Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ Bloodline ❯ Crossing the line ( Chapter 4 )
[ 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: 05.23.2005 | Updated On: 06.05.2011 | Pages: 3 | Words: 4.3K | Visits: 780 | Status: Completed
Anime/Manga: Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance / Drama | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 05.23.2005 | Updated On: 06.05.2011 | Pages: 3 | Words: 4.3K | Visits: 780 | 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 4 - Crossing The Line
"The messenger has left the Aoiya. Be in Tokyo today to retrieve what is mine."
"Battousai will leave?"
A slow smile formed on Shishio's face. "I've left a message he will not be able to ignore. He will be gone by tonight, that will only leave an ex-fighter and a kid...kill them if they get in your way, but she comes to me unharmed. Do you understand?"
"Hai."
The watcher rose and backed out of the room, his eyes focused on the hard wood beneath his feet. Reaching the door the man didn't miss the glare the boss's wench shot at his seated form as he turned to leave. A slight grin formed on his face. The bitch had it coming.
Once he was alone in the room, Shishio Makoto rose and turned his attention to the painting on the wall. Tracing a finger down the cheek of the woman captured on the canvas, he smiled. "You were unable to hide them from us forever, Aiko...now she will be mine."
oooooooooooooooooo
Kenshin made another running sweep of the porch, bypassing Kaoru as he did. Spring fever was starting to set in at the Kamiya dojo and Kaoru had decided to give the entire dojo a good cleaning before she had to give lessons at the Kamina dojo again this afternoon. Yahiko had been roped into beating out the futons and was currently mumbling about clean freaks. Muttered words went on to rant about those who really needed to hire someone to do this, instead of making him waste time and not training to get stronger. Sano on the other hand had made a quick escape when Kaoru had tried to hand him a broom, laughing over his shoulder as she made to chase after him, brandishing the broom like a club.
As Kenshin continued to make sweeps of the polished wood he found himself pondering all the strange things that had happened within the last two days. After Kaoru's comment about the destined guardian he'd thought more about the faint glow he'd seen wrapping around her... maybe it really had been there. The feeling that she was something extraordinary continued to grow within him, causing a twinge of jealousy to flow through his chest at this person who was 'destined' to protect her, afraid that person might be Saitou. Of all people.
"Kenshin?"
Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, he glanced to Kaoru who was standing in the yard. The gentle breeze sifting through the locks framing her face made them dance playfully around her cheeks and he was struck again by just how much he wished she was his.
Stomping down the thought before it had a chance to take root, he replied, "Hai, Kaoru-dono?"
Kaoru flashed him a smile. "It's time for me to go, can you finish the rest of the porches?"
"Hai, Kaoru-dono, they will be done before you get back, that they will." He answered with his rurouni grin firmly in place.
"Thanks, is there anything you need from the market? I can stop and pick it up on my way back."
Kenshin shook his head. "No, sessha has everything he needs. Yahiko brought rice home from the Akebeko yesterday, that he did."
Kaoru shrugged as if to say suit yourself and headed for the gate. "Okay, see you later then."
Kenshin watched her go, his earlier thoughts re-asserting themselves as the sunlight caught the blonde highlights in her hair just before she vanished. Maybe it was time...
Shaking his head again, he set back to work and quickly finished up the porches. Once he had put the cleaning cloths away, he slipped his sakabatou through his belt and headed for the gate, determined to hunt down the wolf and get the answers he hadn't the day before. a frown passed across his face as he headed for the gate. He would have them one way or another today, even if he had to draw blood to get them.
Yet, just as he laid his hand against the wood to pull it open, a loud knock resounded against his palm. With widened eyes, he quickly tugged the door open and was surprised to see the small, raven-haired young woman standing on the other side.
"Misao-chan?"
Said girl immediately dropped the package in her hands and flung herself at him, giving him a huge bear hug. "Himura-san!" She exclaimed, squeezing him so tight that he swore he’d been turned inside out. And then almost as quickly as she'd jumped on him, she let him go and shot past him into the yard. "Where's Kaoru?"
"She's gone to give lessons at another dojo, that she did.” Kenshin rasped, trying to catch his breath after her jubilant greeting. Confused by her sudden appearance, he finally managed to ask, "What brings you here?"
"Um...well..." Misao leaned down and retrieved the dropped package then thrust it at him. Keeping her eyes fixed on the box, she replied, "Aoshi-sama wanted me to deliver this to you."
A sense of foreboding whispered through Kenshin's chest at her odd behavior and he took the box from her hands. Slipping his sakabatu out of his belt as he made his way to the porch, he sat down and removed the letter that was tucked securely under the twine holding the box closed and unfolded it to reveal the neat script within.
Battousai,
Enclosed is all that remains of your wife's headstone. It is my belief that an enemy from your past has surfaced to settle a score.
