Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ A Simple Twist of Fate ❯ Chapter 10

I'm sorry this has taken me so long to get out. For those of you who followed me before, I `m trying to attain my sommelier certificate and while I have one test over and done with, I have another one in just a matter of days and have been studying like crazy, plus work and having just a bit of fun. Thanks to everyone for the support. It always helps and I'll try to get the next few chapters out sooner!

 

Just a bit of a warning. There is bit of citrus here, though nothing to get in an uproar about. It is there however, but I don't believe that should be too much of an issue and even still, I'm not worried about it. I've already been banned from one site. What more can they do to me?

 

Just stating for the record that I do not own the characters below, though I am in love with one particular redhead. All for now. Read and enjoy.

 

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Kaoru trudged behind the redhead, her arms wrapped about her chest. For four long hours they had made their way upstream, fleeing from someone or something, she didn't know. The sun was beginning to set and while the water wasn't frigid, it wasn't a hot spring either. They had waded through water that had risen up to her bosom and the wet clothes were beginning to make her shiver. Only her thoughts kept her mind off the situation.

 

Where exactly was Tae? Why had that stranger come for her? She looked at the man in front of her. There was Kenshin's whole change in demeanor as well. Never had she seen his eyes glimmer such a brilliant amber color before. There had been times when she had sensed how dangerous he could be, but she had not witnessed it firsthand. His reaction to the man who had held a blade to her throat haunted her memory. Upon seeing the hostile gaze, the blonde had tensed and then began to taunt Kenshin. Except, he hadn't called Kenshin by his name, but something else; a name etched in legend. She shook her head and glanced up at the darkening sky. She had heard wretched tales of a man that went by that name. Surely they couldn't be the same.

 

Lost in her thoughts she bumped into Kenshin, not realizing he had stopped. Caught off guard, her foot slipped on the sandy streambed and Kaoru felt herself falling. Hands grabbed her and she was saved from falling fully into the waist high water. She looked up into the concerned violet gaze of Kenshin. “Are you alright?” He asked.

 

Quickly she nodded her head as he helped her stand strait. Her right foot felt colder than before and she looked down to see her shoe had fallen from her foot. “I lost my shoe.” She told him simply.

 

His lip curled and he chuckled softly. “We'll find you another.”

 

Kaoru closed her eyes and felt the giggle bubble up. She covered her mouth to keep it in and swallowed. Tears sprang to her eyes and she suddenly felt extremely tired. “Where are we going?” She whispered.

 

His hands left her and she was left on her own. “It's a safe place to wait for information. Someone should contact us by dawn, that he should.”

 

“Who?”

 

He looked over his shoulder at her. “ A friend.”

 

“This friend will know where to find us?”

 

“Hai.”

 

“Are we nearly there?”

 

Instead of an answer he began to make his way towards the shore. Grateful, Kaoru followed him. She winced, as her foot, now shoeless, grew cold in the water. It came down on a rock and she cried out as she felt it cut the ball of her foot. The pain temporarily overwhelming her, her other leg collapsed and she splashed into the stream, the water closing over her head. Hands grabbed her again and Kenshin swept her up to carry her out of the water.

 

He gently placed her on the grass and wiped the wet strands from her face. “Are you alright?” His voice was full of worry and she nodded, her skin puckering in the chill evening air. She pushed her long wet hair over her shoulder and struggled not to shiver in the quickly fading light. His hands strayed down her arms as he eyes swept her body. He swore softly when he saw her foot and Kaoru glanced down to see the smear of blood.

 

“You cut your foot, that you did.” He pulled out his sword and swiftly cut a strip from her skirt. “Forgive me. It isn't far and we'll get you a new dress better suited for a woman of your stature.” He murmured as he carefully rinsed the cut. She frowned at his comment but let it go as she bit her lip while the cold water stung the fresh wound. Then he was wrapping it, tying the dark material tightly around her toes.

 

He rose and offered her a hand. She winced as she came to her feet, favoring her right foot. “I don't know how fast I'll be.” She told him with a weak smile.

