A/N:Thank you to all of those who have reviewed! I really enjoy reading your thoughts and ideas about where you think the story is headed. It makes me pay attention to my communication and themes (etc). Although I must admit I feel a bit like a buzzkill when the story differs from your hopes and dreams...
ALSO: Not sure what category this story should be under... Romance sorta... but in the same way the manga/anime are 'romance'... kinda adventure... but they haven't really 'gone' anywhere fantastic... ? Help? I feel like my story is false-advertising!
Disclaimer: I own very little. Suing me for it would simply tire you out. 'Blood from a stone' and all that. Among many other things I like, Rurouni Kenshin and it's characters are nothing that I own. I'd be happy to make a list of all the things I enjoy but do not own, but it would take up the majority of my time. And frankly no one cares.
Chapter 11:
"I have realized that the past and future are real illusions, that they exist in the present, which is what there is and all there is."
―Alan Wilson Watts
It was dark.
So dark.
Rain poured down, flashes of lightning lit up the atmosphere but did precious little to help him see. There was a thrumming, a banging enough to drive a man mad, but where did it come from? He could not remember. Familiarity. Had he been here?
A flash of white, then red sparks flew up from the ground like a terrible fountain. Each piece dancing and twinkling before falling to the earth around him, landing on him, wetting him. He lifted his face upward, eyes open as the living droplets fell on him, soaking him. Blood. It ran over his skin, in his mouth, covered over his eyes. He sputtered and dropped his head, gasping. There was no air. No air. His eyes covered over and all was silent. A creaking. A rocking? The darkness had followed him.
It had always followed him.
It would always follow him. There was no escape. There never had been.
That banging again, like a fence gate slamming against itself in the strongest wind. Each sound causing tremors around him. He could see now. A shadowy yard. An old couple sitting on the veranda hand-in-hand, as bubbles of something rose around the yard, unseen. They sat and soundlessly chatted and he strained to hear their words but failed as the gales of wind whistled. The bubbles carried images, reflections of bright things. Like water on a lake they rippled, distorted pictures focusing and blurring.
The thrumming returned as he walked soundlessly through the garden, glancing in the bubbles that had no source. They felt like holes, floating holes that were blurred at the edges. In them he saw people, nature, cities, whole lives in a flash before the bubble was swallowed by his reality, as the backyard filled each space left empty each time. He found anther hole and another and peered in. Blood continued to drip off of his hair and temples, down his cheeks and chin before pooling at his feet as he peered into a particularly bright one. A girl, laughing. He knew this girl. He was there. They were eating on an old porch, sitting on the edge, sharing stories that he couldn't hear. He blinked and she was sleeping beside him, a mussed futon and a soft smile as the moonlight caressed the curves of her face and form.
Then the light. Blinding, flashing, hurting.
His eyes closed and he yelled, hands over his ears. The sound. Why wouldn't it stop! He felt heat and saw something flicker as his eyes adjusted. Fire. Her face. Her ashen face, tear streaked, as she stood in a corner, silently accusing him. What had he done? Why did she hate him so? He stepped forward, reached for her but she stepped further into the flames. Burning beams fell all around, searing heat stung his face and forced the air out of his lungs. He stared at her as she spoke very clearly into a deathly stilled silence and time slowed to a stop.
'You did this.'
A spark. A tiny spark lit up a fine thread. A bright red thread ran the course of the room, as flames licked the walls and threatened destruction. He watched as a tentative flame reached for it and he heard himself cry out as he likewise reached for the thread. The flame caught its corner and began a small, slow burn...
Kenshin jolted awake, bolt upright in his makeshift bed. Sweat trickled down his back and clung to his temples. He sharply turned left and right, scanning the room for danger. Finding none he worked to steady his breathing, his dream's images burned into his memory.
He was running out of time.
-o0-0o-
"So it turns out there is one temple in Mito... Wow, are we really that lucky?"
A very tired Yahiko wiped a hand over his face and yawned before he turned from his 'computer' to face Kenshin, expression hopeful.
"I hope we are. That I do.", Kenshin spoke softly to himself.
Turning back to the glowing 'monitor', Yahiko brought up a picture of the temple in question and looked upward to see the man's reaction.
