Samurai X Fan Fiction ❯ Ashiteru ❯ Ashiteru Chapter 1: Confession ( Chapter 1 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Ashiteru

By: silver angel love and Sam

Disclaimer: I don't own Samurai X in any way.. sorry Don't sue

-----------------------------------------------------------

The red headed assassin had been busy since early this morning as he worked on the harvest he and his “wife” had planted earlier that year. Kenshin pulled some unwanted weeds away from the seedlings, which were growing quite nicely. A smile crossed his lips as the thought of the new life he'd been given here in Otsu, in order for his and Tomoe's safety. It was very peaceful, and it gave him a sense of inner calm. He sat back and wiped a sheen of sweat from his brow before glancing around, wondering where Tomoe was at that moment. `We really should be preparing for a trip into town with the medicines' he thought as he stood and dusted himself off.

Tomoe was inside their small abode, preparing everything together that they would be needing once they went into town to sell their medicines to the villagers. 'Everything is just about together ... after I finish this, Kenshin and I will head into town.' She smiled to herself; It seemed as if she had forgotten her mission; But that was because she had found happiness with the assassin that had taken Kiyosato's (sp?) life... Still, she wondered, how long could remain in peace, like this?

As Kenshin neared their peaceful little home, he removed the band that bound the sleeves of his shirt so they would not be in the way. “Tomoe? Are you just about ready?” He called as he tucked the band into his left sleeve and slid the door open. “If we are to be back before it begins to get dark, I suggest we'd better be going.”

"Yes, of course." Tomoe turned to him, holding a few wrapped bags, with medicines inside of them. "Sorry for taking such a long time, I was just getting everything together." she turned around again, picking up a few more things. "There. I'm ready to leave now."

With nothing more than a nod, he took the bags and placed them gently into the pack he'd carry on his back. Once they were inside, he placed it on his back and began walking away in the direction of town. Kenshin really wasn't much for words, but even he could admit that was changing as he lived in this peaceful retreat from the hectic life he'd lead.

Tomoe followed behind him, also quiet. Inwardly, Her thoughts were endless, and heated. In her mind, she could debate with herself, weather she was doing the right thing, or not; she quieted her mind, and focused on to the lovely summer weather. Everything was very peaceful, it could almost help her forget about everything in rge past; What had occured, and the anger she had in her heart.. Now, her heart was soft and she had grown a fondness for the Hitokiri; Both replaced her old emotions.. Could a man this kind, and pure, actually take another person's life?

“The weather is lovely today.” Kenshin said, breaking the silence as he glanced at the clear blue sky above. “Perfect for our trip into town, wouldn't you say Tomoe?” A slight smile lit his face. He tried not to make it a habit to think about too much these days. His mind tended to show him visions of his life as a hired assassin. Memories he'd wished he could soon forget, but he wasn't capable of achieving with blood stained hands such as his.

"Yes, we may not have too many days such as this one in the near future. Its best to remember these nice days, with winter approaching." She agreed, and glanced up at the sky as well. 'I've never been at peace. Like this. In such a long, long time' the young woman thought, as she dared to smile fully. If only things could remain as peaceful as they were.. if only, if only, she hadn't been so full with her anger a few months back, then maybe, she could have had a peaceful life with him..

Once they were in town, Kenshin went to work setting up their designated area. He placed the sign up and laid the medicine out. “Why don't you go enjoy yourself Tomoe? Take advantage of this weather. I will not ask you to stay around here if there is no need for it.” He told her as he sat. “I will find you when the time comes to go back home.”

"It's all right; I do not mind helping you." She replied sitting next to him, and made sure her kimono did not become dirty. "I still can enjoy the weather, like. I do not mind at all," she said, in her calm, but not necessary icy tone; she was at peace with herself, at least for today. She decided that today, she would think nothing of her mission.

Kenshin gave a nod and smiled slightly. “Very well.” He said and turned to speak with the first customer of the day... As the hours passed, the two worked well together and served the customers. They were making good money today, more than they had in the past few visits. Soon, the sky turned into a fiery array of colors, sign that darkness would soon be upon them. Once the villagers had stopped coming, Kenshin packed their things and turned in the direction of home.

Tomoe followed behind him, carrying a few things too. Maybe she could allow herself to be happy, maybe. She did deserve such happiness. "We've made good earnings today, Kenshin." She spoke, breaking their comfortable silence.

"You did very well," This was the first time she talked about their profits casually, and it seemed so foreign; 'How long could we live like this? A quiet life?' she thought, again. It seemed as if she thought this ever single day ever since they moved to Otsu.

“Yes. You did well yourself Tomoe.” Kenshin replied with a quick glance over his shoulder. Something about her made him smile a lot more than he had ever done. She looked so calm... So happy. That was exactly what he wished for. Her happiness. `This life, here in Otsu.

It is something I've never even dreamed of' he thought. All he'd known growing up was the way of the sword. Or at least... it was all he could remember in his days fighting the shogunite.

"Thank. You...." She was now walking next to him, and glanced at him. He seemed to be in deep thought, as she had been at times. Here, she too could be at ease. Most people thought of her as someone who was perfect in everything she did; But she wasn't. Here in Otsu she could be herself, but some things, she couldn't have changed. Soon, they arrived back to their above.

Once they were home, Kenshin unpacked the left over medicines. “I suppose it will be dinner soon?” He asked as he stepped from his sandals onto the polished wood floor. “I'll make a fire...” With that, he walked over and knelt before the fire pit. “Tomorrow... we should go for a walk.” Kenshin said, trying to take his mind away from troubling thoughts. “If it's as nice as it was today, I think we should spend some time enjoying ourselves. Wouldn't you say?”

