Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ Fairen Destiny ❯ Chapter 11

Disclaimer: No one here can possibly think I of all people own Kenshin. Nope he belongs to Watsuki.

 

I'M SORRY!!!!!!!!!! I haven't updated in a whole month! Please forgive me!-bows multiple times- I didn't mean to go so long with out updating but believe it or not I've actually been kinda busy. Friends, finals (EVIL!), horrid weather, laziness, and my dad's new obsession of kicking me off the computer to go on e-bay and watch bids for train stuff (don't ask) so yes. Not as much computer time as normal (especially cause of my dad. Evil father grrrrrrrr him and his train obsession). So please forgive me for not updating. I do feel bad for it.

 

 

READ ON!

 

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“A Doren?” Kenshin looked at each of his wings again. His wings were a dark golden-brown color with the webbing between the `finger' and `arm' a lighter shade than the clawed `fingers' and `thumb'.

 

He tried sitting up again and succeeded with Kaoru's help. Kaoru stood, taking the bowl of bloodied water to throw outside. The red head sat there with his wings sprawled on the ground. It was crowded in the cabin with everyone still inside and anyone yet to say a word.

 

Lady Tomoe moved forward to Kenshin to help him up and everyone else seemingly broke out of their trances and moved back as Tomoe extended her hand allowing him to take it and pulled him off the ground. Kenshin stumbled when she let go, nearly falling over on his back again from the unfamiliar weight of his wings. Tomoe caught him before he could fall though, not letting go until he properly steadied himself. This time he didn't stumble and kept his balance, leaning forward slightly to do so. His wings hung limply behind him, unfolded and trailing against the floor.

 

Silence still lingered in the cabin, no one sure what to say. Sano was the first to break the quiet. “Well that was definitely interesting but instead of staying in here why don't we head outside now?” He grinned, breaking any tension that might have still hung in the air and ambled outside.

 

The others followed with Megumi helping Kenshin outside, still a bit shaky and drained from his affair. Once out in the fresh air, Misao, Aoshi, Sano, and Megumi congratulated him, telling him it was amazing and such. Kenshin didn't see Kaoru outside and assumed she already left. Lady Tomoe appeared in the door way, giving no sign of tiredness except her leaning on her staff just enough to show how drained she was as well.

 

“Megumi help Kenshin back to the castle please.” “Yes Lady Tomoe. Um…do I come back afterwards?” “No. You may stay at the castle. I've kept you here long enough and I wish to rest a while.” She nodded and took Kenshin, who was still glancing to see if Kaoru was near, by the arm, leading him back to the castle.

 

Tomoe watched them leave before striding outside around her cabin to see Kaoru leaning against it with her arms crossed still holding the bowl. She had a distant look in her eyes, lost in thought. She turned and began walking into the forest only to be halted as Tomoe's voice drifted to her. “Kaoru. Wait.” Kaoru paused mid-step before turning around to face Tomoe speaking in a strained tone. “Yes Lady Tomoe?” Tomoe studied her with calm brown eyes, smiling before answering. “You still have my bowl.” Kaoru looked down at it before mumbling and placing the bowl on the bed through the window.

 

She made to walk off once more but Tomoe halted her again. “Kaoru.” Kaoru grit her teeth, wishing Tomoe would let her go. “Yes Lady Tomoe? Is there something else you wanted?” she really just wanted to go.

 

“Are you alright Kaoru? Perhaps going into the forest now is not the best thing. If you would like we could always try it again-”

 

“Lady Tomoe, with all due respect, you and I both know that it won't work. You've tried growing my wings but it it's not gonna happen. I accepted it a long time ago. I don't have wings. I can't fly. I can't use magic. I've accepted it and I'm just going to go visit Rayne, Lady Tomoe. That's all.”

 

Tomeo studied her again, still leaning somewhat on her staff. “Very well Kaoru. Enjoy your visit.” “Thank you. And get some rest Lady Tomoe. You look ready to keel over.”

 

Kaoru smiled at her before turning and heading into the woods, disappearing from Tomoe's view. “You might think you've accepted it Kaoru but I can't help but wonder if you really have.”

s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s

 

Kaoru was sitting on the ground, staring at Elin Lake behind a group of trees. She was thinking about today. Why did it bother her so much that Kenshin got his wings and magic? She didn't have either. She accepted that so why did it bother her so much? No way am I jealous over this. That's just stupid. He had wings and magic and she didn't. End of story, no big deal. Right?

