Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ A Simple Twist of Fate ❯ Chapter 9

Thanks for the patience from everyone. Life is crazy, but when is it not? I have been studying like mad…the wine that is. I have finally taken the first step towards my goal as I passed my level one test!! Yay! In two months I go for my official certification. Cramming all that knowledge into my brain has left me nuts and I needed some time away, so here it is. Back on the pc, working on what was lost and striving to accomplish more on what is to come. And that's what we're all really here for anyway.

 

And just stating I do not own the characters below

 

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Shadows shifted on the walls as the moon rose and then slowly began to set. He had lain awake for hours, his mind not allowing him a moment's peace to settle down and sleep. When had his life become such a mess? His anger had abated. He had paused by Kaoru's door, but had passed on without saying anything. It was silent on her side and he elected to allow her fury to subside before speaking with her.

 

Kenshin sighed and moved one of his arms under his head. He had never thought the situation would become so tricky. Find the cottage, find the doctor, and protect her for a few days, return to the castle or disappear once more. Instead he found himself watching after a captivating young woman who might be the lost princess. Enishi had somehow entered his world again and now Kenshin was dealt the idea that Shishio was still alive.

 

That was the most bitter theory to perceive: Shishio hiding away somewhere plotting his revenge against Hiko and the king. That could be why Hiko had sent him here. It would only make sense for the sorcerer to go about finishing what had begun over twenty years ago. His eyes narrowed thoughtfully. Tae obviously knew. Why else would she have insisted on him watching Kaoru? All her rules for the young woman going into the village unattended; everything was all too clear. Kaoru was the princess. It was a fact he would have to accept. Then why did he feel even more depressed?

 

His life hadn't been this complicated in years. After the debacle that had ended his reign as a feared assassin, Kenshin had sworn never to kill again, sworn in blood to the real king, Koshijirou Kamiya. Even with the prospect of Shishio still breathing, he didn't think he could find the same furor and return to the life he had once lived, had chosen to live. But back then, he had lived by a certain creed and Tomoe had lived by hers. Despite their feelings for each other, both had chosen to fight.

 

His fingers moved to the scar on his cheek. He hadn't lied when he said he had been in a brawl when he received it. The fight had involved a woman. She had been a devoted sister and an ardent lover. But in the end, her loyalty had rested with the man who had cultivated her. Kenshin had never understood why she had stayed with Shishio, but she had never understood the nature of his relationship to Hiko. Perhaps that was why they had been unable to cope when the truth had come out. As much as he loved her, the betrayal went much deeper. Of course Enishi had never hesitated in conveying the real reason why Tomoe had come to him in the first place. It was only a brief moment of regret that he had not slain the stupid boy before seeking out Shishio and his own lover. How different things could have been.

 

Thinking of the past would not quell the future, though. What was done was done. Tomoe was dead, killed by two men she loved and Kenshin had carried that burden with him for years. But now to know that her death might have been in vain, that the wizard who had caused it all in the first place still walked the earth…it brought to the surface emotions already stirred.

 

Kenshin frowned into the darkness. He wasn't sure exactly what Kaoru had done to him, but he couldn't deny that fact either. His possessive nature, so long hidden beneath his calm pretenses had been awakened and the young woman sleeping twenty feet from him was the cause.

 

He thought back to when he had stumbled upon her in the glen. A low growl sounded in the back of his throat to think of the water glistening on her porcelain skin. Those passions were lingering just beneath the surface. He needed to get out of this situation. He could not have her. The more time he spent with her was slowly driving him insane though. Once she took her rightful place in court there would be some undeserving prince waiting to marry her. He wouldn't understand her simple nature or appreciate her unpretentious demeanor. Likely he would take a mistress while he abused Kaoru. To think of this faceless prince kissing her, touching her, claiming her…

 

Kenshin leapt out of bed, his thoughts taking an ugly turn. His hands clenched at his sides. Desperately he needed to hit something, to do something. If Sanosuke were here he'd ask the man for a friendly sparring match. Of course in Kenshin's mood, it might not be so friendly, not that he had any ill feelings towards the tall brunette. But Kaoru was driving him desperately to distraction.