The redhead furrowed his brow as he considered the pictures in his mind and compared them to the pictures in front of him. He moved closer before shaking his head.
"This one needs better pictures. More detailed pictures, this one thinks."
Yahiko quirked his eyebrows, rubbed his hands together, and got to work. A few minutes later he had a detailed shrine map, several pictures, and a moving recording of a shrine ceremony. He called Kenshin to his side and began showing him what he found.
The small man held his breath as he focused on picture after picture, looking for something- anything- recognizable. A building, a tree, a garden.
His face fell. No. This was not the place.
So why did he feel like it was?
The picture the old man showed him may have been old, but the temple was very recognizable. These pictures should still hold something he would know, shouldn't they? But they didn't. Not a single recognizable feature.
But still he felt that strange feeling in his gut. There was something to that place, recognizable or not.
Yahiko squinted at the window as the early morning sun rose over a neighboring building.
"So... that it? Did we find it?"
"This one is not sure. There is something about that shrine that this one would like to see in person."
"Great. Can I go back to bed now?"
-o0-0o-
"Hey kid, pass me the rice."
"I'm not a kid."
"Oh yeah? How old are you? Like nine or ten? Pass the rice."
"Get it yourself."
"Sanosuke is our guest, Yahiko."
"'Guest'. Is that what you call someone who invites themselves in and eats all the food?"
Kaoru sighed. Apparently the irony of that statement was lost on the boy.
She agreed with his allegations, but could hardly turn the man away considering she was sharing her house with two other 'refugees' and hadn't complained yet. Turning someone away from her doorstep wasn't something she could do so easily, in this case quite literally as he was much bigger than her, although she was sure if she really threw a fit, he would leave. Besides which, as Yahiko's only real role model she thought she should at least try to teach him some manners. Occasionally anyway. And this could be a good start...
"Hey, I stopped a crime in progress last night. And I got stabbed. Show a little compassion and pass the damn rice."
Yahiko looked to Kaoru, waiting for a reaction. Upon receiving a nod of verification, the boy eyed the disheveled man.
"Oh yeah, where'd you get stabbed?"
"In a park. RICE."
"Wow, that's so funny.", Yahiko scoffed, as Kaoru deftly passed the rice to Sano's empty and waving hand, knowing full well that Yahiko was just about to throw it at his head.
"You know kid, you sure have an attitude."
"Keep calling me 'kid' and I'll show you some attitude.", the boy pushed his chair back and leveled his stare at the man.
So much for the attempted lesson in manners. Although, in fairness, every other attempt had not been a grand success either...
"Yahiko, sit.", Kaoru interrupted.
"I'm not a dog!", he barked.
Kaoru stared at him, threat apparent. He grudgingly took his seat, glaring at the cocky 'guest'.
"Miss Kaoru, may this one have a word with you?", a quiet voice broke the lively breakfast.
He stood in the darkened doorway, made eye contact with her and held it in his grip. Whatever it was that he wished to say to her, he was quite serious about it. That was certain.
"Of course, Kenshin."
-o0-0o-
She smiled at him and motioned to an empty chair at the kitchen table, as Sanosuke and Yahiko jammed record amounts of food into their mouths in what appeared to be a contest in machismo.
What do I say? Where do I begin?
The red headed man quietly sat in the assigned seat and took a cleansing breath.
"There is a temple that this one needs to visit. It is very important."
"Uhh.. Ok. We can set a date.", she said with a smile, "My next day off is-"
"Immediately.", He interrupted, "This one must visit it immediately."
Kaoru looked at him, a bit stunned. The man winced internally. He never was very good at self expression...
"This one did not mean to be rude. This one would ask your forgiveness, but it needs to be stated that this is not a matter that can wait.", he explained, hoping to smooth over any hurt feelings.
Kaoru looked down at her meal and took a tentative bite, as Sanosuke watched the conversation and Yahiko watched his breakfast, refusing to look up.
"What do you want to go to a temple for anyway?", Sanosuke asked between bites, "Temples are pretty boring. The girls are sometimes cute though..."
Kaoru looked up at the disheveled man and furrowed her brow. She shook her head and let out a small scoffing noise.
"Sanosuke, only you would try to pick up girls at a temple.", she said, rolling her eyes.
