Rurouni Kenshin Fanfic

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Rurouni Kenshin & Samurai X Original Japanese Version ©N. Watsuki/Shueisha * Fuji-TV * SME Visual Works Inc. * Sony Pictures Entertainment

All Fanfics created by Chiruken (me) were written for the sole purpose of shared entertainment and not intended for publication or sale.

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New Paths, Old Roads and Unlikely Allies Fanfic By:  Chiruken Chapter 5

~Winter~

I stifle a yawn and watch impassively as the sun slowly peeks over the horizon.  Well, that certainly was one of the most unpleasant nights I've ever spent.  Sitting in a tree all night is definitely not my idea of an enjoyable way to pass the night.  I hope it doesn't have to become a hobby.  I drop to the ground with less than my usual grace and nearly fall over as my numb legs being to tingle.  I stamp my feet briskly in an attempt to return circulation to my cramped limbs.

I place my hands at the small of my back and stretch until I hear a satisfying pop.  I'm getting too old for this.  I shouldn't be sitting I trees all night at my age.  Oh well, until things are resolved between Kaoru and myself…if they ever are…I'll just have to get used to being stiff and sore in the morning.

Since Yahiko will be watching over the doujou for me during the day…before he has to be at the Akabeko…I should have time to go fishing.  The doujou could use fresh fish I think.  I frown, trying to remember what was left of the dried and salted fish I prepared earlier this year.  Yes, I think the stores are getting a little low.  Every little bit helps, that's what I believe.  That way maybe Kaoru won't have to work so hard teaching at other doujou's just to put food on the table.

A few hours later I'm standing partially hidden staring at the doujou holding the four fish I caught, wondering how in the world I'm going to deliver them without being seen.  I think it would be best if I continue to avoid Kaoru for a while…and I most certainly have no desire to run into Matsumoto right now.  I shrug and decide speed with a healthy dose of stealth is my only option under the circumstances.

Five minutes and one close call later, my task is complete and I'm in my tree again.  Sleep certainly would be nice, but unfortunately it's been a long time since I last slept in a tree.  Falling out of a tree isn't my idea of an ideal way to wake up.

I unwrap some of the food Yahiko brought last night…a lop-sided rice ball, Kaoru's handiwork I'd wager…and take a bite.  I almost choke at the bitter, over salted taste.  Yes, I think as my eyes begin to water as the horrible flavor lingers even after sever sips of water, definitely Kaoru's work.  Oh well, I'm hungry.  Even the most awful tasting food is better than none.

I grin in wicked amusement at the thought of Matsumoto trying to eat the meals Kaoru prepares.  Call me small-minded, but I think it's better than a scoundrel like he is deserves.  I hope he gets good and sick.  Serves him right for all the mischief he's caused.

I settle in, shifting until I find the least uncomfortable position possible, and fold my arms behind my head as a pillow of sorts.  I have an exceptional view of the yard and both gates.  I wonder when Sano will show up.

As if on cue, he saunters through the gate, stops and looks around, clearly puzzled by the lack of activity and my absence.  Uh huh, that's right, no one's out here so…head for the kitchen.  I chuckle at my friend's predictability as he does exactly what I expected.  Hmm…what's this?  Sanosuke, meet Matsumoto…Matsumoto, meet…what?  You don't care who this is?  Surprise, surprise.  One more person offended by that sneak's oh-so-charming demeanor.  'Bye, Sano.

I shake my head as Sanosuke departs, obviously I a foul mood.  Well, that's another one, Matsumoto.  Wonder when Kaoru will notice you're driving all her friends away.  Hopefully soon, before it's too late.

I tilt my head to the side envisioning Megumi's reaction to this turn of events.  I have a feeling it won't be long before our doctor friend shows up to check things out for herself.  I wonder how Matsumoto will treat her.  If he's even a little intelligent, he'll proceed with extreme caution.  Takani Megumi is not a woman to be taken lightly…uh uh, not that female.  I shudder at the thought of Megumi's vengeful aspect to her personality.  I believe her motto in life is don't get mad…get even.  Having a doctor annoyed with you is a very bad idea.

I wonder how Kaoru can be so blind to what Matsumoto is doing.  I know Kaoru isn't short on intelligence, so why hasn't she noticed what a rat that guy is?  I just don't understand her uncharacteristic lack of perception.  Honestly, judging by her behaviour yesterday, I'd swear she has her protective instincts going full time where that loud mouth is concerned.

