She wanted to go outside. Never had she wanted something so badly. It had been two weeks since Kaoru had been stuck in the huge mansion. She did not know why it had happened. All she knew was that one minute she had been on her way home, and the next she was at gunpoint in her car. Since then, she had been residing in the house, all doors locked, the windows barred, no phone or internet, and a power bind attached to her earlobe.
Inwardly, she thought, "That's the last time I drive with my doors unlocked."
Entering the kitchen of her present home, she reached into the fridge and pulled out a yogurt. Thinking on her situation, it was obvious that her captor knew of her demon blood. That fact alone meant that he was one of the few humans who knew of the underground world of Japan, a world of demons and angels.
The man who had taken her would come once a day to see her. Each time, Kaoru would ask why she was being kept, and she would receive the same answer: "It's of no concern to you."
"Damn emotionless wolf…" She muttered. Sitting on the couch, she flipped on the TV, her only outside source to the world. The six o' clock news was on. The blue eyed girl watched as a politician was making a speech. Something about the recent terrorist threats made on her country.
Kaoru was not focusing on what the man was saying. Instead, she was staring at a red haired man who stood very close to the speaker. She recognized him, but she could not put her finger on who he was. He appeared to be scanning where the unseen crowd was, with cold, amber eyes.
Sighing, she flipped to another channel. More news was on, and she was not surprised to see her picture on the screen, again.
"Actress Kamiya Kaoru went missing two weeks ago, and there are still no leads on where she might be. She was last seen leaving the set of the film Flavor of Life, in downtown Tokyo. A search was started over a week ago but there is-"
Kaoru cut the TV off. She was tired of hearing her name on the news, "I should have never done that film." Standing, the petite girl walked back into the kitchen and threw away the trash from her snack. Fortunately for her, and others of her kind, there was no difference in their appearance than from humans, unless their powers decided to alter appearances with wings. And she liked it that way.
Walking back, she nearly screamed when she saw the man who had captured her standing in the room. Narrowing her eyes, she immediately asked, "You here to finally tell me why I'm being kept prisoner?"
She was not surprised when he said in that same monotone voice he always used, "It's none of your concern." Stepping forward, he said something else, "However, you will be coming with me today."
Her eyes widened, and he nearly laughed, "You didn't think that you would actually be staying here forever did you?" By now, he had reached her, and said, "Come."
Without thinking of the consequences, Kaoru did not budge. Her feet were planted there, "Got too fond of this house?" He grabbed her by the top of her long ponytail, "I said come." Before his strong grip and long stride had the chance to hurt her head, Kaoru sped up as best she could to match it.
Leading her out the door, the man with his funny bangs opened up the door to a darkly tinted American Lexus and thrust her into the backseat, finally hurting the top of her scalp, "That hurt you dweeb." Without saying anything, he nearly pushed her over as he got in beside her.
"You're going somewhere for the evening, and then back home." The car started and the driver began to drive.
Kaoru was getting pissed off, "Why the hell can't you tell me what's going on? I have every right to know! You lock me up for two weeks, making all of Japan freak out over a missing actress, you bind my POWERS, and you expect me to keep quiet about it?"
She saw the man's eyebrow twitch. Kaoru took it as a good sign. She thought up more complaints, "I have friends you know. They're probably worried sick about me! And I know that half the demon world will probably be after your ass once they find out it was you who took me. Just because I don't associate with them half the time, it doesn't mean they won't help me out."
"They aren't going to find out. Not until we know for a fact that your kind are not involved."
"Involved?" She was finally getting something out of the ass.
Finally looking at her, he said, "Since you won't be quiet, I'll tell you the basic of what's happening. The government has discovered your world. They won't tell the public that there are such things as angels and demons. However, they are going to be watching your kind closely. They believe that they are responsible for the threats on our country. So, you are being brought under observation by the government."
Kaoru's temper flared, "Do you think this is some kind of joke? Why would we bother your government? There's no reason! And I have an image! Why would I risk it with stupid terrorism crap? What will the public think when they find out that I am being watched by the government?"
"They won't. You will go back to living like normal, only now you will have a guard, with the excuse of 'So she won't be taken again.'"
The girl made to say something, but just as her mouth opened he added, "Now shut up and behave."
The rest of the drive was silent. Soon they came to the familiar streets of Tokyo that she only knew too well. And then they were at one of the government buildings. When the car stopped, the driver came around and opened the door. Before getting out, a scarf and a pair of sunglasses were thrown at her, "Put those on." After tying the scarf over her hair, and putting the sunglasses on as directed, Kaoru was finally let out of the car.
