…careless acts caused a scar!
It won't be the last of many…some of those might never heal…
Together at last: "The Legend of Hitokiri Battousai revealed."
July 1898 30th year of Meiji
Author's note:
This story slightly revolves around my other RK fiction: "The Lives of Kenji Himura and Kimora Sagara" but not directly as it still a stand-alone story.
Kenji and Kimora are now together… and for the time being it would seem as if they are having a blissful relationship. Their newly found romance has its ups and downs as any couple would. As the saying goes things are not always what they seem…why because on the outside Kenji and Kimora's relationship seems so perfect but on the inside their relationship is constantly tried and tested. Finally, when it seems that things are peaceful and settled until Kenji unknowingly stumbles upon the truths of his father's dark violent past! Kenshin is forced to reveal secrets of his past; secrets not even his wife Kaoru knows about.
"It's such a blissful afternoon…the gleeful afternoon sun…the calm winds; we couldn't ask for a better day!" Kenji cries turning to Kimora; embracing her.
"Being here with you just makes this afternoon so much better!" Kimora says happily.
The pair smiled happily at one another leaning against the softness of a blooming Ginkgo tree to escape from the billowing afternoon sun.
Kenji pulls Kimora into his arms, she leans in closer laying her head upon his masculine chest.
The pair remained quietly lost into each other embrace, the only sound were the winds whipping through the leaves of the Ginkgo tree as well as the comber that flowed gracefully inside the Hokkaido River just over the horizon...
"You two were together again?" calls a strong deep voice.
"Hello father!" Kimora cries as both she and Kenji stepped through the gate of her home.
"Yes, you two have become attached to one another!" laughs Megumi.
The happy couple glanced gleefully at one another smiling.
"There is simply never enough time in the world for me to spend with Kimora."
"Feeling is mutual!" Kimora replies blushing.
"We're both so happy for you two, you just seem so perfect for one another," Megumi complimented.
"Thanks mother!"
"I should be getting back home now."
"I shall see you all later…Mr. and Mrs. Sagara!" Kenji expresses bowing before Sanosuke and Megumi.
Kimora turns to Kenji planting a small peck on his lips.
"See you later," Kenji said bowing to Kimora. She watched till he disappeared behind her gate.
Kimora shifted her attention back over to her parents taking a seat next to them on the porch. "I've never felt so good…so alive!"
"Kimora we're really happy for both you and Kenji," expressed her father.
"Yes, we're overjoyed that Kenji has brought you nothing but happiness!" replies her mother.
Delighting in her parents gracious words Kimora grabbed both of her parents taking them into her arms. "I love you guys!"
"We love you too Kimora," expresses Megumi.
"Hey Kenshin!"
"Yes…Kaoru?"
"I think the vendor over yonder sells salmon."
"Let's go take a look shall we," Kenshin replies heading over to his wife.
Both he and Kaoru decided to spend the afternoon searching for indigents for tonight's dinner. Kenshin hurried along strolling through the crowds that flooded the bustling Tokyo marketplace.
"Excuse me Sir!"
"Oro?"
Kenshin turns towards the shrill voice but saw no one.
Shrugging Kenshin continued through the marketplace trying to find where Kaoru was.
"Sir over here please!" the shrill voice cries once again.
Kenshin ceases his gait glancing over to his immediate right and from there he saw a small old lady with sparkling green eyes; draped in an old tattered peach colored kimono standing with a slight hunchback behind an old rusty travelling cart.
"Yes," he inquired shifting his attention over the old woman.
"Please, sir may I read your fortune?"
Kenshin sighs, explaining "look...Ma'am I'm terribly sorry but I don't believe in fortune-telling."
"Oh…please sir this is my only means of living…please do me the kindness of helping out a little old lady!" she begged.
"Kenshin!" Kenshin turned his attention over to one of the nearby booths, there he saw Kaoru standing impatiently at the vendor's cart. Kenshin glanced back and forth between Kaoru and the old lady contemplating on what he should do. "Please, Sir..." the old lady went on. Never one to leave a person in need Kenshin conceded her request.
"Thank you…thank you!" she expressed happily.
"Please step over this way," the old lady says.
"Now, this won't take too long will it?"
"No, just allow me five minutes of your time good sir…"
"Please sir, take a seat," instructs the old lady.
Kenshin took a seat upon the dusty ground he looked around noticing that they were behind the old lady's rusted colored cart.
"First off, let me introduce myself I am Amiko Seiji," she says bowing before Kenshin.
"I am…"
"Mr. Kenshin Himura!" she answered.
Kenshin peers curiously at the Amiko. "I see that you are familiar with my name."
"Yes, Mr. Himura you are a very infamous man!" Amiko chuckled.
"Even after all these long years people still know who I am?" Kenshin asked concerned.
"How could anyone not know who you are Mr. Himura? You helped bring about this peaceful Meiji Era…for that we all are truly grateful for your heroics," Amiko says taking a seat.
