Disclaimer: I own nothing of importance.
Chapter 4
Kenshin paused inside the doorway, scanning the dark room. Pale beams of moonlight filtered in through several high windows, leaving most of the room shrouded in darkness. The Hiten Mitsurugi master could barely make out the forms of large crates lying around, creating a sort of maze by accident or design through the building. He could sense three auras on the upper level, two very nervous and afraid. The third belonged to Sharaku.
Taking off the conspicuous mantle, Kenshin laid it on the ground outside the door and started forward. He moved silently, all his senses on high alert as he warily searched the blackness for any signs of a trap. He felt one of the frightened auras spike and heard several objects whistling through the air towards him. He rolled to the side, gritting his teeth as one grazed his leg. The hollow thwok of the rest of the crossbow bolts burying themselves into the wooden crates he had been standing next to a mere second earlier seemed to echo throughout the room, jarringly loud in the silence.
He noticed he had rolled into a patch of moonlight about the time he heard a chain sliding through a pulley above him. Not having time to get out of the way, he lashed out with his sword, feeling the blade slide through steel. The metal cage landed around him, the force enough to cause the floor to shudder under its weight. Kenshin did not notice, his attention focused on the corner that had landed on his left arm. The metal armguard had broken under the pressure and he wasn't sure if his bones had fared any better. He noticed that his arm was pinned underneath the part he had cut through, allowing him to push the thick steel off. Cradling the injured limb to his chest, he stood. Sharaku's taunting voice could be heard from somewhere above him.
"So, even the mighty Hiko can fall victim to even the simplest of traps. I am impressed you managed to avoid all the crossbow bolts. Although, I must admit, I am not surprised. My men, on the other hand, thought that I was going a bit overboard with all the traps, but they don't know your reputation-- they've never seen you in action, like I have. I know better than to underestimate you. However it seems that you have underestimated me. How ironic to be in such similar positions once more-- only, this time you are the one caught behind the steel bars and I now hold your life in my hands," the older man taunted, leering down at his prey below. He gained an odd sort of satisfaction from seeing the man he had hated for so long ensnared in one of his traps, unable to do anything but wait for his death. "Of course, I was expecting you to put up a bit more of a fight. It was more difficult kidnapping your precious deshi! I suppose the infallible Hiko is slipping up in his old age!" he chortled.
Kenshin ignored him, feeling his arm and trying to determine how badly injured it was. He grit his teeth as his fingers explored the sensitive area. Well, I don't think the bone's broken, but it is definitely cracked. It will have to wait to be treated, though, he thought, eyes narrowing as Sharaku's laughter filled his ears. That will definitely have to be stopped.
"Sharaku." The tall swordsman's cold voice cut through the air, instantly silencing the older man's mirth. "I think your declarations of victory over me are a bit premature. You should wait until I am actually captured or incapacitated before making such ridiculous claims." His sword struck out, too fast for the eye to follow in the poor lighting. The seemingly impenetrable steel bars fell away, creating a door for the ebony-haired master to step through. He did so, blending in with the darkness once more.
Kenshin crouched down by one of the crates to stay out of view, carefully studying the area around him as he slowly moved forward. While shocked, Sharaku's ki wasn't showing enough panic or anxiety to fit the situation. This indicated he most likely still had a back-up plan to ensure his victory, probably in the form of another trap. Senses on high alert, he continued down the path formed by the crates, not making a sound. He could feel his master's ki more clearly as he stealthily made his way through the warehouse.
He came around a crate, pausing in surprise. A hole had been cut in the floor, reflected moonlight off the water's surface casting a rippling reflection on the crates across from Kenshin. Down in the water, tied to one of the beams supporting the warehouse, was Hiko.
Not believing freeing his master would be that simple, the tall swordsman looked around warily, searching for any sign of a trap. Glancing up, he could barely make out a faint outline of a very large and undoubted heavy object, hanging right over the redhead. Sharaku will probably cut it loose as soon as I jump in to untie Shishou, crushing us both. I doubt I would be able to free him before we were both killed and I can't cut it for fear of hitting him with the falling debris. I can't target Sharaku-- he would see me and kill Shishou before I was able to reach him. So, the only option left is to somehow disable or avoid the trap itself. There must be some way to divert its course... Kenshin's thought trailed off as he glanced around, trying to spot anything that he might be able to use. A large pillar supporting the roof caught his eye and he did several quick calculations in his head. Yes, I think that will work.
