Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ Wanderer ❯ Father Meets Son ( Chapter 5 )
[ P - Pre-Teen ]
By: Falconess 
Anime/Manga: Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Samurai / Drama / Adventure / Action | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 08.23.2004 | Updated On: 01.26.2006 | Pages: 1 | Words: 2.4K | Visits: 446 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Samurai / Drama / Adventure / Action | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 08.23.2004 | Updated On: 01.26.2006 | Pages: 1 | Words: 2.4K | Visits: 446 | Status: Work In Progress
Blue orbs blinked wearily, for a moment they squinted, attempting to see in the dark. It didn't take long for her to shoot straight up however. She found that she was resting on a cold, what seemed to be marble floor. The surroundings was a great ball room, though the area was only dimly lit by the ornate chandeliers that hung above. The arches in the ceiling, intricate designs on the wall and sealed doorway... it was wondrous architecture. There were no windows, the doorways closed off, sealed with granite bricks. Instantly, her hand jumped to her shoulder, only to find no wound there. She found she was much taller now, more toned... once again her true age in reality. Kaoru was confused, utterly confused... where was she? Glancing around, she found that she wasn't the only being in this ball room. There, leaning against a pillar was a familiar face. "En--Eni...shi?"
Enishi, now a bit older, though still looking quite the same, his hair obviously couldn't get any whiter; approached. A small smirk was a upon his face. "Well well... look who we have here. Kaoru-san.. glad to see you awake." He bent down a bit, extending a hand to her. She gladly took it, pulling herself up. Dusting herself and her clothing off, she glanced bewilderedly at him. Her cloths seemed to be the same as what she had worn when she went to bed.
"Where are we..? What happened.. I thought.." After years of being a mother, her fiery spirit had somewhat quelled, she was no longer more rash then sensible. Becoming maniacal at this point, locked in an unknown room would be idiotic. Here was someone who might hold answers, attempting to pummel her only companion at the moment was not a prospective idea.
At her question, the smirk was instantly wiped from his face. Rather, a sober frown marred his physique. "It's hard to explain...the best word for it would be, we're trapped souls..." At her confused expression and the stare that he got, which plainly said, 'you're crazy', he sighed.
"You're telling me that we're in Purgatory...?" An eyebrow rose, and she gaze him one of those stares, as mentioned before. Her eye's wandered to the area to which he now gestured and trod off to. The formerly mentioned eyebrow now had a companion that rose as well. A semi-shocked expression gracing itself on her face. There was a large round table, the cloth that it donned was soft, almost like silk, and pure white. She had no idea why anyone would dine on such a cloth, it'd only get dirt with the food.... But she didn't comment. Food was on the table, and she wondered how in the world it got there, candles were placed about it, the wax seemingly to melt slow-- as if just lit. She snorted somewhat, suppressing a laugh, "Never knew you to be the romantic type."
The two sat down, and lady of the two stared down at a plate. It had seemingly materialized before her eye's. As she placed her hands upon the table, she almost jumped back, when her hand bumped into a glass of wine that she could've sworn hadn't been there a moment ago. Laughter reached her ears, and she shot daggers at the white haired man. "And I suppose you find this natural?" "I'm romantic? HAH! You're one to talk.." He chuckled a bit more at the sight of a blush. Ah yes... he had almost forgotten about this lovely lady. Almost... He'd thought himself accursed years ago when he to had been condemned to this place. But apparently the fates were with him. They brought him his sister. No... not sister. Kaoru was far from Tomoe, a lesson he had only realized at the brink of insanity. It was she that delivered him into the realm of the sane. For that, secretly.. he'd be eternally grateful. It seems that he'd found the woman he loves... and it was not like he'd believed before. "Eat...I'll explain....what this is all about. Or, at least what I myself know of it."