"Mr. Himura please let's get started shall we."
Kenshin shifted handing her his attention.
"Please give me your right hand."
Kenshin cautiously places his right hand in her palm.
She turns Kenshin's hand over to his palm running her left pointer finger over the lines ingrained in his palm.
"Mr. Himura I will foretell you truths about your past, present and future!"
"Okay..."Kenshin answers with slight hesitation.
Amiko closes her eyes lightly running her finger over his palm once more.
"Let's start with your past…I see that you had an extremely troubling childhood. Many who were close to you died early on in your life," she states calmly.
Kenshin's bright blue eyes widen with surprise. "Yes, it was my parents, they died when I was just seven of cholera," he replies sadly.
"After this incident you were taking in by some caregivers."
"Yes," Kenshin replies softly.
"Then something tragic occurred with these caregivers as well, then you were taken care of by a very strong brute man of great caliber…this man also taught you the great swordsman skill that you possess."
"That's...right," Kenshin said leaning in closer thinking that perhaps there was so truth to this fortune-telling than he believed.
"During your youth there was a separation and from there you soon went off on your own."
"That...I did..." Kenshin replies.
"I am also seeing someone else whom you became extremely close too…I see a very beautiful yet mysterious woman that came into your life," Amiko expresses.
"What…but how could you?" stammers Kenshin stammers bewildered.
"Mr. Himura remember that I'm a fortune-teller." She continues running her pointer over Kenshin's palm shutting her eyes.
Silence filled the small, cramped space Kenshin leaned in closer wondering what was going on with the old lady hearing some mumbling under her breath.
"What…what is it?" Kenshin asks eagerly.
Amiko slowly opened up her eyes staring intensely at Kenshin.
"That woman…you seem to have loved her greatly…" she started, "but...it's too bad, I see that tragedy took her away from you."
Kenshin froze in place, shifting his attention over to the ground. He could feel tears edging his eyes thinking how the mere mention of her name still had such a terribly impact on him even after all these long years.
"Who was she to you Mr. Himura? You're lover...or wife perhaps?"
"She…she was my first wife…my first love," Kenshin stammered breaking free of his internal thoughts.
He could feel Amiko's tighten her grip on his hand...Kenshin peered at the old woman who was silently giving him her condolences.
"I loved her so very much…and not a day goes by that I don't think about her."
"I am sorry Mr. Himura...I didn't mean to upset you," Amiko apologized.
Kenshin remained mute wiping away the tears edging his eyes.
"You have committed many great crimes against humanity, but you have chosen to atone for your acts by helping the opposed and the weak!" Amiko says continuing Kenshin's fortune.
"Yes…in the past I have constantly tried to atone for my sins…but many times my efforts seem fruitless…but deep down inside I keep telling myself that I am doing the right thing."
"Please give me your left hand," Amiko instructs once again running her pointer over his palm.
"I see presently, Mr. Himura you have lived a settled peaceful life…with your family."
"I have very blissful man these past 20 years…I am married to the love of my life…and we have a wonderful son together!" Kenshin expressed with pride lingering in his tone.
"Yes, I see that you are currently living a very peaceful existence but…" Amiko says trailing off.
"But…what?" Kenshin asks anxiously peering at Amiko.
"Mr. Himura I see that elements of your of past are coming back into your life."
"What…what do you mean?!"
"Your peacefulness is coming to an end very…very soon!" she states calmly.
"Why? Please tell me how so?"
Amiko closes her eyes tightly clutching Kenshin's hand.
"I see…your son!"
"My son?"
"Yes, your son who has a strong resemblances to you...does he not?"
"Yes...he is almost my twin," Kenshin replies wondering what all this had to do with his son.
"This strong resemblance to you will cause him much trouble…pain…heartache!" Amiko whispers opening up her eyes.
"How will my son's candid resemblance to me cause him trouble? What…what does all this mean?!" Kenshin cries standing to his feet.
Amiko calmly releases Kenshin's hand. "Mr. Himura that is all."
"No…wait I need you to tell what all of this means!"
"Mr. Himura...I'm sorry but that is all I can offer you."
"No…please I must know!" Kenshin pleads.
"I am sorry," Amiko apologizes bowing before him.
"Did you seek me out for the sole purpose of telling me about some misfortunes?" Kenshin shifted towards the old lady, feeling himself growing heated with anger.
Yes...I Mr. Himura and simply because it's my job," the old lady said with a bright smile.
"It's your job to tell people about their lives but simply leave them in distress over such news," Kenshin inquired.
The old woman smiled but remained mute rocking back and forth in place. Kenshin sighed so it would seem that she was keen on not revealing anything else to him so there was point in pressing for more information. Kenshin thoughts suddenly shifted back over to Kaoru. At this point she was probably furiously waiting for him.
"How much?" Kenshin inquires with frustration reaching into his haori.
"How much what?" Amiko asks puzzled.
"For this ominous fortune?"