He kept low, using the crates for cover as he moved over to the thick post, keeping his senses trained on Sharaku and his men. None of the auras had changed, suggesting they hadn't seen the swordsman and still weren't sure where he was. Kenshin reached the pole and paused, taking a deep breath before jumping high. His head brushed against the roof of the warehouse as his sword slashed through the wooden beam at an angle. He landed lightly on his feet, repeating the stroke at the bottom of the pillar, angling the cut so the post would fall in the direction he wanted.
Time seemed to slow as the support fell. Kenshin raced back to the hole and dived in, his katana cutting through Hiko's ropes as he hit the water. Catching the redhead, the tall swordsman pushed off against the piling, propelling them out of the way as the weight and beam crashed down into the water, taking a bit of the floor with it. As predicted, the wooden pillar pushed the weight aside just enough to miss the piling Hiko had previously been tied to, although the debris was another matter.
The heavy objects splashed into the water, causing a small wave that pushed Kenshin towards the shore. He struggled to hold on to his master, trying to cause as little pain as possible while keeping his head above the surface. He could acutely feel the redhead's pain from the rough treatment. When the water settled down somewhat, he was relieved to find that his feet could touch the bottom. Putting Hiko's arm over his shoulders, he continued towards the shore.
"Took you...long enough..." the redhead ground out in between gasping breaths. Kenshin remained silent, noting uneasily that his master was shivering uncontrollably.
Hiko grit his teeth as they neared the shore, the shallower water putting increasing strain on his injured shoulder as it was forced to bear more of his weight. "Let...me walk..." he panted, trying to pull his arm from the taller man's shoulders. The rurouni obliged, steadying his master and offering an arm for him to lean on as they continued forward.
The redhead was more than a little disgruntled to find the simple act of walking to be an almost overwhelming task. Whatever balance he may have had on solid ground was stripped from him by the constantly shifting water. He found himself clinging to Kenshin's arm almost desperately as he fought to remain upright. It took his still-drugged mind a few seconds to realize he wasn't going anywhere.
"Shishou, it might be faster if you allowed me to carry you..." the black-haired swordsman began.
"No!" Hiko responded quickly. I don't need to be carried... I can make it on my own, he decided. Ignoring the vertigo still plaguing him, he resolutely let go of Kenshin's arm and took a small step forward. He managed to remain standing, feeling encouraged as he took another step. He wasn't so lucky this time, his foot slipping on a loose rock.
Kenshin quickly caught his master as he fell, his arms circling the smaller man's chest as he pulled him upright. Blinding agony exploded in his ribs for a few seconds before it disappeared abruptly. He noticed the body in his arms had gone limp. "Shishou?" he whispered, fear wrapping its icy fingers around his heart. "Shishou!" he repeated louder, resisting the urge to shake the unresponsive form. Quickly lifting the flaccid body, he hurried up onto the shore, heading for the entrance to the warehouse.
Picking his way through the unconscious men littering the ground, Kenshin reached the door of the building, retrieving the white mantle and carefully wrapping Hiko in it. He distractedly noticed Sharaku's elated ki inside the building. It felt like he was celebrating. So, you think that Shishou and myself are dead? Old fool. However, this false sense of security you are so willingly indulging yourself in will aid me in tracking you down later, he thought, pulling the dry material around the redhead's wet body. He gently lifted his master, wincing as he put pressure on his left arm, before leaving the dock.
The trip back through the town seemed to take forever. Although tempted to run as fast as his legs could possibly carry him, Kenshin didn't dare for fear of injuring his master even more. He hurried down the city streets, trying to keep from jostling the seemingly fragile body in his arms any more than necessary. Thoughts and emotions were racing through his mind, tumbling over each other. How badly injured is Shishou? What exactly happened to him? I don't know how badly I may have injured him when I caught him, but his ribs are definitely cracked. Or, are they broken? He's not coughing, so I doubt I accidentally pierced a lung. I would know the extent of his injuries if he hadn't blocked me from his mind... No. He was just trying to spare me the pain of whatever beating he knew was coming. Or, did he even realize he had completely closed me out? Not that it matters much now, anyway. He glanced down at the motionless body in his arms, the skin seeming much too pale in the moonlight. He shook his head. Why do you always have to make everything so difficult, Shishou? he wondered. He glanced up, feeling a familiar ki up the street.
