This is my very First Kenshin fanfic! I hope you like it though!
'__' Thoughts
"__" Speaking
*__* Sounds ((EX:*Boom!*))
((__)) Author Notes
There won't be too many AN in the story. I know how much a lot of you hate that sort of thing! ^_^ I hope you like my story!
Thank you reviewers!
Can anyone tell me how to get those bold letters? I don't know the html codes for FF.
[_]- Battousai thoughts
*****************
Holding On
*****************
Part 6-Kenshin's money making skills
Kenshin turned again. he couldn't find a comfortable place on his bed to sleep tonight. It seemed like sleep had become lost to him. Ever since the Battousai took over. Kenshin tossed again in his restless fight for sleep.
[You're getting on my nerves.]
'Sessha does not care! How could you ask Kaoru-Dono out?'
[Simple. I just said 'Will you join me for dinner.' It wasn't that hard. Baka.]
'Sessha does not think of Kaoru-Dono like that, that he doesn't. You are going to wind up hurting Kaoru-Dono and I will not stand for it.'
[Look, 'Sessha'. I'm not going to hurt Kaoru. I'm not a baka like you.] The Battousai glared at his other half.
'Sessha will make sure of that.'
[,....how?..]
'Sessha will have full control on this date, that he will.'
[Oh no you won't! I asked her out, and I get to date her, not you.] The battousai was close to killing his other half right now.
'Sessha will not let you. That is that.'
Then, Kenshin cut off the Battousai from his mind. He would not let him hurt Kaoru-Dono. It was going to be his chance to set both the Battousai and Kaoru as far from each other as possible! He remembered what happened last time the battousai liked a woman. It didn't end well at all!
'Tomoe.' Kenshin thought to himself. He reached up and touched his scar. This was all he really had left of her. She had trusted him, tried to free the Battousai from him. Tried to heal his wounds, wash away the blood from his hands. She didn't get very far. As soon as the Battousai part of him had enough of her, she was quickly ki-..
No. He couldn't think like that. It was wrong what the Battousai part of him did. He took away Kenshin's only happiness because he was bored of her! Bored! How could he become bored of Tomoe?
Kenshin sighed. He wasn't going to allow that to happen again. He was going to hide the Battousai forever and keep traveling around until he found a cure for this.
'I will not allow anyone to harm Kaoru-Dono, that I won't.' He thought to himself, finally sleep had found him. His eyes drifted shut and his body lay still on the sheets.
*****
Kenshin woke up bright and early the next day, which was a real surprise because he didn't get to sleep til very late. He put on his light violet Gi, and walked out of his room. He had aplan for today. He would make breakfast real quick, do a small loud of laundry, then, he would go out to make some money for the date tonight.
'I will not let Kaoru-Dono down.' He thought to himself. He quickly prepared breakfast. Enough for Kaoru and maybe two other people. Just incase Sano and Yahiko drop by for breakfast. Kenshin poured the thick soup into three bowls. He kept them near the small fire so they would stay warm until Kaoru woke up.
He then, tied back his Gi. He dumped a small loud of laundry into the clean, soapy water. He attacked every stain on every Gi and peice of cloth in the bucket, before drentching them into clean water. He hung up the laundry on the line. He stood back and looked at his job. He did a pretty good job of washing all of them. They would dry by noon, hopefully. Some were soaked, so they would take longer.
Kenshin took out the tie that was holding his Gi in place. The sleeves fell down his arms, covering up everything to his wrist. He put the tie away and walked into the Dojo. He grabbed his reverse blade sword, before leaving the Dojo.
He tied the sword shealth around his waist. He might need it.
[Damn you! You always have to lock me away like that don't you?]
Silence answered the Battousai's question.
[...You're ignoring me... aren't you?]
Silence yet again. Kenshin just continued walking like nothing was going on in his head.
[...I'll sing... you know I will...]
'...' Kenshin wanted to answer badly. He didn't want the battousai to sing! But, he couldn't give up on his battle of the mind.
