Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ A Simple Twist of Fate ❯ Chapter 12

Thanks to all comments!! They really help, you have no idea. My life is in limbo for the moment waiting for the next big event in my life. Who knows when that will happen? But onto we're all really here for.

I hope ya'll enjoy this chapter. I thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for all the love and support. Don't own any of the characters below, though I do hold a place for all of them in my heart. Kisses!

 

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She drifted through a fog of voices and images swirling inside her head. She thought she saw Megumi in a haze feeding her soup. Sano and Aoshi's faces swam through her mind. She thought she might have even seen Misao. However, the most prevalent was the redhead who had stolen her heart. Kenshin proliferated her dreams and it was his pleading cry that compelled her to fight to the surface.

 

Wearily she opened her eyes. Sunlight filtered through the sheer curtains over the window. She frowned as her azure eyes took in the surroundings. The room was much larger than any she had ever been in, her figure swallowed by the large four-poster bed. A lush rug was thrown over the stone floor, a huge armoire standing against the far wall. A gilt edged, full-length mirror reflected the fireplace where a figure was curled up in a chair. Confusion touched her as she struggled to recall what had happened.

 

Kaoru sat up, the blankets falling away. She glanced down and saw she wore a pale violet nightgown, made of a finer material than she was used to. Just where the hell was she?

 

The figure in the chair stirred and Kaoru recognized Megumi. The woman uncurled herself and stretched. She stood and her cinnamon eyes rested on her. She gasped and hurried to her side. Immediately the older woman took up her wrist and pressed a hand to her forehead. She sighed with relief and offered her a warm smile. “You scared us for a bit there.”

 

Kaoru furrowed her brow. “What happened?”

 

“You developed a fever.”

 

Weakly she blinked, the memories a jumble in her head. “But how?”

 

Megumi frowned slightly. “I'm not sure. You've been unconscious for two days. I haven't had much of a chance to speak to Kenshin. Do you recall what might have happened?”

 

Hearing his name brought the previous days' events into a bit clearer focus. “Someone tried to assault me. Kenshin stopped him.” She looked at her friend. “Is he alright?”

 

“He's fine. What happened next?”

 

“He took me to someplace he said was safe. We made our way upstream for hours. I slipped and fell in the water.”

 

“Is that how you cut your foot?”

 

Kaoru nodded mutely. Tears threatened as she recalled the encounter in the cave, the bitter rejection from the man she loved that had driven her out into the cold night with almost no clothes on and her hair wet. She pressed her eyes closed, not wanting to relive that moment. Dimly she recalled him finding her. After that everything blurred together. “Where are we?”

 

Megumi hesitated. “We're at the castle.”

 

Kaoru stared at her blankly and then burst out into fits of giggles. “Really where are we?”

 

Megumi patted her hand and sighed. “I'll send for some food. I'm sure you're hungry and you're going to need your strength.

 

She watched the older woman move towards the door. It bounded open and Kaoru blinked as her petite friend entered. She saw she was awake and threw herself at the bed. Her thin arms wound around her neck and Kaoru struggled to stay upright.

 

“You're okay!”

 

“I don't know if I will be if you don't stop choking me.” She exclaimed, attempting once more to extricate the woman from her.

 

Misao pulled back, tears rimming her green eyes. “Aoshi told me you were running a fever for most of the night. Then you wouldn't wake up! It was terrible.”

 

She frowned at the mention of the quiet man. “How does he know that?”

 

Misao rolled her eyes. “Hello! He is the captain of the guard. Of course he would know something like that. Aoshi knows everything that goes on in the castle.”

 

An otherworldly feeling settled over her. “We're really at the castle?”

 

The younger woman nodded. “Kenshin brought you here.”

 

Her blue eyes blinked. “You know Kenshin?”

 

“Hai.”

 

“How do you know Kenshin? Where is Kenshin?”

 

Suddenly all she wanted to do was see him. Make sure he was okay and see his amethyst eyes light up with a soft smile, telling her everything would be all right. Misao studied her a moment and then a sly smile spread on her lips. “Why didn't you tell me?”

 

“Tell you what?”

 

“You're in love with Kenshin.” Kaoru squirmed and didn't say anything. “Why didn't you tell me?”