 

“Nonsense.” Kenshin turned around and squatted down. “You can ride on my back. It's about another mile or so.” Studying the man's firm back, Kaoru licked her lips. Tremulously she placed her hands on his shoulders as he reached back and grabbed her thighs. There was nothing intimate about it, but it still sent a thrill through her nonetheless. He stood and she wrapped her arms tighter about his neck to keep from falling. “Ready?”

 

She nodded and rested her cheek against his dark red hair. It felt so good to be close to him. For reasons she didn't understand he always pulled away. The other night in the living room, she had thought he might kiss her, her first kiss. For long years she often wondered if she would find love. Tae often told her tales of her husband before he had been killed. When she had first met Enishi eight months ago, she had often wondered if perhaps he might be the one to rescue her from the dreary life she led in the woods. But there was something sinister that lingered underneath his smiles and compliments. For that, she had always been very careful about what she told him and she continued to wait. Then she had met Kenshin.

 

Sometimes it had seemed like fate that brought her to the clearing that day. Wasn't that how fairytales worked? Some strange twist of nature that brought the hero and heroine together? Plus it felt so right whenever she was with him. His presence did things to her senses she couldn't comprehend. She almost wanted to say she loved him. She snuggled against him, breathing his faint scent of ginger. How would she even know?

 

Her eyes drifted closed, her thoughts muddling her already confused mind. Perhaps the “friend” would bring answers for her as well.

 

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Kenshin knew the moment the woman fell asleep. He was a fool to have thought everything would be all right. The arrival of Chou just confirmed his theory that Shishio was alive. It also meant he had been right in his assessment that Kaoru was the missing princess. For some reason Tae must have known that the sorcerer was still alive. It was the only reason he could think of as to why the woman had kept Kaoru out of sight for so long. There were also other factors to the situation. How could Tae have known and not himself?

 

The rock wall came into view and he shifted the sleeping woman on his back. Her closeness was not doing him any good either. For four long days he had fought the growing attraction between them. He wanted her; there was no denying that. But she was the princess and he was nothing more than an old samurai with far too much blood on his hands. She was young. The moment she was reunited with her father, she would be betrothed to some prince who would be far more suitable for her. His mood darkened at the prospect.

 

Reaching the small cave he had used countless times in the past, he pulled back the fall of ivy that hid the entrance from the casual observer. Kaoru stirred. “Where are we?” She asked sleepily.

 

“A haven.” He answered and gently lowered her from his back. The loss of her warmth made the cold air seem that much more bitter.

 

“And where is that?”

 

He shook his head as he moved about the dim cave searching for wood to start a fire before the dusk faded completely away. “It is a place I have used many times. It is safe for now.”

 

The woman wrapped her arms about herself. “Will that guy be able to track us?” He arranged the wood and finally got a spark. Blowing into a small flame he fed it until he had a small fire warming the cave. He moved to let the ivy fall back over the entrance. “Kenshin?” He turned to look at her. “Won't they be able to find us?” There was a trace of fear in her words and he cursed himself for not having prevented this sooner.

 

“It was why we spent so much time heading up river. With the sun failing they won't be able to search much beyond the riverbed. By the time they find our tracks leading here, we should be long gone.” He stepped towards the fire, not looking at her. Kaoru had risen and studied the dimensions of their hiding place, her arms about her lithe figure. He shivered and slipped out of his shirt. It was damp from their trek up stream and he gently laid it on the stone floor.

 

“What are you doing?”

 

The sharpness of her words brought his gaze to her. She stared at him, her azure eyes wide. “It will not do either of us any good if we catch pneumonia, that it will not.” In response she shivered and dropped her gaze. “I'm afraid I don't have a blanket, but if you slip out of your dress, your shift should dry fast enough.”

 

She nodded, not meeting his face. A wry grin tugged at his lips and he turned away from her. He stifled the image of her by the water from the other night. Kenshin ran a hand over his face not thinking of the young woman behind him stripping down to her chemise. After a few minutes, the dark blue dress was thrust into his field of vision and he took it from her, gazing at her through the corner of his eye. Gods, she was beautiful. The thin shift barely hid her body, her silhouette visible in the firelight. He licked his lips and focused on laying her garment so it would dry. Then he settled down on the other side of the fire from her so as not to tempt him.

 

“Kenshin?”

 

He looked up at her over the flames. “Yes.”