I sit a little straighter.  Wait a minute…protective?  Yes, she was acting like a mother protecting her young yesterday.  Why is that?  My eyes narrow in growing suspicion.  What kind of story did he tell her that would cause such a reaction?  I growl in irritation…I seem to be doing that a lot lately.  I won't know anything until Saito arrives.

Maybe I'm taking things a little too seriously.  After all, whose fault is it that I'm stuck out here in a tree in the middle of winter?  I could be warm and cozy if only I kept my temper and held my tongue.  On the other hand, I've no liking to being treated like a slave.  I had more than enough of that when I was a child.

I sigh and close my eyes wearily.  What would really make me feel better right now would be to take my frustrations out on Matsumoto himself.  A good, solid punch would make me a lot happier right now.  Yes…right in the middle of that arrogant and smug face.  Wonder if I could knock any of his teeth out.  I snort in self-mockery.  Right.  "Excuse me, Matsumoto-san.  Would you mind sitting down so I can reach to punch you in the teeth?  Like that's going to happen."  I mutter it under my breath in disgust.  This is one of those times my lack of height is a real adversity.

"Hey, when'd you start talkin' to yourself, Kenshin?"

"When I was thrown out on my ear.  Good morning, Sano.  Did you enjoy your first and, hopefully, last meeting with that conceited and egotistical fraud?"

He utters a low whistle.  "Whoa…Isolation really makes you grumpy, doesn't it?"

I drop down beside him.  "No, Sano, not isolation…being displaced, discredited and treated like I'm a slave makes me grumpy.  Being isolated merely gives me time to plot my revenge."

"You know, Kenshin, I think you really need to relax.  You're getting' really worked up over this."

"I appreciate your concern, but I'm fine.  Really, this whole situation has opened my eyes.  I realized that I don't like being treated as if I'm a tatami floor and I really don't like being used.  I decided that things have to change and soon."  I shrug and grin up at him.  "All in all, I think things will work out, that I do."

"You're pretty optimistic for a guy livin' in a tree.  I don't know.  That guy's a real piece of work.  I'm not sure how you think things're gonna work out.  After all, you're in a tree and he's in your futon."

I glare at him in annoyance.  "Are you trying to make me feel better, Sano?  If so, please stop.  I don't think my bruised pride can take any more of your attempts at cheering me up."

He shrugs and grins at me.  "Sorry.  So…what are you gonna do?"

I lean against the tree, my shoulders slumping dejectedly.  "I don't know."

"Oh.  In that case, I can see why you're so confident."

"Sanosuke, you aren't helping."  Under any other circumstances his humor would probably cheer me up, but considering the situation, I don't need cheering up.  I need a way to get rid of Matsumoto, get back into Kaoru's good graces, and get on with my life.

"Say, Kenshin…have you considered turnin' things on him?"  I look at him questioningly, uncertain of his line of thinking…with Sano, one can never be certain.  "Well, the way I see it, all you managed to do is get jou-chan even more pissed at you with your way of doin' things.  Why not try somethin' else?"

"Such as?"  I'm curious despite myself.  His analysis of my situation, though crude, is essentially correct.

"Jou-chan's a sucker for anyone who's hurt, right?"

"Well, I wouldn't put it quite that way…" I look past him at the sound of a twig snapping with a frown.  There's no one around, so it must have been an animal.

"So, why don't I give you a few bumps and bruises, then take you to the doujou…"

I shake my head.  "I don't think so, Sano.  Kaoru's too intelligent to fall for something so obvious."

"Uh uh.  It's fool proof.  She's downright slow when it comes to you.  Trust me on this.  My plan can't fail."

"I'm a sucker, huh?  And slow, too."  I wince at Kaoru's furious outburst.  I knew I heard something.  "How dare you plot something so sneaky and underhanded?  Trying to play on my sympathies…you two should be ashamed of yourselves."

It's pointless to mention that I'm an innocent bystander this time.  I don't think she's in the mood to listen to reason.  "Good morning, Kaoru-dono.  What brings you here?"

