Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ A Simple Twist of Fate ❯ Chapter 17

Getting this out for all those who have been waiting for it. I hope you enjoy! And once more, just for the sake of argument, I do not own the characters below.

 

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Sanosuke pushed opened the door when his knock was answered. Kenshin was standing in front of Hiko. The king was sitting at a large table, various documents and maps spread on top of the mahogany surface. Aoshi stood at the table, studying the papers. “Have your reports been confirmed?” Kenshin was asking the tall man.

 

“Misao should report back any moment. There are far too many strangers in the village, however, for it to be anything else.” He answered. His dark blue eyes swung in his direction. “What are your thoughts? What did you discover this afternoon?”

 

“Word on the streets is that someone is recruiting. Some of the more unsavory characters have signed up. Many of them are wary of the promises. Supposedly threats have been made.” He answered, recalling what he had learned the night before.

 

Hiko sat back. “Given everything else that has occurred within the last three days, we can assume that Shishio is making a move.”

 

Sanosuke came closer. “Do you think he would move that fast?”

 

Kenshin crossed his arms. “After Chou failed, he would need to move. He would hope that we weren't ready for him; that we're still trying to ascertain just what it is he wants.” The gaze swung in his direction. “Did you get Kaoru-dono to her room?”

 

He nodded, still unsure exactly what it was he had interrupted. His two friends had been extremely close on the bench, the intensity between them practically visible. “She is safe.”

 

“For now.”

 

Hiko didn't miss the comment and he rose from his seat. “Obviously the mad wizard will try and penetrate the palace. Any thoughts on how he might achieve this?”

 

“I don't see how he plans to do that. It's not as if no one will notice if he enters the castle.” Sano argued.

 

“What about Koshijirou?” Aoshi asked. “Will Shishio attempt to seek him out?”

 

All eyes turned to Hiko. “Where is the king?” Kenshin demanded.

 

“That is not your concern.” Hiko told him sharply. “Sources tell me that the princess is not the intended target. We need to focus on not letting anyone near Kaoru, lest they realize she has been returned to the castle.” His dark eyes narrowed as he studied his apprentice. Sano was so glad that he was not in Kenshin's shoes at the moment. “I'm leaving that up to you.”

 

“As if I would leave her protection up to anyone but myself.” Kenshin retorted darkly.

 

A knock sounded on the door. “Enter.” Hiko ordered after finally turning away from the redhead. Misao entered, her green eyes wide, her cheeks flushed. “And what do you have to confirm?”

 

“When the guards change as the gates close, they look to strike. They're already beginning to mass.” She took a deep breath. “There aren't many, but they have managed to gain a number of the thieves.”

 

“The thieves are of no consequence. Shishio can't possibly think those vagabonds will breach the gate.” Sanosuke argued.

 

“Of course not. The thieves are not our main concern.” Hiko snorted. “I'm sure our petite spy has more to report.”

 

Misao took a deep breath. “I saw them gathering, several small groups that will move soon. As for other sentinels, they were not so easy to spot. They're scattered around the perimeter, near the front. I honestly don't believe I saw all of them either.”

 

“What does that mean?”

 

“The thieves will distract us with the idea these other men will infiltrate the castle.”

 

“And if they succeed, what good will it do them? How do they know where to look?” Sanosuke asked. “Just because they find their way in, doesn't mean they'll know Kaoru. And she would know well enough not to walk off with a stranger.”

 

“What about Shishio?” Kenshin asked her. “Is he nearby?”

 

Misao shrugged and moved towards Aoshi. “I'm not sure.”

 

Kenshin's eyes narrowed. “What else do you have to say?” He demanded.

 

The small woman hesitated, casting a verdant glance at her mentor. A slight frown marred the stoic man's brow. “Tell us.” He ordered softly.

 

“We might have another problem.” Misao reluctantly admitted.

 

“Why do you say that?” Sano asked her.

 

“Who did you see?” Kenshin asked her, his eyes narrowed.

 

Absently she tugged on her black braid. “I didn't see the sorcerer.”

