Author's note: WOW! I posted the prelude this morning just to get a
feeler out while I wrote the first chapter and I can't believe there are
already two reviews!!
Well, this is the first official chapter. It's my usually length as far as chapters go so I hope you all enjoy it.
Two disclaimers: One, I own none of RK. I do this out of pure joy of writing and a love for the anime series. Two, I am not an English expert. There will be mistakes, please bear with them.
Thanks again!
* * *
Chapter 1 : The Kiku
Sunlight danced on Kaoru's face and in the distance she heard bells. Batting her eyes open, she found herself lying on a futon, covered to the chin with a blanket. She stood up slowly, feeling the blood rush back to her head. She threw a hand up to her pounding forehead and that's when she noticed it.
Looking down, Kaoru found herself in the most beautiful yukata she had ever seen. Oh great, she thought. I'm dead, aren't I?
She stood up and walked towards the wall, carefully sliding the shoji door open. Outside a beautiful garden was bathing in the morning sun. A stone bridge crossed over a huge koi pond. Huge bonsai trees twisted up into the air. Birds danced through the orchids that were in full bloom and past the stone lanterns.
A small girl appeared from the side of the building and froze in shock at seeing Kaoru at the door. "Michi-chan!" the girl yelled. "She woke up!"
"Ah… gomen," Kaoru started, trying to figure out what was going on. Before the girl could answer her, the most beautiful woman Kaoru had even seen came towards the room. Kaoru's yukata was like a rag compared to what she wore. The woman's hair was swept up and held in place with jewel-encrusted clips. Her face was made of porcelain, there was no other explanation for the flawless complexion, the perfect eyes, the red lips. She seemed so tall, like at perfectly straight bonsai that reached for the sky.
Oh my, Kaoru thought. I am dead. I am dead and this goddess is here to collect my soul.
Michi leaned down and looked at Kaoru. "Perhaps you should lie down. You look so pale. Are you…"
"I don't want to be dead!!" Kaoru cried suddenly.
Michi was taken aback and then started to smile. "You're not dead, child. You would have been if the guards did not drag you from the swollen river. But you are safe now, if not a little bruised."
Kaoru sniffed. "Who are you?"
"You can call me Michi," the woman said.
"Where I am?"
Michi paused. "That is a more difficult question to answer. But it will be answered in time. For now, let's get you a bath and some more formal clothes. Himi, go run the bath. Airi, go fetch a kimono." As soon as the orders were given, Michi turned her attention back to Kaoru.
"Now dear, what is your name."
"Ka... Kamiya Kaoru," Kaoru sputtered.
"That's a very pretty name. Now tell me, Kamiya-san…"
"Kaoru, please."
Michi smiled. "All right, Kaoru. Tell me about yourself."
* * *
Almost an hour later, Kaoru finally got a chance to take a breath. She felt like someone had stepped into her mind and prodded it, trying to grab every bit of information possible. Still, it was strange. Michi seemed only concerned with Kaoru herself. Her family. Her home.
"Kamiya Kasshin Ryu?" Michi asked. "That sounds very interesting."
"My father taught me," Kaoru said.
Michi's face faltered for a moment and then suddenly it was replaced with her normal smile. "Of course." Himi suddenly appeared and Michi nodded. "Go on dear, your bath is ready."
"Thank you Michi," Kaoru said with a smile.
As soon as she was gone, Michi walked briskly from the building across the garden and to another large building. An older man jumped to his feet as she entered.
"Madam," he said, bowing formally.
"Tsugio," she said, acknowledging the bow with a nod of her head. "Is he available?"
The man shook his head. "He's still sleeping but I know he expects a report the moment he wakes up. If you would speak to me now instead…"
"Of course, I trust you as much as he does. You are the most respected of the guard here."
Tsugio smiled slightly and straightened his uniform. "Then what shall I tell them."
"She is the daughter of Kamiya-san," Michi said.
"Of Kamiya Kasshin Ryu?" Tsugio asked. Michi nodded. "Amazing. When he died, I had assumed that she…" He stopped and shook his head. "Still, no matter how much her father was trusted, how can we be sure his daughter is of the same character?"
"He trained her," Michi replied, "from the start. And I can sense it in her, his spirit, his determination, his honor."
Tsugio sighed. "It is not much to go on, milady."
"It is enough for me," Michi said. "Tell him, I believe she can be trusted."
"You're sure, then?"
Michi smiled. "It is my job to understand people."