[*Oh! There once was a song that went a little something like this.... I know a song that will get on your nerves, get on your nerves, get on your nerves I know a song that will get on your nerves and it goes something like this.. I know a song that will*]
The Battousai continued singing the same verse over and over and over again. Kenshin felt his teeth clenching and his hands becomming fists. Kenshin sorely wished he could slice the Battousai in half right about now! Or atleast cut out his tongue!
'FINE! I'm listening dammit!' Kenshin finally answered after twenty or so minutes of listening to his other half sing the most annoying song ever!
[That's better.] The Battousai answered with a winning smile. [Now. Where are we going?]
'To the Akabeko to get some work. I need some money if I am going to take Kaoru-Dono out.' Kenshin answered, in a more calm manner.
[The Aka-what?] The Battousai asked in confusion.
Kenshin sighed. 'The Akabeko. It's a resteraunt. I figured that I could get some work there, and earn some money that I do.'
[Oh. Well, I heard there was going to be a swordsman skill contest down at the Jouto. Why not try that instead?]
'.......How... do you know about that contest?'
[What? You expect me to stay with you all day?! Get real.]
Kenshin didn't want to question him anymore then that. It was already causing his brain to go into overload.
'Sessha will try this Swordsman contest. But, does it include hurting someone?'
[Ummm... let me check..] The Battousai vanished from Kenshin's mind for a few seconds. Kenshin stopped in his tracks, waiting for him to come back. This was getting weirder and weirder... [Nope. Just testing your sword on a log to see who has the cleanest and fastest cut. If there is a tie, then you will have to fight.But.. we both know no one can be faster then you.]
'Sessha agrees to go along with this .. swordsman contest. But, you must stay out of it, that you will.'
[Why? I'm faster then you!]
'Sessha does not need your hotheaded self to try and show off, that I don't.' Kenshin said, turning into his former, polite self.
[For on thing, don't start that 'Sessha' crap again. Two, I'm faster so I should get to compete! With your wimpy swings anyone can beat you.]
Kenshin glared at the Battousai. 'Sessha is good at sword fighting..'
[Yeah.. when your up against a bunch of whimps would couldn't cut their way out of a wet paper bag!]
Kenshin once again glared at his other half. He didn't even notice he was standing infront of the Jouto. There was a small line of swordsmen standing there. They must have to register before competeing. Kenshin stood at the very end and waited without fussing about the line. The Battousai on the other hand.. wasn't as calm.
[Why don't you just knock them all out, then sign up? You'd win quicker like that.]
'That is not proper!'
[Who cares about being proper? Look. We have a date to keep and I don't want to be waiting all day and night to sign up for the contest!]
'Then leave, that you should! Sessha will be fine waiting for the contest.'
[Leaving... you.. alone... with a bunch of swordsmen around you? That's an accident waiting to happen...]
'Sessh ia reponcible, unlike some people..' Kenshin answered back, glaring at his other half.
[...Fine. Have it your way. Wake me when we get there.] Then all was quiet when he finished his sentence.
Kenshin smiled to himself. He won that battle. Kenshin didn't realize that a few men were watching him, until his sence picked up on something. He felt the little hairs on the back of his neck stand up. Kenshin's eyes narrowed ever so slightly. He let his sence expand, to make sure no one else was watching him. He moved forward in the line. He was at the front now.
"Name?" The man questioned, not even looking up at who he was talking to. Kenshin thought it was a bit rude, but said nothing about it.
"Himura. Kenshin Himura." Kenshin answered.
At the sound of Kenshin's voice the name looked up. He eyed Kenshin with a hint of amusement. 'This man won't last two seonds with the others! He's too polite and skinny.' Thought the man. "You do know that this is a Sword contest?"
"That I do." Kenshin answered politly. He knew what the man meant. Kenshin let it slide.
"Hey look fellos! We got a light weight." Said the man behind Kenshin. He put his huge hand on Kenshin's shoulder. Kenshin felt his knee buckle under the weight of the man's hand.
"Yeah. Poor shrimp doesn't stand a chance." The man behind him said.
A few of the men in the line laughed at the comment. Kenshin kept a cool and calm expression. He wouldn't let small comments like this upset him.
"Why don't you see if you.. quailfy? Try your skill out on that tree." Said the man behind the desk. He pointed to the tree about ten feet away.
