Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ Coincidence ❯ Night Before ( Chapter 8 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: Fire Kitten 
Anime/Manga: Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Suspense / Romance / Mystery / Drama / Adventure / Action | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 01.24.2011 | Pages: 6 | Words: 5.4K | Visits: 337 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Suspense / Romance / Mystery / Drama / Adventure / Action | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 01.24.2011 | Pages: 6 | Words: 5.4K | Visits: 337 | Status: Work In Progress
A/N: As always I’d like to Thank everyone that took the time to read this story and especially for those who took the time to review: Ilyasviel, miniwoo (pistol whipped him huh? lmao!! I couldn’t stop laughing at that, and I totally agree), Saki-Hime (it’s good that you liked the fighting, I was pretty worried about it, thank you), Cosmic-lover, Dark Angel Winry Rockbell, Herena, Chronicle Sleeper, SRAS9, guii, Musette Fujiwara, and Romancelover1321 (thank you for the great advice and dead on critique, I do get a bit impatient with my writing lol. I will try my best to keep the essence of the first chapter, but I did finish this one and went ahead and posted it. :P) You’re all freakin’ AWSOME in my book.
I thought it was interesting that people are pretty against Enishi, lol, poor guy. But my intension was for him not to be liked. They were all good suggestions and, if you readers don’t mind, I might use a few of them. I hope I don’t disappoint.
Originally, this was supposed to be one massive chapter but I decided to cut in half. So, here's the first part. It’s, for the most part, a ‘bridge’ chapter. Still… Enjoy. ^_^
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Night Before
“Ow!”
“Hold still!”
“Did you just pinch me?”
“If I did you probably deserved it.”
She pouted, “I thought doctors were supposed to be gentle.” blue eyes watched as her friend peeled the bandages off her waist, inspecting the old wound.
Cinnamon orbs looked up, “You wouldn’t have this problem if you wouldn’t have fought.”
“He started it.”
“How old are you again?”
“Yeah, yeah, I get your point.”
Her friend continued to take the white bindings off, her fingers gingerly feeling over the flesh.
Kaoru giggled as her muscles twitched under Megumi’s touch.
“Tickles?”
She nodded, trying her best to stay still.
“See…” Megumi said, finally taking the whole bandage off, “…you can barely see a scar.”
Blue eyes looked down, running her palm where the wound had once been. Now there was only a long, pink imprint, seeming as though her skin had only been pinched instead of slashed. “Wow, that’s pretty amazing.” Kaoru commented, “Thank Kami for the Takani secret ointment.”
“Thank Kami you came back in one piece.” young doctor retorted.
“Nothing too bad happened.”
“Correct me if I’m mistaken but I thought a boyfriend hitting his girlfriend is believed to be wrong. Your little ‘fight’ could be considered 'domestic abuse'.”
“Technically speaking… he didn’t hit me.”
“No. But he did cut you… three times. I swear my heart almost stopped beating when you just about fell through our front door.”
Raven-head smiled broadly, “Were you worried about me, Meg?” she teased.
Megumi started to peel the bandage on her leg, “Of course I was silly. Who’s going to pay the rent if you’re gone?”
She gave her friend a look, “Talk about feeling used.”
Older girl laughed, “I’m joking, raccoon. I’m always worrying about you.” Taking the edge of the sticky binding, she pulled the wrap off in one quick motion, making Kaoru wince at the slight sting it caused.
“OWW!!” she exaggeratingly exclaimed at her roommate.
Megumi laughed out loud, her trademark giggle sounding all the more mocking as she waved the bandage in the air.
“That’s not funny.” she bit out as her eyes followed the slightly blood spattered bandage.
“It’s a little funny.”
“You only say that because it’s at ~*my*~ expense.”
“Is it my fault your reactions are so freakin’ humorous? Now stop being such a big baby and take off your shirt so I can take a look at the other cut.”
Sighing, she jumped off the kitchen counter and did as she was asked. “Can you warn me ahead of time before you so viciously yank it off?”
Slender fingers traced the bandage on her chest, pushing her bra strap down for better access. “You’ve become such a whiner.”
She rolled her eyes, “No, I haven’t.” she stubbornly mumbled under her breath.
Cinnamon eyes briefly gazed up and then looked back down at the task at hand.
Her roommate, her hero, her friend; Kaoru, held a special part of her heart. She couldn’t help poking fun at her, but she only really joked and teased because she cared so much. She wouldn’t know where she’d be if the blue eyed girl wasn’t around.
The thought alone made her go cold with fear. She would still be that monster’s prisoner. A replacement for her father that Shishio had had so heartlessly kidnapped and kept for years, then ruthlessly murdered. So once he was done with the father he took from her, Shishio came after her. He had her work away to refine opium, cut and weight out narcotics, and nurse all his goons back to health.
At that time, when she first saw Kaoru, she thought the girl was just like the rest of them. She fit the part looking so dangerous, dark, and merciless with her katana always by her side. Megumi had even come to hate her for a while, feeling anger whenever she laid eyes on her, knowing that the young hit-man had spent so much time with HER father and never so much as lift a finger to defend him when Shishio had killed him.
However, she was wrong. The raccoon girl was nothing like Shishio or any of the lackeys that worked for him.
Kaoru risked her life to help her escape. She fought in that awful, illegal tournament to win that abundant cash prize, rented a place for them to live, paid both their school tuitions, and continued to keep her safe from any and all harm. She was like her personal ‘witness protection’.
She wondered for a while why the mid-night haired assassin helped her. So, when the young doctor felt it was safe, she asked her.
~*“Kaoru?”
Her bright eyes looked at her, “Yeah?”
“Not to push my luck but… why are you doing this?”
“Doing what?”
“Why are you helping me?”
She sighed, “A kind doctor once told me that… I deserve to be happy. I know it doesn’t sound like much but, it meant a lot to me.”*~
Later, Megumi discovered that Kaoru was away when her father was murdered, but she could tell just by looking at her that she blamed herself for his passing. She knew Kaoru felt that she was her responsibility. So she let the young woman take care of her. She missed her father very much, but he wasn’t going to come back from the dead and she would do anything to help Kaoru feel as if she were redeeming for her wrongs.
