Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ Bloodline ❯ Nightmares ( Chapter 2 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: Angie-san 
Anime/Manga: Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance / Drama | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 05.03.2005 | Updated On: 06.05.2011 | Pages: 2 | Words: 3.3K | Visits: 860 | Status: Completed
Anime/Manga: Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance / Drama | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 05.03.2005 | Updated On: 06.05.2011 | Pages: 2 | Words: 3.3K | Visits: 860 | Status: Completed
Disclaimer - Sadly, I don't own Rurouni Kenshin. It is the sole property of Nobuhiro Watsuki and the many companies who have purchased the rights.
Chapter 2 – Nightmares
The late afternoon sun warmed their backs as Kenshin and Kaoru strolled down the dirt path towards the dojo in companionable silence. Still pondering Kaoru's ashen face earlier in the day Kenshin cast a discreet glance at her profile, wishing he could read her mind. He knew she had lied at the Akebeko, something had scared her and whatever it had been was still bothering her. The tightness around her mouth and eyes caused his protective instinct to rise to the forefront, making his blood course swiftly through his veins.
Dropping his rurouni facade he reached out and grasped her hand, pulling her to a stop in the middle of the road. "What are you hiding, Kaoru?"
Shocked not only by his tone and lack of honorific but also the warm hand holding her in place, Kaoru snapped her head around. The startled question on her own lips died though, when she saw the firm, calculating gaze leveled her. She had only seen this look once before...when he had fought Jin'e. The only difference now was that his eyes were still violet and not the gleaming amber of that instance. Unnerved by his intense look she turned her eyes to the surrounding countryside and wondered if she dared to tell him her secret...at least what she knew. But that meant breaking the promise she had made with her mother and that was something she knew she couldn't do.
Shaking her head, she turned to him and pasted on what she hoped was a convincing smile. "Nothing, why?"
Kenshin's eyes softened at the weak smile she offered. Stepping closer to her he said in a low voice, "I can tell something is bothering you, Kaoru. I can't protect you if I don't know what to protect you from."
Warmth spread through Kaoru at his proximity and the silky sound of his voice, causing a flush to come to her face. The weak smile became a shy one on her lips. "I never asked you to protect me”, she replied softly.
"I know...but...," leaning in he placed a featherlight kiss on her forehead and whispered against her skin, "...you're special to me."
Kaoru's eyes widened at his admission. 'Did he really say what I think he said?' she thought, hope welling up in her.
Leaning back to look into his eyes, Kaoru saw the truth of his declaration shining in the violet depths. Her heart flip-flopped in her chest as she struggled to breathe, caught in his gaze. She opened her mouth to tell him all she knew, but snapped it closed when she realized she really didn't know anything yet. Just that little bit of memory, an ability in cloaking her aura.
With a sigh she shifted her gaze to look down at their still clasped hands, "There's really nothing to protect me from, Kenshin.” Then seeking to reassure him the best she could she added, “besides, with you and Sano under my roof no one would dare to threaten me."
Not completely convinced Kenshin nodded anyway and let his question go unanswered for now. Letting go of her hand he slipped on his rurouni mask and said with his typical grin, "Hai, that is true Kaoru-dono, that it is." as he began walking down the road again.
Confused by his instant switch back to his rurouni self, Kaoru followed a few steps behind him as her heart settled back into its normal rhythm. Sometimes it seemed impossible to try and figure out this complex man that shared her home.
When they reached the dojo Kaoru left Kenshin in the yard preparing to do the laundry and set off for her room. Determined to set aside those complicated thoughts, she changed into an old pair of hakama and gi before she made her way out to the storehouse that held all of her family's effects and odd items that had been collected over the years. Opening the door she left it ajar; allowing the sun to illuminate the interior as she scanned the shelves on both sides of the room. It took a few moments for her eyes to adjust in the dimness, but she soon spotted a crate full of her mother's clothes and made her way to the back. As she got closer her eyes widened at seeing all the crates packed with her mother's things. She didn't remember her mother having so much stuff!