 

Briefly he wondered how Aoshi handled it. The stoic man had begrudgingly admitted he cared for the short verdant spitfire that he had taken under his wing. It was an admission Kenshin had managed to extricate and was never to reveal even under pain of death. But he knew his friend maintained great control to not give into the temptation that was Misao.

 

It did calm him a bit, knowing that someone else might feel a similar strain. His thoughts turned to Kaoru again, this time in a more composed manner. What should he do, now that he was practically certain of her identity? Her security was his primary priority. He didn't like being isolated from what could be going on outside the forest. And Hiko needed to know if he didn't already.

 

His pacing paused. Did Hiko know about Kaoru? He would deal with that prospect later. Right now it was essential that he get in touch with Sano. And some time away from Kaoru would be good for both of them. He didn't know exactly when Tae would be returning. Kaoru had proved that afternoon that she was adept in taking care of herself. Her guardian trusted her in the woods alone. It gnawed at him, but he would leave in the morning. The woman would be okay alone for a few hours.

 

A shriek pierced the still night. Without a second thought, Kenshin reached for his sword. Swiftly and stealthily he opened the door and crept down the ladder. The scream had to be Koru and he moved towards her closed door. Crouched outside, he listened to the night around him trying to ascertain the reason for the scream. Nothing seemed to move in the house, not even in her room and terror, so foreign to him, rose up.

 

He should have set up a pallet outside her door, particularly since she had been so distressed earlier. He cursed himself for allowing his pride to override his better judgment. Then he heard it. Soft sounds of a struggle drifted through the door. He could not sense another presence in beyond, but it meant nothing. If Enishi had come for her, he could easily hide his presence. Again, he swore for not having stayed closer to her. His hand touched the knob and stilled when he heard whimpering. The sound threw him and he decided not to wait any longer. He threw open the door, ready to catch the intruder in the act.

 

Kaoru tossed and turned on the bed, her sheet wound around her body, her eyes closed. He let out a breath to realize she wasn't being attacked and then strode towards her. She might not be being physically attacked, but something was bothering her. He sat down on the bed and grabbed her shoulders. She shrieked softly, trying to writhe away from his gasp.

 

“Kaoru-dono!” He cried, trying to wake her from her nightmare.

 

She shook her head and weakly fought against him. “No!” She whimpered.

 

He cringed, wanting to know what haunted her, wanting desperately to protect her. “Kaoru-dono, wake up!”

 

He gave her a light shake and her blue eyes flashed opened. She stared at him for a moment, fear evident in her gaze. It was a look he never wanted to see her wield in his direction and he realized they could never be together for more reasons than she was the heir to the throne. Then recognition touched her and she threw her arms around his neck clinging to him. His skin was wet from her tears and her body began to shake with her sobs.

 

Awkwardly he stroked her hair hanging down her back. It was damp beneath his fingertips and he allowed the young woman to nestle against him. Giving into the temptation that had been following him for the past few days, he held her to him and gently began to rock. Slowly her body began to calm, her sobs lessening in intensity. “Do you want to tell me about it?” He asked when she had finally quieted.

 

Her bottom lip trembled and she looked up at him, fear plainly visible in her wide blue eyes. “There was a man with his eyes on fire. He was so angry. And there was a man and a woman standing by a window. The man went towards them and grabbed the woman. She screamed.” Kaoru closed her eyes, her breathing ragged, voice hoarse. “And he killed her, slit her throat. Blood flowed down her dress and onto to the floor. It was almost pretty except it was so horrible.” Her eyes opened, but she didn't see him. She was lost in the vividness of her dream. “Her blood was so red.” She whispered.

 

“Then those eyes looked at me.” She continued. “He came towards me and I was powerless to stop him. He said he was only taking what was rightfully his. Then he grabbed me. The blade was coming closer and closer.” She turned to him now, tears freshly streaming down her face. “But then you were there. You saved me. And I woke up.”

 

Kenshin swallowed. He had seen a similar scene once. Kaoru had somehow recalled watching the murder of Eiko, her mother. She had been three, old enough to remember such a traumatizing event. Only Kenshin really had been there. He had saved her.

