Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ Daughter of the Forest RK Style ❯ A Royal Engagement ( Chapter 6 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

I woke up suddenly as I felt someone kick me in the head. I look up to find Akira thrashing on the bed mumbling incoherently. I get up from my position beside his bed as quickly as I can and run over to get the bucket and cloth I had left on the other side of the bed. As I do so, I can hear Akira mutter, “I can’t tell. I have to be strong.”

“You are. Come now, wake up.” I implore, while shaking him slightly. “You’ve been dreaming again.”

Akira slowly opens his eyes and looks at me with a dream like haze. His fever still has not gone down and it has already been a couple of days. The fact that he is able to keep his eyes open for longer than a minute is a good sign though.

I slowly raise my hand to Akira’s forehead, so as not to scare him, with wet cloth in hand. I start dabbing the wet cloth upon his skin in hopes of cooling him down. While I continue to do this, I look into Akira’s eyes and say softly, “You have given us a fright for the past few days now. We were scared you’d never wake.”

“Why would you guys care?” he counters, in the strongest voice he could muster, “I am the enemy after all.”

“If we wanted you dead, do you think we would go through all this trouble to help you escape and heal you?” I retort. “If I wanted you dead, you would have already been so.”

Akira just stares back at me in shock. He obviously hasn’t gotten used to my straight forward nature. I just continue to dab the wet cloth against his forehead with little notice of anything else.

“Why are you doing this?” he asks me in a small voice.

“Do what?” I ask, in shock at the sudden change in Akira’s tone.

“Help me. I was you father’s prisoner and am a man of Britain, yet you still tend my wounds? I don’t understand.”

“What about this situation do you need help clarifying? As I’ve told you before, I am a healer and do not pick sides. You and my father may not understand, but to me, you’re just a patient, not a Britain. Origins don’t really matter in my line of practice,” I remark in a matter of fact tone.

“How can you hold on to a philosophy like that and still pretend to be a daughter of Lord Koshijiro?” Akira said in a puzzled tone.

“I don’t pretend to be anything I’m not,” I reply sharply. “My father is much too busy dealing with my brothers to pay me much attention. I don’t really mind it too much. It gives me the chance to live life the way I wish to.”

“I know what you mean,” Akira acknowledges in an even softer voice than before, “I too am not paid attention to much, though I can’t stand it. Doesn’t it ever make you feel left out; like you don’t even matter?”

“I could never feel that way. I love my brothers and know that they love me back,” I respond with conviction in my voice. “I might not have a place in my father’s affairs, but I always know that my brothers and the villagers will always have a place for me. That’s all that really matters.”

“That’s easy enough for you to say. Life isn’t as simple for boys as it is for girls. I doubt I could make anything out of myself through ability alone.” Akira remarks sadly.

“Of course you could. You create your destiny and no other. How can you give up so easily?” I say angrily.

“You are young and have obviously lived a sheltered life. When you’re older you will understand,” he remarks with the saddest expression I have ever seen on anyone’s face before.

“I won’t give up,” I declare firmly, “I am strong and will continue to follow my own path no matter what obstacles I might face.”

“You’re a strange girl. I just hope that the world doesn’t beat you down for it,” he states with apparent amusement.

How little did I know that his words would eventually hold more weight than even he could have imagined them?

A few months have past since then and before I know it, Akira is starting to recover. His wounds are still in bad shape, particularly his feet, but he still is adamant to start walking now that winter had cleared. The Christian at first was concerned at the thought of Akira walking on his own, but I told him that exercise was the best way for Akira to heal both physically and spiritually. If he were ever to recover fully, he would have to learn to walk again, even if the burns had not completely healed.

Eventually the Christian agreed, and found a stick that Akira could use as a cane. Akira in no time started walking up and down the halls, despite the obvious pain he felt. At first I would accompany him to make sure he didn’t fall or hurt himself, but he’d have none of that. I eventually gave up and decided to watch him from a distance instead. As soon as I felt that he had graduated walking throughout the house, I took him outside, fully monitored of course.

Though he still talks to me like I am a stupid, little girl, my words must have started to get through to him. He eventually started opening up to me more and lost a lot of his sadness. He is still haunted by nightmares, but they are seldom and few. For the first time since I had been at the Christian’s, everyone in the house was able to get a full night’s sleep. As I am sitting outside with Akira on a grassy null a few yards from the front of the house, I can’t help but think that things are starting to look up for all of us.

Everyday for the past week, Akira and I have been making trips here. I sit beside him watching all the creatures that spring brings with it, while Akira carves on a piece of wood. He is quite expert at it and I had commented once that he should make that his profession. He just nodded, not caring too much for my statement.