Carefully lifting the first box off the shelf, she felt tears come to her eyes when she recognized the neatly folded kimono lying on top. With shaking hands, she gently unfolded it and held the soft material up to her cheek, recalling the luminescent shine in her mother's sapphire eyes the last day she'd worn it as they sat beside the river. They had talked about nothing in particular, just enjoyed each other's company. Her mother had already started to get sick by then, but that day she had looked so alive and vibrant. So much like her old self.
Kaoru smiled sadly, it's been ten years and she still haven't gotten over her mother's death.
Shaking her head, Kaoru sighed and wiped away the tears she had realized had fallen and continued to unpack the crate. Finding only clothes she put them back and returned it to its spot on the shelf before choosing another. She repeated the same ritual, finding only clothes again. Replacing that one she went to reach for another one when she heard a commotion out in the yard. Surprised, she raced out the door in consternation and was greeted with the sight of Sano protecting himself with his arm as Yahiko proceeded to knock him over the head with his bokken, nimbly avoiding all of Sano's attempts to catch him.
Kenshin, grinning like an idiot, sat to one side and continued to do the laundry, watching the two go at it.
Kaoru's eyebrow began to twitch. "YAHIKO...what are you doing?!" she demanded as she rushed over to them.
A wicked grin formed on the boy's face. "Practicing" he said, whacking Sano one more time for good measure then dancing out of her reach.
He must have finally noticed the evil look in her eyes because he changed tactics and whined, "Ah, Kaoru...he deserved it!"
"I know he did," Kaoru bit out angrily, "but I didn't teach you the Kamiya Kassin Ryu for you to beat people over the head." Pointing towards the dojo she growled, "Get in there and scrub the floor NOW, Yahiko-chan."
"That's not fair, Busu!...and quit calling me little!" Stomping off to do what he was told, Yahiko flashed Sano with a hard look. "You had it coming, roosterhead."
When Yahiko had gone Kaoru turned her attention to Sano, a scowl marring her features that caused him to step back a few more paces."You tease him one more time about Tsubame and I'm going to beat you over the head!"
"Ok...Ok, Jou-chan, I promise I won't." He said, rubbing his sore head. "Besides, I don't think my head can take anymore anyway."
Satisfied, Kaoru rounded on Kenshin and nailed him with a glare, "And you...what were you doing just sitting there with that stupid grin on your face?"
Kenshin shrugged. "Now that Yahiko has had his revenge everything should go back to normal, that it should." Flashing her a peaceful expression he returned his attention to the laundry.
Rolling her eyes, Kaoru shook her head muttering 'baka rurouni' under her breath as she turned to close up the storehouse. Tomorrow might be a little quieter and make it easier for her to search. With a yawn, she padded into the dojo and watched as Yahiko made running swipes of the already extremely shiny floor. Feeling guilty for sending him to do what really didn't need to be done she interrupted his muttering, "Yahiko, you can stop now, but if I see you do that one more time I'll send you out to every dojo in Tokyo to clean the floors."
Yahiko stopped in mid swipe and gazed up at her with a sheepish look. "I'm sorry, Kaoru, I won't do it again...unless he asks for it!" he added with a grumble.
Kaoru nodded sympathetically and walked over to where he was crouched to ruffle his hair until he shot out from beneath her hand.
"Stop that...I'm not a kid anymore!"
"I know you're not." She winked at him as a sly grin formed on her lips and added, "Next time you decide to beat on Sano don't use your bokken...that's what really upset me." Yahiko's answering grin made her smile and she sent him on his way before following him out and closing the doors behind her.
Another yawn cracked her jaw as she made her way out to where Kenshin sat on the porch, his chores done for the day. Sano sat beside him still rubbing the bump on his head muttering about bratty kids who needed to learn to control themselves.