"Hey!", The man squeaked defensively, "You don't even really know me, So you can't say stuff like that! I happen to be a gentleman... most of the time..."
"'Most of the time'...", the boy repeated, "Yeah, right."
"You got a problem KID?"
"Yeah, you need to learn to shut up. Kenshin needs to talk about some stuff and you are screwing it up.", he muttered quietly as he darted his eyes toward Kenshin and then back at his bowl.
Kenshin let out a small sigh. This would have been much easier if it had simply been Miss Kaoru and himself. Or would it have been?, he pondered, as he looked over at the girl sitting beside him.
"It is a particular temple this one needs to visit. It is a bit of a distance and this one will need transportation."
Kaoru looked up at him. Her gaze made him imperceptibly shrink in his chair, a reaction that caused him to wonder how the most deadly assassin in the Bakumatsu could be cowed so very easily by such a tiny girl.
"This one does not wish to be a further burden to you. Yahiko has given me a map and directions so this one can simply get on... 'the bus'?", the man looked at Yahiko for encouragement.
"You're not getting on a bus, Kenshin I can take you.", Kaoru responded automatically.
"Hey, you never told us why you're going to a temple.", the dark haired man stated, looking lazily at the red-head.
"Is that where you'll find the person you've been looking for?", the small girl asked, nonchalantly.
Kenshin blinked, Yahiko's head shot up from the table, and Sano simply stretched his arms and leaned back in his chair, oblivious.
"Is that why you needed a map?", she asked
Kenshin blinked again.
"I didn't mean to stump you. I'm sorry. I'm not trying to pry. I just... You said in the hospital...", she trailed off.
Kenshin looked at his lap with an amused exhalation. She was a better listener than he had thought.
"Yes, Miss Kaoru.", he responded, "This one is not certain that it is the right place, but it is at the very least a lead."
Kaoru nodded. She silently finished her meal, before excusing herself from the table.
-o0-0o-
The hot, soapy water ran harshly over her skin as she distractedly scrubbed the morning's dishes.
She knew he was odd. She knew this. But it didn't stop her brain from trying to unravel the mystery in which he was so shrouded. She told herself that it was his fault she had become so obsessed with it all. If he had not been so very cautious when speaking to her, as though he were choosing topics and words very carefully, she would never have noticed! Would never have cared! But she did. He avoided certain conversations, using cleaning or feigned stupidity to deflect or manipulate certain subjects. At first she hadn't been sure, but now she was. She couldn't help but feel a bit used. Or put down as though she were some sort of child. It was infuriating.
Ignore it. It's none of my business... but ARGH!
In the hospital he had said he thought he was looking for someone, but was unsure. Or unsure of whom it was. Then he needed a map, which she was pretty sure he never found, and now a ride to a temple. A specific temple that may or may not be 'a lead'. A lead to what? This mysterious person he was meeting? For what reason? Was he a messenger? A drug-runner? Was that why he was beaten and left for dead in a parking lot? He had been so hurt. She couldn't bear to see that again. But how could she protect someone who wouldn't open up...
She rested her hands on either side of the sink.
No. It wasn't drugs. That didn't seem like him.
But it had to be some sort of criminal activity, didn't it? Based on violence and secrets? Maybe the Mob? Otherwise how does one have a meeting with a person they have never met, spoken to, been introduced to, or- for all intents and purposes- realized they even existed. And she did see him nearly destroy a whole group of men with only an old sword. The man she saw that night was skilled. And deadly.
And scary.
She shivered, remembering the look in Kenshin's eye as the sword made contact with the terrified- albeit thoroughly deserving- man.
She furrowed her brow and looked at the water, the bubbles fading as it cooled. She picked up the cloth and continued to wash.
'This one would never hurt you.'
He had looked at her then like a puppy begging. This deep, wistful, pleading look when he spoke. At the time she didn't know what to think. Hell, she didn't know what to think now either, but in that instant she wanted to grab him and hug him. To speak to him quietly and hold him near. To tell him that she believed him. To tell him that she...
She scrubbed the pan with all of her might.
So... what, was he playing with her? Was he that good of an actor? How could anyone possibly be both of those men at the same time? One of them was most certainly a lie.
