Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ A Simple Twist of Fate ❯ Chapter 22

At long last we come to it. New material!! I must admit this story has been wallowing around on my hard drive for some time. Bit by bit I would work on the last half of this story, usually when I went home to visit my parents. Otherwise, I merely re read what I had written, waiting to be re-inspired. However, as we approached this fateful moment, I did find the inspiration. Currently it offers me an escape from what fills my life at the moment…wine. (If you ever read my bio when it was up on ff.net, you'd have learned I was studying to get my sommelier certificate. I achieved it and am not one of 700 certified sommeliers in the country. Yay! It explains some of my fixation on the wine whenever it's mentioned.) Getting to the point, this story and others has helped to clear out my brain. Thanks for the support and criticism.

 

Once again stating that I do not own the characters below, so don't sue me! While my tax return claims I made a significant mount of money last year, I have no idea where it all went (I have a few ideas). That being said, I must thank Nobuhiro Watsuki for the creative genius of these colorful characters that I so love. With that, here it is: the morning after.

 

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Was the ceiling a bit of a lighter grey than it was a few moments ago? Kenshin couldn't tell and sighed. He had been unable to fall asleep, the pending confrontation weighing on him as well as what he had done earlier. Beside him Kaoru slept, blissfully ignorant of their plight.

 

He hadn't intended to tell her of his relationship with Tomoe. Whenever she had asked questions, he always attempted to be vague. Once she already knew, and realized the questions to ask to get the truth from him, the entire story had come tumbling out. It had been a relief, almost as though he was lifting the burden he had carried for so long. He couldn't recall the last time he had wept.

 

The woman stirred and he absently stroked her long hair. Once again she had offered him what he craved and he had been unable to stop her this time. He had no clue what the dawn would bring. He had had one thought when he had found his way inside the fortress. Find Kaoru and then kill Shishio. He had never expected to be taken prisoner. It they were going to die when the sun rose, he could hardly deny her one wish.

 

`Admit it. You did it for reason and one reason only.' A voice in his head whispered. Kenshin closed his eyes, trying to ignore it. The truth was there, though he would never act on the impulse. Hiko had warned him not to mar her honor. Now that he had taken the woman's virginity, he was obliged to marry her. However, that was only if someone discovered their liaison and reported it to her father. He would not be that person. He would never put Kaoru in a position where she was forced to marry him.

 

A memory triggered in the back of his brain. Dimly he recalled being with the king inside his opulent rooms. But beyond that, he couldn't recall. It had something to do with the princess, but the recollection was vague and the memory slipped away from him before he could grasp it.

 

The woman at his side stirred again and then lifted her head from his chest. She took a deep breath, her cerulean eyes gazing around the room. “Are you warm enough?” He murmured, watching her. He tucked an arm underneath his head so he could see her better.

 

She offered him a shy smile and blushed. “Yes.”

 

He sighed and the arm wrapped about her shoulders tightened. He didn't say anything, his violet gaze returning to the ceiling. “Kenshin?” She asked. She raised herself on her elbow, making sure the blanket covered her naked form. He met her eyes. “What happens now?”

 

The redhead stared at her for a moment before shaking his head. “I do not know. We wait and see what Shishio wants with us, I suppose.”

 

“I mean…” She nibbled on her bottom lip, her fingertips trailing over a scar on his chest. “What happens with us?”

 

Kenshin sat up, the question tearing at him. He moved forward so he wouldn't have to look at her as he made himself answer. “I don't know that either. When we return, you'll be reunited with your father.”

 

Silence greeted his statement. He didn't want to think beyond that. She would most likely be married shortly thereafter. He clenched his eyes shut as once more the voice whispered he could be that man.

 

“He's still alive?” She asked breathlessly.

 

“Barely, but yes. From there I assume you'll be trained to take the throne.”

 

“Is he sick?”

 

Kenshin reached for hi pants. “I haven't seen him in years.”

 

“How do you know he's barely alive?”

 

Kenshin moved to dress, still not looking at her. “That's the rumor. No one has seen him since he put you into the arms of Tae. When you didn't return he lost his will to live.”

 

Silence met his statement. He tied his pants and risked a glance over his shoulder. The woman was twisting her blanket in her hands. “Why didn't you tell me?”

 

At long last she had asked the one question he had dreaded. He swallowed and moved to the window. Through the bars he could detect the first traces of the dawn. He shook his head slightly. “I was told not to, that I was.”