"I guess it's time for me to make dinner," Kaoru said, as she sat down for minute beside Kenshin.
Sano swung panicked eyes at her. "Whoa, Jou-chan, let's not be hasty! I thought you weren’t mad anymore...I want to live for a little while longer"
Kaoru's eyebrow started to twitch again as she straightened, intent on giving the knot on his head a twin when all of a sudden two whirlwinds of energy shot through the yard screaming "Ken-nii" at the top of their lungs. Ayame and Suzume flung themselves at the rurouni, successfully squeezing the breath out of their favorite play toy. Following behind came Dr. Genzai and Megumi, who was carrying a covered basket that looked suspiciously like food.
Flashing her fox smile as she neared, Megumi simpered. "Hi guys, thought you might want a real dinner tonight."
"What's that suppose to mean?" Kaoru asked in a dangerously low voice, fisting her hands as she leveled a hard glare on the older woman.
Megumi snickered behind her hand, Kaoru swore she saw fox ears popping out of her head. "Nothing", maybe even a tail flickered from behind as well.
"You look tired, Kaoru-dono, you really didn't want to cook anyway did you?" Kenshin piped up regaining his breath, as a little girl perched on each knee happily playing with his ponytail.
Shaking her head in defeat, she secretly smiled. "No, not really." Eating her own food tended to leave a bad taste in her mouth anyway, and she hated to admit it but Megumi was an excellent cook.
At her agreement everyone moved into the dining area and settled down around the low table to dig into the delicious meal Megumi had brought.
A moment Yahiko wandered in, his eyes alight with undisguised hope. "Is this Megumi's cooking?"
Kaoru gave him a black look that he chose to ignore in favor of filling his plate and digging in.
Talk around the dinner table was minimal and reserved for what everyone had done throughout the day. When they all finished they moved back out into the warm night air where the moon cast a surreal glow to the yard. Exhausted from their day, Ayame and Suzume curled up beside Kenshin and promptly went to sleep.
"Are you feeling better?” Dr. Genzai asked, as he sat down beside Kaoru. “Megumi told me you were a little nauseous at lunch today."
Giving him a reassuring smile she nodded, "Hai, I'm feeling much better. I had a little headache this morning and it must have been an aftereffect of that."
Covering a yawn that escaped against her will Kaoru felt exhaustion settle over her like a blanket, The unusual day must have worn her out more than she thought.
“Are you tired, Kaoru-dono?" Kenshin asked with a concerned look. "Maybe you should go lay down."
Giving the redhead a long look she finally nodded in agreement she rose and said goodnight to everyone as Megumi and Dr. Genzai each collected a sleeping bundle and prepared to head out.
Sano quickly rose and took Ayame from Megumi's arms. "I'll walk you home," he said as he followed Dr. Genzai out the gate, leaving a surprised Megumi to follow behind.
Once they had left Kaoru made her way inside and headed towards her room, Kenshin shadowing her movements.
"You had a headache this morning?" he asked, as they reached her door.
Waving her hand negligently, she smiled at him, "Yeah, it was nothing really. Goodnight, Kenshin." Then before he could ask any more she entered her room and closed the door on the skeptical look in his eyes, not wanting to deal with questions she couldn't answer anyway.
After a long moment Kenshin's soft footfalls faded towards his room and Kaoru set to work changing into her sleeping yukata then gratefully unrolled and sank down onto her futon. With a tug she pulled the ribbon from her hair and deftly braided the long length, the look in Kenshin's eyes when he had said she was special to him suddenly floating before her eyes again. Still a little confused by the statement, she wondered if he meant special in the way she hoped he did. Snorting at herself, she ignored the increase in her heartbeat and stomped down such thoughts as she laid down. and yet as she was drifting off to sleep it was Kenshin's warm, violet eyes that chased her into oblivion.
ooooooooooooooooo
Predawn light was filtering over the wooded landscape when Kaoru's stalker vaulted from his near foundering horse in front of the compound housing his employer. Making his way through the tunnel, he strode purposefully along the shadowed hallways of the mansion, intent on conveying the information he had unearthed in Tokyo the day before. Within moments he reached the closed shoji door that led to what he liked to called the 'throne room' and knelt at the door and waited for admittance. No one entered this room without authorization, unless they no longer cherished their life that is.