Following behind the tall man, she thought, 'Sunglasses are pointless when it's dark outside.' It did not take long before she was led through several halls and finally to a room. Inside, there was a table surrounded by four chairs, and a fluorescent light overhead. The camera that was positioned in a high corner did not escape her vision. Kaoru was only too familiar with security, what with her occupation.
"Sit."
She did as she was told. Then, she was left alone in the room. Kaoru decided to keep the sunglasses on, so that at least the camera would not be able to show people who exactly she was, "I wonder what's going to happen. Will my career go downhill from here?" Sighing, Kaoru rested her head on the table, and stared at the white wall.
After what seemed like an hour, the door was opened, bringing Kaoru out of a half sleep state. In came her wolf of a captor, followed by a suddenly very familiar red head. The demon paled when her eyes met his golden ones, but she did not falter. She was too pissed off to be afraid of a guy with intimidating eyes, even though she had the feeling that she should fear him.
Not speaking, she waited for them to do something. After a few moments of staring, the red head sat down, followed by the other, "My name is Saitou Hajime."
"Wow. I finally get a name out of you," Kaoru sarcastically retorted.
"And I am in charge of many secret affairs of the Japanese government," He continued, ignoring her blunt statement, "This is Himura Kenshin, one of our best and most trusted officials. He will be following you as your supposed bodyguard. Your car is outside. Don't try something so stupid and open your mouth to your friends. We already have a story. Himura will inform you on your way home." And with that, Saitou Hajime left the room.
Looking with a blank stare, Kaoru studied the man who would be stalking her for god knew how long. His long, red hair was tied up high, he had an emotionless expression glued on his face, and he had slender features. As Himura stood, Kaoru asked, "You're not going to be ordering me around now are you?"
"I will do as I am told by my superiors," He said in a very cool voice. It was deep but void of emotion. Standing up as he did, she realized that he was actually a short man, contrary to her original thought of him being taller.
'Himura... it sounds familiar… but I can't place it…' Kaoru mused, "Well, I'm not too happy about this. Isn't this a violation of my rights as a citizen? To be taken without reason and then shoved back into society with someone watching my every move? I'm going home and you're not going with me."
Kaoru brushed past him, but before she reached the steel door, a strong hand grasped her around the wrist, "You will do as you're told if you don't want the whole world knowing about your kind." A shock ran through her when their skin met, 'What the hell? That shouldn't happen!'
"The least you could do is release me and take this damn power bind off. It's not like I can't control my personal ability."
Opening the door, Kenshin pulled her behind him, "Not until we are away from this building," He turned his head back to look at her, and smirked, "Wouldn't want a rampant demon running about now would we?"
The actress fumed, her eyes flashing in anger. 'How dare he!' The shock that had gone through her skin when they had first touched had gone away, but was suddenly back. It was beginning to really piss her off, "Do you have some shocking device stuck in your hand or something?! That hurts!" She really wanted to throw something at him, but with her powers useless, she could not even create a water orb to throw at him.
Another smirk tugged at the corners of the red head's mouth, but he did not allow his new charge see it. If only she knew the real cause of the shocks, "Get in." They were standing in front of her car, and Himura had the keys. Kaoru yanked her wrist out of his grasp and demanded, "My keys please."
"I said get in the car lady."
"I would like to drive my own car, to my own apartment, thank you." She grabbed at the keychain that he held, and was unsuccessful in her attempt. 'If only he'd take that damn bind off!' He walked around to the driver's side, with Kaoru in close pursuit. In the blink of an eye, the red head was in front of the steering wheel and the key was in the ignition, "Get in the car… now." The demand now sounded like a threat, "Or you won't get that bind off your pretty ear."
Kaoru flushed pink at the mention of her ear, and without another word went back to the passenger side and got inside. As they drove off, she removed her scarf and sunglasses. Then, he started, "You were being held for ransom by one of the terrorists. Only the government was notified, and if the man was not paid you would be strapped up with bombs and dropped off on a street corner causing the deaths of many. Fortunately, you and the terrorist were found, and his information is being withheld."
Her jaw nearly dropped as she heard what he was saying, "You were not treated badly and never saw his face as he always wore a mask," He glanced over at her with his amber eyes to see that she was listening. The man raised an eyebrow at her shocked face, and when she seemed like she was going to yell something back at him, he added, "You stick to that story, or your kind will be exposed, and then probably blamed for the terrorist activity. There is strong evidence proving that it is indeed demons that are responsible for it."
Shutting her mouth, Kaoru thought a moment, and then retorted, "Well, I have no problem with you convicting terrorists, but if you blame my kind based on the fact that we are the 'oh so terrible' demons that are always the bad guys, then the government has no idea how the demonic race functions. I don't see you guys blaming the angels for anything."
His eyebrow twitched.