Your presence is required in Kyoto. Misao has been given the train ticket you will need.
Shinomori Aoshi
Okashira of the Oniwabanshu
Kenshin's face paled as he set aside the letter and undid the twine holding the lid down. Opening the box, he simply stared at the broken piece of marble carrying the name of his beloved wife, the jagged edges barely missing the deeply engraved kanji. Unadulterated rage spilled though his veins as he eyed the polished stone, tracing the kanji with a shaking finger.
Who could have done something like this!
Amber flashed through his eyes as his rage continued to grow by leaps and bounds. Clutching the side of the box with fisted hands he barely felt the splinters digging into his left hand as the wood gave under the pressure.
"When did this happen?" he grated softly, barely managing to keep his rage under control.
Misao hung her head and stared at the ground, her usual enthusiasm subdued. "Last night. Aoshi-sama sent me as soon as Hannya checked the gravesite.” Pausing, she cast a hesitant glance in his direction, "It was left on one of the tables at the Aoiya...no one saw who left it."
Kenshin leveled a hard glare on her, "How is that possible?"
"No one knows, it's never happened before."
"So Aoshi doesn't know who did it." Kenshin stated, already knowing the answer.
Misao just shook her head, she knew there was nothing she could say that would help him deal with this transgression. Unconsciously fidgeting under his gaze she was relieved when she saw Yahiko come around the side of the dojo, a deep scowl etched on his features.
"Since when did I sign on to be a maid?" Yahiko heard him grumbled to himself as he made his way towards them. Dust was sticking to the fringes of his black hair making it look like Kaoru had decided to use his head to sweep with.
"Yahiko-chan!" Misao shouted, as she bolted towards him. Knocking him to the ground she wrapped herself around him, extremely happy for the distraction.
"Who are you calling little, weasel girl!" Yahiko shot back, his face flaming red in mortification as he tried to untangle himself. Finally managing to worm his way out from underneath her, he stood and glanced around, "Where's Aoshi? He never lets you out of his sight."
Misao shrugged. "He's in Kyoto trying to hunt down a killer, there were five men killed yesterday for no apparent reason. The only thing they had in common was the giant X cut across their chests."
Kenshin's head snapped around as the conversation drifted to him. Spearing Misao with his amber-flecked gaze he murmured, "What did you say?"
Misao paled at the look in his eyes as a twinge of fear twisted in her chest. This was the first time in the four months she'd known him that she found herself truly afraid of him. That was the famed Hitokiri Battousai coming to the surface. Shifting her eyes she caught the cross-shaped scar on his cheek and an almost audible click echoed in her mind.
"Oh..." she muttered to herself, shocked that she hadn't put the two together already.
Kenshin turned his attention back down into the shattered box. Someone had gone to a lot of trouble to catch his attention. The memory of Tomoe's delicate smile that she had reserved just for him flashed through his mind, awakening an ache in his chest. They will regret ever touching something this precious.
"When do we leave?" He asked in a cold detached voice, his attention still fixed on the shimmering marble.
"The train leaves in two hours, will Kaoru be back by then?" Misao asked hesitantly, afraid to upset him again.
Hearing Kaoru's name was like a slap in the face, snapping Kenshin out of his dark musings as a heaviness settled in his chest. His eyes returned to their violet hue as her bright smile flashed before his eyes. Followed closely by Saitou’s parting words. Don't leave Tokyo anytime soon, Battousai, or you may regret it.
Blood began dripping from his battered left hand as he tightened it into a fist. He needed to know why but now he didn't have enough time now to hunt down the Wolf for his answer.
"Hey, Kenshin, what's happened? Where are you going?" Yahiko asked in confusion. Leaning over Misao whispered to him all that had happened in Kyoto the day before. Yahiko's eyes grew wide at the desecration of Tomoe's gravestone.
"I'm going with you, Kenshin, they can't get away with this!" Yahiko shouted angrily.
"No, Yahiko, I need you to stay here and watch over Kaoru for me while I'm gone." Kenshin replied evenly, as he rose and made to enter the dojo. Stopping just shy of the door, he glanced back over his shoulder, "Go find Sano and bring him here."
Shifting his attention to Misao, he added, "Kaoru will be back before we leave." And with that he entered the dojo leaving the two of them standing confused in the yard.
For a beat Yahiko simply stared at the place Kenshin had been, surprised by the lack of sessha before he cast a quick glance to Misao. Then he took off out the gate hoping he would be able to find the roosterhead before Kenshin left.
Misao, left alone in the front yard, made her way to the steps and sat down to wait for Kaoru pondering the last statement Kenshin had made to Yahiko. Why would he need to stay and watch over Kaoru, she could take care of herself, her father had trained her after all.