 

She had to admit, a part of her was actually hoping the spell removals and wing growth wouldn't work. Then she wouldn't be the only fairen without wings or magic. That's just stupid. I'm being thickheaded. Kaoru sighed in frustration, knowing she was acting like an idiot and being petty. She just had to get her mind off it. A visit with Ranesta sounded good now. Standing up, Kaoru hiked towards Ranesta's cave, intent on a good visit to get her mind off today.

 

It had been hours since Kaoru had visited Ranesta and she was just now back in the castle, laying on her bed staring out her balcony. It was well after dark and her mother was probably going to lecture her until her ears fell off for being out so long. Kimiko always tended to worry excessively when it came to Kaoru.

 

The wingless fairen sighed, frowning in thought. That visit with Ranesta hadn't taken her mind off things at all. She had ended up telling everything to Ranesta instead. Now everyone's gonna think I'm jealous of Kenshin. Rayne'll tell Misao and Megumi who will tell Aoshi and Sano and by then the servants will have heard and they'll tell mom and dad. And by then Kenshin will have heard it! Bloody hell I should have never told her.

 

She buried her face in one of her pillows, mumbling to herself. Why do I get the feeling he'll never let me forget about this if he finds out? Bloody hell! The irate raven head's thoughts were interrupted when she heard someone outside calling her name. Who…?

 

She heard her name again but didn't bother to get up to find out who was calling her, choosing to watch outside her balcony from her bed. The person was flying towards her room and passed it, not seeing the opened balcony doors, calling her name again. It was Misao. “Misao?” Kaoru strained her neck trying to catch sight of her friend.

 

Misao flew to the balcony, landing on the railing and peering inside Kaoru's room. She jumped down and walked inside when she spotted Kaoru lying on her bed, giving the Iten an innocent smile. Misao shook her head at Kaoru, sighing in frustration, and turned face the balcony, raising her hands to her mouth. “Megumi! I found Kaoru! She's in her room!”

 

Misao walked back inside, crossing her arms and glaring accursedly at her friend. “You know me and Megumi have been looking for you for nearly two hours now?” Kaoru, looking like a child caught in the act of a prank, grinned innocently and sat up on her bed. “And why exactly were you looking for me?” She had hunch she already knew….

 

”Because Lady Kimiko sent us to look for you of course.” Of course. Megumi glided inside her room, folding her feathered wings behind her as she landed. “So where exactly were you?”

 

“I was at Rayne's.” “No you weren't, we checked there twice. The first time she hadn't seen you and the second time you already left.” “Okay well, I also just kinda hung out in the forest a while too. I didn't want to come back here just yet.” Megumi and Misao each gave her a hard look, making Kaoru feel more and more like a child being reprimanded though she hadn't done anything.

 

“Lady Kimiko's been worried ever since we all brought Kenshin back and you weren't with us. She figured you went in the forest or something though.” Megumi sat down on the bed next to Kaoru, Misao doing the same. “Next time tell someone so we don't have to go on a search party for you.”

 

Kaoru smiled apologetically at them. “Alright, alright. I'm sorry, how was I supposed to know my mom would be so worried? I've been out longer than this.”

 

“You know very well why. Kimiko just doesn't want you doing anything drastic.” Megumi's face softened, her voice no longer holding any resentment. Misao had dropped her glare, replacing it with a sympathetic face and tone. “Ranesta told us what you said, are you-” Kaoru held her hand up, silencing Misao before she could finish. “Not a word about it. I'm fine and I didn't do anything so everyone stop stressing about me.”

 

She crossed her arms stubbornly, determined to show she was alright and nothing was bothering her. I was right. I just knew this would happen damn it! I'm not jealous or depressed or anything!

 

Megumi and Misao exchanged knowing looks. They knew her too well to know she was just `fine' and that today was aggravating her, whether or not she accepted or knew it. Neither would press the subject if she didn't want to talk however, knowing that would get them no where.

 

“Alright whatever you say. I'm going to bed now. I'll do a favor and tell your mother you're here but you have to deal with her in the morning. G'night Kaoru. G'night Misao. Oh and by the way, Kaoru, your door's open.” Kaoru turned her head to face her bedroom door and back to Megumi. Misao and Kaoru both wished her good night as Megumi hopped off the bed, glancing again at the door to Kaoru's room while smirking, and flew out of Kaoru's room to retire for the night.

 

Misao stood up to stretch her arms and wings, yawning. “Good night Kaoru. See you in the morning.” “'Night.” Misao flew out to the balcony, closing the doors behind her and flying to her own room.

