Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ A Simple Twist of Fate ❯ Chapter 15

At long last a well-deserved vacation. I hope everyone had a merry Christmas! Santa was good to me this year, so hardly any complaints. It also means that I have a chance to sit down and write.

 

Also, for anyone who might be interested, this story did get nominated on the RKRC awards. If you head over to rkrc.meijitales.com, it's under that romance category. If you feel so inclined, head over and vote, either for my story or something else.

 

Without further ado, here is the next chapter! And I do not own any of the characters below

 

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Kaoru closed her eyes as the warm water covered her head. Elise, one of the maids, had her fingers digging into her scalp brushing away soap and dirt. At long last the hands released her head and Kaoru sputtered to the surface. She brushed water and suds from her eyes. She blinked and offered Elise a weak smile. “Am I clean yet?” She made a move to rise from the tub.

 

The young woman, possibly a year or so younger than Kaoru, merely stared at her. “You want to get out already?”

 

Kaoru settled back in, allowing the warm water to envelope her. She nibbled on her bottom lip. “Should I stay in? It's your turn.”

 

The eyes were as wide as saucers. “I bathe with the other servants.”

 

Oh.” Kaoru felt foolish. Absently she crossed her arms about her chest. “Do you think you could at least help me with my hair?” She asked weakly.

 

“Of course, Lady Kaoru.”

 

“I've asked you not to call me that.”

 

The young woman bowed her head contritely. “Forgive me.”

 

”Stop.” She rose from the bath, the water slithering over her naked skin. Her flesh puckered in the chill air and she accepted the linen robe Elise held out to her. “You didn't have to haul all this water up here for me. You should at least take advantage of it.”

 

“I merely supervised, La- Kaoru.”

 

She rubbed her temples wearily. “Fine. Then comb my hair since you continually defer to me as though I'm some courtesan.”

 

“That won't be necessary.” She glanced up to see Tae standing in the doorway. “Elise, you are excused for the evening.”

 

The girl curtsied. “Thank you, milady.”

 

Elise vanished out the door. Tae raised an eyebrow and held her hand out. Kaoru picked up the brush from the vanity and handed it to her. “There was no need to be cross with her.” Tae chided. She pointed to the floor.

 

With a sigh of exasperation, Kaoru sank to the floor. “She wouldn't let me wash her hair. I'm not any better than she is.”

 

The old woman sat in the chair behind her. She ran the brush through the ebony strands. “You were mean because she wouldn't accept your kindness?” She asked in wonder.

 

“I guess you could say that.” Kaoru rested her chin on her knees, her mind reeling as Tae brushed the tangles from her wet hair. It reminded her of Kenshin and the night they had taken a bath. He had seemed surprised she would venture out to the stream to cleanse herself. It made sense now, knowing he had spent a considerable amount of time within the palace. With the king as his mentor, she imagined he was practically nobility.

 

The thought sobered her. She wondered of their relationship, recalling how abrasive the king had treated the redhead. It appeared appalling considering the tall man was practically a father to the man. Again it made her wonder of her own parents. As the brush ran through the inkiness of her hair, she worried of her mother's heirloom that had been forgotten at the cottage.

 

“I need to go back.” She declared suddenly.

 

“Back where, dear.”

 

“To the cottage.” She twisted around to stare up at her guardian. “We have need to go back.”

 

The old woman studied her face. “Why?”

 

“I left so much there. It's not even locked up. Some animal could get in or some random vagabond. We left everything there.”

 

Tae brushed her damp hair from her face. “There is nothing there that cannot be replaced.”

 

Kaoru pressed her lips together. “There is so much there that cannot be replaced.” She protested. “Books and keepsakes, and my mother's jewel. It's still there.”

 

A look of worry touched the dark eyes. “I'll have someone check on the house. But you…we cannot go back as of yet.”

 

“I want them to get my mother's jewel.” A trace of fear bloomed at the thought of what the person elected the task might also find in that chest. “It's all I have.”

 

Tae sighed and put the brush to the side. “I'll speak with Aoshi. He'll send someone in the morning.

