Standard disclaimer applies.
Author's note: The first few chapters of this fan-fiction are heavily based on Teresa Medeiros's Lady of Conquest.
Author's note:
Ewunia: Oh thank you so much for reviewing. You made me so happy when I first received your review.
Kamimura Kaoru: you are indeed a very nice person for cheer me on. Well you will find out how old Kaoru is in this chapter, as for Kenshin he is 27, just the same as the manga (or is he 28?) Too young to be a King, maybe but Kenshin is quite an incredible person.
Kriska: hehe, hopefully this chapter won't bore you too much.
ToNbErYoFwEiRdNeSs: , sorry if the last chapter didn't make much sense, writing a Fight scene is so hard! Hopefully in the next few chapters it will clear up the monster idea.
And once again thank you for reviewing my first fanfic, although it's not a lot but you guys give me enough courage to go on. ^^
After revising the second chapter, I decided to shorten it and make it into two chapters instead of one.
******
'It is now the evening of day six.' Misao sighed miserably 'Kenshin should have been back by yesterday, you know he is never late," she turned around wondering how Aoshi can still be so calm, even the carefree rooster head, was slightly edgy during these pass few days.
Misao was furious when she found out later that Kenshin had slipped out of the castle without informing her, half petrified and worried that some thing will happen to her only living relative she was determined to go after him. However, before she was able to step out of the castle, Aoshi had stopped her at the entrance, knowing how impulsive she was and locked her up in her room until she gave up this foolish notion.
Her anger at Aoshi for locking her up had long died down; it was always like that she could never stay angry with anyone for long and especially when it comes to Aoshi. Feeling hopeless for not being able to do anything, Misao asked Aoshi to go up to the top of the guarded gate wall with her, hoping to catch any sign of Kenshin.
"Do you think something happened to him Aoshi-sama?" her usual cheerful voice now filled with tension.
"He will be back soon Princess Misao." Aoshi kept starring into the dark as he coolly replied.
Before Misao could reply the sound of horn blasted through the chilly air.
A watch guard in a tower shouted "Open the gates, his sire have returned."
Immediately Misao's sapphire eyes sparkled once more, sending a quick smile to Aoshi she quickly ran down the steep stairs to greet her brother.
A huge crowd had already gathered around the gate to welcome their victorious King home. As soon as Kenshin rode in to the gates, a loud cheer erupted from the crowd.
'Kenshin! Kenshin over here!' Miaso shouted, thrilled to see her brother safely home as she pushed through the excited crowd, with the tall Aoshi trailing behind her.
The sight of a dirty young boy sitting in front of Kenshin made Misao stop on her track.
Fear had quickly consumed Kaoru the moment they arrived, while riding back to the castle she refused to think about what may happen to her once she reached here, but now there is no way to ignore it. .Will he make me stand a trial for murdering his people? Or will he just throw me into the dungeon she silently wondered. Without realizing, she gripped on to her tormenter's thigh for support.
Kenshin glanced down on to her face it showed no signs of fear. Wanting to quickly get through this ordeal for her he let go of the reins and raised his left hand up.
The crowd silenced.
"The monster is dead" he shouted and looked around "I did not bring home the monster's head and instead I brought home this girl" Kenshin look down at Kaoru.
Her heart raced faster, sure that her death was approaching soon, ok so he did say he won't kill her but that doesn't mean he won't let his people judge her.
"This innocent girl was captured by the monster and when I killed it I found her half starving in the cave." Kenshin was slightly surprised at how lying seems to be easy for him. "I want you all to treat her as though she is my sister."
Not sure if what she heard was real, Kaoru could only stare dumbly at him as he gently helped her off the horse.
'Well, I always wanted a sister' Miaso smiled warmly at Kaoru 'Welcome to our family' and preceded to embrace the stunned girl.