"Nothing!"
"Oro?"
"My first readings are always free."
"But...you said that you were in need," Kenshin says confused.
"Mr. Himura its very kind of you to worry about this old lady but you're the one who needs to worry," Amiko says making her way outside her cart.
"Thank you," he says bowing before Amiko, "you're skills are quite amazing…that they are," Kenshin expressed.
"You're quite welcome Mr. Himura…and if I were you I would take a look at my calendar and keep an eye on that son of yours!"
"That I most certainly will."
Amiko steps over to Kenshin grabbing one of his hand. "Mr. Himura please remember that…"Serenity comes easily in times of peace. In times of war, the soul shows its true balance!"
"Oro?" Kenshin scratched his head turning away. As he descended back through the crowd he spots Kaoru standing with a crossed expression tapping her foot.
"Hey...were were you?" she demands. Kenshin cautiously making his way over to his wife whose her face was understandably contorted in anger.
"I was stopped by this old lady who claimed she was a fortune-teller," Kenshin tried explaining.
"A what?!" Kaoru inquired.
"You know one of those fortune-telling people."
"Kenshin...don't tell me that you believe in all that nonsense?"
"I didn't until she told me things about my past that only you and I would know about."
"I see...what did she tell you that was so important that it kept me waiting?" Kaoru expressed peering at Kenshin.
"She knew about my parents…how they died…she bought up things about Master Hiko…and…" he trailed wondering if he should continue seeing how Kaoru's skepticism was quite apparent.
"And what?" she pressed.
"She talked how peaceful I've been living such a peaceful coexistence these days."
"Kenshin you did helped bring about the Meiji era, so she could have easily talked to someone or read about you."
"I realize that but…she mentioned something about my past coming back to haunt me and she mentioned Kenji as well," Kenshin states.
"What about your past coming back to haunt you...and what did she say about Kenji?" This bit of information seemed to have sparked Kaoru's attention.
"She said our son who bears such a strong resemblances to me is will be affected by my past," he reveals.
"What…what kind of nonsense is that?!" cries Kaoru.
"I don't know…but she warned me to keep an eye out on the calendar and advised me to keep an eye on him."
"Kenshin, come on now that's a bunch of mess! I can't believe that you gave into all that nonsense."
"How can I not…when she foretold me about my life…and talked about things that we only would know."
"Kenshin!" Kaoru says placing her hand upon his forehead.
"What are you doing?" he questioned.
"Kenshin…my dear husband I am simply checking to make sure you're okay…you seem fine…doesn't seem like you're running a temperature."
"Kaoru...I am fine…please if you don't believe me let me show you!" Kenshin grabbed his unwilling wife's hand leading her over to where Amiko cart stood.
"Miss Amiko…Miss Amiko!" Kenshin called looking around her cart.
"Miss Amiko!" Kenshin cries once again.
"Kenshin…obviously nobody's here."
"I don't understand...I barely left five minutes ago!"
Kaoru broke free from his grip holding on to the bucket of salmon.
"Look, Kenshin this is getting heavy…when you're finished daydreaming...I'll be waiting for you at home!" Kaoru says trampling ahead of him.
"Wait Kaoru!" Kenshin says trying to catch up to her.
"I know she was just there." Kenshin reaches over taking the bucket from Kaoru.
"Kenshin…please everything is going to be fine…look that women just fed you a bunch of nonsense just to get some money out of you."
"Besides why would your past be coming back to haunt you…the past is the past right?" she expressed throwing Kenshin a solemn nod.
"I suppose you're right," Kenshin sighs in frustration.
Both he and Kaoru continued through the marketplace in silence as they began their making their way back home. Even so along the way Kenshin couldn't cease his troubling thoughts over Amiko's ominous premonition.
A long involuntarily yawn escapes Kenji's throat. He had managed to slip in a much needed nap after his outing with Kimora earlier that day. Kenji stumbled out of his room slowly heading downstairs. He stopped looking around the empty kitchen wondering where his parents where. He had expecting to them home by now.
"Kenji!" cries a familiar voice.
But before Kenji realized what was going on he saw his father standing in front of him.
"What is it father?" he asks stepping back arms crossed.
"Are you okay?"
"Yes, why wouldn't I be?" Kenji asks confused.
"Are you sure everything's…okay?" his father pressed.
"Yes, father I reassure you that I am fine…what's the matter?"
"Your father is just being paranoid!" Both he and his father turned toward towards the voice.
"Father's being paranoid…but why?" Kenji inquired curiously.
"He was supposedly stopped by one of those fortune-telling weirdos," his mother says stepping inside.
"He claims that she foretold him things of his past that only we know about and some other gibberish," she continues as she steps inside shutting the door behind her.
"That woman wasn't talking gibberish…she was telling me some very important things about my life and what the future may hold."
"What sort of things was she telling you?" Kenji asks shifting his attention over to his father. He could sense some agitation in his father's tone.