A beat later the door slide open soundlessly, guided by a beautiful, raven-haired woman. Her rosy lips inviting to those crazy enough to try to seduce the master's wench. Some had tried and their bodies now lay at the bottom of the ravine outside the compound, their remains picked clean by the crows that had made their home there. He rose without casting a glance at her and made his way to the low dais and the man sitting cross-legged on the glossy wood.
"I've found her."
An unholy gleam came to the man's nearly black eyes. "Where?"
"Tokyo...she's a kendo master and owns the dojo where she teaches."
"A spirited one then.” A small smile slowly crept across the man's bloodless lips. “That will make things more...entertaining. Does my angel have a name?"
"Kamiya Kaoru."
The piercing gaze his employer nailed him with made the watcher's skin crawl.
"And you are sure she's the one?"
With a nod he gestured to the painting on the wall above the dais. "She looks exactly like that one, same golden highlights and sapphire eyes. She also has a faint golden aura that she can control."
A sickening sweet smile slide across his employer's lips as he digested this information.
"Then she is one of Akiko's blood."
The watcher nodded again then hesitantly added the one piece of information he wasn't sure how his master would take. "There's one problem...Battousai is staying at the dojo with her."
His employer's smile widened as the gleam intensified in the man's gaze. "She's the Hitokiri Battousai's woman...how did I get so lucky?"
Surprised by the reaction, the watcher murmured, "What are we going to do about him? There's no way we can take her out from underneath his nose."
A harsh laugh filled the quiet hall.
"That will be taken care of, be ready to retrieve her in two days."
Dipping his head the watcher muttered, "Hai," as he backed out of the room.
Once alone in the steadily brightening room another humorless chuckle escaped Shishio Makoto's throat as he stood and turned to gaze at the painting. His eyes intent on the figure depicted so remarkably before him. You are mine now...there will be no escape.
ooooooooooooooooo
Kaoru wandered aimlessly down the darkened hallway, almost positive she had been here before. Careful not to make any sound as she treaded softly to the end of the hallway, she rounded the corner and found herself staring at a blank wall. To either side of her another hallway extended into the shadowed depths of the mansion, no doors visible along the walls. A feeling of being watched flowed over her as she stood motionless, causing the hair on the back of her neck to rise in alarm. Her heart began to pound madly, echoing in her ears as she flexed her hand, wishing for the reassuring weight of a bokken. Choosing the hallway to her right she began to slowly make her way down the shadowed passage, desperately hoping it would lead her to a way out. After walking for what seemed like hours she finally came to a closed door. Achingly slow, she extended her sweat dampened hand and grasped the frame, hoping beyond hope that beyond lay her salvation.
Sliding the door open she was instantly swallowed by an inky blackness that consumed her entire being, leaving her floating in nothingness as terror and panic pounded through her. Scrabbling ineffectually as all reason left her behind, she heard a humorless chuckle echo around her.
Suddenly a voice slithered its way into her mind, "You are mine now...there will be no escape."
Shocked out of sleep Kaoru bolted upright smashing her fist against her lips, stifling the scream that fought to escape her throat. Shaking uncontrollably she sat there, eyes wide as she tried to slow her rapidly beating heart, fear still pounding through her in great waves as the voice continued to echo in her mind. Swinging her gaze to the window she realized it was dawn, the steadily brightening room starting to ebb away the fear raging through her.
