Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ Wanderer ❯ Mother ( Chapter 2 )
[ P - Pre-Teen ]
The sun dangled down from the heavens, fingertips gently caressing the mortals below, striking soft hair. It shimmered in the light, like embering fires. It was neatly cut, short and slightly layered, and a bit messy as well. The boy crouched, back hunched, a deadly blade in his hand, which glared with the eye of the sun.. He stood as the kata was completed with that last sweep of the katana. He was only 15, strong yet short for his age. It seemed that he couldn't even snap a twig, but that wasn't the case. Just like his father, he could very well be the best swordsman in all of Japan.
Kenji Kamiya wiped the last drops of sweat from his brow, touching the ring around the hilt to the opening in the scabbard, he let the blunt edge glide along his fingers and slide into the embrace of the metal shaft. The blade itself was nicely shined. Never having been tainted with the stains of blood from another man.
Turning from the forest clearing, parting the curtains of leaves and twigs in his path, he made his way back home. Not many people knew what lay here, within the confines of this massive lush forest. The land itself was like a paradise for him, his second home. Often, he and his mother would just stay outside, sleeping by the warm fire, and lying on a bed of leaves and pine needles. They had everything here, springs for fresh water, ponds which held bountiful amounts of fish, and plenty of herbs for medications. His mother, after years of studying with Megumi; during her pregnancy with him, had had a strange urge to learn about the world of medicine, Megumi, had gladly taught her; learned the art of medicine. Those techniques proved to be handy, as they had saved him from the illness that had plagued the nearby village, where their real home was.
Blue orbs wandered up into the gates of heavens. He loved those pure white webs of cotton. His thoughts wandered to his mother. A subject he loathed to think about these days. He'd rather believe that everything was fine; she was healthy and smiling once again. But it seemed that that was not to be the case. His mother had saved many people at the village from the illness, that was a few weeks ago. But, it seemed that she had been the only one who knew anything about medicine in that area. A moon ago, while cooking dinner, she had fallen into a faint.
The village was distraught. Before they had come, the place was full of crime and disease. But with their arrival, all that changed. Kaoru had brought justice into the area, and once again started a school there. Almost all of the younger generation scrambled to join. Her beliefs spread, and slowly crime died down. The village itself was not populated, but small enough so that everyone knew the other, as if a large family. He and his mother had finally found someplace they could call home.
Clearing his thoughts of the recent painful occurrences, he resumed his journey. It didn't take long for him to find his way out of that maze of a forest. Standing on the outskirts where the old majestic trees ended, his gaze wondered down to the small valley below. Within the center of the valley lay several small buildings, and houses. It was a warm site to his eyes. His eyes scanned the area, watching the villagers laugh and play, work and joke with one another. He made his way down, and step by step, entered this place he called home. As he walked down the streets, eyes turned, orbs that were remorseful and sad at the sight of him. Greetings were called and well wishing for his mother. Everyone there knew her, loved her, as a mother, a sister, or a friend. Finally, he reached the gates of a small dojo. Pressing the large wooden obstacles aside, a great squeak resounding through the area. With tapping of his sandals upon the tile floor, all eyes within the safety of the confines turned to him. The students nodded in greeting to him, but his eyes weren't paying any attention to them. The spheres were trained onto a small woman in front of the bokken wielding class. There she stood, in his eyes-- a goddess.
Long raven hair cascaded down, as if a waterfall, from a high pony tail, A few streaks of 'water' had fallen from the hold, and trickled gently down to frame her small pale face. She seemed as if a porcelain doll, clothed in hakama's and the traditional top. Her blue eyes shone warmly down at her class, one day, they would be great swordsmen. Someday, her and her father's dreams would come true. In the future, men with swords would not all be murderers, but defenders of justice, never shedding a tear of blood. She was rather short, though only an inch or 2 taller then Kenji. As her fiery orbs drifted from the class to the intruder, they grew larger in surprise. The portals to the soul shone with joy, soft lips curving up into a smile.
