Disclaimer: Rurouni Kenshin is the creation of Nobuhiro Watsuki, with the
manga and anime rights belonging to Jump Comics and Sony Entertainment,
respectively. FF is non-profit, meant for entertainment only.
Ok, I'm adding a spoiler warning. I didn't realize that some people were just
tuning into RK. I should have added this at the beginning but I just didn't
think. Sorry. The spoilers deal mainly the Kyoto Arch, very little reference to
the Jinchu Arc.
Last chapter, this chapter has been modified because of the FF
rules on ratings. The original chapter with the lemon can be found on my
website.
Chapter Ten
*************
"Ah, finally back at the dojo," Kaoru thought to herself as she lay on
her futon, correction their futon.
They had gotten back sometime in the afternoon. Everyone had already been
expecting them. They even had dinner ready.
She had told them about the small wedding and although they were shocked they
were all very happy for them. She found it odd, though that they kept telling
Kenshin it was about time. Exactly how long had they been involved?
"Hmm."
On the other hand though Yahiko had given her good news. Seems some people had
watched them practice and now they wanted to start taking lessons. Yahiko had
told them to come back in a couple of days. So they'd be by any day now. The
thought of teaching made her happy. She yawned. How long does it take to walk
the grounds? Kenshin better hurry before I fall asleep. She'd been hardly
sleeping these last couple of days. She smiled. "That's why I'm
tired."
"Then you should rest." Kenshin was at the door. He had made sure that
everything was fine and had locked up. Too many people in Yokohama had found out
about him and now he needed to keep an eye out. Especially for any wolfs that
might come by sniffing around.
"Are you coming to bed?" She said looking at him threw her lashes.
"Hai, koishii." He changed his clothes and laid beside her. She
snuggled up to him and draped her arm over his chest. He kissed her forehead.
And they fell asleep.
Morning came; it found Kaoru alone in her futon. She stirred and felt around for
her husband. She didn't feel anything, so she opened one eye. He wasn't there.
"Mou, Kenshin-Baka." He always got up before she did. Kaoru got up and
dressed. She was walking out to the have breakfast when Yahiko rounded the
corner and scared her half to death. She let out a long piercing scream. She
held her hand over her heart. "Yahiko don't do that." Kenshin burst in
on them. He had heard her scream; his eyes had taken on the eerie blue gleam.
Yahiko shuddered. "Is everything all right, koishii?" He asked as he
gave a cautious glance to the room.
"Hai, anata. Yahiko just scared me." She smiled at him. He nodded.
"Are you going to join me for breakfast?"
"Hai." He said.
He served her breakfast, which took her by surprise. But found it extremely
adorable.
*************
"So all of you want to learn the Kamiya Kasshin Ryu." She spoke to the
would be students.
She addressed six children. Four boys and two girls. They all seemed about the
same age, about 12 or thirteen. They all nodded, they seemed very eager.
"Well, let me tell you a bit of what I teach and then you decide if it's
something you want to do, ok." They nodded again and she smiled at them.
"If you decide to stay then you will be required to come here every weekday
from ten to twelve. Practicing what you learn is very important." Her would
be student sat in front of her while she spoke to them. They listened intently
as she spoke of Katsuji-ken and how the Kamiya Kasshin Ryu embodied all those
ideals. A sword to protect not harm. She spoke to them with great vigor,
explaining to them certain aspects that she herself found interesting. When she
was done she called Yahiko to her and they gave the children a small
demonstration.
*************
Kenshin was out by the river practicing. Since she had woken up with her amnesia
that day that's all he had done. Practicing his moves, his skill. He practiced
everyday till lunchtime and then returned after that. At first he had been
afraid that she would be left all alone so he'd limited his time to two hours a
day, with out her budo she was truly alone. But then Yahiko and her had started
practicing and soon the memory of that came back to her.
The doctor had said that most of her memory should come back to her within the
first month. After that it was going to get harder for her to remember. She only
seemed to remember things about herself and two other people. People she met
years before him. Her father was something she was starting to remember but not
clearly. It was mainly what he had taught her that she remembered with great
accuracy.
He was beginning to doubt she'd ever remember him like he was when they first
met. Which was just fine with him. He couldn't imagine going back to sessha this
and sessha that. It was insane. He still couldn't believe he had let guilt drive
him to the point of acting like that. It seemed that in the midst of everything
he had forgotten why he had started his role as the Hitokiri Battoussai. He had
wanted to protect those who couldn't protect themselves. He had learned a skill,
which had allowed him to turn the tide for the Ishin shishi. Their idea of a
Meiji era was what had caught his attention. He did what he'd done so that now
years later there wouldn't be anymore bloodshed. Anymore small revolts through
out different parts of the country were innocent people were always bound to get
hurt.
It was now years later and he no longer 'had' to kill. He could finally be at
peace, live a life. The only problem was that people with old grudges kept
coming after him. But one of the reasons they kept on doing it, aside from their
hate for him was because he hadn't made an example out of the first one. If they
had still feared him they wouldn't have dared come after him.