Kenshin nodded and walked over to the tree. He took out his reverse blade sword. He heard a few side comments about it from the men in the line. Kenshin ignored them and did a quick, horizontal slash to the tree. He put away his sword and walked back into the line. The tree was still standing, so everyone started cracking up.
"Do I quailify?" Kenshin asked the man behind the desk.
"Sorry. You didn't even put a scartch on the tree." The man said with a slight chuckle at the end. A slight breeze blew by and everyon heard something crack. They turned to the tree. It started to blow over, and fell into the forest! Many of the men ran over to the tree. One person touched the sliced stump with his hand.
"It's completely smooth! Not even a hint of cut on it." The man said, his eyes wide.
Everyone turned to Kenshin who was waiting for the man behind the desk to sign him up.
"Y-y..yes.. well.. you quailify for the contest. Please give me your signature on the dotted line." Said the man holding out his shakey hands that were holding the pen and paper.
Kenshin took them and signed his name at the bottom. He gave the paper back to the man after he was finished signing it.
"Yes well.. you have to wait over there until the contest begins." Said the man, pointing to a small fenced in area where a few other men were waiting. Kenshin nodded to the man before going over to the area. He couldn't wait to get the prize money! Then he would take Kaoru to the Touka.
*****
Kaoru woke up to the smell of something good! She could smell Kenshin's cooking. She woke herself up and yawned. She quickly got on her kamano on. She tied her raven hair back into her pony-tail style. Using her favorite ribbon of course!
She quickly came out of her room, expecting Kenshin to be in the kitchen. She made herself smile, but she was nervous inside. She walked into the kitchen.
"Good morning Ken-" But she was cut off. No one was in there. The soup was by the small fire that was still going. Kaoru blinked in confusion. She walked further back into the Dojo, looking around for him. She walked outside. The laundry was done already. It was hanging on the line, clean and freash.
'Where could he be?' Kaoru asked herself. Then she heard someone walk back into the Dojo.
"Kenshin! Where have you." But she was cut off again. It seemed today she couldn't finished her sentences. It was Sano, not Kenshin.
"Oi Jou-chan. Where's Kenshin?" He questioned, looking around. Instead of a took-pick, he had a fish bone in his mouth. It was harder to understand him now.
"I don't know. I woke up and he was gone." Kaoru answered.
"Wow. Something sure smells good." Sano said. He walked into the kitchen and grabbed two bowls. He set the bowls on the table. "It sure was nice of Kenshin to make us all breakfast."
"How do you know it wasn't me who cooked them?" Kaoru asked in slight anger.
"Because it doesn't smell like rotten garbage." Sano answered, like he was telling her, his favorite soda. He started to shovel in the food. "And it doesn't taste like sock."
"Sano!" Kaoru yelled, before hitting Sano hard in the head with a bokken.
Yahiko walked into the Dojo. He quickly got a bowl and sat down with them. "I wonder why you even bother letting Sano come over if you hat ehim so Much."
"I don't hate Sano." Kaoru answered. "He just gets on my nerves." At that point, she glared at him.
Sano rubbed his head. "Well, you don't have to hit me so hard."
"You deserve it." Kaoru answer back.
******
Kenshin waited and waited. The first wait was for signing up. Next, he had to wait for the contest to start. Then, he had to wait for his turn! Now, he's waiting for them to set up a log for him to cut. He sighed. What a boring day! Nothing but waiting... He would even consider talking to the Battousai to kill some time.
[Cut the log and let's get going.]
'Sessha has to wait for them to give him the go ahead.'
[Damn.... this takes too long..]
'Sessha agrees.'
They finally set up the log and stepped back.
"Now. Cut the log as many times as you can in under five seconds. And.... GO!" Said the man.
Kenshin brought out his sword and started to slice every which way on the log. When the man said Stop, Kenshin put away his sword. The log held together for a few seconds, before braking apart.
The men started to grab the peices and counted how many peices there were.
"I got 10 over here." Said one man.
"I have 5." Said another one.
"I have 7 over here." Said the last one.
Everyone looked at Kenshin with wide eyes. Kenshin smiled to himself. Atleast now he knew he wasn't as rustey as he thought he was. He was trying for 25. Oh well.