Kenji however, did not return the smile. He approached the woman, staring into those spheres, those never ending portals; a small stern frown was embedded upon his face. He weaved in and out among the students, and finally stopped in front of her. The audience watched on, bokkens hanging limping in the hands of the children. The lesson almost having been forgotten. Finally, Kenji's eyes broke away from the woman, and turned in fury at the students. A cold voice, slightly wavering in grief and worry resounded throughout the area. "Class is dismissed. You may all go home now."
With those words, all heads turned confused at one another, some shrugs were given, and others felt like complaining. But none dared disobeyed his order. It wasn't long before the yard was cleared. All that was left was Kenji, who stood glaring up at the woman, and the goddess herself, who stared guiltily down at the tile floor.
He couldn't control it anymore...His anger, patience. Worry consumed him. "WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?!" In and out, deep breathes were took, as he tried to control himself. Air, yes, that's all he needed, maybe some incense, or a nice bath would do. Or better yet, knowing his mother is fine! "Are you trying to get yourself... killed?" His voice was trembling. He wasn't really that angry with her, disappointed yes, but, seeing her out here, even when her body was everyday becoming more and more weak. It broke his heart. She was always trying to act strong, and make others happy. She never thought of herself. Maybe he was being selfish, but all he wanted was for her to get well. All this training she was doing was just making her illness worse.
Kaoru flinched at his voice. She knew she shouldn't be out, but it couldn't be helped. . It was such a nice day in her eyes, and the students badly needed training. "Kenji, you don't have to worry about me.. I'm fine." She gazed up at his eyes, pleading for him to understand. But, she found none, just worry and concern. Her soft eyes glanced away; she didn't mean to upset him. "I- I'm sorry.. Ken-" she was cut off, as fit of coughing escaped from her.
"Mother!" Kenji held her as she began to cough, about to fall to her knees.
Her hands cupped around her mouth, it felt like tiny daggers were driving into her lungs. She couldn't stop coughing. A soft sticky liquid sprayed onto her hands. It took awhile for the racking coughs to subside, and still afterwords her body was shaking and trembling. Removing her hands, she was afraid to look into them, but swallowing the urge to turn away, she stared down into them. There, like a thick dark wine, was blood Tears welled into her eyes, sliding down pale cheeks, pearls of the human soul. She clung to her son, grasping onto him as if for dear life. Her body wracked with pain, and she fought the urge to scream. Why, her of all people? Yet, she knew it was her own fault. She had been so blindly in love with that man. Kenshin. She had willingly given herself to him, and him to her. She had been glad to help share his pain, to ease his soul. However, afterwords, he had left again. As always, and now, years later, as the illness had finally caught up, she didn't really regret it. After all, it had brought her a son, whom she loved dearly... Yet, sometimes she had to wonder about the father; where was he now? Was he in just as much torment as she? Or could it be that he had found a way to drive off the approach of death. With those last thoughts, Kaoru entered the realm of dreams, leaving a distraught Kenji to look after her.
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His mane of hair was like a burning fire itself. As he continued to sweep, his palm reached up and wiped a bead of sweat from his brow. He looked around himself, at the surrounding gates and walls. They seemed so familiar, yet so different. He worked steadily, continuing to sweep to wipe the ashes and debris in the training area away.
For a year, he had been here, lost and confused. Having made his goal to rebuild the dojo. It had nearly killed him when he returned home to find that it was in ashes. He remembered the day well. It had been bright and beautiful day, fitting the mood of the rurouni perfectly. After all, he was returning home. Yet, as he stepped into the streets of Tokyo, he was met with glares, sympathetic eyes, even a few, "Mr. Himura.sorry for your loss" were thrown his way. With all of these mixed signals, he began to panic, and of course, couldn't help but to wonder, and fear for the safety of his family. He broke out into a run, and dashed to the dojo, only to find, it wasn't there. Only a pile of rubble. Sinking to his knees, his eyes for the briefest of seconds flashed amber, and then returned to its violet, filled with pearls. They trailed down his cheeks, no, he told himself, he couldn't cry.he's supposed to be strong. Strong. but he knew it wasn't true. He wasn't strong at all.not after this, Kaoru, Kenji..where were they? As his hands beat the ground, he hits a round metallic object. His eyes seemed to daze, and he fell into a trance when he saw what it was. A ring... Kaoru's ring; their marriage ring. After ransacking the town in search of them, he left Tokyo to search. He wandered the earth, a lost shell of a human, in search of salvation. For years he desperately wandered seeking his family. Finally, as he had searched all that he could think of, he returned; to his ruined home. There, he rebuilt the dojo, anxiously awaiting day by day, and hoping for the return of his wife and child.