Kenshin continued his exercise all the while his thought kept turning. He was no
longer an hitokiri. He would not kill out of duty for the government. Kaoru was
his life and that's all he needed. All he'd protect and the only thing he'd kill
for. Kenshin's Katana split the ground with his Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu, Do Ryu Sen
causing debris. He sighed; his excise was at an end for today. He looked up at
the sky and wondered if Gohei stared up at it too.
Did he know what was coming?
While he didn't kill for sport, he still couldn't let this go.
She had been taken from him before but never had she actually been that close to
death. If she hadn't been found by whomever had helped her, she'd be dead. And
then all would have been lost. Mainly his soul because if she had died, she
would have taken that with her.
He better get back or she'd start to worry. He ran off through the
woods and headed home.
"Sshp," The sound a match makes.
A figure dressed in black comes to stand at the spot where he had been
practicing.
He takes a drag of his cigarette and exhales the smoke.
The man smile but it's a predatory smile. "Battoussai"
*************
Kaoru's students had come back, not only that they'd brought two more with them.
These other two were more like young adults then children. They seemed to be
about 14 or 15.
Kaoru loved teaching. She had liked teaching Yahiko but having a whole class,
that was just wonderful. Not only that but Yahiko could have someone to spar
with other than her, now. Someone who he'd be more comfortable to showing his
new moves to. Well maybe not right away, after all, she'd only been teaching
them a little over a week.
*************
"How was class koishii?" He asked her while he took a beef strip out
of her bowl.
She narrowed her eyes at him, "It was just fine, and they seem to be quick
learners. I love teaching them." She put her hand over his to keep him from
taking another piece.
He smiled at her. "I'm glad to see you happy." He flicked the wrist
she held and caught the meat with his mouth.
"Mou Kenshin, you cheat." She made pouted.
He grinned at her. "Don't pout koishii, or I won't bring you anything back
from my trip."
Her eyes widen; she'd been so excited lately with teaching her class she'd
totally forgotten that he was going off again. Her lip quivered.
"Koishii don't." He shook his head.
"Kenshin I don't want you to go." She looked at him pleadingly.
He sighed. "I told you a while back I was going to need to go back to
Yokohama."
"All right then I'll go with you." She nodded in affirmation. That way
he wouldn't be alone.
"Koishii you have a class now. You just can't leave." He continued to
eat. No matter how much she pleaded or tried to bribe him. He smiled at the
thought. He would not let her go with him. There was an assignment in Yokohama
but that was only a daylong. He was going to China after that.
"Kenshin." Ugh "Now you're not even listening." She was
annoyed. Why couldn't she go?
"Say again." He lifted his eyes to her.
"I said I promise I won't get in the way. It'll be like last time. You'll
go do that bodyguard thing you do and I'll wait at the Inn." She grabbed
his hand and brought it close to her heart.
He loved her so much. That was not helping things.
"No koishii, you seem to forget we were attacked last time." He closed
his eyes so he wouldn't have to look into her eyes. He shook his head.
"Kenshin." She hissed
"No." He felt her Ki going up. She was getting ready to fight.
"Koishii I will be leaving almost after lunch. I don't want to argue before
I go." He reached out to caress her face but she pulled back.
"Fine." She got to her feet and left.
"koishii." He called after her. He couldn't follow her, she'd try to
get him to take her. I'm sorry he thought. He took two more bites of his food
but found it had lost its flavor.
He cleared the plates and took them to the washing basin.
It was a good thing he'd brought out some money before she enclosed herself in
their room.
Kenshin stood outside their room. "Koishii I'm leaving." He listened
closely for any movements.
Silence.
"Don't you want to kiss me good-bye?" He stepped back from the door a
bit.
"NO! Go on your stupid trip. See if I care!" She rested her head again
on the futon. Baka, doesn't he know, she worries. At least in the same town
she'd have an idea as to his whereabouts should something happen. But here like
this, she'd have to wait over a week before she even knew something had gone
wrong.
"All right koishii." He steeped back from the door and turned to
leave. Purposely making sounds with his movements. " I'll see you in a week
or so." He got to the front door and she still didn't follow him. Hmm, she
must really be upset he thought.
Kaoru head shot up when she heard him starting to leave. Her body moved to get
up but she made herself still. No, one week was not going to kill her. Hmm, she
should at least have kissed him good-bye though. Her body jerked up again but
still she didn't allow herself to get up. So, she just laid there, on her back
on the futon in the middle of the day. She sniffled and blinked.
Blinked a whole lot more but her vision started to get blurry. So she just
closed her eyes. She stayed that way for at least half an hour. She got up and
decided that what she really needed was a bath.
*************
The train ride over to Yokohama was boring. It always was without company. He
didn't care much for the scenery; he'd seen it already.
As expected, it was nightfall when he got there. He made his way to Yamagatas'
house. He'd stay there for tonight. He'd complete his assignment in about a day
and a half. And then be off to Hong Kong.
He walked soundlessly through the streets, often surveying the entire area
before continuing. Here he was to be extra careful. He continued to make his way
down till he got to the familiar house. He stood at the door, he felt odd. He
looked out behind him, reaching out with his senses. There was no noise.