 

“Who did you see?” Sanosuke asked her. Something had her he riled up.

 

“I never met him, so I could be wrong, but based on what I do know.” The emerald gaze turned towards Kenshin. “I think I might have seen Enishi in the streets.”

 

Sano swore softly, watching to see what Kenshin's reaction would be. He had momentarily forgotten the other unfinished antagonists in the assassin's past. The redhead grew still and turned a dark glance on his mentor. Hiko sighed. “Say it. I know you want to.” He retorted bitterly.

 

”What is going on?” Sano demanded, uncertain of exactly what was going on between the two.

 

The glittering eyes turned to him and he cringed, aware that Kenshin's passions were ebbing to the surface once again. “Kaoru and Enishi have a relationship, that they do.”

 

“You're positive.” Aoshi asked.

 

“She more or less admitted it.”

 

His brown eyes widened. That explained what he had disrupted. It also clarified Kaoru's own cryptic comment when he had pressed her about the situation.

 

“She's never spoken to me about him.” Misao argued.

 

“Do you think Enishi is still an intricate part of Shishio's plans?” Aoshi asked quietly.

 

“He was ten years ago!” Sano burst. “How could you possibly think otherwise?”

 

“It gets worse.”

 

“How the hell could it possibly get worse?” He challenged. “Enishi must know about Kaoru. He's probably smarter than I am, which he means I'm sure he's identified her as the princess. In turn Shishio knows she is here. Explain how it could be worse.”

 

“Kaoru-dono's in love with him.” Kenshin stated softly.

 

The silence that descended was deafening. He stared open mouthed at his friend. Even Aoshi's detached façade expressed surprise. “Run that by me again.” Sano ordered quietly.

 

“You heard me.”

 

Misao was the first one to reclaim her tongue. “But she has never spoken of him.” She insisted. “Besides, I thought that she had feelings—“

 

“How do you know this?” Aoshi asked, tugging on Misao's braid to quiet her.

 

“I told you I saw them together, that I did.”

 

“Are you sure?”

 

“There was no mistake about who he was. Kaoru-dono lied to me when I asked her about him. Earlier she evaded answering my inquiries. She wouldn't admit it, but the guilt was evident all over her face.”

 

“Will you listen? Kaoru has never spoken to me of Enishi.” Misao once again blurted out.

 

Sanosuke glanced at her. “What does that have to with anything?”

 

“Why don't you ask your girl, tori-atama?” She spit, her emerald eyes blazing with her irritation. “Girls talk to each other about these things.”

 

“What things?” He asked.

 

Misao crossed her arms. “I know about her teacher. Kaoru's been learning to wield a sword.” Sanosuke couldn't help but gape at how easily the words rolled off her tongue.

 

Kenshin turned his attention to the petite girl. He advanced on her, his violet eyes a swirl of heated passions. “Who is it?” He ordered.

 

Aoshi came between them, protecting his protégé from the feral temper. Kenshin paused. Misao, seemingly unapparent of the danger she could easily slip into, shoved her way between the two men. “She never told me who he was, only because she was sworn to secrecy of his identify. I know about her relationship with Sanosuke and had recently learned details about her involvement with Kenshin. Never has she mentioned Enishi to me.” She continued.

 

Hiko glanced up at the petite girl. “Are you certain?”

 

She nodded, her deep green eyes glittering. “Absolutely.”

 

“We have belief that Enishi is her teacher.” Aoshi patiently explained to her.

 

“It's not possible.” Misao snorted.

 

“Why not?”

 

She cast her verdant gaze on Sanosuke. “Fine, I don't know. But they aren't lovers. Kaoru feels nothing more than affable relationship with her mentor. I know who she prefers.”

 

“What do you make of the situation?” The king asked her.

 

“Hiko, we don't have time-” the redhead interrupted harshly.

 

The man held up a hand to silence Kenshin. Sanosuke sucked in his breath, realizing just how taut the man's nerves had become. Quieting him would not be a smart move. Misao seemed to realize that as well and timidly stepped backward, bumping into Aoshi.