Sano and Megumi had come to visit often. The loss of Kaoru has greatly affected them as well. The spark and fox like quality had died in Megumi, and Sano himself threw off his gambling ways.
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Yahiko merely came by once in a while, a day in a month, at the very most. When he had returned, he was furious, at himself, and Kenshin. Kaoru had been like a mother to him, and a sister. He knew how much she cared for Kenshin, and how much it had hurt her when he never returned. His loyalty to his master was more then that of his loyalty to his friend. He had been disgusted at Kenshin, and left on his own in search of Kaoru. Now, years later, he was the perfect image of a Tokyo Samurai. Tall and well built, he had grown into a fine and strong man. Any woman in Japan would seek to be his mate. His skills matched his looks, having almost completed his training in Kamiya Kasshin Ryu, however, the last Kata's and successions were unknown to him. His teacher was gone. It had been selfish of him, but he had a clue as to where she was. After seeing the dojo in ruins, he returned to the school he had been teaching at. There, a message had been left to him. It was in Kaoru's writing. It alone held the where abouts of her. However, the meanings were unclear. He had searched every possible location it could have described, stopping now and then to help the innocent.
Finally, he stood looking down into a valley, surrounded on either side by lush massive forests. This, was his only hope. The last place he would dare to search. It was a village lost to most everyone, save a few. He had only remembered it because of his mother; this was where she had grown up. It had been years since he had thought about her now, his real mother that is. When Kaoru came into his life, all that pain had died away, the flame diminishing, until Kaoru to, had been wretched from his life. Making his way down into the village, all grew quiet. The busy hustle and bustle of normal life ceased, and all eyes seemed to pierce into him. Attention and stares weren't something he was unaccustomed to, after all, he was carrying a sakaboto, but, usually, there would be whisperings behind his back, not this eerie silence, as if ever move he made would either capture or bore his audience. It seemed, it would be the former.
The silence shattered, as if Yahiko had been treading a delicate glass path. Out of no where, a young boy the same age as Yahiko when he had started learning swordsmanship; appeared in front of him. In his hand was a bokken, which he grasped loosely, yet tight enough to not drop, or get knocked away.. Several other boys soon joined him. They lined up in front of him, each tip of the wooden katana pointed at his head. All the other townspeople began to whisper to one another, some called for the boys to come back.
"Leave outsider, this is not a place for murderers and samurai like you. If you wish to enter our home, discard your blade. We will not have weapons of death, here." Said the lead boy. A few girls also joined them.. each were wearing the traditional samurai uniform, Hakama's and a kimono.
Their attitude startled him, and somewhat annoyed him. He may have been older, but his kid like personality didn't change THAT much. However, he restrained himself from attacking there children, after all, they were merely trying to defend their home. The stance was familiar to him, identical to his own. Which perked his curiosity, could it be, that Kaoru had passed by? He removed the katana by his side, and unsheathed it. A small smile graced his face, as the boys flinched; they had not expected him to draw his sword. But, when they saw the blade, it surprised them. The sharp end was dull! One couldn't kill with such a weapon, unless using the reversed side. "See, my sword is a sakaboto, it cannot kill. A sword is a weapon for protection, it was not meant to kill, such is the beliefs that my master has taught me" With those words, Yahiko reattached the sword to his side, and bowed slightly to the boys. "Please allow me to pass, I seek my sensei, "Himura Kaoru"
Knowing that the sword could not harm, the boys 'sheathed' their weapons, tucking the wooden blades into a belt at their side. "We don't know of a Himura Kaoru, however, there is a Kamiya Kaoru in this village, she is our sensei"
This startled Yahiko, that name had not been used in years. She discarded the name Himura? "Where is she? I must find her!" He didn't mean to sound aggressive, it was just that he was excited, it'd been years. Finally, Kaoru..