Sano walked along the dusty road, hands shoved deep in his pockets. Not a single lead. I spend all day and night tracking down and talking to everyone I know and there isn't even so much as a rumor about someone who wants revenge on Kenshin! What am I going to tell Jou-chan and Yahiko? he wondered, sullenly staring at the ground. I don't know what else to do. Megumi said something about ninja attacking the night before... Perhaps I should send a letter to the Oniwabanshu. They're good at gathering information.
"Sanosuke."
The ex-fighter for hire looked up at his name, spotting someone walking quickly up the street towards him. "Who are you and what do you want with me? Just to let you know, I'm having a really bad day if you want to pick a fight," he called out, falling into a fighting stance.
"And it would only become worse if you tried to attack me," Kenshin replied.
Sano recognized the swordsman as he drew nearer. "Hiko?" he asked, surprised. "What are you doing here?"
"Retrieving my deshi."
The street fighter noticed the bundle held carefully in the larger man's arms, his eyes widening. The Hiten Mitsurugi master cut him off before he could say anything.
"I'm taking him to the clinic. I need you to go inform the police that there is a group of men that need to be picked up at the docks on the outskirts of town," he ordered, brushing by the younger man.
Sano hurried to catch up with him. "Hey, wait! How is he?"
Kenshin shook his head, not stopping or slowing his pace. "I do not know the extent or severity of his injuries, but time is of the essence. I would appreciate it if you could inform the police there was a fight at the docks."
"Yeah, sure," the younger man said, heading off in a different direction.
The tall swordsman continued on, arriving at the clinic a few minutes later. I hope Megumi didn't decide to stay at the dojo tonight, he thought, raising his hand to knock on the door.
. . .
Megumi wearily drug herself out of her futon as she heard someone pounding on the door. She stumbled down the hall, trying to wake up as she hurried to see who it was. A large figure stood in the doorway, holding a bundle in his arms.
"I'm sorry for waking you, Megumi-san," a deep voice apologized as the man walked past her into the clinic.
The doctor followed him into one of the empty rooms, lighting the lantern while her guest laid someone on the futon. She turned around to look at her patient, all thoughts of sleep fleeing her mind as her eyes landed on the familiar features framed by red hair. "Ken-san!"
"He has either cracked or broken ribs-- I was forced to catch him around the middle and he passed out," Kenshin explained. "I did not have time to look over any of his other injuries."
Megumi glanced up, looking more startled than before. "Hiko-san? Why are... how did you...?" she started, sounding very confused. She shook her head, her entire demeanor changing as she focused on her patient. "Never mind, what else can you tell me about his condition?" she asked, pulling back the redhead's gi to reveal dark bruises on his ribs. She gently probed the area with her fingertips.
"He has been in the ocean for the past several hours, tied to a piling. He was drugged at least once yesterday, but I don't know much more than that, I'm afraid," the dark-haired master replied.
"He seems to only have cracked ribs," she said softly, talking more to herself than to her companion as she glanced over the redhead's chest. "This looks like it may already be infected," she continued, her fingers exploring the inflammation around the stab wound in his shoulder. She quickly looked over the many minor cuts and bruises littering the redhead's arms and legs, making sure he had no more major injuries. "Can you help me turn him over, please?" she asked, noting the red stain spreading on the white mantle the shorter man was lying on.
Kenshin rolled the redhead onto his side so Megumi could see the wounds without putting more pressure on the injured ribs. "None of these seem to be too deep," she commented, looking over the mess of gashes covering his back. "First, we need to get him into some dry clothes. Help me bathe him and then I'll do a more thorough cleaning of his injuries and bandage them."
"I'll bathe him."
