Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ A Simple Twist of Fate ❯ Chapter 19

Much love to everyone who read the previous chapter. All your support has been greatly inspiring. I hope this chapter delivers as much at long last comes out into the open. Not going to say much more than that, therefore you'll just have to read it to find out just what becomes common knowledge. Happy reading!

 

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Keys rattled in the door. She sprung into action, knowing it might be futile, but wanting to try at the very least. The lock slid free and Kaoru ducked behind the door with nothing but her nails to fend off her jailer. Someone entered the room and she held her breath. The man was tall and blonde. She didn't stop to see any other features as she slid around the door and out into the hallway. She barely had time to recognize the stranger before he turned and spotted her. Without a second thought she turned to run down the hall.

 

The blonde gave chase, easily catching up to her. She reached the end of the hall and hesitated only a second, two men at the far end spotting her. She turned to go the other direction when the strong hand grabbed her arm. She yelped out, more in surprise than terror. The man's arm snaked around her waist, hauling her off her feet.

 

“Let me go!” She shrieked trying to twist in the arms of her captor, kicking the man's shins.

 

He chuckled. “I don't think so.” He had her tight within his grasp now, one arm just below her bosom, the other holding her hips down. “After everything I did to take you, do you honestly think I would let you go now?” He murmured in her ear.

 

His voice made her tremble. She doubled her efforts to get free, not caring if she hurt this man who had complimented her so beautifully the other day.

 

“Is everything all right?” Someone asked coming up. He looked at the pair nervously as Kaoru struggled to free herself.

 

“We've had a misunderstanding. See that we aren't disturbed while I get our royal guest settled.” He replied smoothly.

 

“Put me down Enishi.” She ordered once more, though she knew it was useless.

 

“Now, now, my Kaoru.” He soothed as he brought her back to her cell. She fought against him, though it was pointless. When they were in the small room he tossed her to the floor. She leapt to her feet, only to be halted by the door slamming in her face. She turned her glare at him. He smiled at her and leaned against the door. “Aren't you going to say hello?”

 

“What for?” She demanded. “You're keeping me here against my will.”

 

“That's absurd.” He snorted. `You are free to leave any time you wish.”

 

Kaoru stared at him warily. “Then I want to go. There are people that are wondering if I'm safe.”

 

“Like Battousai?”

 

The name gave her pause and she licked her lips apprehensively. “Kenshin will want to know that I'm okay, yes.”

 

The blonde cocked his head to the side and crossed his arms. “Why?”

 

She blinked. “Why what?”

 

“Why would he care about someone such as yourself? He cares for nothing but his own ego.”

 

She anxiously licked her lips. “You don't know him the way I do.”

 

“For that I'm profoundly grateful.” He sneered. He watched her, his dark grey eyes sweeping over her form. “He's a murderer.” He said simply.

 

Crossing her arms about her chest, Kaoru glared at him. “Why should I believe anything you say? You lied to me.” She accused. “After everything, you lied to me. Is anything you ever told me even true?” She demanded harshly.

 

A flash of pain crossed his face. “I haven't lied. I would never lie about her!” He replied. She bit her lip, realizing she had struck a cord. Immediately a feeling of guilt swept over her. She had never doubted his grief over the loss of his beloved sister. Nor had she disbelieved his hatred for the man who had killed her. But he had abused her trust in him and she debated on how to proceed. He apparently had free reign throughout this place. She needed to convince him to let her go.

 

“You said that you would lead me to Kenshin.” She stated softly. He looked up at her and she saw a trace of his madness. A shiver went down her spine and Kaoru wrapped her arms about herself.

 

The blonde pushed his hair from his face, his grey eyes narrowed. “Your darling Kenshin will most likely come. The question is will history repeat itself?”

 

She took a step away from him. “What are you talking a bout?” She whispered.

 

Enishi strode towards her. “My Kaoru. You stubborn naïveté is what makes you so desirable.” He reached out to touch her cheek. Kaoru flinched and moved to the window, not witnessing the flash of anger. He was quiet for a moment. “Do you recall how we met?” He asked.

 

“You were arguing with that man.” She remembered. She had wandered from Megumi one afternoon in the village several months ago. What ever the dispute had been about, it had not ended well for Enishi. “He hit you before he stole your change and walked away.” She nibbled on a fingernail, curious to know where this new conversation would lead.

 

“Like an angel, you were there to help me.” He placed his hands on her shoulders causing Kaoru to jump slightly. “Then you allowed me to finally mourn for my sister.”