***** Kaoru was in shock, her mind in turmoil she had no idea why Kenshin had just said what he did, what was he up to, surely he cannot be so kind to her after what he did to her family. Just thinking of what she should do next made her want to scream, deciding that the best thing for her was to wait and see what he was up to but for now she shall allow her self to be pampered.
Once the grouped walked in to the castle, Kaoru lead Kenshin to one corner of the hall away from the others.
'I don't know why you did this for me' her wide blue eyes silently questioning him 'but I just want to thank you.'
Kenshin smiled softly 'There is no need to thank me yet, you still have to answer a lot of my questions' looking at her bruised eye he saw how tired she was 'but that can wait until tomorrow.' With out another word he walked away from her.
"Take Princess Kaoru to the blue room." Kenshin called over his shoulder to a servant standing near by. "Send a hot bath and some warm food to her room." And walked joined back with Aoshi and Miaso, leaving Kaoru to follow the servant.
Kenshin turned around to see both Aoshi and Miaso wordlessly studying him. Misao had this strange smile on her face, knowing she was up to no good Kenshin asked where Sanosuke was to stop her from asking any questions.
"Oh he is just off chasing the fox" just the image of the Megumi made Miaso shudder, what ever Sanosuke saw in Megumi she would never know. However she was pretty interested in what is happening between this Kaoru and her brother, 'So Kenshin, who is this Kaoru?" jabbing her finger into Kenshin's stomach.
"I have already explained out there Misao," then he quickly changed the topic "I want you to send two sentry to guard outside Kaoru's room." Kenshin ordered.
"To guard people from going in or her coming out?" Aoshi asked impassively.
Misao laughed.
Kenshin scowled openly for the first time in many years, after meeting Kaoru his whole world has gone mad, firstly he had lied to everyone for this total stranger and now even the stiff Aoshi was having a go at him. Annoyed Kenshin answered sharply "Just do it."
"As you wish." Aoshi replied and promptly left him alone.
Hearing annoyance in Kenshin's normally composed voice Misao quickly followed Aoshi.
*****
Hours later, after a few drinks with Sanosuke Kenshin found himself outside Kaoru's room where two guards stood, wondering if Kaoru is okay.
"Good evening your sire."
"Good evening to you both" Kenshin politely replied "has she given you any trouble at all?"
"No your sire, it has been a quiet evening so far."
Kenshin relaxed.so she is asleep. Wanting to go in and check for him self but at the same time governed by the societies rules, he turned to leave.
******
"Kaoru we have to kill in order to survive."
She frowned and stared straight back in to his eyes "but Enishi if we kill innocent people aren't we just the same as them?" Defying his logic.
His face twisted with frustration "Don't you understand, this is the only way we can survive Kaoru and only by this way will we get our revenge"
"What is the point in revenge?" she shot back angrily " everything will still be gone, Father, Wouldn't Father want us to be alive rather than dead?"
He lunged at her "Just listen to your self!" shaking her shoulders violently "you are a disgrace to the Kamiya's family. Only by revenge will we once again glorify our family name and never forget Kaoru Kamiya what they did to us!" he roared.
Tears of helplessness ran down her face.
The shaking stopped.
Softening his voice he went on "forget about him Kaoru, he is not your prince charming and he will never be. Don't forget what he did to us, the only person who will protect you and love you is me." He brought her into his embrace "we only have each other now and don't ever forget what I just said."
The scene faded.
Darkness fell.
Enishi slowly emerged from the fog, a huge slash across his abdomen, blood flowing uncontrollable from his wound.
Clutching on to his wound he staggered towards her.
The look of pain and disbelief etched on his face "You abandoned me in the cave." his lips pale and cracked " how could you betray me for him" blood spilled down from his mouth ".you don't belong together.we belong together."
His bloody hand stretched out for her...
"NOOOOOOOOOOO" Kaoru's terrified scream sliced through the cold air. Kenshin had only taken a few steps towards him room when he heard her terrified scream, not caring what the astonished guards may think he barged through the thick wooden door and ran as fast as he can across the large room.