"Of course, I never meant to…"
"Stop kissing up," Michi said quickly. "It doesn't suit you."
Tsugio shook his head. "I see your point."
"Good. I'm going to check on our guest."
"But if you're wrong," Tsugio said suddenly. "You know how important it is that this entire matter is kept secret."
"Tsugio-san, you do not achieve the status of the Emperor's favorite concubine without knowing how to keep secrets."
"Or how to tell them," Tsugio replied with a smile.
"Careful, Tsugio," Michi said with a smile before departing.
* * *
"There's a mistake," Kaoru said meekly. "This can't possibly be what she wanted me to wear."
"It is," Airi said. "A gift from her to you. Now stay still so I can do you hair."
"But…"
"I'll do your make-up!" Himi volunteered. "Oh this will be so much fun!!"
"Ah... please, I wouldn't want to offend Michi," Kaoru said. "I really don't think…"
"It's exactly what I wanted you to wear, Kaoru," Michi said as she entered the room. Airi and Himi stopped immediately and bowed as she entered. "You have a very important person to meet."
Kaoru looked down at the silk kimono that covered her body. The craftsmanship was incredible. The silk was perfectly woven, the dark blue dye consistent through out. Tiny prints of white flowers on green vines climbed up and down the fabric. The obi was a deep green, matching the vines so that Kaoru felt as if she herself were wrapped in a vine.
"Then he must be the Emperor himself," Kaoru laughed, "for me to deserve something like this." Airi and Himi stared intently at the ground while Michi just looked at Kaoru silently. Kaoru's eyes opened. "You're not telling me that…" Michi nodded. Kaoru paled. "Oh… oh I think I'm going to be sick."
"No, no," Michi said, leaning forward and grabbing the girl's hand. "Please keep calm. You must listen to me careful, Kaoru. The Emperor is here and he needs to speak with you."
"But… but I just left Edo and I was under the impression he was there. In the Imperial Palace."
"You are right. To the rest of Japan, the Emperor is still there and that illusion must remain in place."
"But why?"
"That… cannot be explained. At least not by me," Michi said.
"Who are you?" Kaoru asked, bewildered by her situation.
"Airi, Himi and I," Michi began, "are concubines to the Emperor. The men who found you in the river were his guards." There were footsteps at the door. Michi stood up. "Now let Airi and Himi finish with you. I have to go."
"But Michi…"
Michi raised a hand to silence her and disappeared into the hallway, leaving through the shoji door. Kaoru sat there in silence and mild shock. Suddenly Airi and Himi erupted into giggles.
"Well, now that you know," Himi said, "you won't mind us helping you get ready."
"You can borrow my hair clips!" Airi said, gathering Kaoru's hair.
If Kaoru acknowledged their talking she didn't show it. She just sat there in dumb silence while the two girls worked on her.
* * *
Sano frowned. "I don't know about this," he said unhappily. "Something about this place sits with me the wrong way."
"Sano, please, this is the first place we have come across since we found the bridge. If Kaoru-dono passed this way…"
"Right, right," Sano said, holding up his arms. There was no reasoning with the man when he was like this. Of course there was never a doubt in either of their minds that Kaoru was alive. But the grueling day and night walking was really starting to wear them both down.
Sano knocked loudly on the wooden door. He heard movement inside and the door cracked open.
"What do you want?" a female voice demanded from inside.
"Hey baby, we're looking for…" Sano began.
"Just go away!" And the door slammed shut.
"What the hell?" Sano said. He began to pound on the door again.
"Sano…" Kenshin said pulling him aside. "Why not let me try this time?"
The door cracked up. "I said go…"
"Please miss," Kenshin said, sticking his foot in the door. "We are searching for our friend and we believe she may have come this way. Her name is Kamiya Kaoru. She has long black hair and…"
"Stay there," the voice demanded. Kenshin pulled his foot from the door and let it slam shut.
"I still don't like it," Sano muttered. Kenshin shot him a glance. They heard someone shouting and a few minutes later the door opened. Michi motioned them inside.
"Please stay here," she said evenly. Before either of them could say anything, she had disappeared. Michi walked away from the gate back to the room Kaoru was in. She found the girl being nearly attacked by Himi and Airi.
"Himi! Airi!" Michi called out alarmed. The two young girls erupted into giggles. They stepped away and knelt on the floor.