Kenshin easily won this contest. He knew it. He went back to his spot and sat down, watching the others try to beat his score. After a while, he closed his eyes and wasn't really concentraiting on what everyone else was saying.
"22! He got 22!" Shouted out one man. Kenshin opened his eyes. There was a man clad in abnormal Swordsman style clothes. He turned to Kenshin. He had peircing eyes. He wore a black Gi, long sleeves. His pants were dark in color, almost black but had a hint of blue in them.
His dark colored hair was pulled into a pony-tail. He stared at Kenshin intently.
"Hello, Kenshin Himura." He said, staring at Kenshin with the peircing eyes. They were almost golden eyes. They reminded Kenshin of the Battousai's eyes.
"It looks like we have a tie. You two must fight it out to deside who wins the prize." The man said, who was directing the contest.
Kenshin stood up and looked at the man, weilding the sword to his side in a comfort possition.
'You said Sessha would not have to fight, that you did.'
[Ok.. so I was wrong. Give me a brake!]
Kenshin narrowed his eyes slightly at the man. He took out his sword.
"A reverse blade sword? Do you really expect me to be beaten by that blade?" The man asked Kenshin.
"That I do." Kenshin answered the man. he didn't catch the man's name at all when he was called up. Kenshin could hit himself for being so stupid.
[His name is Inchi Jouto. Good thing I was paying attention.] The Battousai rolled his eyes.
'Sessha thanks you.'
[Don't mention it.]
"So. You're the one who tripped Gio in the market huh?" Inchi asked Kenshin.
"So. You are a friend of that theif? Were you the one who helped him out?" Kenshin asked him.
"No. That was another one of my.. 'friends'. I have a lot of friends. You'll meet them soon enough." Inchi gave a wide grin, that would send shivers down anyone's spine. Kenshin was unafraid. He meet much worse compeditors then this man before.
Kenshin nearly snorted at the man's efforts to scare him. Nothing could really scare Kenshin.
"Are you ready?" Inchi asked him. Kenshin nodded. Then, Inchi lunged at Kenshin with his sword.
Kenshin moved out of the way. This man was fast, but not that skilled. He swung his sword around with little experince in the swings. Kenshin would win this one.
Another swing was taken at Kenshin. Kenshin bent down like a bow, under the blade. Then slice at the man with the dull side of his blade. It caught the man in the stomache. Inchi flew back, dropping his sword.
Kenshin held out his blade, before putting it away. "I believe I have won."
"Not yet.." Said Inchi. He practically crawled on the ground, going for his dropped sword. Kenshin mearly kicked the sword away from Inchi.
Inchi watched as his sword flew away form his grasp. He fell to the ground in a huff. Kenshin was declared the winner! Now he had some money to go on the date! Kenshin couldn't stop himself from smiling. He happily took the prize money and walked back to the Dojo.
He still felt like someone was watching him though. He hoped it wasn't one of the men after him. He didn't want Kaoru to get caught up in anything.
*****
"Kaoru-Dono!" Kenshin called out as he walked into the Dojo. He slid off his sandels at the door and placed the dirty shoes by the door. He walked into the Dojo, looking around for Kaoru. Surely she wouldn't be out already.
"Oi! Where were you Kenshin?" Sano asked Kenshin, while leaning against the doorway.
"Sessha was working. Where is Kaoru-dono?" Kenshin questioned.
"Jou-chan went out. She said she had some 'speacail' shopping she needed to do. Whatever that means." Sano said. "She said something about an important event tonight she needed to get ready for. Do you know what that is?"
Kenshin blushed a little. "N-no. Sessha does not know, that he doesn't."
Sano walked up to Kenshin and poked him in the cheek. "That's why you're blushing? What's going on between you and Jou-chan? I promise I won't tell."
"Nothing is going on Sano." Kenshin answered him.
"Hey Kenshin. You might want to change. You're clothes smell," Sano said to Kenshin.
"Oroooo?"
******
Kaoru looked around the store. She saw some very nice material. Nothing she could really afford though. She could only buy slightly above normal Kamonos. She sighed in anger. She couldn't believe it. Sure, nothing caught her eye and her clothes weren't bad. But, nothing compaired to some of these nice kamonos.