 

Sighing, Kaoru fell back against her bed, sprawled over pillows and covers. She should probably get ready for bed. She was about to roll off her bed when “Your doors open.” Kaoru leaped off her bed staring wide eyed at her door. She immediately relaxed when she saw who there though, relaxation quickly turning into frustration however.

 

Kenshin leaned against her door way, looking around her room. Golden-brown leathery wings folded behind him somewhat stiffly. “What do you want?” she didn't want to deal with him right now. “Nothing, just telling you your door was wide open. And your room looks a lot like mine.” “You mean yours looks like mine. I had my room like this before you.” She stared at him with slightly narrowed eyes while Kenshin just continued studying her room, ignoring her glare.

 

Kaoru's room was similar to his but still with plenty differences. The walls and ceiling were a deep blue that changed and swirled with different shades, giving a strong impression of waves dancing in the sea. Her furniture was made of medium colored wood with intricate carvings and designs of delicate looking leaves and vines.

 

A silver chest was placed at the rear of her bed. The four poster bed was the same size as his except with dark blue bedding, facing the balcony currently hidden behind shut doors with dragons and what looked to be winged unicorns carved on them. A long indigo couch stood angled near the marbled fireplace. The dresser and armoire were made of the same wood as the couch, with indigo accenting the carvings on them. There were plants everywhere. Far more than Kenshin had in his room, all different from leaves and flowers to species, size, and color. They lined the walls and furnishings. Surprisingly none of it seemed overdone or too overwhelming, but suited and accented the room just right.

 

Was he going to stand in her doorway all night? “Can I help you?” Kenshin tore his eyes from the room, turning his attention back to Kaoru. “No, just looking around.” He tugged at his tunic's collar, trying to loosen it from his neck.

 

Kaoru saw, noticing how tight his tunic was around his neck. She cocked an eyebrow at him wondering why he had it so tight. “Are you….? Turn around Kenshin.” Before Kenshin could say anything, Kaoru spun him around to stare at his back. Is he trying to strangle himself or something?

 

His tunic was all messed up in the back. Ties for the slits for his wings were too tight around them and his collar was caught on part of his left wing. She shook her head at him and began undoing the threads. “What are you doing?” Kenshin tried looking behind him but couldn't see her behind his wings. “Fixing your tunic. Now shut up and move over by the lamp. I can't see over here.” The red head unwillingly complied, biting his tongue to keep from saying something.

 

His tunic gradually loosened, almost falling off his shoulders when Kaoru had undone all the ties. Kenshin stood there, unsure what to say or do, wishing she would just leave his tunic alone. He felt stupid standing there and thought of something to say. “I heard you're upset about something from today. You wouldn't want to talk about it would you?” It was only after he said that, did it occur to him he only just heard it. She's going to hurt me.

 

“And how would you know anything about that? The only two I've told are Megumi and Misao. Eavesdropping were you?” Her voice sounded calm but one of the threads tightening painfully for a moment told him she was angry with him. “Of coarse not. I was just walking by when Misao left.”

 

He mustn't have sounded convincing as he received another tug at his tunic's ties for that. “And why were you walking around? Tomoe said you had to rest.” She tugged at his tunic again. “I did and then later I took a walk. I'm trying to get used to my wings.” He gave a small, hesitant flap of his wings to prove his point.

 

She tightened his tunic again, though that time she hadn't meant to but Kenshin didn't know that. “What? It's the truth I did just take a walk. I only stopped here because Megumi said-” Kenshin shut his mouth quickly before finishing his sentence, hoping she hadn't caught what he said. Truth was he did eavesdrop. He was walking by when Misao first flew in. There was no tightening of his tunic though and he mentally sighed in relief.

 

Actually he didn't feel her tying his tunic anymore. Was she finished? “Kaoru?” She began tying again, muttering a quick “sorry”. That was weird. Did I say something? “What I do?” “Nothing just thinking. I'm almost done. Hold still.” Her voice sounded small and unlike her. He did as told, wondering what he had said or done to make her change her demeanor so suddenly.

 

“Done.” she patted his back, letting him know she had finished. His tunic was much more comfortable now, no longer trying to strangle him. He turned around to face her, mindful to keep his wings from hitting Kaoru. “Thanks. That feels better.” He grinned at her to show his gratitude but it faded when he saw the distant look in Kaoru's eyes.

 

“Kaoru, you okay?” Kenshin waved his hand in her face, making her shake her head and focus on him again. “Wha…oh yeah fine. Just thinking.” Her voice sounded weird again. Kaoru walked over to her bed and sat down.