"Kenji…please don't tell me you believe all that nonsense!" orders his mother.
"Not, at all…I am just a bit curious that's all."
"The old woman foretold of how these peaceful times we are in are some how coming to an end," says his father.
"Is that so?" Kenji inquired wondering what his father was getting at. Could the fortune teller be speaking of an event or time that was before he existed? Peacefulness and order were all that Kenji knew of it...so he started wondering what would cause their peaceful times to come to an end. Famine, war, diseases, invasions all started circulating around Kenji's head.
"But, that wasn't even the most disturbing part of her fortune," his father went on.
"So...there's more?" Kenji asks eagerly.
"Kenji…it's nothing...you need not to be worried about!" Kaoru says rushing to his side.
"But, I want to know more about what father is getting at," Kenji whines stepping away from his mother.
"Kenji…hurry on upstairs and get ready for dinner!" his mother orders ushering Kenji back over to the stairs...
"Kenshin…see what you have done…you've gotten Kenji all riled up now!" scolds Kaoru.
Kenshin lets out a long sigh. "I suppose you're right…I'm just being fictitious!"
"Kenshin, I do realize that someday our son deserves to know the truth, but now is just not the right time."
"You're right...and someday we shall reveal it to him...that we will," replies Kenshin.
Kenji shifted wondering back over to his room thinking about the strange conversion. As he stepped inside his room wondering what his parents meant about telling him the truth. He sat down at his small desk thinking what his parents could possibly have been holding back from him...
Early the next morning...
Kenji shut the gate quickly heading down the narrow pathway. He strode along glancing into the bright morning skies hoping that once again that he Sensei Seyuka would hold classes outdoors once more. Kenji shifted his thoughts over to Kimora. While he wanted to see her Kenji was most eager to express the peculiar aurora going around his home. Things had become strained and awkward since yesterday afternoon after his parents arrived home from the marketplace. Everything from his father's strange telling of some fortune by an old lady to his mother being short with both and his father was weighing heavily on his mind. Dinner last evening was silence and strained, his mother rushing Kenji out of the kitchen once he was done.
Kenji found it quite strange to say the least, as usually they shared in some banter after dinner but not last night for some strange reason. As Kenji went to bed that night, his mind kept wondering on the truth that his parents spoke of. He could hardly sleep that evening, as he was constantly thinking about what they could have possibly have been holding back from him. Kenji had hoped that things would pass this morning but there too an avail. The tensions were less strained but his mother kept up the shortness and his father didn't join them for breakfast this morning. Kenji sighed continuing along the pathway wondering how things around his usually orderly home have gone so awry so very easily.
"Kenji?"
"Kimora..." he calls looking up.
"Are you okay?" she inquires.
"Not...so much..." he answers.
"Kenji...what might be troubling you this morning?"
"Kimora...could we discuss it on our way?"
"By all means," she says stepping out on to the pathway...
"You said that your father was acting very strangely?" asks Kimora curious.
"Yes, he kept asking me was I okay…and was there anything going on with me?"
"I had to keep reassuring him that everything was fine so there was nothing for him to worry about," Kenji replies stepping over some fallen branches that strewn along the pathway.
"I don't believe in those fortune-tellrs either but Mr. Himura has a point, Kenji."
"What do you mean?" Kenji inquires stopping in his tracks.
"How would this person whom your father has never spoken to before know this much about his past life, and what he has done up until now?"
"I see your point, but I don't know what to make of what my father has said…I am just still perplexed as to why fortune-teller would bring up my father's past, and things about how our peacefulness is coming to an end," Kenji states shifting his attention over to the ground.
"That is quite strange…I suppose we have no choice but to wait and see what happens," replies Kimora. "So…Kenji?" she starts.
"Yes," Kenji says still focused on the ground.
"I have been a bit worried."
"Worried…about what?"
"Us."
"Us…what about us?" Kenji asks anxiously turning to her.
"What about it is worrying you? Are you saying…that you don't want to be with me anymore?" Kenji continues feeling his breathing becoming hitched in his throat.
"No…Kenji of course I want to be with you!" Kimora vehemently pleads.
Kenji clutched his chest, feeling his calming heart. "Please, Kimora don't ever scare me like that!" Kenji express taking her soft delicate hand into his own.
"I am sorry…there has been something constantly worrying me…since we've been together these past two and half months…"
"What's been bothering you?"
"That horrific night with Akira…my thoughts have constantly been flooding back to that dreadful night!"
"Not only that…but Mina and Rinoa told me that there have been rumors going on me, Kimora continued. "
"Kimora…please don't let that bastard Akira continue to haunt you from his grave, he's dead you have nothing fear!" Kenji says embracing her tightly in his arms.
"As for those ill rumors who cares…we both know none of them are true...as long as we have each other everything will be alright…and that's all that matters right?" he goes on to reassure her.
"Of course!" she express with delight.