"Oi Kaoru-Chan." Said a voice. Kaoru turned around. It was Megumi!
"Oi Megumi-san." Kaoru answered back with a smile.
"What are you doing so far into town? It's going to be a long walk back." Megumi said, walking up to her.
"I'm shopping for a Kamono. But, I haven't found anything yet that has caught my eye." Kaoru answered, looking around the store.
"I see. Do, you have a date?" Megumi asked, getting excitied. It wasn't everyday the Tomboyish Kaoru dated!
"NO!... Well... yes.." Kaoru admitted, with her cheeks burning with a blush.
"Well. Leave it up to me. I'll get you ready for your date! Come on. Let's go to the other store. They have the nicest Kamonos." Megumi said, dragging Kaoru with her.
"But, Megumi-San! I cannot afford any of those." Kaoru complained in a low voice so only Megumi could hear her.
"Don't worry about it Kaoru-Chan. I'll help with the payment. It will be worth it seeing you in a decent Kamono." Megumi said with a wink to Kaoru.
"And what's wrong with my Kamonos?" Kaoru asked with a hint of anger in her voice.
**************************
Sorry that I didn't get to the Date! I got so caught up in this chapter with the fighting, and Kenshin's side of the date, that I didn't get to the date!
SORRY AGAIN! I really meant for the date to be in this chapter. Well, I will have another appearence of Megumi in the next chapter. It's shopping time in the next chapter along with the date!
Hope you enjoy my story. Please review!
'__' Thoughts
"__" Speaking
*__* Sounds ((EX:*Boom!*))
((__)) Author Notes
There won't be too many AN in the story. I know how much a lot of you hate that sort of thing! ^_^ I hope you like my story!
Thank you reviewers!
Can anyone tell me how to get those bold letters? I don't know the html codes for FF.
[_]- Battousai thoughts
*****************
Holding On
*****************
Part 6-Kenshin's money making skills
Kenshin turned again. he couldn't find a comfortable place on his bed to sleep tonight. It seemed like sleep had become lost to him. Ever since the Battousai took over. Kenshin tossed again in his restless fight for sleep.
[You're getting on my nerves.]
'Sessha does not care! How could you ask Kaoru-Dono out?'
[Simple. I just said 'Will you join me for dinner.' It wasn't that hard. Baka.]
'Sessha does not think of Kaoru-Dono like that, that he doesn't. You are going to wind up hurting Kaoru-Dono and I will not stand for it.'
[Look, 'Sessha'. I'm not going to hurt Kaoru. I'm not a baka like you.] The Battousai glared at his other half.
'Sessha will make sure of that.'
[,....how?..]
'Sessha will have full control on this date, that he will.'
[Oh no you won't! I asked her out, and I get to date her, not you.] The battousai was close to killing his other half right now.
'Sessha will not let you. That is that.'
Then, Kenshin cut off the Battousai from his mind. He would not let him hurt Kaoru-Dono. It was going to be his chance to set both the Battousai and Kaoru as far from each other as possible! He remembered what happened last time the battousai liked a woman. It didn't end well at all!
'Tomoe.' Kenshin thought to himself. He reached up and touched his scar. This was all he really had left of her. She had trusted him, tried to free the Battousai from him. Tried to heal his wounds, wash away the blood from his hands. She didn't get very far. As soon as the Battousai part of him had enough of her, she was quickly ki-..
No. He couldn't think like that. It was wrong what the Battousai part of him did. He took away Kenshin's only happiness because he was bored of her! Bored! How could he become bored of Tomoe?
Kenshin sighed. He wasn't going to allow that to happen again. He was going to hide the Battousai forever and keep traveling around until he found a cure for this.
'I will not allow anyone to harm Kaoru-Dono, that I won't.' He thought to himself, finally sleep had found him. His eyes drifted shut and his body lay still on the sheets.
*****
Kenshin woke up bright and early the next day, which was a real surprise because he didn't get to sleep til very late. He put on his light violet Gi, and walked out of his room. He had aplan for today. He would make breakfast real quick, do a small loud of laundry, then, he would go out to make some money for the date tonight.