As I am watching the larks jump from tree to tree, Akira quietly says, “Um, Kaoru, I have something for you.”

I look back at him in surprise. What could he possible want to give me?

As I look down at his hands I see the piece of wood that he had been working on. It looks like a circular tablet, but I can’t really tell from where it stood at the moment. Taking the wooden piece for further investigation, I notice that it looks much like a crest. I have never seen such an emblem before. The crest has a very generic solid border that I have seen on many other crests, but the design in the middle is quite unusual. In the middle of the crest is a giant oak tree with outstretched branches that disappear into the border. It is quite beautiful and masterly carved.

“I know it’s not much, but it holds an important story behind it,” Akira states shyly looking down at his hands.

“My people enjoy stories. I would love to hear it,” I reply in my most coaxing voice.

While staring at the crest in my hand, Akira states, “There was once a fine house on the other side of the ocean. In this house lived a man who was loved by all that knew him. He was smart and wise and had everything going for him. He had a lovely wife who he loved and two sons who were both equally smart and strong. This man, through hard work, was able to maintain a large holding of land that was the scorn of his neighbors. Even his brother in law was jealous of this man’s holdings.”

“One day,” Akira continues while staring into space, “the man was cutting down trees with a couple of his workers. As he was chopping down a tree, another tree from a neighboring group fell on top of him, killing him instantly. Everyone mourned his death, for his sons were over young and his wife was in no position to handle the responsibility left to her. It was at this time that the brother in law took over the estate and took the eldest son under his wing. This son’s fate would be to maintain the household, while the youngest was left with nothing. “

“No one took much notice of this son, nor cared to do so,” Akira relates with anger in his voice. “Because everyone was too busy paying attention to the eldest son, no one noticed that the other son had developed no skills or trade to fall back on. The only skill this man had been taught was to carve wood, which his brother had taught him when they were younger. Though this skill became useful when the youngest son got bored, it isn’t the type of skill that one can fall back on as a career if they ever wished to support a family.”

After a slight pause Akira continues, “The youngest son eventually decided that no one would miss him and ran away from home. He was never seen in those parts again.”

I just sit there for a while waiting for the story to continue, while Akira looks at me waiting for my remark.

“So, what happened to the youngest son? You can’t tell me that’s the end of the story,” I say waiting for his reply.

“Actually, there isn’t one,” Akira replies in embarrassment.

“All stories deserve an ending. Is he alive? If so, where does he go? Does he fall in love? The story can’t just end there,” I implore, disappointed.

Akira stares at me in horror and says, “But what if the story has not fully taken its course yet? How can you create an ending for a story such as that?”

I now stare back at him and say, “Then I guess you’re just going to have to work on that, wont you? Telling a story is much like life; you can make whatever you want out of it. Like any good story, there are many obstacles the characters must face, but the hero of the story will always find his way. Once you know what you want, you should stay true to it and never give up.”

Just as Akira was about to respond to me, I hear Soujiro’s voice in my head saying, “Hurry and hide the boy. Okita and I will be there in a couple of minutes.”

With that, I lift Akira to his feet and tell him to run towards the small tool hut beside the house. As we approach the outside of the hut I throw open the door and say, “Stay in here until the Christian or I come to get you. If they catch you, I doubt you’ll be able to escape again.”

I close the door before he can reply and run towards the Christian’s house. Just as I reach the front door, my brothers come into sight.

As they get off of their horses I reply, “I wasn’t expecting a visit until the summer. What brings you boys here?”

Okita looks at me and says, “We have come to take you home. Father has sent word that he has taken a bride and wants you there to welcome her.”

I can’t hide my shock as I reply, “Father has taken a bride? How could that be?”

Soujiro, now joining in, says, “Father met her through one of our allies and they are expected to return within the week. He wants all of us to be there when she arrives.”

“But I can’t leave,” I say in utter frustration, “I have a patient that still hasn’t fully recovered.”

Okita bows down his head and replies, “And for that I am sorry, but father will not hear no for an answer.”

I just stand there in defeat. How can I go against my father’s word without the prisoner being found out?

“I’m guessing that Okubo wants me there right away. I’ll go get my things and meet you outside,” I reply with sadness in my voice.

Soujiro just replies mentally, “Don’t worry, it’s for the best. The Christian can take care of him now.”

I do not reply to Soujiro, but instead head towards the house. I have to tell the Christian the news. As I walk into the house to see the Christian reading a book.

“My brothers Okita and Soujiro have come for me. There is word that my father will be coming home with a bride, so I must be there to welcome them.” I say with sadness in my voice.

“Lord Koshijiro has taken a bride? How can that be?” the Christian replied with utter shock.