 

The clarity of the memory came back to him. Shishio had murdered Eiko, though he hadn't slit her throat. But blood had been everywhere from the knife in her breast. Then his eyes had lighted on Kaoru and while Koshijirou tried to save his wife, the sorcerer had focused on the young girl hiding behind a curtain. Kenshin had been the only one who had noticed. So he had stepped in between them, drawing the man's ire towards him and sparking a hatred that had ended, or so he thought. If the woman could recall the event, it meant the one thing he dreaded to believe, was indeed true.

 

The missing princess had been found.

 

He blinked again and looked at Kaoru. Her long dark hair had fallen over her face and he moved closer to her, putting his arm around her shoulders. She fit so comfortably against him. But she was royalty. The young woman wrapped her arms about his waist. “Stay with me tonight.” She whispered hoarsely.

 

Kenshin shifted a bit. “Kaoru-dono…”

 

“Please.” She pleaded.

 

He couldn't resist her, didn't want to. “I won't let anyone harm you.” He told her softly. “I swear to that.”

 

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Kenshin leaned against the wall, his arms crossed about his chest. He waited for any sight of the familiar head. He had felt uncomfortable leaving the young woman alone, but it needed to be done. Convinced now of Kaoru's identity, it was imperative to have her within the confines of the palace. He just couldn't figure out why Hiko hadn't insisted upon it from the get go. He was hoping there was a slim chance that the king had been unaware of who Kaoru was. Otherwise there was no forgiving the man for keeping the truth from him. More importantly the rightful king had an entitlement to know his own daughter was alive.

 

He shifted slightly. Sano should have appeared by now. It was vital he return. He feared if he was right about Kaoru, then what could stop him from being right about Enishi. How long had he been meeting her? She could already be halfway convinced to pledging fealty to the man who had killed her mother and tried to destroy her father. Kenshin was determined if nothing else, not to repeat his past mistakes. That meant not falling for a woman who would ultimately betray him. The possibility that the blonde man had already planted seeds of doubt in the woman's mind plagued him. He only hoped she didn't slip away to meet the man while he was gone.

 

Now he patiently waited, or as patiently as possible given his agitation. He wasn't sure how Hiko always seemed to know when he stepped foot inside the village, but he did. It never seemed to fail that within an hour, Aoshi, or most likely Sanosuke would appear to escort him to the palace. Now he couldn't stay, but he needed to convey to Hiko the gravity of the situation he found himself in.

 

Someone approached him from behind and Kenshin tensed slightly. His hand tightened on the hilt of his sword as the intruder crept closer. A grin slowly touched his features as he recognized the person and he turned. The green eyes widened when she realized she had been caught and she rose from her position and crossed her arms.

 

“No fair!”

 

His grin deepened. “And what would you have done if you had managed to sneak up on me?” He asked.

 

The woman giggled and tossed her long black braid over her shoulder. “I don't know. But it would have been something to tell Aoshi.”

 

“And where is he?”

 

Misao shrugged her shoulders again. “He hasn't returned yet from an errand the king sent him on.”

 

Unease touched him. What errand would Aoshi been sent on? “And where is Sano?”

 

“He's in the company of some important guests. I was sent to tell you to enjoy your afternoon and he'll speak with you in the morning.”

 

Kenshin fought of his frustration. “I'm not staying.”

 

The woman studied him for a moment. “Then why are you here?”

 

“I need to speak with Hiko.”

 

She nodded. “Then stay.”

 

“I cannot.” He took a slow deep breath. “I have spent too much time away as it is.” He looked in the direction of the trees. Kaoru waited for him within their depths. A prickle ran down his spine. He took a step in the direction of the road leading out of town when Misao called him back.

 

“Kenshin?” Slowly he looked at her. Concern was clear in her dark emerald eyes. “What is going on?”

 

He thought for a moment. “I don't know.” He answered after a moment. He narrowed his eyes thoughtfully as he studied her. “Do you know something?”

