Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ A Simple Twist of Fate ❯ Chapter 13

It took me a bit to get this chapter together. Life is crazy. Between work, friends leaving town, becoming reacquainted with old friends, people's birthdays, being heinously ill and still trying to get the bills paid, I hardly found time to get this chapter together. But at long last I did. So without further ramblings on my part, here it is in all its glory.

 

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The corridors seemed endless as Kaoru wandered, trying to find some place that looked remotely familiar. She glanced out a window and saw that she was still above the ground. After a few minutes she found a stairwell and quickly she descended it. Another hallway greeted her, a large set of double doors at the opposite end. She hurried towards her destination, hoping it would offer her a way out into the sunshine. She hit the doors running.

 

Sunlight did not shine down on her when she crossed the threshold. Instead she found herself in a large, seemingly barren, room. She stared in awe at the large space, her blue eyes finally spotting the various weapons hanging on the walls. Realization dawned on her. Somehow Kaoru had discovered the training hall. Slowly she crossed to a rack, an assortment of blades adorning the wall.

 

“What brings a beautiful young woman down to the training hall?”

 

Kaoru whirled at the sound of the masculine voice. “I'm sorry.” She responded breathlessly. “I was looking for a way to the gardens and somehow got lost.” She stammered.

 

“There's no need to apologize. I should have known someone of your nature would be drawn here of all places.”

 

She finally spotted the man and a smile broke out across her face as she recognized him. “What are you doing here?” She asked.

 

The man hesitated only briefly and Kaoru brushed it away, assuming it was her own imagination. “I do have clearance to be on the grounds.”

 

Her grin deepened. They met in the center of the room and she kissed him on the cheek. His dark blue eyes were warm and Kaoru was happy to find her mentor in the lonely place. She had forgotten he had access to the castle. “It's good to see you Kisho.”

 

“I had heard a stunning young woman had been brought in. I had no clue it was you.”

 

She shrugged. “I never thought I would find myself here.”

 

“It's been awhile. You declined a lesson last time we spoke. I hope your eggs were good.”

 

“A… friend proved to be a better cook than I.”

 

He grinned. “Have you been keeping up with your technique?”

 

She returned his grin. “I've been doing what I can.”

 

He raised a dark eyebrow. “That means no.”

 

“I have.” She protested.

 

The older man turned and walked towards the wall. He pulled two wooden swords down and turned to her. He handed her one. “Let's see.”

 

She hesitantly took it. “What about my dress?”

 

He glanced at the chiffon and satin that adorned her body and shrugged. “It never stopped you before.”

 

She didn't say anything, merely lifted her shoulders and moved across the floor. Kisho ran a hand through his greying hair and followed her. She turned to him and hiked up her skirt a bit. She grimaced, knowing it would slow her down. While she had never been reluctant to fight in a skirt before, she had never been dressed in one so elegant.

 

They took their stances. Kisho attacked her and she fended off the assault easily, moving with him. Without a break he brought his wooden blade around and Kaoru turned, the chiffon swirling around her as she fought off the second attack. Without a second thought she pushed him off and brought the hilt close to her body, bring the weapon up in an arc. She saw the surprise in her sparring partner's blue eyes and she couldn't help the feeling of giddiness the coursed through her. She didn't succeed at landing a blow, but he did step back, approval evident in his crystal clear gaze.

 

Kaoru warmed underneath his unspoken praise. They backed away from each other and she was rewarded by a rare smile from Kisho. “You have improved greatly despite the fact I have not seen you in over a week.”

 

She blushed and lowered her bokken. “I have another teacher.”

 

He raised a dark eyebrow. “Really? Do tell.”

 

Kaoru shrugged. “He's not really my teacher I guess. We did spar once. He practices a different technique, one I don't think I could ever hope to master. But he's given me some pointers.”

 

“Why do you assume you could not master it?”

 

“It's some assassination technique.”

 

Now he frowned. “Assassination. I don't know if you should be consorting with someone who is an assassin.”

 

She rolled her blue eyes and moved to replace her weapon on the wall. “You sound like Tae.” She turned and thought she caught a twinkle in his dark blue eyes. “Besides he isn't an assassin anymore. He hasn't killed anyone in years.”

 

“So he claims.”

 

“He hasn't.” She retorted sharply, coming to Kenshin's defense.

 

Kisho studied her a moment. “You trust him?”

 

She nodded quickly and clasped her hands together. “He saved my life. I imagine you know him. His name is Kenshin.”

 

The blue eyes stared at her unblinking and she began to squirm underneath the penetrating gaze. After a moment Kisho moved to replace his own weapon ion the wall. “You are acquainted with Himura Kenshin?”

 

“He's been staying at the cottage for the last few days. Tae got called away and Megumi's services were required in the village. I didn't realize who he actually was until the night I was ambushed.”