 

The prospect of the keepsake made her think of her mother. Some of the comments her guardian made had Kaoru wondering again if the older woman had indeed known her parents. Tae had risen from her seat in the chair and moved to the wardrobe. Something about the way the light reflected on her face softened her features. Kaoru could almost see the young woman who had met and fallen in love with a man decades prior. Something about the way wisps of her greying hair fanned about her face had Kaoru giving her a second glance.

 

Absently she ran a fingertip down the bridge of her nose, noting how Tae's seemed to slope the same way. Then the woman turned, a pale nightgown in her hands and the moment was gone. Kaoru moved to her knees, brushing the long wet tresses of her dark hair behind her shoulder. “Tae, I want to ask you a question and I want you to be completely honest with me.” The older woman gave her a quizzical look but nodded her compliance. “I mean it. No evasions or saying I'm not old enough. I'm eighteen and my entire world has just been turned upside down. It's time for me to get some clear-cut answers.”

 

She sighed and handed her the nightgown. “I will answer your questions that I am knowledgeable enough to answer.”

 

Kaoru reluctantly rose from her position by the fire and accepted the gown. Quickly she let the robe fall to the floor and tugged the dressing gown over her head. Then she picked up the robe and draped it over a chair. She moved to the fire and wrapped her arms. Now that she had her guardian's agreement, she was unsure where to begin.

 

“Did you know my mother?”

 

Tae was pouring water into a goblet. There was a clatter and Kaoru glanced up to see the woman had nearly dropped the porcelain pitcher. She stared at her in surprise, never having witnessed the woman to show any sign of carelessness. The old woman offered a weak smile and placed the water on the table. “We might need something a bit stronger if that is any indication as to where this conversation might go.”

 

She moved to the hutch against the wall where Kaoru's dinner had been laid out. There was a small decanter there. Kaoru had passed over it, not sure what the contents were, and in honesty, not particularly caring. However, now she watched as Tae poured herself a cup and drank deeply before filling a second. She handed one cup to Kaoru. Her inquisitiveness piqued, she breathed in the fumes. The red liquid had some touches of cherries and currant, but also an underlying aroma of freshly overturned earth.

 

“Ask your question again.”

 

The order had her attention removing from the wine in her cup. She blinked, trying to recall what she had asked to bring on the surprise onslaught of alcohol. “My mother. Did you know her?”

 

“Hai. I did.”

 

The revelation came as somewhat of a shock. Though there was no reason to suspect the contrary, she found the knowledge surprising. Kaoru placed her goblet to the side, no longer interested in its contents. She stared at the woman, sitting slowly up in her chair. “How come you never told me?”

 

“I assumed you knew.”

 

“I never thought you knew her intimately!” Kaoru cried. “How come you never told me what happened to her?”

 

“It's really not my place to tell that story.”

 

She frowned. “If not you, than who?” The woman didn't answer and Kaoru sat back, her mind alive now with all the possibilities. “What happened to her?” She asked finally

 

Tae swallowed. “She was murdered when you were young.”

 

Kaoru stared at her. “Why would someone kill her?” She whispered, horrified at the prospect. A sliver of fear caressed her and her blue eyes looked at the older woman sharply. “Who killed her?”

 

Tae sat back in her seat. “An evil man. He killed her because he couldn't stand the thought of another man having her than because he loved her. His pride was put to the test when she chose someone else.”

 

“It was a man she was supposed to marry?”

 

“They were betrothed, yes.” She nodded. She took a deep gulp of her wine. “Only Eiko was a woman more determined to follow her heart than protocol. Nothing was going to keep her from the man she loved.”

 

Kaoru pushed her damp raven locks over her shoulder and rubbed her arms. She felt a brief sense of relief to know that her mother was not a casualty of the fierce assassin who had roamed the kingdom years ago. “Was she beautiful?”

 

Slowly, the woman nodded. “But your father could describe her beauty better than I.”

 

She took in a measured deep breath. She hadn't once given thought to her father. “Did you know him too? What was he like?”