Now, had she time to calm herself she may have decided against doing anything rash. If the man she saw in that park was that skilled, logic would dictate that would be his truer nature. After all, no one could pretend to be that skilled, but it would be easy to pretend to be nice. Jails were filled with 'innocent' people, and liars were a dime a dozen. Had she had the time to think it over without giving in to her temper, she may have considered what a lying, deadly swordsman would do when confronted. Had she considered the circumstances with a level head, she may have sent everyone home and called the police. She may have made an excuse and allowed him to take the bus and never come back, or quietly handed him his things and asked him to leave.
But instead she let out a frustrated yell, threw the dishcloth into the sink, and marched back into the dining room.
-o0-0o-
"I KNOW YOU ARE LYING TO ME AND I WANT ANSWERS NOW!"
Miss Kaoru shouted, pointing first at the wanderer and then at the floor beneath her.
The men at the table froze, eyes wide.
"Holy crap. What did you do?", Sanosuke gulped.
Kenshin opened and closed his mouth a few times in shock, looking like a deer in headlights as a small, blue-eyed force of nature bore down on him.
She stepped closer and continued.
"I DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT YOU! NOT WHO YOU ARE, WHERE YOU'RE FROM OR WHAT IN THE HELL YOU WANT! I DESERVE AN EXPLANATION AND I WANT IT RIGHT NOW! AND IF YOU THINK I'M GOING TO LET YOU GET AWAY WITHOUT ONE, YOU'VE GOT ANOTHER THING COMING!", she poked him in the chest, red faced and nearly panting.
"Yes Ma'am.", the wanderer answered, feebly.
"Shoulda told her sooner...", Yahiko quietly warned in a sing-song voice.
"AND JUST WHAT IS THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN, YAHIKO?", she rounded on him, eyes wild.
The boy froze.
Kaoru's eyes narrowed, "DID YOU KNOW ABOUT THIS, YAHIKO?"
He blinked, face reddening.
"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU YELLING AT ME FOR? HE'S THE ONE WHO DIDN'T TELL YOU! DON'T GET ALL CRAZY ON ME NOW!"
"CRAZY?! I'M NOT 'GETTING CRAZY'! YOU SHOULD HAVE TOLD ME!"
I need to calm this down, Kenshin decided.
"Miss Kaoru, please!", he interrupted, placing a hand on her shoulder.
Without thinking she elbowed the wanderer in the stomach before she whirled around, ready to continue her assault, but paused when she saw him bent over and holding his stomach. Her hands flew up to her cheeks and she took a step back.
"Kenshin! I'm so sorry! I forgot about your wounds!"
"It's okay, Miss Kaoru. This one is fine.", he responded still bend over, voice strained and muffled.
"So, remind me never to piss you off...", Sano commented from his chair, looking away when she glared in his direction, instead looking to Yahiko who nodded, knowingly.
Kaoru sighed, and reached down.
"I'm sorry that I hit you. But why didn't you deflect it? I know you can.", she chastised as she helped the red-head to his feet.
"This one did not wish to alarm you", the red-head responded sheepishly, "Also, this one did not anticipate the strength of your swing, that I did not."
"Damn right.", She responded with a coy grin.
He smiled, feeling a twinge of sadness, and dropped his eyes. She was indeed something special.
"I had hoped we could have this conversation in private, Miss Kaoru", he began quietly, once again taking a seat, "But this one supposes it won't much matter."
-o0-0o-
"So let me get this straight.", the lanky guest spoke, "You are a swordsman from a hundred and something years ago, who traveled here by meditating really hard. And now you have to find God or something to go back because a thread in a blanket is missing?"
"...Well...", Kenshin shifted in his chair, "That's not exactly...", he trailed off, unsure of how to continue. His gaze traveled to a glum Yahiko, before landing on a very calm Miss Kaoru.
Very calm.
Too calm.
She stared at him sharing no emotion, as the scraggly guard continued.
"I call 'Bullshit'.", He stated, crossing his arms in front of him, "You're either f*ing with us or crazy."
A viable evaluation, Kenshin sighed and nodded to himself. He couldn't exactly blame the man.
"This one has told you the facts, what little there are..."
"That you're a dude who time travels."
"Not quite... This one has never had this happen before..."