 

“Who was that man?”

 

He was quiet a moment, debating on what he should tell her. Kaoru had a right to know, but he didn't feel that he was the one who should tell her. Plus there was still the slight possibility he was wrong. “His name is Chou. He serves a dark wizard by the name of Shishio.”

 

The woman shivered, but whether it was from recognition of the name or because she felt chilled he didn't know. “What does he want with me?”

 

Kenshin hesitated, unsure how to proceed. “I'm not sure.” Not necessarily a lie. He wasn't sure what the sorcerer's true intentions were beyond obtaining Kaoru.

 

The woman nibbled on her lower lip and she stood. Her arms were still wrapped firmly about her torso and she moved around the fire to come sit next to him. “I can't hear you well from over there.” She answered the surprised look in his amethyst eyes. He looked away, shocked that she had read the unspoken question so easily. But then he had grown lax in the last few days since he had been in Kaoru's company. He cringed inwardly realizing Hiko would never let him hear the end of it if he knew a woman had managed to infiltrate his outer walls. She really was proving to be a distraction. So intent on berating himself, he missed her next question.

 

“What?”

 

“I asked what it was he called you.”

 

His mood darkened and he felt anger rise in him at himself as well as Chou. He had never wanted her to be aware of his alter ego, let alone actually witness it firsthand. “Battousai.” He finally answered slowly.

 

Instead of jumping away from him or even cringing, Kaoru continued to study the fire, her head cocked to the side. Absently she rubbed her arm, trying to create some warmth. “I've heard stories about him.” He didn't say anything, just waited tersely for her to recoil. “Tae told me he was a mercenary who was forced to do the dirty work for the safety of the kingdom.”

 

His violet eyes blinked. “What?”

 

She shrugged. “He killed a lot of men and did terrible things, but it was for the sake of the kingdom.” He had never looked at the horrors he had performed in such a simplistic way. She turned to face him, her azure eyes curiously studying him. “Are you really he?”

 

“Hai.” He stammered, caught off by her direct question.

 

She cocked her head to the other side and lifted her shoulders. “I always thought it was the king.” She murmured off handedly and returned her attention to the flames.

 

“Why do you say that?”

 

Her shoulders lifted again as Kaoru continued to rub her arms to get warm. “He seemed so austere and shut off. I imagined he would have to be in order to have killed so many people.” Her gaze fell on him again. “You aren't like that.”

 

“You've met the king?” He asked, trying to absorb what she was telling him.

 

She shook her head. “I've seen him. I have a friend who does something at the palace on occasion. We snuck into watch him as he heard petitions once.”

 

She referred to Hiko, he knew. However, to learn she had a friend at court. “That was your impression?”

 

Kaoru nodded. “He didn't look very nice, but he seems to be a good king. I don't really believe her, but Misao claims he has an apprentice somewhere whom he treats as a son. Supposedly he constantly belittles him, but when he's gone, the king complains about his absence.”

 

Kenshin didn't hear the rest of her comment, still stuck on the name. “Misao?”

 

A smile touched her lips. “She's my friend. I met her one day while I was in the village. I wandered away from Megumi. We met and I've snuck away several times to see her. I'm not supposed to, but I get so lonely. Anyway, she taught me how to sneak around without getting caught.”

 

Not much of a surprise considering the young woman was very adept at getting around unnoticed. She had been recruited as a spy when she was just thirteen, her petite frame and boyish appearance deceiving to someone not wary of such a disguise. And had he not, just earlier that day wondered if the two women had met? He shook his head, trying to sort through the barrage of new information.

 

“I imagine you have met the king, considering you fought in the war.”

 

He glanced at her, a wry smile on his lips, his mind still racing. “I've met him on a few occasions, that I have.”

 

Silence descended over them and Kaoru shivered. Used to being out in cold weather he had learned to brave the chill and he shifted closer to her. “Here. You can share my body heat.” He told her placing an arm tentatively around her shoulders and bringing her closer to her. She molded against his side, the touch of her skin against his making him suck in a sharp breath. “Did I hurt you?” She asked.