 

Kenshin was still watching her, unsure what to do. He was about to leave when Kaoru spoke up. “Have you tried flying with them yet? Or your magic? Have you tried that?” She stared at the wall in front of her, making a point to avoid looking at him. He walked towards her, stopping at edge of the bed. “Not yet. Lord Seji and Lady Kimiko both told me not try out my wings until someone's there to show me how. Same with the magic.”

 

He tried grinning at her but it didn't work. She had gotten solemn all of a sudden and he was sure that wasn't normal for her. “Are you sure you're all right Kaoru? You're acting a little weird.”

 

Kaoru growled in frustration, sitting up and throwing her hands in the air. “Everyone keeps saying that! `Are you all right Kaoru?', `Are you alright?' for the last time I'm fine! Nothing's wrong. Absolutely nothing. I bloody accepted it a long time ago so everyone just leave me alone!”

 

I'm not jealous either. I don't care if he has wings or magic or anything. I don't. I'm being stupid brooding over this. She honestly wasn't jealous, but she couldn't help thinking about why she didn't have them. Which she still thought was stupid to think about.

 

Well at least she wasn't being so melancholy just then. But what had she accepted that everyone kept nagging about? He had a hunch she hadn't really accepted whatever it was either or she wouldn't be making a big deal of it. “You're apparently not okay Kaoru. Telling me about it might help.” “I'm not telling you and I already told Rayne and it didn't help.” Her voice was flat and indifferent. “Why not tell me? It's not some woman thing is it?” “No” Her voice was still flat.

 

He tried thinking what the hell would make her act like this. She wasn't like this yesterday or the day before so whatever it was happened today. Except for this morning during his magic recovery and wing growth, not sure what else he could call it, he hadn't seen her. This doesn't have anything to do with that, does it? Why would that upset her? He voiced his thought and Kaoru fell back against her bed once again, choosing to not answer his question. Apparently it does.

 

He remembered last night when she had told him about remembering a feeling of what it was like to fly. This had something to do with that. Now to get her to admit it. “Kaoru, are you jealous I have wings?” She was going to kill him.

 

“Of course not! I'm not jealous damn it! I don't have wings, I can't fly, and I can't do magic! Me being jealous that you do isn't going to change that. I accepted it a long time ago. Just drop it.” Her voice was icy venom but he still pressed further on. “Okay you're not jealous. But why don't you just have Lady Tomoe try to grow them or something? You said you tried it before, maybe it'll work this time.”

 

“You don't get it. I have tried it. Plenty of times. The first was when I was ten and just came here and I've been trying until three years ago. Tomoe can't grow something that's not there. I don't why but I don't wings or magic and I accept it okay? It's everyone else who hasn't accepted it.” Her voice was still ice but it was quiet, barely more than a whisper by the time she finished, and he could hear a hint of bitter sadness in it. Again he wasn't sure what to say. Silence fell for a moment before Kaoru broke it.

 

“I guess I just can't help thinking why not me? I remember flying so I know I've had wings and must have had magic. Every fairen does. So why not me? You getting your wings and magic today just made me think about it more than I normally do. Most of the time I don't really think about it like this at all. And everyone's worried I'm going to do something desperate. I'm not though; I'm not stupid enough to do that. And I'm not dumb enough to be jealous over something I can't fix. That's why everyone keeps bugging me. It's not you or anything. Just me thinking why. That's all.”

 

Her voice was quiet again and lost all bite in it, sounding instead serious and pensive. He again wondered if she forgot he was there. “I'm sorry I pressed it Kaoru. And that you can't fly or anything. I'll take you flying when I learn if you want though you could do that with anyone.”

 

“No don't be sorry I'm actually glad I said it. I feel better. And I think I'd like to go flying when you learn. It's always fun.” They each gave the other a small smile before saying goodnight and Kenshin left her room. Kaoru changed and climbed into bed eventually falling asleep, indeed feeling much better.

 

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My ending here is horrid, it's so rushed! I also think I repeated myself a lot. It's been made clear Kaoru's not jealous right? (I'll scream if someone says she is lol) And is it me or is this shorter than normal? Feels like it. This was actually going to longer but due to my laziness and wanting to update it….yeah this is the result. I was going to have another scene thing to introduce some of the evil plot in this story but I'll just do it next chapter. Please forgive me. -bows again- Hopefully I won't take as long to update with chapter 10 (wow I've done 9 chapters! It's a miracle -feels special- I didn't think this last so long) I'd best stop ranting now before I never shut up. Ok so anyways ya know what to do. PLEASE REVIEW! Reviews are good! `Til chapter 10 by for now!

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