The movement did not escape Kaoru's attention. She then thought back on the shock that had gone through her every time she would do something that probably annoyed him. Shaking her head to clear her mind, she thought, 'No. He wouldn't be working for the government if that were the case. Besides which, if he were, he'd be way too similar to that one dude…'
"And then, I saw you on TV earlier today. What's up with you being here now? Shouldn't you be watching your precious politician or something?"
They were nearing her apartment.
--
Ever since he had met her, the girl bugged him. She was loud and obnoxious, and would not stop pestering him until he would answer her questions. He usually had very good control over his body, but she just would not be quiet, 'So I shocked her once or twice. Not a big deal. She won't realize what it is anyway. She's just some stupid actress.'
The man was grateful for the power bind that was on her ear lobe. It was an interesting device that had been created to help younger demons or angels maintain high power levels until they were mature enough to use them. It also worked to completely block off power.
And now, she just had to bring up the subject of his earlier job. Too bad the guy was dead now.
Kenshin began to wonder why she had yet to figure out who he was, when she obviously recognized him. Sure, no one in her world had ever been alive to see him and know his true identity, but there were rumors.
Red hair, amber eyes, merciless. One who was outcast by his kind while being influenced as a young man, the Hitokiri Battousai, the fallen angel.
Putting aside thoughts of a past that should not exist, he parked the car in the parking garage, "Get out."
"Is that all you can say to me without being ordered otherwise? 'Get in,' 'Get out.' That's all I've heard so far." He wanted to do something to shut her up, but the red head did not. The government did not know about his true nature, and he wanted to keep it that way, "I'm sure that there are going to be people around. It has already been announced that you've been found."
"I know how to handle the press," his charge retorted. Then, Kaoru headed towards the elevator, as if she had no other care in the world. He studied her as she walked with her head high. Her long black hair was tied back; her slender frame was strong, but in a fragile way. Shaking his head, he was behind her in an instant, barely a foot between them.
The ride up the elevator was a silent one. Upon reaching the thirteenth floor, when the doors opened, there was a moments silence as they stepped out. It did not last for more than five seconds as the crowd of people realized who it was that had entered the hall.
"Kamiya-san, how do you feel?"
"Were you badly treated?"
"Did you get enough to eat?"
"What did he look like?"
The questions were thrown out relentlessly, as Himura led her through the crowd of press until they reached the door of her apartment. When they did, Kaoru unlocked it. But before entering, she said, "I appreciate your concern, but I would like to be able to sleep tonight without the sound of unwanted people. If you don't leave, my bodyguard will make you."
He led her inside, and then shut the door and locked it. Once the lights were switched on, he began looking around, surveying the room. It had large windows that allowed the night city lights in, when the curtains were open as they were now. A couch faced the view of the city. A nice television sat against the glass wall, and was connected to a DVD player, as well as a game console. Raising an eyebrow, the red head saw that there was a glass table with two chairs, and an open kitchen. The apartment had a modernized air around it.
A queen sized bed sat in one of the corners, with a door to the left, 'So she has a loft style apartment. Not bad…'
Speaking up, Kaoru said, "You can sleep on the couch." After taking off her dirty shoes, she went over to a small dresser that was near her bed, and pulled out some clothes. Before doing whatever she was going to do, she reached for a phone that sat on the top of her drawers and dialed a number.
After a moment, she finally spoke, "Yes, this is she. I don't know who the hell let them up here, but I don't want another person that you might even suspect to be the press in this building." Kenshin observed her silently as she paused. He could distantly hear a male voice on the other end, "I don't care if they have a pass." Her anger was growing, as she waited another moment, "I pay good money for this apartment and I don't want to have to go find another," Another pause, and then, "Just do as I requested. I'm tired, good night."
"I'm going to take a shower." She left him alone in the huge loft, as he heard the water start running.
Finally, the red head allowed himself to chuckle softly, "Interesting girl." He was impressed with the way she handled things. She might not be some dumb actress after all. Her words were said to ensure she got what she wanted, 'Perhaps a little selfish, but I don't blame her for wanting peace.'
Stepping over to where a refrigerator stood, he opened to see what was inside. There was not much. Some left over take-out, a few eggs, half used up tofu, and a gallon of milk. All of which he suspected were bad, since no one had been here for two weeks. Looking in the door, he was fortunate enough to see some bottled water, "At least that doesn't go bad." Grabbing it, he unscrewed the cap and chugged half the bottle at once.
After seeing if there was anything else that might be edible, which there was not, he ended up going over to his new bed: the couch. Before sitting down, he opened a bag that Kaoru had not noticed by her couch. It was his things. They had already been placed in the room earlier that day once they had finally figured out what to do with her.
