Disclaimer: Same as usual, I don't own the Kenshin-gumi.
Reckoning Chapter Two: Waxing and Waning
Dinner was its usual noisy affair. Kaoru had come back late from her lesson and was currently being accosted by both Sano and Yahiko. Kenshin was privately grateful for the chaos. Between Yahiko teasing Kaoru about how sweaty and smelly she was and Sano complaining about how her tardiness had held up dinner, no one noticed that Kenshin was acting more pensive than normal. He was carefully rehearsing his plans for the evening, hoping that the preparation would prevent him from sounding like the idiot he felt like.
The meal was just winding down when Kenshin decided to implement the first step of his plan.
"Kaoru-dono, would you like me to prepare your bath?" he asked, expecting her to be eager for one after her long day.
"Thank you, but not right now, Kenshin," she responded blithely. "I learned some new techniques today and I want to try them out on Yahiko first, that is if the brat can shut up long enough to pick up his bokken!"
"Who you calling brat, busu?" Yahiko shot back.
"We'll see who'll be ugly by the end of the evening, Yahiko-chan!" Kaoru shouted as she dashed off towards the dojo.
"Don't call me chan!" Yahiko yelled as he chased after her.
Sano laughed at the familiar antics of the pair, but Kenshin only sighed. This was not a good sign. Already his plans had been thrown of course, and he hadn't even had a chance to implement them yet.
Kenshin cleaned up the mess from dinner alone. When he had picked up the first dish, Sano quickly excused himself, expressing a sudden desire to see Jou-chan's new moves. This actually relieved Kenshin, as he needed the solitude to rework the evening's schedule.
After he finished, Kenshin walked outside and sat down on the porch, listening to the sounds coming from within the dojo. From his position, it sounded like Kaoru was giving Yahiko a sound walloping, but the young boy refused to give up. The evening dragged on with no sign that the two were anywhere close to stopping. Kenshin idly wondered where Kaoru got all her energy. She was still going strong against Yahiko despite the fact that she'd spent the whole day teaching. With a start, Kenshin realized that if he didn't ask Kaoru to go on a walk now, there wouldn't be anytime for it today. It had already grown too late for him to offer her a bath first.
Kenshin moved from his perch and walked into the dojo. He stopped for a moment to watch the two spar and noticed that even Sano still looked interested. Kenshin wondered what exactly were the new moves Kaoru had learned. For a moment, he considered delaying the walk for another night in favor of observing Kaoru and Yahiko, but he knew if he didn't talk with her now, he might never get up the courage again.
Stepping forward, Kenshin cleared his throat and asked softly, "Kaoru-dono, would you care to go on a walk?"
The fighting stopped abruptly as a startled Kaoru looked up.
"What? I'm sorry Kenshin, I didn't hear you. What did you ask me?" Kaoru replied, lowering her arms and halting the bokken's course towards Yahiko's head.
Kenshin felt his face growing red, but repeated question. "Would you like to take a walk with me, Kaoru-dono?"
"Oh," she responded, a little breathlessly. "Umm, sure, if taking a walk is okay with Yahiko...I mean if Yahiko doesn't mind taking a walk with me...I mean if Yahiko doesn't mind me taking a walk with you...I mean because we'd have to stop training now..." said a very flustered Kaoru.
"If you want to stop and grow all fat and out of shape, that's fine with me, busu," Yahiko replied, looking amused by the obvious nervousness between Kenshin and Kaoru.
Kaoru blinked, a little surprised that she had gotten off that easy.
"Well, what're ya waiting for?" Sano called from his corner.
"Oh," she said again. "I guess I'll see you guys in a little." Unthinking, Kaoru tucked the bokken into the ties of her hakama and walked over towards Kenshin who stood by the door.