As soon as they were clear, Michi got a look at their handiwork. She couldn't help but smile. "Kaoru, are you all right?" The girl nodded numbly. "There are two men here who seem to know you. One had long red hair, violet…"
Kaoru was up before Michi could even react. Himi and Airi looked each other and took off, leaving Michi to catch up with all of them.
"Is he your husband?" Himi asked.
"NO!" Kaoru cried, feeling the blush creep into her face.
"Is he your boyfriend?" Airi continued.
"No! He's… ummm… he's…"
"All of you stop!" Michi commanded suddenly. The three girls stopped and turned to face a flustered looking Michi. "Honestly. I would have expected more from all of you then to act like such children. Himi, Airi, go ahead, I need to speak with Kaoru."
Himi and Airi seemed all to pleased to run away from Michi's glare and to whoever had effected Kaoru so much. As soon as they were gone, Michi took Kaoru's arm gently in hers.
"Kaoru, we need to talk about your friends," Michi said.
"It's all right, Michi," she said. "I've known them for a while now, I know that they can be trusted."
"Kaoru… please, for my sake, do not tell your friends about what happened until after you speak with the Emperor himself."
"Michi…" she started.
"Kaoru, please."
Kaoru frowned and nodded after a moment's paused. She didn't like but… she supposed a couple of hours of not telling Kenshin wouldn't be that bad.
* * *
At the gate, Sano and Kenshin suddenly found themselves surrounded by two bubbly young girls. Much to Sano's dismay, they seemed more interested in Kenshin then him. It figures, Sano though. I just want to know what the hell it is about him that's so damn attractive.
"You have the coolest hair!"
"And I love the color of your eyes!!"
Kenshin's face broke out into an embarrassed smile. "Really now…"
"Yeah," Sano said suddenly. "You're embarrassing him. Besides wouldn't you two beautiful young women enjoy the company of someone a little taller…" he finished puffing out his chest.
Himi and Airi giggled and jogged back towards an approaching Michi. Sano followed them with his eyes and smiled.
"Forget the tadpoles," he said suddenly. "Look at the one."
Kenshin looked up and felt his heart stop. Next to the one that had shown them in stood a raven haired goddess. The deep blue of her robe echoed in her eyes which were framed with the slightest circle of black powder. Green vines encircling her in a deep embrace. A slight touch of powder to her face. A bit of rouge on her lips. And hair piled on the top of her head in a design that seemed to wrap around in an inescapable maze.
She turned towards the approaching Himi and Airi and something sang in the air. It took him a moment to realize it was the tiny beads on her hair clip clicking together and not a siren's spell sent to entrance him.
Not that it would work. She had entranced him and Sano without saying a word. Himi and Airi finally reached her, just as she and Michi stopped talking. They jumped up and down and grabbed her arms, dragging her towards the two haggard travelers.
"Holy shit," Sano said. "Is that Kaoru?"
And then she smiled and Kenshin knew that Sano was right. It was Kaoru. Her smile faltered a bit as the two young ones dragged her closer.
Kaoru finally found there was something more terrifying then meeting the Emperor of Japan, a God in his people's eyes. And that was meeting Kenshin looking like this. Yes, here she came, Kaoru the fighter, Kaoru the tomboy, dressed up and painted like a doll. He was going to laugh, she knew he was going to laugh.
But it was Sano who was the first to make a sound. It was something of a nervous laugh as he mustered up the words. "Hey Jou-chan… you look pretty good."
Kaoru frowned. "Thank Sano," she said, with a touch of sarcasm in her voice. Her eyes flickered to Kenshin but he didn't say anything. She frowned further. "Well I see that my trip to find you was useless. Obviously, I had no reason to be worried."
Sano looked over at Kenshin. The stupid rurouni was sitting there with a blank expression on his face, letting him take the fall for their being gone a little bit longer than they thought.
"We just got a bit held up," Sano finally said.
"You could have at least written."
"The rains washed out the roads," Sano snapped. "How would we get a message through? Unless you want to blame me for the rain!!"
"Now, now," Michi said, suddenly interceding. "I am sure you have both had a long trip to get here. How about you two take a bath and go to sleep. Kaoru has something to do before she can leave."
"Right," Kaoru said, trying to control the disappointment in her voice. "I'm sure you won't be too upset to see me go." She turned on her heel and walked away, Michi close behind. Himi and Airi came next, shooting nasty looks at the two men.
"Oh, Jou-chan! Don't be like that!" Sano called out. He looked over Kenshin. "This is all your fault. The least you could have done was say that she looked pretty." Kenshin didn't move. "Oi, Kenshin," Sano said, giving him a little push.