'I will not let Kaoru-Dono down.' He thought to himself. He quickly prepared breakfast. Enough for Kaoru and maybe two other people. Just incase Sano and Yahiko drop by for breakfast. Kenshin poured the thick soup into three bowls. He kept them near the small fire so they would stay warm until Kaoru woke up.
He then, tied back his Gi. He dumped a small loud of laundry into the clean, soapy water. He attacked every stain on every Gi and peice of cloth in the bucket, before drentching them into clean water. He hung up the laundry on the line. He stood back and looked at his job. He did a pretty good job of washing all of them. They would dry by noon, hopefully. Some were soaked, so they would take longer.
Kenshin took out the tie that was holding his Gi in place. The sleeves fell down his arms, covering up everything to his wrist. He put the tie away and walked into the Dojo. He grabbed his reverse blade sword, before leaving the Dojo.
He tied the sword shealth around his waist. He might need it.
[Damn you! You always have to lock me away like that don't you?]
Silence answered the Battousai's question.
[...You're ignoring me... aren't you?]
Silence yet again. Kenshin just continued walking like nothing was going on in his head.
[...I'll sing... you know I will...]
'...' Kenshin wanted to answer badly. He didn't want the battousai to sing! But, he couldn't give up on his battle of the mind.
[*Oh! There once was a song that went a little something like this.... I know a song that will get on your nerves, get on your nerves, get on your nerves I know a song that will get on your nerves and it goes something like this.. I know a song that will*]
The Battousai continued singing the same verse over and over and over again. Kenshin felt his teeth clenching and his hands becomming fists. Kenshin sorely wished he could slice the Battousai in half right about now! Or atleast cut out his tongue!
'FINE! I'm listening dammit!' Kenshin finally answered after twenty or so minutes of listening to his other half sing the most annoying song ever!
[That's better.] The Battousai answered with a winning smile. [Now. Where are we going?]
'To the Akabeko to get some work. I need some money if I am going to take Kaoru-Dono out.' Kenshin answered, in a more calm manner.
[The Aka-what?] The Battousai asked in confusion.
Kenshin sighed. 'The Akabeko. It's a resteraunt. I figured that I could get some work there, and earn some money that I do.'
[Oh. Well, I heard there was going to be a swordsman skill contest down at the Jouto. Why not try that instead?]
'.......How... do you know about that contest?'
[What? You expect me to stay with you all day?! Get real.]
Kenshin didn't want to question him anymore then that. It was already causing his brain to go into overload.
'Sessha will try this Swordsman contest. But, does it include hurting someone?'
[Ummm... let me check..] The Battousai vanished from Kenshin's mind for a few seconds. Kenshin stopped in his tracks, waiting for him to come back. This was getting weirder and weirder... [Nope. Just testing your sword on a log to see who has the cleanest and fastest cut. If there is a tie, then you will have to fight.But.. we both know no one can be faster then you.]
'Sessha agrees to go along with this .. swordsman contest. But, you must stay out of it, that you will.'
[Why? I'm faster then you!]
'Sessha does not need your hotheaded self to try and show off, that I don't.' Kenshin said, turning into his former, polite self.
[For on thing, don't start that 'Sessha' crap again. Two, I'm faster so I should get to compete! With your wimpy swings anyone can beat you.]
Kenshin glared at the Battousai. 'Sessha is good at sword fighting..'
[Yeah.. when your up against a bunch of whimps would couldn't cut their way out of a wet paper bag!]
Kenshin once again glared at his other half. He didn't even notice he was standing infront of the Jouto. There was a small line of swordsmen standing there. They must have to register before competeing. Kenshin stood at the very end and waited without fussing about the line. The Battousai on the other hand.. wasn't as calm.
[Why don't you just knock them all out, then sign up? You'd win quicker like that.]
'That is not proper!'
[Who cares about being proper? Look. We have a date to keep and I don't want to be waiting all day and night to sign up for the contest!]
'Then leave, that you should! Sessha will be fine waiting for the contest.'
[Leaving... you.. alone... with a bunch of swordsmen around you? That's an accident waiting to happen...]
'Sessh ia reponcible, unlike some people..' Kenshin answered back, glaring at his other half.