* * * * * * * * * * *
The early spring evening was cool, but a warm breeze made it a comfortable temperature for the pair as they silently walked down the path towards town. Kaoru wondered at the situation. It wasn't that she and Kenshin had never taken a walk together before; it was just that they had only done so when both were unoccupied. Never before had he interrupted her with the sole intention of going for a stroll. Kaoru didn't understand his silence either. Kenshin could hardly be called loquacious, but he usually talked about little things, like the condition of the dojo, or the western influence that was slowing creeping into Japan, or the heavier than average rainfall they'd been experiencing that season. The topics were never very personal, but they always put Kaoru's mind at ease and distracted her from thinking about his nearness or their lack of company. Tonight, though, Kenshin hadn't ventured a word, and Kaoru's heart refused to resume a reasonable pace as she pondered what might be the reason for their walk. Her heart rate shot up even higher for a moment as she realized how dreadful she must smell after a full day of practice. Maybe Kenshin was so distracted by her stench that it had driven out all other thoughts from his mind. Maybe at this very moment he was struggling to remain conscious against the overpowering effects of her sweat. Maybe- Kaoru immediately gave up on that line of reasoning. After all, Kenshin had been very aware that she hadn't bathed yet and had still asked her to go. He must have known what was he was getting into. If Kenshin was in any way bothered by the way she smelled, he would just have to deal with it.
Kaoru's thoughts were broken off suddenly as she felt his hand brushing against hers. Hardly daring to breathe, she did her best to remain calm. Another second later and her hand was gently grasped by his. Kenshin's touch was so light, it was almost as if he were trying to fool her into thinking that they weren't really holding hands. Kaoru's heart rate skyrocketed again as she wondered what she should do. Should she say anything? Should she squeeze back? Should she slap him for his impertinence? That was really the last thing she wanted to do, but Kaoru guessed that it would really blow his mind. The dark haired girl settled on doing nothing, hoping that the fact that she hadn't stopped him would communicate to Kenshin her approval.
They continued walking, still saying nothing. Little by little, their pace slowed until Kaoru found herself standing in the middle of the road facing Kenshin, a slightly questioning look on her face. Not far away, she could hear the river flowing under the bridge. For a time, the two just stared at each other. Kaoru grew more confused by the minute, especially when it seemed that Kenshin was rehearsing a speech of some sort. She swore she could see his lips moving in the twilight even though she didn't hear anything.
The tension continued to grow until Kenshin's voice finally broke the silence.
"Kaoru-dono," he whispered hesitantly.
"Yes, Kenshin?"
"I..."
"Yes?" Kaoru repeated.
"I..." All the things Kenshin had planned to say in this moment suddenly flew out of his head. Damn, he was going to sound like an idiot after all. Actually, it was probably too late for that. Kenshin forced down rising panic. He just needed to think this through. If he focused, he'd be okay. If he only concentrated...
Kenshin's gaze rested upon Kaoru's face and once again all thoughts escaped him. She stood there, watching him quietly. Her eyes were so beautiful, if a little confused right now. Even in her confusion, she waited patiently for him, as she always had. Kenshin's reasoning totally escaped him, but his instincts did kick in. Distantly, as if watching his body being moved by a will not his own, Kenshin realized that he was stepping closer to Kaoru, was bringing his face down that one necessary inch to be level with hers, was preparing to kiss her, was hearing a strange rustling in the bushes...
Strange rustling in the bushes!
Kenshin sprang back, his hand going immediately to the hilt of his sword. Kaoru looked a little shocked and very confused.
"Kenshin, what is it?" she asked a little sharply. She couldn't understand how he had gone from nearly intimate to battle ready in less than a second.
"I heard something in the bushes, Kaoru-dono," he hissed quietly.
Kaoru rolled her eyes. It was probably that idiot rooster head and her bratty student. She knew they had been just a little too eager to let her go on this walk with Kenshin. Exasperated, she called out, "Okay, we know you're in there. Why don't you just come out now?"
As expected, a tall figure flanked by a shorter one slowly emerged from the trees. Kaoru was about to give them a piece of her mind when she realized that the tall one didn't have spiky hair and that the other shadow wasn't quite short enough. She inhaled sharply as an unfamiliar voice rang out, "Okay, you heard the lady. Come on out since she knows we're in here."
More figures emerged from the woods on both sides of the road. Kaoru counted each one as they slowly formed a circle around her and Kenshin. There were nine, including the short one and the one who had spoken.
"Who are you and what do you want?" asked Kenshin in a cool voice.
"Well, isn't it obvious?" spoke the tall figure again. "We're robbers and we want your money."
In a disdainful voice, the shorter one added, "Though it doesn't look like you have much in the way of valuables. We might have to improvise a bit to make this evening worthwhile."
The other men laughed and Kaoru could feel all eyes upon her.
"Kaoru-dono," Kenshin whispered urgently, "you must run while I hold them off here, that you must."