"Yes, that would be very nice." She smiled slightly, and walked over to their food cabinet. She opened it, and took out various food items to prepare for their dinner. Some were carrots, and other things. Finally, everything was prepared. She set the food plate into the middle of the small table, and placed chopsticks on specific parts of the table. Afterward, she brought out two more plates, and put then by the chopsticks. "Kenshin," she looked up from the table, to him. "Everything is ready to eat."

With a nod, he took his place at the table and picked up his rice bowl. “Tomoe I-...” Kenshin looked at her, wanting to say something but not finding the right words to say it. “...Never mind.” With his eyes downcast, he began to eat. “This is very good.” He commented after a few moments of an uneasy silence.

"Thank you, but it is just rice that I bought from the market...but I appreciate...the compliment......" Slowly, but surely, her icy exterior was melting. She ate her rice quietly, and with uneasiness. After a few moments, she looked up from her bowl. "What is it you were going to say?" she asked; putting her chopsticks down.

Kenshin finished his food in silence. “Hm... It was nothing.” He told her as he gathered his dishes. He seemed troubled... Conflicted with thoughts and emotions he'd never had that he'd been experiencing since he first met Tomoe. And now it seemed the wall he'd put around himself was crumbling with each passing day as he spent more time with her.

Tomoe watched him clean; in fact, she watched everything he was doing. She was curious as to what he was thinking, but decided, not to press further. It was becoming late, and she decided to unwind. She walked to their room, and gently slid off her kimono, and let it fall to the ground into a clothy pool. She was missing something, she just could not piece together what, exactly. The young woman walked a certain spot of room, and folded the kimono, then, placed it on to the spot where she usually kept her kimonos, and other items.

Kenshin, once cleaned up, stood and headed for the room they slept in. He was growing drowsy and decided it was about time for a good night's sleep. He took his place against the wall, as usual, with his sword clutched tightly in his grasp. Silently, he watched her from the corner of his eye before closing them. “Sweet dreams, Tomoe”

Tomoe walked from her spot to their large futon. She lay down, and turned to face him. She sat up, feeling dumb. Now her plan that she had made with the gang (I cannot remember their stupid name) came back into realization. she was kill him. Only now. she didn't want to..she clutched the sheets with anger. How unfair this entire ordeal was, in some ways ... she looked at him, and looked at him ... could she even tell him...? Would he kill her if she did ... she was debating now...everything was becoming a debate.

Feeling a sudden change in the air, Kenshin winced slightly as he was pulled from a light doze. His eyes slowly opened and became focused on her. “What is it Tomoe? You seem... Upset?”

Tomoe averted her eyes for a moment, and then looked back at him. "Are you are happy...here? With this life-style... with." she paused regaining her composure. "With me?" she asked, softly. She felt so stupid.. so stupid;

A slightly worried expression was soon replaced by a softer, gentler side of him as he listened to Tomoe's words. He turned his gaze to the floor just in front of him. “Of course I am, Tomoe. What reason would I have not to be happy here with you? You've... showed me so much... This life... Its been something I've never even imagined......” He trailed off with a smile on his face.

His smile slowly faded as a new thought crossed his mind. “Tomoe? Aren't you happy here?” He asked, looking over at her.

"I am... I am happy," She smiled again, looking at him, again. Although her smile was somewhat full with sorrow, she did not show it. "I have been contented here with you. ever since we came here. I was so happy, and I still am.. With the life we are having. Our life," said, hoping to gather her courage up. "I have something that I need to tell you. I need to. Get this out of this way." Her expression faded from a joyous one, and replaced with a troubled one. "I'm afraid of what your reaction may be," now, she was being some what, open.

Kenshin listened, glad when she said she was happy here... with him... But as her expression changed, and he listened to her last words. He took a few moments to answer. “Tomoe... If you wish to tell me something. Please, don't hesitate to say so. And... Don't be afraid. You have no reason to fear me.” He tried to give an encouraging smile, hoping he could ease some of the tension he sensed. Before she began to speak again, he rose and stepped over to sit nearer to her. “Now, what is it you wish to tell me, Tomoe?”

Tomoe gave out a deep breath before proceeding. "I was sent to kill you.. Kenshin.." she paused, not looking at him. "It because you, had killed my fiancée. The body-guard who I spoke of... Kiyosato (insert last name)..I had much anger in my heart... so much..but..when I saw I could get revenge on you for killing my deceased Fiancée, I agreed to help the wrong kind of people.. I did what I could... But.." she forced herself to go on, even though she was trembling. "Ever since.. I have been living with you

I have seen the kind and gentle heart you have. And I have grown fond of you...to the point where..my feelings have gone beyond that..but..now. I can understand. If you wanted to kill me...I probably deserve it..for what I'm getting myself..in to ... but I do not want you to die, that is the last thing I could ever want." Tears trickled down her pale cheek slowly. He needed to know, and she felt so stupid, so dumb, for not telling him what was going on. Was she destined to be happy? Maybe she wasn't.

Kenshin's heart sank as she began with `I was sent to kill you'. Kill? As he listened, he could feel something inside him... Something he'd never felt before. It soon became hard to breathe, and something inside him made him feel as if he were torn in two. The assassin side of him told him to kill; she was a traitor and deserved to die. But the other side of him fought, he loved her... He couldn't shed the blood of the one he loved. As he battled within himself, his hand unconsciously clutched the hilt of his sword tightly, ready to draw. He couldn't trust her any longer... now that he knew her true intention of finding him in the first place. She had to be dealt with, right? Wrong... She was the object of his desire, she made him feel whole and complete. He couldn't slaughter her! As he fought with his emotions, he didn't realize that this stress... had caused the wound on his cheek to begin oozing with blood. “T-Tomoe...”

Would he kill her?

--------------------

To be continued......

please review. I had help with this from my friend Sam..hes an awesome Battousai, hehe

-silver angel love