[...Fine. Have it your way. Wake me when we get there.] Then all was quiet when he finished his sentence.
Kenshin smiled to himself. He won that battle. Kenshin didn't realize that a few men were watching him, until his sence picked up on something. He felt the little hairs on the back of his neck stand up. Kenshin's eyes narrowed ever so slightly. He let his sence expand, to make sure no one else was watching him. He moved forward in the line. He was at the front now.
"Name?" The man questioned, not even looking up at who he was talking to. Kenshin thought it was a bit rude, but said nothing about it.
"Himura. Kenshin Himura." Kenshin answered.
At the sound of Kenshin's voice the name looked up. He eyed Kenshin with a hint of amusement. 'This man won't last two seonds with the others! He's too polite and skinny.' Thought the man. "You do know that this is a Sword contest?"
"That I do." Kenshin answered politly. He knew what the man meant. Kenshin let it slide.
"Hey look fellos! We got a light weight." Said the man behind Kenshin. He put his huge hand on Kenshin's shoulder. Kenshin felt his knee buckle under the weight of the man's hand.
"Yeah. Poor shrimp doesn't stand a chance." The man behind him said.
A few of the men in the line laughed at the comment. Kenshin kept a cool and calm expression. He wouldn't let small comments like this upset him.
"Why don't you see if you.. quailfy? Try your skill out on that tree." Said the man behind the desk. He pointed to the tree about ten feet away.
Kenshin nodded and walked over to the tree. He took out his reverse blade sword. He heard a few side comments about it from the men in the line. Kenshin ignored them and did a quick, horizontal slash to the tree. He put away his sword and walked back into the line. The tree was still standing, so everyone started cracking up.
"Do I quailify?" Kenshin asked the man behind the desk.
"Sorry. You didn't even put a scartch on the tree." The man said with a slight chuckle at the end. A slight breeze blew by and everyon heard something crack. They turned to the tree. It started to blow over, and fell into the forest! Many of the men ran over to the tree. One person touched the sliced stump with his hand.
"It's completely smooth! Not even a hint of cut on it." The man said, his eyes wide.
Everyone turned to Kenshin who was waiting for the man behind the desk to sign him up.
"Y-y..yes.. well.. you quailify for the contest. Please give me your signature on the dotted line." Said the man holding out his shakey hands that were holding the pen and paper.
Kenshin took them and signed his name at the bottom. He gave the paper back to the man after he was finished signing it.
"Yes well.. you have to wait over there until the contest begins." Said the man, pointing to a small fenced in area where a few other men were waiting. Kenshin nodded to the man before going over to the area. He couldn't wait to get the prize money! Then he would take Kaoru to the Touka.
*****
Kaoru woke up to the smell of something good! She could smell Kenshin's cooking. She woke herself up and yawned. She quickly got on her kamano on. She tied her raven hair back into her pony-tail style. Using her favorite ribbon of course!
She quickly came out of her room, expecting Kenshin to be in the kitchen. She made herself smile, but she was nervous inside. She walked into the kitchen.
"Good morning Ken-" But she was cut off. No one was in there. The soup was by the small fire that was still going. Kaoru blinked in confusion. She walked further back into the Dojo, looking around for him. She walked outside. The laundry was done already. It was hanging on the line, clean and freash.
'Where could he be?' Kaoru asked herself. Then she heard someone walk back into the Dojo.
"Kenshin! Where have you." But she was cut off again. It seemed today she couldn't finished her sentences. It was Sano, not Kenshin.
"Oi Jou-chan. Where's Kenshin?" He questioned, looking around. Instead of a took-pick, he had a fish bone in his mouth. It was harder to understand him now.
"I don't know. I woke up and he was gone." Kaoru answered.
"Wow. Something sure smells good." Sano said. He walked into the kitchen and grabbed two bowls. He set the bowls on the table. "It sure was nice of Kenshin to make us all breakfast."
"How do you know it wasn't me who cooked them?" Kaoru asked in slight anger.
"Because it doesn't smell like rotten garbage." Sano answered, like he was telling her, his favorite soda. He started to shovel in the food. "And it doesn't taste like sock."