 

He knew her well enough to know that the brief pause she gave before shaking her head conveyed much more than she was letting on. Did she know Kaoru? The woman had left the woods on numerous occasions. She had spoken of people she knew, though he couldn't fully recall if she had ever dropped names. Suddenly he looked at the petite girl in a much different light.

 

Kaoru had proven she was adept at hiding her presence. Not an expert, but she had picked up the skill. She expressed just enough stealth to prove it was not an inherent ability. And Misao was one to befriend a stray girl, wandering trough the market. Could she possibly be aware of Kaoru's presence in the forest? And if she had encountered the girl, had she deduced her identity?

 

Restlessness struck him again and Kenshin tuned his attention once more towards the trees he could just see over the rooftops. He felt a twinge of fear for Kaoru, not sure where it came from. Misao was watching him, her bottom lip caught between her teeth. “Tell Sano to meet me at the cave as soon as he can. If I'm not there, he is to wait for me.”

 

She nodded and Kenshin turned to go, his anxiety slowly mounting. The hand on his arm stopped him for a moment. “Be careful Kenshin.”

 

“You too.”

 

He left her, quickly making his way through the maze of stalls. H reached the main road leading out of town, his pace quickening. He should never have left the woman alone.

 

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With one last swipe, Kaoru stepped back from the mirror and smiled at it. Her reflection grinned back. Not particularly happy with it she threw the rag and blew a raspberry at herself. She turned away and stretched her arms over her head. The cottage gleamed and sparkled; even Tae would be proud.

 

She sighed and flung herself into a chair. She had to admit she felt much better considering everything that had transpired the night before. Kenshin had not really said anything. She still felt a little silly about the nightmare, not even sure what it had been about. In the morning light all she could fully recall was terror and trepidation. Then Kenshin had been there, his warmth consoling. She immediately forgot the anger she had been harboring and welcomed his comfort. Falling asleep in his arms had seemed natural.

 

Kaoru nibbled on her lip. Was she in love? She didn't know. Her blue eyes strayed to the ceiling where her room lay above. The redhead probably wouldn't be back for a while, though she had no clue where he had gone. Only that he had left her a note stating he would return by lunchtime. And while her childlike ambitions hoped he was going to buy her an engagement present, she knew that the chances were slim. But she couldn't help but feel that he wasn't as unaffected by her as she was by him. The connection had been there last night by the fire. Her reaction might not have been so volatile otherwise.

 

Still it did little to help confirm her ideas on what was going on. Not for the first time she wished Megumi or even Misao was available for advice. For a fleeting moment she thought about sneaking away to the village to see her petite friend, but she didn't know exactly when Kenshin would return and she didn't want to anger him. Instead she rose from her spot and climbed the stairs to her room.

 

The small box in the corner beckoned to her. With three steps she crossed to it and dropped to her knees. Carefully she lifted the lid and inhaled the warm smell of cedar that assaulted her nose. She smiled, the smell reminding her of Kenshin. Gingerly she reached in and pulled out the satin wrapped bundle on top. She placed it in her lap and momentarily paused.

 

Kaoru knew what lay within the rich indigo material. Tae had kept it in her room, hidden beneath a floorboard. Kaoru had discovered it one afternoon at age eleven when Tae had gone to market. She had never spoken of it, though she had often wondered how her guardian had come across something so exquisite. She was rewarded on her sixteenth birthday. The old woman had said it was her birthright though she had never elaborated on it. Too mesmerized by being offered the precious gift, she had never given it another thought.

 

Now with the bundle on her lap, Kaoru felt the urge to look at it again. Tenderly she moved the satin out of the way, revealing a heavy silver pendant adorned with emeralds. Supposedly the piece had been with her when tae had accepted her as her ward. Kaoru had no clue what exactly that meant. But one night, when Tae had been drinking, which was rare, the old woman had remarked how the emeralds had been the same brilliant green as her mother's eyes. Because of that comment, Kaoru entertained the notion that Tae had somehow stumbled upon her dying mother and consented to raise the young girl.

 

Lovingly she caressed the jewels, her heart longing for a mother to ask what was going on in her heart. Dimly she wondered if her mother would be proud of her; would either of her parents be proud of her? She closed her eyes and allowed a brief moment of grief to pass over her, mourning the loss of her parents. It amazed her that after all this time, fifteen years; she could still be affected by it.