 

She felt her heart soften a bit. “I do feel for you.” She murmured. She looked over her shoulder and blinked in startlement to realize how close he had come. “It was ten years ago, though. Enishi, you need to move on.”

 

He reached out and curled a tendril of her ebony hair around his finger. “I'm trying, Kaoru. If you'll have me.” He leaned in towards her. Kaoru felt her azure eyes widen at his implication. “We'll get you a better room. All you have to say is yes.”

 

Her bottom lip trembled. He had always made her nervous, his proximity heightening her anxiety. “I can't.” She whispered.

 

The transformation was instantaneous. His nostrils flared, his stormy eyes growing dark and cold. His lip curled and he pushed her violently away. “Because of Battousai?” He sneered. “He has slaughtered countless people and still you pine for him. I can give you everything!” He roared. “You'll be his next victim. It's inevitable!”

 

Fear settled in her stomach as she looked at the man. Any kindness she had ever felt was diminished as she witnessed his fury unleashed.

 

“He would never hurt me.” She retorted fiercely though she could only taste her panic.

 

Enishi took a deep breath and looked at her. An ugly glint touched his eyes and Kaoru held her breath, wondering where his new attack would go. He raised an eyebrow at her. “I wouldn't be too sure.”

 

Kaoru turned away from him disgusted. “You don't know what you're talking about. You lie to me and keep me here a prisoner.” She rose to her feet, trying to regain her composure. She would never get out of here if she wallowed on the ground like some asinine chit.

 

“Where would you go? Back to Battousai?”

 

“Stop calling him that.” She ordered. Now that the blonde posed as no immediate threat, Kaoru could feel her anger at him rising. It was much more comforting than her fear and she welcomed it, allowing her temper to drive her.

 

“Why?” He asked. “It's his name.”

 

“From a long forgotten age that no one cares to recall.”

 

He stared at her, a curious grin on his face. “You know nothing about him.” He declared abruptly.

 

“I know more than you think I do.”

 

“Really?” The man sounded skeptical.

 

“Really.” She snapped. “Kenshin told me about his alter ego.”

 

Enishi waved a hand dismissively. “So what? He told you of his life as an assassin and went into great detail of the unfeeling blood he shed. It only verifies what a monster he is.” He circled her. “But what I want to know is how much he told you of his personal life during this long forgotten time. Did he ever mention the woman who loved him?”

 

Kaoru swallowed, trying to ignore him. “Did he tell you of her death, how tragic it was?” Enishi stood next to her. She stiffened as she recalled the redhead's mention of the one woman in his life. He had spoken of her skill and beauty, ending with her untimely death at the end of the war. She could only assume she was who Enishi spoke of. The blonde grinned. “I see he has mentioned her.

 

“Now, the question is, how much has he told you? The fact you know of her will only confirm the reality of my words.”

 

Kaoru closed her eyes, knowing the he was trying to goad her, hurt her for some strange reason. “Stop it.” She told him sharply.

 

“Stop what?” He snorted. “Telling you the truth? What has Kenshin told you about Tomoe?”

 

To hear the woman's name roll so casually off the man's tongue had her blinking. “There's nothing for him to tell.” She stated stubbornly, trying desperately to fight her doubts. In the back of her mind, something whispered that she was treading dangerous ground.

 

“He's told you nothing of his past?”

 

“I know that's he's Battousai as you are desperately trying to remind me. It means nothing!” She turned to glare at the blonde, her eyes ablaze with her anger and fear.

 

He raised a golden eyebrow and crossed his arms. “But what else has he told you? What did he tell you of his past with Tomoe?”

 

She swallowed, unnerved by the nonchalance Enishi exhibited. He was obviously driving for some reaction from her, but it eluded her. “I know she is the reason he bears that scar on his cheek. I know she died at the end of the wars ten years ago.”

 

“What else?” He demanded harshly.

 

“There's nothing else to know.” She exclaimed.

 

The man took a step towards her and Kaoru retreated, terrified by the madness she sensed once again just beneath the surface. “Because you have no desire to know?” He sneered. “Perhaps it is time someone enlightened you.”

 

“You can tell me nothing that will change what I think of him.”

 

Enishi stopped and studied her. “I don't care what you think; I only care what you know. And once you know the truth, your thoughts will be forever changed.”