“He has. Supposedly he met her through an ally while attending a meeting for the campaign. We have never met her before,” I explain sadly.

“I see. She must be a remarkable woman indeed to win the heart of Lord Koshijiro. I was quite sure he would never love again after the loss of your mother. They held quite a strong bond. Maybe he has decided to move on?” he replies with concern.

“I can only hope that to be the case. Will you be able to take care of Akira by yourself?” I ask hopefully.

“Don’t worry child. He will be taken care of. Go with your brothers. I will explain the situation to Akira once you have left,” he replies with strength behind his voice.

“Thank you. Tell him that I’m sorry and that I had little choice in the matter,” I reply with renewed sadness.

“I will. Now go and get ready,” the Christian snaps back at me with the kind of gentleness only a holy man can muster.

I run to my room and get all my things packed. Luckily I don’t have much with me, so it doesn’t take long. As my brother’s and I rode home I stumble upon the crest that Akira had just given me. I can’t help but feel like I am betraying Akira. Even though I am leaving to save his life, I can’t imagine that he will understand. As soon as I can get away from the house I will come back and take care of him. As a healer, it is my responsibility to take care of him and I will not fail him.

*******

Two days have gone by since I had left the Christian’s and not once have I stoped thinking of Akira. I can’t help but worry about his welfare. Despite all the energy and excitement of a woman taking residence in the house, I can’t shake my worry and concern. Eriko and Tae seem to notice this today and decide that I need to keep myself busy on something else.

“Kaoru, are you alright?” Tae asks me while we work in the garden.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Why do you ask?” I answer with amusement.

“I couldn’t help but notice that you’re planting the rose bush upside down,” Tae remarks while giggling.

Looking down at my hands I see the rose bush’s leaves buried in the ground with its roots in the air. At this I couldn’t help but laugh along with Tae.

“I’ve noticed that you have been out of it lately. Is something wrong?” Tae asks in concern. “You can trust me. I won’t tell anyone.”

“I’m just concerned about the patient that I left behind at the Christian’s. He wasn’t fully recovered yet,” I reply with sadness.

Tae just looks back at me and says, “That must be hard for you to leave him behind like that, but it wasn’t your choice. Plus, it’s not like you left him without any help. He is with the Christian after all. You can’t continue to worry over things you have no control over. Your patient should be alright, you’ll see.”

“You’re probably right, but I can’t help it. He put his trust in me and I feel like I betrayed him,” I respond sadly.

“You did all that you could for him; that’s all one can do,” Tae remarks with conviction in her voice.

As I am about to reply to Tae’s comment, Eriko screams, “Kaoru, Tae, hurry up. Your father and his bride will be here within the hour.”

At that, Tae and I look at each other in fear and run as fast as we can towards our rooms. We couldn’t be seen in our current state welcoming the party.

In record time, Tae and I are bathed and dressed. I run out of the room to meet Tae when she volunteers, “Your hair will not do. Sit down.”

I take a seat in front of my dresser and watch Tae put my hair up into a simple bun. I sit there quietly while Tae complains about my hair being a mess and how I need to start taking better care of myself. I take the statement lightly knowing that she was probably right.

After a few minutes, Tae and I finish our preparations and head towards the entry hall. As we walk towards my brothers, Okubo wraps his arms around Tae and starts catching up with her. I leave the two alone and walk up to Soujiro who is looking out into the distance. I can’t help but notice the concern written all over his face.

While I walk towards him, he mentally says to me while still staring into the distance, “Are you excited about our new mother?”

“I don’t know what to think of her,” I reply mentally. “It’s all quite sudden.”

“I know what you mean. That’s why I’m concerned. Why did father choose to marry so quickly and without his family present?” Soujiro asks in concern.

“Maybe he loves her,” I answer hesitantly.

“If you loved a man, wouldn’t you want his family to be present at your wedding?” Soujiro questions soberly.

“That wouldn’t happen,” I say angrily.

“What if it did? Would you allow him to marry you without your families present?” Soujiro asks calmly.

“I guess I would want the families blessing. It would be strange not having family around you celebrating,” I reply in shock.

“I agree and from what I’ve seen, most women wouldn’t be in such a rush as to marry without having the family’s blessing either. Be careful around her, Kaoru. I have a bad feeling about her,” Soujiro warns with concern.

“What if she isn’t as bad as you make her out to be? Shouldn’t you give her a chance?” I challenge in anger.

“Maybe, but it doesn’t hurt to be cautious. Be careful, even if it’s for my own sake,” Soujiro says with concern while looking at me for the first time.

“I will. You need to stop worrying over me so much,” I reply stubbornly.