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< br> Branches scrapped against his face, only irking him more than he already was. His fire of a hair was now fed with twigs and leaves. Curses were muttered from lips, split from the lashing branches of tree's that decided they didn't quite like him. Kenji now regretted taking this "short cut". This would teach him to stray from a path. It wasn't that he was in a hurry to meet his "father". It was that he was in a hurry to get back to his maternal figure. Ahead, through the curtain of leaves and branches, he could see the outline's of a dojo. He thought nothing of it, figuring that someone else had built a different school now that the Kamiya Kasshin style was no longer being taught here. However, as he ventured from the tree's, his breath caught. Feet froze within their steps, and for a moment, he felt like a child again. He could just imagine his mother calling him from the back gate. There stood his home, the building still vividly imprinted into his mind and heart. He had been born here, raised here. And this was the place... that he had destroyed. It was impossible for it to be standing. After a while of staring, and noting every detail, he relaxed. The walls were newed than they should have been. The roof of a different tile. And there were other subtle differences to hint that this wasn't quite the same building. He had a strong suspicion of who had rebuilt the place. Grimly, he strode forward toward the gate.
----------
He'd been doing chores. The only thing he seemed capable of doing in the past few years. On occasion he'd do lessons on Kaoru's style. Not that there were many students anyways. No one really wanted to be taught by a low-life rurouni who seemed to be nothing but a bum. No one really knew how he got by. Perhaps it was with the money from lessons. Others said he fought in underground tournaments. A few others suspected him of thievery and gambling. Whatever the case, he lived. Over the past few years, his reputation had dropped. From a renowned swordsman, to a complete scum. He heard their whispers, about how he was a murder-- how it was his fault his family was gone. Sure.. rub it in. The sound of rustling leaves, the scrap of the broom's bristles against the stone tiles was the sole companion he had that day. At least, that's what Kenshin had thoughts. The sound of pounding from the gate surprised him into dropping his broom. His long hair was as ragged as ever, and his clothing still the same. Though now worn, a few holes here and there. It didn't seem that he had taken the time to buy new clothes at all. Washing would due.
Kenshin strode over to the massive doors, and pulled off the plank of wood that served as a lock. He pulled the duel doors open, and stared at the sight before him. There... the perfect image of himself, save taller, his body more defined, the hair short.. and the eyes. A voice reached his ears, exactly how he'd imagined it. This must be a dream. He didn't even notice until a few moments later that the stranger had invited himself in. He closed the door behind him, and faced the stranger, head tilted up at him. "Himura, Kenji?" He stuttered slightly, afraid to be wrong. The answer had been more then he hoped for, and more painful then he had thought it'd be.
"Kamiya Kenji.. a pleasure Himura-san" Kenji placed an emphasis on the Kamiya part. His voice was cold, distant and formally polite. As one would speak to any stranger that they weren't fond of. "I'm here to fetch you.... my mother wishes to see you. Her.." he paused for a moment, not wishing to think the next few words. But he knew it to be the truth. There was no denying "her last requests..."
Kenshin stared at the ground for a moment, as if mesmerized by those words. It didn't seem to register until a while later, and even then he didn't comment. He did however step closer to the boy, his arms extended as if to embrace him. He was brutally disappointed when he found that Kenji stepped back, refusing to touch him. His arms dropped, and the area grew silent, the only sounds were the faint chirping of birds. Kenshin didn't speak a word, unable to... A knot of grief had already formed in his throat. There were so many questions that he had, all of them unanswered. Where had they gone. Was Kaoru in danger? How had their lives been. Did they miss him at all? And the one he would never utter, to afraid to hear the answer that he knew would be uttered.... Would they ever forgive him?
For a moment, Kenji was almost sympathetic... almost gave into temptation. He was the one to break the silence. "You have 20 minutes to get ready. Any longer and I'll leave with out you. Meet me at the clinic." With that, he left; could still feel Kenshin's eye's piercing into him from behind. He could almost feel the sorrow that resided in them, the regret and longing. However, Kenji brushed it off. It was not his goal to befriend this man of his blood. Only his duty to do as he was bid. Just because they traveled together, did not mean they would have to enjoy the other's company. When he reached the clinic, he found that Megumi was not there. Apparently she had ran off for a while, on her anniversary trip with Sanosuke. He was happy for the two...albit sad that they couldn't be there for his mom.
Kenshin joined him soon after, and the two left the town, heading toward their destination. A sigh left Kenji's lips. It would be a long trip, a good 3 days at least. Wonderful.... They were heading through the forestry now. The accursed one that had dared to throw detours and the such in his path. The soft padding of feet that followed him was near to driving him insane. He could hear the flip flop of the mans shoes, the man who spoke no word. Uttered no apology. They didn't talk, at least.. not until dusk was near to come. It was Kenshin who spoke first. "We should find a camping spot soon." Kenji however, thought differently. Any spare time taken off just meant longer till they reached Kaoru.