The doctor looked up at the odd tone in Hiko's voice. Looking closely, she noticed he had what might be a very faint blush spreading across his cheeks.
"After all, I'm sure you need to make some ointment or something for his injuries," he continued, avoiding Megumi's eyes as he stared at the redhead's face.
"Yes, yes of course," she replied, catching the meaning within the words. "Follow me."
Kenshin gently gathered his body in his arms, mindful of the injuries and followed the doctor down the hall. She led him to the bath house, opening the door and stepping back so he could enter.
"I'll bring one of Gensai-sensei's yukata for Ken-san. Actually, you probably should bathe, too, Hiko-san. You'll develop a salt rash if you stay in those clothes too long," she said.
He briefly pictured his master's huge body in one of the old doctor's extra yukata. He shook his head. Shishou would kill me if I dressed his body like that. "I'll bathe later," he said, setting the unconscious swordsman on the floor and gently peeling off the tattered remains of his gi. Megumi bowed, closing the door behind her as she went to find the clothes.
After the bath, Kenshin laid his red-haired master on the futon again, the grey yukata the younger man was dressed in only reaching to his knees. He sat back and watched as Megumi gently pulled back the material and began cleaning the wounds on Hiko's legs. When she had finished, the tall swordsman pulled his master's arms from the yukata, allowing the doctor to treat the stab wound and slashes on his chest and arms. He watched the redhead's face, noting him flinch slightly when she probed some of the more tender areas. He did not wake, however, and she bandaged his arms, laying gauze over the salve on the wounds on his chest.
"Can you hold him up, Hiko-san? I need to treat his back, but I don't want to put any more pressure on his ribs," she said, moving behind the unconscious man. Kenshin turned so he was facing Megumi and lifted the limp body into a sitting position, supporting him with a large hand on each shoulder. Pulling the smaller man towards him, he allowed Hiko's head to rest on his shoulder, gently moving the red hair out of the way and nodding for Megumi to begin.
It didn't take long before the shorter swordsman began to stir. "Be still," Kenshin said, trying to calm him. Hiko started struggling, his disoriented mind registering the fact that someone was hurting him and he needed to try and get away. The dark-haired man grabbed his arms, which only seemed to make him fight harder. Kenshin switched both wrists to his left hand, clenching his teeth against the pain it caused his arm while his right went around Hiko's shoulders, holding him securely to his chest. /Shishou, it's alright. You're at the clinic. I found you and brought you here. Megumi is cleaning your wounds. You need to stop struggling before you hurt yourself more than you already are/ he explained telepathically, his tone soothing despite the agony in his chest and back from Hiko accidentally aggravating the injuries.
/...Kenshin?/ the redhead asked, relaxing slightly in the larger man's arms.
/Yes, I'm here/ he reassured his master.
/Where...?/
/We're at the clinic. Megumi was cleaning the wounds on your back/ he repeated calmly. He felt some of the tension leave the redhead as the pain began to fade to a more manageable level, rational thought taking its place.
/You can release me now, Kenshin/ he said.
The rurouni did as he was told, still keeping his hands on the younger man's shoulders. When Hiko did not object, he looked up at the doctor. "You may continue, Megumi-san," he said.
She nodded, trying to be as gentle as she could while she finished cleaning and dressing the wounds. "Alright," she said as she finished tying off the bandage, "I'm not going to wrap your ribs until I know that your back isn't going to be become infected. Drink this," she instructed, handing him a cup. He took it, violet eyes gazing back at her as he took a drink. "It'll help strengthen your body. Now, I would normally advise you to spend the night here, but I know you too well and I'm sure Kaoru will be trying to find you as soon as she wakes up, so it's probably best for you to go back to the dojo. Even though none of your wounds were too serious, you have to rest for a few days. I know you don't like to worry anyone, but don't overdo it."
Hiko's eyes narrowed ever so slightly, looking a little annoyed. "I am well aware of my own limitations, Megumi-san," he replied coolly.
The doctor noted the lack of '-dono' that he usually addressed her with, but ignored it. "And, you usually try to push yourself past them. You are only human, Ken-san," she said, her voice softening in concern.