The rurouni fell over backwards, hitting the ground still frozen somewhere between shock and euphoria.
* * *
"…so stupid!" Kaoru said as she followed no one in particular.
"Kaoru," Michi said trying to catch up with the girl.
"I can't believe that I actually thought…"
"KAORU!" Michi yelled. Kaoru stopped in her tracks. "Kaoru, please slow down. I know you are anxious to get away but it would be easier for us all if you were headed in the right direction."
Kaoru frowned. "I'm sorry Michi. It's just that…" Kaoru sighed. "It's nothing, actually. Nothing at all."
"Are you sure?" Michi said. "Because I'm about to take you to meet the Emperor now and it won't do to have you upset."
Kaoru took in a deep breath. "I'm ready."
Michi took her hand and led her to the garden. The peaceful area did help Kaoru calm down some. Of course, it was just enough for her to realize where she was being taken. And then the remaining anger was replaced with a very strong nervous feeling in her stomach.
She wanted to say something. She wanted to stop. She wanted to be sick. She wanted to be anything except some poor girl about to meet the Emperor. But before she could do anything, they were there and Michi was leading her through the door.
Dropping to the floor next to the concubine, Kaoru made sure her head touched the floor. She didn't hear anything though but something made her stay still just the same.
"Kamiya Kaoru."
The sudden break in silence made Kaoru jump. He was there! He had been there the entire time.
"Yes, sir…" she managed to mutter.
"Kamiya. It is good to meet you. I knew you father. He was a good man."
"Thank you sir."
"Michi tell me that you have been studied his legacy, the Kamiya Kasshin Ryu? You are the current master then of this style?"
"Assistant master," Kaoru said.
There were the sounds of porcelain clicking as he took some tea but Kaoru didn't dare look up. "So you live by your father's code, the sword the protects."
"Yes, of course."
"And where is your sword?"
Kaoru balked. "I don't have it. I lost it in the river"
Kaoru almost felt his smile. "That is too bad," he said. "I think, however, that we can replace it."
"That's too great an honor for me to accept," she said softly.
"Nonsense. Besides, it does not come free." Kaoru's brow furrowed but she remained as she was.
"Kamiya, do you know why I am here and not in my palace?"
"No sir."
The Emperor sighed. "You are still young, Kamiya. I know that you would have trouble remember much of the chaos that occurred before I came to power. I find it hard to remember myself. But I do remember enough to not want it to happen again.
"However, it has become clear that there are some who wish to return to that state so that they may rise to power instead of me. My advisors thought it best to move several of us to the country secretly while they could investigate what is going on.
"But it is hard for them to do so without raising suspicions. Too many people may be involved. And not just our countrymen. The foreigners have begun to dig themselves in too deep. If we are not careful, then Japan will fall into war again and the leader who will emerged will not be one of our own.
"Kamiya, your father served us well and I would never seek to place such a heavy burden on his daughter. But time is growing short and it will not be long before I must return to the Palace. If my men can not find this threat then maybe someone outside the Emperor's company can. Someone who can move through the streets without drawing attention to herself."
Kaoru's mind was slowly processing the information that the Emperor was relating. A threat to the very stability of Japan. But what was he asking her to do… he couldn't possibly be asking for her help.
"Michi will give you my seal, something you may use to elicit my men's help if you need it. It is something I entrust to you because she had judged your character worthy of it and I find myself in agreement of it."
"Th... thank you sir."
"It would be best to keep this to yourself. The entire purpose of asking for your help is to hopefully surprise my enemies. The more people you tell, the greater the chance that they will find out and not even my seal can protect you from their vengeance."
There was silence as he sipped more tea. It was barely enough time for Kaoru to clear her head. A task, an Imperial task to boot. Someone thought that she might be able to do something to help her country and her Emperor.
"We are quite a pair Kamiya. I the Kiku, you the Shinai. The Chrysanthemum and the Sword. And yet both seeking the same thing. Peace. I wish you luck, Shinai. May you never come to understand the full meaning of the sword that protects."
Kaoru was shocked by what he just said. What did he mean? That she never come to understand…
"Kaoru? It's all right, you can look up."
Kaoru lifted her head and found herself in an empty room. Michi was standing next to her, holding a small seal with the Imperial crest on it. "I'll bring the rest of the things tomorrow. You look very tired. I think it's time for you to go to sleep."