"You can do that.... I'll continue on a bit further."
He hesitated before he brought his next comment up. He knew that he might regret it later, but Kenshin had to know the answer... "Why... why did your mother decide to leave..?" He was prepared to hear the worst. She hated him, he was worthless. He abandoned them. The list could go on. But nothing could've prepared him for what came next.
"She didn't.... I did." He said it as if it was a mere joke. Nothing but idle chat and conversation. However, he lost his control and nerve when his father dared to utter the word....
"Why"
Such a strong word.... it infuriated him. Why... his fathers voice rang into his mind. He turned, his eye's narrowed, flashing amber. Another reminder to Kenshin of himself.... "Why...? Why...? You dare ask such a thing?" He looked ready to attack. In fact, his hand was itching to grasp the hilt of his sword. It took a moment to calm... grimly, almost inaudible, "I'll take your advice this once... there's a clearing ahead that will do nicely for a camp." He seemed to have calmed.. that was until..
"Stop avoiding my question.."
A deep anger spurred within him, a hatred that he thought had died long ago. Before it wasn't that he loathed the man. Just resented him. But now... gazing at him.. the father he had so longed to see. The father that he himself had discarded... His mother had left the decision on whether to leave or not to him. Everyday he had always thought if he had made the correct choice. Always wondered about the what if's. But each ending always ended up blank-- or a nightmare. Just like what was happening now. He hated this man, this samurai of his own flesh and blood. Hated him for never being there for him... and for his mother. Hated him for missing his birthday those many years ago. Loathed him for causing his mother to cry so many nights. He could still hear her tears late at night, when he was supposed to be abed. He could still feel the pain and longing that she had kept pent up. He hated his father.... for giving his mother that disease. It was because of him that she was dieing now. Or... at least that's what he thought.
--------------------------------------------------------- -
Yahiko stumbled upon a large surprise when he returned to room. There lay Kaoru, standing in a pool of blood. A broad smile was on her face. Eye's wide and alive. Her skin was back to it's normal shade. Her clothing were stained with the red liquid, yet she didn't seem to be wounded. And even more strange, she seemed to be much younger then she was before. Back to the age of when they had met Enishi. And speaking of Enishi, to Yahiko's greater astonishment, the white haired man stood silently leaning against the wall. A smirk was upon his face. "K-k-Kaoru...?" He stuttered. What in the world was happening?
"Yes... that's me.. Kaoru Yukishiro... who are you?"
TBC
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Heh, I'm hoping I won't get flamed for leaving all of you hanging in so many different places. I'm not gonna go rambling and repeating what I said at the top of the page. Except that I'm sorry it's taken so long! X3 Take care guys!!
Falconess
Enishi, now a bit older, though still looking quite the same, his hair obviously couldn't get any whiter; approached. A small smirk was a upon his face. "Well well... look who we have here. Kaoru-san.. glad to see you awake." He bent down a bit, extending a hand to her. She gladly took it, pulling herself up. Dusting herself and her clothing off, she glanced bewilderedly at him. Her cloths seemed to be the same as what she had worn when she went to bed.
"Where are we..? What happened.. I thought.." After years of being a mother, her fiery spirit had somewhat quelled, she was no longer more rash then sensible. Becoming maniacal at this point, locked in an unknown room would be idiotic. Here was someone who might hold answers, attempting to pummel her only companion at the moment was not a prospective idea.
At her question, the smirk was instantly wiped from his face. Rather, a sober frown marred his physique. "It's hard to explain...the best word for it would be, we're trapped souls..." At her confused expression and the stare that he got, which plainly said, 'you're crazy', he sighed.
"You're telling me that we're in Purgatory...?" An eyebrow rose, and she gaze him one of those stares, as mentioned before. Her eye's wandered to the area to which he now gestured and trod off to. The formerly mentioned eyebrow now had a companion that rose as well. A semi-shocked expression gracing itself on her face. There was a large round table, the cloth that it donned was soft, almost like silk, and pure white. She had no idea why anyone would dine on such a cloth, it'd only get dirt with the food.... But she didn't comment. Food was on the table, and she wondered how in the world it got there, candles were placed about it, the wax seemingly to melt slow-- as if just lit. She snorted somewhat, suppressing a laugh, "Never knew you to be the romantic type."