"Himura-san," Yamagatas' maid was standing at the door. Waiting for
him to come in. He turned and walked inside.
"Wait here, I'll go get him." She scurried of to get Yamagata.
He stood in the middle of the room.
"Himura glad you could make it." Yamagata greeted his friend. He came
into the room and took a seat at his desk. "Here." He said handing him
a little piece of paper.
"There is a cargo ship headed for China in two days. Leaves early in the
morning."
Himura nodded.
"He's been spotted in the western district. Always around the same area,
near the Man Mo Temple. You of course will be staying here tonight,
Am I correct?"
"Hai. Arigato Yamagata."
Himura bid him good night and went to bed.
He took the same room as always. Today, he noted the room looked lonely. He sat
by the fireplace and took his rest.
*************
Kaoru laid on her futon. Her eyes burned. She hadn't been able to fall asleep
all night. Soon it would be time for breakfast.
She missed Kenshin.
She got up and dressed in her training clothes. Might as well get started.
Kaoru day was a blur. She had her breakfast. Well some at least. She had taught
her class being more cheerful than usual and come back to the room.
The sun had set.
Maybe she should have tried to have some dinner since she didn't have lunch. She
blinked slowly; she just didn't have the energy.
Maybe sleeping would do her some good. She sighed and turned to the side,
"Ken-shin." She whispered.
*************
The battoussai was in a fowl mood. The idiot he was guarding confused bodyguard
with servant. He obviously didn't know who he was dealing with. His eyes
narrowed and his anger become apparent.
"I don't know why my brother hired you when you can't even follow simple
instructions." Sino Tian, little brother to a High-ranking official here in
Yokohama was in town for a visit. But because the elder brother had a brusque
way in dealing with people, he'd gained the hate of many with only three years
in office. So far there had been four attempts on his life, all unsuccessful,
minor set backs in the orchestraters point of view. Because of these happenings
the brother had set out to find the best bodyguard money could buy for his one
and only little brother. He hired the man best known as the Hitokiri Battoussai.
The battoussai's eyes burned with the urge to rip his throat out. The Ice blue
gleam turned to an amber glow. Giving him the appearance of an animal.
The insolent man didn't seem to understand. He stared him right in the eye.
Captured by the phenomena that were Battoussai's eyes.
He gripped the handle of his katana. He sensed something. He threw Sino to the
floor just as somebody shot at them. Kenshin deflected the bullet with his
sword, something possible only when holding the blade at a certain angle. Sino's
eyes widened.
He saw the man right before he shot at them again. There was only one, so it
wouldn't be any trouble to stopping him. He ran to the side and disappeared from
the mans' sight, he reappeared a second later and hit the man on the side of the
head with the flat of his katana. The man fell to the side, unmoving. The
battoussai stared at the man a second before he re- sheath his sword. He was
going to have a major headache in the morning. Maybe he could knock 'Sino' out
for the rest of the day. He certainly wouldn't get in to trouble then. Hmmm
*************
Second day with out Kenshin. She had gone to sleep early only to wake up after
midnight and not be able to fall asleep. There was no way she could last a week.
He had said a week or so. Hmm, she should have taken that kiss good-bye.
The sun would be up soon. Kaoru got up and made her way to the washing basin.
Odd, she expected to see Kenshin there. Though she had never seen him wash their
clothing.
Why would he be there? Kenshin practiced during the day he didn't do housework.
Hmm.
Kaoru looked at the basin a moment longer before she got started on the laundry.
When she was done she moved on to clean the dojo being careful not to wake
anyone else up.
By the time Yahiko and Sanosuke had woken up, breakfast was on the table. It
actually smelled good.
They took their places and ate. Talking about anything other than Kenshin.
Class started soon after breakfast, she went out of her way to give each of the
kids extra attention, by the time she was done she was beat. She took her bath
taking the time to wash her hair and scrub her body. She hated feeling needy,
but what can you do. She left the bathhouse angry with herself; she stomped all
the way to their room.
She had missed lunch again but today she was going to eat no more self- pity.
Now though she just needed a nap. After that she was going to eat and go on with
her day.
- - - - - -
"Kenshin, " I scream as this man runs Kenshin through with his sword
and twists the blade and throws Kenshin off.
Hirazuki, it has no blind spots. It was developed by the assistant leader of the
Shinsegumi. A military genius, Toshizo Hijikata Especially if that Gatotsu is
mine.
This man, this stranger I don't know. He's dressed in black with short sleeked
hair and odd bangs. I'm afraid of what he will unleash.
I see Kenshin panting on the floor when his breathing evens out just enough; I
see both of them charge at each other again.
I hear swords clash and Kenshin gets thrown back against one of the dojo walls.
I run to his side but I stop when I come close enough to see the color of his
eyes. It scares me, it shouldn't because it's the color of my husband's eyes but
here and now, they do. I step back from the look his eyes have taken. But I hear
this other man ordering Kenshin to stand up.
What can I do?
I stand between then and this stranger tells me I'm in the way but I don't care.
Kenshin puts his hand on my shoulder and then moves me away to the side.
He has a deep chest wound but that doesn't stop him.