And somehow, Kaoru could not bring herself to disagree.
Well, this is the first official chapter. It's my usually length as far as chapters go so I hope you all enjoy it.
Two disclaimers: One, I own none of RK. I do this out of pure joy of writing and a love for the anime series. Two, I am not an English expert. There will be mistakes, please bear with them.
Thanks again!
* * *
Chapter 1 : The Kiku
Sunlight danced on Kaoru's face and in the distance she heard bells. Batting her eyes open, she found herself lying on a futon, covered to the chin with a blanket. She stood up slowly, feeling the blood rush back to her head. She threw a hand up to her pounding forehead and that's when she noticed it.
Looking down, Kaoru found herself in the most beautiful yukata she had ever seen. Oh great, she thought. I'm dead, aren't I?
She stood up and walked towards the wall, carefully sliding the shoji door open. Outside a beautiful garden was bathing in the morning sun. A stone bridge crossed over a huge koi pond. Huge bonsai trees twisted up into the air. Birds danced through the orchids that were in full bloom and past the stone lanterns.
A small girl appeared from the side of the building and froze in shock at seeing Kaoru at the door. "Michi-chan!" the girl yelled. "She woke up!"
"Ah… gomen," Kaoru started, trying to figure out what was going on. Before the girl could answer her, the most beautiful woman Kaoru had even seen came towards the room. Kaoru's yukata was like a rag compared to what she wore. The woman's hair was swept up and held in place with jewel-encrusted clips. Her face was made of porcelain, there was no other explanation for the flawless complexion, the perfect eyes, the red lips. She seemed so tall, like at perfectly straight bonsai that reached for the sky.
Oh my, Kaoru thought. I am dead. I am dead and this goddess is here to collect my soul.
Michi leaned down and looked at Kaoru. "Perhaps you should lie down. You look so pale. Are you…"
"I don't want to be dead!!" Kaoru cried suddenly.
Michi was taken aback and then started to smile. "You're not dead, child. You would have been if the guards did not drag you from the swollen river. But you are safe now, if not a little bruised."
Kaoru sniffed. "Who are you?"
"You can call me Michi," the woman said.
"Where I am?"
Michi paused. "That is a more difficult question to answer. But it will be answered in time. For now, let's get you a bath and some more formal clothes. Himi, go run the bath. Airi, go fetch a kimono." As soon as the orders were given, Michi turned her attention back to Kaoru.
"Now dear, what is your name."
"Ka... Kamiya Kaoru," Kaoru sputtered.
"That's a very pretty name. Now tell me, Kamiya-san…"
"Kaoru, please."
Michi smiled. "All right, Kaoru. Tell me about yourself."
* * *
Almost an hour later, Kaoru finally got a chance to take a breath. She felt like someone had stepped into her mind and prodded it, trying to grab every bit of information possible. Still, it was strange. Michi seemed only concerned with Kaoru herself. Her family. Her home.
"Kamiya Kasshin Ryu?" Michi asked. "That sounds very interesting."
"My father taught me," Kaoru said.
Michi's face faltered for a moment and then suddenly it was replaced with her normal smile. "Of course." Himi suddenly appeared and Michi nodded. "Go on dear, your bath is ready."
"Thank you Michi," Kaoru said with a smile.
As soon as she was gone, Michi walked briskly from the building across the garden and to another large building. An older man jumped to his feet as she entered.
"Madam," he said, bowing formally.
"Tsugio," she said, acknowledging the bow with a nod of her head. "Is he available?"
The man shook his head. "He's still sleeping but I know he expects a report the moment he wakes up. If you would speak to me now instead…"
"Of course, I trust you as much as he does. You are the most respected of the guard here."
Tsugio smiled slightly and straightened his uniform. "Then what shall I tell them."
"She is the daughter of Kamiya-san," Michi said.
"Of Kamiya Kasshin Ryu?" Tsugio asked. Michi nodded. "Amazing. When he died, I had assumed that she…" He stopped and shook his head. "Still, no matter how much her father was trusted, how can we be sure his daughter is of the same character?"
"He trained her," Michi replied, "from the start. And I can sense it in her, his spirit, his determination, his honor."
Tsugio sighed. "It is not much to go on, milady."
"It is enough for me," Michi said. "Tell him, I believe she can be trusted."
"You're sure, then?"
Michi smiled. "It is my job to understand people."
"Of course, I never meant to…"
"Stop kissing up," Michi said quickly. "It doesn't suit you."
