Chapter 23 The Challenge Letter
Kaoru made her way to the tofu stand, picking through the busy street. For the first time in two weeks, her leg didn't feel any pain, for which she was grateful. She had wondered if it would ever heal, but time had taken it's effects and half of the stitches had already fallen out. She had had a hard time keeping them from Kenshin, but he had never questioned her when she said she wanted the lights out.
She smiled a little, her thoughts wandering back to the last few days. Kenshin had been so sweet to her. He was already talking about their one-month anniversary, which was coming up in about a week. Despite her protests, he had insisted upon doing something special, and she had chuckled at this.
"What a funny man. I thought women were the ones concerned about these things." She said out loud. "I wonder what he has in mind?"
She spotted the stand, and next to it, Sanosuke. She waved and called, "Sano!"
He looked toward her, a large grin coming over his face as he waved in return. "Oi! Jou-chan!" She made her way to him, smiling as she went.
When she reached to tofu stand, she grabbed him in a large hug. "Konnichiwa Sano! How are you today?"
He returned her embrace, patting her back fondly. "I'm doing well, you?" He asked, as they broke apart. She was about to respond when Kenshin popped up from around the other side of the cart. She nearly jumped in surprise when she saw him, but got over it quickly.
She launched herself at the other Hitokiri, nearly taking them both down. "Kenshin! What are you doing her? I haven't seen you for so long!"
He laughed out loud as he grabbed her in a hug, lifting her slightly off the ground. "What are you talking about? We saw each other yesterday!"
She laughed too, whining as she spoke. "I know! But that's too long!"
They broke out into chuckles as Sano snorted. "Would you two get a room?"
Kenshin put her down and she rounded on Sano, a menacing look on her face. "Oh, WE should get a room, huh? What about you and Megumi?"
She smirked, as he blushed a bit, suddenly finding the sky very interesting. "Uh, I don't know what you are talking about."
Kenshin broke in, "Well, we do, Sano. You two are always all over each other, even when we are around, and you know it!" He smiled sarcastically.
Sano coughed, still looking at the sky. "Yeah well, we don't get to see each other as often as you do."
Kaoru threw her arm around his waist, leaning into him. "See? You should know how we feel then!" She grinned, elbowing him.
Kenshin threw his arm around Sano's other shoulder, standing on the opposite side from Kaoru. He leaned forward so he could see her as he spoke. "Hey, at least we don't go making out in front of the whole world, Kao-chan."
She laughed as she leaned forward so she could better see him. "Oh, I know! And here Sano goes on about US needing a room, too!" She shook her head.
Sano's eyebrow ticked, his irritation climbing. "Hey."
He tried to speak, but Kenshin cut in. "I really don't think that he can be talking to us about that, when he is sooo much worse. Don't you agree?" He asked Kaoru, who nodded her head matter of factly. "Oh, yes. I highly agree."
Sano finally spoke up, his voice louder this time. "Hello! Quit talking like I am not around! I am right here, you know?"
Kenshin and Kaoru burst out laughing, letting go of him and coming closer together. Sanosuke crossed his arms as they continued laughing at his expense. "Well, fine then. I guess I just won't say anything ever again." He huffed.
Kaoru tried to stop her laughter, but was having a hard time. "Oh, Sano, you are just so easy to pick on, you know that? You are worse than Yahiko!"
His eyes widened and Kenshin laughed harder. "Uh, oh, I think you struck a nerve, we had better get out of here!" Kaoru squeaked as Sano started after her, and she hid behind Kenshin. He held up his hands in defense as Sano tried to get at the still laughing Kaoru. "Hey! I didn't say it, she did, Sano!" He laughed.
"Oh thanks a lot for defending your Koibito, Kenshin, that's so sweet!" She said sarcastically between her laughs.
Sano finally gave up on her and crossed his arms, looking very irritated. Kaoru finally let her laughter die down and she came from behind Kenshin.
"You're not really angry are you, Sano? It was a joke…" She trailed off.
Her eyes widened when he cracked a huge grin and pounced on her, tickling her mercilessly. "Of course I know that! I just really wanted to tickle you."
She screamed out in laughter. "Sano! Stop it! Kenshin, do something!"
Kenshin adopted a look of innocence, his hands coming to rest behind his head, elbows out. "What's wrong? I don't think I can help you here."