 

Absently she wiped away a stray tear. Taking a deep breath she rewrapped the pendant and put it to the side. She had delayed long enough for her conquest. She didn't think stripping for the redhead would have him lusting after her, despite what Megumi might say. But she needed to identify what was raging through her body every time the wanderer came close. She didn't think the book she reached for would be a prime source for research, but it was something.

 

Her fingers closed over the hardbound book Meg had given her. She pulled it out and stared at the cover. It was crudely written, the language making her blush, no matter how many times she had read it. And while it didn't flow as well as the other books in her possession, the hard bound volume seemed more real than the stories of desire and longing. The book fell open to the few pages she looked for. It was the only one that wasn't utterly sexual, depicting more of the emotion that went about finding a new love.

 

The tale told of a man and how he had spied a young woman in the market. He had followed her home and begged for her attention. She had merely laughed at him. The pages had entailed of a passionate courting before the woman had finally succumbed. But it was the longing the author had captured so stunningly that called to her now. Before she could delve into the words too much, something sounded below.

 

Kaoru snapped the book closed, panic touching her. She didn't want Kenshin to catch her upstairs reading tardy novels. Quickly she threw everything back into the trunk, including her mother's pendant. She closed it and left the room, brushing her skirts out. She paused at the top of the steps, trying to get her breath. Then she rushed down, a happy greeting on her lips.

 

“I didn't expect you so……soon.”

 

Instead of the redhead standing in the living area, she had caught some strange blonde man standing crouched over an overturned chair. His hair was darker than Enishi's, standing straight up on his head. He stood now, a slow grin growing on his features. “You are even more beautiful than I imagined.”

 

He moved towards her and she danced away from him, moving from the stairs, her feet trying to head towards the door. Sensing her inclination, he blocked her exit. “How do you know me?” She asked, her cobalt eyes darting around.

 

“Everyone knows you, Lady Kamiya.” He murmured. “At least everyone will.”

 

“Why?” She whispered.

 

His grin deepened. “The master says it is time for you to take your rightful place and claim your birthright, by his side.”

 

Kaoru backed away from the stranger unsure of how to get away from him. His words made no sense to her. He grinned at her and her skin crawled. She continued to back away as he advanced on her. “You're only making it harder on yourself, Lady Kamiya.”

 

“Why are you calling me that?” She asked fretfully. She swallowed, trying to ascertain if she could make it to the stairs before he grabbed her.

 

Suddenly the man grew still and his attention went to the door. She made a break for it, trying to make a dash for the stairs, thinking she could go out the upstairs window. But the strange blonde was faster. She couldn't help the shriek that tore from her throat as his hand grabbed the back of her dress. She fell back and then his arms were around her waist. Fear overwhelmed her as the dirty fingers closed over her mouth. He spun her towards the open doorway and Kaoru felt her eyes widen.

 

A figure stood silhouetted in the doorframe and it took her a moment to recognize Kenshin. “I wondered if you would reappear.” The blonde sneered.

 

“Let her go.”

 

The voice was quiet and demanding. It was a tone Kaoru had never heard the redhead use before. “I don't think so. She's coming with me.”

 

“That is not a wise choice on your part.”

 

“And who's going to stop me? Your time is over Battousai.”

 

Kaoru grew still as the name registered with her. What was going on? “I'm not trying to regain control. I merely told you to let her go.”

 

“Or what? You won't kill me. You swore a blood oath ten years ago. Or is your will so enervated that you will break it for some slip of a girl?”

 

The redhead stepped closer, his eyes hidden from view. His body was calm, his hand almost casually resting on the hilt of his sword. “You and I both know she is more than some girl.”

 

She felt the laughter of her attacker as his body began to shake before the raucous sound reached her ears. The hand over her mouth was slowing her air intake and she began to feel faint. Kenshin took another step closer and the blonde pulled her tighter against him. Suddenly there was something hard and cold against her throat. Terror seized her and she fought the urge to struggle.

