Finally third chapter is out :-D First I would like to thank all the wonderfull people who took time to read and review. It means a lot to me. Few notes as usual:
- Someone that said this story seems fimiliar. I believe there are other time travel fics but none is wrote by me...this is my first and only fic :-)
- Just to make things clear, Kenshin is 18 years old in this fic and Kaoru 17 (soon to be 18)
Disclaimer: Sadly I do not own Rurouni Kenshin.
Chapter 3: Need
It was peaceful in the garden.
Leaning against the rail of the small bridge, Kaoru gazed at her reflection which appeared on the pond.
Three days had passed since she was brought here. Things moved so rapidly here that she hardly had a moment to herself.
She fondled with a stray strand of her hair as she recalled the events which led her to this time.
She remembered the terrible noise, the feeling of helplessness as she fell; the battle voice, but all these did not make sense to her. Although her eyes were closed during the fall she recalled seeing images in here head, not pictures though, more like incomplete thoughts. Some were so terrifying that she was struggling to get away from them. However, at the same time something was pulling her as if "it" was in need of her help. Was she brought here to help Akira-san? And why did she end up in that particular dojo? Did it form some kind of connection to her time?
Kaoru sighed. This is giving me headache.
She watched as a red fish moved in the little pond. Her thoughts shifted to Kesnhin.
Her Kenshin.
He must be looking for her, mind filled with possibilities of what might have happened to her. But she was certain that no one would expect that she was trapped in another time.
Her gaze flickered to the other side of the garden where an unknown man was sitting, supposedly reading.
She spent most of the time helping the women with regular chores. They were nice enough with her but Kaoru was no fool.
They didn't trust her.
Kaoru knew that this man was watching her; they suspected that she was a spy.
Let them watch her. She had nothing to hide. Well that wasn't entirely true. But she could not reveal the truth of the circumstances in which she arrived to this place.
The day before yesterday a man approached her, asking her different questions about her identity and the reason why she was wandering at night.
What was his name? Iizuka?
She didn't like this man. There was something about him that made her uneasy. And the way he was looking at her caused her to shiver despite the warm sun on that day.
Dwelling on this made her remember her last encounter with Kenshin.
Or Battousai.
It hadn't been pleasant at all.
She had not spoken to him since that incident in the room. In fact she was avoiding him.
No she wasn't scared of him. But thinking of the way her body was pressed against the wall, the feeling of his hand on her waist, the look in those burning amber eyes brought painful memories of a certain night, certain person.
Him
Kaoru stood straight shaking her head.
Don't be silly you are safe here, he won't hurt you, he won't reach you.
But destiny was mocking her.
Inside one of the rooms, two men sat opposite to each other around a low table.
"So?"
"I couldn't find anything about her; this girl has no records whatsoever."
"Her records must have been destroyed."
"Possibly. I talked to her the other day."
"And?"
"She said that her family was killed on their way to Kyoto. According to her she is the sole survivor."
The other man narrowed his eyes, "we have not heard of any such incident."
"I'm aware of that but this girl's excuses are hmmm… unconvincing. A true spy can do better."
"Still we can not take any chances. Few selected individuals know Battousai's name. I find it hard to believe it was a mere coincident that she knew his real name," the man rose to his feet. "She must be watched at all time."
"Another thing, Katsura-san," he stood as well, "I spoke to the women who treated her wound and she told me that there were marks on the girl's body."
"Marks? What kind of marks?" Katsura asked.
"Burn marks, small cuts, fading bruises….it is as if the girl has been tortured."
"Tortured, eh?" He considered this for a moment. "There is something peculiar about this young woman."
"Indeed."
"Report any unusual events immediately, Iizuka."
"Yes, Katsura-san."
Kaoru was walking in the corridor, basket in her hand. She was on her way to collect the clothes which were hung in the back yard of this inn. As she neared the end of the corridor she halted. Hearing voices, she hid behind the wall and glanced at the two men talking in the open yard.
Kenshin
Kenshin's back was to her, he was speaking to a man she did not recognize.
"Tomorrow," the man said.
Kenshin nodded and tucked a paper inside the folds of his clothes.
"Shinsen gumi will be present, make sure you're not seen."
"I know what I'm doing, save your breath," Kenshin snapped. Anger oozed from his voice.
The man cleared his throat, apparently taken aback by Kenshin's temper.
"Ah…em… yah...I should not have questioned your ability, excuse my foolishness."