He smiled as she responded between laughs. "Traitor!" He chuckled as Sano continued his onslaught for a moment, and then released her. Kaoru wiped the small tears that had formed in her eyes from laughing so hard, and turned to glare daggers at both men. "Gee thanks a lot, you guys!"
After a moment, the trio broke out into more laughter. When it had subsided, Kaoru blinked, looking around. "Where is Misao?"
Sanosuke's merriment instantly died as he adopted a somber look. "She's at the lake washing tofu tubs right now."
Kaoru looked curiously at him. "What's wrong? Is she ok?"
He sighed. "I really don't know. She has been depressed off and on since we saw him…"
Kaoru nodded in understanding, feeling sympathy for the girl. "I see. Maybe I should talk to her about it."
Sano shook his head, saying. "I have tried for almost two weeks now. She just won't talk about anything involving Aoshi anymore. I think she's trying very hard to forget him."
Kenshin spoke up. "Maybe too hard…"
All three nodded gravely, staring at the ground.
Kaoru perked up. "Well, it won't do her any good if all of us are sitting her taking pity on her. Let's go and find her and try to cheer her up, ok?" She turned to Kenshin, who just nodded in agreement.
"I need to stay here to mind the cart, but I would be happy if you two went." Sano said.
Kaoru smiled softly at him. "You really care a lot about her, don't you Sano?"
He smiled at her, shrugging. "You should know how I am, Jou-chan."
She looked fondly at him, reaching out and giving his arm a squeeze. "Yes. And I consider myself very lucky."
He shrugged again, becoming a bit embarrassed. "Yeah, well, you know, Megumi likes her a lot too, so…"
Kaoru just smiled wider, knowing that he became a little flustered in mushy situations. She turned to Kenshin, grabbing his hand. "Let's go."
He nodded and waved to Sano as they walked away. "See you later." Sano waved in return before he turned to help a customer.
Kenshin and Kaoru walked hand in hand, content to be near each other.
"You have a lot of people who love you, Kao-chan."
She looked at him, smiling. "Yes, I do. And so do you."
He returned her gaze, the warmth spreading through out him. "I still don't think I deserve all of this." He said.
She drew closer to him, latching onto his arm with her other hand. "You may still think that, but that's not for you to decide. We all love you no matter what you think."
He chuckled slightly. "Yeah, I know that's for sure. All of you are so stubborn that even if I tried to run away, it wouldn't work."
She laughed a bit. "You're right. Yahiko would throw a fit if his beloved brother Kenshin were to leave. And Sano, well he considers you a best friend. And besides…I would find you…no matter where you went." She said the last part softly as she clung closer to him, as if she feared that he really would run if she let go.
He squeezed her hand gently, speaking in almost a whisper. "I'm not going anywhere, Kao-chan." She smiled as they fell into companionable silence, making their way to the lake. Though it was still cold, the signs of spring were everywhere.
The sakura tree near the waters edge came into view and she smiled. Though there were no blossoms yet, the trunk and branches seemed to glow with life that would soon spring forth. She couldn't wait. She loved the cherry blossom season, when all of the trees were in full bloom, the wind carrying their petals across the land like a snowstorm.
She looked to the lake edge and fond Misao scrubbing away at the buckets, a sad look upon her face. She and Kenshin came up to her, stopping in front of her. "Konnichiwa Misao. How are you today?" Kaoru spoke in a cheery voice.
Misao snapped her attention up to the pair, smiling broadly at them. "Hi guys! I'm doing fine. What brings you here?" She straightened, shaking the water from her fingers and then wiping them on her clothes to dry them.
Kenshin responded, "Do you need any help? It looks like you have a ton of buckets left to wash."
Misao grinned, saying, "Yeah, I couldn't carry them all, so Gensai Sensei let me take this." She indicated to the small cart beside her.
"That was nice of him. Here, let us help. We will get it done faster with three people." Kaoru said, rolling her sleeves. Misao was about to protest when Kenshin did the same, both grabbing a bucket and a cloth from the soapy water pail near the lake edge. She blinked and smiled as she grabbed a bucket and bent down next to them, beginning to wash it.
They remained in silence for a bit until Kaoru yelped. "Kenshin! Watch your splashes!"