The redhead's mouth opened to retort when Kenshin's voice stopped him. /Let it go, Shishou. You are still in my body, after all./
The shorter swordsman closed his mouth, directing a glare at his deshi. Sighing painfully, he turned to the doctor, his emotionless mask back in place. "I thank you for your assistance, Megumi-san," he said, bowing his head to her before carefully pushing himself to his feet and walking out the door. Picking up the bloodied mantle, Kenshin followed him.
"I'll be by to check on you in the morning, Ken-san," Megumi called after them. Hiko gave her a curt nod to show that he had heard, but did not turn back around. She watched them leave before cleaning up the mess that had been made and going back to bed.
The trip back to the dojo seemed to take forever. The redhead couldn't walk fast due to his ribs and he seemed to be very tired. Kenshin kept pace with him, not saying anything or offering any assistance he knew would be brushed aside anyway. They were both relieved when the dojo finally came into sight.
The tall swordsman followed Hiko to his room, laying out the futon for him. The redhead looked distastefully down at the too-small clothing he was dressed in. "Bring me your yukata, Kenshin."
The black-haired man did so, wordlessly helping Hiko change into the dark blue yukata. He took his master's arm, intent on helping him lay down on the futon.
"I don't need your help getting up or down," the redhead said, trying to pull his arm from Kenshin's grasp.
"I know that. I'm sure you've maneuvered with cracked ribs before. However, I am merely trying to save both of us some pain," he replied steadily, not loosening his grip.
"Hmph." Hiko wasn't happy about it, but he knew Kenshin was right, so he allowed him to help him lay on his side. "It's not like I'll be able to get any sleep around here anyway," he muttered to himself, fidgeting a little to get comfortable.
Kenshin left the room, sliding the shoji shut behind him. Stepping back out into the courtyard, he made his way to the bath house, building a fire under the furo. Walking back to the front of the dojo, he jumped up on the roof of the storage shed, retrieving his travel bag and sake before going back to the bath house. Setting the bag inside the door, he pulled off his still-wet clothing, washing his body and hair thoroughly to make sure he got all the salt off while he waited for the water to heat up. He cleaned out the wound on his leg from the crossbow bolt, noting he had reopened it when walking back to the dojo. But the cut in and of itself wasn't deep and had already stopped bleeding again by the time the furo was warm. He stepped into the water, holding a cloth over it as the liquid soothed his tired body. He let his mind wander as the water gently caressed his skin.
Well, Shishou's back and, now that they think we are both dead, I doubt another attack will be forthcoming, as long as we stay inside the dojo and don't advertise the fact we're still alive. And I still don't know who Sharaku was or what relation he has to Shishou... Ah, well, I don't suppose it is important. I will hunt down Sharaku myself... Kenshin's thought trailed off, anger rising within him at the thought of what was done, albeit inadvertently, to his master. Yes. I will find him...
. . .
Kaoru awoke as the first rays of the sun fell across her face. She rolled over, trying to prolong the inevitable and stay in bed for a while longer. She would have probably been able to fall back asleep easily had it not been for an annoying little voice in the back of her mind insisting she had to get up. She tried to ignore it, but the voice only became more persistent. She needed to be out doing something, but she wasn't sure what. Wearily, she sat up, rubbing her eyes. I wonder what Kenshin's making for-- KENSHIN! she realized, all thoughts of sleep gone in an instant. She practically flew out of her futon, quickly dressing and grabbing her bokken before running down the hall. Megumi said Sano was out looking for him yesterday. Was he able to find anything? Does he have any leads? Has he-- Her thoughts were interrupted as she almost ran into the ex-street fighter. "Sano!" she exclaimed, surprised by his sudden appearance.
"Hm? Oh, hey, Jou-chan. How's Kenshin?" he asked.
"Kenshin? What are you talking about? Megumi said you were out looking for him yesterday. Did you find him?" she asked hopefully.
Sano frowned. "Well, not exactly-- he kind of found me. The fox said he came back to the dojo last night-- if he's not here, then where is he?"
"He's resting."
They both jumped at the unexpected deep voice, turning towards its source. "Hiko-san?!" Kaoru exclaimed, unable to hide her confusion or surprise. "What are you doing here?"