On silent feet Kenshin made his way to his room and set down the broken remnants of the box and its contents on the otherwise empty desk facing the window. With a nonchalance that belied the churn of emotions within he sat down to pick out the slivers of wood embedded in his hand. Once done, he cleaned his palm then wrapped it tightly with some bandages and flexed it carefully. That would have to do for now. Finishing with his task, he lifted his eyes to gaze out the window and watched as the clouds thickened quickly, the promise of rain heavily lacing the wind. A fleeting thought skittered across his mind as he watched the first raindrop fall from the sky.
Maybe he should take her with him, she could stay at the Aoiya with the rest of the Oniwabanshu, they were like family to her anyway.
A dry chuckle escaped his throat as he shook his head. There was no way she would simply stay at the Aoiya. The memory of the time she'd tracked him down at the river surfaced in his mind, showing the truth of his thoughts. It had given Jin'e the opportunity to snatch her right out from underneath his nose, almost resulting in her death. A cold shiver flashed through him at the memory of her choking before his eyes, but still pleading with him not to kill the bastard so he could stay true to his vow. He still had the blue hair ribbon she had given to him that day tucked away in his gi, never going anywhere without it. He wasn't about to give the one who was looking for him the opportunity to do the same thing by taking her with him. She would be safer here.
With a weary sigh, Kenshin rose and made his way over to the small pile of clothing Kaoru had given him that had once belonged to her father. She'd been horrified to find that the only garments he owned were the ones on his back. As soon as she had realized that she'd immediately gone out to see if she could find him some others when he'd agreed to stay. Not many of them fit, her father being about a foot taller than him, but the thought behind the gesture had warmed his heart. Grinning to himself he packed some of the clothes away in his small bag and prepared for the trip to Kyoto, hoping he would be able to find the one who seemed to want his attention quickly so he could get back here as soon as possible. The nagging feeling that Kaoru was in danger still throbbed dully in his chest. The less time he was gone, the better.
oooooooooooooooooo
Kaoru ran as fast as she could through the muddy streets, trying to dodge the raindrops that seemed to be hell bent on turning her into a drowned rat. Seeing the dojo gate ahead she put on one more burst of speed and skidded to a halt just before the door, flinging it open she ran for the cover of the porch not seeing Misao perched on the steps.
"Kaoru!" Misao squealed as she rose to stand right in her path.
Surprised Kaoru tried unsuccessfully to stop her forward motion. Slamming into Misao, they both tumbled back onto the porch in a tangle of limbs and bumped heads. Recovering from the impact, Kaoru sat up slowly rubbing the hip she knew would have a beautiful purple bruise blossoming on it in just a few minutes.
Grimacing at the dull throb in her side, Kaoru tilted her head to the side curiously and asked, "Misao...what are you doing here?"
Misao shifted nervously, her enthusiasm draining quickly. "You might want to talk to Kenshin" she hedged. She really didn't want to be the one to deliver the news to her best friend.
Kaoru gave her a quizzical look and rose from the porch. "Okay, I'll be right back." Making her way to Kenshin's room, an uneasiness settled into her stomach as she neared the open door causing her steps to falter. She knew, even before she saw him packing his clothes, that he was leaving. Steeling herself for what she would find, Kaoru closed the last few feet to the doorway and simply stood there watching silently as he packed the small bag she'd found for him in the storehouse at the same time she'd unearthed the clothes.
"You're leaving." She stated after a moment in a dead voice, the pain of that announcement digging deeply into her heart.
Kenshin paused in his packing before he murmured, "Hai." He kept his answer simple; afraid she would attempt to come with him if she knew the whole truth.
The shell Kaoru had built around herself to save her from the agony of this moment shattered at his agreement and she hung her head as she leaned heavily against the doorframe. Tears burned her eyes, blurring the smooth wood beneath her feet. This was it, the end she had been so afraid of.
Kenshin nearly winced at the waves of sorrow he now felt emanating off of Kaoru and he glanced up to see the broken way she was standing in the doorway. Water dripped from her drenched ponytail that hung listlessly over her shoulder, the drops splashing soundlessly in the growing puddle at her feet. The utterly lost picture she made tore at his heart, shattering any hope of keeping the distance he wanted between them. Running a hand through his fiery locks, he finally accepted what his heart had been telling him for so long as he gazed at her forlorn stance. He wanted her, and nothing was going to stop him anymore, in his self-inflicted restraint he had been hurting her as well. Determination, of a sort he hadn’t allowed himself to feel in a long time, came to the forefront as he finally took hold of this chance to take what was before him.
With ease he rose from the floor and walked over to lift her chin, gazing deeply into her misery-filled, watery sapphire eyes.
"I will return, Kaoru, this is my home," he murmured softly, putting as much of his heart into those words as he could. "No," he amended, "You are my home."
Kenshin smiled as the light he had extinguished earlier began to shine in Kaoru's eyes again and he leaned in to slowly placed his lips softly against hers, hoping she would accept what he was offering.