“So, when is Misao coming over?” she inquired as she slowly stripped the final bandage.
Kaoru looked at the nearby clock, “She should be here now.”
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK.
Megumi looked worriedly at the entrance then back at Kaoru, her brow creased.
“Speak of the devil. It’s her.” she assured her friend, knowing why she was so distrustful, “And she brought Aoshi.”
Taller woman relaxed and went to open the door, “The ki reading thing you do is really handy you know.” fox lady said over her shoulder. “But why the hell did she bring that gloomy jerk? I thought this was supposed to be just us girls tonight.”
“He’s not too bad.” Kaoru said as she quickly put her shirt on.
She listened as she heard Megumi turn and unlock the bolts.
“Meg!”
Kaoru smiled as she heard the hyper, cheerful voice of Misao.
The three came into the kitchen, the braided girl bouncing over to her, wrapping her arms around her in a giant bear hug. “Kaoru!” she chirped as she twirled her around.
“Whoa.” she laughed as she hugged the smaller girl, “It’s nice to see you too, Misao.”
Her sapphire eyes wandered over to the tall male in the white leather jacket standing next to Megumi. She parted from Misao, “Hey, Aoshi. Did the General have you drop her off?”
“Hey!” Misao called out, “Are you implying that my father arranged for Aoshi to excort me in order to protect me? I’ll have you know that I don’t need anyone protecting me.”
“I think ~*we’re*~ the ones that need protection from you.” Megumi remarked, grinning playfully.
“Not cool, fox.”
“Actually…” Aoshi spoke, looking directly at Kaoru, “…I need to speak with you.”
He sounded dead serious. She lightly furrowed her brows, knowing exactly what the stoic man wanted to talk about.
Cinnamon orbs looked back and forth from Kaoru to Aoshi, feeling the tension radiating from them. Whatever they needed to discuss was better if they did so without an audience. “Misao, you want to check out what I bought you?”
“Just bring it over here. I wanna listen in to this.”
Megumi rolled her eyes, “Come on.” she went to the green-eyed girl and hooked her arm with hers, pulling her away from the kitchen.
“Aww.” Misao whined as she was practically dragged, “You’re no fun, Meg.”
They waited silently, sapphire and blue-green eyes both sternly looking at the exit the girls had retreated, waiting till they felt they were a good distance away in Megumi’s room.
“So… what’s up?” Kaoru asked after a brief while.
His hand went into the inside of his jacket, pulling folded sheets of paper and holding it out to her, “I’ve got the information you asked for.”
She took the pages, unfolding them and read through the facts. “Thanks for the favor.” Raven-head distractedly said as she flipped through the pages.
“Might I ask exactly who those men are?”
“They’re some guys that have been following me. Good thing they’re wanted criminals.” she snickered, “It’s kinda nice saying that.”
“What are you going to do?”
“Hunt them down.”
“And then what?”
“I’m not going to kill them if that’s what you mean.”
“You’ll have to do something.”
“I know.” she flipped through another page.
He observed her from where he stood, silently assessing her actions, “You know…” he started, “…you don’t have to take any of his crap. Just give the police a few clues or an anonymous statement and he can be gone for good.”
She sighed, “Enough to sentence him to jail, right? We’ve discussed this before, Aoshi, I’m not going to turn in my own father.”
“What about your new boyfriend?”
A red flag came up in alert. Blue irises looked up to meet his icy gaze, “You’re after him too?”
“Yes.”
“Why are you asking me? Go ahead and arrest him.”
He eyed her disbelievingly, “Don’t test me, Kaoru. Like your father, there isn’t enough evidence to bring him in and I know that you’ll go out of your way to prevent anything from happening. It’s obvious he’s under your protection now.”
She let out a giggle, “Do you really think he needs protecting? But, you’re right. I’m not going to turn him in either.”
“He’s not good for you.”
“Is that right?” her eyes narrowed, “How come?”
“He’s on a much different level and playing field than you. You’re going to end up hurt.”
“First of all, I’m aware of his skill and what he’s capable of. Secondly, I’m sure ~*you*~ of all people know that I can take care of myself, so I don’t bother with any lecture.” she retorted annoyed at his insinuation.
He gritted his teeth, “He’s only going to drag you deeper into the world you’re trying to break free from.”
“Contrary to what you believe, Kenshin isn’t ~*that*~ involved with ~*that*~ world.”
“Is that what he told you?”
“He doesn’t have to tell me. I simply know. And why are you meddling? It’s not like you.”
“I’m just looking out for you.”
“Why do you care?” she asked skeptically.
“I care about Misao and she cares about you, that’s enough reason for me. Look, Kaoru, He’s called the Battousai for a reason…”
“Uh-huh. Need I remind you that you thought the exact same thing about me when we first met.”
This was true—she could tell the statuesque man was aware of who she is from the second they were introduced and she could also tell that he wasn’t at all fond of her.
It was during one afternoon when Misao had invited her over to her place to hang out. They had been watching TV, eating pizza, and painting their toe-nails still wearing their prep-school uniforms when Aoshi had walked in.
Misao was ecstatic to have her ‘Superman’ home and after she had so uproariously welcomed him back, she introduced Kaoru to him. Gathering her best ‘sweet girl’ impression, she charmingly smiled as she politely held out her hand to shake his. However, he didn’t bother with any gracious formalities as he glared at her and refused her hand.
Things didn’t get any better from there. He had taken it upon himself to chaperone the girls, constantly on his guard while Kaoru was around. Misao loved the attention from the ninja but Kaoru found it completely irritating. But, she understood his actions; after all she was assigned to annihilate the Makimachi family. He was right to be wary of her.
Unknown to her father, she was never going to go through with the assignment. Her bubbly friend had showed Kaoru that there was more to life than vengeance and power. Her eyes were opened to new ideals and way of life.