'It was only a nightmare' she thought with relief, as the tremors that had racked her body slowly subsided. Flopping back down onto the futon she laid her arm across her eyes, her heart resuming its normal tempo, leaving her feeling drained. Moments later the sudden surge of adrenaline passed out of her system allowing Kaoru to slip into a fitful, dreamless sleep again.
Converting /tmp/phpr5Sx0y to /dev/stdout
Chapter 2 – Nightmares
The late afternoon sun warmed their backs as Kenshin and Kaoru strolled down the dirt path towards the dojo in companionable silence. Still pondering Kaoru's ashen face earlier in the day Kenshin cast a discreet glance at her profile, wishing he could read her mind. He knew she had lied at the Akebeko, something had scared her and whatever it had been was still bothering her. The tightness around her mouth and eyes caused his protective instinct to rise to the forefront, making his blood course swiftly through his veins.
Dropping his rurouni facade he reached out and grasped her hand, pulling her to a stop in the middle of the road. "What are you hiding, Kaoru?"
Shocked not only by his tone and lack of honorific but also the warm hand holding her in place, Kaoru snapped her head around. The startled question on her own lips died though, when she saw the firm, calculating gaze leveled her. She had only seen this look once before...when he had fought Jin'e. The only difference now was that his eyes were still violet and not the gleaming amber of that instance. Unnerved by his intense look she turned her eyes to the surrounding countryside and wondered if she dared to tell him her secret...at least what she knew. But that meant breaking the promise she had made with her mother and that was something she knew she couldn't do.
Shaking her head, she turned to him and pasted on what she hoped was a convincing smile. "Nothing, why?"
Kenshin's eyes softened at the weak smile she offered. Stepping closer to her he said in a low voice, "I can tell something is bothering you, Kaoru. I can't protect you if I don't know what to protect you from."
Warmth spread through Kaoru at his proximity and the silky sound of his voice, causing a flush to come to her face. The weak smile became a shy one on her lips. "I never asked you to protect me”, she replied softly.
"I know...but...," leaning in he placed a featherlight kiss on her forehead and whispered against her skin, "...you're special to me."
Kaoru's eyes widened at his admission. 'Did he really say what I think he said?' she thought, hope welling up in her.
Leaning back to look into his eyes, Kaoru saw the truth of his declaration shining in the violet depths. Her heart flip-flopped in her chest as she struggled to breathe, caught in his gaze. She opened her mouth to tell him all she knew, but snapped it closed when she realized she really didn't know anything yet. Just that little bit of memory, an ability in cloaking her aura.
With a sigh she shifted her gaze to look down at their still clasped hands, "There's really nothing to protect me from, Kenshin.” Then seeking to reassure him the best she could she added, “besides, with you and Sano under my roof no one would dare to threaten me."
Not completely convinced Kenshin nodded anyway and let his question go unanswered for now. Letting go of her hand he slipped on his rurouni mask and said with his typical grin, "Hai, that is true Kaoru-dono, that it is." as he began walking down the road again.
Confused by his instant switch back to his rurouni self, Kaoru followed a few steps behind him as her heart settled back into its normal rhythm. Sometimes it seemed impossible to try and figure out this complex man that shared her home.
When they reached the dojo Kaoru left Kenshin in the yard preparing to do the laundry and set off for her room. Determined to set aside those complicated thoughts, she changed into an old pair of hakama and gi before she made her way out to the storehouse that held all of her family's effects and odd items that had been collected over the years. Opening the door she left it ajar; allowing the sun to illuminate the interior as she scanned the shelves on both sides of the room. It took a few moments for her eyes to adjust in the dimness, but she soon spotted a crate full of her mother's clothes and made her way to the back. As she got closer her eyes widened at seeing all the crates packed with her mother's things. She didn't remember her mother having so much stuff!