Kenshin did not bother to reply.
The man, who was looking nervous now, excused himself and started to leave. Luckily for Kaoru, he headed to the other direction.
Kenshin did not move. He stood there staring at the big Sakura tree, the soft wind riffled through his red hair. Pink petals fell from the branches of the beautiful tree, indicating the end of its short life cycle.
Kaoru stood gazing at Kesnhin, wondering what occupied his mind.
"I know you are there, girl," he spoke softly, "you can come out."
Kaoru was surprised. How did he…?
She braced herself and walked slowly to where he was standing. Placing the basket on the ground, she stood beside him.
"I have a name you know, and it's Kaoru."
Kenshin kept staring at the tree without uttering a word.
Kaoru sighed and followed his gaze toward the Sakura tree.
An awkward silence settled upon them.
"So another person is going to die tomorrow," this definitely grasped his attention. He turned his head toward her and glared skeptically at her. His golden eyes bore into her.
Anyone would have cowered under those eyes but Kaoru held his gaze.
Kenshin narrowed his eyes at her. Then he looked away.
"People die everyday," came his reply.
"Not by hired assassins," she responded briefly.
"His death will contribute to the good of all," he whispered, more to himself than to her.
"And who are you to decide the fate of others? Killing someone to protect others, diminishing a living soul so that other souls will live happily. I'm sure that this person has relatives who will mourn his death."
"He is a scum who deserves to die," he snapped, not bothering to hide his irritation. "What do you know, anyway?"
Kaoru did not quiver under his glare.
"I Know that fighting evil with evil isn't the answer, I know that a sword isn't a tool to kill, it is a tool to protect the ones you love, I have been taught this lesson by someone who lived by the sword."
"Then this person is a fool," Kenshin retorted, looking directly at her dark blue eyes.
If only you knew, Kaoru thought.
They stood staring at each other as the wind stirred their hair and the pink petals danced around them.
Kenshin was caught in the pool of her eyes. No fear was reflected on them. The bones in her face were strong, adding to her beautiful features, but there was something beyond her looks that was totally arresting.
The spell was broken as the sound of footsteps was heard.
Two figures stepped into the yard. Kaoru turned her head away from Kenshin looking at the approaching men.
One of them was a big man with a serious and scowling face. The other man was a handsome young man –probably around thirty- with a kind and calm face. His black hair was held in a high ponytail.
But there was no mistake of who was in charge.
"Katsura-san," Kenshin inclined his head in a polite bow, addressing the handsome man.
The man smiled at Kenshin and nodded, and then he diverted his attention to Kaoru.
"I finally have the chance to meet our new guest."
"More like a prisoner," Kaoru muttered under her breath.
"I sincerely apologise if we gave you this impression, I am Katsura Kogor,o" he said as he extended his hand to her.
Katsura Kogoro
Kaoru heard of this man. He was the leader of Ishin-shishi, the anti-Shogunate. The one who had opened the doors to the new era. But above all, this was man who gave Kenshin the orders to kill.
She pursed her lips and clenched her fists as she stared down at his extended hand. Raising her head her, she shot him a glare which was full of anger and resentment.
"Girl, if you…." The nameless man began but checked as Katsura raised a graceful hand.
"I can not blame you for suspecting my intentions," Kaoru began, "after all being a leader of a herd of assassins requires a high degree of prudence," she finished mockingly.
Kaoru could sense Kenshin's death glare directed toward her. And the other mans hand went to the hilt of his sword. But she did not flinch.
Katsura regarded her narrowly, his graceful dark brows were knotted, but not in an angry manner, more in confusion.
Then a knowing smile formed on his lips, as if he had found an appropriate explanation.
"I am glad you understand," he said simply in a pleasant voice.
As Kaoru pondered over her next words, her eyes settled on the sword which was buckled at Katsura's hip. She could not keep the remark.
"I can see you have a sword of your own," Kaoru said in a light tone.
"So?"
"I'm just wondering why you don't make a use of it instead of hiring people to perform your dirty work," she continued steadily, her eyes never leaving his.
Kenshin whipped his head toward her.
"Girl if you don't hold your…." he was interrupted by the sound of Katsura chuckling.
Chuckling?
Kaoru stared at him in bewilderment.
"Ah Kamiya-san, you never cease to amaze me. I admire your outspoken nature."
"I'm so flattered," she replied sarcastically.