The boys led him to their dojo, and then left him in front of the doors. They had neglected to tell him that their teacher was ill. He stood there, in front of the main doors to the dojo. It seemed like he was finally home. The area was an exact replica to the one in Tokyo. If he stepped within, and cried "Tadaima" would, an Okerio, be called back? He reprimanded himself; he was getting his hopes to high. He knew that the family would never be the same. But, having his mother near him was good enough, he supposed. With those thoughts, he pushed the gates open, a small creak resounded. Even the inside was a replica of the former dojo.
The first site that came to his eyes was Kenji. The small boy that he once knew was no more, now, in its place stood a strong young man, only slightly older then he himself used to be when under Kaoru's apprenticeship. He watched silently, under the shadows of the trees. It was like a moving fire, graceful yet deadly. The wooden blade was swung blindly, as if a hidden rage consumed the soul, and darkened the world to put a veil over his eyes.
Kenji thrust and slashed, clumsily performing the executing of the Kamiya Kasshin Style. He was had yet to master it, but what he did know, had been perfected. His mother had trained him well. But, she had fallen ill before he had a chance to learn the last bits of the style. Many times she offered to continue teaching, but he would not let her. His heart was filled with rage, why, did this happen to his mother? She who had done nothing but care and love? Was this some sort of punishment? Finally, he could not hold them any longer, the attacks became blinder. As if he was desperate to kill his imaginary opponent. He knew exactly who he was fighting in his mind. His father, the man that had abandoned them. He hated him, with all his heart, yet deep in his heart, a small thread of respect was still there, though not love. After all, Himura-san had been his father, the greatest swordsman in all of Japan. One day, Kenji would surpass him, he had promised himself and his mother that. Eventually, he knew the battle was futile, even in his own mind; he had yet to beat his father. He couldn't concentrate not now. With the last slash of the kata, he fell to his knees, his bokken dropping to the floor. Hands were tightly clenched and pressed against the cold hard floor. His head drooped, flaming hair shadowing his eyes. His body trembled, as if a great terror had consumed him, or a great grief. But no, he would not let himself cry. He was to strong for that, he HAD to be strong.for his mother. Even though he tried to keep the tears from coming, his eyes couldn't help but water. A strange, yet familiar voice perked his ears. He stopped his actions immediately. No one could see him weak, ever. His body froze, as if chilled by the arctic winds. "It's been a while Kenji..You might want to lift that blade..less you'd wish to dishonor your family" said the voice.
His hands grasped the handle of his bokken, and placed it onto his belt. Standing, he felt as if he were old already, thousands of years old. He turned hesitantly, was it truly who he thought it to be? His eyes didn't deceive him. It was him, Yahiko! He was numb for a minute. How did he find them, did he bring anyone else? Like.his father? No, as he looked around, he couldn't sense any other ki's. A weak smile graced his lips, and greeted Yahiko. "It's good to see you again"
A small chuckle escaped the elders lips, "you thought I wouldn't find you? You should know better by now, Kenji. After all, was I not the one who found you half the times that you tried hiding from me?"
He couldn't help but laugh, it'd been so long since he could. This man, he seemed so much like the brother he once knew. Yet so different. It had been along time. However, his companions question caught him off guard. He knew that it would be coming, and he dreaded telling the man what happened. It came sooner then he had expected, and wanted.
"How are you faring Kenji? And what of your mother?" He really was curious, and desperately wanted to see her again. Yes, he wished to see Kenji to, but, now that he knew Kenji was fine, he wanted to make sure his mother figure was as well. The silence told him everything before the younger spoke. Just the sudden fall of mood was enough to tell him that Kaoru was far from alright. "Take me to her." Kenji could do nothing but comply. He followed the young boy, who resembled his father so much physically, through the doors of the home. Finally, they stopped within Kaoru's room. The same exact one in Tokyo. As Kenji slid open the door, the two of them slipped inside. Bones seemed to freeze. An unknown fear gripped his heart while looking down unto the pale face of his sensei, he couldn't help but panic. This was not what he was expecting. Knees seemed to weaken, a thousand weights upon his shoulders. She reminded him so much of that doll, years ago. They had truly thought that she was gone. But, now..he could tell she was still alive. The rise and fall of her chest was enough to tell him. The pain was evident in her face, she suffered even in her sleep. How did this happen? He kneels down next to her, her thin hand clasped in his. Holding it as if it were a porcelain dolls. "Kaoru.."