For a long moment, Kaoru stood absolutely still, stunned yet filled to nearly bursting with unadulterated hope by his words and his actions. Hesitantly she leaned into the kiss, still not quite believing this was happening. That simple gesture was all that was needed to turn the tentative kiss into something much more passionate. A knot of fire blossomed in Kaoru's belly as their lips parted and met again, exploring and tasting one another. Unconsciously her arms slipped around him and she held him close, feeling his increased heartbeat matching hers, his heat seeping into her body.
Clasping her tightly to him, Kenshin ignored the wetness soaking into his gi and simply relished the feel of her in his arms, savoring the taste of her lips so soft and receptive under his. Finally the need for air drove him to pull back and he leaned his forehead against hers to catch his breath, inhaling deeply the scent of jasmine that always surrounded her. "I will come back, Kaoru. I promise."
Unable to find her voice, Kaoru simply nodded, still trying to completely comprehend what had just happened, wondering if it had all been a dream.
"Well, don't you two make a cute picture." Sano drawled into the quiet, breaking the magical moment.
Both of them snapped their heads around at the sound of Sano's voice and Kaoru flushed a deep red at the amused look painted on his face.
"Took you two long enough," the ex-fighter said eyeing them both. "So what did you want to see me about? Yahiko said something about you leaving. Why?"
Kenshin released his hold on Kaoru, feeling the lack of her touch keenly as she did the same. Turning to Sano he only answered the first question. "I need you to stay at the dojo and look after Kaoru while I'm gone."
"Look after me? Why?" Kaoru piped up with a quizzical look.
Kenshin slipped on a fake smile to hide his worry and met her eyes, "I want you to be safe and Sano can beat up just about anyone who might decide to bother you."
"Hey Kenshin, we have to go!" Misao suddenly yelled from the porch.
Kaoru jumped at the sound of her voice, ashamed that she had forgotten her best friend on the porch. Casting one last look at Kenshin she flashed him a shy smile and rushed out to join her.
Once Kaoru was gone, Sano turned a knowing look on Kenshin, his expression serious. "Okay, Kenshin, where are you going and why?"
Kenshin took a deep breath and ran his fingers through his bangs. "Someone is out to destroy both me and all I hold precious, so I have to go to Kyoto for a few days." He vaguely replied. "I need you to stay with Kaoru at all times...protect her for me."
Sano pinned him with a hard look. "Why?"
Kenshin frowned then shrugged as he met the tall man's dark eyes, "It's just a feeling I have...don't leave her alone."
For a heartbeat, Sano simply stared at the redhead, confused by the request while noting the lack of his ‘unworthy one’ facade. With a shrug, the ex-fighter cracked his knuckles loudly. "If that's what you want. But... you sure you don't want me to come with you?"
Kenshin smiled half-heartedly and shook his head then turned back into his room to retrieve his bag. Casting one last look around, his eyes came to rest on the remains of the headstone. She didn't deserve this, he would make it right. With a soft sigh he slid the door closed behind him and walked out to meet Misao who was currently screaming "I...AM...NOT...A...WEASEL" at the top of her lungs.
Silently stepping out onto the porch Kenshin smirked at the sight of Yahiko dodging the expertly flung kunai Misao was launching at him. Kaoru was doing her best to hold back the very irate ninja while at the same time trying to steal the remaining kunai before the smaller woman had a chance to throw them. After retrieving his sakabatou from where he'd left it, he came to stand beside the two women and quietly asked, "Are you ready to go, Misao?"
Misao immediately left off her attempts to get free and turned to look at him. "Hai, just let me collect my kunai," she easily replied as if she hadn't just been trying to turn Yahiko into a pin cushion. Then she shot out into the yard, whacking the boy on the head with the butt of one as she passed.
With a smile, Kenshin turned to Kaoru and placed a hand on her cheek, caressing her soft skin gently with his callused thumb. "I'll be back soon...wait for me."
Kaoru was caught off balance once again by his drastic change and she simply nodded. A warmth spread out into her body from the cheek his hand touched, heating her until she was afraid she'd melt from the sensation.
Kenshin grinned at the blush now dusting her cheeks and he dropped his hand then made his way out to where Misao stood next to the gate waiting for him. Casting one last look over his shoulder at Kaoru, who was now flanked by Sano and Yahiko, he felt a small knot of apprehension twist in his stomach. Was he doing the right thing leaving her behind? Shaking his head, he shoved the unease into the deepest part of his mind and embraced the cold determination rising in his chest. Yes he was. Whoever did this could come here looking for him, it's better to face them away from here where she’ll be safe.
With his internal battle settled Kenshin walked out the gate, heading to Kyoto to deal with the one who dared to desecrate his beloved wife's grave.
ooooooooooooooooo
Unseen by all in the dojo, a man sat in the window of the building across the street and watched the events unfold before him. A slow smile crept across his face as he watched Battousai walk away leaving his prey virtually unprotected...now all he had to do was wait for just the right moment.