 

“I only met him a few days ago, since I saw you last.”

 

The emerald eyes blinked. “He isn't the one who was giving you sword lessons?”

 

Kaoru shook her head. “That's someone else. He was older and it wasn't something either of us wanted to get around.” She waved her hand dismissively. “Tae would have a fit if she knew I was meeting some strange man in the woods and he didn't want anyone to know.”

 

The door opened again and Sanosuke peered around the doorframe. Kaoru blinked to see him here. But then, it was turning it to a bizarre morning. “Jou-chan. you're awake.” She smiled and nodded. He stood awkwardly in the door. “How are you feeling?”

 

“I'm good. How did you know I was here?”

 

Sano offered her a sheepish grin. “I was with Kenshin.”

 

His name again. “Where is he?” She demanded, a bit stronger this time. She rose from the bed. “I want to see him.”

 

Her foot hit the floor and her leg refused to hold her weight. She fell to the ground, Misao and Sanosuke rushing to her aide. Megumi appeared in the doorway, a tray of food in her hands. “Tanuki, stay in bed or you won't get well.” She snapped as she put the tray down.

 

Kaoru refused to be tucked back in though she sat on the bed. She pushed her dark hair from her face. “I want someone to tell me what is going on. I want to see Kenshin. Where are we and why was that guy trying to kill me last night?”

 

No one answered her. Instead Aoshi appeared in the door. He cleared his throat and all eyes swung to him. A woman stood nervously behind him, a bundle of material in her arms. “Lady Kaoru is to be dressed and then her presence is expected.”

 

Kaoru slammed a fist against the headboard. “Expected by who?”

 

“By the king.”

 

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“You can not keep this a secret any longer.” Kenshin argued. He had hardly slept, remaining just outside Kaoru's door until Hiko summoned him. They had stared at each other until he had finally broken the silence.

 

“And what would you have me do?”

 

“If nothing else, you should tell her father, that you should.”

 

Hiko sat back in his seat. “Why?”

 

Kenshin could only stare at the man who had raised him. “Koshijirou is your friend.”

 

“Do you honestly think I wouldn't do right by my friend?”

 

“You have known the whereabouts of his daughter all this time and you haven't disclosed it, for what? Why have you kept that secret? Why didn't Tae return her when the war ended?”

 

“You always failed to see what occurred just beyond your scope.”

 

“Oro?”

 

“Tae did not return because I told her not to.”

 

“Why?” Kenshin demanded. For some reason he couldn't seem to understand the man's logic, particularly since he took over the throne so there wouldn't be a coup with the missing princess. He approached the man. “Why didn't you tell anyone?”

 

Hiko sighed. “I did not want Shishio coming back for her. When I heard there was a chance he had survived I told Tae to keep Kaoru hidden until she was sent for. Shishio had several thoughts to sustain him, one of them being to completely eviscerate Koshijirou and his child. So I set about other ways to protect her.”

 

“Including sending me there to protect her. Why?”

 

“Tae was needed elsewhere as were Sanosuke and Aoshi. Again if I had told you of Shishio, you would have gone searching for him regardless of what I told you.” Kenshin offered a wry smile, knowing it to be the truth. “You may be an imbecile, but I know how you think.” Hiko stated.

 

The insult was waved to the side. “What of Kaoru-dono? What will become of her now?”

 

“There is another matter I must attend to. I wish to know if what I have heard is true.”

 

“What else have you heard?”

 

Hiko took a deep breath and studied him. Kenshin fought the urge to squirm underneath the penetrating gaze. It always struck him as odd that this man could make him feel uncomfortable at times after everything he had done in his past.

 

The door behind him opened and he turned to see who was entering. Aoshi stood there. “Your majesty.”

 

Hiko rose from his vantage by the window. “Is she ready?”

 

“Hai.”

 

“Then show her in.”

 

Kenshin felt his eyes widen at the woman who stood in the doorway. He had always thought she was pretty, beautiful even, but to see Kaoru with her hair brushed and coiffed, dressed in a gown that flattered her, the woman was stunning. Her long dark hair was smooth and strait, hanging long down her back. Her dress had a scoop neckline with an empire waist, sheer panels of blue and green floating to the floor. Her face was still pale but color adorned her full lips and her blue eyes shone. A smile lit up her face when she saw Kenshin and she hurried to him, throwing her arms about his neck.