A smile formed across his lips. Kenji was happy that she wasn't inquiring about breaking up with him. He couldn't fathom his life without Kimora. He thoroughly being in her presence and woke each and every morning thanking the Gods for such good fortune. Kenji relished in all the times he shared with her throughout their lives. But it wasn't until recently that they become more than just friends. Their relationship had grown since Kimora's unfortunate encounter with some street thug. Although she was a bit older than Kenji not by much she was what some would call a bit of a wild child. Once she finished her schooling Kimora would spend much of her time scouting out men in Tokyo. With her appealing and flirtatious nature, Kimora never had problems attracting men. But often-times many of those men were not the caliber of men whom she wanted any dealings with.
Kimora simply sought out their company to see the things that they could buy for her. Kenji couldn't remembered the numerous times he spent covering up for her whenever she decided to sneak out of her parent's home. Growing together this was something that Kenji had grown accustomed too. There was apart of Kenji that had grown frustrated with her exploits that he was almost at a point where he wanted to see her suffer but at the same token Kenji would go on to discover that all this time he had fallen in love with her. He knew her better than anyone despite the rumors and the friction caused by her troubles Kenji loved her spirit and zest for life. She was always the one who pushed him to do things that he otherwise never would have the courage to do. Kenji supposed this was why he cared for her as such, he knew deep down that Kimora's wild antics were simply a thing of her youth but he also hated that it took such a callous incident for her to realize that it was time for her to grow up and stop seeking ill pleasures from such haughty men.
"Let's get going, I don't want you to be late for class today." Kenji shifted his attention back over to the narrow pathway as they both spirited quickly down to Sensei Seyuka's dojo hand in hand.
"Hey look whose coming!" shouts one guy.
"Oh yeah…it's that whore Kimora!" yells another.
"Look, it's the whore!" laughs another.
The group of guys erupted into roars of laughter.
Kimora griped Kenji's arms as they made their way through the roused crowd.
"Kenji I told you that people are talking about me!"
"Hey, her love really must be good…so good it sent Akira to his grave!" shouted a short, pale teenage boy.
"Poor bastard!" laughs the stocky, pale, long-haired boy in a corner near the bamboo staircase.
Kenji turned to Kimora wiping away her sad tears.
"Hey…shut the hell up!" Kenji cries angrily stepping away from Kimora.
"Isn't that sweet…Himura…taking up for your woman I see!" tall, haggard looking teenage boy calls from behind.
"Look, I don't want to hear another word about Kimora come from any of your filthy mouths!" Kenji orders growing hot with anger.
"And what will you about Himura?" challenges the haggard teenager.
Kenji places his backpack down upon the stairs. "Taka want to find out?" Kenji steps up bucking up to his classmate.
"Kenji!" Kimora calls.
He swiftly turning his attention back over to Kimora.
"Baby I promise I'll be gentle!" One of his classmate croon clutching Kimora's waist.
"LET ME GO!" she screams.
"DON'T TOUCH HER!" Kenji yelps charging towards him.
"TAKESHI LET HER GO!" Kenji cries grabbing Takeshi's hand removing it from Kimora's waist.
With anger seeping inside Kenji grabbed Takeshi by the neck shoving him hard his action sent him skirting toward the rigid pavement.
Takeshi's collided face first into the hot rigid ground.
"Himura…what's the big idea?!" Takeshi yelped trying to gather his composure.
"YOU KEEP YOUR FILTHY HANDS OFF HER!" Kenji screams clutching Kimora tightly into his arms.
"I think I should go!" Kimora whispers laying her head against his chest.
Kenji hastly conceded grabbing his backpack. He lead Kimora back up the narrow sun-ladden pathway through the forest.
"Hey…that's right Himura go and take care of your whore!" he heard Taka laugh as they continued down the pathway.
"I'm so sorry Kimora…I didn't expect anything like that to happen," Kenji apologized. They had stopped along the way so Kenji couldn't not only comfort Kimora but diffuse his anger. Kenji couldn't believe the brazen actions of his classmates.
"It's not your fault, it was so hard to hear them say those horrid things about me!" Kimora sobs.
Kenji embraced her tightly. "Please, Kimora don't let them get to you."
"How can I not? You see what they were saying about me."
"Kimora…please!" Kenji cries while he presses her closer to him; with her burying her face into his chest.
"My love…I'm right here by your side…protecting you…embracing you…loving you."
"I know," Kimora whispers.
They remained wrapped in each other's embrace. Kenji glanced into the bright skies...not caring whether or not he was late for class at this point. All he cared for was Kimora's well-being.
"Kenji, I know that you need to go…" she says breaking him from his internal thoughts.
"No, I'm here as long as you need me."
"No…Kenji you don't need to miss any more school…I'll be okay, " she insists.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes,"she sobs.
Kenji slowly began wiping away the tears that stained her face. He held her face up close planting a soft-tender sweet kiss upon her lips.
Kimora sniffles wrapping her arms tightly around his broad muscular shoulders.