 

“That's crap and you know it.” She hissed.

 

He closed his eyes briefly to hear the accusation in her voice. “We've been through this, that we have.”

 

“And that's it?”

 

Behind him he heard her dressing and risked another peek over his shoulder. She had pulled her chemise over her head and was reaching for her bloomers. “What more do you want me to say?”

 

“I don't know!” She cried. Angrily she pulled on her pantaloons and found her dress. She whirled, clutching it to her bosom. “You've given me other people's reasons. I still don't understand why you never told me, at least some of it.”

 

“Hiko told me not to tell you.”

 

“When have you ever listened to anything that man said?!” She shrieked.

 

Her words had a profound effect on him. He drew up as though she had slapped him again. He stared at her, not sure what to do.

 

“Just forget it.” She stammered and yanked her gown over her head. It got stuck and she cried out in frustration as she struggled to find the arm.

 

As he watched her, it occurred to him what was really bothering her. Why else would she rehash the argument from the previous evening? Before he could stop himself, he had crossed the room to her, his hands helping the dress slide down her torso. When her head came through, she looked up at him. Terror shone in her eyes, not anger. He took a deep breath and pulled her to him. She clung to him, her breath quick and uneven.

 

“I will not let anything happen to you.” He whispered to her.

 

“How can you be sure?”

 

He grinned slightly and pulled back to cup her face. “You will meet your father and very soon you will sit on the throne. I promise you that. I might have not informed you of things that I should have. But I have never lied to you. Didn't I keep my last promise?”

 

Kaoru closed her and took a deep breath. She licked her lips and looked up at him. Slowly she nodded. “You did come for me.”

 

Kenshin brushed dark strands of her hair from her face. “We will leave here together.”

 

He tugged her to him one last time, relishing in the feel of her against him. He took a deep breath to steady his own nerves. He had no clue what would happen within the next few hours. But one thing was certain. Kaoru would be alive and free at the end of the day.

 

“And then?”

 

Her whisper reached him and he stiffened. Reluctantly he dropped his arms. “Then what?” He asked, though he knew exactly where her inquiry would lead.

 

She looked up at him. “Then what about us?”

 

“There is no us.” He told her bluntly. “You're of noble blood. I'm nothing more than a bloodstained assassin.”

 

“But you can rise above that. I'm the princess. Someday…I'll be queen.” She swallowed, the words obviously startling her to say.

 

“Where does that leave me, Kaoru-dono? Someone to kiss your skirts and to be readily available when I've accomplished some feat that pleases you? Another of your lovers when you are in the mood for some entertainment?” He asked her harshly.

 

Kaoru took a step away from him, pain and confusion swirling in her cerulean gaze. “You honestly think that's the queen I'll become?” She demanded.

 

He closed his eyes and sighed. “No.” He stated softly. “You have to understand there is no room for me in the future that awaits you.”

 

“Even if I made you my king?”

 

Kenshin looked up at her startled at her comment. “I can not be king.”

 

“Why not? After last night you have claim to it. You have an obligation to marry me….”

 

“You don't understand, Kaoru-dono.”

 

“Please don't start this again.” She threw up her hands and turned away. “What if I want you to be my king?”

 

Her words tugged at him, but he shook his head. “It's irrelevant, that it is.”

 

“Why?”

 

“Because you already belong to someone else!” He cried bitterly.

 

Kaoru stared at him. “What?” She shook her head. “What does that mean? I don't belong to anyone.”

 

Kenshin opened his mouth to explain when keys rattled in the door. They both turned to see a guard in the doorway. “Sleep well?” He sneered.

 

The woman glanced at him, then at Kenshin. Emotional exhaustion struck her then. “Can we just get this over with?” She asked tiredly.

 

“In such a hurry to meet your demise?” The guard asked a trace of surprise in his voice.

 

“I just want to get out of this room.” She retorted.

 

“Then turn around princess. You too Battousai.” Kenshin gave her a long look before turning away and presenting his wrists.

 

Kaoru watched as the stranger pulled out a length of nylon and tied his hands together. Once he had finished he advanced on her. Kaoru swallowed, fighting the knot of fear that tremored in the pit of her stomach. He grabbed her arms roughly, yanking them behind her. She sucked in a breath through her teeth. He roughly tossed her dark hair over her shoulder and then sniffed her neck. A shiver of disgust went through her and she whirled around. “You certainly smell nice.” He grinned.