 

“Telling me stories of what he did will not change how I feel.” She protested. She turned away, not wanting the blonde realizing she struggled not to cry. “Besides, they're just stories.” She insisted, more for her benefit than his. “I've seen how Kenshin is.”

 

“So you cling to the possibility there is no veracity in the tales you've heard?” He stepped towards her. “Every single element is fact.” He murmured. Enishi leaned closer. “Including the story where he butchered his own wife.” He whispered.

 

She sucked in her breath with the last statement. Of all the horror stories she had heard, she had thought there might be some truth in them. Kenshin had even told her they were true, though she disbelieved the severity of what he even said. Yet, out of every myth she had heard, she had never learned of him killing a woman. “You're lying.” Kaoru seethed.

 

“You claimed yourself not to believe; you know nothing about him.” The man spit and she shuddered when she sensed his nearness once more. “Battousai murdered his own wife out of bloodlust. He is not capable of love.”

 

Kaoru felt her heart breaking, her bottom lip quivering as she tried to hold back the tidal wave of emotion. She had often feared it was so, particularly after her embarrassing display of emotion when he had rejected her. But then she thought of him, his warm smile and the tender way he had brushed her hair. Most of all his parting words rang in her head. She turned stiffly and glared at the blonde. “You are the one who does not know him. No matter what he did ten years ago, Kenshin is a different man.”

 

Enishi stepped back, surprise evident in the cool grey depths of his eyes. It didn't last long and he moved to the other side of the room and sat down on the bare cot. “You recall how my sister died?” He asked quietly.

 

She blinked, thrown by his drastic change in topic. “You told me that she was murdered, betrayed by someone close to her.”

 

Slowly, he looked up at her, his eyes in shadows, his grin maniacal. “Ten years ago. Killed by the man she loved.”

 

Reality crept up on her. As the veracity of what he said seeped into her awareness, Kaoru could only stare at him. “You're making this up now.” She whispered, continuously in denial about the obvious.

 

“Her name was Tomoe.”

 

She shook her head, the tears threatening once again. The woman's death was real, as tangible as Enishi's grief had been. One could not fake that kind of pain, nor hide the effect his sister's death had on him. His hatred for the man who taken her life was real; Kaoru, even in her ignorance, could see it. The pieces fell into place. Kenshin's past with this man, why the redhead would fear him. He had never spoken of her, but with a profound sadness that tugged at her heart. She didn't want to believe, but she could no longer live in denial.

 

Still, Kenshin had lived another life. He had killed many. Why would his slaying of this woman be any different? Kaoru nodded her head and took a deep breath. She lifted her gaze and met Enishi's mad stare. “It is of no consequence.” She told him defiantly.

 

He sat back. “You think so? You do not know the nature of how he killed her.”

 

“Why are you doing this?” She cried, knowing the blonde would torment her until she had learned every sordid detail.

 

“If he is to be your champion, you should know these things.”

 

“I hate you.”

 

The words had an interesting effect. Her whisper reached Enishi and he grew still. Only his eyes moved. He looked up at her. The glint in his grey eyes scared her and for the first time she fully comprehended the danger she was in. “It is of no consequence.” He murmured, echoing her earlier statement. “When I'm finished with you, you will despise him as well.”

 

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Kenshin peered into the darkness. Despite the uprising, it appeared Shishio had not rebuilt his army. A few stray men wandered around the perimeter, but nothing that would hinder him much. Quickly, he stole across the blackened courtyard and through a small side door. It eased closed behind him and he crept up the stairs, his hand on the hilt of his blade.

 

He had left shortly after declaring Kaoru's abduction. Hiko would be furious, but Kenshin had not cared. He had one thought and that was getting to the woman before anything could happen. He didn't know what that could be. The sorcerer's plans for her were still a mystery, but nonetheless, he needed to act quickly.

 

The stairs brought him to a long corridor. He peered around the corner, noting only one lone guard. Utilizing the stealth he had long mastered, Kenshin snuck up on the poor man and knocked him unconscious. He didn't bother hiding the man, positive Shishio would be aware he would be arriving. He turned the corner and saw a large set of doors. Strangely, no one stood watch. No matter. Kenshin hurried to the doors and opened them, almost positive the woman he sought, as well as the wizard, would be waiting for him on the other side.

 

About half a dozen pairs of eyes looked up at his entry. The two figures on the raised dais expressed no surprise, the tall woman moving to stand. The four men at the foot of the makeshift throne drew swords, the sound of metal echoing in the hall. There was only a moment of hesitation on their part, wondering what to expect from him. Kenshin didn't give them long to wait.