"Don't be ridiculous Kenshin," Kaoru whispered back indignantly. "We're surrounded. I couldn't get past them if I wanted. And even if the situation were different, I'd still stay and fight with you, you baka," she told him as she pulled out her forgotten bokken.
"But Kaoru-dono-"
"No buts, Kenshin," Kaoru answered firmly.
"Okay, but be careful. If you get into trouble, just shout and I will be there, that I will. And-"
"Kenshin, shut up!" Kaoru cut him off as she positioned herself so that they stood back-to-back, ready to face the now charging robbers.
Kenshin brought his attention to the four men coming at him. His anger flared as he realized that the other five must have all decided to attack Kaoru. He was enraged by the blatant lack of honor in such a plan. He hoped that the battle would go quickly, but as he engaged the first bandit, Kenshin knew it would not be so. The edge he held over most swordsmen in Japan came from his god-like speed. If he wanted to remain back-to-back with Kaoru - and he did - he would have to fight in place. Not to mention that the Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu was not designed with team combat of this nature in mind. There were too many moves that depended on attacks from the air or quick charges. Standing as he was with Kaoru severely hampered his ability to fight as he normally would. While he was sure he was going to win, Kenshin realized victory would take longer than he liked.
Despite the added obstacles, Kenshin overcame his attackers easily. Just as he was incapacitating the fourth, the familiar presence of Kaoru at his back disappeared, and he heard her shout a battle cry. Kenshin was about to turn and aid her when a familiar voice called, "Don't forget about me."
Kenshin looked up to see the tall man who had first spoken standing before him, sword ready.
"You thought I was going to attack the girl, didn't you?" he taunted. "Tsk tsk. I haven't lost so much honor that I would sink to such levels."
Kenshin stared at the man coldly and readied himself for the charge. As the man began moving towards him, Kenshin's brain registered the fact that he no longer heard the sounds of battle from behind him where Kaoru had been. He panicked, losing his focus upon his opponent. Hundreds of images of what might be happening to Kaoru flooded his mind. Just as the robber's sword connected with his own, Kenshin looked away in a desperate attempt to find Kaoru. The robber noticed immediately, changing his attack. In a second, he had Kenshin disarmed and on the ground. Kenshin's eyes went wide as he realized what happened. By some trick of the mind, events began unfolding as if in slow motion. His vision narrowed to follow the point of the descending sword as he braced for the blow.
The blow never fell. Uncomprehending at first, Kenshin watched as the blade first lost momentum, then turned off course to fall harmlessly to the ground by his feet.
Seconds ticked by as Kenshin sat in a daze. Then realization struck. Something had stopped the man from finishing his attack. His field of vision expanded again to see Kaoru standing over the bandit, bokken in hand. The robber lay crumpled on the ground, knocked unconscious. Kenshin looked around to see that the same fate had claimed the other eight men as well. Instantly, Kaoru was at his side, fussing over him.
"Are you hurt, Kenshin?" she asked worriedly.
"No, Kaoru-dono, I am perfectly he fine. They never touched me," he answered, still a little out of it. She helped him to stand. Her next remark shocked him fully out of his daze.
"Then what the hell happened, Kenshin? How could you possibly let him disarm you?" Kaoru's voice rang out angrily.
"Oro!"
"Honestly Kenshin, that man was no match for you. I can't even understand how he got inside your guard, let alone knocked you over."
"It was because I was distracted, that I was," Kenshin said a little guiltily.
"Distracted by what? It was just him and you."
"I...I thought you were in trouble. I thought one of the robbers had beaten you, that I did." Kenshin responded.
"And why did you think that? I said I'd call you if I needed help, and I certainly don't remember doing that." Kaoru answered, annoyance evident in her voice.
"Well, it was because I didn't hear anything, and I thought..."
"You thought I'd been knocked out," Kaoru finished for him bitterly.
"Yes, that I did," Kenshin answered miserably.
"Well, I'm glad you have such faith in me, Kenshin," came Kaoru's sarcastic remark.
"I do have faith in you, Kaoru-dono, that I do. It's just that I worry about you too, and I didn't realize that you were as talented as you are, that I didn't."
"Well maybe if you'd take the time to really watch me, you'd see that I'm not as inept as you seem to think I am."
"I don't think you're inept, Kaoru-dono," Kenshin answered, trying to soothe her.