 

“I don't doubt the possibility that Enishi might have spoken with her.” She began, her voice belying the first signs if her trepidation. “Kaoru doesn't talk to me about all the strange people she has met in the village. But I know she has a mentor; it's not Enishi.”

 

Hiko narrowed his eyes at her. “Have you ever told Kaoru anything?”

 

“Against my better judgment, no.” She replied petulantly. “I have never spoken to her about her parentage.”

 

Her words made sense, relieving him to a degree, though the look on the redhead's face stated he wasn't yet. Another knock on the door sounded and two men entered without an answer from the king. He rose at the intrusion. “What is it?”

 

Both men trembled. One of them stepped forward. “It has begun, your majesty.”

 

“What?” Sanosuke

 

The other man glanced at him. “We're under siege.”

 

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Kaoru paced. She had heard shouts earlier, cries of an attack she thought. But that had been some time ago and she hadn't heard anything since. She wasn't sure what she was supposed to do, but the silence was driving her insane. She moved towards the door, and then away from it. Sanosuke had told her to stay put. Kenshin had ordered her to remain in her room. Her nerves were frayed after the strange turn her life had taken.

 

The more she moved, the more irritated she became. She felt as though everyone in her life was shutting her out for some reason or another. It was her life. Even Kenshin, the one person she had felt was being the most forthright, had secrets he was keeping from her. The realization of his connections to Enishi was proof of that. It occurred to her that she had no real knowledge of his previous life. She knew he had once been Battousai and heard rumors of what he was capable of. However she had a hard time connecting the feared assassin to the man she knew now. Plus he had been involved with Tomoe during that time. How could someone driven by bloodlust even have an inkling for love?

 

An insistent knock on the door brought a gasp from her lips, startling her from her thoughts. She hurried to it and opened it, no regard for who might be on the other side. Kenshin stood there, his eyes an icy blue. Inadvertently she took a step away from him.

 

“I could have been anyone.” He stated harshly.

 

Anger rose up in her. She was tired of being reprimanded for things she could not control. “It was just you, but I can't say that makes me feel any better.” She snapped.

 

He entered her room and stood in the center. Then he turned to her, his eyes narrowed. “What if it hadn't been me?”

 

“I don't recall inviting you in.” She ignored his comment and slammed the door. “I'm tired of being treated as though I'm some ignorant child.” He didn't say anything only moved away from her. “I demand to be informed of what the hell is going on, Damnit!”

 

There was surprise in his eyes when he glanced at her. `Where in the world did that come from?” He asked mildly.

 

Kaoru lifted her chin. “I am a good friend of Sanosuke's.”

 

“Obviously.”

 

“Why are you mad at me?”

 

“I'm not angry with you, that I am not.”

 

She clenched her fists. “Then stop yelling at me.” She cried in aggravation. The stillness was deafening and Kaoru sighed, tears of stress threatening. “I just want to know what is going on.”

 

The tension seemed to evaporate and he took a step towards her. “They're coming for you.”

 

“Who is?” She asked softly.

 

He grabbed her arm, forcing her to look at him. There was concern in his gaze. “You must remain here.”

 

“Why? Why are they coming for me?” She demanded quietly, though she had lost any hope that he might answer her.

 

He opened his mouth to answer and then closed his lips. “You cannot understand.”

 

She jerked her arm away from his grip. “Only because you won't tell me what the hell is going on.” She stomped towards the bed and threw herself across it. ”Just get out.”

 

The man never made a sound. Suddenly he grabbed her wrists and yanked her to a sitting position. Kaoru gasped, startled by the aggression he displayed. “Listen to me.” He ordered.

 

Mesmerized, she could only stare at him, her azure eyes wide. “I'm leaving you here, but not because I want to. These people are serious. Honestly, I do not know what it is they want with you. If you treasure your life as I do, then you will remain here with the door closed.” His voice was rich with passion, his eyes sparkling with a golden intensity she had never seen him exhibit.

 

Kenshin released her wrist, taking her face gently in his hands. “I will return to you. If you trust nothing or believe nothing, trust in me. No matter what happens, I will come for you, that I will.”