 

Caught off guard by her affection, he awkwardly returned the embrace. She smelled of jasmine and lavender and he relished her fragrance before finally letting her go. Tears shone in her eyes as she pulled away. “I was worried about you. No one would tell me if you were alright or not.”

 

Unable to stop himself he touched her cheek. “You scared me, that you did.”

 

She offered him a shy smile and looked down. “Do you know what is going on?”

 

“I believe I can answer that.”

 

They turned to look at the king. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Kaoru take a step back and swallow. She dropped into a curtsey clumsily. “M-m-majesty.”

 

Hiko came towards her and took her hand, raising her from the ground. “There is no need for you to bow to me.” The blue eyes were wide as she lifted her face. “This is my private quarters. There is no need for such formality here.”

 

She nodded and allowed the imposing man to guide her towards the table and chairs. Kenshin wondered what he was to do and chose to remain where he was. Hiko gazed at him once she was seated. “I imagine you have many questions, but I must say that I have some of my own as well.”

 

She stared up at the imposing man now with a mixture of fear and awe. She glanced at the redhead. He was watching the king, his look unreadable, but he did not appear happy. “Don't you have something to tell Kaoru-dono first?”

 

The king shot a dark glance at him. She watched, interested in the byplay between the two men. “I have questions for her.” Hiko reiterated.

 

Her cheeks flared and she looked down at her hands. “I can't imagine what you would need to ask me.”

 

“What do you think of my idiotic pupil?”

 

Kenshin pressed his lips together, his anger flaring at the insult. Hiko had often referred to him as such, but rarely in the presence of others, at least not where he could hear. But to say such a thing in front of Kaoru struck a nerve.

 

The young woman was also thrown by the question. She stared at the king, her cobalt eyes wide. “What?”

 

“My student?” The king indicated towards Kenshin. “I think he's quite a moron. What are your thoughts?”

 

Her lips parted in disbelief. “Kenshin's your student?”

 

“He didn't tell you?”

 

The wide azure gaze swung towards him and the redhead offered her a tight smile. He wanted this torture to end. He imagined it was in response to his hasty actions for bringing the princess here. Slowly she shook her head, one ebony curl falling from the clip holding her hair from her face. Understanding dawned on her face. “I guess it makes sense.”

 

“And what is that?”

 

Kaoru turned back to the king. “That you taught him everything. I always assumed you were Battousai.”

 

The statement, so blunt, nearly had Kenshin laughing out loud. That and the startled look on Hiko's face. The imposing man was rarely caught by surprise and it should seem no astonishment that Kaoru had managed to accomplish the feat within five minutes.

 

The king finally chuckled, his dark eyes glancing in his direction. “I see you didn't hesitate to tell her that.”

 

“It wasn't exactly by choice.” He retorted darkly.

 

Hiko sat back, his finger thoughtfully placed over his mouth. “The other matter.” His dark gaze now focused on Kaoru. “What did happen?”

 

“I'm not sure what you're talking about.”

 

“The stranger who assaulted you in the cottage.”

 

“You know about that?” Hiko merely raised an eyebrow. “Of course you would.” Kaoru took a deep breath to steady herself. “He was just there. Then he grabbed me. I don't know what would have happened if Kenshin hadn't appeared.” She shot him a shy smile.

 

“Did he tell you anything?”

 

She shrugged her shoulders. “He said I was beautiful.”

 

Kenshin gritted his teeth, the memory of seeing the blonde lick her, driving him to distraction. He focused and turned back to the conversation. Hiko was watching him through narrowed eyes and he couldn't help but wonder just what thoughts his mentor had. He turned once more to the young woman in front of him. “Anything else?”

 

“Something about his master and a birthright. He called me Lady Kamiya.”

 

The king tensed ever so slightly. Only someone who knew him as well as Kenshin would have noticed the perceptible tightening of his jaw. Then Hiko relaxed. “You are a beautiful young woman. You put many of the ladies of court to shame. I'm sure my stupid apprentice will comply on that if nothing else.”