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Chapter 4 - Crossing The Line
"The messenger has left the Aoiya. Be in Tokyo today to retrieve what is mine."
"Battousai will leave?"
A slow smile formed on Shishio's face. "I've left a message he will not be able to ignore. He will be gone by tonight, that will only leave an ex-fighter and a kid...kill them if they get in your way, but she comes to me unharmed. Do you understand?"
"Hai."
The watcher rose and backed out of the room, his eyes focused on the hard wood beneath his feet. Reaching the door the man didn't miss the glare the boss's wench shot at his seated form as he turned to leave. A slight grin formed on his face. The bitch had it coming.
Once he was alone in the room, Shishio Makoto rose and turned his attention to the painting on the wall. Tracing a finger down the cheek of the woman captured on the canvas, he smiled. "You were unable to hide them from us forever, Aiko...now she will be mine."
oooooooooooooooooo
Kenshin made another running sweep of the porch, bypassing Kaoru as he did. Spring fever was starting to set in at the Kamiya dojo and Kaoru had decided to give the entire dojo a good cleaning before she had to give lessons at the Kamina dojo again this afternoon. Yahiko had been roped into beating out the futons and was currently mumbling about clean freaks. Muttered words went on to rant about those who really needed to hire someone to do this, instead of making him waste time and not training to get stronger. Sano on the other hand had made a quick escape when Kaoru had tried to hand him a broom, laughing over his shoulder as she made to chase after him, brandishing the broom like a club.
As Kenshin continued to make sweeps of the polished wood he found himself pondering all the strange things that had happened within the last two days. After Kaoru's comment about the destined guardian he'd thought more about the faint glow he'd seen wrapping around her... maybe it really had been there. The feeling that she was something extraordinary continued to grow within him, causing a twinge of jealousy to flow through his chest at this person who was 'destined' to protect her, afraid that person might be Saitou. Of all people.
"Kenshin?"
Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, he glanced to Kaoru who was standing in the yard. The gentle breeze sifting through the locks framing her face made them dance playfully around her cheeks and he was struck again by just how much he wished she was his.
Stomping down the thought before it had a chance to take root, he replied, "Hai, Kaoru-dono?"
Kaoru flashed him a smile. "It's time for me to go, can you finish the rest of the porches?"
"Hai, Kaoru-dono, they will be done before you get back, that they will." He answered with his rurouni grin firmly in place.
"Thanks, is there anything you need from the market? I can stop and pick it up on my way back."
Kenshin shook his head. "No, sessha has everything he needs. Yahiko brought rice home from the Akebeko yesterday, that he did."
Kaoru shrugged as if to say suit yourself and headed for the gate. "Okay, see you later then."
Kenshin watched her go, his earlier thoughts re-asserting themselves as the sunlight caught the blonde highlights in her hair just before she vanished. Maybe it was time...
Shaking his head again, he set back to work and quickly finished up the porches. Once he had put the cleaning cloths away, he slipped his sakabatou through his belt and headed for the gate, determined to hunt down the wolf and get the answers he hadn't the day before. a frown passed across his face as he headed for the gate. He would have them one way or another today, even if he had to draw blood to get them.
Yet, just as he laid his hand against the wood to pull it open, a loud knock resounded against his palm. With widened eyes, he quickly tugged the door open and was surprised to see the small, raven-haired young woman standing on the other side.
"Misao-chan?"
Said girl immediately dropped the package in her hands and flung herself at him, giving him a huge bear hug. "Himura-san!" She exclaimed, squeezing him so tight that he swore he’d been turned inside out. And then almost as quickly as she'd jumped on him, she let him go and shot past him into the yard. "Where's Kaoru?"
"She's gone to give lessons at another dojo, that she did.” Kenshin rasped, trying to catch his breath after her jubilant greeting. Confused by her sudden appearance, he finally managed to ask, "What brings you here?"
"Um...well..." Misao leaned down and retrieved the dropped package then thrust it at him. Keeping her eyes fixed on the box, she replied, "Aoshi-sama wanted me to deliver this to you."
A sense of foreboding whispered through Kenshin's chest at her odd behavior and he took the box from her hands. Slipping his sakabatu out of his belt as he made his way to the porch, he sat down and removed the letter that was tucked securely under the twine holding the box closed and unfolded it to reveal the neat script within.
Battousai,
Enclosed is all that remains of your wife's headstone. It is my belief that an enemy from your past has surfaced to settle a score.
Your presence is required in Kyoto. Misao has been given the train ticket you will need.