 

He shook his head and gingerly placed his hand on her shoulder. She felt so good in his arms. “Kenshin?” Her voice was timid and he focused his attention on the flickering flames as she turned her face towards him, her breath light on his bare shoulder. “Can I ask you a question?”

 

A smile tugged at his lips. “You can ask.”

 

“Will you answer?”

 

They had long passed the silly exchange, but the replies came to his lips every time she innocently asked to inquire about something. Another thought occurred to him. Aoshi was like that, not answering unless obligated. Kaoru knew Misao. It would make sense that she had crossed the quiet man's path at some point. “I will answer.” He replied absently.

 

“Have you ever been in love?”

 

Stunned he stared into the fire. Immediately his thoughts filled with Tomoe. “I have.” He murmured.

 

There was a moment before the woman ventured another inquiry. “How do you know if you're in love?”

 

The question nearly made his heart stop beating. Curiously he glanced at her. She stared up at him, her long lashes framing her dark blue eyes. Ebony tendrils curled around her face, her hair damp from her spill into the river. “Why?” He asked slowly.

 

She turned away from him. She nibbled on her lip. “I think I might be.”

 

“Be what? In love?”

 

She nodded and looked at him quickly. Who did she know that she could be in love? She had admitted she knew very few people outside her own world. Then it occurred to him. She had trained with a weapon and had mentioned her teacher offhand a few times, always towards a male. He had reason to suspect Enishi was that teacher. Even if it wasn't that meant there was another man in her life.

 

A surge of jealousy washed over him to think she could be in love with this anonymous man he had never met. But they had sparred once and she was quite good. She utilized a technique he thought he had seen before, but he couldn't place . In fact that meant it couldn't be his former nemesis, a fact he found comforting though it did nothing to quell his own jealousy. It wasn't Aoshi. He knew that man's way with a weapon and he didn't usually use a single sword, instead preferring the kodachi. That left the possibilities wide open and he narrowed his eyes, trying to think of who could have stumbled upon her.

 

“Why do you think you're in love?” He asked tersely, his mind dismissing candidates.

 

“He's a really nice guy.”

 

“That is probably nothing more than a façade. He's probably after one thing.” He told her, his voice developing a sharp edge to it. “In fact I'm sure he is.”

 

She shook her head, her wet hair brushing his chest. “I don't think so. He's honest and warm. I always want to be near him and I feel all funny inside every time he smiles at me.”

 

Suddenly he felt sick. “Sounds like a lucky guy.” He croaked.

 

A frown touched her features. “But I don't think he feels the same way.”

 

“Then he's a fool. Anyone cane see you're charming and beautiful. Personally if he doesn't see what's right in front of his eyes, then you're better off, that you are.”

 

Her frown deepened. “Do you really think so?”

 

She lifted her chin so she was looking him directly in the eyes. “Kaoru-dono, you are astonishing. You will make some man extremely happy.”

 

She swallowed. “I don't think so.” She whispered.

 

“How can you say that?”

 

“I-I-I've never been with a man. I wouldn't know how to make him happy.” She caught her lower lip between her teeth.

 

“You will make him happy, that you will.” He told her, wishing it could be him.

 

“But I've never even kissed someone.” He stared at her, his gaze slowly moving toward her mouth, her full lips parted slightly. “How would I know I was doing it right?” Her voice was a whisper against his face and he struggled for control. The woman turned towards him and leaned against him. “Would you?”

 

His violet eyes jerked back, not daring to believe he had fully comprehended her request. “Would I…?” He could not finish, not willing to claim what he desperately wanted.

 

“Would you kiss me?” She asked innocently. “Just so I have an idea of what to do?” She explained hurriedly.

 

Kenshin pressed his lips together as his vision blurred. He felt hot suddenly and sucked in a deep breath. It was just one kiss. Perhaps if he tasted her he could get her out of his system. Knowing she was the princess put their relationship into a different light, one that her father would never approve of. But here, in this moment, they were two people struggling to stay warm. A man and a woman who had found friendship. In another life, they might have even been lovers already. If he had learned nothing of his short time with his first love it was to seize the small moments when they arose. Now, sitting here with Kaoru in his arms, her innocence offering him the one thing he craved, he could not deny her. She would someday be his queen after all.