Tsugio shook his head. "I see your point."
"Good. I'm going to check on our guest."
"But if you're wrong," Tsugio said suddenly. "You know how important it is that this entire matter is kept secret."
"Tsugio-san, you do not achieve the status of the Emperor's favorite concubine without knowing how to keep secrets."
"Or how to tell them," Tsugio replied with a smile.
"Careful, Tsugio," Michi said with a smile before departing.
* * *
"There's a mistake," Kaoru said meekly. "This can't possibly be what she wanted me to wear."
"It is," Airi said. "A gift from her to you. Now stay still so I can do you hair."
"But…"
"I'll do your make-up!" Himi volunteered. "Oh this will be so much fun!!"
"Ah... please, I wouldn't want to offend Michi," Kaoru said. "I really don't think…"
"It's exactly what I wanted you to wear, Kaoru," Michi said as she entered the room. Airi and Himi stopped immediately and bowed as she entered. "You have a very important person to meet."
Kaoru looked down at the silk kimono that covered her body. The craftsmanship was incredible. The silk was perfectly woven, the dark blue dye consistent through out. Tiny prints of white flowers on green vines climbed up and down the fabric. The obi was a deep green, matching the vines so that Kaoru felt as if she herself were wrapped in a vine.
"Then he must be the Emperor himself," Kaoru laughed, "for me to deserve something like this." Airi and Himi stared intently at the ground while Michi just looked at Kaoru silently. Kaoru's eyes opened. "You're not telling me that…" Michi nodded. Kaoru paled. "Oh… oh I think I'm going to be sick."
"No, no," Michi said, leaning forward and grabbing the girl's hand. "Please keep calm. You must listen to me careful, Kaoru. The Emperor is here and he needs to speak with you."
"But… but I just left Edo and I was under the impression he was there. In the Imperial Palace."
"You are right. To the rest of Japan, the Emperor is still there and that illusion must remain in place."
"But why?"
"That… cannot be explained. At least not by me," Michi said.
"Who are you?" Kaoru asked, bewildered by her situation.
"Airi, Himi and I," Michi began, "are concubines to the Emperor. The men who found you in the river were his guards." There were footsteps at the door. Michi stood up. "Now let Airi and Himi finish with you. I have to go."
"But Michi…"
Michi raised a hand to silence her and disappeared into the hallway, leaving through the shoji door. Kaoru sat there in silence and mild shock. Suddenly Airi and Himi erupted into giggles.
"Well, now that you know," Himi said, "you won't mind us helping you get ready."
"You can borrow my hair clips!" Airi said, gathering Kaoru's hair.
If Kaoru acknowledged their talking she didn't show it. She just sat there in dumb silence while the two girls worked on her.
* * *
Sano frowned. "I don't know about this," he said unhappily. "Something about this place sits with me the wrong way."
"Sano, please, this is the first place we have come across since we found the bridge. If Kaoru-dono passed this way…"
"Right, right," Sano said, holding up his arms. There was no reasoning with the man when he was like this. Of course there was never a doubt in either of their minds that Kaoru was alive. But the grueling day and night walking was really starting to wear them both down.
Sano knocked loudly on the wooden door. He heard movement inside and the door cracked open.
"What do you want?" a female voice demanded from inside.
"Hey baby, we're looking for…" Sano began.
"Just go away!" And the door slammed shut.
"What the hell?" Sano said. He began to pound on the door again.
"Sano…" Kenshin said pulling him aside. "Why not let me try this time?"
The door cracked up. "I said go…"
"Please miss," Kenshin said, sticking his foot in the door. "We are searching for our friend and we believe she may have come this way. Her name is Kamiya Kaoru. She has long black hair and…"
"Stay there," the voice demanded. Kenshin pulled his foot from the door and let it slam shut.
"I still don't like it," Sano muttered. Kenshin shot him a glance. They heard someone shouting and a few minutes later the door opened. Michi motioned them inside.
"Please stay here," she said evenly. Before either of them could say anything, she had disappeared. Michi walked away from the gate back to the room Kaoru was in. She found the girl being nearly attacked by Himi and Airi.
"Himi! Airi!" Michi called out alarmed. The two young girls erupted into giggles. They stepped away and knelt on the floor.
As soon as they were clear, Michi got a look at their handiwork. She couldn't help but smile. "Kaoru, are you all right?" The girl nodded numbly. "There are two men here who seem to know you. One had long red hair, violet…"
Kaoru was up before Michi could even react. Himi and Airi looked each other and took off, leaving Michi to catch up with all of them.