Shinomori Aoshi
Okashira of the Oniwabanshu
Kenshin's face paled as he set aside the letter and undid the twine holding the lid down. Opening the box, he simply stared at the broken piece of marble carrying the name of his beloved wife, the jagged edges barely missing the deeply engraved kanji. Unadulterated rage spilled though his veins as he eyed the polished stone, tracing the kanji with a shaking finger.
Who could have done something like this!
Amber flashed through his eyes as his rage continued to grow by leaps and bounds. Clutching the side of the box with fisted hands he barely felt the splinters digging into his left hand as the wood gave under the pressure.
"When did this happen?" he grated softly, barely managing to keep his rage under control.
Misao hung her head and stared at the ground, her usual enthusiasm subdued. "Last night. Aoshi-sama sent me as soon as Hannya checked the gravesite.” Pausing, she cast a hesitant glance in his direction, "It was left on one of the tables at the Aoiya...no one saw who left it."
Kenshin leveled a hard glare on her, "How is that possible?"
"No one knows, it's never happened before."
"So Aoshi doesn't know who did it." Kenshin stated, already knowing the answer.
Misao just shook her head, she knew there was nothing she could say that would help him deal with this transgression. Unconsciously fidgeting under his gaze she was relieved when she saw Yahiko come around the side of the dojo, a deep scowl etched on his features.
"Since when did I sign on to be a maid?" Yahiko heard him grumbled to himself as he made his way towards them. Dust was sticking to the fringes of his black hair making it look like Kaoru had decided to use his head to sweep with.
"Yahiko-chan!" Misao shouted, as she bolted towards him. Knocking him to the ground she wrapped herself around him, extremely happy for the distraction.
"Who are you calling little, weasel girl!" Yahiko shot back, his face flaming red in mortification as he tried to untangle himself. Finally managing to worm his way out from underneath her, he stood and glanced around, "Where's Aoshi? He never lets you out of his sight."
Misao shrugged. "He's in Kyoto trying to hunt down a killer, there were five men killed yesterday for no apparent reason. The only thing they had in common was the giant X cut across their chests."
Kenshin's head snapped around as the conversation drifted to him. Spearing Misao with his amber-flecked gaze he murmured, "What did you say?"
Misao paled at the look in his eyes as a twinge of fear twisted in her chest. This was the first time in the four months she'd known him that she found herself truly afraid of him. That was the famed Hitokiri Battousai coming to the surface. Shifting her eyes she caught the cross-shaped scar on his cheek and an almost audible click echoed in her mind.
"Oh..." she muttered to herself, shocked that she hadn't put the two together already.
Kenshin turned his attention back down into the shattered box. Someone had gone to a lot of trouble to catch his attention. The memory of Tomoe's delicate smile that she had reserved just for him flashed through his mind, awakening an ache in his chest. They will regret ever touching something this precious.
"When do we leave?" He asked in a cold detached voice, his attention still fixed on the shimmering marble.
"The train leaves in two hours, will Kaoru be back by then?" Misao asked hesitantly, afraid to upset him again.
Hearing Kaoru's name was like a slap in the face, snapping Kenshin out of his dark musings as a heaviness settled in his chest. His eyes returned to their violet hue as her bright smile flashed before his eyes. Followed closely by Saitou’s parting words. Don't leave Tokyo anytime soon, Battousai, or you may regret it.
Blood began dripping from his battered left hand as he tightened it into a fist. He needed to know why but now he didn't have enough time now to hunt down the Wolf for his answer.
"Hey, Kenshin, what's happened? Where are you going?" Yahiko asked in confusion. Leaning over Misao whispered to him all that had happened in Kyoto the day before. Yahiko's eyes grew wide at the desecration of Tomoe's gravestone.
"I'm going with you, Kenshin, they can't get away with this!" Yahiko shouted angrily.
"No, Yahiko, I need you to stay here and watch over Kaoru for me while I'm gone." Kenshin replied evenly, as he rose and made to enter the dojo. Stopping just shy of the door, he glanced back over his shoulder, "Go find Sano and bring him here."
Shifting his attention to Misao, he added, "Kaoru will be back before we leave." And with that he entered the dojo leaving the two of them standing confused in the yard.
For a beat Yahiko simply stared at the place Kenshin had been, surprised by the lack of sessha before he cast a quick glance to Misao. Then he took off out the gate hoping he would be able to find the roosterhead before Kenshin left.
Misao, left alone in the front yard, made her way to the steps and sat down to wait for Kaoru pondering the last statement Kenshin had made to Yahiko. Why would he need to stay and watch over Kaoru, she could take care of herself, her father had trained her after all.
On silent feet Kenshin made his way to his room and set down the broken remnants of the box and its contents on the otherwise empty desk facing the window. With a nonchalance that belied the churn of emotions within he sat down to pick out the slivers of wood embedded in his hand. Once done, he cleaned his palm then wrapped it tightly with some bandages and flexed it carefully. That would have to do for now. Finishing with his task, he lifted his eyes to gaze out the window and watched as the clouds thickened quickly, the promise of rain heavily lacing the wind. A fleeting thought skittered across his mind as he watched the first raindrop fall from the sky.