 

She swallowed thickly, not completely sure where this emotional outpouring was coming from. He hesitated and for one brief second, she thought he might kiss her. Instead he rose, pulling away from her. Kaoru reached out and grabbed his hand.

 

“And what happens then?” She asked, her voice heady with her own tapped desires.

 

His eyes traveled down her arm to where she grasped him. Faster than she could see, he had twisted his arm, releasing her grip. Then he was hauling her to her feet, pulling her against him. His grip on her shoulders was hard, the fiery gaze burning into hers. She could suddenly visualize him as the young assassin who had killed at a whim years prior. Her heart sped up, not sure if she could handle the passionate side of this man she had come to care for.

 

The man's hand released her and his thumb stroked her jaw. “I will return. When I do, I will tell you everything.”

 

Her lip quavered. “Everything?” She whispered.

 

“Everything.”

 

His head dipped down and he pressed his lips to hers. She thought it would be a harsh parting kiss, but his lips were tender and warm. For a second her eyes widened, then she gave into it and started to sink into his embrace. He broke away from her, sucking in a deep breath. Kaoru tried to catch her breath, wanting to yank him back to her for more.

 

Kenshin ran his finger over her lips. “Stay here.” He ordered softly. Then, without looking back, he strode from her room closing the door behind him.

 

Kaoru stood there, staring after him for several moments, trying to grasp what had just occurred. Had he really just kissed her on his own accord? She licked her lips, still tasting him. Her arms tingled where he had touched her. Even now her heart still raced from the untapped desire she had seen in his eyes.

 

She closed her eyes and flopped back on the bed. “What in the world is going on here?” She whispered, staring up at the canopy over her bed.

 

Distant shouts came to her through the window. She sat up, glancing at it, noticing the night seeping in, though the rain had ceased. Kenshin had stated he would tell her everything. Did that mean even why these men were coming for her?

 

Perched on the edge of her bed, she curled her legs underneath her skirts, resting her chin on her knees. A cool breeze stirred the dark hairs around her face. Was it possible that she was someone important? But if so, then who was she? Too much. She couldn't handle it any longer. If Kenshin came back and didn't tell her what was going on, she was walking out the door.

 

A hand on her shoulder broke her from her reverie. She shrieked, lashing out at the person. Caught off guard, the man fell off the bed, hitting the floor with a muffled thump. Kaoru jumped to her feet, staring over the man lying on the carpet. He shook his head and lunged to his feet, his beady eyes searching for her. She convinced her legs to move and she leapt off the bed, making a dash for the door.

 

Fingers grabbed the back of her skirts and she fell backwards. Her own inertia startled the assailant and she fell back into him. Not ready for her weight, he fell into a wooden table. The table gave way, splintering. They fell to the floor, in a tangle of limbs. Without thought, Kaoru reached for one of the legs and rolled to the side. She whirled on her knees and swung her arm, the block of wood making contact with a sickening sound. With another thud the man fell to the floor.

 

Horrified she stared at the man lying on the ground. He wasn't a big man, but the blade that clattered to the floor was very real. She fought the anxiety that threatened to overwhelm her. She moved to the door, never taking her eyes off the prone figure. Her chest heaved and she felt pain in the palm of her hand. She realized she still held the block of wood, splinters biting into her skin. With a soft cry she let it go and fled into the hall

 

Distantly she heard shouts. A maid scurried by her. Wide-eyed, Kaoru attempted to get her bearings. Kenshin. She needed to find Kenshin. He had said he would come for her, but she couldn't wait for him. Despite his earlier warning, she could not remain in her room. If the body in her room wasn't reason enough, then she couldn't come up with anything.

 

Cautiously she moved down the hall. She reached the stairwell and hesitated before moving down. The shouts became more frequent and louder, though she still couldn't make out any words. She reached the next landing and debated about the way to go.

 

The redhead would most likely be in the throng, fighting off whomever it was that attacked the castle. Fleetingly she wondered where Misao might be. She tried to discern where the noises came from and made her choice. She moved cautiously towards the grand hall.