The two sat down, and lady of the two stared down at a plate. It had seemingly materialized before her eye's. As she placed her hands upon the table, she almost jumped back, when her hand bumped into a glass of wine that she could've sworn hadn't been there a moment ago. Laughter reached her ears, and she shot daggers at the white haired man. "And I suppose you find this natural?" "I'm romantic? HAH! You're one to talk.." He chuckled a bit more at the sight of a blush. Ah yes... he had almost forgotten about this lovely lady. Almost... He'd thought himself accursed years ago when he to had been condemned to this place. But apparently the fates were with him. They brought him his sister. No... not sister. Kaoru was far from Tomoe, a lesson he had only realized at the brink of insanity. It was she that delivered him into the realm of the sane. For that, secretly.. he'd be eternally grateful. It seems that he'd found the woman he loves... and it was not like he'd believed before. "Eat...I'll explain....what this is all about. Or, at least what I myself know of it."
-------------------------------------------------------
< br> Branches scrapped against his face, only irking him more than he already was. His fire of a hair was now fed with twigs and leaves. Curses were muttered from lips, split from the lashing branches of tree's that decided they didn't quite like him. Kenji now regretted taking this "short cut". This would teach him to stray from a path. It wasn't that he was in a hurry to meet his "father". It was that he was in a hurry to get back to his maternal figure. Ahead, through the curtain of leaves and branches, he could see the outline's of a dojo. He thought nothing of it, figuring that someone else had built a different school now that the Kamiya Kasshin style was no longer being taught here. However, as he ventured from the tree's, his breath caught. Feet froze within their steps, and for a moment, he felt like a child again. He could just imagine his mother calling him from the back gate. There stood his home, the building still vividly imprinted into his mind and heart. He had been born here, raised here. And this was the place... that he had destroyed. It was impossible for it to be standing. After a while of staring, and noting every detail, he relaxed. The walls were newed than they should have been. The roof of a different tile. And there were other subtle differences to hint that this wasn't quite the same building. He had a strong suspicion of who had rebuilt the place. Grimly, he strode forward toward the gate.
----------
He'd been doing chores. The only thing he seemed capable of doing in the past few years. On occasion he'd do lessons on Kaoru's style. Not that there were many students anyways. No one really wanted to be taught by a low-life rurouni who seemed to be nothing but a bum. No one really knew how he got by. Perhaps it was with the money from lessons. Others said he fought in underground tournaments. A few others suspected him of thievery and gambling. Whatever the case, he lived. Over the past few years, his reputation had dropped. From a renowned swordsman, to a complete scum. He heard their whispers, about how he was a murder-- how it was his fault his family was gone. Sure.. rub it in. The sound of rustling leaves, the scrap of the broom's bristles against the stone tiles was the sole companion he had that day. At least, that's what Kenshin had thoughts. The sound of pounding from the gate surprised him into dropping his broom. His long hair was as ragged as ever, and his clothing still the same. Though now worn, a few holes here and there. It didn't seem that he had taken the time to buy new clothes at all. Washing would due.
Kenshin strode over to the massive doors, and pulled off the plank of wood that served as a lock. He pulled the duel doors open, and stared at the sight before him. There... the perfect image of himself, save taller, his body more defined, the hair short.. and the eyes. A voice reached his ears, exactly how he'd imagined it. This must be a dream. He didn't even notice until a few moments later that the stranger had invited himself in. He closed the door behind him, and faced the stranger, head tilted up at him. "Himura, Kenji?" He stuttered slightly, afraid to be wrong. The answer had been more then he hoped for, and more painful then he had thought it'd be.
"Kamiya Kenji.. a pleasure Himura-san" Kenji placed an emphasis on the Kamiya part. His voice was cold, distant and formally polite. As one would speak to any stranger that they weren't fond of. "I'm here to fetch you.... my mother wishes to see you. Her.." he paused for a moment, not wishing to think the next few words. But he knew it to be the truth. There was no denying "her last requests..."