 

“Maybe she is and maybe she isn't. Are you really willing to take that risk?”

 

“You wouldn't be here if she was anything less.”

 

“Are you so sure about that, Battousai? A sensual young woman left alone in the woods. Hard to resist for any man.” Hot breath stung her eyes as the blonde leaned in towards her. “How about we taste just to make sure?” The stranger's wet tongue ran up her cheek and Kaoru whimpered against the hand that held her. “Like cream. But you probably already know that. You do have a fondness for women who know how to fight.”

 

Kenshin raised his head and glared at the blonde, his eyes narrowed and glittering gold. “You try my patience. Let her go.”

 

Kaoru stilled. She had never seen him look that way before. It frightened her in a way she could not comprehend. It frightened her and for a brief moment, she wasn't sure who the true threat was. “I will have her and then I will offer her as a prize to my Lord.”

 

“I will not tell you again.”

 

The redhead closed the distance, not seeming to care that the cold metal was being pressed ever so tightly against her throat. Then she was thrown down, the sound of swords being drawn echoing through the room. Kaoru scrambled out of the way, fighting to hold the tears back. She turned around and looked at the two men.

 

They stood, blades locked. However, there was almost a bored expression in the redhead's amber gaze while the blonde appeared to struggle. Desperately she gasped for air, unsure what she should do, knowing she needed to get out. There was a muffled curse and a blur and then the blonde was crying out in pain as Kenshin delivered a blow.

 

Kaoru shrieked and fled, not wanting to see anymore. She nearly fell down the steps into the warm afternoon sun, though it's rays couldn't penetrate the chill that threatened to overwhelm her. Inside she heard more signs of a struggle and she hurried to her feet. She didn't know where she was going, branches seeming to reach out and tear at her hair and clothes. At some point she heard the stream and she rushed towards the sound of water.

 

Behind her someone gave chase.

 

Hands reached out and Kaoru cried out, her fists swinging as she was spun around. She made contact, pain blooming across her knuckles. She fell back as the body fell against her. She wriggled, not wanting the end to come yet. She saw a flash of red and then hands gripped her wrists, pinning them above her head.

 

Her mouth opened and she screamed as loud as she could, knowing help was beyond reach. A hand clamped down over her mouth again and Kaoru gave in, the tears welling up. She arched her back one last time against her assailant, a poor attempt to free herself.

 

“Kaoru-dono! It's me!”

 

The voice made her freeze and she opened her cerulean eyes to stare into a worried violet gaze. His fingers moved as he saw recognition in her eyes. Her arms free, she threw them around his neck, her shoulders heaving as she exhausted her pent up emotions from the last few moments.

 

He rocked her gently, his hands rubbing her back. “I didn't know what to do.” She sobbed.

 

He pulled back, his fingers wiping away the salty tears that stung her cheeks. “”Are you alright?” He asked.

 

Kaoru forced herself to nod. The redhead helped her to her feet. She noticed a scratch on his wrist and she leaned down. “You're hurt.”

 

He allowed her to run her finger over it before pulling it away from her. “I'm more interested in you.” Warm hands gently pushed her head up and Kenshin examined her neck. Tenderly his thumb caressed the spot where the stranger had pressed a knife to her throat. “I'm sorry I was not here, that I am.”

 

She leaned back and offered him a tremulous smile. “You're here now.” She told him and hugged him to her once more.

 

He embraced her for a moment before turning away and glancing back in the direction of the small house. His eyes were wild and Kaoru could have sworn she glimpsed anger in the violet orbs, a flash of amber. “We need to move. Chou was alone, but he requires your company if he wishes to remain alive. I have no desire to give you to him or anyone.”

 

The passion in his words sent a thrill down her spine and Kaoru realized how much danger they were both in. “Where will we go?” She asked softly.

 

Kenshin sighed in relief. “There is a safe spot, but it is a ways from here. I need to know that you are up to the trek.”

 

“As long as I'm with you, I can go anywhere.”

 

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The truth finally comes out. What will this entail for our two favorite people? Wait and find out. Please feel free to send questions, comments, and concerns. I hope ya'll enjoy it!