 

“Too bad it's all you get.” She hissed.

 

His grin merely widened. “Don't be to sure.” He pulled out a small blade and pointed at her. “To the hall.”

 

She glanced once more at the redhead, searching for something in his face. He offered her no comfort. Her bottom lip trembling, she turned and went into the hall. An escort of four men waited them outside in the hall. “Where's Kito?” The one who had tied them up asked.

 

One shrugged his shoulders. “He didn't show up this morning. Figured he had a warm woman.”

 

Another guard grunted. “He should know better. The sorcerer won't like that.”

 

“Who cares? It's not my ass. Let's not keep him waiting.” A third chimed in.

 

They were led down the hall. Kaoru glanced over at Kenshin to see what his thoughts might be. He stared straight ahead. She sighed. A resounding smack had her jumping as she was reprimanded by one of the guards with the flat of his sword. “Eyes forward.”

 

Kaoru yelped, more from surprise than pain, but that didn't seem to matter to Kenshin. He whirled and advanced on the guilty man. The other four guards immediately had their blades on Kenshin. He ignored them, glaring at the man who had hit her, his eyes dangerously golden. “Touch her again and you will die.”

 

“Fancy words from someone who is tied up.” The man snorted. He chuckled and glanced at his comrades for support. However, the other guards had taken a step back. “What's the matter? He's tied up.”

 

“He's still Battousai.” One murmured. He cast a fearful glance in her direction. Kenshin turned his gaze on her before moving away, seemingly oblivious to the sharp points near his flesh. Calmly, he continued down the hall.

 

With a snap, she closed her mouth. Two of the men hurried to catch up to him, leaving her alone with the other three. She had no desire to remain in their company and she forced her feet to move towards her destiny.

 

They reached a set of double doors. One of the guards reached forward and opened them. She hesitated on the threshold, though Kenshin had already passed through. A hand on her back pushed her in to the large hall. Her eyes grew wide at the state of the room. The walls were barren and covered in soot. There was only one piece of furniture in the room and Kaoru found her gaze inexplicably drawn to it. The couple waiting made her pause and suddenly she wished she hadn't been in such a hurry to leave her cell.

 

The woman who had hypnotized her stood, her deep purple gown trailing the floor. It fell off the shoulders, revealing her white collarbone. Her dark hair was piled on her head, a few curls escaping to grace her high cheekbones. Her eyes were still cold and a smirk covered her full lips. One hand rested on the shoulder of the man sitting, lovingly caressing him.

 

Kaoru swallowed and felt her step falter as she approached the man. She had never seen him before, but knew instantly who he was. Once upon a time, he might have been handsome. Now red skin stretched tight over his face. He had no eyebrows, his skin obviously badly burnt from years prior. She shuddered in fear and saw his cracked lips curve in a smile to see her discomfort. Only his eyes revealed him to be living. A smoldering black, they scorched her soul. Hatred welled in her to meet the man who had killed her mother.

 

“Tsk, tsk, tsk. This is no way to treat our royal guest.”

 

He lifted a finger and someone released her binds. She winced as she rubbed at her wrists. She glanced over at Kenshin and saw his own bonds being released.

 

“Welcome.” His voice grated across her skin and Kaoru shuddered again. “I hope you have found your quarters satisfactory.”

 

“They were a bit chilly.” She stated absently, trying to abolish her fear.

 

He chuckled and sat back in his seat. “They are only temporary. After we settle unfinished business, you will of course be shown to your new suite of rooms.” He rose from his position and slowly moved down the stairs. The woman trailed behind him. “But first, we must be properly introduced.

 

“I am of course, Shishio Makoto.” He grinned. “But I'm sure you might have guessed that.” He took her hand, his skin even drier than it appeared. Then he bent down and pressed his scorched mouth to her fingers. Kaoru cringed and jerked her hand away from him. A touch of anger flashed in his eyes before he stood. “You of course, are Lady Kamiya, princess Kaoru.” She stared at him, not responding. He shook his head. `What manners you have not learned. Being brought up away from civilization has not done you justice. I would have thought your aunt would have taught you better.” He leaned in and caught her chin with his finger. “I imagine my ward will have great fun breaking you.” He whispered maliciously.