"Why? You only save it for special occasions?", Sano retorted, wryly.
Kenshin gritted his teeth. He expected disbelief but Sano could be a bit more polite about it...
"Look, it sounds bad and stuff, but Kenshin's a good guy. He's not lying.", The boy interjected, "He's just doing the best he can to fix things."
"And he needs a magic temple to do that."
"He has to find someone who can help and odds are good it'll be at the same temple."
"Cause that's where the Mothership lands..."
"Oh shut up! Why are you even here?", The boy stomped toward Kenshin's antagonist, hands balled into fists.
"I believe you."
A quiet voice interrupted.
-o0-0o-
There had always been... something... intangible about Kenshin. Something that was far away, a piece that was missing. Part of it was his nature, she was sure. He certainly seemed to prefer hiding away sometimes, but she sensed that there was something important buried deep inside, wrapped and carefully hidden. She hadn't known him long, but it seemed like she'd known him forever. A cliché, for sure, but it seemed so real. She quietly contemplated the gentle look on his face that night in Tokyo, and how concerned he seemed. How honestly he had spoken to her, and how relieved she was to find he had not left her alone.
He was intelligent. He was skilled. He was kind. But above all, he was genuine. He may not have bared much to her, but she had no doubts about the things he had. And truth-be-told, she had felt terrible about her earlier antics.
My gods, could her emotions change with the breeze.
So what now?
Sano had made it very clear where he stood. There was no denying that his argument was a sound one. There were three options for a person who believed themselves to be time traveling: They were dreaming, crazy, or lying to everyone involved. It was logical. It really was.
So then why do I believe him?
She vaguely watched Kenshin's demeanor change from 'unsure' to 'total dejection'. He wasn't having fun. He wasn't quietly laughing. True or not, he believed it.
Because I care.
She closed her eyes for a brief moment and then reopened them.
"Where do we start?"
A/N : This chapter was ridiculously hard to write. Finding time is becoming increasingly more difficult, but as I promised before, the story will go on. Barring random bear attack or something else equally harsh, I will finish it! Exams are in a month and then it's studying for nationals. After that I am ALL YOURS. Well yours, my family's, but mostly my cat's...
Crimson-sage – Lol Thanks. I'm glad to have piqued your curiosity! I just hope I don't disappoint...
dark dreamerx – Rewriting is teaching me a lot... I think? I don't think I've ever re-written a story nearly as much as I have with this one. It's good for me... I guess? I love Sano's 'shoot from the hip' attitude. Always have. I really appreciate the compliments and am really happy that you are enjoying it. :) Thanks for reading!
Nadya Lubov – I'm so glad! I'll try to be a bit more regular with updating... Try...
notsolimpbizkit – As above to Nadya, I'm really happy that you are enjoying it. It's a lot of fun to share so yay for that! Thank you for the review and the compliment.
J Luc Pitard – Yeeeeaaah. Sano doesn't seem too worried, that's for sure. I don't think he really liked his job so much as having a bit of protective power to show off his tough-guy attitude... As for Kaoru, It's always kind of bugged me that she gets used so often in that way. She's an assistant-master for god's sake and may not be at kenshin's level (or some of the big baddies), but should be able to hold her own in most circumstances. As always, sometimes she gets bested, but I don't think that would be too often. This Kaoru isn't a swordsman, so that might be interesting...
Izwick – Yeah. I kinda think of him as a bull in a china shop... :)
kokoronagomu – Lol are the grandbabies 'anti-hug'? I love the liveliness Sano adds as well, right there with you. I think Sano will saunter back into work once all is said and done... Especially if Kaoru ever stops feeding him... As always, thanks for the review!
Butterflybg – Yeah, she really does meet the strangest people...Glad you're enjoying it and I will keep updating as regularly as I can!
LadyIwashi – Lol Stay tuned! Hopefully it will live up to your expectations. :)
Cerulean Twin – Yeah, he's just kinda who he is...
Scarred Sword Heart – Definitely Scary-Kenshin. I figure there's only a few situations that would make him fuming-angry, and attempted rape would be one of them. And Sano is Sano. It's hard not to love him...:)
As always: Thank you for the reviews! Keep 'em coming! They remind me to keep writing!
And please let me know about the category-thing!