Before, she had been living in such an empty, numb life executing all of her father’s bidding without question. Everything was dull, grey, cold. If it wasn’t for her still beating heart and the still flowing blood running through her veins, she could have sworn she was dead. She was a moving shell, a ‘living-dead girl’, preferring the numbness over the pain. Anything was better than feeling that weight in her heart, the hole in her soul.
But when she met Misao, everything changed. For the first time in her life Kaoru was able to have fun and feel… happy. Life is precious and worth fighting for.
She finally understood what Dr. Takani had meant.
Nonetheless, it took great effort to convince Aoshi that she wasn’t there to wreak any harm. After months of the tall man following them and after a good battle he challenged Kaoru to, he finally believed that she wasn’t going to hurt Misao.
Kaoru beat him during that fight. She pinned him beneath her with her katana threateningly pressed on his neck. She had the opportunity to finish him off, to slice his throat open till he drowned in his own blood or press the blade down to hack off his head, but she didn’t do anything. Dark-haired girl got off of him and let him go… earning herself a second chance with the General’s right-hand man.
“Evidently you’re the exception.” Aoshi reasoned.
“No, I’m not.” she came to him, placing her fisted hands before him. “If you want someone turned in so bad then go ahead and cuff me. Take me to jail.”
His expression didn’t change, it remained cool and composed as always. “You’ve been hanging around Misao for too long. There’s no need to be so theatrical. You’ve been a great aid to the General as well as me. You’re of better use to us out of jail.”
“Right.” Kaoru dropped her hands to her side, “One middle eastern war and the sacrifice of my prom and all of a sudden I’m a hero.”
“I wouldn’t go that far.”
She smiled, “Gee, thanks.”
“Those men.” he nudged his head at the papers she held, “My sources say that they’ll be at that first address tonight. You can catch them all at once instead of individually.”
“Tonight?” she about whined.
“Yes.”
“Why tonight?”
He arched an eyebrow, “If you’re as good as what they say you are then it shouldn’t take you long. You’ll be back in time to hang out with ‘the girls’. Just get it over with. I suggest you just knock them out and drop them off at the back of the police department. I’ll take care of it from there.”
She frowned in contemplation, “Yeah, okay. I’ll get it done.”
He turned to leave the apartment, stopping before he opened the door, “Take care of Misao for me.”
Looking at the stealthy man, she nodded. “No need to ask, I always do.”
His lips slightly moved before he exited. It was the closest thing to a smile Kaoru had ever seen from him.
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His heart felt like a giant brick of lead. Heavy. Gravity and his conscience seemed to be conspiring against him again. That feeling, it will never go away. It was persisting and tiresome.
Sighing, he continued walking down the murky alley wanting nothing more than just go back to his apartment, take a hot shower, and forget about that night, maybe watch some TV or call Kaoru. If he remembered right, she didn’t have anything to do till the next night.
The darkness was, in a way, comforting. His mind was a dizzy vortex of what had just happened mere seconds ago. Blood. There was so much blood. It sprayed everywhere, and he was drenched in the thick crimson. Red droplets traveled down his face, the distinctive metallic scent surrounded him in toxic quantities. Amidst the darkness, he could hide the proof of the slaughter he had committed.
He could almost smell their fear. A few tried to run, others fired blindly at him, and most stood paralyzed while he took their friends’ lives right before their very eyes.
It was a bigger job than usual; someone obviously wanted a good number of people gone. It was a bigger pay, but that didn’t make matters any better.
He stopped abruptly, feeling a familiar, suppressed energy nearby. Concentrating, he turned to look back, focusing his sight on the darkest shadow. “What are you doing here?” he inquired.
“Probably the same reason you’re here.” she stepped into the light but revealed nothing. The black hooded sweater cast a shadow above eyes and the black bandana over her nose concealed any facial features.
Shadowed blues raked his form, carefully eyeing him, “Or maybe it’s ~*not*~ the same reason.”
Kenshin shifted uncomfortably. He never wanted her to see him like that; blood-spattered and reeking of death.
Her hand came up to pull the bandana down, lifting her head up to reveal curios orbs still inspecting him. Feeling his state of discomfort, she turned her head to the side to evade meeting his troubled, golden gaze.
“You don’t have to be uncomfortable with me. I was bound to see you like this sooner or later.”
“Funny how it wasn’t sooner seeing how we share this profession.” he harshly bit out.
Eyes shot back at him hearing his tone of voice. She scoffed, “I’m not going to put up with you if you’re going to be such an asshole.” Kaoru said as she turned to walk away, heading toward the direction he had been coming from.
Red-head exhaled loudly, “Wait. I’m sorry.”
She halted to a stop, turning back around to face him.
“I’m not exactly in the right frame of mind right now.” he explained.
“I understand. I just want to know of few things. Okay?”
He gave a short nod in acceptance.
“Did you know who those men were?”
“Yes.”
“Was it personal or business?”
“I’d rather not discuss it. Especially here.”
“I need to know.”
He tilted his head up, gilded eyes narrowing into slits as they locked onto ocean-blue, “Oh? Why’s that?”
“Just answer the question.”
“You first.”
“I asked first.”
“Do you want me to answer or not?”
“You’re annoyingly difficult, you know that?”
He shrugged, “One of my many quirks you find irresistible.”
She shot him a glare and then rolled her eyes at his uncooperativeness. “I’d like to know… please.”
“Mostly business, koishii.” he calmly responded.
“Mostly? Mind elaborating?”
“It was convenient. Someone just happened to know how to get a hold of me and just happened to want them dead.”
“And you? What did you wanna do?”
“I’m not entirely sure. Maybe scare them a bit. Teach them to back off.”
“I see. And… who hired you?”
“I’m not at liberty to say.”
She sighed as she looked away, her brow creasing in worry. Kaoru bit her lip as she thought, the gears in her head evidentially turning.
Kenshin picked up on her stressed aura, “Did your father sent you?”
Now she was the one that shifted uneasily, irises briefly meeting his before they shun away, “What do you think?”
They stood still in contemplation, the wind howling as it breezed by.
“I wasn’t going to do it.” she confessed quietly.
“Is that so?” he asked, perplexed, “Then why are you here?”