I see Kenshin run at the man but then he blurs before my eyes. The other man has
lost sight of him too but only for a moment, he sees Kenshin in time and kicks
him back.
Kenshin's eyes are closed, he's holding his side and breathing heavily. When he
opens his eyes they're amber, again it's a color I know but I fear it. With my
whole being I fear it.
Kenshin has stood up and is walking toward the center, his sword glints as he
walks. It's odd because there is something about the blade that seems different
than the Katana my husband carries.
The man is telling Kenshin he's not going to hold back anymore. He growls and thrust his sword at
Kenshin's chest but Kenshin is fast and dodges the
move. He sweeps underneath him and as the man passes by, Kenshin's sword hits
the man in the back of the neck. The man crashes through a wall.
They're talking about finishing a duel. Something I don't care about I just want
that man to leave. Leave and never come back. He will take Kenshin away. The
Kenshin I love.
The man stands up and tells Kenshin, he will kill him. Kenshin's voice is flat
but there is an under current almost like disbelief or amusement. He answers the
man. "You kill me? That's my line."
I feel faint and fall to my knees. "It's exactly the same as the time with
Jin-e." I hear my self-say.
Kenshin re-sheathes his sword and takes his stance. The other man growls again
and I know what's coming. He will charge at Kenshin.
I start to cry
"Someone"
"Please"
I hear metal. I see the
movements. I'm afraid if this keeps up the Kenshin I know will disappear.
They've been fighting and when Kenshin tells the man that next strike his head
will fall, it's too much for me. I yell for someone to stop them.
This is how I wake up. Screaming for someone to stop them. I'm breathing heavy
and I touch my face, I'm crying. This dream. It felt so real. Before I realize
what I'm doing I have a small bag packed and am looking for some money. I find
it almost right away. I'm leaving.
I'm going to Kenshin.
I'm afraid of this dream but I don't know why. I know what Kenshin used to be he
told me. I don't know. All I know is I need Kenshin.
*************
The battoussai sat in the small quarters of this ship. It wouldn't take him long
to get to China. He hoped to accomplish it all in three days. Three days before
he can be with his wife again. It seems like a long time. But then he'll be able
to have peace of mind knowing that the next time he goes somewhere, Gohei won't
be there, ready to snatch her away from him. He closed his eyes and took his
rest. It will all be over soon.
*************
Kaoru has reached Yokohama but now where should she go? First things first find
out where Yamagata Aritomo lives. Kenshin had said he was an old friend. A
friend who just happen to live here.
Kaoru headed in the direction of the police station. She was passing by a
Jewelry store when someone grabbed her hand. She looked up to find an older
gentleman gazing down at her. She didn't know him but she had this nagging
feeling that she should.
"Kamiya Kaoru or should I say Miss Himura?" The voice was very
distinguished, commanding.
She looked at him, puzzlement was written all over her feature. "Do I know
you sir?"
He stared at her for a moment. "Yamagata Aritomo, I'm a friend of
your husband."
Her eyes lit up and she gave him a dazzling smile. Of all the luck.
The elder man coughed, she was making him nervous.
"Yamagata-san I was just on my way to find you. I'm trying to find Kenshin.
It's very important. Do you know where he is?" She watched his face for any
signs of falsehood.
Hmm, Himura hadn't said anything about not telling his wife or anybody else for
that matter where he was going. "You missed him. He left for China today,
sometime in the morning, there were some things he needed to take care
off." He was genuine in his story.
Kaoru's eyes got glossy and her bottom lip began to quiver.
"Are you all right Himura-san?" He helped steady her.
She tried in desperation to blink her tears back. "You can call me
Kaoru." She said.
"Are you all right Kaoru-san?" He helped her down she was going limp
in his arms.
"I need to be with Kenshin right now. I thought for sure I'd find him
here." She was going to start falling apart. It was that stupid dream it
had made her afraid of something. Something she couldn't remember.
He looked though full for a moment. "Well there is a passenger ship heading
out tomorrow afternoon for China."
She hushed her inner thoughts. "Where can I buy a ticket? I need to be on
that boat."
"I can take care of that. Where will you be staying? I'll have someone
bring you the ticket."
"Umm, Saiyin. How will I find Kenshin, though?" Her face had contorted
into panic.
"He was going to a temple in the West district. Its called Man Mo. It's in
Hong Kong. Here let me take you to the inn." He helped her up and kept her
steady till he got her checked in.
"Can you make it to the room on your own?" Yamagata held fatherly
concern in his voice.
"Hai, Arigato Gozaimas Yamagata-san." She bowed low. She was very
thank full for his help.
"It's no problem Kaoru-san." He waited till she was on her way to the
room before he left the Inn.
I wonder what's so important that she'd follow him all the way to Hong Kong he
thought as he got to his carriage an stepped in.
Something occurred to him, but no it couldn't be. Although . . . . . . . . . .
.
*************
Knocking.
The knocking was getting louder.
Kaoru woke with a start. She listened closely and there it was.
Somebody was knocking on the door. She secured her yukata and opened the door,
enough to see how it was.