He chuckled. "Sorry, I was just trying to rinse this well."
He splashed her playfully and she yelped again. "Hey! That's it."
She reached into the soap bucket, scooping a large handful of suds and slapping them on his head. She laughed out loud at the surprised look on his face. "You look good like that." She giggled, watching the soap trickle down his hair and face.
Misao blinked at their antics, then smiled as Kenshin stood, scooping water into his bucket, glaring menacingly at Kaoru. "Oh, so that's how you want to play, huh? Ok!"
Kaoru's eyes widened as she registered what he was going to do. "No! Don't even think about it!"
Just as Kenshin raised the bucket to splash at her, she moved near Misao. He tried to stop himself, but it was too late. He thrust the water from the bucket and it went sloshing all over Kaoru and Misao, who let out yells off shock, the cold liquid running from their heads to their feet.
Both girls stood there, stiff with surprise, eyes wide.
Kenshin sat there frozen, his eyes equally as wide as theirs as he spoke up. "Uh, I didn't mean to…" He trailed off as the girls adopted looks of irritation, both clenching their fists.
"Kenshin." Kaoru grit out between her teeth.
Kenshin dropped the bucket, holding his hands up in defense as he backed away slowly. "Uh, girls, I, uh, you know…"
They both looked up at him, glares in place as they advanced upon him.
"You know Kenshin, I was just an innocent bystander." Misao let out.
He smiled nervously as he backed up to the lake edge. "I know, that's why I said I'm sorry…"
Kaoru spoke. "Oh, I didn't hear you say it, but you sure will be sorry! Get him!" Both girls launched themselves upon him, bringing all three crashing into the lake. They all gasped as the chilly water immediately hit them.
They began to laugh, Kaoru standing in the shallow water. "Oh, his head doesn't look wet enough!" Misao took a bucket and dumped over him, laughing as he tried to put up his hands to protect himself from the water.
The three continued to splash at each other for a bit before Kaoru wrapped her arms about her, still standing in the shallows. "We had better get out of the freezing water if we don't want to get sick!" She laughed as her teeth began to chatter. The other two nodded, their laughter slowly subsiding.
Kaoru looked sheepishly at the mess they had created, the bucket tossed everywhere. "I'm sorry, Misao-chan! We came her to help you and instead, we made a mess of things."
Misao shook her head, her broad smile still in place. "It's ok, Kaoru. You did help me." Misao felt light hearted, happiness welling within her as she watched Kenshin and Kaoru scurry about, grabbing the buckets and placing them on the cart. 'Sanosuke was right. I do have a new family now and it doesn't matter that we were all strangers a month ago…'
She helped them get the rest of the buckets, smiling at their handiwork as she said, "Well, we got half of them washed. Gensai sensei will be happy with that."
Kenshin nodded. "You had better get home and change into something dry."
Misao grabbed the cart with both hands. As she began to pull it away, she stopped and turned, smiling softly at them. "Thank you."
Kaoru blinked. "For what?" She feigned ignorance.
Misao's smile widened. "For your help of course." She waved and walked away. Kenshin put an arm around Kaoru's shoulder, leading her away to his house.
The wind picked up and both shivered. Kenshin stopped and scooped her up in his arms. She put her hands around his shoulders as he leapt up to the roofs. She leaned into his chest, smiling slightly as they made their way quickly to his house. When they reached it, he leapt down and slid the door open, setting her inside as he shut it behind them. She untied her obi as he instantly began to strip his own wet clothes off. She blushed when she caught him staring at her.
She smiled sarcastically. "For some reason, I think that you planned this."
He laughed, going to his room. He returned with a dry set of his own clothes. "Here. Put these on." She nodded and took them from him. He returned to his room for some clothing for himself. She took this opportunity to slip his hakama on, hiding her healing wound. It was nearly gone, but she still didn't want to take any chances. Kaoru sighed, as she finally felt dry, snuggling deeper into his clothing. She smiled as she realized that they smelled like him, and closed her eyes.
"Enjoying yourself in my clothes?" Her eyes snapped open to see Kenshin just inches from her, dressed in dry apparel as well. She blushed slightly, but it subsided as quickly as it came. She was getting used to his comments, and was less embarrassed as their relationship progressed.
