Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ A Simple Twist of Fate ❯ Chapter 7

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Kaoru nibbled on her lower lip. It had been several days since Tae left her, leaving Kenshin to watch over her. It gave her a thrill, though the man had done nothing inappropriate. Still she enjoyed his company and he didn't seem to mind hers. She couldn't see how that was possible. She was constantly chatting and babbling, the man making her slightly nervous. It seemed that their contact was limited to that which was accidental, particularly since they had returned from the village. That had been a strange day with how things had ended. She felt as though something had changed between them and flushed when she recalled one possible reason why.

 

The lie had flowed off her tongue. Kaoru still wasn't sure why, since she had been about to tell him everything the first night. And the redhead's reaction still startled her. He had been angry, but she didn't feel as though he was mad at her. Yet there had been more driving Kenshin's fury, something just lurking beneath the surface. It terrified and exhilarated her at the same time. It was deeper and darker than anger. But it had not touched the man's demeanor again and Kaoru had almost convinced herself it was a figment of her overactive imagination.

 

She paused in her ministrations. Being alone with him had grown comfortable. Despite those few moments, she really liked Kenshin and enjoyed their time together, wanting it to never end. She wondered if this was how things would be if they were married. She grinned to herself and returned to the shift in her lap. Carefully, she pulled the thread through, grimacing when she stuck her finger. The finger went into her mouth. She did miss her bokken and thought that perhaps now would be the time to broach the topic with the redhead. If she did plan on marrying him, she would need to know where his thoughts lay on the subject.

 

Putting down the garment she was repairing, she looked over to where he sat on a rock. She had asked to come to the spring, claiming a desire to be out in the open. He had smiled softly at her and agreed. Gracefully she rose to her feet and made her way to where he sat. Kenshin's exotic colored eyes were closed, his hand tucked into his sleeves. Curious, she sat down next to him and tugged her knees under her chin. She was close enough that she could feel his warmth and she tilted her head up, her eyes closed, towards the stray sunbeams that found their way through the canopy of leaves.

 

“Finished?”

 

She opened her eyes and looked at the man at her side. He was watching her closely. “Hai.” She colored, again for a reason she could not comprehend and rested her chin on her knees once more.

 

“Would you like to return?”

 

Kaoru shook her head. “Let's enjoy this moment a little longer.”

 

He conceded and looked out across the surface of the water. The silence settled over them and she nibbled on her lip again. She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye and noticed the scar brandished on his left cheek. It had always been there, but for the first time she speculated on how precisely he had received the mark. It was the only marring of his beauty, but it added to the mystery of him, rather than tarnishing it. “Where did you get that scar?” She asked before she could stop herself.

 

Kaoru pressed her lips together and looked away before she could read the look of startlement in his violet eyes. “Forgive me, that was rude.”

 

Kenshin was quiet a moment and then touched her arm. “There is no need to apologize, that there is not. It is natural to feel curiosity. You more so than anyone I have ever met.”

 

Shyly she looked at him. “Does that mean you'll tell me?”

 

He pressed his lips together and looked away. She felt her heart drop and she looked sullenly down at the rock they sat on. “What was the question?” He asked suddenly and she looked at him sharply.

 

The corner of his upper lip was curled slightly in a grin. “Your scar. When did you get it? Were you in brawl of some kind?”

 

The grin deepened. “Something like that.”

 

Once more she felt a tinge of exasperation. “Something like what?”

 

“I was in a fight.”

 

Her eyes shone and she turned so she could face him better. “What was it about? Was there a girl involved?”

 

The smile faded. The moment lingered and Kaoru wondered if he would answer that particular question, realizing he might be reliving a particular painful memory. “I received it during the wars.” He replied after another moment.

 

Her azure eyes blinked rapidly for a second. “What?” She stared at him, trying not to gape openly at him. They had touched on the wars before when he had been asking of her parentage. “The wars ended nearly ten years ago.”

 

“Hai, they did.”