TBC
Kenji Kamiya wiped the last drops of sweat from his brow, touching the ring around the hilt to the opening in the scabbard, he let the blunt edge glide along his fingers and slide into the embrace of the metal shaft. The blade itself was nicely shined. Never having been tainted with the stains of blood from another man.
Turning from the forest clearing, parting the curtains of leaves and twigs in his path, he made his way back home. Not many people knew what lay here, within the confines of this massive lush forest. The land itself was like a paradise for him, his second home. Often, he and his mother would just stay outside, sleeping by the warm fire, and lying on a bed of leaves and pine needles. They had everything here, springs for fresh water, ponds which held bountiful amounts of fish, and plenty of herbs for medications. His mother, after years of studying with Megumi; during her pregnancy with him, had had a strange urge to learn about the world of medicine, Megumi, had gladly taught her; learned the art of medicine. Those techniques proved to be handy, as they had saved him from the illness that had plagued the nearby village, where their real home was.
Blue orbs wandered up into the gates of heavens. He loved those pure white webs of cotton. His thoughts wandered to his mother. A subject he loathed to think about these days. He'd rather believe that everything was fine; she was healthy and smiling once again. But it seemed that that was not to be the case. His mother had saved many people at the village from the illness, that was a few weeks ago. But, it seemed that she had been the only one who knew anything about medicine in that area. A moon ago, while cooking dinner, she had fallen into a faint.
The village was distraught. Before they had come, the place was full of crime and disease. But with their arrival, all that changed. Kaoru had brought justice into the area, and once again started a school there. Almost all of the younger generation scrambled to join. Her beliefs spread, and slowly crime died down. The village itself was not populated, but small enough so that everyone knew the other, as if a large family. He and his mother had finally found someplace they could call home.
Clearing his thoughts of the recent painful occurrences, he resumed his journey. It didn't take long for him to find his way out of that maze of a forest. Standing on the outskirts where the old majestic trees ended, his gaze wondered down to the small valley below. Within the center of the valley lay several small buildings, and houses. It was a warm site to his eyes. His eyes scanned the area, watching the villagers laugh and play, work and joke with one another. He made his way down, and step by step, entered this place he called home. As he walked down the streets, eyes turned, orbs that were remorseful and sad at the sight of him. Greetings were called and well wishing for his mother. Everyone there knew her, loved her, as a mother, a sister, or a friend. Finally, he reached the gates of a small dojo. Pressing the large wooden obstacles aside, a great squeak resounding through the area. With tapping of his sandals upon the tile floor, all eyes within the safety of the confines turned to him. The students nodded in greeting to him, but his eyes weren't paying any attention to them. The spheres were trained onto a small woman in front of the bokken wielding class. There she stood, in his eyes-- a goddess.
Long raven hair cascaded down, as if a waterfall, from a high pony tail, A few streaks of 'water' had fallen from the hold, and trickled gently down to frame her small pale face. She seemed as if a porcelain doll, clothed in hakama's and the traditional top. Her blue eyes shone warmly down at her class, one day, they would be great swordsmen. Someday, her and her father's dreams would come true. In the future, men with swords would not all be murderers, but defenders of justice, never shedding a tear of blood. She was rather short, though only an inch or 2 taller then Kenji. As her fiery orbs drifted from the class to the intruder, they grew larger in surprise. The portals to the soul shone with joy, soft lips curving up into a smile.
Kenji however, did not return the smile. He approached the woman, staring into those spheres, those never ending portals; a small stern frown was embedded upon his face. He weaved in and out among the students, and finally stopped in front of her. The audience watched on, bokkens hanging limping in the hands of the children. The lesson almost having been forgotten. Finally, Kenji's eyes broke away from the woman, and turned in fury at the students. A cold voice, slightly wavering in grief and worry resounded throughout the area. "Class is dismissed. You may all go home now."