There he saw her sitting on the middle of the silk covered bed panting heavily. Although he has seen many horrific scenes during his life, the sight of Kaoru's small pale body shaking uncontrollable as she hugged her knees frightened him to the core of his soul.
"Kaoru?" Kenshin whispered sitting down beside her he gently placed his arm around her trembling shoulders "A bad dream?"
".Ye..es."her voice trembled with fear.
"Do you want to talk about it?" . Damn, she must be really frightened or else she won't even let me touch her.wanting to smooth away her fear he gently run his fingers through her short silky hair.
"No." she violently shook her head, wrapping her thin arms around his waist she unconsciously pulled him closer.
Slightly surprised by her move Kenshin smiled and continued stroke her hair "I don't know what has frightened you." he whispered quietly "you should know that I will protect you from now on." Kenshin was not sure why he said that, all he knew was that he would do what ever he can to protect this child in his arms.
Somehow his presence and words slowly took away Kaoru's fear, like it always has.
.He promised to protect me.
Faint traces of red appear on her face, embraced to be in the arms of her most hated enemy.
"I am okay now" recovered from her nightmare she pushed him away hiding behind her cool exterior once more "You don't have to say these kind of things to me and don't forget I did kill many of your people." Wanting to remind Kenshin and her self what they are to each other.
"Nevertheless I mean what I say." reminded of their position he stood up and stepped away from the bed.
Kaoru's heart once again started to beat rapidly for a different reason, not wanting Kenshin to see her blush she laid back on to her bed and turned to one side with her back to Kenshin.
"Well, good night." Kaoru coolly called out closing her eyes, hoping he will take the hint and leave the room.
She heard his soft footsteps walking towards the door "Good night Kaoru" Kenshin quietly spoke before leaving the room.
...Who will protect me from you? She wondered as she drifted off into a deep sleep.
******
Authors note: Oh can someone please proofread for me???
Author's note: The first few chapters of this fan-fiction are heavily based on Teresa Medeiros's Lady of Conquest.
Author's note:
Ewunia: Oh thank you so much for reviewing. You made me so happy when I first received your review.
Kamimura Kaoru: you are indeed a very nice person for cheer me on. Well you will find out how old Kaoru is in this chapter, as for Kenshin he is 27, just the same as the manga (or is he 28?) Too young to be a King, maybe but Kenshin is quite an incredible person.
Kriska: hehe, hopefully this chapter won't bore you too much.
ToNbErYoFwEiRdNeSs: , sorry if the last chapter didn't make much sense, writing a Fight scene is so hard! Hopefully in the next few chapters it will clear up the monster idea.
And once again thank you for reviewing my first fanfic, although it's not a lot but you guys give me enough courage to go on. ^^
After revising the second chapter, I decided to shorten it and make it into two chapters instead of one.
******
'It is now the evening of day six.' Misao sighed miserably 'Kenshin should have been back by yesterday, you know he is never late," she turned around wondering how Aoshi can still be so calm, even the carefree rooster head, was slightly edgy during these pass few days.
Misao was furious when she found out later that Kenshin had slipped out of the castle without informing her, half petrified and worried that some thing will happen to her only living relative she was determined to go after him. However, before she was able to step out of the castle, Aoshi had stopped her at the entrance, knowing how impulsive she was and locked her up in her room until she gave up this foolish notion.
Her anger at Aoshi for locking her up had long died down; it was always like that she could never stay angry with anyone for long and especially when it comes to Aoshi. Feeling hopeless for not being able to do anything, Misao asked Aoshi to go up to the top of the guarded gate wall with her, hoping to catch any sign of Kenshin.
"Do you think something happened to him Aoshi-sama?" her usual cheerful voice now filled with tension.
"He will be back soon Princess Misao." Aoshi kept starring into the dark as he coolly replied.