"Himura-san." Looked like a police officer. She opened the door.
"I'm Himura."
He bowed and gave get a brown package. She thanked him and she left.
She closed the door and opened the package. "Kirei" And it was. This
kimono he had sent was very extravagant. She looked down; it seemed he'd sent
all the accessories that went with it as well. She looked at the accessories and
found a note.
Kaoru-san,
I've Enclosed the ticket along with the directions to the whereabouts of your
husband. Please accept this late wedding gift. I hope you find it to your
liking. If you require anything else please let me know. my address is at the
bottom of the paper.
-Yamagata
Kaoru looked at the note and smiled. He was a very nice man. Maybe when they got
home Kenshin would invite him for dinner sometime.
She took a quick bath and started getting ready. Yamagata had said that it was a
passenger ship, so that would mean a lot of rich people. She finished getting
ready, grabbed her bag and left. Time to find that ship.
*************
Kenshin stretched he was stiff. He'd stayed in the same position the whole time
through the trip.
He got off the ship with two things in mind. One, get directions to where he was
at exactly and how long it would take to find the temple and two, find an inn to
stay in for the night. The real search would commence tomorrow.
Kenshin stepped of into the busy street. Hmm, it was very busy down this street
he thought. He took a glance back at where his ship was and then to where all
theses people where coming from. Their ship was smaller but looked more
luxurious.
He stopped at a small restaurant; there he had his meal and got his directions.
All through out dinner they had kept starring at him, rather his swords but
hadn't said a word to him.
They had told him it would take him about two hours to get there. He could leave
now but the odds of Gohei coming out only at night were very low. So he'd stay
here for tonight, wake up early tomorrow and make his way there sometime after
sun up but just before breakfast time. With those last thoughts Kenshin closed
his eyes. The figure sitting in the middle of the room was washed in the soft
glow of the candle.
*************
Kaoru finally made it, she was glad. She looked around the busy street. Hmm,
where to go from here she thought. It was very early in the morning, she'd eaten
on the ship so what she needed to do was find out where this temple was. She saw
a perfume shop and stopped to ask for directions. She came out of the shop with
her directions and a nice bottle of perfume. It smelled like her soap. Like
Jasmine.
She stepped of the curve and hailed a carriage.
*************
He was weary of this place already. He'd searched the perimeter today. He was
very careful deciding to remain undetected. Anyone of the people who lived here
might tip him off. He paid closer attention to the bad neighbor hoods. Memorizing
their routes. Anything that could serve him to get away.
He stepped into a bar and sat in the corner where the light didn't quit reach.
This was a favorite hangout for most of the criminals. If anyone knew anything
of Gohei, he'd be able to pick them out from right here.
*************
Kaoru's had arrived hours ago. She'd been sitting in the same spot in front of
the temple waiting for Kenshin to show up. She slowly got up her back hurt. She
hadn't bothered to have lunch, thinking any moment now. He'd come by and then
they could go off together.
The sun had just set. She'd come back tomorrow. She raised her arms over her
head
and heard her spine crack. "Man I need to rest." But first she'd eat.
She was starving and the sound of authentic Chinese food made her mouth water.
She walked at a slow pace. The afternoon was just turning into night. The colors
in the sky as the sunset had to be some of the most beautiful she had ever seen.
How the reddish hue seemed to bleed into the blue. The end result was amazing;
she took a deep breath and let her gaze fall back down to the scenery in front
of her. "I'm going to need a place to stay", she thought out loud.
She kept on walking till she got to a very nice area. She saw a pleasant looking
restaurant and decided to go in. Her stomach started grumbling as she got
closer. She blushed and bit her lip. Thank goodness no one was around. Kaoru was
seated at a small table where she was served a generous portion. She felt like
wolfing it down. But in this kimono she looked very much like a lady of society.
Deciding to play along she took small bites of her meal. It was the best thing
to do in the end because that way she got to savor her meal. She got up slowly
feeling extremely full. She paid her bill and made her way out of the
restaurant. As she was leaving she dropped her purse. A tall gentleman handed
her purse back. "Thank you" she said as she bowed to him. And made her
way down the street to where she had seen an Inn.
The man continued to gaze at the woman till she went into the local Inn.
He then stepped into the restaurant and asked if Tung Lam Ka had been seated.
The waitress nodded in affirmation and led him to the table.
"Ah Yukishiro, Thanks for meeting me here." The plump man greeted his
soon to be partner.
*************
Kenshin threw his head back as he drank the last of his sake, left some money on
the table and left for the night. He felt he'd wasted his day. He was going to
stay at some Inn in this part of town. Tomorrow he'd get an early start.
Kenshin opened his eyes just minutes before the sun rose. He took a cold bath
and headed out for the Temple.
He hid in a tree and waited for people to start walking by.
Sometime passed and he was starting to get bored when he saw someone familiar
pass by. He narrowed his eyes. He'd seen white hair and the glint of that
earring. He wasn't supposed to be anywhere near here. He felt his anger rise. He
had a bitter taste in the back of his throat. He closed his eyes and took calming breaths. He thought he'd put all this behind
him.