"Yet you have know idea what my true skill level is, do you Kenshin?" Kaoru retorted accusingly.
"No, I...I guess I don't. I'm sorry Kaoru-dono. I'd really like to discover it, that I would."
"Oh would you? Well, if you're really serious, prove it to me. Spar with me once so you can find out just how much I know. Then maybe next time you can judge my chances in battle a little more accurately," challenged Kaoru.
Kenshin was shocked. "I can't do that, Kaoru-dono. I...I might hurt you. I've devoted myself to defending the weak, not challenging them. Fighting you would be counter to everything I've worked for, regardless of whether it was just sparring or..." Kenshin trailed off into silence, realizing that, without a doubt, he had just uttered the most tactless, idiotic statement of his life. Before he had a chance to take back his words, Kenshin's face was met by a stinging slap.
"How dare you!" Kaoru shouted, her eyes blazing. She slapped him again. "How dare you call me weak! How can you say that to me, and now of all times? I have never been so insulted, so demeaned, so.." Finding herself at a loss for words in her rage, Kaoru pivoted, wanting nothing more than to be out of Kenshin's presence before she did something more permanently damaging to him.
Desperate for a way to mend the situation, Kenshin reached out for Kaoru's arm to stop her.
"Kaoru-do-"
"Don't touch me!" she hissed as she wrenched her arm away. "Just get away from me. I don't want you in my sight. You make me sick," she uttered in a low voice. The quick glimpse Kenshin received of her face revealed anger, betrayal, and pain before she charged off into the woods, hand tightly clenching her bokken. Kenshin shook his head, miserable, but in a rare moment of foresight, chose not to follow her. Instead, he picked up his sakabatou and sheathed it. Realizing she needed time by herself, he trudged towards the police station alone. He would have to get the law quickly before the bandits woke up. Kenshin briefly worried about her safety but surmised that in her present state, Kaoru would prove even more formidable than usual. The obvious hypocrisy of his thought did not even register as he pondered how he would explain this to Sano and Yahiko when they inevitably questioned him about Kaoru's conspicuous absence after they had been gone for so long.
A.N.: Thank you to my reviewers. You give this unworthy one reassurance. : )
Reckoning Chapter Two: Waxing and Waning
Dinner was its usual noisy affair. Kaoru had come back late from her lesson and was currently being accosted by both Sano and Yahiko. Kenshin was privately grateful for the chaos. Between Yahiko teasing Kaoru about how sweaty and smelly she was and Sano complaining about how her tardiness had held up dinner, no one noticed that Kenshin was acting more pensive than normal. He was carefully rehearsing his plans for the evening, hoping that the preparation would prevent him from sounding like the idiot he felt like.
The meal was just winding down when Kenshin decided to implement the first step of his plan.
"Kaoru-dono, would you like me to prepare your bath?" he asked, expecting her to be eager for one after her long day.
"Thank you, but not right now, Kenshin," she responded blithely. "I learned some new techniques today and I want to try them out on Yahiko first, that is if the brat can shut up long enough to pick up his bokken!"
"Who you calling brat, busu?" Yahiko shot back.
"We'll see who'll be ugly by the end of the evening, Yahiko-chan!" Kaoru shouted as she dashed off towards the dojo.
"Don't call me chan!" Yahiko yelled as he chased after her.
Sano laughed at the familiar antics of the pair, but Kenshin only sighed. This was not a good sign. Already his plans had been thrown of course, and he hadn't even had a chance to implement them yet.
Kenshin cleaned up the mess from dinner alone. When he had picked up the first dish, Sano quickly excused himself, expressing a sudden desire to see Jou-chan's new moves. This actually relieved Kenshin, as he needed the solitude to rework the evening's schedule.
After he finished, Kenshin walked outside and sat down on the porch, listening to the sounds coming from within the dojo. From his position, it sounded like Kaoru was giving Yahiko a sound walloping, but the young boy refused to give up. The evening dragged on with no sign that the two were anywhere close to stopping. Kenshin idly wondered where Kaoru got all her energy. She was still going strong against Yahiko despite the fact that she'd spent the whole day teaching. With a start, Kenshin realized that if he didn't ask Kaoru to go on a walk now, there wouldn't be anytime for it today. It had already grown too late for him to offer her a bath first.