 

She appeared on the balcony. Below there were strangers fighting with members of the guard. There was no sight of Kenshin. She looked to her left and saw the hiding spot she and Misao had used that fateful afternoon when they had snuck in here. That meant she was close to a way out. Quickly she moved, knowing that it was imperative that she find the redhead.

 

A hand grabbed her, and she shrieked, swinging around to strike at whoever had grabbed her. Another hand grabbed her wrist. She opened her mouth to scream when she recognized the man who held her.

 

“Enishi!”

 

His own grey eyes were filled with wonder and surprise. “Kaoru.” He let go of her. “What are you doing here?”

 

“I could ask you the same thing.”

 

“I gained access to the palace. I will readily admit I didn't expect to find you here.”

 

Kaoru swallowed down the lump of unease she always seemed to feel when she was around this man. “You never told me you were member of the guard.”

 

“I'm not.” He flashed her a grin. “I'm nobility if you can believe that.”

 

She laughed nervously. “Didn't know, so I could possibly believe.”

 

Footsteps sounded on the stairs. Enishi grabbed her arm and pulled her into a small nook. Several armed men ran by. She couldn't discern who they were, if they were friend or foe. She became aware of how close the blonde held her and she stepped away. He grinned again, unsettling her nerves. “There is much you don't know about me.”

 

“Despite what I do?” She challenged, trying to hide her anxiety.

 

His grin deepened and his fingers slid to her hand. They wrapped about her palm. Gently he tugged her back into the corridor, casting a glance in both directions. “We should get you to safety.”

 

Kaoru hesitated. “I need to find Kenshin.”

 

Enishi paused and looked back at her. She thought she saw a dark shadow pass over his face. “I'll take you to him. I know where he is.”

 

He began to move in the direction the men had come. Unsure what to do, she followed helplessly. Her earlier conversation with the redhead came back to her. “How do you know Kenshin?” She asked.

 

“I've known the man for years. We have a history that goes way back.” He murmured darkly.

 

She had no response. Kenshin had intimated they had known each other from before. That didn't explain why Enishi had pleaded with her to never tell of their few encounters. Nor why she had felt compelled to lie. He always seemed harmless and she never thought of him as much more than a passing acquaintance anyway. Still, why would Kenshin appear so distressed by the possibility of her having a relationship with the blonde? They reached the door at the end of the hall. He opened it for her. One last time she wavered.

 

“Kenshin told me he would come for me himself.”

 

The dark stormy eyes turned towards her. “If you were waiting for him, why did I come upon you in the hall?”

 

Her lip trembled at the memory of her assailant. “Someone was in my room.” She hovered at the top of the stairs that led outside. “Maybe we should go back.”

 

“After everything I shared with you, you still don't trust me?”

 

Kaoru grimaced at hearing the accusatory tone in his voice. She recalled the agony he had expressed when he had wept for his murdered sister. He was a man she could trust. She took a deep breath, ready to follow him but for one thing: the redhead's expressed animosity. Enishi turned back to her. “Look, I saw Kenshin. He was in the middle of the fighting. I'm sure he'd want to come for you, but your safety is of the utmost importance. The palace has been breached.” His face darkened ever so slightly. “I imagine he will come for you when he can.”

 

His logic was sound. Shouts sounded closer. Against her better judgment, she nodded and allowed the blonde to lead her down the stairwell. The door at the bottom opened out into a small courtyard. It didn't appear to be used frequently, the bushes overgrown. The smell of the afternoon rain shower still hung on the air. It was quieter here and she glanced around fearfully, waiting for some ambush.

 

“Are you sure…?”

 

“This is where I was told to bring you.” He interrupted impatiently.

 

She crossed her arms, trying to bide off the chill in the air. A sense of foreboding stole over her. This didn't seem right, but she had no reason not to believe Enishi. They traveled along a dirt path, the bushes not as well kept as she had seen in other parts of the garden. Distantly she thought she could still make out the fighting. The blonde abruptly stopped in front of a clearing and she stopped just in time to prevent herself from bumping into him.