Kenshin stared at the ground for a moment, as if mesmerized by those words. It didn't seem to register until a while later, and even then he didn't comment. He did however step closer to the boy, his arms extended as if to embrace him. He was brutally disappointed when he found that Kenji stepped back, refusing to touch him. His arms dropped, and the area grew silent, the only sounds were the faint chirping of birds. Kenshin didn't speak a word, unable to... A knot of grief had already formed in his throat. There were so many questions that he had, all of them unanswered. Where had they gone. Was Kaoru in danger? How had their lives been. Did they miss him at all? And the one he would never utter, to afraid to hear the answer that he knew would be uttered.... Would they ever forgive him?
For a moment, Kenji was almost sympathetic... almost gave into temptation. He was the one to break the silence. "You have 20 minutes to get ready. Any longer and I'll leave with out you. Meet me at the clinic." With that, he left; could still feel Kenshin's eye's piercing into him from behind. He could almost feel the sorrow that resided in them, the regret and longing. However, Kenji brushed it off. It was not his goal to befriend this man of his blood. Only his duty to do as he was bid. Just because they traveled together, did not mean they would have to enjoy the other's company. When he reached the clinic, he found that Megumi was not there. Apparently she had ran off for a while, on her anniversary trip with Sanosuke. He was happy for the two...albit sad that they couldn't be there for his mom.
Kenshin joined him soon after, and the two left the town, heading toward their destination. A sigh left Kenji's lips. It would be a long trip, a good 3 days at least. Wonderful.... They were heading through the forestry now. The accursed one that had dared to throw detours and the such in his path. The soft padding of feet that followed him was near to driving him insane. He could hear the flip flop of the mans shoes, the man who spoke no word. Uttered no apology. They didn't talk, at least.. not until dusk was near to come. It was Kenshin who spoke first. "We should find a camping spot soon." Kenji however, thought differently. Any spare time taken off just meant longer till they reached Kaoru.
"You can do that.... I'll continue on a bit further."
He hesitated before he brought his next comment up. He knew that he might regret it later, but Kenshin had to know the answer... "Why... why did your mother decide to leave..?" He was prepared to hear the worst. She hated him, he was worthless. He abandoned them. The list could go on. But nothing could've prepared him for what came next.
"She didn't.... I did." He said it as if it was a mere joke. Nothing but idle chat and conversation. However, he lost his control and nerve when his father dared to utter the word....
"Why"
Such a strong word.... it infuriated him. Why... his fathers voice rang into his mind. He turned, his eye's narrowed, flashing amber. Another reminder to Kenshin of himself.... "Why...? Why...? You dare ask such a thing?" He looked ready to attack. In fact, his hand was itching to grasp the hilt of his sword. It took a moment to calm... grimly, almost inaudible, "I'll take your advice this once... there's a clearing ahead that will do nicely for a camp." He seemed to have calmed.. that was until..
"Stop avoiding my question.."
A deep anger spurred within him, a hatred that he thought had died long ago. Before it wasn't that he loathed the man. Just resented him. But now... gazing at him.. the father he had so longed to see. The father that he himself had discarded... His mother had left the decision on whether to leave or not to him. Everyday he had always thought if he had made the correct choice. Always wondered about the what if's. But each ending always ended up blank-- or a nightmare. Just like what was happening now. He hated this man, this samurai of his own flesh and blood. Hated him for never being there for him... and for his mother. Hated him for missing his birthday those many years ago. Loathed him for causing his mother to cry so many nights. He could still hear her tears late at night, when he was supposed to be abed. He could still feel the pain and longing that she had kept pent up. He hated his father.... for giving his mother that disease. It was because of him that she was dieing now. Or... at least that's what he thought.
--------------------------------------------------------- -
Yahiko stumbled upon a large surprise when he returned to room. There lay Kaoru, standing in a pool of blood. A broad smile was on her face. Eye's wide and alive. Her skin was back to it's normal shade. Her clothing were stained with the red liquid, yet she didn't seem to be wounded. And even more strange, she seemed to be much younger then she was before. Back to the age of when they had met Enishi. And speaking of Enishi, to Yahiko's greater astonishment, the white haired man stood silently leaning against the wall. A smirk was upon his face. "K-k-Kaoru...?" He stuttered. What in the world was happening?
"Yes... that's me.. Kaoru Yukishiro... who are you?"
TBC
----------------------------------------------- ---------
Heh, I'm hoping I won't get flamed for leaving all of you hanging in so many different places. I'm not gonna go rambling and repeating what I said at the top of the page. Except that I'm sorry it's taken so long! X3 Take care guys!!
Falconess