Soujiro just smirks at me and looks back at the spot he had currently been staring at. As I am about to walk away Soujiro asserts, “That’s not going to happen anytime soon.”

Within a couple of minutes the carriage pulls up in front of us. Everyone is anxious to meet the new bride, even Tae who is nervously holding onto Okubo in anticipation.

It felt like hours had passed before my father opens up the carriage door and escorts his new bride out of the door. I can’t help but be in awe at her beauty. Her dark brown hair is up in a bun with wisps of hair falling around her pale white skin. What really caught my attention though are her lips. They are painted a strange green color. For anyone else, I might have thought it ugly, but somehow it looks appealing on her.

“I would like you all to meet my wife Yumi,” my father says with a smile on his face. “Yumi, this is my eldest son Okubo and his fiancé Tae,” he replies while walking Yumi towards the two.

“Nice to meet you two,” she says while looking over the two critically. Tae began to clinch my brother’s arms hard while Yumi looked her in the eyes. The look of horror on Tae’s face was very evident.

My father continued down the line, introducing each child in the order of their birth. In little time, father and Yumi start to walk up to me. Despite her beauty, I can’t shake off this horrible feeling I’m having as I look into her eyes. There is something in the depths of her eyes that is evil. I can feel it in the way that she clings to my father and talks to his sons and Tae, but it’s even worse now that she is staring at me. She is a threat that I can’t ignore.

I stand firm under her deathly stare while maintaining all my social graces. I can feel her amusement as I did so. From this point on, I know I will be the focus of all her energies, but as long as I can keep Tae away from her, I don’t mind.

After all the introductions are made, we all follow our father and new bride into the castle. As we approach the stairs our father commands, “Yumi and I have traveled a far distance and are in need of rest. No one is to disturb us. I will expect dinner to be ready at the regular time and for all to be present. Is this understood?”

We all nod as our father addresses us.

“As for you Kaoru,” my father looks at me; “I expect that you will be more presentable at the dinner table and stay away from your work. It is time that you acted more like a lady.”

Before I can let out a reply Yumi remarks, “Koshijiro, you should not be so harsh with your daughter. After all, it’s not her fault she was raised by men. With a little bit of training, I’m sure your daughter will make for a great bride.”

I couldn’t reply. I was in too much shock to respond. Yumi notices this and speaks to me, “I’m sure in time we will become great friends.”

Yumi takes my father’s hand and walks toward their room. All is silent for a few minutes as we all walk outside.

“There is something strange about her. I don’t trust her,” Shougo remarks calmly.

“What is wrong with her?” Souzou replies to Shougo. “She was nothing but sweet to all of us.”

“I agree with Shougo,” Okubo responds with concern. “There is something unnerving about her. I don’t like the way that she looked at Tae and Kaoru.”

“Did you not hear her inside? She stood up for Kaoru. Besides, how can someone so beautiful be evil?” Souzou asks proudly.

“Even the most beautiful can be wicked. Do not be fooled so easily, brother, by the superficial,” Shougo answers scholarly.

“Don’t be ridiculous. She has done nothing to receive such judgment. You are all being unjust. I’m sure you agree with me Kaoru,” Souzou says in anger.

“I don’t know what to make of her,” I reply hesitantly, “but I can’t just ignore the feeling I had when she stared at me. She is up to something, I can feel it.”

“I can’t believe this. She stood up for you, Kaoru. Okita, Tsunan, you don’t agree with them, do you?” Souzou says frazzled.

“Her behavior has been quite suspicious. To not keep an eye on her would be foolish,” Okita states calmly.

“You never know, Souzou. If they’re wrong, good, but if they’re not, at least we were prepared,” Tsunan reasons seriously.

“I can’t believe any of you. You are all just paranoid,” Souzou yells. “You can think what you want, but don’t make me a part of anything you might plan.”

With that, Souzou starts to walk away from us. Okubo, Okita, Shougo and Tsunan talk among themselves about what type of strategy will work best on Yumi, while Soujiro and I continue to watch Souzou walk away.

I feel a sense of dread as Soujiro mentally says, “It’s begun. No matter what happens now, we’ll protect you. Be strong and trust in us.”

I’m so sorry that this chapter came out later than I promised. I just started school this week and a lot of things have happened. This week has been hectic. I will try update on a more regular schedule. From what I’m guessing, I’ll probably have another update ready no later than Tuesday. I’ll try to update sooner if possible. I also apologize for it being so late. The site wouldn't upload the file, so I stayed up all night waiting until it would. Actually, I was playing Fatal Frame 1 with my roommates, but same difference. ;)

For those who have reviewed, thanks for the support. For all of you out there who haven’t, please review. I’d like to hear your opinions. I hope you all enjoyed the chapter. A Bientôt.