This man is an enigma. He displayed no anger or irritation over her provoking remarks and He showed no change in his normal controlled elegance.
"To answer your question, although I carry this sword all time," he spoke as he moved to stand near the Sakura tree, "I have made a promise never to wield it again."
"So keeping your promise is more important than other's peace of mind?" she hissed.
He turned his head to her, his hands behind his back.
"I beg your pardon?"
"I meant," she spat, "that you employ individuals, turn them into murderers to do your bidding, uncaring of the consequences this will bring upon them and thoughtless of the sleepless nights and nightmares they experience."
Katsura held her unwavering blue eyes with his gaze.
"I take it you're referring to someone in particular?"
Kaoru did not respond. In reality she was speechless. Had I said too much?
"Emm… no… no one in particular" she said incoherently.
Kaoru was aware of three pairs of eye staring at her, but she only glared at Katsura. His aura was calm and steady. Kaoru Knew that any other man would have killed her without hesitation for her frank comments.
"And may I inquire about your wound?" asked Katsura.
Kaoru was thankful for the change of subject. "It is healing, it was only a shallow wound," she replied as she moved her right shoulder.
"It was an unfortunate accident," Katsura said shaking his head, "Himura's blade was aimed for someone else." He placed one hand under his chin, thinking deeply. "If my memory does not fail me, his name was Akira as you called him," he eyed her purposely.
Kaoru tensed. She did not explain her acquaintance with Tomoe's fiancé. And of course she can not say it was another coincidence.
Her mouth became dry and she felt a lump forming in her throat. She became nervous.
Katsura eyed her deliberately.
Kaoru diverted her eyes to the right, where Kenshin stood glaring at her.
Those golden eyes are not helping at all, she thought wildly.
Fortunately for Kaoru, Katsura made a gesture with his hand dismissing the matter.
"It's not important," he said "What about the other wound?" he ushered to her wrapped neck.
Kaoru placed her hand gently on her neck. Bowing her head she spoke softly. "It takes time but it will heal."
Please don't ask. Please don't, she thought desperately.
Thankfully Katsura didn't. He nodded and said, "time is a healer Kamiya-san, a slow one I must say."
Kenshin studied her closely. He noticed the change in her aura. Previously it was pulsing with anger and fury toward Katsura. However, now it was a different matter. Her aura reflected sadness and…
His thoughts were interrupted as Kaoru stooped to the ground and picked the forgotten basket. Once again she faced Katsura with determined face.
"I need to go to the town," her tone was commanding as if his permission did not matter to her.
"You do?" he cocked a quizzical eyebrow.
"I need kimonos, mine was damaged and I can not continue asking other women for their clothes."
Katsura contemplated her request.
"I grant you permission," he said after few moments of silence.
Kaoru bit her tongue to prevent another rude remark. She was infuriated.
Who does he think he is? Telling me what to do...
"Katsura-san, she can't…" the nameless man protested but Katsura gestured for silence.
"But…" Katsura began, "someone will accompany you," he looked at her as if waiting for her to object. When she did not do so he continued "Himura, I believe you are free today?"
Kenshin's head jerked up to gaze at Katsura, he was about to protest but a silent message was exchanged between the two, a message which Kaoru did not understand. Despite his previous reaction, Kenshin nodded on mutual agreement.
"All set now," Katsura said "I hope that pleases you, Kamiya-san."
"Thank you for your kindness," Kaoru responded without meaning it.
She carried the empty basket and walked away from the trio.
Unaware of the mistake she made.
Katsura's eyes followed her until she disappeared behind the wall of the corridor which led to the yard.
"What a fierce girl," Katsura said with a smile.
"She should be killed, Katsura," the third man stated, "She knows too much, she is a spy."
"Indeed she does," Katsura replied, "but still we can not condemned her of being a spy."
"She knew you were the head of Ishin-shishi just by hearing your name." The two men looked at Kenshin as he spoke.
"Yes I was aware of that the moment she mentioned it," Katsura agreed, "I must say I'm still surprised, to the public I'm just an official governor. No one knows my identity as the leader of Ishin-shishi. That's why Himura I need you to watch her today. Make sure she does not make contact with any suspicious person."
Kenshin nodded. He bowed his head briefly before turning.
As he walked away, his mind was pondering over the girl's angry words to Katsura.
Thoughtless of the sleepless nights and nightmares they experience.
How did she know?
Kaoru was waiting for Kenshin near the main gate.
He is late.