Carefully lifting the first box off the shelf, she felt tears come to her eyes when she recognized the neatly folded kimono lying on top. With shaking hands, she gently unfolded it and held the soft material up to her cheek, recalling the luminescent shine in her mother's sapphire eyes the last day she'd worn it as they sat beside the river. They had talked about nothing in particular, just enjoyed each other's company. Her mother had already started to get sick by then, but that day she had looked so alive and vibrant. So much like her old self.
Kaoru smiled sadly, it's been ten years and she still haven't gotten over her mother's death.
Shaking her head, Kaoru sighed and wiped away the tears she had realized had fallen and continued to unpack the crate. Finding only clothes she put them back and returned it to its spot on the shelf before choosing another. She repeated the same ritual, finding only clothes again. Replacing that one she went to reach for another one when she heard a commotion out in the yard. Surprised, she raced out the door in consternation and was greeted with the sight of Sano protecting himself with his arm as Yahiko proceeded to knock him over the head with his bokken, nimbly avoiding all of Sano's attempts to catch him.
Kenshin, grinning like an idiot, sat to one side and continued to do the laundry, watching the two go at it.
Kaoru's eyebrow began to twitch. "YAHIKO...what are you doing?!" she demanded as she rushed over to them.
A wicked grin formed on the boy's face. "Practicing" he said, whacking Sano one more time for good measure then dancing out of her reach.
He must have finally noticed the evil look in her eyes because he changed tactics and whined, "Ah, Kaoru...he deserved it!"
"I know he did," Kaoru bit out angrily, "but I didn't teach you the Kamiya Kassin Ryu for you to beat people over the head." Pointing towards the dojo she growled, "Get in there and scrub the floor NOW, Yahiko-chan."
"That's not fair, Busu!...and quit calling me little!" Stomping off to do what he was told, Yahiko flashed Sano with a hard look. "You had it coming, roosterhead."
When Yahiko had gone Kaoru turned her attention to Sano, a scowl marring her features that caused him to step back a few more paces."You tease him one more time about Tsubame and I'm going to beat you over the head!"
"Ok...Ok, Jou-chan, I promise I won't." He said, rubbing his sore head. "Besides, I don't think my head can take anymore anyway."
Satisfied, Kaoru rounded on Kenshin and nailed him with a glare, "And you...what were you doing just sitting there with that stupid grin on your face?"
Kenshin shrugged. "Now that Yahiko has had his revenge everything should go back to normal, that it should." Flashing her a peaceful expression he returned his attention to the laundry.
Rolling her eyes, Kaoru shook her head muttering 'baka rurouni' under her breath as she turned to close up the storehouse. Tomorrow might be a little quieter and make it easier for her to search. With a yawn, she padded into the dojo and watched as Yahiko made running swipes of the already extremely shiny floor. Feeling guilty for sending him to do what really didn't need to be done she interrupted his muttering, "Yahiko, you can stop now, but if I see you do that one more time I'll send you out to every dojo in Tokyo to clean the floors."
Yahiko stopped in mid swipe and gazed up at her with a sheepish look. "I'm sorry, Kaoru, I won't do it again...unless he asks for it!" he added with a grumble.
Kaoru nodded sympathetically and walked over to where he was crouched to ruffle his hair until he shot out from beneath her hand.
"Stop that...I'm not a kid anymore!"
"I know you're not." She winked at him as a sly grin formed on her lips and added, "Next time you decide to beat on Sano don't use your bokken...that's what really upset me." Yahiko's answering grin made her smile and she sent him on his way before following him out and closing the doors behind her.
Another yawn cracked her jaw as she made her way out to where Kenshin sat on the porch, his chores done for the day. Sano sat beside him still rubbing the bump on his head muttering about bratty kids who needed to learn to control themselves.
"I guess it's time for me to make dinner," Kaoru said, as she sat down for minute beside Kenshin.