"Is he your husband?" Himi asked.
"NO!" Kaoru cried, feeling the blush creep into her face.
"Is he your boyfriend?" Airi continued.
"No! He's… ummm… he's…"
"All of you stop!" Michi commanded suddenly. The three girls stopped and turned to face a flustered looking Michi. "Honestly. I would have expected more from all of you then to act like such children. Himi, Airi, go ahead, I need to speak with Kaoru."
Himi and Airi seemed all to pleased to run away from Michi's glare and to whoever had effected Kaoru so much. As soon as they were gone, Michi took Kaoru's arm gently in hers.
"Kaoru, we need to talk about your friends," Michi said.
"It's all right, Michi," she said. "I've known them for a while now, I know that they can be trusted."
"Kaoru… please, for my sake, do not tell your friends about what happened until after you speak with the Emperor himself."
"Michi…" she started.
"Kaoru, please."
Kaoru frowned and nodded after a moment's paused. She didn't like but… she supposed a couple of hours of not telling Kenshin wouldn't be that bad.
* * *
At the gate, Sano and Kenshin suddenly found themselves surrounded by two bubbly young girls. Much to Sano's dismay, they seemed more interested in Kenshin then him. It figures, Sano though. I just want to know what the hell it is about him that's so damn attractive.
"You have the coolest hair!"
"And I love the color of your eyes!!"
Kenshin's face broke out into an embarrassed smile. "Really now…"
"Yeah," Sano said suddenly. "You're embarrassing him. Besides wouldn't you two beautiful young women enjoy the company of someone a little taller…" he finished puffing out his chest.
Himi and Airi giggled and jogged back towards an approaching Michi. Sano followed them with his eyes and smiled.
"Forget the tadpoles," he said suddenly. "Look at the one."
Kenshin looked up and felt his heart stop. Next to the one that had shown them in stood a raven haired goddess. The deep blue of her robe echoed in her eyes which were framed with the slightest circle of black powder. Green vines encircling her in a deep embrace. A slight touch of powder to her face. A bit of rouge on her lips. And hair piled on the top of her head in a design that seemed to wrap around in an inescapable maze.
She turned towards the approaching Himi and Airi and something sang in the air. It took him a moment to realize it was the tiny beads on her hair clip clicking together and not a siren's spell sent to entrance him.
Not that it would work. She had entranced him and Sano without saying a word. Himi and Airi finally reached her, just as she and Michi stopped talking. They jumped up and down and grabbed her arms, dragging her towards the two haggard travelers.
"Holy shit," Sano said. "Is that Kaoru?"
And then she smiled and Kenshin knew that Sano was right. It was Kaoru. Her smile faltered a bit as the two young ones dragged her closer.
Kaoru finally found there was something more terrifying then meeting the Emperor of Japan, a God in his people's eyes. And that was meeting Kenshin looking like this. Yes, here she came, Kaoru the fighter, Kaoru the tomboy, dressed up and painted like a doll. He was going to laugh, she knew he was going to laugh.
But it was Sano who was the first to make a sound. It was something of a nervous laugh as he mustered up the words. "Hey Jou-chan… you look pretty good."
Kaoru frowned. "Thank Sano," she said, with a touch of sarcasm in her voice. Her eyes flickered to Kenshin but he didn't say anything. She frowned further. "Well I see that my trip to find you was useless. Obviously, I had no reason to be worried."
Sano looked over at Kenshin. The stupid rurouni was sitting there with a blank expression on his face, letting him take the fall for their being gone a little bit longer than they thought.
"We just got a bit held up," Sano finally said.
"You could have at least written."
"The rains washed out the roads," Sano snapped. "How would we get a message through? Unless you want to blame me for the rain!!"
"Now, now," Michi said, suddenly interceding. "I am sure you have both had a long trip to get here. How about you two take a bath and go to sleep. Kaoru has something to do before she can leave."
"Right," Kaoru said, trying to control the disappointment in her voice. "I'm sure you won't be too upset to see me go." She turned on her heel and walked away, Michi close behind. Himi and Airi came next, shooting nasty looks at the two men.
"Oh, Jou-chan! Don't be like that!" Sano called out. He looked over Kenshin. "This is all your fault. The least you could have done was say that she looked pretty." Kenshin didn't move. "Oi, Kenshin," Sano said, giving him a little push.