Kenshin moved from his perch and walked into the dojo. He stopped for a moment to watch the two spar and noticed that even Sano still looked interested. Kenshin wondered what exactly were the new moves Kaoru had learned. For a moment, he considered delaying the walk for another night in favor of observing Kaoru and Yahiko, but he knew if he didn't talk with her now, he might never get up the courage again.
Stepping forward, Kenshin cleared his throat and asked softly, "Kaoru-dono, would you care to go on a walk?"
The fighting stopped abruptly as a startled Kaoru looked up.
"What? I'm sorry Kenshin, I didn't hear you. What did you ask me?" Kaoru replied, lowering her arms and halting the bokken's course towards Yahiko's head.
Kenshin felt his face growing red, but repeated question. "Would you like to take a walk with me, Kaoru-dono?"
"Oh," she responded, a little breathlessly. "Umm, sure, if taking a walk is okay with Yahiko...I mean if Yahiko doesn't mind taking a walk with me...I mean if Yahiko doesn't mind me taking a walk with you...I mean because we'd have to stop training now..." said a very flustered Kaoru.
"If you want to stop and grow all fat and out of shape, that's fine with me, busu," Yahiko replied, looking amused by the obvious nervousness between Kenshin and Kaoru.
Kaoru blinked, a little surprised that she had gotten off that easy.
"Well, what're ya waiting for?" Sano called from his corner.
"Oh," she said again. "I guess I'll see you guys in a little." Unthinking, Kaoru tucked the bokken into the ties of her hakama and walked over towards Kenshin who stood by the door.
* * * * * * * * * * *
The early spring evening was cool, but a warm breeze made it a comfortable temperature for the pair as they silently walked down the path towards town. Kaoru wondered at the situation. It wasn't that she and Kenshin had never taken a walk together before; it was just that they had only done so when both were unoccupied. Never before had he interrupted her with the sole intention of going for a stroll. Kaoru didn't understand his silence either. Kenshin could hardly be called loquacious, but he usually talked about little things, like the condition of the dojo, or the western influence that was slowing creeping into Japan, or the heavier than average rainfall they'd been experiencing that season. The topics were never very personal, but they always put Kaoru's mind at ease and distracted her from thinking about his nearness or their lack of company. Tonight, though, Kenshin hadn't ventured a word, and Kaoru's heart refused to resume a reasonable pace as she pondered what might be the reason for their walk. Her heart rate shot up even higher for a moment as she realized how dreadful she must smell after a full day of practice. Maybe Kenshin was so distracted by her stench that it had driven out all other thoughts from his mind. Maybe at this very moment he was struggling to remain conscious against the overpowering effects of her sweat. Maybe- Kaoru immediately gave up on that line of reasoning. After all, Kenshin had been very aware that she hadn't bathed yet and had still asked her to go. He must have known what was he was getting into. If Kenshin was in any way bothered by the way she smelled, he would just have to deal with it.
Kaoru's thoughts were broken off suddenly as she felt his hand brushing against hers. Hardly daring to breathe, she did her best to remain calm. Another second later and her hand was gently grasped by his. Kenshin's touch was so light, it was almost as if he were trying to fool her into thinking that they weren't really holding hands. Kaoru's heart rate skyrocketed again as she wondered what she should do. Should she say anything? Should she squeeze back? Should she slap him for his impertinence? That was really the last thing she wanted to do, but Kaoru guessed that it would really blow his mind. The dark haired girl settled on doing nothing, hoping that the fact that she hadn't stopped him would communicate to Kenshin her approval.
They continued walking, still saying nothing. Little by little, their pace slowed until Kaoru found herself standing in the middle of the road facing Kenshin, a slightly questioning look on her face. Not far away, she could hear the river flowing under the bridge. For a time, the two just stared at each other. Kaoru grew more confused by the minute, especially when it seemed that Kenshin was rehearsing a speech of some sort. She swore she could see his lips moving in the twilight even though she didn't hear anything.
The tension continued to grow until Kenshin's voice finally broke the silence.
"Kaoru-dono," he whispered hesitantly.
"Yes, Kenshin?"
"I..."
"Yes?" Kaoru repeated.
"I..." All the things Kenshin had planned to say in this moment suddenly flew out of his head. Damn, he was going to sound like an idiot after all. Actually, it was probably too late for that. Kenshin forced down rising panic. He just needed to think this through. If he focused, he'd be okay. If he only concentrated...