She wrapped her arms around his neck, coming closer and placing a kiss on his nose. "I am actually. And yes, I was smelling them."
He burst out laughing as he hugged her close. "I'm glad that you can finally admit to that, Kao-chan."
She hugged him back, laughter bubbling in her. "I never said I wasn't doing that in the first place!"
Kenshin snorted. "Yeah, you just wouldn't say anything about it, that's all!"
She laughed harder. "Of course! If I don't say anything, then it didn't happen, right?" They continued to chuckle as they pulled apart.
"Are you hungry?" Kenshin asked her.
She nodded. "I could eat. What do you have?" He went to the kitchen to rummage around for a bit. He came up with some dry noodles.
"Uh, I have some ramen noodles…" He said sheepishly.
She smiled. "Those will be just fine. We can boil them with some vegetables and put some spices in." He nodded and began to boil some water that he obtained from his water jug in the corner of the kitchen.
As Kaoru chopped some vegetables, she laughed. "Just like a man to only have noodles in his kitchen when a lady comes over, isn't it?"
He smiled mischievously. "Well, you are here enough, you should already know that." She laughed, scooping her carrots into the pot of water. "Yeah, I know. I should just live here. It's like that anyways." She looked over to him, her laughter subsiding at the serious look on his face.
"I wouldn't mind you living here."
She turned to him, letting her arms fall to her sides. "I know…I wish that I had that freedom…" She trailed off.
He stepped closer to her, placing his hand on her cheek. "How long does this have to go on Kaoru?"
She placed her hand over his, closing her eyes as a pained look came over her face. "I don't know…we still haven't come up with a great plan…I'm starting to lean more an more towards yours…but…"
He sighed, letting his hand drop from her face. "I know you worry about me. I know that you don't want me, or anyone else you care about to be in danger."
"Danger because of me." She cut in.
He sighed again, continuing. "I understand that's the way you feel. But remember what you said earlier today? About me not having a choice in how you all felt? Well, the same could be said in this situation. You don't have a choice, Kaoru. I am going to set you free, no matter what." He looked at her, determination in his eyes. "Even if it costs me my life."
Kaoru stared at him, gratefulness shining in her eyes. "I know Kenshin. I know you will." She turned back to her vegetables. "In many ways, you already have." She stopped suddenly and set the knife down, tears welling in her eyes.
She came forward and hugged him tightly. "And no matter what happens, I will always be grateful for this time you have given me. For your love. I will always love you, no matter what."
He hugged her back, a spark of confusion igniting within him. He laughed nervously. "You speak as if something is going to happen. Like we won't see each other anymore."
She pulled back and wiped her tears away, smiling. She shook her head. "Don't worry. I'm just emotional right now."
He smiled slightly, saying, "You know I love you, right Kao-chan? And I always will."
She nodded. "I know, Kenshin."
They continued to cook in silence, each in their own thoughts. When they were done, they brought their food to his table and sat down.
As they ate, Kaoru spoke up. "I'm so glad we saw Misao today. She was looking so down when we walked up."
Kenshin smiled around a bite of noodles. "Yeah, me too. But I think she was happy we came to see her."
Kaoru nodded. "I think she was able to forget her worries there for a minute, what with you dumping water all over us and all." She poked playfully.
"Hey, don't forget who started it." He said in defense.
She laughed out loud. "Yeah! You! You got me wet first, remember?"
He looked sheepish as he shoved another bite into his mouth. "Oh, yeah. That's right." She laughed again, ruffling his damp hair fondly. Neither of their hair was completely dry yet.
"So, what are you planning for our 'anniversary', if you can even call it that." She joked.
He smiled. "Hey, it's a very important milestone, at least in my life. I have never had something like this."
She smiled lovingly at him. "Well, neither have I. So it is important."
"I'm not telling you. Just make sure you have that evening free, ok? The eighth of March."
She nodded. "I already planned on it. So, you won't tell me anything?" She pried.
He shook his head, setting his jaw firmly. "Nope. I want it to be surprise."
She sighed in defeat. "All right then, be stubborn."
The red head winked, saying, "I learn from the best." He poked.
Kaoru looked out the window. "I had better go. I need to get back to Megumi. She said she wanted help with something this evening." She said rather reluctantly.
He nodded, looking a little disappointed. "I understand."