“I was…” she cleared her throat uncomfortably, “…ordered to… take care of them. I had a different plan. Knock ‘em out and turn them in to the police. But then I saw that you got here before me.”
“Are you relieved?”
“I don’t know. Those guys were scumbags but, who am I to take a life?”
He frowned, “I thought that-”
“I rather not dip into that subject!” she snapped, interrupting his sentence.
He was alarmed at her hasty reaction. It was clearly a touchy and untapped issue. Her ki flared with potentially raw distress he felt could be hazardous to her. However he respected her wishes and decided to not prod further.
“I think it’s best if I go.”
“Come over.” he invited, wanting to keep her close to him.
Her serious visage slowly melted into a smile. “I’d like that, but I can’t. It’s girls’ night tonight.”
A corner of his mouth turned up in a grin, “Girls’ night?” he questioned, aware that Kaoru strove for an average life. He knew it was next to impossible to hope for such things. The only thing their kind could hope for was a quick, painless death. Nevertheless, he wasn’t about to ridicule and destroy her dream with his realism.
“Yes. And don’t you dare make a smart-ass remark.”
“I wasn’t going to, koishii.”
“Good.”
“So, when will you be able to drop by?”
I was hard to find time to see him. Days and then weeks would pass before they’d meet again. At times she wished it wasn’t that way. She sighed, “I don’t know. Probably not for a while.”
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She stared, unfocused out the car window as automobiles drove by. It was already getting dark out and the tinted glass made it seem later than what it really was. She wasn’t looking forward to the night.
Her gaze traveled in front of her, seeing the sitting male staring out the small limo’s window as well. It had been a while since she’s seen the brunette dressed in a tux and she had to say Soujiro looked quite handsome in the fitted black and white suit. Although she noticed he didn’t take her suggestion of slicking his hair back. His light-brown hair remained free falling; fringes hovering over his eyes, enhancing his ever boyish features.
Kaoru lightly smiled.
Her sight roamed the three others she was riding with; her father sat in the middle between her and Yumi, wearing an elegant robe over his tux while her step-mother wore a more lavish kimono than usual. On the seat before her, Hoji sat on the far end from Soujiro, wearing an all white tux, busily looking through his phone.
She looked down at her silken, gloved hands and then to her gown; a shimmering silver dress Yumi had picked out for her. Personally, she had wanted to wear the beautiful blue kimono she had stored in her closet but her step-mother had barged into her room and insisted that she wear the plunging, backless dress. She had even allowed the older woman to convince her to let the hair-dresser and make-up artist get her ready.
Kaoru hugged her black trench closer to her. Maybe it wasn’t a good idea to wear what Yumi had picked out. The gown made her feel so exposed and her hair was up in a classy, loose bun so she couldn’t count on her long locks for cover.
Azure irises followed Yumi as she started to lean forward to push the little button that opened the sunroof.
Her brow creased, “What are you doing?”
“Letting some fresh air in. It’s so stuffy in here.”
“Don’t” she firmly ordered.
“Why the hell not?”
Kaoru was already in a foul mood, “Are you stupid or something? Open that window and we’re easy targets especially with all of these tall buildings. It’s a bulls-eye invitation.”
“Can’t they shoot us through the glass?”
She brought one knuckle up and lightly knocked on the window, “It’s bullet proof, Einstein.”
Yumi slid back in her seat, scowling at her step-daughter.
“Wow. Aren’t we testy.” Soujiro commented.
Kaoru gave him a look before she kept going “Imagine…” she raised her gloved arm toward her step-mother, over her father’s face, thumb up and two fingers directed at her as if it were a gun, “…all they’ll have to do is take aim and with just one pull of the trigger…” she jerked her arm up, “…BANG… your dead.”
“Lord Shishio, aren’t you going to say anything to your brat?” she cuddled into his arm.
“Kaoru…” his head held up, he only side glanced at her, “…behave.”
Frowning at her father, she turned to look out the widow again, her dangling earrings swaying from the movement. There was a gap of silence as all five passengers remained calmly quiet.
“Sorry, Yumi.” Kaoru sternly said, fidgeting in her seat as she crossed her arms. The long slit down her dress opened with her movement, revealing her bare legs. Kaoru didn’t think much of it, till she felt eyes raking in her form.
Glancing over at the offender, she caught her father’s advisor ogling her; his beady eyes shamefully eyeing her legs.
“What the hell are you looking at.” she shot at Hoji, infuriated, making him quickly turn away.
“Kaoru!” her father exclaimed. “Tonight is not the night for you to pick a fight!”
“What!? Did you see the way he-” she wasn’t given the chance to finish as she was interrupted by someone else.
“We’re here.” Soujiro said as the limo came to a stop, evident to Kaoru that he purposely spoke up in time to prevent any arguing between her and her father.
Once they came to a complete stop, he opened the door and slid out of the car.
Sighing, Kaoru followed his lead, carefully maneuvering her way so as to not damage the gown or have a wardrobe malfunction. She adjusted the dress once she stepped out; pinching the side of the gown to lightly shake it as she looked up at the tall building her father’s Ball was taking place. She waited patiently for the others to start making their way toward the entrance so Soujiro and she, as usual, could walk behind them.
A hand rested on her shoulder. Tilting her head to the side, she saw her father from the corner of her eye.
“Listen to me, young lady…” he muttered balefully into her ear, “…you ~*will*~ conduct yourself accordingly.” she could feel the strength in his hand as his leather-gloved grasp squeezed and dug over her collar bone. “~*Don’t*~ embarrass me. You ~*will*~ do what is expected of you. Do you understand?”
She stubbornly didn’t respond as she looked before her, seeing Yumi and Hoji make their way to the entrance.
He tightened is hold, his grip crushing her neckline, “Do. You. Understand.”
Grimacing, she responded, “Yes, Daddy.”
“Good. Don’t disappoint me.” he released his hold on her, slithering around her and toward the glass doors, his robe flying behind him.
Rubbing her collar, she knew that night won’t be the least bit enjoyable.
Kaoru gaze followed Soujiro as he passed by her and without any further ado she reluctantly trailed behind.