Before Misao could reply the sound of horn blasted through the chilly air.
A watch guard in a tower shouted "Open the gates, his sire have returned."
Immediately Misao's sapphire eyes sparkled once more, sending a quick smile to Aoshi she quickly ran down the steep stairs to greet her brother.
A huge crowd had already gathered around the gate to welcome their victorious King home. As soon as Kenshin rode in to the gates, a loud cheer erupted from the crowd.
'Kenshin! Kenshin over here!' Miaso shouted, thrilled to see her brother safely home as she pushed through the excited crowd, with the tall Aoshi trailing behind her.
The sight of a dirty young boy sitting in front of Kenshin made Misao stop on her track.
Fear had quickly consumed Kaoru the moment they arrived, while riding back to the castle she refused to think about what may happen to her once she reached here, but now there is no way to ignore it. .Will he make me stand a trial for murdering his people? Or will he just throw me into the dungeon she silently wondered. Without realizing, she gripped on to her tormenter's thigh for support.
Kenshin glanced down on to her face it showed no signs of fear. Wanting to quickly get through this ordeal for her he let go of the reins and raised his left hand up.
The crowd silenced.
"The monster is dead" he shouted and looked around "I did not bring home the monster's head and instead I brought home this girl" Kenshin look down at Kaoru.
Her heart raced faster, sure that her death was approaching soon, ok so he did say he won't kill her but that doesn't mean he won't let his people judge her.
"This innocent girl was captured by the monster and when I killed it I found her half starving in the cave." Kenshin was slightly surprised at how lying seems to be easy for him. "I want you all to treat her as though she is my sister."
Not sure if what she heard was real, Kaoru could only stare dumbly at him as he gently helped her off the horse.
'Well, I always wanted a sister' Miaso smiled warmly at Kaoru 'Welcome to our family' and preceded to embrace the stunned girl.
***** Kaoru was in shock, her mind in turmoil she had no idea why Kenshin had just said what he did, what was he up to, surely he cannot be so kind to her after what he did to her family. Just thinking of what she should do next made her want to scream, deciding that the best thing for her was to wait and see what he was up to but for now she shall allow her self to be pampered.
Once the grouped walked in to the castle, Kaoru lead Kenshin to one corner of the hall away from the others.
'I don't know why you did this for me' her wide blue eyes silently questioning him 'but I just want to thank you.'
Kenshin smiled softly 'There is no need to thank me yet, you still have to answer a lot of my questions' looking at her bruised eye he saw how tired she was 'but that can wait until tomorrow.' With out another word he walked away from her.
"Take Princess Kaoru to the blue room." Kenshin called over his shoulder to a servant standing near by. "Send a hot bath and some warm food to her room." And walked joined back with Aoshi and Miaso, leaving Kaoru to follow the servant.
Kenshin turned around to see both Aoshi and Miaso wordlessly studying him. Misao had this strange smile on her face, knowing she was up to no good Kenshin asked where Sanosuke was to stop her from asking any questions.
"Oh he is just off chasing the fox" just the image of the Megumi made Miaso shudder, what ever Sanosuke saw in Megumi she would never know. However she was pretty interested in what is happening between this Kaoru and her brother, 'So Kenshin, who is this Kaoru?" jabbing her finger into Kenshin's stomach.
"I have already explained out there Misao," then he quickly changed the topic "I want you to send two sentry to guard outside Kaoru's room." Kenshin ordered.
"To guard people from going in or her coming out?" Aoshi asked impassively.
Misao laughed.
Kenshin scowled openly for the first time in many years, after meeting Kaoru his whole world has gone mad, firstly he had lied to everyone for this total stranger and now even the stiff Aoshi was having a go at him. Annoyed Kenshin answered sharply "Just do it."
"As you wish." Aoshi replied and promptly left him alone.
Hearing annoyance in Kenshin's normally composed voice Misao quickly followed Aoshi.