 

She swallowed. “You aren't referring to another war, by chance.”

 

He gazed at her curiously. “No.”

 

Kaoru stared at him. “You couldn't have fought in the wars. You aren't old enough.” She told him plainly.

 

“I was quite young when I fought, that I was.”

 

“How young, ten? I was eight when the war ended.”

 

Something flashed in Kenshin's eyes and then was gone. “I'm twenty-eight.”

 

Her stomach twisted into a huge knot and she felt a blush rise up her neck. Here she had thought he was only a few years older than her, not much older than Megumi or Sanosuke, if that old even. To learn he was nearly a decade older. Her fantasy dissipated into nothing as the hope of finding romance with him vanished. Who knew what all he had done in those extra ten years, the women he had been with. Her blush deepened and she rose to her feet, embarrassment stealing over her to think she could compete with the females he had once known.

 

Kenshin seemed to realize her state and grabbed her wrist before she could walk away. “Kaoru-dono, are you alright?”

 

She refused to look at him, only tugging weakly at her arm, trying to free herself from his grasp. He stood, his grip tight but not hurting her. “I'm fine.” She stammered

 

He shook his head stubbornly and attempted to pull her closer to him. “ No you are not.”

 

“I'm fine!” She cried.

 

Kenshin tugged her to him, her feet tripping over the long grass so she stumbled against him. Her blue eyes landed on his concerned gaze and she licked her lips to feel the warmth of his body against her. He let go of her wrist and gripped her shoulders, peering into her face. “You look feverish.”

 

Kaoru pulled back suddenly, recalling why she had approached him in the first place. “Are you any good with your sword?”

 

He blinked, completely thrown by her change. “Oro?”

 

“You're sword. You carry it around everywhere but do you really know how to wield it?”

 

Kenshin stared at her with wide violet eyes. Why was she trying to goad him? He studied her for a moment, trying to ascertain the reason for her question. “I would not be standing here before you, Kaoru-dono, if I didn't know how to wield it.”

 

The woman blushed and clasped her hands nervously in front of her. “I just wondered if maybe you would teach me a few moves.” She murmured.

 

It was an opening to a question he had long pondered. “Why do want to learn to fight?”

 

She raised her deep blue eyes and shrugged. “Why not?”

 

“Women don't usually want to. It's slightly frowned upon.”

 

A look of trepidation crossed her features. “Does it bother you?”

 

“Does what bother me?”

 

She hesitated. “That I'm a woman who wants to fight?” She held her breath waiting for his answer. If he stated he didn't want someone capable with a sword, she just might put the blade down and never pick it back up. The she remembered that there was no hope of marriage between them and she became more determined to master the blade.

 

Kenshin slowly shook his head. “I knew a woman who was extremely adept with a blade.” His amethyst gaze darted in her direction. “I cared for her deeply.” He said after a slight hesitation.

 

“Really?” He nodded. “What happened to her? Where is she?”

 

A shadow crossed his face. “She…was killed at the end of the war.”

 

“By who?” She asked before she could take the question back. The man hesitated once more and looked up at the sky. Kaoru bit her lower lip. The subject was obviously a painful one for the man. Again she wondered if the woman he spoke of indeed had been the reason he had received the marks on his face. “What was she like?” She asked trying to change the subject.

 

The piercing gaze landed on her. “Tomoe was a lot like you.” He stated. “She found the simple pleasures in life despite the heavy burdens she carried with her.”

 

“Was she beautiful?”

 

A small sad smile adorned his lips before fading. “She was.”

 

He didn't elaborate and Kaoru sighed. “Do you think I could ever be like her?” She queried, thinking of being beautiful and agile at the same time. Perhaps then Kenshin would see her as more than a young, naïve girl. Maybe there still could be a future for them.