--
"Himura, once you complete your assignment, head back here. You will be given a new job of sorts." He had sat at the desk almost bored, "She's kind of cute. I think you might like her."
Looking up at Saitou, the red head finally spoke, "What do you mean?"
"You're going to be the one watching Kamiya Kaoru."
His amber eyes nearly widened in surprise, but he kept his cool, "You mean you have known where the broad has been the past two weeks?"
"We took her because we thought she might have some connection to the terrorists. And if our evidence is correct, she does… in an indirect way. I know that you've heard of the demons and angels that reside in our city. She is one of them." Himura nearly wanted to choke on the tea he had begun sipping. They knew one of them personally.
Keeping calm, he asked, "How long has the government known? And how'd you figure out she was one of them?"
"We've known long enough. She was seen socializing in one of the demonic cults one night. After observing her longer, and witnessing her use of some power, she was classified as a demon. We figured by taking a pop figure who was one of them would bring out more terrorist activity. It's only lessened. And so we decided to give her back to society and investigate further."
--
Sitting down, he rubbed his forehead, "Damn. I thought I was done with that business." He dug around in his bag, and pulled out a long sword, "Looks like I'll be going back into the underground."
Placing his weapon carefully under the sofa, he pushed the bag aside and leaned back, "So much for that." Being classified fallen angel not only outcast him from his own, but made him wanted by all the demons in their desires of gaining control of the Japanese underground. He wondered how much longer it would be before his smart actress figured it all out.
"At least Saitou was right about one thing… she's cute." He heard the shower turn off. Not moving, he listened as Kaoru rummaged about in the bathroom getting dressed and doing whatever else a girl would do in preparing for bed. So far, she was pretty different from the demons he had known in his brief reign of terror. Outspoken, even though it was so far annoying, and rebellious; no demon or angel in their right mind would risk having a successful career like hers.
'Who am I to say that though? I work for the government.'
The door opened, "Hey, Himura, take this damn bond off. I won't kill you. My powers are water based anyway." Moving his head slightly, so he could just see her out of the corner of his eye, he saw that she was clothed in loose pants and a T-shirt. Her hair was down, and only then did her realize how long her hair was, as it was at her waist.
"Earth to the stone spy," She waved at him, and then pointed to her ear, "I want this off."
When he still did not reply, Kaoru walked over. Kenshin watched her silently, keeping his body in the same position on the couch, "God damnit if you don't take this thing off I'm gonna make you sleep outside."
"I can't allow you to do that," He murmured.
Narrowing her bright blue orbs, she argued back, "Then take this off."
"Why should I?"
"If you don't then I'm stuck sleeping with a wet head all night. I told you, my power is water based. My hair would be dry by now if I didn't have this damn thing on."
"So what."
There was silence for a minute, and then she finally said, "You told me you'd take it off. So do it or outside tonight."
Knowing the girl would not shut up, he sighed. At least he could make her suffer a little, "Sit down." Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a little device that would unlock the bind once it made contact with it. Leaning down, he slipped it into his mouth and before Kaoru realized what was going on, he bit lightly on the cartilage of her ear, swiping the key along the bind. Almost instantly, it fell off her ear. Catching it on his tongue, Himura sat back up, and pulled it out, "Happy now?"
The girl was sitting on the couch beet red. Smirking, he lowered his voice and whispered in her ear, "Did you like that? I could do it again." Coming back to her senses, Kaoru glared at him, "What the hell? Do you think I'm something you can mess around with? You think that since I'm an actor I abuse the privilege and have sex all the time?"
She stood up and he saw her eyes brighten in color. As she had said earlier, her hair was indeed nearly dry now. Before he could say another word, a small ball of water was floating in the air and she aimed it at him.
As it flew, Kenshin stopped it with a small shield. The water splashed onto the floor.
The two stood staring at each other for a few minutes. Kaoru did not say anything as realization dawned on her, "You… you're not a human!"
She did not know whether she should be angry with him for working for the government, or if she should pity him for it.
Speaking, he said, "No, I'm not."
"That can't be true. Because if you're one of us, then… you could only be…" Her eyes were wide. He waited for her to finish what he knew she was going to say, "You could only be the Hitokiri Battousai. You… you are the fallen angel."
And then all Kaoru saw, was black.
--
Alright, everyone, here is chapter one of Flavor of Life. I hope you enjoyed it. This is a little different from the usual, even though you might think: God. Another Kenshin is the bodyguard story. It's not that way. This idea popped into my head in religion class. Haha. I plan to have this story be funny, while dramatic. And a little romance thrown in. It is obvious the two don't get along at all. But that's the point. Well, I'll see you next time!
-hotaru
P.S.
\/ Click it!! I want your thoughts so that I can write more!