 

Tae raised her dark eyes and brushed strands of grey hair from her face. “Why these questions all of a sudden? You never seemed interested before.”

 

“I've always been interested. Ever since you gave me the emerald that you claimed was my mother's I've been curious.” She rose from her position. She didn`t mention the fact that Tae had always managed to evade the invasive questions of Kaoru's parentage. “In the past few days it seems everyone has been alluding to some conspiracy that I happen to be a part of. Yet I can't get any answers. I just figured if maybe I knew what my mother, my parents, were like, then perhaps I could put some of the pieces of who I am to these people together.”

 

The old face watched her. Tae rose and took her by the shoulder. “Kaoru, I'm sorry that you feel so lost. I don't know why, now, you are to remain unacquainted with who you are. But it isn't for me to determine you know the truth.”

 

Kaoru couldn't help but feel hurt. “You've been practically a mother to me. I don't understand why you of all people haven't been truthful to me.”

 

“Because I am not your mother.”

 

She rolled her eyes. “I just want some answers! The woman is dead and buried.” She snapped.

 

Tae crossed the room to her. With a resounding slap, Kaoru's vision whipped to the side. “Do not speak of her with such disrespect.”

 

Stunned, she held a hand to her cheek and stared at the woman, her cerulean eyes wide and disbelieving. “You know what's going on?” She inquired, tears rimming her eyes. The awareness made her heart stop. To learn that someone she trusted was purposely withholding the truth made her ache. “Why won't you tell me?”

 

The woman opened her mouth to answer when there was a knock on the door. They stared at each other for several seconds. Another knock sounded, this one more insistent. “You should get the door.” Tae told her. “They'll want to make sure you are okay.”

 

The commanding tone was familiar and Kaoru couldn't help but do as she was told. Her hand touched the knob; just as whoever was on the other side tried it. The door was pushed open.

 

She fell backwards as the door knocked her shoulder and causing her to fall to the floor. A cry escaped her lips, more from startlement than pain. Hands were on her shoulders, and orders distantly shouted. She was swept off her feet and carried to the bed. Carefully she was laid out and blinked away the throbbing to stare up at Kenshin hovering over her.

 

“What gives?” She demanded, sitting up.

 

“Lay down, Kaoru-dono. Not until a doctor has seen you.”

 

Megumi appeared in the door. “What happened?” She ordered, coming to her side.

 

"They opened the door on me.” She responded crossly.

 

A wry smile touched the woman's lips and she turned to the room. “She'll live.” She retorted dryly. She turned to Sanosuke and Kenshin. “What was so important that you had to come barging into the room?” She asked, her hands on her hips.

 

“I came to see if she needed anything, that I did.” Kenshin answered, his eyes downcast.

 

“So you threw open the door?”

 

“Kaoru-dono didn't answer right away. I thought something was wrong.” He argued. He was clearly distressed.

 

She stepped in between them. “It's fine. It happens.” She placated the older woman. “You said yourself that I'd be fine.”

 

Megumi crossed her arms. Then she turned critical dark eyes to the redhead. “Considering, your reaction is probably not the most founded.” She sneered and then stormed out of the room.

 

Sano exchanged a glance with Kenshin before chasing her into the hall. Tae still stood off to the side. “I'll be going. Good night Kaoru.”

 

“Wait.” Kaoru followed her to the door, frustrated the woman had managed to evade her questions once again. She felt her shoulder drop and she turned to look at Kenshin. She hadn't been alone with him since her embarrassing display in the cave. She twisted her hair and pulled it over her shoulder, staring at her feet. She felt self-conscious and she moved away from him staring into the fire. Silence descended between them and she wondered why Tae would leave her alone with this man. She glanced back up to where Kenshin stood. He hadn't moved.

 

“Forgive me Kaoru-dono. I didn't mean to act so rashly.”

 

She shrugged and perched on the edge of a chair. “It happens.” She nibbled on her lower lip. “So, what did you come by for?” She asked, trying to sound nonchalant.