Standing, she grabbed her plate to return it to the kitchen when he stood quickly, putting a hand on her arm. "It's ok. I can do that."
She blinked and then smiled, setting the plate down. "Thank you for dinner. You have no idea how nice it is every once in a while to have something like this."
He shook his head. "It's only ramen, though."
"Yes, but, considering what I always eat, this is gourmet."
Kenshin looked at her, his eyes darkening like they always did when she mentioned something of that nature. He clenched his fists, saying, "This is stupid, Kaoru. He can't hold you hostage like this."
She put her hands to his chest, calming him. "But he can, and he will for now. He has for ten years. Don't worry, Kenshin. Everything will work out. I have you, after all." She soothed and he calmed visibly.
"I except this for now. But I won't forever." He stated.
She felt her heart skip a beat as she breathed, "Forever, huh?"
He started into her eyes and she felt her breath hitch like it always did. "I will never get sick of looking at your beautiful eyes." She said softly, more to herself.
He drew her closer. "Good. I don't ever want you to." He closed the short distance between them, locking his lips with hers in a deep kiss. She felt her knees weaken as she leaned into him for support, her heart beating faster.
When they pulled apart, she looked dazedly at him. "I won't ever get sick of that, either."
He chuckled, smirking as he responded, "It seems that way."
She smiled as she let him go, picking up her semi-damp clothes. She shook them out, saying, "Well, they're not completely dry, but it will be ok."
Kenshin put a hand to her shoulder. "Why don't you just wear my clothes back?"
She snorted. "Oh, I can see that going over very well with Kanryu. Here comes his little Kaoru-chan, dressed in the Hitokiri Battosai's extra clothes. Oh, the questions I would be bombarded with…" She trailed off as he chuckled.
"Good point. I guess that won't work."
She turned around as she stripped, careful to keep her injury away from his eyes as she changed back into her own clothes. She let out a sound of disgust. "I hate changing into damp clothes. It makes my skin itch."
He smiled as she turned back around. "We do you even bother turning around when you change? I have seen you completely naked, you know."
She blushed a bit, nodding. "Yes, but I still get a little shy…" She lied. In fact, she wasn't shy about showing her body to him at all. She just had to hide her injury.
He came forward, wrapping her in a hug. "Someday, I'll break you of that."
She smiled, returning his embrace. She reluctantly let him go and walked out the door. "I'll see you tomorrow, Kenshin."
He waved. "I love you, Kao-chan."
She smiled widely, answering, "I love you too."
He watched her go, sliding the door shut when she was out of sight. He smiled as he thought of their parting words. "I'll never get sick of those words, either, Kao-chan." He said quietly to himself as he went about cleaning up.
Kaoru hurried to the mansion, not wanting to truly get sick as the clouds in the sky rumbled above her, foretelling the coming storm. She ran the whole way, smiling as she realized that her leg hadn't hurt her even once. "Good. I won't have to hide this much longer from him. Once it scars, it will lighten and he won't know it wasn't already there. I mean, I already have too many to count anyways."
She reached the Mansion and turned the heavy handle, letting herself inside. Shutting the door behind her, she started for the basement, intent upon finding Megumi.
Kanryu poked his ugly head out of his study, calling to her. "Kaoru-chan, come here." She sighed as she veered off her original course to head up the stairs. Once inside, Kanryu indicated for her to shut the door. She did so and seated herself across from him, trying not to choke on his cigar smoke.
"What do you want?" She asked quickly.
He didn't smile as he opened his desk drawer and pulled out a folded parchment. He dropped it onto the desk in front of her, asking, "Do you know what this is?"
She blinked at him and then stared at it. "Uh, it looks like a challenge letter to me. It has that seal on it. Who's it from?"
He sat back, taking a long draught of his cigar.
Her eyes narrowed as she looked at him. "You look worried." She was confused. She had received many challenge letters over the course of the years. She had won every one of them.
"Oh, you will be too when you see who it's from." He finally answered.
She cocked her head to the side in curiosity. Reaching forward, she grabbed the paper and opened it, careful to undo the wax seal so she didn't rip it. She read the contents. It seemed like a normal challenge letter to her.