He couldn't let this new predicament deter him away from his primary goal.
Gohei, that's whom he was here for. He opened his eyes and kept a watchful eye.
He didn't have to wait long he saw Gohei pass by. He appeared to be in disguise.
It didn't matter though everyone's ki was different and this man's ki he knew to
be that of Hiruma Gohei.
He followed him from a distant inspecting the rest of the area. He couldn't take
the chance of being followed.
*************
Kaoru was slow to wake up. She reached over to her right and felt around for
Kenshin. Where was he? She opened her eyes and looked around the room. Then she
remembered. She hurried and got dressed in the kimono Kenshin had bought her in
Yokohama when she had been recovering. It was a deep blue that matched her
favorite ribbon. She added a little balm to her lips and headed back out to the
temple.
When she stepped out side she noticed it was kind of empty. Oh no. It was
lunchtime. It looks like she had overslept.
She found her spot from yesterday and took a seat. More waiting.
*************
The battoussai had followed his prey, learning his routine. Waiting till night
fell to see if he went out. He was thankful he'd had half a mind to bring a
michiyuki with him. Nights here were cold. And it was one less thing to worry
about. The battoussai waited till midnight before departing.
He went back to his room at the Inn and rested. He drifted off into a half wake
state. Tomorrow, he'd finish this once and for all.
*************
Kaoru was really pissed. She'd come back today later than yesterday. The only
reason she'd had something to eat today was because of that vendor she'd
encountered just a bit before leaving the temple. When she saw Kenshin again he
was really going to get it. She was going to hit him. Yes. And make him sleep in
the shed. She'd think of something.
Here she was in a different country and instead of enjoying herself; she was out
looking for him. "Mou, Kenshin baka. If you'd brought me with you we'd be
together right now." She slammed her kimono to the floor and yanked the
ribbon out of her hair. She stomped on the ribbon and stared at it with disdain.
But then she picked it up and kissed it. "I'm sorry," She said to her
favorite ribbon. She dressed in her yukata. Tomorrow she had to buy a new
kimono. Maybe she'd buy more than one, spend Kenshin's money. "That'll
teach you, ne." She said out loud. "Oyasumi Anata." She said as
she drifted off to sleep.
*************
Kaoru woke up early in the morning she dressed in plain yellow kimono she had
brought as a last alternative. She went out and bought herself some supplies. A
pretty bag. And two nice new kimonos. One was a deep crimson color with a deep
blue lining. There were large indigo flowers, orchids maybe and smaller white
flowers that seemed to be attached to little vines, but rather than green they
were a golden brown. The Obi was a cobalt color but it was overshadowed by the
large thick outlines of a flower. They were white and the same golden brown as
her Kimono. This was by far her favorite. It wasn't as fancy as the one Yamagata
had given her but it was just as beautiful. Kenshin would love it when he saw
it. The second one was a solid color forest green; the Obi she had picked out
for it was a deep purple. The purple had seemed familiar for some reason. Though
it was a contrast in color it made a dramatic impression. She went back to the
Inn, took a bath and wore the green outfit.
She went back to her spot in front of the temple and waited.
*************
Night finally fell and the battoussai was ready. He lurked within the darkness.
He was by the road Gohei traveled through to get home. It was a deserted road.
He was late.
*************
What a shitty day.
Like working for the Yakusa wasn't bad enough. This last man he had robbed
hadn't had much money. He'd killed him for nothing.
Gohei continued down the road like he often did but all those trees on the side
of the road always frightened him.
"Hiruma Gohei." The tone was icy.
Gohei froze.
This was not happening.
It was too soon.
It had only been a month or so.
There was no way he could have found him. He was imagining things like he
frequently did when in shadowy places.
Gohei closed his eyes.
When he opened them, he found himself starring into amber eyes.
What does a man do when confronted by death?
Make a deal. Offer a bribe.
Gohei ran.
He ran into the woods like the bats of hell were on his tail. She must have
died. He must have found her. How?
How had he found him?
The battoussai watched him run away in to the woods. Good.
Gohei was running when he felt his legs knocked out from under him.
"Gohei I got your note." The voice was full of revulsion.
That's right, the note that had fallen out of his Gi.
"Didn't you challenge me?" He stepped forward.
Gohei stepped back.
"Don't." It was a command.
Self preservation though makes you do what ever it takes to survive.
Gohei threw a dagger at the battoussai and ran.
The blade whizzed by his left ear.
The battoussai blurred and re-appeared in front of Gohei. With one lighting fast
stroke of his sword he slashed Gohei from the bottom of his right hip to the top
of his shoulder.
Gohei stepped back. The adrenaline he felt, numbed the pain. He pulled out a gun
and fired at the battoussai.
The battoussai allowed the bullet to go by. Then cut of the hand.
"Is that what you were going to do to her? Make it so she couldn't use her
hands anymore."
Gohei shook his head.
"You Lie." He snarled at Gohei, stepped back and cut him open. The
battoussai looked at the body in disgust. He turned and walked away. He did
nothing more than Gohei would have done to him given the opportunity.