 

“And you got sick.”

 

Kaoru shrugged and moved away to where a bench rested. Primly she sat down and smoothed out her skirt. “That was an accident.” She looked up at him and nibbled on her bottom lip. “What do you know of him?”

 

“Of Kenshin?” She nodded. “Why?”

 

“I never understood why he brought me here.”

 

“You`d be safe here.”

 

“I was fine in the cottage.” He looked at her sardonically and she offered him a sheepish grin. “But even still, I mean, why here? Why the palace? And how was he able to get me sanctuary here? I mean I guess with Kenshin being the king's student…” She gnawed on her lip. “I've heard scary things about the king and I couldn't imagine why he'd allow me stay here.”

 

“Kenshin and the king have a very interesting relationship, one that transcends that of teacher and pupil. The king would not refuse to keep one of his patrons safe, particularly one that Kenshin has sworn to protect.”

 

“But why protect me?” Kaoru persisted. “Not that I don't want him to, but I'm not anyone important. I'm just some girl who was living in the woods.”

 

“Don't ever say that again.” His voice was sharp. She blinked in surprise at the sterness in his words. Kisho leaned towards her. “You are extremely important even if you don't understand the reasoning behind it just yet. Hiko recognizes that and would jeopardize your safety even if you were some random peasant.”

 

“Are you telling me you know the king well?” She asked, uncertain from where his opinion stemmed. “I mean no offense, but you're just another one of the guards. How can you possibly understand the situation? I don't even have a clue what's going on and I'm in the middle of it.”

 

Kisho sighed. “I have been here since the beginning. I understand more than you know.”

 

She watched him, comprehending there was more beneath the surface than anyone had told her. “Look I just wanted to know more about Kenshin. He doesn't tell me much unless I can trick him into revealing tidbits of his past. He's never once spoken to me about the king or ties to the castle. I always got the impression he was just a wanderer, going where his feet took him.”

 

He looked at her sharply, his cerulean eyes narrowing thoughtfully. “How well do you know Kenshin?”

 

The accusatory tone in the man's voice threw her once again. “I only met him a few days ago.” She answered timidly.

 

“Then you don't know the nature of his relationship with the king. There is more reason to his wanderings than because he wants see the country.”

 

Kaoru sighed, her mind swirling in confusion. “Just because Kenshin killed some people during the wars for the king, doesn't mean he would forgo his world among the nobility.”

 

Kisho stared at her incredulously. “Is that what he told you? That he just killed some people?”

 

She looked at him in bewilderment. “No, it's what I know.”

 

He came and sat next to her and studied her a moment. “Kenshin has killed more that just a few people.”

 

“I know he's Battousai.”

 

Surprise was evident in the indigo eyes. “You know who he is and yet you do not fear him?”

 

“Why should I?” She rose and began to pace, her energy needing an outlet.

 

“You aren't deluding yourself where he is concerned, are you?”

 

She stopped and looked at him sharply. “No. I know he did terrible things, that he killed hundreds, if not thousands of people. I know of the unspeakable horrors he was capable of. I've heard those horror stories; I'll admit they used to keep me up at night. But that was years ago. I don't want to believe that someone as kind and compassionate as Kenshin is still capable of that.” She caught her bottom lip between her teeth. Above all else she feared he could easily revert back to the man he had once been. She had witnessed the look of rage in the deep amber eyes that had flashed when her life had been at stake. She cast a glance at Kisho and smiled weakly. “I'm sorry to burden you with this.”

 

“Kaoru come here.” He patted the bench and she grudgingly sat back down. “You know that I'm here for you.”

 

She nodded, the source for her questions eating away at her. “I know, it's just…” She looked up at him and shrugged. “You're a man. I feel a little silly telling you all this stuff.”

 

He chuckled and shook his head. “I'm afraid there isn't anything I can do about that. However, I will try to answer any questions you might have. I could give you the male perspective.”

 

She gazed at him curiously. Could she really ask the one question that had been plaguing her lately? Kenshin's response to the question had left her completely bewildered. She still didn't understand the redhead's anger and then the depression that had stolen over him at her seemingly innocuous inquiry. “Have you ever been in love?” She asked after a moment.

 

He blinked and turned away from her. For a minute Kaoru didn't think he would answer her. “Yes, I was. A very long time ago.” He answered after several more minutes.

 

She hesitated in her next question, the memories apparently a melancholy one for the man. But she needed to know what she felt for the fiery haired man who had so suddenly entered her life. Everything was a jumble when she was near him and she could hardly think. But she had known the moment she laid eyes on him and Megumi claimed that was not the way it worked. She suspected Kenshin had once been in love, though he had yet to divulge that information. It only made her doubt the truth of her own feelings that had struck her so swiftly and urgently.