 

As the first one cautiously approached, he drew his own sword, the reverse blade making no sound as it sliced through the air. With the first down, the other three moved much more quickly. However, he easily disposed of them, the three hitting the floor within moments, unconscious to the world for the next few hours.

 

The welcoming committee out of the way, Kenshin focused on the remaining figure. The man had not moved, merely sat there watching him. “You appear in good health after all these years.”

 

Kenshin had no answer, merely waited for the man, who had eluded him ten years prior, to make the first move. He was mildly surprised to notice Kaoru's absence. He was sure the madman would have wanted her displayed for him.

 

The parched lips drew back in a grotesque smile. “Welcome Battousai.” He expanded his hands out in a gesture of greeting. “This is a surprise.”

 

“Somehow I doubt that.”

 

The man threw his head back and laughed. “I had not expected you so soon. Otherwise I would have had a splendid sight for you.”

 

Fear caressed him. There had to be some truth there. He had obviously interrupted some kind of council. Had his presence alerted the wizard, he could only imagine what that sight could have been, particularly involving the princess.

 

“Where is she?” He demanded quietly.

 

“Alas, I'm afraid I don't know of whom you speak.” The wizard stated. There was genuine confusion in his black eyes.

 

“I will not ask again, Shishio.”

 

The wizard sat back in wonder. “You came for the girl.” He chuckled. “How ironic. I went for Koshijirou only to discover the daughter that should have been mine. She brought me you. I must thank her.”

 

“Where is Kaoru-dono?” His slim fingers touched his sword, sliding over the handle.

 

He chuckled. “You have slipped massively in your old age.” Shishio shook his head.

 

He narrowed his eyes and then recalled the woman who had been at the wizard's side. There was a blur of movement and Kenshin turned, his sword unsheathed meeting the blow of the charging woman. Caught completely off guard, he fell back, startled by the strength the woman displayed. This was not going quite as he had planned.

 

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“Shall I tell you of their courtship?”

 

Kaoru slid down the stone wall and wrapped her arms about her body. “You'll tell me regardless of what I say.” She stated bitterly.

 

Enishi grinned at her. “She was sent to the camp to assassinate him ironically enough. She was a master with her sword. But at the last second she was unable to go through with it. She fell in love with him the moment she laid her gaze upon his sleeping form.” Kaoru held her breath. “He seduced her. They never formally married, but many claim there was a secret ceremony. Then he realized she was from the enemy camp. Betrayed, he cast her out and then set out to destroy her. He slew her without an ounce of remorse and watched her bleed to death.”

 

Kaoru shook her head fervently. “He wouldn't do that.”

 

“I was there.” He rose, his grey eyes stormy, his temper suddenly on edge and she cringed. “He killed Tomoe in cold blood. For that he deserves to die.”

 

“How do you know that?” She demanded, still clinging to the chance Kenshin had not been as ruthless as the blonde claimed.

 

Enishi turned a heated glare at her. “You claim you know how he got the scar on his cheek.”

 

“He was in a fight.”

 

“Over a woman. Tomoe. You know the veracity of that.” He advanced on her slowly. Kaoru pressed her back against the wall, wishing she could melt into the cold stones.

 

“I gave him half that scar. He had come to slay my sister and we fought. Then as his lover, my sister, lie dying in his arms, she branded him so he would know it was her he had ultimately betrayed.”

 

The tears fell from her lashes. She could say nothing, not sure what to believe. She had no reason to doubt Kenshin. But she couldn't deny what he had once been either. “Kenshin has never lied to me.” She stated slowly. “And you have.” She took a deep breath, gaining control of her sense.

 

Enishi watched her for a moment and then shrugged flippantly. “Ask him, then. If he is as honorable as you claim, then he'll only confirm what I've told you.”

 

“I don't see how that would be possible.”

 

He looked at her with one eyebrow raised. “Tell me, Kaoru, why on earth not?”

 

“You have to let me out of here so I can find him and ask. If you want to prove you're so honest, then let me go.”

 

“Tsk, tsk, tsk, my pretty. As much as I would love to see the look on your face when he admits his treachery, I cannot allow you to leave as of yet.”

 

“You said I could go whenever I wanted.”

 

“I don't see why you're in such a hurry to end your own life. “

 

“Kenshin would never hurt me!” She cried.