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A/N: Good God! Kaoru’s pop is a meany. :P Well, there you have it. I added some ‘past references’ between Kaoru and Megumi and Kaoru and Aoshi/Misao. I’ve vaguely mentioned Megumi (the doctor’s kid) and Misao (the General’s brat) before, but I don’t know how clear I was with that in the last chapters. I hope it all makes sense.
Since I cut this into two chapters, the next chapter is almost done (it mostly needs re-reading and editing). I don’t usually do this but... the more reviews the faster I’ll put the second part up. ^_^
I thought it was interesting that people are pretty against Enishi, lol, poor guy. But my intension was for him not to be liked. They were all good suggestions and, if you readers don’t mind, I might use a few of them. I hope I don’t disappoint.
Originally, this was supposed to be one massive chapter but I decided to cut in half. So, here's the first part. It’s, for the most part, a ‘bridge’ chapter. Still… Enjoy. ^_^
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Night Before
“Ow!”
“Hold still!”
“Did you just pinch me?”
“If I did you probably deserved it.”
She pouted, “I thought doctors were supposed to be gentle.” blue eyes watched as her friend peeled the bandages off her waist, inspecting the old wound.
Cinnamon orbs looked up, “You wouldn’t have this problem if you wouldn’t have fought.”
“He started it.”
“How old are you again?”
“Yeah, yeah, I get your point.”
Her friend continued to take the white bindings off, her fingers gingerly feeling over the flesh.
Kaoru giggled as her muscles twitched under Megumi’s touch.
“Tickles?”
She nodded, trying her best to stay still.
“See…” Megumi said, finally taking the whole bandage off, “…you can barely see a scar.”
Blue eyes looked down, running her palm where the wound had once been. Now there was only a long, pink imprint, seeming as though her skin had only been pinched instead of slashed. “Wow, that’s pretty amazing.” Kaoru commented, “Thank Kami for the Takani secret ointment.”
“Thank Kami you came back in one piece.” young doctor retorted.
“Nothing too bad happened.”
“Correct me if I’m mistaken but I thought a boyfriend hitting his girlfriend is believed to be wrong. Your little ‘fight’ could be considered 'domestic abuse'.”
“Technically speaking… he didn’t hit me.”
“No. But he did cut you… three times. I swear my heart almost stopped beating when you just about fell through our front door.”
Raven-head smiled broadly, “Were you worried about me, Meg?” she teased.
Megumi started to peel the bandage on her leg, “Of course I was silly. Who’s going to pay the rent if you’re gone?”
She gave her friend a look, “Talk about feeling used.”
Older girl laughed, “I’m joking, raccoon. I’m always worrying about you.” Taking the edge of the sticky binding, she pulled the wrap off in one quick motion, making Kaoru wince at the slight sting it caused.
“OWW!!” she exaggeratingly exclaimed at her roommate.
Megumi laughed out loud, her trademark giggle sounding all the more mocking as she waved the bandage in the air.
“That’s not funny.” she bit out as her eyes followed the slightly blood spattered bandage.
“It’s a little funny.”
“You only say that because it’s at ~*my*~ expense.”
“Is it my fault your reactions are so freakin’ humorous? Now stop being such a big baby and take off your shirt so I can take a look at the other cut.”
Sighing, she jumped off the kitchen counter and did as she was asked. “Can you warn me ahead of time before you so viciously yank it off?”
Slender fingers traced the bandage on her chest, pushing her bra strap down for better access. “You’ve become such a whiner.”
She rolled her eyes, “No, I haven’t.” she stubbornly mumbled under her breath.
Cinnamon eyes briefly gazed up and then looked back down at the task at hand.
Her roommate, her hero, her friend; Kaoru, held a special part of her heart. She couldn’t help poking fun at her, but she only really joked and teased because she cared so much. She wouldn’t know where she’d be if the blue eyed girl wasn’t around.
The thought alone made her go cold with fear. She would still be that monster’s prisoner. A replacement for her father that Shishio had had so heartlessly kidnapped and kept for years, then ruthlessly murdered. So once he was done with the father he took from her, Shishio came after her. He had her work away to refine opium, cut and weight out narcotics, and nurse all his goons back to health.
At that time, when she first saw Kaoru, she thought the girl was just like the rest of them. She fit the part looking so dangerous, dark, and merciless with her katana always by her side. Megumi had even come to hate her for a while, feeling anger whenever she laid eyes on her, knowing that the young hit-man had spent so much time with HER father and never so much as lift a finger to defend him when Shishio had killed him.
However, she was wrong. The raccoon girl was nothing like Shishio or any of the lackeys that worked for him.
Kaoru risked her life to help her escape. She fought in that awful, illegal tournament to win that abundant cash prize, rented a place for them to live, paid both their school tuitions, and continued to keep her safe from any and all harm. She was like her personal ‘witness protection’.
She wondered for a while why the mid-night haired assassin helped her. So, when the young doctor felt it was safe, she asked her.
~*“Kaoru?”
Her bright eyes looked at her, “Yeah?”
“Not to push my luck but… why are you doing this?”
“Doing what?”
“Why are you helping me?”
She sighed, “A kind doctor once told me that… I deserve to be happy. I know it doesn’t sound like much but, it meant a lot to me.”*~
Later, Megumi discovered that Kaoru was away when her father was murdered, but she could tell just by looking at her that she blamed herself for his passing. She knew Kaoru felt that she was her responsibility. So she let the young woman take care of her. She missed her father very much, but he wasn’t going to come back from the dead and she would do anything to help Kaoru feel as if she were redeeming for her wrongs.
“So, when is Misao coming over?” she inquired as she slowly stripped the final bandage.
Kaoru looked at the nearby clock, “She should be here now.”
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK.
Megumi looked worriedly at the entrance then back at Kaoru, her brow creased.
“Speak of the devil. It’s her.” she assured her friend, knowing why she was so distrustful, “And she brought Aoshi.”
Taller woman relaxed and went to open the door, “The ki reading thing you do is really handy you know.” fox lady said over her shoulder. “But why the hell did she bring that gloomy jerk? I thought this was supposed to be just us girls tonight.”