He made his way to the Inn, took the michiyuki off and burned it. It was the
only thing that had gotten splattered with blood. He went to the room and took
his sitting position on the floor. He laid his katana against his shoulder and
took his rest. It was finally done.
Tomorrow he'd buy something for Kaoru. She was going to be pissed when he got
home.
*************
Kaoru rested in the tub. The hot water was calming. Today was the fourth day. If
she didn't find him today she was going to go home. "Oh, but when you get
home." She made a silent promise. Today she was going to take her time.
She dressed slowly in the crimson kimono. Fixed her hair and added the color
balm to her lips. It was something she'd bought on the boat and the ruby color
made her mouth look full, plus it went with what she was wearing.
She went out and had breakfast.
It was breezy today she noted as she made her way to the temple. The wind played
with her hair and the hem of her kimono.
"Koishii?"
*************
Kenshin had gotten up late today. He'd allowed himself the extra rest so he'd
look rested when he got home. He took his bath and got dressed. He checked
himself out of the Inn and headed back to the port. There was supposed to be
another cargo ship today. That would take him home.
For the first time since he'd gotten here he allowed himself a chance to look
around. It was autumn here. The breeze picked up and brought him the smell of
flowers. He stopped near the temple, admiring the layout. Funny how this seemed
to be the border to two different worlds. If you continued west you'd end in the
bad part of town, which is where he had just come from.
If you went east you'd end up in the nice part of town. The further you went the
nicer it got till you got to the big hill with the large house. That's pretty
much were it ended.
The wind picked up again and this time he smelled jasmine.
He looked around and saw a woman. She was making her way to the temple. The wind
had picked up and it played with a strand of her hair. She took the strand and
placed it behind her ear. The habit she possessed was a familiar one.
When the wind blew this time, his eyes were drawn to the hem of her kimono. She
was a lot closer now and he could make out all of the details.
"Koishii?" He asked her as she passed him by.
The women turned. She was very beautiful. She smiled at him.
*************
Kaoru heard someone call her. She turned and there he was finally. But as angry
as she'd been the moment she saw him she'd smiled at him.
She was at his side in less than a heartbeat. All she could do was kiss him. She
pressed herself against him and kissed him till she knew she'd faint if she
didn't get any air.
"Kenshin, " she breathed before she laid her face against his chest.
He was surprised to say the least.
She looked up at him and smiled before she slapped him.
He blinked. She'd managed to surprise him. He'd let his guard down during there
kissing.
"Kenshin Baka! Do you have any idea how long I've been here looking for
you?" She had drawn away from him. She had her hands on her hips and was
waiting for him to answer.
"Four days Kenshin. If I didn't find you today I was going to go
home." Her eyes held suppressed fury.
"You followed me." How was he supposed to react?
He became angry.
Gohei could have found her before she found him. Without her memories she
wouldn't have know he was a lunatic.
"You followed me," This time he hissed. Anger seeped into his tone.
"Don't you take that tone with me, Kenshin Himura. This is not my
fault." She steeped closer again. Her eyes had narrowed.
"I suppose you'll say it's mine." He was not amused.
She always did stupid shit like this. She had followed him all the way to Kyoto
of course she'd follow him here.
"Anything could have happened to you and there would have been no way for
me to know?" His tone hard.
Her eyes watered. "Exactly Kenshin. Do you see how it feels? You leave me
behind and there is no way for me to know if you're all right." She started
crying then. She hugged him and sobbed against his Gi.
Kenshin sighed. "It's ok koishii. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you
worry." He patted her back.
He walked them to a bench in the gardens around the temple and held her on his
lap while she cried into his neck.
"I'm sorry I followed you but I felt I had to. I had this horrible dream
and it was just too realistic. I just couldn't drop it. It scarred me Kenshin.
He scared me. He was trying to take you away." She looked at him with her
tear stained face.
He kissed the corner of her eyes. "Who koishii? Who was trying to take me
away?"
"The man from my dream. He was tall man, his hair was sleeked back and he
was dressed all in black. He came to kill you I think. In my dream he was
fighting with you and no matter how much I begged for someone to stop you, no
one did. He said something about his Hirazuki having no blind spots. You two
were fighting and I remember when he finally made you mad, you said." She
stopped trying to remember.
"You said next strike your head will fall." She was sniffling again.
The memory of what happened made her weep.
She remembers that bastard, he thought.
"I felt so useless, I was afraid of losing you. My exact thought was It's
exactly the same as the time with Jin-e."
"Do you know what that means? Who's Jin-e?" She had stopped crying.
"Jin-e was an hitokiri, like I once was. He took you from me in hopes of
stirring my anger. He wished to fight the old hitokiri battoussai. The part of
me that lays dormant unless there is trouble." He wasn't looking at her
anymore. His eyes held a far away look. Lost in memory.
"So that man was real, what about the other one. The one dressed all in
black?"
He didn't want to answer that. He didn't want to think about him.
"Kenshin?"
"Koishii, I don't." She stopped him with a kiss.
"He's just someone from my past. He belonged to the Shinsegumi. We don't
talk. I stay away from him and he stays away from me." He stood up and set
her down back on the ground. It was the end to the conversation.