With those words, all heads turned confused at one another, some shrugs were given, and others felt like complaining. But none dared disobeyed his order. It wasn't long before the yard was cleared. All that was left was Kenji, who stood glaring up at the woman, and the goddess herself, who stared guiltily down at the tile floor.
He couldn't control it anymore...His anger, patience. Worry consumed him. "WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?!" In and out, deep breathes were took, as he tried to control himself. Air, yes, that's all he needed, maybe some incense, or a nice bath would do. Or better yet, knowing his mother is fine! "Are you trying to get yourself... killed?" His voice was trembling. He wasn't really that angry with her, disappointed yes, but, seeing her out here, even when her body was everyday becoming more and more weak. It broke his heart. She was always trying to act strong, and make others happy. She never thought of herself. Maybe he was being selfish, but all he wanted was for her to get well. All this training she was doing was just making her illness worse.
Kaoru flinched at his voice. She knew she shouldn't be out, but it couldn't be helped. . It was such a nice day in her eyes, and the students badly needed training. "Kenji, you don't have to worry about me.. I'm fine." She gazed up at his eyes, pleading for him to understand. But, she found none, just worry and concern. Her soft eyes glanced away; she didn't mean to upset him. "I- I'm sorry.. Ken-" she was cut off, as fit of coughing escaped from her.
"Mother!" Kenji held her as she began to cough, about to fall to her knees.
Her hands cupped around her mouth, it felt like tiny daggers were driving into her lungs. She couldn't stop coughing. A soft sticky liquid sprayed onto her hands. It took awhile for the racking coughs to subside, and still afterwords her body was shaking and trembling. Removing her hands, she was afraid to look into them, but swallowing the urge to turn away, she stared down into them. There, like a thick dark wine, was blood Tears welled into her eyes, sliding down pale cheeks, pearls of the human soul. She clung to her son, grasping onto him as if for dear life. Her body wracked with pain, and she fought the urge to scream. Why, her of all people? Yet, she knew it was her own fault. She had been so blindly in love with that man. Kenshin. She had willingly given herself to him, and him to her. She had been glad to help share his pain, to ease his soul. However, afterwords, he had left again. As always, and now, years later, as the illness had finally caught up, she didn't really regret it. After all, it had brought her a son, whom she loved dearly... Yet, sometimes she had to wonder about the father; where was he now? Was he in just as much torment as she? Or could it be that he had found a way to drive off the approach of death. With those last thoughts, Kaoru entered the realm of dreams, leaving a distraught Kenji to look after her.
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His mane of hair was like a burning fire itself. As he continued to sweep, his palm reached up and wiped a bead of sweat from his brow. He looked around himself, at the surrounding gates and walls. They seemed so familiar, yet so different. He worked steadily, continuing to sweep to wipe the ashes and debris in the training area away.
For a year, he had been here, lost and confused. Having made his goal to rebuild the dojo. It had nearly killed him when he returned home to find that it was in ashes. He remembered the day well. It had been bright and beautiful day, fitting the mood of the rurouni perfectly. After all, he was returning home. Yet, as he stepped into the streets of Tokyo, he was met with glares, sympathetic eyes, even a few, "Mr. Himura.sorry for your loss" were thrown his way. With all of these mixed signals, he began to panic, and of course, couldn't help but to wonder, and fear for the safety of his family. He broke out into a run, and dashed to the dojo, only to find, it wasn't there. Only a pile of rubble. Sinking to his knees, his eyes for the briefest of seconds flashed amber, and then returned to its violet, filled with pearls. They trailed down his cheeks, no, he told himself, he couldn't cry.he's supposed to be strong. Strong. but he knew it wasn't true. He wasn't strong at all.not after this, Kaoru, Kenji..where were they? As his hands beat the ground, he hits a round metallic object. His eyes seemed to daze, and he fell into a trance when he saw what it was. A ring... Kaoru's ring; their marriage ring. After ransacking the town in search of them, he left Tokyo to search. He wandered the earth, a lost shell of a human, in search of salvation. For years he desperately wandered seeking his family. Finally, as he had searched all that he could think of, he returned; to his ruined home. There, he rebuilt the dojo, anxiously awaiting day by day, and hoping for the return of his wife and child.