Mou, and I thought Kenshin's politeness was annoying. She fumed as she tapped her foot.
At last Kenshin showed up, walking slowly, face impassive as if no one was waiting for him.
"You know, it is rude to make a lady wait," she summoned her most irritated voice and glared dagger at him.
Kenshin arched an eyebrow, amused by her anger.
"Well, you can either tolerate or continue to live by the charity of other women," he responded calmly.
Kaoru gritted her teeth, "you…"
"Come, I don't have all day," he started to walk.
Kaoru was furious.
If only I had a bokken I would have beaten politeness out of him.
She inhaled deeply, calming herself.
And she followed him.
The town was busy.
Kaoru looked around her, making mental comparison between Tokyo and Kyoto.
Everything was peaceful and normal. Children played, women chatted, men laughed. It was hard to believe it was a time of war.
Kenshin walked beside her. His face displaying no emotions.
Now and then she stopped at different shops to inspect some kimonos. She possessed enough money to buy two or three kimonos and few other necessities she required. The money she had was an advanced payment she requested from the keeper of the inn. Therefore, Kaoru was obliged to stay there till her dept was paid.
It's not like I have another place to go to.
She bought a light purple kimono decorated with white butterflies.
In the next shop she was holding a bluish-green kimono as another red kimono caught her eyes.
"Oh! It's so beautiful, isn't it Kenshin?" She asked the silent man.
Kenshin eyes moved toward the Kimono.
"The patterns are so nice. But don't you think red is a little bit exaggerating?" She kept talking.
Kenshin did not reply though he was listening attentively. She was speaking to him as if it was a natural routine for both of them to go shopping together. The way she smiled brightly at him, the way she talked, the way she looked at him stirred undefined emotions within him. Her natural behavior around him made him wonder if she was aware if the fact that he was an assassin.
He watched her as she scooped her hair behind her ear, talking to the seller.
He didn't know if she was a fool or simply innocent. But one thing for sure...
Surprisingly, he felt at peace around this enigmatic stranger.
Kaoru walked ahead of Kenshin who was –like any gentleman- carrying the few stuff she had bought.
They were still walking in the busy streets of the town.
"Kyoto is a nice city and it is good to be out for a change," she whirled, facing him her hands behind her back.
"Ano Kenshin? Don't you need anything?" She asked as she walked backward.
"I'm fine," he responded coldly.
"Come on, you must want someth….ahhh" Kaoru let out a small shriek of surprise as she fell to the ground.
She had collided with something or rather…someone.
"Aw… this hurts," She complained as she sat slowly rubbing her sore wrist, which had taken the fall.
"Miss, are you alright?" an unfamiliar voice inquired.
Kaoru blinked trying to register what had happened. Her eyes focused on the source of the voice. A young man was crouching beside her. His chocolate brown eyes were full of concern.
"Ah, yes…yes I am fine," Kaoru said suddenly aware of her surroundings. "I'm really sorry I did not see where I was going, I…"
"It's totally fine, it was my mistake too. I wasn't paying attention." He was young, perhaps younger than her; his hair was dark brown almost black. Although he was wearing casual blue hakama she noticed the sword strapped to his hip.
"I am sorry miss," he apologized as he made it to help her to her feet. "Are you…." He did not have the chance to finish his question because just as he was about to touch her Kenshin stooped and hauled her to her feet by her injured shoulder.
"Ah!" Kaoru cried out as she was forced to stand.
Kenshin kept his painful hold on Kaoru's upper arm as he glared at the young man.
The young man glared back.
Kaoru watched them in confusion.
What is wrong with them? Do they know each other? Kaoru wondered frantically.
People were starting to gather around them. The young man glanced briefly at them then he looked at Kaoru, smiling.
"I'm sorry again if I caused you any problems," he bowed his head briefly to her.
"No really you didn't…" Kaoru started, trying to pull her arm free from Kenshin's strong grip.
"Let's go," Kenshin ordered as he dragged her by her upper arm, and the crowd parted before them.
A pair of chocolate brown eyes followed them until they disappeared among the multitude of people.
"What the hell is wrong with you?" Kaoru demanded for the tenth time possibly.
He was totally ignoring her, but he kept an iron grip on her arm. And she was having a hard time trying to keep up with his fast pace.
She tried to pull away with no luck.
"Let me go," She was furious. "You are hurting me," she suspected that her wound will be torn open any time.