 

Kenshin moved to the chair that had been occupied by Tae. It suddenly occurred to her that the older woman had been about to tell her something imperative when they had been interrupted. Too late to worry about it now. She'd find the woman in the morning.

 

“I needed to ask you something.”

 

She looked up at him sharply. “Me?”

 

He nodded and ran a hand over his face. “It can wait until tomorrow, that it can.” He leaned forward and gingerly touched her cheek. “I am sorry.”

 

His touch was gentle and it sent her heart racing. “There is very little that I couldn't forgive.” She whispered.

 

The violet eyes seemed sad and he dropped his hand. “If there is nothing you need, then I will bid you good night.” He moved to the door.

 

Confusion raced through her. What had she done? “Wait!” She rose and hurried to him.

 

He stood awkwardly in the doorway, patiently waiting to see what else she could need. There was so much she wanted to say in that moment, but she couldn't think of the words. Instead she reached for his hand. “Good night.” She whispered, bringing his fingers to her lips. Tenderly she brushed a kiss over his knuckles.

 

He twisted his palm to caress her face once again. Then he moved away, nodding one last farewell before he closed the door. Kaoru leaned against the door and sighed. Once again she would be forced to bed without any answers.

 

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Her fingertips trailed listlessly over the cement railing. Kaoru sighed. Once upon a time she had longed for a life away from the endless chores of life in the cottage. Now she had it and with irony that left a grim smile on her face, she longed for the constant duties that filled her days. Tae had all but disappeared from sight and she wondered if the old woman had taken it upon herself to return to the cottage. Megumi had disappeared shortly after breakfast and Kaoru had been unsuccessful in tracking the woman down. Misao had also mysteriously vanished, though more likely on some royal business or another. She had found the training hall again, but Kisho had not made another appearance. Instead she had been chased out multiple times by the soldiers, none wanting a woman in the way.

 

Her two friends missing, she had gone in search of Sanosuke. She had encountered the tall brunette on his way out to the village. She had attempted to tag along, but he had insisted she stay behind. Even Kenshin, who had remained diligently by her side, remained behind closed doors with the king. Kaoru longed for some human contact. Even a conversation with Enishi would have been a nice distraction.

 

With a disgruntled sigh, she lowered her forearms to the rail and rested her chin on her arms. Thoughts of the blonde brought a slight frown to her face. The last time she had seen him, not even a week ago, still left her befuddled.

 

After encountering her mentor in the village during her purchase of eggs, she had wandered once more from the redhead. To her left someone had pushed her ebony tresses from her shoulder. “And what is such a beautiful flower doing amongst the rabble?”

 

She had stepped back in surprise, blinking as she identified the blonde. “What?” She had asked him incredulously, caught completely off guard by the compliment.

 

He had smiled impishly at her. “You positively glow, Kaoru. I'm surprised no one has ever informed you of the radiance that becomes you.”

 

His comment, so strange and ostentatious had made her laugh. The absurdity had left her uneasy. He held a hand to his chest in mock offense. “Your amusement wounds me. You don't take me seriously?”

 

“Please, Enishi.” She snorted, shaking her head. “You have never spoken to me in such a way.” She retorted, accepting the large chunk of golden cheese and handing over her few remaining coins to the merchant.

 

“And how do you wish me to speak?”

 

“The way you always talk to me.” She answered, feeling slight irritation.

 

His fingertips on her wrist had her pausing. She glanced down to the slight contact before raising her cerulean eyes to his stormy grey ones. There was anguish in his gaze. “I need to speak with you Kaoru.” He pleaded. “It's of the utmost importance. Slip away with me for just a moment.”

 

He seemed sincere, but something under his voice had belied some other intention. Her dark hair fell across her vision and Kaoru let out her breath, absently blowing the dark strands out of her eyes. If she hadn't been with Kenshin, she just might have followed the blonde. However, she had apprehensively glanced in the redhead's direction. Knowing he was watching her, even though he appeared not to be, prevented her. She had bid the blonde farewell and turned to walk away.