The corner of Kenshin's mouth turned up in a half-smirk. "Well, that's a fine welcome. I happened to be in the neighborhood, so I decided to stop by."
Sano didn't seem bothered by Hiko's presence. "So, where's Kenshin?"
"He's in his room." The dark-haired master caught and held each of their gazes. "He's resting and he is not to be disturbed," he said, leaving no room for argument.
"How badly was he injured?" the assistant master asked after a pause, her voice soft.
"A number of minor cuts and a few cracked ribs-- nothing too serious as long as the wounds aren't aggravated," he replied, locking eyes with Kaoru. He didn't want to think about Hiko's reaction if she lost control of herself and hugged him. He knew from experience that it would be quite painful. "He'll be back on his feet in a few days. After all, he is my apprentice," he continued, turning and heading back to the kitchen.
Abruptly, Kaoru noticed the familiar smells coming from the door where the swordsman had disappeared. Could he actually be... Eyes widening, she walked to the kitchen, looking inside almost disbelievingly. She rubbed her eyes, trying to make sure she wasn't seeing things. Hiko Seijiro XIII, Kenshin's proud master, was cooking breakfast.
Sano joined her in the doorway, sniffing the air appreciatively. "Something smells good!" he said, eyes lighting up at the prospect of food not made by Kaoru.
"Hiko-san, you shouldn't have-- I mean, I appreciate the consideration, but you're a guest in this house and you really didn't need to--" the assistant master began, her checks flushing in embarrassment. After all, a proper hostess wouldn't leave guests to fend for themselves when it came to meals.
"It isn't consideration," Kenshin said, cutting her off. "My baka deshi isn't out of bed yet and I don't trust anyone else here to cook for me, so this was the only alternative," he explained matter-of-factly.
Kaoru was taken aback by the response, not sure how to respond. Sano laughed. "I see Kenshin has warned you about her cooking!" he said, stepping back to avoid the bokken aimed for his head.
"You know, Sano, you really shouldn't complain! After all, I let you here eat here for free, ya know!" she yelled, trying desperately to hit the evasive fighter. Kaoru stopped short as a hand caught her bokken, immediately halting its course. Feeling like a child about to be scolded, she slowly raised her gaze to Hiko's impassive eyes.
"I know this is considered a normal activity around here, but the two of you are making quite a bit of noise and as I said, Kenshin's resting. He is not to be disturbed," the tall swordsman repeated, once more locking gazes with the assistant master. "Do I make myself clear?" She nodded and he released the bokken, stepping back over to the stove. He hated treating his friends that way, but he had to convincingly act like his master would while keeping them out of Hiko's hair at the same time. He sighed internally, pouring some of the miso soup into a bowl. "This is for Kenshin," he announced, setting it on the counter. Kaoru and Sano were watching him, as if unsure of what to do. The dark-haired master closed his eyes as if in annoyance, briefly considering what Hiko's next action would be. "Well, don't just stand there-- take this out!" he snapped, gesturing to the pots on the stove. The two were quick to obey, not stopping to argue with the seemingly irate swordsman.
As soon as they were in the other room, Kaoru turned to Sano. "What do you think is wrong with Hiko-san?" she asked.
"Wrong?"
"Yeah. Last time he was here he seemed so, I don't know, almost laid back. But this morning..." She let the sentence trail off, gesturing back to the kitchen. "Well, you saw him. What do you think is wrong?"
The fighter shrugged. "I think he's just worried about Kenshin, that's all," he replied.
"Worried about Kenshin? But, he said Kenshin didn't have any serious wounds-- do you think he's hiding something from us?" the woman asked anxiously.
"Nah, I talked to Megumi and she said Kenshin didn't have any serious wounds, either. I think Hiko's just worried, but either doesn't want --or doesn't know how-- to show it," he said. He shrugged again. "Or, I could be wrong and he's only upset because he has to do some of the chores. I can't imagine he's too happy about that."
Kaoru was silent for a moment before nodding in agreement. "You're probably right," she said, setting down the rice. They both stopped talking as Hiko entered the room.
