Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ Better Off Forgotten ❯ Shattered Illusions ( Chapter 1 )

Better Off Forgotten

Disclaimer: I'm not completely sure who owns Rurouni Kenshin but I know it's not me.

Kenshin is forced to once again go into battle. During the course of the fight, he makes a mistake and is knocked unconscious. When he awakens, he has no recollections of his past and believes he is just a simple rurouni. His friends are content to let him forget his past, but when a new, stronger threat rises, will they be forced to tell him the truth?

A/N: This is right after they return home from their battle from Shishio.

*****

It was a new day and, Kenshin liked to think, a new beginning. He had woken up earlier than usual and, having decided against going back to sleep, he had gone outside to watch the sunrise.

Watching the beautiful mixture of orange and yellows, he felt more optimistic than he had in a long time. Now that Shishio was out of their lifes, maybe he could finally put down his sword and not have to fight again.

After the sun had completely risen and the warming rays could be felt throughtout the dojo, Kenshin decided he had better start on breakfast. Adjusting his blood-red hair into it's ponytail, as to not get any of it into the food, he set off toward the cooking area.

He had just finished when the sounds of Kaoru starting the day could be heard. Smiling to himself, knowing Yahiko would soon follow Kaoru, he quickly finished the breakfast preparations.

As Kaoru came through the door, her dark-blues eyes still hazy with sleep, Kenshin was able to

to go outside and start his chores. Around noon he decided that he needed to go to the market place to replinish their supplies.

After informing Kaoru of his plans he set off toward the marketplace. Giving Yahiko, who was in the process of doing his own chores, a slight wave, he walked out of the dojo gates. After only a few steps, he suddenly remembered he didn't have his sword. Debating whether he should return for it, he decided that that part of the life was over. If he continued to expect it, it would continue to come.

Arriving at his destination, he made quick work buying the necessary groceries. He decided on taking his time on the way back since he had made such quick time at the market place. He took the time to notice the sky, which was a the deep sort of blue only found on the best of days. The air was arm and during the first half of his walk, children could be heard laughing and playing. It seemed as if nature had decided to award his optimism.

When he arrived at the dojo, he was so engrossed with his surroundings, he didn't even notice the lack of sound and it wasn't till he arrived at the doors did he hear the first shout.

Cursing himself for lacking his usual alertness, he pulled open the doors and quickly bounded inside. When he made it to the center room, he was forced to stop in his tracks. There, directly in the center of the room, was a man who held, not only Kaoru but Yahiko, captive. Once agian cursing himself for the lack of both sword and senses, he tried to reign in control of the situation.

"Ah, the infamous Battousai. I'm surpried it took you this long to notice there was trouble," the man spoke.

The truth was that Kenshin was surprised too. Taking a quick survey of his enemy, he decided that he should only be a minor threat, even without his sword. The man was broad shouldered and his sword seemed to be dangerous, he didn't appear fast enough to keep up with Kenshin.

"What is it that you want?" Kenshin asked, his voice both calm and cold.

"I want to eliminate you of course," came the obvious answer.

Getting tired of that answer, Kenshin deciced that he wanted this over with. Deciding that going along this line of questioning would give him time to get into position, he asked," Why? Who are you?"

"My name is Takahiff, and I'm getting tired of living in your shadow." Seeing the look of confusion on Kenshin's face, he continued," Everyone in the armies are being compared to the Battousai. None of our efforts are good enough to live up to you."

Deciding it was time to finish this he didn't reply. Getting the obvious message, Takahiff through Kaoru and Yahiko, who had been quiet throughout the whole ordeal, aside. Seeing his opponent charging, Kenshin decided to use his own momentum against him. When he got within reach, Kenshin sidestepped and grabbed the other's arm. Twisting around, Kenshin manuevered him into the wall. Landing with a loud *thump*, Takahiff recovered much quicker than Kenshin had expected. Taking a moment to get his bearings, he swung his sword around and tried to cut Kenshin. Making a few quick dodges, he looked around for a suitable weapon.

Thinking ahead Kaoru had retrieved the only weapon available in the room: the wooden swords she and Yahiko used to pratice. Deciding that he could easily take his opponent down with just that, Kenshin grabbed for the sword.

That was when he had made hsi mistake. Kaoru, in her frightened state, had slightly underestimated the distance between her and Kenshin. When she tried to pass him the sword, he was forced the lean forward to catch it. Showing surprising skill, Takahiff saw the opening and took another swing at Kenshin. Seeing the swing Kenshin moved suddenly but his opponent had anticipated this move and knocked Kenshin into the wall. Hard. He knew that he was in trouble the moment he landed. His head had made contact before his body and when his torso had hit, all the weight was put on his neck. Dropping to the floor, he could see darkness taking over. As he slowly lost conscoiusness, he could still see Takahiff making his way toward him. The last thing he saw was the gleaming edge of the blade.

*****

O.k. that's the end of the first chapter. Please read and review and if you think I should change something, please don't hesitate to tell me.