“He’s not too bad.” Kaoru said as she quickly put her shirt on.
She listened as she heard Megumi turn and unlock the bolts.
“Meg!”
Kaoru smiled as she heard the hyper, cheerful voice of Misao.
The three came into the kitchen, the braided girl bouncing over to her, wrapping her arms around her in a giant bear hug. “Kaoru!” she chirped as she twirled her around.
“Whoa.” she laughed as she hugged the smaller girl, “It’s nice to see you too, Misao.”
Her sapphire eyes wandered over to the tall male in the white leather jacket standing next to Megumi. She parted from Misao, “Hey, Aoshi. Did the General have you drop her off?”
“Hey!” Misao called out, “Are you implying that my father arranged for Aoshi to excort me in order to protect me? I’ll have you know that I don’t need anyone protecting me.”
“I think ~*we’re*~ the ones that need protection from you.” Megumi remarked, grinning playfully.
“Not cool, fox.”
“Actually…” Aoshi spoke, looking directly at Kaoru, “…I need to speak with you.”
He sounded dead serious. She lightly furrowed her brows, knowing exactly what the stoic man wanted to talk about.
Cinnamon orbs looked back and forth from Kaoru to Aoshi, feeling the tension radiating from them. Whatever they needed to discuss was better if they did so without an audience. “Misao, you want to check out what I bought you?”
“Just bring it over here. I wanna listen in to this.”
Megumi rolled her eyes, “Come on.” she went to the green-eyed girl and hooked her arm with hers, pulling her away from the kitchen.
“Aww.” Misao whined as she was practically dragged, “You’re no fun, Meg.”
They waited silently, sapphire and blue-green eyes both sternly looking at the exit the girls had retreated, waiting till they felt they were a good distance away in Megumi’s room.
“So… what’s up?” Kaoru asked after a brief while.
His hand went into the inside of his jacket, pulling folded sheets of paper and holding it out to her, “I’ve got the information you asked for.”
She took the pages, unfolding them and read through the facts. “Thanks for the favor.” Raven-head distractedly said as she flipped through the pages.
“Might I ask exactly who those men are?”
“They’re some guys that have been following me. Good thing they’re wanted criminals.” she snickered, “It’s kinda nice saying that.”
“What are you going to do?”
“Hunt them down.”
“And then what?”
“I’m not going to kill them if that’s what you mean.”
“You’ll have to do something.”
“I know.” she flipped through another page.
He observed her from where he stood, silently assessing her actions, “You know…” he started, “…you don’t have to take any of his crap. Just give the police a few clues or an anonymous statement and he can be gone for good.”
She sighed, “Enough to sentence him to jail, right? We’ve discussed this before, Aoshi, I’m not going to turn in my own father.”
“What about your new boyfriend?”
A red flag came up in alert. Blue irises looked up to meet his icy gaze, “You’re after him too?”
“Yes.”
“Why are you asking me? Go ahead and arrest him.”
He eyed her disbelievingly, “Don’t test me, Kaoru. Like your father, there isn’t enough evidence to bring him in and I know that you’ll go out of your way to prevent anything from happening. It’s obvious he’s under your protection now.”
She let out a giggle, “Do you really think he needs protecting? But, you’re right. I’m not going to turn him in either.”
“He’s not good for you.”
“Is that right?” her eyes narrowed, “How come?”
“He’s on a much different level and playing field than you. You’re going to end up hurt.”
“First of all, I’m aware of his skill and what he’s capable of. Secondly, I’m sure ~*you*~ of all people know that I can take care of myself, so I don’t bother with any lecture.” she retorted annoyed at his insinuation.
He gritted his teeth, “He’s only going to drag you deeper into the world you’re trying to break free from.”
“Contrary to what you believe, Kenshin isn’t ~*that*~ involved with ~*that*~ world.”
“Is that what he told you?”
“He doesn’t have to tell me. I simply know. And why are you meddling? It’s not like you.”
“I’m just looking out for you.”
“Why do you care?” she asked skeptically.
“I care about Misao and she cares about you, that’s enough reason for me. Look, Kaoru, He’s called the Battousai for a reason…”
“Uh-huh. Need I remind you that you thought the exact same thing about me when we first met.”
This was true—she could tell the statuesque man was aware of who she is from the second they were introduced and she could also tell that he wasn’t at all fond of her.
It was during one afternoon when Misao had invited her over to her place to hang out. They had been watching TV, eating pizza, and painting their toe-nails still wearing their prep-school uniforms when Aoshi had walked in.
Misao was ecstatic to have her ‘Superman’ home and after she had so uproariously welcomed him back, she introduced Kaoru to him. Gathering her best ‘sweet girl’ impression, she charmingly smiled as she politely held out her hand to shake his. However, he didn’t bother with any gracious formalities as he glared at her and refused her hand.
Things didn’t get any better from there. He had taken it upon himself to chaperone the girls, constantly on his guard while Kaoru was around. Misao loved the attention from the ninja but Kaoru found it completely irritating. But, she understood his actions; after all she was assigned to annihilate the Makimachi family. He was right to be wary of her.
Unknown to her father, she was never going to go through with the assignment. Her bubbly friend had showed Kaoru that there was more to life than vengeance and power. Her eyes were opened to new ideals and way of life.
Before, she had been living in such an empty, numb life executing all of her father’s bidding without question. Everything was dull, grey, cold. If it wasn’t for her still beating heart and the still flowing blood running through her veins, she could have sworn she was dead. She was a moving shell, a ‘living-dead girl’, preferring the numbness over the pain. Anything was better than feeling that weight in her heart, the hole in her soul.
But when she met Misao, everything changed. For the first time in her life Kaoru was able to have fun and feel… happy. Life is precious and worth fighting for.
She finally understood what Dr. Takani had meant.
Nonetheless, it took great effort to convince Aoshi that she wasn’t there to wreak any harm. After months of the tall man following them and after a good battle he challenged Kaoru to, he finally believed that she wasn’t going to hurt Misao.