Sano and Megumi had come to visit often. The loss of Kaoru has greatly affected them as well. The spark and fox like quality had died in Megumi, and Sano himself threw off his gambling ways.
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Yahiko merely came by once in a while, a day in a month, at the very most. When he had returned, he was furious, at himself, and Kenshin. Kaoru had been like a mother to him, and a sister. He knew how much she cared for Kenshin, and how much it had hurt her when he never returned. His loyalty to his master was more then that of his loyalty to his friend. He had been disgusted at Kenshin, and left on his own in search of Kaoru. Now, years later, he was the perfect image of a Tokyo Samurai. Tall and well built, he had grown into a fine and strong man. Any woman in Japan would seek to be his mate. His skills matched his looks, having almost completed his training in Kamiya Kasshin Ryu, however, the last Kata's and successions were unknown to him. His teacher was gone. It had been selfish of him, but he had a clue as to where she was. After seeing the dojo in ruins, he returned to the school he had been teaching at. There, a message had been left to him. It was in Kaoru's writing. It alone held the where abouts of her. However, the meanings were unclear. He had searched every possible location it could have described, stopping now and then to help the innocent.
Finally, he stood looking down into a valley, surrounded on either side by lush massive forests. This, was his only hope. The last place he would dare to search. It was a village lost to most everyone, save a few. He had only remembered it because of his mother; this was where she had grown up. It had been years since he had thought about her now, his real mother that is. When Kaoru came into his life, all that pain had died away, the flame diminishing, until Kaoru to, had been wretched from his life. Making his way down into the village, all grew quiet. The busy hustle and bustle of normal life ceased, and all eyes seemed to pierce into him. Attention and stares weren't something he was unaccustomed to, after all, he was carrying a sakaboto, but, usually, there would be whisperings behind his back, not this eerie silence, as if ever move he made would either capture or bore his audience. It seemed, it would be the former.
The silence shattered, as if Yahiko had been treading a delicate glass path. Out of no where, a young boy the same age as Yahiko when he had started learning swordsmanship; appeared in front of him. In his hand was a bokken, which he grasped loosely, yet tight enough to not drop, or get knocked away.. Several other boys soon joined him. They lined up in front of him, each tip of the wooden katana pointed at his head. All the other townspeople began to whisper to one another, some called for the boys to come back.
"Leave outsider, this is not a place for murderers and samurai like you. If you wish to enter our home, discard your blade. We will not have weapons of death, here." Said the lead boy. A few girls also joined them.. each were wearing the traditional samurai uniform, Hakama's and a kimono.
Their attitude startled him, and somewhat annoyed him. He may have been older, but his kid like personality didn't change THAT much. However, he restrained himself from attacking there children, after all, they were merely trying to defend their home. The stance was familiar to him, identical to his own. Which perked his curiosity, could it be, that Kaoru had passed by? He removed the katana by his side, and unsheathed it. A small smile graced his face, as the boys flinched; they had not expected him to draw his sword. But, when they saw the blade, it surprised them. The sharp end was dull! One couldn't kill with such a weapon, unless using the reversed side. "See, my sword is a sakaboto, it cannot kill. A sword is a weapon for protection, it was not meant to kill, such is the beliefs that my master has taught me" With those words, Yahiko reattached the sword to his side, and bowed slightly to the boys. "Please allow me to pass, I seek my sensei, "Himura Kaoru"
Knowing that the sword could not harm, the boys 'sheathed' their weapons, tucking the wooden blades into a belt at their side. "We don't know of a Himura Kaoru, however, there is a Kamiya Kaoru in this village, she is our sensei"
This startled Yahiko, that name had not been used in years. She discarded the name Himura? "Where is she? I must find her!" He didn't mean to sound aggressive, it was just that he was excited, it'd been years. Finally, Kaoru..
The boys led him to their dojo, and then left him in front of the doors. They had neglected to tell him that their teacher was ill. He stood there, in front of the main doors to the dojo. It seemed like he was finally home. The area was an exact replica to the one in Tokyo. If he stepped within, and cried "Tadaima" would, an Okerio, be called back? He reprimanded himself; he was getting his hopes to high. He knew that the family would never be the same. But, having his mother near him was good enough, he supposed. With those thoughts, he pushed the gates open, a small creak resounded. Even the inside was a replica of the former dojo.