Maybe he should take her with him, she could stay at the Aoiya with the rest of the Oniwabanshu, they were like family to her anyway.
A dry chuckle escaped his throat as he shook his head. There was no way she would simply stay at the Aoiya. The memory of the time she'd tracked him down at the river surfaced in his mind, showing the truth of his thoughts. It had given Jin'e the opportunity to snatch her right out from underneath his nose, almost resulting in her death. A cold shiver flashed through him at the memory of her choking before his eyes, but still pleading with him not to kill the bastard so he could stay true to his vow. He still had the blue hair ribbon she had given to him that day tucked away in his gi, never going anywhere without it. He wasn't about to give the one who was looking for him the opportunity to do the same thing by taking her with him. She would be safer here.
With a weary sigh, Kenshin rose and made his way over to the small pile of clothing Kaoru had given him that had once belonged to her father. She'd been horrified to find that the only garments he owned were the ones on his back. As soon as she had realized that she'd immediately gone out to see if she could find him some others when he'd agreed to stay. Not many of them fit, her father being about a foot taller than him, but the thought behind the gesture had warmed his heart. Grinning to himself he packed some of the clothes away in his small bag and prepared for the trip to Kyoto, hoping he would be able to find the one who seemed to want his attention quickly so he could get back here as soon as possible. The nagging feeling that Kaoru was in danger still throbbed dully in his chest. The less time he was gone, the better.
oooooooooooooooooo
Kaoru ran as fast as she could through the muddy streets, trying to dodge the raindrops that seemed to be hell bent on turning her into a drowned rat. Seeing the dojo gate ahead she put on one more burst of speed and skidded to a halt just before the door, flinging it open she ran for the cover of the porch not seeing Misao perched on the steps.
"Kaoru!" Misao squealed as she rose to stand right in her path.
Surprised Kaoru tried unsuccessfully to stop her forward motion. Slamming into Misao, they both tumbled back onto the porch in a tangle of limbs and bumped heads. Recovering from the impact, Kaoru sat up slowly rubbing the hip she knew would have a beautiful purple bruise blossoming on it in just a few minutes.
Grimacing at the dull throb in her side, Kaoru tilted her head to the side curiously and asked, "Misao...what are you doing here?"
Misao shifted nervously, her enthusiasm draining quickly. "You might want to talk to Kenshin" she hedged. She really didn't want to be the one to deliver the news to her best friend.
Kaoru gave her a quizzical look and rose from the porch. "Okay, I'll be right back." Making her way to Kenshin's room, an uneasiness settled into her stomach as she neared the open door causing her steps to falter. She knew, even before she saw him packing his clothes, that he was leaving. Steeling herself for what she would find, Kaoru closed the last few feet to the doorway and simply stood there watching silently as he packed the small bag she'd found for him in the storehouse at the same time she'd unearthed the clothes.
"You're leaving." She stated after a moment in a dead voice, the pain of that announcement digging deeply into her heart.
Kenshin paused in his packing before he murmured, "Hai." He kept his answer simple; afraid she would attempt to come with him if she knew the whole truth.
The shell Kaoru had built around herself to save her from the agony of this moment shattered at his agreement and she hung her head as she leaned heavily against the doorframe. Tears burned her eyes, blurring the smooth wood beneath her feet. This was it, the end she had been so afraid of.
Kenshin nearly winced at the waves of sorrow he now felt emanating off of Kaoru and he glanced up to see the broken way she was standing in the doorway. Water dripped from her drenched ponytail that hung listlessly over her shoulder, the drops splashing soundlessly in the growing puddle at her feet. The utterly lost picture she made tore at his heart, shattering any hope of keeping the distance he wanted between them. Running a hand through his fiery locks, he finally accepted what his heart had been telling him for so long as he gazed at her forlorn stance. He wanted her, and nothing was going to stop him anymore, in his self-inflicted restraint he had been hurting her as well. Determination, of a sort he hadn’t allowed himself to feel in a long time, came to the forefront as he finally took hold of this chance to take what was before him.
With ease he rose from the floor and walked over to lift her chin, gazing deeply into her misery-filled, watery sapphire eyes.
"I will return, Kaoru, this is my home," he murmured softly, putting as much of his heart into those words as he could. "No," he amended, "You are my home."
Kenshin smiled as the light he had extinguished earlier began to shine in Kaoru's eyes again and he leaned in to slowly placed his lips softly against hers, hoping she would accept what he was offering.