"Don't 'Kaoru-dono' me, you jerk."  I look down and shuffle my feet.  "How could you just leave like that?  Without an explanation, without an apology to Matsumoto-san…"

I grit my teeth, but can't hold in my angry retort.  "I've had enough of Matsumoto-san, that arrogant, insufferable, conceited, freeloading, sanctimonious jackass."  I end with a shout.  Sanosuke takes a hasty step away from me, his expression revealing his uneasiness.  Kaoru jumps a little at my shout, but looks like she's about to argue some more.  "Be silent, woman."  I snap the command out as she opens her mouth to speak.  Both Kaoru and Sano look startled by the harsh tone I used.  "It is my turn to have my say, that it is."  I draw in a deep breath in an effort to calm myself.  "I've put up with the degrading treatment of the past few days.  I've held my peace through all the unreasonable and arrogant demands.  I didn't complain when I was cast out to the storehouse…but I've had enough.  Can't you see through his act?  Can't you see what he's doing?  I have never allowed myself to be treated as a slave since Hiko freed me from that life, yet for the past three days I put up with it."  I clench my hands into fists at my sides.  I'd do or be anything for Kaoru…anything at all…just so long as she's happy.  I clear my throat and force my hands to unclench.  "Why in Kami-sama's name did you invite that man into your home?  Was it Warrior's Compassion again?"  Despite my efforts to remain calm, my voice is rising yet again in agitation.  "How often do you think you can do that before some psychotic profligate shows up at your gate and murders you while you sleep or worse?  How was I supposed to know that antagonistic blowhard was harmless?  I didn't and still don't.  How did you know he wasn't another Jinei or Gohei?  You couldn't have known unless you're better at reading people than I am."  I turn away and stare into the woods sightlessly.  When I speak again, I make a concerted effort to keep the volume down and remain calm and rational.  "I'm not mechanical in any way, Kaoru.  I have feelings, too…and those feelings can be hurt.  Just because I was a hitokiri doesn't mean I can just turn off all my emotions and continue as if nothing hurt me."  I slowly turn to face her again, studiously ignoring her pinched and pale expression.  If I acknowledge her tears, I won't be able to continue.  "I am a grown man, not a boy Yahiko's age to be sent to bed with no supper as discipline for transgressions."

"Then stop treating me like a child and let me live my own life!"

"When have I ever dictated what you can or cannot do?  The one time I questioned your decision blew up in my face.  I didn't do it to be controlling or prying, Kaoru.  It was because I was worried for your safety.  I will ask you again…what is Matsumoto to you?"

She has that stubborn tilt to her chin giving me fair warning of another rejection.  I look at the ground, not wanting to admit defeat, but not knowing how to proceed.  Nothing I've said is getting through to her.  I finally understand Hiko's frustration with me all those years ago when he walked away from an argument with me for the first time.  It truly is a waste of time to listen to someone who won't listen in return.  "He needs my help."

**To Be Continued…**

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Response to Reviewers:

Jason M. Lee:  This doesn't really answer the question of what she thinks of Matsumoto now, but it did resolve some of the conflict…

Lizzie:  Thanks!  I was kinda worried about the POV falling flat.  This is one of my earlier attempts (not the first, but it was started last year when I was still trying to find my footing in the world of RK FanFiction) and to tell the truth, I'm a little nervous about it.

C-Chan:  Yup!  He DOES have a temper after all.  Kenshin WILL get his revenge, I promise you that, but expect the unexpected from our little rurouni…bwahahahahah!

Ewunia:  Does she ever!  I SO agree with you.  And yes, it WOULD serve her right if Kenshin left her to fend for herself.  Ever hear of the saying "You've made your bed, now lie in it"?

AngelsExist:  I'm trying to update everyday, but as you know, sometime the best-laid plans can go by the wayside.  But…until that happens, I'll try to get a new chapter up every day.  I'm glad you like it!

Gypsy-chan:  You're right!  Kaoru does need to be taught a very valuable lesson in not underestimating Kenshin's level of patience!  (Of course, this chapter kinda addresses that…)  And thanks for checking out the site!  Angel's doing a beautiful job, ne?

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Author's Notes:

1.Feeling a little frazzled…too many projects, I guess, and not enough sleep.

2.'Cause I wrote this fic so long ago, it's like something entirely new for me.  (**ducks head in embarrassment**  Actually, to tell the truth, I really can't remember what happens next until I get into typing the chapter…I hope I can get back into it so that I can finish it once I reach the end of what I already have written.)