 

“You're early.” A female voice stated. Kaoru peered around the blonde and barely made out colorful skirts before the person blended back into the shadows.

 

“I found my prey in the hall.”

 

“This is not Koshijirou.” Another, more sinister voice declared. A shiver ran down her spine and she realized something was terribly wrong. She began to back up, wondering if she could make it back down the path.

 

Enishi caught onto her game and moved, his hand steady on her back. “I didn't make it to his rooms. However, I believe this will be even better.” He shoved her forward.

 

Kaoru stumbled into a small clearing barely illuminated. She glanced back at the blonde, unable to fully see his eyes. She stood up and glanced slowly around the circle, trying to ascertain where the voices had come from.

 

“Who the hell is this?” The voice demanded harshly. Something moved off to her left and Kaoru whirled, trying to spot the shadow and the person casting it. “She seems somewhat slow. I don't have time for some silly noble chit.”

 

Insulted, she gasped and pressed her lips together. Enishi came closer to her and caught her chin in his fingers. His grip was cruel and her azure eyes widened, startled by the blonde's treatment of her. She jerked her head away, indignation fuelling her. He merely grinned and grabbed her arm, pulling her closer to the person remaining in the shadows. “Doesn't she look like someone you used to know? She has her mother's spirit and her father's eyes. There is no question.”

 

She frowned. “How would you know?” She demanded, not even sure how he could be so certain of facts she had never been privy to. “Where's Kenshin?” She demanded, not liking the turn the events were taking.

 

“Battousai has made this one's acquaintance?” The question was directed towards Enishi.

 

“Do you doubt me now?”

 

“For once your past vendetta could prove useful.”

 

“What is going on?” She demanded, her terror seeping through her system. She caught sight of a purple robe in the shadows before she whirled to glare at the blonde man behind her. “You told me you were taking me to Kenshin.”

 

He shrugged and grinned lazily at her. “I lied.”

 

Anger overwhelmed her rising trepidation. She threw herself against him, her hands clenched in fists. He easily held her off merely retorting lazily, “Satisfied now?”

 

The chuckle that followed had her growing still. “Definitely Eiko's daughter.” Kaoru swallowed, comprehending the gravity of the situation she found herself in.

 

“I'm going to find him.” She stated tremulously and turned to go.

 

Enishi stepped in her way, blocking her escape. “You aren't going anywhere.”

 

“The hell I am!” She erupted. “You lied to me. I trusted you! How could you do something like this?”

 

He leaned down close to her and Kaoru finally identified what about the blonde had made her uneasy, had always made her uneasy. The man was crazy and she could see it clearly in his dark grey eyes. “In due time, I will tell you everything.” He murmured to her.

 

“Yumi!” The other voice called out. “Calm her. We need to be on our way.”

 

Kaoru's anger faded and her panic finally took over. She attempted one last time to bolt, but Enishi held her steadfast. He turned her to see a figure emerging from the gloom. The woman was tall and beautiful. Her vibrant plum colored hair was piled high on her head. Her porcelain skin gleamed and her dark eyes glittered. Her regal stance reminded her of Megumi. However, where the older woman's dark brown eyes sparkled with her mirth, the new woman's eyes held no warmth, only a sinister glee. She came forth and grabbed Kaoru's arm, yanking her closer. The stranger's long nails bit into her skin.

 

“I know you're confused child. But such a wonderful life awaits you.”

 

Her voice was calm, but Kaoru resisted. “I want a life with Kenshin.”

 

There was a flash of irritation. “You can have that, but first you have to listen.”

 

“Will you let me go then?” She asked tremulously.

 

The woman's other hand came up and caressed her cheek. “Of course. Whatever you like.”

 

The panic was subsiding. Kaoru focused on the lilt to the woman's speech. Why had she felt such fear from this woman to begin with? The woman smiled and Kaoru found herself returning the grin. Everything would be all right.

 

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There you have it. Much love to everyone out there. Please let me know what you think, because I seriously do consider all suggestions, even if I don't follow them. But I do still appreciate them, because it gives me something to think about.

 

Until next time. Kisses!