He walked her to the little fountain and cleaned her face. Trying desperately to
erase her tears.
They walked back wordlessly. Each lost in thought. Finally they made it back to
her room at the Inn.
He looked at her. He had missed her a great deal, specially at night. He reached
out and brought her closer to him. He kissed her. His actions, his touch they
were frenzied. Wild. His gaze was shameless He really needed her right now. To
love her, to get lost in her.
*************
Two months later.
All was as it should be . . . . .
Kaoru had just finished teaching her class. She was exhausted, she'd skipped
breakfast and now she was starving. She watched the last of the children leave
and closed the door. She had to go get ready for lunch. She arrived at the
tabled and sat down. Tae was here today so she had cooked. Good, she thought.
Their meal was served and when Yahiko and Sanosuke saw her starting to wolf down
faster than usual they held on to their plates and the race was on.
Kaoru felt sleepy after such as hardy meal. She got up to close the gate when
she felt dizzy. Sanosuke, who was still fighting with Yahiko over who got the
last desert, noticed Kaoru starting to go limp. And rushed to her side before
she fell. "Yahiko! Go get the doctor."
"What's the yelling about?" Doctor Genzai was walking down hall when
he'd heard Sano call for him. "I brought the girls over." He walked
into the room and noticed Kaoru laid limp in Sanosuke's arms. The doctor's smile
faded.
He touched the side off her neck and felt for a pulse. It was very weak. "Get her to her room."
"Yahiko, please take the girls
outside for a while." The doctor and Sano went to her room while Yahiko
stepped outside to play with the girls.
"Leave her here Sano, if I need anything I will call you." The doctor
started to loosen her obi, trying to get her more comfortable. Sano nodded and
stepped out side. The doctor took his time and eventually stepped outside.
"What is it doc?" Sano asked.
The doctor had stepped out and was taking a seat on the porch. He waved them
off. "It was nothing just a dizzy spell. Nothing to worry about." Sano
and Yahiko glanced at each other. The doctor seemed to be hiding something.
Yahiko was leaving to go visit Tsabame, when he dropped the bracelet he'd bought
her. He bent to pick it up when he noticed a cigarette stub. It was just outside
the gate. He looked both ways, up and down the street. Nothing. Just incase,
though. He went back and told Sano what he'd found.
"You think he was here, snooping around?" Sano held the cigarette stub.
"I don't know if it was him. I didn't see anyone around. But we both know when he wants to leave a message, he makes it obvious."
Yahiko seemed
apprehensive. "Hmm, Kenshin's due back today. Do you think we should tell
him?"
It was a good question, one they didn't have an answer to.
*************
Kenshin was finally home. He'd come back from Kyoto to find his wife waiting for
him at the door.
"Koishii is everything all right?" He asked a bit tense.
She gave him a bright smile and took his package. She placed it behind the door
and took his hand. She walked him to the table and served him a cup of sake.
"Koishii?"
"Kenshin, I have something to tell you. I don't know if you'll be happy
about it but I hope that you will." She said as she sat in front of him.
She'd made everyone else wait in the kitchen while she delivered the news.
Was her memory back? Was that good or bad? Hmm.
He drank the sake and asked her, "What is it Koishii?"
She served him again and waited till he drank the second cup. "Youregonnabeatosan."
She said it in a rush.
Had he heard right.
"Otou-san." She said the word for him to hear.
He had heard right.
He closed his eyes, everything was perfect now.
When he opened them they were a deep purple almost blue but not quite.
She noticed the change.
He gave her a huge smile and hugged her tightly.
"Koishii, I'm so happy. Are you sure?" He was thrilled.
She nodded her affirmation.
He kissed her and everyone in the kitchen came in to congratulate him. He was
going to love that baby to pieces. Kaoru had fallen asleep as soon as she lay
down. He took the chance to go to his old room. He sat there for a while
contemplating his current situation. Who would have thought this is how things
would end up? He smiled taking off his daisho. He looked at his Katana for a
while before he placed it in the box that Yamagata had kept in for so long.
Seems Yamagata was a sentimentalist. He'd had a box specially made for the
Katana and wakazashi. It was a long sleek box, it's coloring was of a deep
cheery. It had his name engraved on it. Himura.
He had come here as the rurouni. The rurouni had been lost many times. Somehow
though he had always found his way. All except this last time, when he really
thought he'd Lost her. He had let the Hitokiri have his revenge and Now that was
over too. What was left? He was now somewhere in the middle. No longer the
rurouni and no longer the battoussai.
Just a man.
A family man.
He was ready to face this new stage of his life, fatherhood.
He smiled and left his old room with his sakabatou.
-
-
Reference:
mishiyuki: overcoat
Otou-san: father
Ok, it's finally done. Yay, I hope you guys enjoyed the story. I know some of
you are wondering about our Gatotsu using smoking man and Yukishiro but I need
to leave an opening should I ever decide on a sequel. Besides you never know
who's followed you home till it's too late, ne.
-
I just want to thank all of those who reviewed. Your reviews are what kept me
writing. Hope to see you all in the next FF.
Oshimai