"To the Hitokiri Sakura, I would like to challenge you to a match. We will meet at Takeda Kanryu's mansion and proceed with our duel in the courtyard. If you accept this challenge, then send a reply. However, be informed that if you choose not to accept this, I will come for you anyways. I ask that this take place a week from today, March eighth at nine pm."
Kaoru sounded bored. "Gee, whoever it is sounds nice." Her eyes widened when she saw the signature. Her mouth went dry and her heart leaped to her throat.
"Sighed Shinomori…Aoshi…"
She stared in disbelief at the letter before she let it fall from her numb hands to the desk.
Kanryu leaned forward, sneering. "Now do you see? He comes to avenge his comrades."
Kaoru snapped out of her daze to glare at him. "Yes, the ones that YOU killed, not ME, remember? He should be challenging you, not me."
Kanryu chuckled. "Ah, yes. But you are my Hitokiri. It would only be natural for him to assume that you did it." He replied evilly.
She crossed her arms. "I always have to clean up your dirty work, don't I?" She said in disgust.
He stood, a menacing look upon his face. "Such is your fate. I own you, remember?"
She looked darkly at him as she stood to stare him in the eyes. "Not in every way, you don't. And not forever, Kanryu." She said venomously.
He laughed in her face. "Oh, I don't think you're going anywhere anytime soon, my little bird.My whole world isyour cage, and only I hold the key."
She shook her head in loathing. "One day, Kanryu. You will get your comeuppance." She turned and stormed out the door.
He called after her. "Shall I send him a reply?"
"What the hell ever, you bastard." She spat over her shoulder as she stomped down the stairs. "I was in such a good mood, too." She said to herself as she felt her anger begin to subside.
She came down the basement stairs, calling to Megumi. "Nee-chan? Are you here?" Megumi looked up from her work. Kaoru looked curiously at her lap, where her sister had some clothing and a sewing needle. "What's that?"
Megumi shook her head smiling. "It's your outfit, silly. The one that was ruined from your fight two weeks ago."
Kaoru's face lit in understanding. "Ooooh, I see. Thanks for fixing it, Nee-chan, even though I have a couple extra pants. Those were my favorite, in fact."
Megumi smiled as she continued to stitch the pants together. Kaoru sat next to her, leaning slightly on her shoulder. They sat in silence for a bit, Kaoru brooding to herself. Megumi sighed and stopped.
Kaoru sat back off of her, looking at her. "What did you need help with Nee-chan?" Kaoru asked.
"Oh, I just needed you here to try this on when I was finished to make sure it was right, that's all." Kaoru nodded and went silent. "What's the matter, Kao-chan? You seem troubled."
Kaoru blinked in surprise. "I really never can hide anything from you, can I?"
Megumi smiled and held her finger up. "Like I have always said, you can hide it from others, but never from me!" She said in a matter of fact tone.
Kaoru chuckled as she pushed her lightly. "That was what I have always said and you just stole it from me!"
They laughed a bit and Megumi sobered. "Really, Kao-chan. What is it? I could tell the moment you entered the room."
Kaoru sighed, lying back on the cot so she was staring at the ceiling. "I got a challenge letter today."
Megumi stared, a worried expression coming to her face. She also knew of these letters and how often Kaoru had received them over the years. But they never ceased to worry her. However, they rarely upset Kaoru.
"Kao-chan, what's wrong with this one? I know you seem unsettled about it."
Kaoru looked at her, a serious expression on her face. "I am upset about it Nee-chan. I don't know what to do. It's from Shinomori Aoshi."
Megumi's eyes widened as she put the pieces together. "Aoshi…Misao's Aoshi…?"
Kaoru nodded gravely. "Kanryu is responding to him today. I don't know how to tell Misao…"
Megumi shook her head, baffled. "Why would he be challenging you now, after it's been more than a year?"
Kaoru shook her head, equally as mystified. "I have no clue. But I don't think I can tell Misao. Every one of these challenges that I have received, I have always killed the other to win…I had to…" She said sadly. "And he said that if I rejected the letter, he would come for me anyways."
Megumi lay back on the cot next to her sister, placing her hand on Kaoru's. "Don't worry so much, Kao-chan. I'm sure that you can just talk to him. You can let him know that it wasn't you who killed the Oniwabanshu. Maybe he can understand…"
Kaoru went silent as she looked at the aged ceiling. 'Somehow, I don't think it will be that simple…'