 

Color suffused the young woman at the compliment. Her cobalt gaze glanced at him and he sighed, nodding his head slightly to show her he did agree with the king. Her blush deepened and she looked at her hands in her lap. “Thank you.” She murmured.

 

Hiko rose. After a second, Kaoru did as well. “I imagine you are tired.” She nodded. “You are free to explore the grounds. I'm sure there are several people you will wish to see.”

 

She curtsied, performing the gesture a bit more gracefully than before. She looked at Kenshin and hesitated. “I will find you in a few moments.” Her lips parted and then she was moving to the door, Aoshi following her out of the room. Kenshin watched her go.

 

“Well, well, well.” Inwardly he swore, the tone in his mentor's voice not unfamiliar. Hiko was in a rare mood and Kenshin braced himself for what it could possibly entail. “It appears you have left out much in your report.”

 

Slowly he looked at the tall man. “I have no clue what you are referring to, that I do not.”

 

The man studied him, his dark eyes unfathomable. “I heard that you took her to the village.”

 

Kenshin squirmed. “If you had told me her identity, I wouldn't have put her at risk.”

 

“You figured it out, it appears.”

 

“Not until after.”

 

“What happened?”

 

He moved away from the imposing glare, his mind recalling the interaction between Enishi and Kaoru. “There is much more going on here that just that one incident, that there is.”

 

“What are you not telling me?” Hiko demanded.

 

“She isn't as sheltered from the world as you would like to believe.” He told him flatly, the comment making his own bitterness grow. “Despite all your precautions, something much more dire has happened.”

 

“Explain.”

 

“Kaoru-dono is a young and vivacious woman. She wants to experience everything life has to offer, that she does. She has been sneaking around the village for who knows how many years. Allowing Misao to interact with her was not the best idea.”

 

“Despite what you think, boy, I did not plan any of her relationships.” Kenshin glared at the man, not believing a single word. “The doctor was the only one I put directly in Kaoru's world, for similar reasons.”

 

“And those reasons?”

 

“For her own protection. If you spent more time at court, you might be more up to date with your gossip.” Hiko rose from his seat and strode towards the window. “Several years ago it came to my attention that one of the nobles was abusing his power. He had a young, talented woman in his care that he was taking advantage of. Aoshi was able to remove her from his household.”

 

Kenshin waved a hand dismissively. “I pay more attention than you give me credit for. I know all about Kanryuu and the trouble he caused. So you placed Megumi in Tae's care.”

 

“Precisely.”

 

"And Sano?”

 

“Ah, tori-atama saw Megumi-sama in the village. But I believe you have already read of his courtship of her.”

 

“You're implying that Sanosuke didn't know?”

 

“He isn't as dense as you might think. But in the beginning he did not know who Kaoru was. When I discovered his frequents liaison's into the forest, I encouraged his behavior rather than allaying it.”

 

“What of Aoshi?”

 

The tall man left the window and moved to the table. “He became aware when it came to my attention that Misao had befriended Kaoru of her own volition.” He turned his dark gaze on Kenshin. “No one was ever told out right.”

 

“Why send me to her now? You had two of your best men around her that you did. Why was it imperative that she get my personal protection?”

 

He poured himself a small cup of sake. “That, my stupid apprentice, shall be your own riddle to solve.”

 

Kenshin grated under the slur. “Shishio?”

 

Hiko smiled grimly as he sipped the liquor. “That is only one among many answers.”

 

His violet eyes blinked. “What else could there possibly be?”

 

“Have you truly put your past vendettas behind you? I recall you had more than the one.”

 

His jaw tightened. “Enishi.”

 

“That is another.”

 

“He has approached her.”

 

The comment stopped the king and Kenshin felt some satisfaction in having finally thrown him off. “It was only a matter of time before another realized she was still alive and where to find her.”

 

“There is another matter that you must be aware of.”

 

“And that would be?”

 

“Apparently Kaoru-dono has met a man that has been teaching her to fight.”

 

Hiko swung around and studied him. The smugness of adolescence touched Kenshin to be able to tell the man something he didn't already know. “Continue.”

 

“I don't know who he is, but I believe I have seen the technique before.”

 

“Where?”

 

He hesitated. “I'm not sure. But I have reason to believe that perhaps Enishi is this man.”

 

“Does that bother you?”