 

Finally she opened her mouth. “How did you know?”

 

The blue eyes slowly swung to look at her and Kisho narrowed his eyes thoughtfully. “Do you think you're in love?”

 

Feeling put on the spot, she immediately shook her head in denial. For some reason the question struck a cord in her, as though she was a young child trying desperately hard not to displease. Based on his earlier reaction to the man, she did not think he would approve of her interest in the redhead and decided to keep that to herself. “I just want to know so that when it does happen I'll understand.”

 

He continued to gaze at her speculatively. Kaoru could practically see the thoughts churning inside his head, though what they were she could only surmise. “The first moment I laid eyes on Eiko, I knew she was the woman I was going to marry.” He looked away again, reminiscing. “My whole world stopped in that moment. She was so beautiful.” He whispered.

 

A tear slipped from the corner of his eye and Kaoru felt her heart go out to the man. The gaze swung back in her direction. “When you fall in love, Kaoru, you'll know. You'll be in the middle of doing something and abruptly it will strike you. You love that person. And if you do, you should listen to nothing else that anyone ever says to you. Your heart knows what is best.”

 

Kaoru looked down at her lap, trying to hide her own emotions. Did she love Kenshin? She had definitely felt something the moment she had met him. But there was so much mystery where he was concerned. She couldn't hear what her heart was telling her, particularly since he seemed so adamant about pushing her away. His rejection the night before still stung, though she had sensed something else kept him from giving into their attraction. She longed for another female voice besides the bitterness Tae expressed whenever she talked of her husband or Megumi's analytical outlook on life.

 

She sighed forlornly and felt an edge of depression slip over her. “I wish I had known my mother.” She murmured. Kaoru wrapped her arms about herself. “I never knew her, not really. My parents died when I was really young. But it's times like this that I wonder what she'd have to say. If she'd approve of me.”

 

Kisho reached over and caught her chin in his hand. She looked at him and was startled to see the look of wretchedness in his gaze. His thumb stroked her cheek and Kaoru caught her breath. There was a faraway look in his eyes. “Your mother would be very proud of you. Of that I'm sure.”

 

His words warmed her and she smiled, the sting of tears burning behind her eyelids. He looked up suddenly and rose from his position. “I must go.”

 

She looked at him quizzically. “So soon?”

 

He took her hand in his and pressed it to his lips. “My lady, we shall meet again. Of that I am certain.”

 

She smiled at him as he bowed to her and quickly crossed the room to the far door. It was closing behind him when the main door was thrown open. Startled she leapt up from her position to see Sanosuke and Kenshin enter the room. The tall brunette crossed his arms and smirked. “I told you she'd be here.”

 

Kaoru frowned at the trace of worry she saw in the redhead's stance before he crossed the room to stand before her. “Have you been down here this whole time?” He demanded

 

She blinked. “What whole time?”

 

“I've been looking for you.”

 

“Why?”

 

He opened his mouth and then closed it again. A look of calm stole over his features and he offered her a smile. “There are some unsavory characters roaming about the castle. I wouldn't want you to run into any of them, that I would not.”

 

Kaoru studied him dubiously wondering if he referred to the man who had come after her. She still had no clue what was going on where that was concerned, the king's explanation opening a whole other barrage of questions rather than offering her any answers.

 

“I wouldn't worry about him, Jou-chan. Kenshin just panics when he doesn't have you within his sight. That is his job now.”

 

The brunette slung an arm casually about her shoulders. She looked at Kenshin. “What is this?”

 

“The king has asked for me to be your personal bodyguard while you remain on the grounds.”

 

Kaoru licked her lisp to hear that bit. “What does that mean?”

 

“It means, Jou-chan. That Kenshin won't be leaving your side any time soon.”

 

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“What have you done?”

 

Hiko glanced up from the book in his slim fingers. He sat back and studied him through narrowed eyes. “What are you talking about?”

 

Koshijirou pursed his lips together. “You know exactly what I'm referring to.”

 

“Alas, I'm afraid I am at a loss. What has gotten you all riled up?”

 

He strode across the room so he towered over his longtime friend. “Why the hell would you send Kenshin to Kaoru?”

 

Hiko sipped on his sake and poured himself another cup. “That bothers you?”

 

“Yes it bothers me.”

 

“Given the circumstances can you think of anyone better to keep her safe?”

 

“How could you have risked it?” He cried and began to pace.

 

“Risked what?”

 

He glared at the man. “Kaoru is in danger and you send your unpredictable student to protect her?

 

The man watched him and rose. “Perhaps it is good that I know my idiotic pupil better than you.”

 

“Did you tell him who she was?”

 

“No. Miraculously he figured that out on his own.”