The first site that came to his eyes was Kenji. The small boy that he once knew was no more, now, in its place stood a strong young man, only slightly older then he himself used to be when under Kaoru's apprenticeship. He watched silently, under the shadows of the trees. It was like a moving fire, graceful yet deadly. The wooden blade was swung blindly, as if a hidden rage consumed the soul, and darkened the world to put a veil over his eyes.
Kenji thrust and slashed, clumsily performing the executing of the Kamiya Kasshin Style. He was had yet to master it, but what he did know, had been perfected. His mother had trained him well. But, she had fallen ill before he had a chance to learn the last bits of the style. Many times she offered to continue teaching, but he would not let her. His heart was filled with rage, why, did this happen to his mother? She who had done nothing but care and love? Was this some sort of punishment? Finally, he could not hold them any longer, the attacks became blinder. As if he was desperate to kill his imaginary opponent. He knew exactly who he was fighting in his mind. His father, the man that had abandoned them. He hated him, with all his heart, yet deep in his heart, a small thread of respect was still there, though not love. After all, Himura-san had been his father, the greatest swordsman in all of Japan. One day, Kenji would surpass him, he had promised himself and his mother that. Eventually, he knew the battle was futile, even in his own mind; he had yet to beat his father. He couldn't concentrate not now. With the last slash of the kata, he fell to his knees, his bokken dropping to the floor. Hands were tightly clenched and pressed against the cold hard floor. His head drooped, flaming hair shadowing his eyes. His body trembled, as if a great terror had consumed him, or a great grief. But no, he would not let himself cry. He was to strong for that, he HAD to be strong.for his mother. Even though he tried to keep the tears from coming, his eyes couldn't help but water. A strange, yet familiar voice perked his ears. He stopped his actions immediately. No one could see him weak, ever. His body froze, as if chilled by the arctic winds. "It's been a while Kenji..You might want to lift that blade..less you'd wish to dishonor your family" said the voice.
His hands grasped the handle of his bokken, and placed it onto his belt. Standing, he felt as if he were old already, thousands of years old. He turned hesitantly, was it truly who he thought it to be? His eyes didn't deceive him. It was him, Yahiko! He was numb for a minute. How did he find them, did he bring anyone else? Like.his father? No, as he looked around, he couldn't sense any other ki's. A weak smile graced his lips, and greeted Yahiko. "It's good to see you again"
A small chuckle escaped the elders lips, "you thought I wouldn't find you? You should know better by now, Kenji. After all, was I not the one who found you half the times that you tried hiding from me?"
He couldn't help but laugh, it'd been so long since he could. This man, he seemed so much like the brother he once knew. Yet so different. It had been along time. However, his companions question caught him off guard. He knew that it would be coming, and he dreaded telling the man what happened. It came sooner then he had expected, and wanted.
"How are you faring Kenji? And what of your mother?" He really was curious, and desperately wanted to see her again. Yes, he wished to see Kenji to, but, now that he knew Kenji was fine, he wanted to make sure his mother figure was as well. The silence told him everything before the younger spoke. Just the sudden fall of mood was enough to tell him that Kaoru was far from alright. "Take me to her." Kenji could do nothing but comply. He followed the young boy, who resembled his father so much physically, through the doors of the home. Finally, they stopped within Kaoru's room. The same exact one in Tokyo. As Kenji slid open the door, the two of them slipped inside. Bones seemed to freeze. An unknown fear gripped his heart while looking down unto the pale face of his sensei, he couldn't help but panic. This was not what he was expecting. Knees seemed to weaken, a thousand weights upon his shoulders. She reminded him so much of that doll, years ago. They had truly thought that she was gone. But, now..he could tell she was still alive. The rise and fall of her chest was enough to tell him. The pain was evident in her face, she suffered even in her sleep. How did this happen? He kneels down next to her, her thin hand clasped in his. Holding it as if it were a porcelain dolls. "Kaoru.."
TBC