 

Kaoru shivered, her fear welling up once more. Then the sorcerer was turning away and focusing his attention to the man at her side. “Once again, it appears our paths have crossed, Battousai. Ironic that it is once again because of a woman; a second time with this particular woman.”

 

Kenshin said nothing and Kaoru fought the urge to move away from him. The air was thick with tension and it was only a matter of time before it exploded. Shishio continued to watch Kenshin and began to circle him. “This one is different though.” He mused aloud. “Tomoe never had you forsaking your sword. If I recall you actually refused to end the fighting, one reason she had to die.”

 

“Forgetting the fact you pitted her against me from the beginning.” Kenshin sneered.

 

Shishio's arm raised and he struck the redhead. Kaoru gasped, her hands coming up to her mouth. Blood trickled from his lip. Kenshin's jaw tightened and slowly he turned to glare at his nemesis. His eyes had darkened, his anger just beneath the surface. “I had no idea she would fall in love with you.” Shishio yelled. “Yet you killed her anyway. What can that say of your own character?” He demanded. “Do you honestly think Koshijirou will allow you to marry his daughter with that kind of blood on your hands?”

 

The electric gaze darted in Kaoru's direction before focusing on the sorcerer. “Our enmity has nothing to do with Kaoru-dono.”

 

“So informal!” Shishio shrieked and looked back to the woman. She had come closer and the two chuckled heartily. The woman stepped up to Kenshin. “You think she has nothing to do with this?” She asked. “She has everything to do with this. There is only one way to make it right and that is her sacrifice.”

 

The woman moved startling fast. She grabbed Kaoru's arm, yanking her closer. There was a flash of light reflected off the small blade she wielded. A whimper burst from her lips, her azure eyes round with fear as the witch exposed her wrist. There was a brief jolt of pain and a blur of red. Then Kenshin was wrenching the woman from her. Yumi attempted to call out some incantation, but the redhead hit her on the head and tossed her to the floor. Her dagger skittered several feet away as the woman lay prone, not moving. Kaoru stared at her, terror-stricken as she realized the full implications of what was about to ensue.

 

She turned and saw the five guards had descended on Kenshin. Easily he ducked under their swinging blades. He managed to grab on man's forearm, twisting the blade from his grip. After that it was only moments before he left the men, moaning or unconscious on the ground.

 

He turned to face the wizard. Shishio stood there inert, a slow smile stretching his parched skin. Slowly he began to applaud. “This will prove to be quite a spectacle.” He proclaimed.

 

“You will not have her.”

 

“Dear boy! She's already mine.” The sorcerer sneered. “What sort of a man would I be if I hadn't already seen to her future?”

 

“Who are you to determine my future?” She cried, tired of everyone speaking of her as if she wasn't in the room.

 

The coal-black eyes swung to glare at her. Kaoru tried to look smaller, regretting her impulsive outburst. “You should have been mine.” He gritted. He caught her chin in his hands. “And I will do what any father would do; you'll marry a man of my choosing.”

 

His grin widened and he let go of her. He stepped back and looked at Kenshin. “Who better to take her than my own protégé? He has his own unpaid debts.”

 

Another door opened and Kaoru turned. She blinked, not fully surprised to see Enishi striding towards her, but hoping it might be a reprieve from the emotional assault she was enduring. “I do apologize for my tardiness.” The blonde responded lazily to the unspoken question in the air.

 

Shishio turned towards Kenshin. “Now we will really see who the better man is.”

 

The blonde came to Kaoru and bowed low before her. He looked up at her, lunacy gleaming in his grey eyes. “I will win your hand; then I will win your heart.”

 

Kaoru swallowed. “Not in this lifetime.” She whispered heatedly.

 

Enishi chuckled and grabbed her fingers. He brought it to his lips and pressed a kiss to her knuckles. With a muted sound of disgust she jerked her hand away. He laughed louder and turned away. She glanced at Kenshin and saw his eyes had narrowed, a dangerous glint in his eyes.

 

“What have you to say Battousai? Is she as delicious as she looks?” Enishi mocked.

 

The redhead took a menacing step towards him only to be stopped by a sharp point at his throat. Enishi grinned maliciously. “What's your hurry? You aren't even armed.”

 

“Stop wasting time.” Both men glanced at Shishio. He grabbed Kaoru's arm and pulled her away. “Finish it, or I will.”