 

“Then why would he protect her so adamantly? What is to keep the rurouni from leaving?” He demanded.

 

“I do know him better than he knows himself. He would not hesitate to protect her. They were going to have to meet eventually. Particularly if you planned to hold the boy to the vow he made.”

 

He ignored the comment and glared at the king. “What of everything else that has transpired. Did you predict that as well?”

 

Hiko reached for his cup and drained the contents before moving away from the table. He went to the window to stare down on the gardens below. “What are you referring to now?”

 

“She's in love with him.”

 

“Did she tell you that?”

 

“No, but it's completely obvious.”

 

Hiko chuckled and turned back to face him. “It's ironic. The boy never ceases to amaze me with his own stupidity.”

 

“Where is the irony in that?”

 

“According to him, she's in love with you.”

 

Koshijirou blinked and took a step back. “Me?”

 

“You're her teacher aren't you? My apprentice has convinced himself she is in love with him since he is the only male that has entered her life that he can attest to.”

 

“Why her teacher? She has known Sanosuke and Aoshi far longer than I.”

 

“But the moron was not aware of that until after the fact. He knows Kaoru longs for someone. He is determined to believe it can not be him.”

 

Another thought began to dawn in his mind and he took a sharp step towards the man. “What did you do?” He demanded darkly, knowing that Hiko would find great humor in making the former assassin wake up to reality.

 

“I have issued Kaoru a fulltime bodyguard.”

 

“No.”

 

Hiko glanced at him. “It's already been decided.”

 

“No!” He retorted, his anger mounting. “I will not let you do this.”

 

“Why on earth not? Years ago, you were of a different mindset. Do you no longer approve of my student?”

 

“Considering how much you declare his incompetence, can you doubt me? Not to mention the man has closed himself off emotionally from anyone since he killed his lover. If Kaoru is in love with him, I will not have him breaking her heart.”

 

Hiko returned to his seat. “My dear friend, you have been out of sight for too long. You have not seen them together.”

 

He crossed his arms. “And just what are you claiming now? That your apprentice is in love with my daughter?”

 

“Exactly.”

 

The news hit him hard and he fell backwards into the chair across from Hiko. The man filled a second cup and handed it to him. The liquid burned his throat as it went down and it took him another minute to realize his friend had just willingly offered him his precious beverage. “What leads you to that belief?” He queried after another moment.

 

“He was furious with the thought of Kaoru being in love with her teacher.” The face darkened for a moment. “Of course the idiot also thinks Enishi could be her teacher, but that is another concern.” The man let the thought go and continued.

 

“The boy went into a panic when she fell ill. The tori-atama claims Battousai lingered just below the surface. I know he did. In ten years, nothing has ever threatened to have the hitokiri reemerge. He has sworn never to shed blood again but he would not have hesitated that night with your daughter's life in danger.”

 

A sliver of fear touched him. Of all the things he had done in the last fifteen years, offering his daughter to Tae and then having Hiko keep her hidden. Lying to his own child about his identity so he could pass on his fighting style, the one thing he truly regretted was the creation of the deadly assassin. Despite the man's oath, Koshijirou still feared Battousai's return. “Do you think he will reemerge?”

 

Hiko sighed and sat back. “I do not believe it will be the same.”

 

Koshijirou focused his cerulean eyes, so like Kaoru's and glared at his friend. “Why do you think that?”

 

“Battousai is long dead and buried. The boy has told me that.”

 

“You said yourself nothing has ever brought the hitokiri to the surface before; that he was present last night.”

 

“Even if he does surface, he has a conscience now.”

 

“You think Kenshin's vow to never kill is strong enough?”

 

“Battousai was a creation of necessity. We needed him to destroy the enemy, namely Shishio.”

 

“Shishio is back and now comes to finish what he started. He will come for Kaoru. You don't think Kenshin will allow his bloodlust rise again?”

 

“No I do not.”

 

He rubbed his temples. “Why, pray tell, do you say that?”

 

“Ten years ago, Battousai wanted nothing more than to kill. Now he has another priority.”

 

Koshijirou opened his eyes and stared at Hiko. “You don't think Kenshin won't kill Shishio if given the opportunity.”

 

Hiko waved a hand dismissively. “I haven't a doubt in my mind that if the chance arises the boy will do just that. But it isn't his main priority.”

 

He sighed, tired of the man's riddles. “And just what is you student's goal?”

 

“Isn't it obvious? To protect your daughter.”

 

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So how did I do? Did I succeed in throwing you for a loop? I figured it would make sense that her father would be Kaoru's kendo teacher. The reveal should be interesting there. So much so that I can begin to think about going about it.

 

Any thoughts and suggestions are always welcome. Much love to all of you and thanks for the inspiration! Kisses until next time!