Kenshin's gaze rested upon Kaoru's face and once again all thoughts escaped him. She stood there, watching him quietly. Her eyes were so beautiful, if a little confused right now. Even in her confusion, she waited patiently for him, as she always had. Kenshin's reasoning totally escaped him, but his instincts did kick in. Distantly, as if watching his body being moved by a will not his own, Kenshin realized that he was stepping closer to Kaoru, was bringing his face down that one necessary inch to be level with hers, was preparing to kiss her, was hearing a strange rustling in the bushes...
Strange rustling in the bushes!
Kenshin sprang back, his hand going immediately to the hilt of his sword. Kaoru looked a little shocked and very confused.
"Kenshin, what is it?" she asked a little sharply. She couldn't understand how he had gone from nearly intimate to battle ready in less than a second.
"I heard something in the bushes, Kaoru-dono," he hissed quietly.
Kaoru rolled her eyes. It was probably that idiot rooster head and her bratty student. She knew they had been just a little too eager to let her go on this walk with Kenshin. Exasperated, she called out, "Okay, we know you're in there. Why don't you just come out now?"
As expected, a tall figure flanked by a shorter one slowly emerged from the trees. Kaoru was about to give them a piece of her mind when she realized that the tall one didn't have spiky hair and that the other shadow wasn't quite short enough. She inhaled sharply as an unfamiliar voice rang out, "Okay, you heard the lady. Come on out since she knows we're in here."
More figures emerged from the woods on both sides of the road. Kaoru counted each one as they slowly formed a circle around her and Kenshin. There were nine, including the short one and the one who had spoken.
"Who are you and what do you want?" asked Kenshin in a cool voice.
"Well, isn't it obvious?" spoke the tall figure again. "We're robbers and we want your money."
In a disdainful voice, the shorter one added, "Though it doesn't look like you have much in the way of valuables. We might have to improvise a bit to make this evening worthwhile."
The other men laughed and Kaoru could feel all eyes upon her.
"Kaoru-dono," Kenshin whispered urgently, "you must run while I hold them off here, that you must."
"Don't be ridiculous Kenshin," Kaoru whispered back indignantly. "We're surrounded. I couldn't get past them if I wanted. And even if the situation were different, I'd still stay and fight with you, you baka," she told him as she pulled out her forgotten bokken.
"But Kaoru-dono-"
"No buts, Kenshin," Kaoru answered firmly.
"Okay, but be careful. If you get into trouble, just shout and I will be there, that I will. And-"
"Kenshin, shut up!" Kaoru cut him off as she positioned herself so that they stood back-to-back, ready to face the now charging robbers.
Kenshin brought his attention to the four men coming at him. His anger flared as he realized that the other five must have all decided to attack Kaoru. He was enraged by the blatant lack of honor in such a plan. He hoped that the battle would go quickly, but as he engaged the first bandit, Kenshin knew it would not be so. The edge he held over most swordsmen in Japan came from his god-like speed. If he wanted to remain back-to-back with Kaoru - and he did - he would have to fight in place. Not to mention that the Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu was not designed with team combat of this nature in mind. There were too many moves that depended on attacks from the air or quick charges. Standing as he was with Kaoru severely hampered his ability to fight as he normally would. While he was sure he was going to win, Kenshin realized victory would take longer than he liked.
Despite the added obstacles, Kenshin overcame his attackers easily. Just as he was incapacitating the fourth, the familiar presence of Kaoru at his back disappeared, and he heard her shout a battle cry. Kenshin was about to turn and aid her when a familiar voice called, "Don't forget about me."
Kenshin looked up to see the tall man who had first spoken standing before him, sword ready.
"You thought I was going to attack the girl, didn't you?" he taunted. "Tsk tsk. I haven't lost so much honor that I would sink to such levels."
Kenshin stared at the man coldly and readied himself for the charge. As the man began moving towards him, Kenshin's brain registered the fact that he no longer heard the sounds of battle from behind him where Kaoru had been. He panicked, losing his focus upon his opponent. Hundreds of images of what might be happening to Kaoru flooded his mind. Just as the robber's sword connected with his own, Kenshin looked away in a desperate attempt to find Kaoru. The robber noticed immediately, changing his attack. In a second, he had Kenshin disarmed and on the ground. Kenshin's eyes went wide as he realized what happened. By some trick of the mind, events began unfolding as if in slow motion. His vision narrowed to follow the point of the descending sword as he braced for the blow.