 

Kenshin thought of what Kaoru had told him in the cave, that she thought she could be in love. The idea that she was interested in her teacher made his heartsick. The possibility that it was Enishi, made him detest the man even more. “It could develop into a catastrophic problem.”

 

“And why is that?”

 

“I have reason to believe that Kaoru-dono has developed a romantic interest in the man.”

 

Hiko stared blankly at him for a moment before he burst into laughter. “You are an even bigger fool than I could ever imagine. What on earth has led you to such an absurd conclusion?”

 

Kenshin hesitated, still not sure for his mentor's amusement. And while Kaoru had not begged him for confidence for what she had told him the night before, he was reluctant to give away her own feelings without her input. “She told me she had feelings for him.”

 

“For him specifically?”

 

“Who else could it be?”

 

The man seemed to have contained his mirth. “I can only begin to surmise who this mystery man could be.”

 

Kenshin fumed, at a loss in what to say. “When do you plan on telling her?”

 

“Who?”

 

“You know who. Kaoru-dono.”

 

“Tell her what?”

 

He struggled not to hit the man, though his desire was mounting by the second. “Kaoru-dono and Koshijirou both must be told.”

 

The man put down his cup. “There are other things in play that you can not comprehend.”

 

Kenshin felt his vehemence grow. “Why haven't you told him? He's been pining for her ever since he sent her away nearly fifteen years ago. He has a right to know his daughter is alive, that he does!”

 

“And what happens then?”

 

“She takes the throne.”

 

“Do you really think she's ready?

 

He had no answer and he glared at the man malevolently, sick and tired of these words games. “You cannot deny the truth any longer.” He persisted. “Kaoru-dono merely needs someone to teach her about the intrigues of life at court.”

 

Hiko studied him for a moment as poured himself another cup of sake. “I do believe for once in your short existence, that you might have actually said something that was correct.”

 

“It's about time.” Kenshin muttered and then paused. He swung his violet gaze towards the king and took a step closer. “What are you planning?” He demanded.

 

“Only what you said. The woman needs to be apprised of how life at court is handled.”

 

“And?”

 

“As you claimed, she is a vivacious young woman. I do not have a desire to have her be tainted by the cruelties of the courtesan.”

 

“Then have Misao—“

 

“She has other matters to attend to, though I wouldn't be surprised if she does teach the princess a few things about how to avoid the gossip whores.”

 

A sinking feeling was starting to steal over him. “Who else is there?”

 

Raising his cup in a toast, Hiko grinned. “Who else other than someone who has spent years avoiding court? I think it was time this person returned to the fold as well.”

 

Kenshin glowered, finally catching onto the trap he had so easily walked into. “Who?” He asked anyway, though he already knew the answer.

 

“You, silly boy. You insist on the woman taking her place. You can be the one to teach her. You are already acquainted with her. I can think of no one else who would be perfect. You can just continue on with your prior commitment to her.”

 

Though he had already known this, Kenshin opened his mouth to protest and then closed it. There was no arguing with Hiko when his mind was made up. Besides, it would allow him to spend more time with Kaoru and let him make up for the mistakes he had made in the past few days, primarily leaving her alone; secondly giving into his own carnal urges. “Fine.”

 

“You aren't going to argue?”

 

“What would be the point?”

 

Hiko grinned and tossed back his sake. “And here I was geared up for a fight. I assumed you would want to head off and immediately search for Shishio.”

 

The name made him freeze momentarily. That had been his initial thought. But during the conversation, his foremost concern had been Kaoru's safety. He had not once thought of the wizard. “If you're right, I won't have to go looking for him.”

 

“Then go and find your princess.” At long last dismissed, he turned to go. “And Kenshin?”

 

His name coming from his mentor's lips nearly had him gaping. Slowly he turned back around, wondering what else the king would have to say to him. “Make sure her honor isn't marred. There is already a suitor picked out for her.”

 

Kenshin felt himself grow hot. Did Hiko know of what had transpired in the cave? Not sure what to say to that, he merely nodded and left.

 

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There you have it. Forgive me for leaving you hanging for just a bit more. The next chapter will reveal much, if you haven't figured it out some of the lingering secrets already. Hang on just a bit longer. Let me know how you liked it! Kisses until next time!