 

His hand on her arm made her even more anxious. For some reason a feeling of disgust had welled up in her. “I understand.” His grey eyes had narrowed thoughtfully and he had caressed her cheek. “I look forward to our next meeting. Perhaps then we will have a chance to talk.”

 

A cloud slipped over the sun momentarily, casting a shadow over the balcony. She shivered, tucking the memory away. It appeared rain might be inevitable. Kaoru turned her head, resting her cheek on her hands. The only remaining question over the entire encounter with the blonde rested in what had occurred afterwards. Kenshin had asked, no demanded, about her conversation with the blonde. Only because she had promised Enishi and it made her uneasy, had she lied to the redhead.

 

She sighed again her thoughts a jumble. Behind her she heard footsteps and she ignored them. Earlier she had craved conversation; now she preferred isolation. Whoever had disrupted her solitude hadn't left her. Instead they came closer. Kaoru fought the urge to bid them leave her alone, instead keeping her gaze firmly on the trees meeting the grey clouds rolling in from the south.

 

"Are you hiding out here for any particular reason?”

 

The voice made her heart leap and pink touched her cheeks. She bit her lip, trying to hide her elation. “I thought to look out on the landscape of the kingdom.” She retorted.

 

Silence greeted her comment. “I'll leave you alone, that I will. But I'll be close by if you need me.”

 

“Kenshin, wait!” She called, lifting her head and turning. “I wouldn't mind if you kept me company. Please.” She added when he hesitated.

 

He came to her side. “I am but a slave to your whims, that I am.”

 

She scowled at him. “Don't say such things.” Kaoru couldn't hide the trace of hurt his comment gave her. Everyone had acted so formally since she had arrived at the palace. She turned to stare once more at the horizon. “If you don't want to be here, then go somewhere else.”

 

“Forgive me.” His words came swiftly.

 

“Well?” She glanced at him. “What do you want, Kenshin?”

 

Her question brought startlement to his violet eyes. He glanced out over the village. “I wanted some fresh air, that I did.”

 

“And there weren't any other balconies available?” She sneered. For some reason his innocent remark tore at her.

 

He grinned at her sideways, seemingly oblivious to her pain. “There isn't any interesting people on the other balconies.” He told her. He leaned in to her conspiratorially. “Besides, I'm curious, that I am.” He murmured.

 

The man's nearness threw off her senses and she was forced to let go of her temper. Her heart began to race and a tremulous anticipation replaced the impulsive fury. “About what?” She asked breathlessly, not sure where this mischievous side of him had come from.

 

Kenshin studied her for a moment before he grinned. “Why are you feeling so hostile?”

 

“I'm sick of being here!” She exploded. “There's nothing to do and everyone has abandoned me!”

 

“I'm still here.”

 

His comment had her blushing again and she looked down at her feet feeling ashamed. “I know.” She whispered.

 

“I'll always be here, Kaoru-dono.” The serious tone had her meeting his gaze. Gone was the impish glint. “No matter what happens or what is said, I will always be by your side whenever you need me. That is a promise.”

 

The directness of his words stunned her. Not knowing how to respond she turned away from him. “Thank you.” She murmured.

 

He leaned his elbows on the railing, watching her. `Would you like to see something?”

 

Kaoru looked at him cautiously. “What?”

 

An imprudent grin touched his features. “Answer yes or no.”

 

Yearning had her tingling. Slowly she nodded. `Yes.” Kaoru answered breathlessly.

 

He held out his hand. “Take it.”

 

She reached for his palm and hesitated. “Where are we going?”

 

“Don't you trust me?” He wanted to know, somewhat affronted by her inquiry.

 

“Of course.” She assured him.

 

He grinned furtively and gripped her fingers. “Then follow me.”

 

Her heart beating, Kaoru had no choice but to obey.

 

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Hopefully this might put some notions to rest, although it might just whet your appetite that much more. I will tell you this. Things are about to begin moving again. I hope ya'll enjoy it. Let me know what you think, all suggestions more than appreciated. Until next time! Kisses!