*****
Hours later, after a few drinks with Sanosuke Kenshin found himself outside Kaoru's room where two guards stood, wondering if Kaoru is okay.
"Good evening your sire."
"Good evening to you both" Kenshin politely replied "has she given you any trouble at all?"
"No your sire, it has been a quiet evening so far."
Kenshin relaxed.so she is asleep. Wanting to go in and check for him self but at the same time governed by the societies rules, he turned to leave.
******
"Kaoru we have to kill in order to survive."
She frowned and stared straight back in to his eyes "but Enishi if we kill innocent people aren't we just the same as them?" Defying his logic.
His face twisted with frustration "Don't you understand, this is the only way we can survive Kaoru and only by this way will we get our revenge"
"What is the point in revenge?" she shot back angrily " everything will still be gone, Father, Wouldn't Father want us to be alive rather than dead?"
He lunged at her "Just listen to your self!" shaking her shoulders violently "you are a disgrace to the Kamiya's family. Only by revenge will we once again glorify our family name and never forget Kaoru Kamiya what they did to us!" he roared.
Tears of helplessness ran down her face.
The shaking stopped.
Softening his voice he went on "forget about him Kaoru, he is not your prince charming and he will never be. Don't forget what he did to us, the only person who will protect you and love you is me." He brought her into his embrace "we only have each other now and don't ever forget what I just said."
The scene faded.
Darkness fell.
Enishi slowly emerged from the fog, a huge slash across his abdomen, blood flowing uncontrollable from his wound.
Clutching on to his wound he staggered towards her.
The look of pain and disbelief etched on his face "You abandoned me in the cave." his lips pale and cracked " how could you betray me for him" blood spilled down from his mouth ".you don't belong together.we belong together."
His bloody hand stretched out for her...
"NOOOOOOOOOOO" Kaoru's terrified scream sliced through the cold air. Kenshin had only taken a few steps towards him room when he heard her terrified scream, not caring what the astonished guards may think he barged through the thick wooden door and ran as fast as he can across the large room.
There he saw her sitting on the middle of the silk covered bed panting heavily. Although he has seen many horrific scenes during his life, the sight of Kaoru's small pale body shaking uncontrollable as she hugged her knees frightened him to the core of his soul.
"Kaoru?" Kenshin whispered sitting down beside her he gently placed his arm around her trembling shoulders "A bad dream?"
".Ye..es."her voice trembled with fear.
"Do you want to talk about it?" . Damn, she must be really frightened or else she won't even let me touch her.wanting to smooth away her fear he gently run his fingers through her short silky hair.
"No." she violently shook her head, wrapping her thin arms around his waist she unconsciously pulled him closer.
Slightly surprised by her move Kenshin smiled and continued stroke her hair "I don't know what has frightened you." he whispered quietly "you should know that I will protect you from now on." Kenshin was not sure why he said that, all he knew was that he would do what ever he can to protect this child in his arms.
Somehow his presence and words slowly took away Kaoru's fear, like it always has.
.He promised to protect me.
Faint traces of red appear on her face, embraced to be in the arms of her most hated enemy.
"I am okay now" recovered from her nightmare she pushed him away hiding behind her cool exterior once more "You don't have to say these kind of things to me and don't forget I did kill many of your people." Wanting to remind Kenshin and her self what they are to each other.
"Nevertheless I mean what I say." reminded of their position he stood up and stepped away from the bed.
Kaoru's heart once again started to beat rapidly for a different reason, not wanting Kenshin to see her blush she laid back on to her bed and turned to one side with her back to Kenshin.
"Well, good night." Kaoru coolly called out closing her eyes, hoping he will take the hint and leave the room.
She heard his soft footsteps walking towards the door "Good night Kaoru" Kenshin quietly spoke before leaving the room.
...Who will protect me from you? She wondered as she drifted off into a deep sleep.
******
Authors note: Oh can someone please proofread for me???