I do not own Rurouni Kenshin ;-)
The Otherworld
Chapter 4 – Alice Syndrome
Kaoru had experienced more emotions in the last few hours than she had in her whole life. Hope, exasperation, eagerness, anger, sadness, bewilderment and the list just kept going. Did God not take pity on her for one moment? You say love us all equally, but you don't do you? she thought dryly.
Last night she hadn't slept and now she was in a private hall or dojo as Kenshin called it to practice the first lessons in meditation.
'In order to fully grasp your potential you must be able to focus on everything with precision even whilst you are fighting. To do this you must practice your focus through meditation. I know it sounds boring but after a few lessons you will be able to hear the ants and the bees a kilometre away.'
He watched as she tried to concentrate on trying to clear her mind. Wisps of hair fell over her face. Her lips were pursed with concentration. Placing his hand over her clenched fist he pulled her out of a sitting position and into his arms. Her eyes flew open as she fell against him. Closing his eyes he placed his forehead against hers while he held her against him.
'Close your eyes Kaoru. I will show you true solidarity' he whispered.
Closing her eyes she felt a brush of something against the peripheries of her mind. Although her eyes were closed saw herself standing completely alone in a dojo.
'Kenshin?'
'I am here' he whispered. And there he was standing behind her.
'Where are we?'
'Can't you tell?' She looked at him in bewilderment.
'What can you hear?' he asked. Cocking her head to the side she listened.
'Nothing. I can hear nothing. Why?'
'We're inside your mind Kaoru'
'How?'
'We share a bond, which has allowed me to enter your mind and communicate with you. What you see of me in here is what I am projecting to you from my mind. Does that make sense?'
'Yes. How strange that I feel so calm inside.'
'Yes but this is calm as it is the centre of your consciousness. See that door there' he said pointing to a large wooden red door 'it holds something important to you. It can be your dreams, your memories, your secrets, anything. If we wish someone to view something we create it within our minds and allow them a means to access it. Hence the door…do you want to see what's behind it?'
'I don't know. Maybe.' She said quickly 'Perhaps after I've had training and I'm ready to face whatever it is.'
'Of course...open your eyes' Upon opening them she, found herself drowning in the depths of his violet orbs. They swirled with gold flecks and something else she couldn't quite fathom.
'Your eyes have gold bits in them' Kaoru was aware of how lovely he was. His eyes, mouth, and nose were perfect. She could feel his warm breath against her cheek as his lips brushed lightly across the corner of her mouth. Their softness left her breathless as she turned her head slightly to allow the kiss to fall fully on her lips. Pulling her into his embrace Kenshin, held himself back and kissed her gently. He left her mouth and trailed a line of hot kisses down her cheek and throat as Kaoru tilted her head back allowing him access to her neck. Cupping the back of her head, he ran his tongue over her soft skin, and returned to her mouth for more.
What are you doing Kaoru? You only just met him! Get with it NOW.
Pulling her mouth away from his she leaned away and panted, slightly out of breath. He slowly let her out of his embrace and turned away to pick up a long wooden pole.
'This is a Bokken' he said after a moment. 'You'll use this until you master the art of swordplay which I teach you.'
'Okay' she agreed clearing her throat uncomfortably. Nothing in his tone suggested that he was uncomfortable with what had happened moments earlier.
'The bokken allows your body to endure and accumulate stamina and then we shall progress to fighting with a real Katana' and as he mentioned this, a sword materialised in his hand. It was long; the hilt and blade was covered in an exquisite design etched in obsidian. It shone silver and black and exuded power. Kenshin holding the sword seemed so different…Powerful…Formidable. 'The katana must complement your style of fighting, your personality and your magic. It will be like an appendage of yourself, and when you fight you will be one with it.'
'Where do I get one' she joked
'Our people make swords for our fighters. Those who reach a certain level of expertise have a sword commissioned for them by our armoury. The spellweavers will know what suits you best. When you hold it in your hand you will feel it. A Katana made for you held in hands of another will be impotent. You must always remember to honour your sword. Protect and understand it. It is not a tool for your usage, but an element of you which must be treasured. An epitome of a strong link between the sword and it's custodian is when the Katana understands implicitly what you desire and acts upon it'
Kaoru was at a loss in understanding how a sword could be a part of her, then again since she came here she'd been wrong about a lot of things.
Since the kiss Kaoru had concentrated determinedly on her meditations, and swordplay. 7 weeks had passed and from Sunrise to Sunset she lived and breathed Kenshins teachings until her magic appeared in the strangest manner.
Kenshin had a few members of the Elite practice with Kaoru. He felt she had advanced significantly in her abilities and the earlier he tested her, the better. His words not hers. One particular Elite Enishi, just rubbed her the wrong way. She felt like he was leering at her yet his countenance never betrayed him once.
'Well well the little earthling has come a long way. Fighting with the Elite already huh?'
'Enishi, you are here to test her swordplay, not test her patience' ordered Kenshin.
Enishi obeyed him immediately which surprised Kaoru...Kenshin must be a captain in the guard or something; that would explain their complete obedience at his word.
Enishi came at her with a strong move swaying left and right before knocking her sword out of her hands and somehow in the middle of it all pinched her bottom. Kaoru was furious, and Kenshin felt the anger roll out in waves. He projected calm and peace back and then realised she couldn't feel it. Enishi continued his little jest until Kaoru's anger with Enish's antics reached the edge and the moment she snapped Kenshin felt her magic break free.
The silver tangible lines of her magic circled her and rose high, clouds rolled across the sky and darkened the heavens.
Within seconds thunder ensued and a lightening bolt shot down with unerring precision. Before Kaoru could fathom what had occurred Enishi lay on the ground in a smoky heap groaning in pain. She felt drained as the world tilted and she saw Kenshin looking at her with an unreadable expression before she welcomed the unexplained darkness.
Sorry about how long this has taken :-)
Hope you liked it! If not tell me why!
Cheers,
Iuvenalis.