Kaoru beat him during that fight. She pinned him beneath her with her katana threateningly pressed on his neck. She had the opportunity to finish him off, to slice his throat open till he drowned in his own blood or press the blade down to hack off his head, but she didn’t do anything. Dark-haired girl got off of him and let him go… earning herself a second chance with the General’s right-hand man.
“Evidently you’re the exception.” Aoshi reasoned.
“No, I’m not.” she came to him, placing her fisted hands before him. “If you want someone turned in so bad then go ahead and cuff me. Take me to jail.”
His expression didn’t change, it remained cool and composed as always. “You’ve been hanging around Misao for too long. There’s no need to be so theatrical. You’ve been a great aid to the General as well as me. You’re of better use to us out of jail.”
“Right.” Kaoru dropped her hands to her side, “One middle eastern war and the sacrifice of my prom and all of a sudden I’m a hero.”
“I wouldn’t go that far.”
She smiled, “Gee, thanks.”
“Those men.” he nudged his head at the papers she held, “My sources say that they’ll be at that first address tonight. You can catch them all at once instead of individually.”
“Tonight?” she about whined.
“Yes.”
“Why tonight?”
He arched an eyebrow, “If you’re as good as what they say you are then it shouldn’t take you long. You’ll be back in time to hang out with ‘the girls’. Just get it over with. I suggest you just knock them out and drop them off at the back of the police department. I’ll take care of it from there.”
She frowned in contemplation, “Yeah, okay. I’ll get it done.”
He turned to leave the apartment, stopping before he opened the door, “Take care of Misao for me.”
Looking at the stealthy man, she nodded. “No need to ask, I always do.”
His lips slightly moved before he exited. It was the closest thing to a smile Kaoru had ever seen from him.
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoO
His heart felt like a giant brick of lead. Heavy. Gravity and his conscience seemed to be conspiring against him again. That feeling, it will never go away. It was persisting and tiresome.
Sighing, he continued walking down the murky alley wanting nothing more than just go back to his apartment, take a hot shower, and forget about that night, maybe watch some TV or call Kaoru. If he remembered right, she didn’t have anything to do till the next night.
The darkness was, in a way, comforting. His mind was a dizzy vortex of what had just happened mere seconds ago. Blood. There was so much blood. It sprayed everywhere, and he was drenched in the thick crimson. Red droplets traveled down his face, the distinctive metallic scent surrounded him in toxic quantities. Amidst the darkness, he could hide the proof of the slaughter he had committed.
He could almost smell their fear. A few tried to run, others fired blindly at him, and most stood paralyzed while he took their friends’ lives right before their very eyes.
It was a bigger job than usual; someone obviously wanted a good number of people gone. It was a bigger pay, but that didn’t make matters any better.
He stopped abruptly, feeling a familiar, suppressed energy nearby. Concentrating, he turned to look back, focusing his sight on the darkest shadow. “What are you doing here?” he inquired.
“Probably the same reason you’re here.” she stepped into the light but revealed nothing. The black hooded sweater cast a shadow above eyes and the black bandana over her nose concealed any facial features.
Shadowed blues raked his form, carefully eyeing him, “Or maybe it’s ~*not*~ the same reason.”
Kenshin shifted uncomfortably. He never wanted her to see him like that; blood-spattered and reeking of death.
Her hand came up to pull the bandana down, lifting her head up to reveal curios orbs still inspecting him. Feeling his state of discomfort, she turned her head to the side to evade meeting his troubled, golden gaze.
“You don’t have to be uncomfortable with me. I was bound to see you like this sooner or later.”
“Funny how it wasn’t sooner seeing how we share this profession.” he harshly bit out.
Eyes shot back at him hearing his tone of voice. She scoffed, “I’m not going to put up with you if you’re going to be such an asshole.” Kaoru said as she turned to walk away, heading toward the direction he had been coming from.
Red-head exhaled loudly, “Wait. I’m sorry.”
She halted to a stop, turning back around to face him.
“I’m not exactly in the right frame of mind right now.” he explained.
“I understand. I just want to know of few things. Okay?”
He gave a short nod in acceptance.
“Did you know who those men were?”
“Yes.”
“Was it personal or business?”
“I’d rather not discuss it. Especially here.”
“I need to know.”
He tilted his head up, gilded eyes narrowing into slits as they locked onto ocean-blue, “Oh? Why’s that?”
“Just answer the question.”
“You first.”
“I asked first.”
“Do you want me to answer or not?”
“You’re annoyingly difficult, you know that?”
He shrugged, “One of my many quirks you find irresistible.”
She shot him a glare and then rolled her eyes at his uncooperativeness. “I’d like to know… please.”
“Mostly business, koishii.” he calmly responded.
“Mostly? Mind elaborating?”
“It was convenient. Someone just happened to know how to get a hold of me and just happened to want them dead.”
“And you? What did you wanna do?”
“I’m not entirely sure. Maybe scare them a bit. Teach them to back off.”
“I see. And… who hired you?”
“I’m not at liberty to say.”
She sighed as she looked away, her brow creasing in worry. Kaoru bit her lip as she thought, the gears in her head evidentially turning.
Kenshin picked up on her stressed aura, “Did your father sent you?”
Now she was the one that shifted uneasily, irises briefly meeting his before they shun away, “What do you think?”
They stood still in contemplation, the wind howling as it breezed by.
“I wasn’t going to do it.” she confessed quietly.
“Is that so?” he asked, perplexed, “Then why are you here?”
“I was…” she cleared her throat uncomfortably, “…ordered to… take care of them. I had a different plan. Knock ‘em out and turn them in to the police. But then I saw that you got here before me.”
“Are you relieved?”
“I don’t know. Those guys were scumbags but, who am I to take a life?”
He frowned, “I thought that-”
“I rather not dip into that subject!” she snapped, interrupting his sentence.
He was alarmed at her hasty reaction. It was clearly a touchy and untapped issue. Her ki flared with potentially raw distress he felt could be hazardous to her. However he respected her wishes and decided to not prod further.
“I think it’s best if I go.”