"I love you so much!" she expresses.
"I love you too!" Kenji says returning her embrace.
"Kenji...I reassure you that I will be okay…please hurry on to class."
"But where will you go?" he asks.
"I will be on my home."
Kenji conceding to her request, she was right he didn't need to miss any school especially seeing how he less than a month away from graduating.
"I'll come to you after class to see how you are doing."
"I shall see you later," Kimora says slipping out of his arms.
"See you later," Kenji says watching Kimora disappear around a corner.
Much to his dismay Kenji spirited back down the pathway with all his thoughts focused on Kimora. As he approached the dojo the area was empty. So it seems that everyone had made their way inside. Kenji hurried over to the entrance slipping off his shoes. Ignoring the loud whispers around him Kenji hurried over to his desk handing his attention over to Sensei Seyuka...
Kimora drudged over to her steps slowly stepping over to the wooden gate of her home surprised that she had managed to make it home in her presence state. She slid inside her home allowing the tears to freely fall from her sad eyes.
"Mom…Dad!" Kimora calls glancing around the living room. She stumbled over to the kitchen calling out to her parents once more. "Mom…Dad!"
Nothing but empty silence followed her inquiry and suddenly it hit Kimora that her parents wouldn't be home at the moment.
"That's right mom's at work and so is dad."
Still disoriented and upset Kimora stumbled back over to her room.
She fall back against down on her bed; burying her face in her hands.
"I know that I need to stop feeling sorry for myself…but how I can not!" she sniffled.
"What Akira…did to I just can't get it off my mind… I feel so helpless and vulnerable."
She shifted in her bed with her thoughts floating back over to Kenji...a slight smile forming across her lips as she continued thinking about him.
"I do have Kenji by side…so I should have nothing to fear…but even still people are talking about me spreading vicious rumors."
Kimora crumpled to the floor more tears edging her eyes. As she lied there more images of that horrid moment with Akira started pervading her thoughts.
"JUST WHEN I THOUGHT EVERYTHING WAS GOING GREAT!" Kimora screamed wrapping her head in her hands.
"STOP IT PLEASE…LEAVE ME ALONE!" she continued.
"WHY ARE YOU HAUNTING ME FROM YOUR GRAVE?!"
"I can't take this any longer!" Kimora walked over to her vanity table; pulling out a small dagger.
She calmly sat back down on her bed roll.
"I can't take all this torture…any longer…it's simply too much to bear."
Kimora brought the dagger closer to her heart.
"I can simply end my miserable existence here and now."
She slowly inched the dagger closer to her ailing heart stopping before it can pierce her heart.
"Wait…what about…my love Kenji…if I die then what will he do?" she expressing with her thoughts stalling on Kenji.
"He would be extremely sad, hurt and terribly confused." Kimora sat on her bedroll rocking back and forth shaking the last thing that she wanted to do was hurt the most important person in her life. Kenji has nothing but love and care for her so there was no way that she could leave this world. Sulking Kimora drops the dagger at her side sobbing. She simply didn't have the guts to take her own life.
"Class remember your finals start tomorrow…please remember to practice and study hard!" calls Sensei Seyuka.
"Hai Sensei Seyuka!" Kenji and his classmates echo.
"Dismissed."
Everyone bowing before the Sensei. Once everyone was done with their pleasantries and formalities Kenji gathered his belongings rushing pass his classmates over to the door anxious to head over to Kimora. He had been so worried over her that he had a difficult time concentrating on his lessons. Kenji shoved aside those thoughts he had ever reason to worry. Kimora was in a fragile state. Knowing how Kimora didn't handle pressure well Kenji wanted to hurry over to her aide wanting to make sure that she wasn't trying to bring any harm to herself.
"Himura!"
"Oh no!" he muttered in annoyance turning to the voice.
"Yes…Sensei Seyuka?" Kenji says trying to gather his composure.
"Please come here if you may."
Kenji sighed reluctantly heading back over to where Sensei Seyuka stood.
"Kenji…I just wanted to congratulate you."
"For what?" Kenji asked confused.
"I'm amazed at how well you managed to keep yourself caught up with all the work that we've done."
"I love school…and learning," Kenji simply stated.
"I'm just so very proud of you," Sensei Seyuka praises giving him a congratulatory pat on the back.
"Thanks!"
"So how's the family?"
"Everyone's doing fine."
"I don't mean to get into your business or anything…but are you with that lovely young lady that I've seen you come here with sometimes?" Sensei Seyuka inquired leaning in closer.
Kenji leered at Sensei Seyuka wondering what the old man was getting at. "Yes we are together…why do you ask?"
"I was just curious to know…that's all. How have you been?"
"Never been better," Kenji expressed in haste shifting his attention towards the door.
"That's good…so how's…"
"I'm so sorry Sensei Seyuka but I'm in a terrible hurry!" Kenji says interrupting.
I'm terribly sorry... I didn't mean to hold you…I shall see you tomorrow."