Breakfast was a silent affair. Kenshin sipped his soup, enjoying the peace and quiet while trying to ignore the tension in the air thick enough to cut with the dull side of his sakabato. They act like I'm going to bite their heads off, he mused, watching Kaoru and Sano eat, pointedly keeping their gazes anywhere but on the swordsman. Although, as long as I'm trying to act like Shishou, they probably aren't wrong.
His thoughts were interrupted as he felt a familiar aura approach the compound. Standing, he left the room, feeling Kaoru's and Sano's curious eyes on his back. He walked outside and across the courtyard, opening the gate. "You're here early," he remarked casually.
Megumi jumped, not expecting anyone to be waiting at the gate for her, but recovered quickly. "Well, most injuries don't come in until later in the day, so I thought it best if I came as early as I could," she explained, brushing her hair over her shoulder. Hiko didn't reply, merely turning and walking back inside. Megumi followed him, stopping outside the door to Kenshin's room.
"He's still asleep," the swordsman informed her, opening the shoji and stepping into the room. He sat against the wall, close enough to help if a problem arose but far enough back to be out of the doctor's way.
The ebony-haired woman moved towards the sleeping redhead, her lips turning down in a frown when she noticed his slightly flushed cheeks. Kneeling, she rested a hand on his forehead. She sighed, shaking her head. "He has a mild fever. This means he may have gotten sick from exposure to the cold water for so long, or that his wounds have become infected. I'll need to wake him up so I can check his injuries," she said, not wanting to have a repeat of the night before.
Kenshin wasn't sure if she was informing him of the facts or asking for his permission. Since he hadn't been addressed specifically, he opted to remain silent.
After a pause, the doctor reached down, gently shaking Kenshin's shoulder. "Ken-san, Ken-san. You need to wake up."
The redhead's eyes opened, glazed violet orbs briefly landing on Kenshin before shifting to Megumi. He blinked slowly, as if asking why she had interrupted his slumber.
"I need to change your bandages," she told him. "Hiko-san, would you please bring me some warm water and a clean cloth?" she asked, helping the smaller man sit up.
Kenshin started to stand before freezing as agony raced across his ribs. He waited a few seconds for it to fade, knowing Hiko's pain must have been worse. Neither Hiten Mitsurugi master made a sound.
Once her patient was sitting up and at least partially aware of what was going on, the doctor moved so she was sitting behind him. "Would you also please make some willow bark tea?" she asked, only then noticing that Hiko had not moved. She hesitated, wondering if he was going to refuse, before he nodded sharply. The ebony-haired master rose gracefully, slipping out of the room as Megumi helped Kenshin pull his arms free of the yukata before untying the bandages.
The doctor shook her head slightly as the wounds were exposed, seeing most of the gashes covering her patient's back showing signs of infection. Can't say I'm too surprised, though, given the type of injury and the circumstances. Still, I had hoped... She closed her eyes briefly before reaching for the bag she had brought with her. "It seems that some of the cuts on your back have become infected, so I'm going to have to clean them again," she explained, pulling out a jar of ointment as well as fresh bandages, setting them on the floor next to her. It wasn't long before Hiko returned with the warm water and several cloths, handing them to the doctor before leaving the room again. Megumi watched him go, her face becoming pensive.
While her hands began cleaning the wounds, she found her thoughts turning to the intimidating swordsman. Although I haven't been around him that much, Hiko seems to be acting a bit different than he normally does. According to Kaoru, he is rather callous, especially when talking to or about Ken-san. It's hard to believe that someone so caring and considerate of others would have had a master like that. But, then again, I can see a lot of Ken-san in the way Hiko's acting right now. Refusing to take care of his own needs before others... I wonder if he ended up getting a salt rash after all? Come to think of it, I didn't even check to see if he had any wounds that needed to be treated. Given his level of skill it is probably unlikely, but he is just as human as Ken-san. However, like Ken-san, he probably treated any injuries he may have sustained himself and I'd probably have to tie him down in order to examine him. I guess they are more alike than I had thought previously. It's almost like... She paused, her eyes widening. It's almost like a son wanting to grow up to be just like his father. And it seems that Ken-san has partially done that. He acts almost the exact opposite of Hiko in day to day life, but when the situation becomes serious... But, then, does that mean Hiko...is Ken-san's father? The notion almost seems ridiculous, but then again, Ken-san hasn't ever mentioned anything about his parents...