“Come over.” he invited, wanting to keep her close to him.
Her serious visage slowly melted into a smile. “I’d like that, but I can’t. It’s girls’ night tonight.”
A corner of his mouth turned up in a grin, “Girls’ night?” he questioned, aware that Kaoru strove for an average life. He knew it was next to impossible to hope for such things. The only thing their kind could hope for was a quick, painless death. Nevertheless, he wasn’t about to ridicule and destroy her dream with his realism.
“Yes. And don’t you dare make a smart-ass remark.”
“I wasn’t going to, koishii.”
“Good.”
“So, when will you be able to drop by?”
I was hard to find time to see him. Days and then weeks would pass before they’d meet again. At times she wished it wasn’t that way. She sighed, “I don’t know. Probably not for a while.”
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoO
She stared, unfocused out the car window as automobiles drove by. It was already getting dark out and the tinted glass made it seem later than what it really was. She wasn’t looking forward to the night.
Her gaze traveled in front of her, seeing the sitting male staring out the small limo’s window as well. It had been a while since she’s seen the brunette dressed in a tux and she had to say Soujiro looked quite handsome in the fitted black and white suit. Although she noticed he didn’t take her suggestion of slicking his hair back. His light-brown hair remained free falling; fringes hovering over his eyes, enhancing his ever boyish features.
Kaoru lightly smiled.
Her sight roamed the three others she was riding with; her father sat in the middle between her and Yumi, wearing an elegant robe over his tux while her step-mother wore a more lavish kimono than usual. On the seat before her, Hoji sat on the far end from Soujiro, wearing an all white tux, busily looking through his phone.
She looked down at her silken, gloved hands and then to her gown; a shimmering silver dress Yumi had picked out for her. Personally, she had wanted to wear the beautiful blue kimono she had stored in her closet but her step-mother had barged into her room and insisted that she wear the plunging, backless dress. She had even allowed the older woman to convince her to let the hair-dresser and make-up artist get her ready.
Kaoru hugged her black trench closer to her. Maybe it wasn’t a good idea to wear what Yumi had picked out. The gown made her feel so exposed and her hair was up in a classy, loose bun so she couldn’t count on her long locks for cover.
Azure irises followed Yumi as she started to lean forward to push the little button that opened the sunroof.
Her brow creased, “What are you doing?”
“Letting some fresh air in. It’s so stuffy in here.”
“Don’t” she firmly ordered.
“Why the hell not?”
Kaoru was already in a foul mood, “Are you stupid or something? Open that window and we’re easy targets especially with all of these tall buildings. It’s a bulls-eye invitation.”
“Can’t they shoot us through the glass?”
She brought one knuckle up and lightly knocked on the window, “It’s bullet proof, Einstein.”
Yumi slid back in her seat, scowling at her step-daughter.
“Wow. Aren’t we testy.” Soujiro commented.
Kaoru gave him a look before she kept going “Imagine…” she raised her gloved arm toward her step-mother, over her father’s face, thumb up and two fingers directed at her as if it were a gun, “…all they’ll have to do is take aim and with just one pull of the trigger…” she jerked her arm up, “…BANG… your dead.”
“Lord Shishio, aren’t you going to say anything to your brat?” she cuddled into his arm.
“Kaoru…” his head held up, he only side glanced at her, “…behave.”
Frowning at her father, she turned to look out the widow again, her dangling earrings swaying from the movement. There was a gap of silence as all five passengers remained calmly quiet.
“Sorry, Yumi.” Kaoru sternly said, fidgeting in her seat as she crossed her arms. The long slit down her dress opened with her movement, revealing her bare legs. Kaoru didn’t think much of it, till she felt eyes raking in her form.
Glancing over at the offender, she caught her father’s advisor ogling her; his beady eyes shamefully eyeing her legs.
“What the hell are you looking at.” she shot at Hoji, infuriated, making him quickly turn away.
“Kaoru!” her father exclaimed. “Tonight is not the night for you to pick a fight!”
“What!? Did you see the way he-” she wasn’t given the chance to finish as she was interrupted by someone else.
“We’re here.” Soujiro said as the limo came to a stop, evident to Kaoru that he purposely spoke up in time to prevent any arguing between her and her father.
Once they came to a complete stop, he opened the door and slid out of the car.
Sighing, Kaoru followed his lead, carefully maneuvering her way so as to not damage the gown or have a wardrobe malfunction. She adjusted the dress once she stepped out; pinching the side of the gown to lightly shake it as she looked up at the tall building her father’s Ball was taking place. She waited patiently for the others to start making their way toward the entrance so Soujiro and she, as usual, could walk behind them.
A hand rested on her shoulder. Tilting her head to the side, she saw her father from the corner of her eye.
“Listen to me, young lady…” he muttered balefully into her ear, “…you ~*will*~ conduct yourself accordingly.” she could feel the strength in his hand as his leather-gloved grasp squeezed and dug over her collar bone. “~*Don’t*~ embarrass me. You ~*will*~ do what is expected of you. Do you understand?”
She stubbornly didn’t respond as she looked before her, seeing Yumi and Hoji make their way to the entrance.
He tightened is hold, his grip crushing her neckline, “Do. You. Understand.”
Grimacing, she responded, “Yes, Daddy.”
“Good. Don’t disappoint me.” he released his hold on her, slithering around her and toward the glass doors, his robe flying behind him.
Rubbing her collar, she knew that night won’t be the least bit enjoyable.
Kaoru gaze followed Soujiro as he passed by her and without any further ado she reluctantly trailed behind.
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoO
A/N: Good God! Kaoru’s pop is a meany. :P Well, there you have it. I added some ‘past references’ between Kaoru and Megumi and Kaoru and Aoshi/Misao. I’ve vaguely mentioned Megumi (the doctor’s kid) and Misao (the General’s brat) before, but I don’t know how clear I was with that in the last chapters. I hope it all makes sense.
Since I cut this into two chapters, the next chapter is almost done (it mostly needs re-reading and editing). I don’t usually do this but... the more reviews the faster I’ll put the second part up. ^_^