"Goodbye Sensei Seyuka!" Kenji calls bowing. But before he could reply Kenji spirited as hastily as he could out of the dojo. Everything was a whirring blur as he trekked down the pathway. Panting Kenji stopped trying to catch his breath. "I need to hurry." He hurried along skirting through some people causally striding along hoping that Kimora was safe and hadn't done anything to harm herself...
Kenji skirted through her front gate, not bothering to knock Kenji entered Kimora's home rushing over to her room hoping that she was okay.
He knocked on her door. There was no answer. "Kimora I know that you are home!" he called.
Kenji knocked once again...still there was no answer. "Kimora…I'm coming in!" Kenji cries in frustration.
He cautiously slid open the door looking around.
"Kimora...Are you home?"
Kenji called out to her once more scanning her small bedroom wondering where she could be.
"OH BY THE GODS!" wails a familiar voice.
Kenji gripped his heart rushing out of her room.
"Kimora!" Kenji sprinted quickly down the creaky stairs.
"Kimora…I hope you haven't tried to do anything insane to yourself."
He scanned the living room, it too was empty. "Where could she be?" he calls frustrated. Kenji gasped suddenly remembering how she would sometimes keep company in the study. Kenji shifted rushing over to the other end of the living room. With his heart toiling away at the uncertainty Kenji slid open the door gasping at the sight before him.
"KIMORA…NOOOOOOOOO!" Kenji wailed dashing over to Kimora.
"Kimora…please!" Kenji cries grabbing her wrist.
"Kenji…I need to do this…to end this pain!"
"Kimora…there is no happiness in death."
"Of course there is I am going to prove it."
"Kimora, please you're family needs you…" Kenji starts peering into her eyes, "and so do I."
And at the very moment Kimora shifted her attention over to the ground releasing the dagger.
"Kenji!" Kimora sobs.
Kenji lowered himself to the ground grabbing her shoulders...wanting to rattle her back to her senses. "Kimora, what the hell were you thinking?!" He leered at Kimora trying his best not to lash out in anger.
"I just wanted to escape…get away from all this searing pain," she goes on to explain.
"My love I understand that you are hurting…but death isn't the answer."
"I know but it…I just don't understand why this is still affecting me," she stammers.
"What do you mean?" he inquires confused.
"For whatever reason all my thoughts have been filled the agony and sorrow that happened that night with Akira..."
"You've been through an extremely traumatic ordeal so it's only natural that you feel hurt and anguish," Kenji replies softening his tone.
"I know…but it almost seems as if…Akira is haunting me from his grave."
"Haunting you from his grave?"
"I've been having these awful night terrors…"
Kenji shifted dropping his grip on her shoulders. "You've never mentioned this to me before."
"It wasn't that bad at first…but lately it seems like every time I closed my eyes I start reliving that hellish night all over again."
Kenji pulls her into her arms, gently coddling her head.
"Kimora, I realize that this is difficult but you just cannot continue to allow that bastard Akira to get to you…he's dead you're fortunate to be living, so you must continue pressing on not letting this incident hold you back from living your life," Kenji offered with sincerity.
He continued trying to offer her the conform that she desperately needed. Kenji pulled her deeper into her arms silently listening to her ailing sobs wishing that there was more that he could do.
"Yes, you're right…" Kenji looks up meeting her eyes. "I do need to go on with my life by not living in fear."
"I apologize for being selfishly inconsiderate of my family…and especially to you!" Kimora whispers reaching over stoking his face.
"Of course I forgive you my love…given the circumstances I completely understand," he express taking her hand within his own.
"Promise me that you will not ever try anything like that again..."
"I promise I won't," Kimora answered with a slight chuckle.
"That is great...I can't ever stand the thought of losing you, my love," Kenji says holding her tightly in his arms.
Things for Kenji and Kimora gradually got better and the rumors about Kimora ceased, along with her night terrors.
Kenji continued to get back on track improving in his studies so once again things for the young couple are looking very promising.
Approximately two weeks later
Kimora trotted through the front gate waiting for Kenji was the best part of her day...in fact it was something that she looked forward too. Kimora enjoyed meeting Kenji at the dojo but after the incident Kenji thought it be best for her not to come up to the dojo, or at least until the rumors dispelled. But even still once the tension seem to died down Kimora decided that it was probably in her best interest not to meet him at school anymore. She didn't want to cause anymore disturbances or stir up trouble for Kenji. Besides she enjoyed coming over to his home, it was like a second home for her. Both Kenji's parents were like her surrogates, they treated her more like a family member rather than a frequent guest.
"Kimora!"
"Yes, Mrs. Himura?" Kimora calls stumbling out of her internal thoughts.
"You're waiting for Kenji?"
"Yes...do you mind I have a seat?"
"Of course." Kaoru moved making room for Kimora on the porch.
"It's quite a lovely day..." Kimora says trying to engage in some small talk.