 

Tenderly he reached up and touched her cheek. Her blue eyes were wide, her cheeks cool against his fingertips. He glanced at the midnight darkness that was her hair and brushed away the tendrils with his other hand. He allowed the silky tresses to trail through his grasp as he looked at her once more. Before he could change his mind, he leaned down and gently placed his mouth on hers.

 

Her lips were soft and pliant. She twisted ever so slightly in his lap and he wrapped his arm about her shoulders, pulling her closer. Kenshin caught her top lip and suckled on it gently. The woman moaned softly, her own fingers tentatively touching his face. Still in control of his senses, he pulled away from her, swallowing thickly.

 

Her blue eyes had darkened and she appeared drunk. Languidly she looked up at him, her lips parted slightly. Her breasts pressed slightly against his arm and he licked his lips, fighting the intense wave of desire. Her eyes searched his face. “Don't stop.” She pleaded softly.

 

Unable to disobey, he kissed her again, deeper this time, pulling her into his lap, his hands lost in the tangle of her wet hair. He ran his tongue over her full bottom lip and Kaoru whimpered quietly, her mouth opened, gaining him entrance to her sweet mouth. She tasted delectable and his passion engulfed him. She went where he led, her mouth growing in intensity as he explored the insides of her mouth, his hands straying to the thin material covering her back. Her fingertips stroked his neck before gingerly tugging on his hair.

 

Lost in her own desire, Kaoru's head fell back, her pale neck exposed to his kisses. Swiftly he nibbled on her jaw, his hand moving towards her side. She clung to him as he left a wet trail down to her collar. His finger moved to the underside of one breast. Then she was moving his head back to her mouth, demanding another kiss. Wanting to touch her, his hand, with a mind of it's own, caressed the turgid tip of one nipple through her chemise.

 

Kaoru stiffened, her moan reverberating within the small confines of the cave. She was still pliant in his embrace, still a willing participant. But her outcry had reminded him that she was still a virgin. He had no doubt he could have her here and now and she would have no regrets. But she was the princess and he was nothing more than a former assassin. She deserved better than him. The thought was loud and clear in his mind and caused him to do the hardest thing he had done in a very long time.

 

He pushed her away.

 

He hadn't meant for it to be so unceremoniously callow. However, he needed to get her away from him before he changed his mind. So he practically shoved her to the floor and painfully rose from his seat. Kaoru sat on the ground, her chest heaving, trying to figure out what had just happened. She looked up at him, trying to understand. Kenshin ignored her, attempting in vain to calm his arousal, cursing himself silently.

 

“Why did you do that?” She asked quietly.

 

He barely flicked a glance at her, not wanting to see the pain in her expressive eyes. “You asked me to.” He retorted coldly.

 

Silence greeted his comment. He spared a longer look at her and immediately looked away. She was glaring at him now, anger burning in her azure eyes. “I didn't ask you to dump me on the floor.”

 

“I am sorry about that.”

 

“I thought you said I was beautiful.”

 

The accusation was nearly more than he could bear. Kenshin looked at her again and swallowed. “You are.” He whispered.

 

“Don't lie to me.” She spit.

 

He blinked. “I'm not lying.”

 

“Then what's wrong with me?”

 

He took a timid step towards her. “Kaoru-dono...”

 

“Stop it!”

 

The pain laced through her words made him cringe. “This isn't the way….”

 

“What way?” She cried, throwing her hands up in the air and spun around. “This is how it's supposed to happen. When you least expect it.”

 

He frowned at her, not sure what she was saying. “Kaoru-dono.”

 

“But I guess I'm nothing. I can't be the replica of some dead woman. I will never have her beauty or her grace. Why does she still get to win?” She demanded, sobs cloaking her statement.

 

Kenshin shook his head, trying to muddle through her words. He took a step towards her, trying to understand. “What are you talking about?”

 

“Don't touch me!” She screamed. “Since you don't want to, it only makes sense for me to tell you I don't want it either. You're not worth my time! Not worth the effort. I hate you!”

 

Her words were like a slap to the face. She was hysterical, that much was obvious. “Kaoru-dono…”

 

“I'm getting out of here. I don't need you anymore!” She yelled at him. Then she was dashing out into the night.

 

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There you go. Until next time!