Sano swung panicked eyes at her. "Whoa, Jou-chan, let's not be hasty! I thought you weren’t mad anymore...I want to live for a little while longer"
Kaoru's eyebrow started to twitch again as she straightened, intent on giving the knot on his head a twin when all of a sudden two whirlwinds of energy shot through the yard screaming "Ken-nii" at the top of their lungs. Ayame and Suzume flung themselves at the rurouni, successfully squeezing the breath out of their favorite play toy. Following behind came Dr. Genzai and Megumi, who was carrying a covered basket that looked suspiciously like food.
Flashing her fox smile as she neared, Megumi simpered. "Hi guys, thought you might want a real dinner tonight."
"What's that suppose to mean?" Kaoru asked in a dangerously low voice, fisting her hands as she leveled a hard glare on the older woman.
Megumi snickered behind her hand, Kaoru swore she saw fox ears popping out of her head. "Nothing", maybe even a tail flickered from behind as well.
"You look tired, Kaoru-dono, you really didn't want to cook anyway did you?" Kenshin piped up regaining his breath, as a little girl perched on each knee happily playing with his ponytail.
Shaking her head in defeat, she secretly smiled. "No, not really." Eating her own food tended to leave a bad taste in her mouth anyway, and she hated to admit it but Megumi was an excellent cook.
At her agreement everyone moved into the dining area and settled down around the low table to dig into the delicious meal Megumi had brought.
A moment Yahiko wandered in, his eyes alight with undisguised hope. "Is this Megumi's cooking?"
Kaoru gave him a black look that he chose to ignore in favor of filling his plate and digging in.
Talk around the dinner table was minimal and reserved for what everyone had done throughout the day. When they all finished they moved back out into the warm night air where the moon cast a surreal glow to the yard. Exhausted from their day, Ayame and Suzume curled up beside Kenshin and promptly went to sleep.
"Are you feeling better?” Dr. Genzai asked, as he sat down beside Kaoru. “Megumi told me you were a little nauseous at lunch today."
Giving him a reassuring smile she nodded, "Hai, I'm feeling much better. I had a little headache this morning and it must have been an aftereffect of that."
Covering a yawn that escaped against her will Kaoru felt exhaustion settle over her like a blanket, The unusual day must have worn her out more than she thought.
“Are you tired, Kaoru-dono?" Kenshin asked with a concerned look. "Maybe you should go lay down."
Giving the redhead a long look she finally nodded in agreement she rose and said goodnight to everyone as Megumi and Dr. Genzai each collected a sleeping bundle and prepared to head out.
Sano quickly rose and took Ayame from Megumi's arms. "I'll walk you home," he said as he followed Dr. Genzai out the gate, leaving a surprised Megumi to follow behind.
Once they had left Kaoru made her way inside and headed towards her room, Kenshin shadowing her movements.
"You had a headache this morning?" he asked, as they reached her door.
Waving her hand negligently, she smiled at him, "Yeah, it was nothing really. Goodnight, Kenshin." Then before he could ask any more she entered her room and closed the door on the skeptical look in his eyes, not wanting to deal with questions she couldn't answer anyway.
After a long moment Kenshin's soft footfalls faded towards his room and Kaoru set to work changing into her sleeping yukata then gratefully unrolled and sank down onto her futon. With a tug she pulled the ribbon from her hair and deftly braided the long length, the look in Kenshin's eyes when he had said she was special to him suddenly floating before her eyes again. Still a little confused by the statement, she wondered if he meant special in the way she hoped he did. Snorting at herself, she ignored the increase in her heartbeat and stomped down such thoughts as she laid down. and yet as she was drifting off to sleep it was Kenshin's warm, violet eyes that chased her into oblivion.
ooooooooooooooooo
Predawn light was filtering over the wooded landscape when Kaoru's stalker vaulted from his near foundering horse in front of the compound housing his employer. Making his way through the tunnel, he strode purposefully along the shadowed hallways of the mansion, intent on conveying the information he had unearthed in Tokyo the day before. Within moments he reached the closed shoji door that led to what he liked to called the 'throne room' and knelt at the door and waited for admittance. No one entered this room without authorization, unless they no longer cherished their life that is.