The rurouni fell over backwards, hitting the ground still frozen somewhere between shock and euphoria.
* * *
"…so stupid!" Kaoru said as she followed no one in particular.
"Kaoru," Michi said trying to catch up with the girl.
"I can't believe that I actually thought…"
"KAORU!" Michi yelled. Kaoru stopped in her tracks. "Kaoru, please slow down. I know you are anxious to get away but it would be easier for us all if you were headed in the right direction."
Kaoru frowned. "I'm sorry Michi. It's just that…" Kaoru sighed. "It's nothing, actually. Nothing at all."
"Are you sure?" Michi said. "Because I'm about to take you to meet the Emperor now and it won't do to have you upset."
Kaoru took in a deep breath. "I'm ready."
Michi took her hand and led her to the garden. The peaceful area did help Kaoru calm down some. Of course, it was just enough for her to realize where she was being taken. And then the remaining anger was replaced with a very strong nervous feeling in her stomach.
She wanted to say something. She wanted to stop. She wanted to be sick. She wanted to be anything except some poor girl about to meet the Emperor. But before she could do anything, they were there and Michi was leading her through the door.
Dropping to the floor next to the concubine, Kaoru made sure her head touched the floor. She didn't hear anything though but something made her stay still just the same.
"Kamiya Kaoru."
The sudden break in silence made Kaoru jump. He was there! He had been there the entire time.
"Yes, sir…" she managed to mutter.
"Kamiya. It is good to meet you. I knew you father. He was a good man."
"Thank you sir."
"Michi tell me that you have been studied his legacy, the Kamiya Kasshin Ryu? You are the current master then of this style?"
"Assistant master," Kaoru said.
There were the sounds of porcelain clicking as he took some tea but Kaoru didn't dare look up. "So you live by your father's code, the sword the protects."
"Yes, of course."
"And where is your sword?"
Kaoru balked. "I don't have it. I lost it in the river"
Kaoru almost felt his smile. "That is too bad," he said. "I think, however, that we can replace it."
"That's too great an honor for me to accept," she said softly.
"Nonsense. Besides, it does not come free." Kaoru's brow furrowed but she remained as she was.
"Kamiya, do you know why I am here and not in my palace?"
"No sir."
The Emperor sighed. "You are still young, Kamiya. I know that you would have trouble remember much of the chaos that occurred before I came to power. I find it hard to remember myself. But I do remember enough to not want it to happen again.
"However, it has become clear that there are some who wish to return to that state so that they may rise to power instead of me. My advisors thought it best to move several of us to the country secretly while they could investigate what is going on.
"But it is hard for them to do so without raising suspicions. Too many people may be involved. And not just our countrymen. The foreigners have begun to dig themselves in too deep. If we are not careful, then Japan will fall into war again and the leader who will emerged will not be one of our own.
"Kamiya, your father served us well and I would never seek to place such a heavy burden on his daughter. But time is growing short and it will not be long before I must return to the Palace. If my men can not find this threat then maybe someone outside the Emperor's company can. Someone who can move through the streets without drawing attention to herself."
Kaoru's mind was slowly processing the information that the Emperor was relating. A threat to the very stability of Japan. But what was he asking her to do… he couldn't possibly be asking for her help.
"Michi will give you my seal, something you may use to elicit my men's help if you need it. It is something I entrust to you because she had judged your character worthy of it and I find myself in agreement of it."
"Th... thank you sir."
"It would be best to keep this to yourself. The entire purpose of asking for your help is to hopefully surprise my enemies. The more people you tell, the greater the chance that they will find out and not even my seal can protect you from their vengeance."
There was silence as he sipped more tea. It was barely enough time for Kaoru to clear her head. A task, an Imperial task to boot. Someone thought that she might be able to do something to help her country and her Emperor.
"We are quite a pair Kamiya. I the Kiku, you the Shinai. The Chrysanthemum and the Sword. And yet both seeking the same thing. Peace. I wish you luck, Shinai. May you never come to understand the full meaning of the sword that protects."
Kaoru was shocked by what he just said. What did he mean? That she never come to understand…
"Kaoru? It's all right, you can look up."
Kaoru lifted her head and found herself in an empty room. Michi was standing next to her, holding a small seal with the Imperial crest on it. "I'll bring the rest of the things tomorrow. You look very tired. I think it's time for you to go to sleep."
And somehow, Kaoru could not bring herself to disagree.