"It sure is...it was simply too much of a beautiful day to spend indoors," Kaoru chuckles.
"I couldn't agree more."
"How's everything going?" Kaoru inquires turning to her.
"Fine...and yourself?"
"Good," Kaoru simply states shifting her attention back over to the front gate. Kimora turned watching the front gate. As she and Kaoru sat there taking in the blissful settings a sudden though popped inside her head.
"Mrs. Himura…isn't Kenji birthday coming up?" Kimora asks.
"It's exactly one week from today…why did you have something in mind?"
"Indeed I do…I was thinking that maybe we could throw him a surprise birthday party."
"Kimora, that sounds like a wonderful idea!" Kaoru express with delight. "Where should we have it?"
Kimora pondered on her question. "Maybe we could have it at my place," she suggests.
"You think Sano and Megumi would mine?"
"I can't see why they wouldn't," Kimora offered.
"Maybe you should go and ask them just to be sure."
"Sure...thing."
"If not we could always just have it here," expresses Kaoru excitedly.
"Sounds like a great plan to me," replies Kimora happily.
"What's a great plan?" Kenji asks. She shifted her attention watching him slowly approach the porch.
"Dear Kenji!" Kimora says giving him a long bow.
"Afternoon Kenji."
"Good afternoon, Mother."
"So, you ladies plan on telling me what's this great plan?"
"Kenji…its was nothing more than mere women chatter," Kimora offers.
"Yes, nothing I am sure that you would have liked to hear," chimes Kaoru.
"I suppose," Kenji says sighing. "I'm tired…so I'm going to head on upstairs." He made a short bow before his mother heading inside.
"Wait up please," Kimora cries following Kenji inside...
Kenji shuffled back up to room, with Kimora trailing close behind him. He slid open the door stepping inside. Kenji tossed his backpack aside next to his bed. He leaned over his desk wrapping his head in his hands. He was spent, every inch of his body ached. He and his classmates had spent the afternoon practicing and performing military drills. The exercises along with the afternoon heat had wore on Kenji. He leaned over sighing Kenji was tired and drained. Kenji shifted his thoughts. As much as he enjoyed school he was anxious to finish and with his 18th birthday soon approaching Kenji desired to start working. He figured the sooner he could begin working the sooner he would be become a man.
"How was school?"
Startled Kenji shifted turning to Kimora.
"The usual," Kenji answers nonchalantly. He took to his desk chair staring out of the small rectangular window.
"How much longer do you have to go?"
"Ten months."
"That's not too long."
"I certainly beg to differ..." Kenji trailed off with a sudden thought coming to mind. "I'm going to ask Sensei Seyuka if I could I finish early."
"Why would you want to finish early? Don't you want to graduate with your peers?"
"Honestly, I don't care to do so...I'm really anxious to find work."
"Is that so?"
"Yes, but if I keep at this pace...it will take me at least another year to finish."
"That's too bad..." Kimora says. He sighed shifting his attention over to the window. Kenji flinched, he glanced over his shoulders and saw Kimora standing close behind. "Kimora...what are you up too?" He heard her chuckle as he felt the grip of hands around her shoulders. She slowly began massaging his firm shoulders.
"That feels really great!" Kenji croons. He hadn't realizes how much tension his body had been holding on too.
"Dear Kenji…you need to stop stressing yourself out so much. You need to kick back and relax," Kimora whispers. He shut his eyes feeling the gently pressure of her lips against the nape of his neck.
"I know…but I'm just really tired of school. I simply want to hurry and be done with it."
"That's understandably."
"Thanks for the support," Kenji says reaching for one of her hands. Soon a relaxed state of mind started washing over Kenji. He leaned back against the chair feeling her other hand combing through his hair.
"Look at this."
"What?" he inquired.
"Is it me…or has your hair gotten longer?"
"I don't know…it probably has," Kenji shrugs. His hair was the least thing that he paid any attention too.
"It's just so soft…so red..."
"It's long, annoying and, gets in my way all the damn time."
"You don't like your hair?"
"Not all that much," Kenji expressed honestly.
"Your hair has gotten longer…you seem to be sitting on some."
"This is exactly why I need to get rid of it," Kenji says reaching back and pulling at his hair.
"It's simply too much hair for a man. Don't you think?"
"NO!"
"No…what?"
"Don't cut your hair!"
"Why shouldn't I?"
"I...I love it…and it's what makes you stand out."
"Is that so?!"
"Yes, and besides it does compliment those gorgeous blue eyes of yours," Kimora complimented.
"I'll make an exception... and keep the hair."
"Great!" Kimora cries as she lies back against his bedroll.
He shifted climbing over Kimora.
Kenji moved in closer they soon share a long sweet refreshing kiss.
"For the record…I wasn't going to cut my hair," Kenji says pulling away.
"I know…you were just pulling my leg."
"You're so perceptive…that's why I love you so much!" Kenji happily expresses.
"I love you too!" she replies softly.
TBC