A beat later the door slide open soundlessly, guided by a beautiful, raven-haired woman. Her rosy lips inviting to those crazy enough to try to seduce the master's wench. Some had tried and their bodies now lay at the bottom of the ravine outside the compound, their remains picked clean by the crows that had made their home there. He rose without casting a glance at her and made his way to the low dais and the man sitting cross-legged on the glossy wood.
"I've found her."
An unholy gleam came to the man's nearly black eyes. "Where?"
"Tokyo...she's a kendo master and owns the dojo where she teaches."
"A spirited one then.” A small smile slowly crept across the man's bloodless lips. “That will make things more...entertaining. Does my angel have a name?"
"Kamiya Kaoru."
The piercing gaze his employer nailed him with made the watcher's skin crawl.
"And you are sure she's the one?"
With a nod he gestured to the painting on the wall above the dais. "She looks exactly like that one, same golden highlights and sapphire eyes. She also has a faint golden aura that she can control."
A sickening sweet smile slide across his employer's lips as he digested this information.
"Then she is one of Akiko's blood."
The watcher nodded again then hesitantly added the one piece of information he wasn't sure how his master would take. "There's one problem...Battousai is staying at the dojo with her."
His employer's smile widened as the gleam intensified in the man's gaze. "She's the Hitokiri Battousai's woman...how did I get so lucky?"
Surprised by the reaction, the watcher murmured, "What are we going to do about him? There's no way we can take her out from underneath his nose."
A harsh laugh filled the quiet hall.
"That will be taken care of, be ready to retrieve her in two days."
Dipping his head the watcher muttered, "Hai," as he backed out of the room.
Once alone in the steadily brightening room another humorless chuckle escaped Shishio Makoto's throat as he stood and turned to gaze at the painting. His eyes intent on the figure depicted so remarkably before him. You are mine now...there will be no escape.
ooooooooooooooooo
Kaoru wandered aimlessly down the darkened hallway, almost positive she had been here before. Careful not to make any sound as she treaded softly to the end of the hallway, she rounded the corner and found herself staring at a blank wall. To either side of her another hallway extended into the shadowed depths of the mansion, no doors visible along the walls. A feeling of being watched flowed over her as she stood motionless, causing the hair on the back of her neck to rise in alarm. Her heart began to pound madly, echoing in her ears as she flexed her hand, wishing for the reassuring weight of a bokken. Choosing the hallway to her right she began to slowly make her way down the shadowed passage, desperately hoping it would lead her to a way out. After walking for what seemed like hours she finally came to a closed door. Achingly slow, she extended her sweat dampened hand and grasped the frame, hoping beyond hope that beyond lay her salvation.
Sliding the door open she was instantly swallowed by an inky blackness that consumed her entire being, leaving her floating in nothingness as terror and panic pounded through her. Scrabbling ineffectually as all reason left her behind, she heard a humorless chuckle echo around her.
Suddenly a voice slithered its way into her mind, "You are mine now...there will be no escape."
Shocked out of sleep Kaoru bolted upright smashing her fist against her lips, stifling the scream that fought to escape her throat. Shaking uncontrollably she sat there, eyes wide as she tried to slow her rapidly beating heart, fear still pounding through her in great waves as the voice continued to echo in her mind. Swinging her gaze to the window she realized it was dawn, the steadily brightening room starting to ebb away the fear raging through her.
'It was only a nightmare' she thought with relief, as the tremors that had racked her body slowly subsided. Flopping back down onto the futon she laid her arm across her eyes, her heart resuming its normal tempo, leaving her feeling drained. Moments later the sudden surge of adrenaline passed out of her system allowing Kaoru to slip into a fitful, dreamless sleep again.
Converting /tmp/phpr5Sx0y to /dev/stdout