she would need to pack. In three days time her presence would be required. One did not turn down a summons from the king.

 

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Any suggestions and comments are always welcome. Until next time! Kisses!