The blow never fell. Uncomprehending at first, Kenshin watched as the blade first lost momentum, then turned off course to fall harmlessly to the ground by his feet.
Seconds ticked by as Kenshin sat in a daze. Then realization struck. Something had stopped the man from finishing his attack. His field of vision expanded again to see Kaoru standing over the bandit, bokken in hand. The robber lay crumpled on the ground, knocked unconscious. Kenshin looked around to see that the same fate had claimed the other eight men as well. Instantly, Kaoru was at his side, fussing over him.
"Are you hurt, Kenshin?" she asked worriedly.
"No, Kaoru-dono, I am perfectly he fine. They never touched me," he answered, still a little out of it. She helped him to stand. Her next remark shocked him fully out of his daze.
"Then what the hell happened, Kenshin? How could you possibly let him disarm you?" Kaoru's voice rang out angrily.
"Oro!"
"Honestly Kenshin, that man was no match for you. I can't even understand how he got inside your guard, let alone knocked you over."
"It was because I was distracted, that I was," Kenshin said a little guiltily.
"Distracted by what? It was just him and you."
"I...I thought you were in trouble. I thought one of the robbers had beaten you, that I did." Kenshin responded.
"And why did you think that? I said I'd call you if I needed help, and I certainly don't remember doing that." Kaoru answered, annoyance evident in her voice.
"Well, it was because I didn't hear anything, and I thought..."
"You thought I'd been knocked out," Kaoru finished for him bitterly.
"Yes, that I did," Kenshin answered miserably.
"Well, I'm glad you have such faith in me, Kenshin," came Kaoru's sarcastic remark.
"I do have faith in you, Kaoru-dono, that I do. It's just that I worry about you too, and I didn't realize that you were as talented as you are, that I didn't."
"Well maybe if you'd take the time to really watch me, you'd see that I'm not as inept as you seem to think I am."
"I don't think you're inept, Kaoru-dono," Kenshin answered, trying to soothe her.
"Yet you have know idea what my true skill level is, do you Kenshin?" Kaoru retorted accusingly.
"No, I...I guess I don't. I'm sorry Kaoru-dono. I'd really like to discover it, that I would."
"Oh would you? Well, if you're really serious, prove it to me. Spar with me once so you can find out just how much I know. Then maybe next time you can judge my chances in battle a little more accurately," challenged Kaoru.
Kenshin was shocked. "I can't do that, Kaoru-dono. I...I might hurt you. I've devoted myself to defending the weak, not challenging them. Fighting you would be counter to everything I've worked for, regardless of whether it was just sparring or..." Kenshin trailed off into silence, realizing that, without a doubt, he had just uttered the most tactless, idiotic statement of his life. Before he had a chance to take back his words, Kenshin's face was met by a stinging slap.
"How dare you!" Kaoru shouted, her eyes blazing. She slapped him again. "How dare you call me weak! How can you say that to me, and now of all times? I have never been so insulted, so demeaned, so.." Finding herself at a loss for words in her rage, Kaoru pivoted, wanting nothing more than to be out of Kenshin's presence before she did something more permanently damaging to him.
Desperate for a way to mend the situation, Kenshin reached out for Kaoru's arm to stop her.
"Kaoru-do-"
"Don't touch me!" she hissed as she wrenched her arm away. "Just get away from me. I don't want you in my sight. You make me sick," she uttered in a low voice. The quick glimpse Kenshin received of her face revealed anger, betrayal, and pain before she charged off into the woods, hand tightly clenching her bokken. Kenshin shook his head, miserable, but in a rare moment of foresight, chose not to follow her. Instead, he picked up his sakabatou and sheathed it. Realizing she needed time by herself, he trudged towards the police station alone. He would have to get the law quickly before the bandits woke up. Kenshin briefly worried about her safety but surmised that in her present state, Kaoru would prove even more formidable than usual. The obvious hypocrisy of his thought did not even register as he pondered how he would explain this to Sano and Yahiko when they inevitably questioned him about Kaoru's conspicuous absence after they had been gone for so long.
A.N.: Thank you to my reviewers. You give this unworthy one reassurance. : )