 

The man didn't answer and she looked back at him, curious as to his answer. He was watching her, a strange glint in his deep violet eyes. He came towards her and stopped just a few feet from her. She held her breath, not daring to imagine what was about to transpire. “You will never be like her.” He murmured. Her heart plummeted and she looked down at the ground. His finger crooked under her chin and lifted her face. “You are so much more.” He continued.

 

Kaoru swallowed at the intensity of his words. She looked up at him. The passion she saw in the depths of his violet gaze scared her, though not in a fearful way. Then it was gone. “Thank you.” She whispered not sure what had just happened between them.

 

He smiled at her and opened his mouth as thought to say something more. Instead he turned away, moving across the clearing to where she kept her bokken. “Do you still wish to show me what you have learned?”

 

She grinned and accepted the wooden sword he held out for her. “Absolutely.”

 

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Tae bowed low to the man in front of her. It had been over fifteen years since she had laid eyes on the man. Even still, he garnered her respect. “How does she fare?” The man asked.

 

“She is well.” She answered.

 

"But?”

 

She risked raising her head to meet the piercing blue eyes head on. “Despite what she claims, I believe she is lonely. She craves human contact.”

 

“Why do you say that?”

 

“She strives to undermine me. On numerous occasions she has snuck away to the village.”

 

The man sat back in thought for moment. “I know of her relations with the people she has encountered.”

 

The thought did not surprise her. He had sent Megumi to her for protection. The woman, with her inherent knowledge was valuable in the markets. She could not send one surrogate daughter and not the other. But those who had crossed the younger woman's path held connections to the court and it was only a matter of time before her identity was revealed.

 

In the end it did not bold well for her. Tae had promised years ago that she would strive to keep the woman free from any associations outside of the cottage. “May I ask why this warrior has been brought to her now?” She ventured.

 

Silence greeted her question. “That was not of my volition.” The king responded. “You obviously expected it for some time, as you are now here.”

 

Tae licked her lips and quickly looked down. She was related to this man, yet still feared him. “What would you have me do?” She asked, fearing she had done something wrong in vacating the cottage leaving the two people alone. But she had been told the man would be sent and she was to return to the palace without delay.

 

“There are forces at work that I cannot understand. Leave them for now. There is someone else who must answer to me.”

 

She breathed a sigh of relief. She would not be blamed for leaving Kaoru with the redheaded stranger. Yet she was still afraid for the woman she had raised as her own. “And Kaoru?” She asked, wanting to know what might become of the young woman.

 

The king sighed. “She is in safe hands, thought there is still mush to risk. You must remain here.”

 

“But what if something happens?” She argued.

 

“That is no longer your concern. You're part in this tale is over, as you well know.”

 

Tae bowed her head, knowing it to be true. It did nothing to ease her heart. So much was left unsaid. Why had he not claimed the princess's heritage? Why had he not sent for her? Why insist on her upbringing far from her father? “What should I do now?”

 

“Wait. The time is coming upon us, as much I hate to admit it. Kaoru will come to know who she is and just who her champion is.”

 

“And then?”

 

He sat back, his face set in a grim mask. “We let the fates decide who will be victorious at the end of the day.”

 

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They stood on opposite sides, Kaoru gracefully stepping into a relaxed pose, her sword in both hands above her head. His violet eyes watched her thoughtfully, trying to ascertain where he had seen it before. Had he seen Enishi stand in such a manner? It tugged at the edges of his memory, but before he could place it, she pounced.

 

He brought his blade up to ward off her attack, surprised at the strength behind it. He whirled, pushing her off as she spun around and immediately came at him again. The sound of the wood connecting with the sheath echoed in the glen. The move was also familiar, yet strange. It lacked the finesse of the master who had taught her the technique, yet she was no novice either.

 

They moved apart and Kaoru took up another stance, determination settling in her cobalt eyes. He waited patiently for her to assault him again, hoping he could identify her technique. She didn't disappoint him, attacking with speed and agility that many swordsmen he had seen lacked. He easily evaded her blow, and swiftly moved to strike her with one of his own, though he checked his strength. She just fended and they whirled again, their weapons connecting.