"Megumi-san?"
The doctor was startled out of her thoughts by the voice, looking up into a questioning violet gaze. Kenshin was looking at her over his shoulder.
"Are you finished?" he asked, wondering why she had stopped. He understood it had to be done and the sooner it was over with, the better.
"Almost, Ken-san. I'm sorry-- I let myself get distracted," she apologized. Putting aside that train of thought for a more thorough analysis later, she got back to work. She had just finished tying off the new bandages when Hiko reentered the room, carrying a tray.
"Miso soup and willow bark tea," he said, setting the tray down in front of the redhead.
Megumi smiled as Kenshin picked up the bowl, his master's dark eyes watching his every move. Even though he tries to hide it, he really does care about Ken-san, she thought, gathering her things. "I'll be back to change your bandages again later, but in the meantime, you need to rest and allow your body to recover," she said.
"I appreciate your concern, but it is not necessary," Hiko replied, setting down the now empty bowl. "I'm fine."
Megumi opened her mouth to reply when Kenshin's head jerked towards his master, as if something had caught his attention. The doctor held her tongue, interested in seeing how the ensuing argument between master and apprentice would play out.
Kenshin looked at Hiko sternly. /Shishou, Megumi is right. You need to rest and let my body heal. I am not switching bodies again until all of those injuries have been healed/ he informed the redhead.
Hiko met his deshi's gaze defiantly. /I have had cracked ribs and infected wounds before, Kenshin. I do not require strict bed rest. If I feel like getting up, then I am going to get up and there is nothing your friends can do about it!/ he replied snappishly.
The taller man sighed. /There's another reason you need to at least try to appease Megumi. I am relatively sure that she believes you will push yourself to your limits and beyond to make everyone think you are alright and only end up hurting yourself more/ he said, studying the wall just above and to the right of his master.
The redhead snorted. /I know my-- uh, your limits./
/That doesn't matter. If she thinks you aren't going to rest, I would not put it past her to slip some drugs into your food or water to ensure that you stay in bed. She's threatened to do so before/ Kenshin said, looking serious as he met Hiko's eyes.
/You're joking/ the smaller swordsman said, looking incredulous.
Kenshin folded his arms across his chest. /No, I'm not./
Hiko couldn't quite hide the disgust on his face. /What kind of friends do you have?!/ he demanded.
The dark-haired man gave a long-suffering sigh. /Persistent ones./
The redhead sat back sullenly, not realizing he had been leaning forward during the conversation. /Fine. I'll stay in bed for ONE day-- if you bring me some of my fine sake from time to time/ he conceded.
Kenshin tilted his head, looking pensive. /Megumi won't approve of that.../
Hiko's eyes narrowed dangerously. /Kenshin.../ he trailed off, his voice threatening.
The tall swordsman's lips turned upwards into a smirk as he inclined his head slightly. /Agreed, but I shall limit how much you drink/ he replied.
The redhead shifted his gaze, glaring at the wall. "Hmph."
Kenshin turned to Megumi. "He'll stay in bed for one day, unless his fever becomes worse," he stated, his tone leaving no room for argument.
The doctor looked back and forth between the two masters. As far as she could tell, nothing but a series of expressions and gestures passed between them, but they had somehow worked out an agreement. How did he do that? Not one single word was spoken between them! Do they really know each other well enough to read the other's body language so precisely?! I missed the entire argument! How did Hiko understand that Kenshin agreed to stay in bed for one day? Or, by giving the amount of time, is he saying that Kenshin will have to answer to him if he does otherwise? It just doesn't make any sense! she thought, shaking her head. "Thank you, Hiko-san. Now, I need to go look in on Kaoru and Yahiko, but like I said earlier, I'll be back later to check your wounds again," she said, opening the shoji. She paused in the doorway, glancing back at the master and apprentice before closing the door. "Kenshin can be confusing enough by himself. But put the two of them together and they are downright impossible to figure out..." she muttered, walking down the hallway.
. . .
To Be Continued
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