 

The blonde breathed in deep and then turned to face his adversary. “Might as well be a fair fight. It won't end as it did last time.” He reached to his belt and tossed a sword to Kenshin.

 

He glanced down at the weapon in his hands, recognition in his eyes. He glanced up at the brother of his first love and inclined his head. He flickered a glance in her direction. “You're right. It won't.”

 

The two came together with a clash of metal. Kaoru cried out to see the contest, fearful of how it might end. A tear slipped down her face as Enishi lunged and somehow caught Kenshin off guard. A rip appeared in the redhead's sleeve. She caught her breath as she saw in return Kenshin spun and placed a foot into small of the blonde's back. Enishi fell forward and rolled up into a standing position. “You have been keeping up with your technique.”

 

“Let's get serious. There's something else I have to take care of when I finish with you.” Kenshin murmured lethally.

 

“Let's do. Let us see how strong your resolve truly is.”

 

Enishi chuckled and the two men came together once more. Kaoru glanced at the wizard at her side, her stomach clenched in knots. Just what would happen once Kenshin had disposed of Enishi? Shishio's death would be the only thing that would put a stop to the war that had begun with the death of her mother. If Battousai did indeed reemerge, where would that leave her? She took a step away from Shishio, knowing there was only one path to take to save the man she loved.

 

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How long they had been fighting, Kenshin wasn't even sure. Enishi had grown stronger in the ten years since they had last crossed swords. To see him so callously speak to Kaoru had sparked his ire, and now he needed to make sure he could not threaten her again. Their blades locked and the blonde grinned at him menacingly. Not even fully thinking, he jabbed an elbow into the man's side and pushed him off. He swung his arm, looking for a blow. He met his adversary's sword. Kenshin pulled back and the blonde staggered to his feet

 

“You can't win.” He spit. The man wiped at his mouth, his grey eyes shinning with his insanity. “The same thing that happened to her mother will happen to your new toy.”

 

Confusion broke through the anger. “Not if I have to say anything about it.”

 

Enishi saw the lapse in his concentration and grinned. “But it isn't up to you. Take a look for yourself.”

 

“A diversion won't work Enishi.”

 

“Even if it's real? I know her. Her blind devotion wouldn't have her sitting by the sidelines. I will have so much fun breaking her spirit.”

 

Hatred welled up and Kenshin lunged, catching the blonde unawares. He just managed to miss the lethal blow, taking a nasty bruise to the thigh. “How do you imagine winning with the silly sword of yours?” Enishi taunted.

 

Kenshin dodged his attack and whirled. “I'll leave you alive long enough to see the fall of your wizard.”

 

“Not if he takes out your princess first.”

 

Kenshin paused and eyed the man warily. It was the second time he had alluded to Kaoru and he was torn to glance in her direction, making sure Shishio hadn't made a fool of him. A clanging sound made his decision for him. His eyes widened slightly as he stared at Enishi. The crazed man merely shrugged. “It's part of her charm.” He muttered darkly. He risked a glance over his shoulder and felt his heart stop as he saw the worst possible scenario imaginable.

 

Kaoru had taken up a sword against the wizard.

 

Too late he turned back and cried out when his own adversary attacked, the blade slicing his arm. He gritted his teeth, ignoring the flare of pain and swung his own sword, surprising Enishi. The blonde cried out and fell once more to the ground. Momentarily disposed of his assailant, Kenshin whirled, his thoughts only on Kaoru.

 

In horror he saw the sorcerer kick the woman's weapon away. He shoved her to the floor and reached for a dagger in his boot. The princess stared up at her assailant, her face wide with terror. Kenshin took a step towards them, intent on drawing the madman's attention away from her. However, he was impeded by a hand on his ankle.

 

He fell to the floor with a thud and he sat up. Cursing himself for his own stupidity, he lashed out, his fist connecting with the brother of his former lover. Agony washed through his arm, rarely having actually hit a person with his hand. The blonde fell back, blood spouting from his nose. Kenshin barely spared him a look as he turned again to help his beloved. He called out, straggling to his feet. Shishio raised his hands above his head, his words drowned out by the blood pounding in Kenshin's head. He rushed to the pair, praying he would make in time.

 

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Once again I'm evil, I know. Sorry. I gotta build the suspense! I hope it was worth the wait. I will do my best to have a new chapter up soon. Kisses until then!!