 

A light sweat beaded on his forehead, more from the warm sun and that it had been some time since he had truly wielded his blade, than from exhaustion. He noticed she was breathing a bit heavier and he had to admit she looked magnificent, her chest heaving, her cheeks flushed and her eyes bright. Deciding it was enough, he charged, ready to disarm her and end the friendly sparring. However, he was unprepared for the defense maneuver she had hidden up her sleeve when she stepped away at the last second and fended his attack. So caught off guard, he stumbled and spun in time to miss what might have been a lethal blow had her blade been real. Instead he winced as the wooden shaft connected with his upper arm.

 

“Oh!”

 

She dropped the weapon immediately and covered her mouth in horror.

 

He grimaced against the shot of pain in his arm. He had misjudged her completely. In a real battle, he hoped he would never have so foolishly underestimated his opponent. Of course, only once had he ever gone up against a woman with completely different circumstances and consequences. Still, he should have known better and he rubbed his arm and offered her a sheepish grin. “I'd say you won.”

 

She moved towards him quickly and placed her hands on his arm. “It's not broken, is it?” She asked as her fingers gently probed the spot she had struck.

 

“Don't worry about it, Kaoru-dono. It is my fault, that it is.”

 

She ignored him and rolled up the loose sleeve to make sure the skin was not broken. He glanced and saw the dark red mark already beginning to show signs of bruising. Gently she massaged it. “It'll be a nasty bruise.”

 

“I've had worse.”

 

She looked up at him and Kenshin flushed as he realized how close she was to him. Suddenly he could smell the warm female scent that was her. A fine sheen of sweat glistened on her brow, but she looked delectable, her natural heat enticing him. Their gaze locked and he felt lost in the depths of her azure eyes. She licked her lips anxiously, and his violet eyes strayed to her full mouth as he wondered what she would taste like. “I'm so sorry.” She murmured again, unable to look away.

 

He felt his breath quicken as his desire grew and he forced himself to look away. His heart thundered in his ears and he struggled for composure. It would do no good to take advantage of her. Kenshin forced his feet to move. “It's fine.” He told her gruffly. He practically pushed away from her, his eyes closed, his desire still trying to win.

 

He moved stiffly towards the edge of the small spring and splashed the cool water on his face. He looked up to where the young woman still stood. A soft curse rolled off his tongue and he sighed. “Kaoru-dono?”

 

The woman still stood where he had left her. Her face turned towards him, her eyes blank. “We should get back.”

 

Kenshin cringed. He hadn't meant to upset her. He rose, determined to find a way to make it up to her. He took a step towards her, realizing he didn't know what to do. For the first time in ten years he wished he were better at dealing with people. Sanosuke would know what to say to her. He had been placating the ruffled feathers of his kitsune for years. Now Kenshin was at a loss, uncertain with how to proceed.

 

The woman swiped at her face and smiled brightly, too brightly. “We should really get back. The sun will be setting soon and I need to finish repairing my shift.” She moved to where she had discarded the garment. “Then dinner will need to be prepared, not to mention I've been neglecting some of my other chores. We really don't have time to be standing here staring at each other.”

 

She was babbling, he knew this, trying to hide the pain he had caused her. Rather than argue with her, he simply nodded. He picked up his sword and her bokken where they had been discarded. He handed the wooden blade to her and she hesitated before she took it. “You fight very well, that you do.” He told her.

 

Kaoru met his gaze. “Thank you.” She whispered.

 

He wavered and then thought he might attempt to get a name from her. “It is a technique I haven't seen in many years, that it is. Who did you say your teacher was?”

 

The beginnings of a real smile tugged at the corners of her mouth and she moved away to replace her sword in the bushes. “I didn't.”

 

He didn't press her, just glad to know that he had managed to turn her mood around. Kaoru offered him a shy smile and he fell in step beside her as they began the return walk back to the cottage.

 

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