Suddenly he released her. Kaoru staggered, but kept her balance unsteadily. Putting her hand on her shoulder, she glared at him.
Kenshin glowered at her, his hand clutching the paper bag in his hand.
"Who was that man?" came his cold voice.
"How would I know?" Kaoru spat, "You didn't give him the chance to speak; he was just trying to help and you…"
"You think I would fall for this play?" He asked angrily. "Just admit it; he was a friend, possibly a Shogunate. So are you working for them?"
Kaoru stared at him with wide eyes. "I can't believe you, you made that scene because you thought I was conveying a secret message or something to him? That's ridiculous."
"You do not help your case buy adopting this kind of attitude. Explain to me then how you knew my name; explain to me what you were doing wondering at night alone. Explain to me how you came to know the identity of Katsura."
Kaoru wanted to tell him that she owed him no explanation, but this won't help at all.
She took a deep breath.
"Please Kenshin…"
"It's Battousai to you," he interrupted her.
Kaoru shook her head. "Please just stop it. There are things I wish to tell you," her voice was soft, "but I can't, at least not yet."
"Then when? When the harm is done?" he retorted.
"No, never. I would never harm you. I would never do anything to endanger you," she looked at him with pleading eyes. "I know it may be hard, but please, all I'm asking of you is to trust me."
"That is too much to ask," he said simply.
"I know," Kaoru bowed her head. "Trust isn't something to give, it has to be gained, but…" she lifted her head and looked at him with renewed determination, "trust me Kenshin, I will gain it," with that she walked to him and took the bag from his hand, her eyes never leaving his.
Without waiting for him, she started to walk toward the inn.
Once again, Kaoru found herself sitting on the porch.
She gazed at the garden. The bright moon was reflected on the pond.
The silence was tranquil.
The occupiers of the inn were asleep. Well they should be, it was late. However Kaoru could not bring herself to sleep.
Nightmares were hunting her again.
For two days she had been blessed with peaceful sleep. But lately, it was filled with agonizing memories.
Despite her attempts to reassure herself that he was in another time, in another place, she felt him near.
Kaoru knew that he lived here in this time. A young boy, younger than Yahiko perhaps. He probably was living happily with Tomoe. As a normal kid.
But why was her wound throbbing with pain? Sometimes especially at night, the pain would become too great to bear.
Kaoru was about to rise when she heard a noise.
What was that? It sounded like the splashing of water. And it was coming from the other part of the garden.
She hesitated at first, but curiosity won.
She made her way to the other side, turning left she saw someone standing by the well.
Kenshin
He was facing the well, his back to her. And he was drenched in water.
"Kenshin..." she said softly.
Kenshin turned around quickly, startled that she was awake at this late hour.
Kaoru gazed at him. Droplets of water were dripping from his crimson hair. His golden eyes shone in the dark night. But what caught her eyes was his blood stained clothes.
"Blood…" she said as she walked unsteadily to him, one hand extended before her.
"It's not my blood," Kenshin muttered as he averted his haunted eyes.
Kaoru stopped few inches away from him. Raising her hand toward his left cheek, she touched it gently. Kenshin tensed for a moment, then he relaxed at her tender touch.
He closed his eyes and allowed her to caress his cheek.
"It hurts, doesn't it?" She whispered, "your heart…"
"It's for a better Kyoto," he said, eyes still closed.
"I'm sorry..." she said in a sorrowful voice.
Kenshin opened his eyes. Confusion was apparent in them.
What is she apologizing for?
He stared at her dazzling blue eyes. They did not show sympathy. What he saw was grieve and great sadness.
"I know you can not stop killing. Not yet, not now," she said in a choked voice, "so please…"
Kenshin eyes lingered on her face but something on her neck grasped his attention.
Red spot tainted the perfectly white bandage.
Before he had the chance to speak she removed her hand from his cheek and wrapped both arms around his neck.
She hugged him. Kenshin eyes went wide.
"Please let me comfort you, let me share your burden, let me take away your pain," she pleaded, her soft voice was muffled against his neck.
Kenshin could feel her shaking against his body, he could feel warm liquid dripping on his neck in contrast to the cold water.
She was crying. For me?
Kenshin did not know why but he was overwhelmed with strange emotions. Sentiments which he had thought long forgotten or buried deep within him, out of reach.
He felt that he needed her. He wanted to be close to her. He wanted to… hold her.
So he wrapped his strong arms around her small waist bringing her closer to him.
He hugged her back.