 

“Battousai acknowledges one thing and that is his own bloodlust. Knowing that his arch enemy is still alive, he will focus on one thing and it won't be you.”

 

“You don't know him the way I do!” Kaoru reiterated.

 

“Why do you think he was able to slay Tomoe so easily?” He yelled back at her, his grey eyes wild with his own rage and hatred. “She stood in the way of Shishio. So he killed her so he could destroy the wizard.”

 

“He wouldn't have just killed her if he loved her!” She screamed, her frustration bringing her to tears once again.

 

“Battousai cannot feel love.” Enishi told her firmly. He strode across the room and gripped her upper arms, yanking her to her feet. She stared back at him fiercely.

 

“He swore…”

 

“That oath?” He sneered. “Battousai does not make mistakes and he made one ten years ago buy not killing Shishio. He will not make that same mistake again.”

 

“I won't let him.”

 

“If you stand in his way of destroying Shishio, then you will share the same fate as my sister.”

 

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Yumi's blade skittered away. She gasped and Kenshin grabbed her wrist, whirling her around and pulling her against him. His blade pressed against her throat and he spun to face the wizard.

 

Shishio sat there, his dark eyes unreadable. “Killing my bride will not benefit your cause.” The words were cold and angry.

 

“Tell me where Kaoru-dono is.” He ordered. The blade pressed against the woman's skin.

 

The dark eyes narrowed thoughtfully. “Interesting. You come here in search of the princess. Not to end my life.”

 

“I will not make that mistake again.” Kenshin told him darkly. “You will not survive this meeting.”

 

Shishio rose and moved down the steps. “I must say I was quite surprised when I heard of your involvement. You were the one who prevented Chou from taking her the other day, I realize now. Pity he neglected to mention that fact. Of course I didn't give him much of a chance before I killed him.” He sighed and studied the redhead. “Still, I don't understand why Koshijirou would send you to the princess.”

 

“The king has no hand in this.”

 

“Really?” The wizard seemed genuinely surprised. “I somehow doubt that. He would not have stayed so close to have no involvement.”

 

The man's words didn't make any coherent sense. He moved his blade to the woman's throat. “Where is the princess?” He demanded again, his voice softer than before.

 

“How do you even know that she is alive?”

 

Kenshin gave pause, the sharp edge pressed against the woman's flesh. The mere possibility that Kaoru was already dead had crept into his thoughts. He had long learned to curb such doubts. Now it bloomed into reality. For the first time in his life, his blade wavered.

 

“She is of more value to you alive.”

 

Now the madman grinned, his parched lips stretching back to reveal his sharp teeth. “You would think that. But I didn't go to the palace in search of your precious Kaoru. I was searching for the king.”

 

Now Kenshin's uncertainty rose. Shishio's main goal had to be the princess. But if he spoke the truth, then there might be the possibility Kaoru was dead. “You would destroy her in front of Koshijirou, just as you slew his wife.”

 

“Perhaps. I could also kill her, knowing her death would bring Koshijirou's wrath to my door. Are you really willing that chance? She could still be alive.” Now the smile turned evil and Kenshin's hatred for him refreshed. “But if you take my love's life, something I know you are capable of, she most definitely is dead.”

 

The woman's dark eyes glittered back and forth between them. Kenshin felt torn. He could detect the glimmer of truth in the man's words. He had spent so long seeking to destroy this man. But he could not have Kaoru's blood on his hands.

 

Again, doubt caressed him. “How do I know you speak the truth?”

 

“It does put you in quite a predicament, doesn't it?” Shishio chided. He grinned and leaned towards him. “That, Battousai, is a chance you have to be willing to take.”

 

Kenshin studied his enemy through narrowed eyes. Shishio was a madman and couldn't be trusted. “Who's to say you won't kill me the moment I relinquish your new bride?” He demanded.

 

“I want Koshijirou. I told you I went to the castle for him. There are questions I must have answered before I seek my revenge. I am still curious how you fit into this tale. You're a nice bonus I hadn't planned on. But I need the girl to fully realize my plans for the man who took what should have been mine.”

 

Another tense moment passed. Then Kenshin lowered his sword and shoved Yumi towards him. “Take me to her.”

 

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That's it. This chapter is a bit longer than I had initially perceived. I hope everyone enjoyed it. Don't forget to let me know what you think. Comments and suggestions, as well as criticisms are always welcome and appreciated. Kisses till next time!