For a long moment, Kaoru stood absolutely still, stunned yet filled to nearly bursting with unadulterated hope by his words and his actions. Hesitantly she leaned into the kiss, still not quite believing this was happening. That simple gesture was all that was needed to turn the tentative kiss into something much more passionate. A knot of fire blossomed in Kaoru's belly as their lips parted and met again, exploring and tasting one another. Unconsciously her arms slipped around him and she held him close, feeling his increased heartbeat matching hers, his heat seeping into her body.
Clasping her tightly to him, Kenshin ignored the wetness soaking into his gi and simply relished the feel of her in his arms, savoring the taste of her lips so soft and receptive under his. Finally the need for air drove him to pull back and he leaned his forehead against hers to catch his breath, inhaling deeply the scent of jasmine that always surrounded her. "I will come back, Kaoru. I promise."
Unable to find her voice, Kaoru simply nodded, still trying to completely comprehend what had just happened, wondering if it had all been a dream.
"Well, don't you two make a cute picture." Sano drawled into the quiet, breaking the magical moment.
Both of them snapped their heads around at the sound of Sano's voice and Kaoru flushed a deep red at the amused look painted on his face.
"Took you two long enough," the ex-fighter said eyeing them both. "So what did you want to see me about? Yahiko said something about you leaving. Why?"
Kenshin released his hold on Kaoru, feeling the lack of her touch keenly as she did the same. Turning to Sano he only answered the first question. "I need you to stay at the dojo and look after Kaoru while I'm gone."
"Look after me? Why?" Kaoru piped up with a quizzical look.
Kenshin slipped on a fake smile to hide his worry and met her eyes, "I want you to be safe and Sano can beat up just about anyone who might decide to bother you."
"Hey Kenshin, we have to go!" Misao suddenly yelled from the porch.
Kaoru jumped at the sound of her voice, ashamed that she had forgotten her best friend on the porch. Casting one last look at Kenshin she flashed him a shy smile and rushed out to join her.
Once Kaoru was gone, Sano turned a knowing look on Kenshin, his expression serious. "Okay, Kenshin, where are you going and why?"
Kenshin took a deep breath and ran his fingers through his bangs. "Someone is out to destroy both me and all I hold precious, so I have to go to Kyoto for a few days." He vaguely replied. "I need you to stay with Kaoru at all times...protect her for me."
Sano pinned him with a hard look. "Why?"
Kenshin frowned then shrugged as he met the tall man's dark eyes, "It's just a feeling I have...don't leave her alone."
For a heartbeat, Sano simply stared at the redhead, confused by the request while noting the lack of his ‘unworthy one’ facade. With a shrug, the ex-fighter cracked his knuckles loudly. "If that's what you want. But... you sure you don't want me to come with you?"
Kenshin smiled half-heartedly and shook his head then turned back into his room to retrieve his bag. Casting one last look around, his eyes came to rest on the remains of the headstone. She didn't deserve this, he would make it right. With a soft sigh he slid the door closed behind him and walked out to meet Misao who was currently screaming "I...AM...NOT...A...WEASEL" at the top of her lungs.
Silently stepping out onto the porch Kenshin smirked at the sight of Yahiko dodging the expertly flung kunai Misao was launching at him. Kaoru was doing her best to hold back the very irate ninja while at the same time trying to steal the remaining kunai before the smaller woman had a chance to throw them. After retrieving his sakabatou from where he'd left it, he came to stand beside the two women and quietly asked, "Are you ready to go, Misao?"
Misao immediately left off her attempts to get free and turned to look at him. "Hai, just let me collect my kunai," she easily replied as if she hadn't just been trying to turn Yahiko into a pin cushion. Then she shot out into the yard, whacking the boy on the head with the butt of one as she passed.
With a smile, Kenshin turned to Kaoru and placed a hand on her cheek, caressing her soft skin gently with his callused thumb. "I'll be back soon...wait for me."
Kaoru was caught off balance once again by his drastic change and she simply nodded. A warmth spread out into her body from the cheek his hand touched, heating her until she was afraid she'd melt from the sensation.
Kenshin grinned at the blush now dusting her cheeks and he dropped his hand then made his way out to where Misao stood next to the gate waiting for him. Casting one last look over his shoulder at Kaoru, who was now flanked by Sano and Yahiko, he felt a small knot of apprehension twist in his stomach. Was he doing the right thing leaving her behind? Shaking his head, he shoved the unease into the deepest part of his mind and embraced the cold determination rising in his chest. Yes he was. Whoever did this could come here looking for him, it's better to face them away from here where she’ll be safe.
With his internal battle settled Kenshin walked out the gate, heading to Kyoto to deal with the one who dared to desecrate his beloved wife's grave.
ooooooooooooooooo
Unseen by all in the dojo, a man sat in the window of the building across the street and watched the events unfold before him. A slow smile crept across his face as he watched Battousai walk away leaving his prey virtually unprotected...now all he had to do was wait for just the right moment.
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