"Sano!" Kaoru yelled, before hitting Sano hard in the head with a bokken.
Yahiko walked into the Dojo. He quickly got a bowl and sat down with them. "I wonder why you even bother letting Sano come over if you hat ehim so Much."
"I don't hate Sano." Kaoru answered. "He just gets on my nerves." At that point, she glared at him.
Sano rubbed his head. "Well, you don't have to hit me so hard."
"You deserve it." Kaoru answer back.
******
Kenshin waited and waited. The first wait was for signing up. Next, he had to wait for the contest to start. Then, he had to wait for his turn! Now, he's waiting for them to set up a log for him to cut. He sighed. What a boring day! Nothing but waiting... He would even consider talking to the Battousai to kill some time.
[Cut the log and let's get going.]
'Sessha has to wait for them to give him the go ahead.'
[Damn.... this takes too long..]
'Sessha agrees.'
They finally set up the log and stepped back.
"Now. Cut the log as many times as you can in under five seconds. And.... GO!" Said the man.
Kenshin brought out his sword and started to slice every which way on the log. When the man said Stop, Kenshin put away his sword. The log held together for a few seconds, before braking apart.
The men started to grab the peices and counted how many peices there were.
"I got 10 over here." Said one man.
"I have 5." Said another one.
"I have 7 over here." Said the last one.
Everyone looked at Kenshin with wide eyes. Kenshin smiled to himself. Atleast now he knew he wasn't as rustey as he thought he was. He was trying for 25. Oh well.
Kenshin easily won this contest. He knew it. He went back to his spot and sat down, watching the others try to beat his score. After a while, he closed his eyes and wasn't really concentraiting on what everyone else was saying.
"22! He got 22!" Shouted out one man. Kenshin opened his eyes. There was a man clad in abnormal Swordsman style clothes. He turned to Kenshin. He had peircing eyes. He wore a black Gi, long sleeves. His pants were dark in color, almost black but had a hint of blue in them.
His dark colored hair was pulled into a pony-tail. He stared at Kenshin intently.
"Hello, Kenshin Himura." He said, staring at Kenshin with the peircing eyes. They were almost golden eyes. They reminded Kenshin of the Battousai's eyes.
"It looks like we have a tie. You two must fight it out to deside who wins the prize." The man said, who was directing the contest.
Kenshin stood up and looked at the man, weilding the sword to his side in a comfort possition.
'You said Sessha would not have to fight, that you did.'
[Ok.. so I was wrong. Give me a brake!]
Kenshin narrowed his eyes slightly at the man. He took out his sword.
"A reverse blade sword? Do you really expect me to be beaten by that blade?" The man asked Kenshin.
"That I do." Kenshin answered the man. he didn't catch the man's name at all when he was called up. Kenshin could hit himself for being so stupid.
[His name is Inchi Jouto. Good thing I was paying attention.] The Battousai rolled his eyes.
'Sessha thanks you.'
[Don't mention it.]
"So. You're the one who tripped Gio in the market huh?" Inchi asked Kenshin.
"So. You are a friend of that theif? Were you the one who helped him out?" Kenshin asked him.
"No. That was another one of my.. 'friends'. I have a lot of friends. You'll meet them soon enough." Inchi gave a wide grin, that would send shivers down anyone's spine. Kenshin was unafraid. He meet much worse compeditors then this man before.
Kenshin nearly snorted at the man's efforts to scare him. Nothing could really scare Kenshin.
"Are you ready?" Inchi asked him. Kenshin nodded. Then, Inchi lunged at Kenshin with his sword.
Kenshin moved out of the way. This man was fast, but not that skilled. He swung his sword around with little experince in the swings. Kenshin would win this one.
Another swing was taken at Kenshin. Kenshin bent down like a bow, under the blade. Then slice at the man with the dull side of his blade. It caught the man in the stomache. Inchi flew back, dropping his sword.
Kenshin held out his blade, before putting it away. "I believe I have won."
"Not yet.." Said Inchi. He practically crawled on the ground, going for his dropped sword. Kenshin mearly kicked the sword away from Inchi.
Inchi watched as his sword flew away form his grasp. He fell to the ground in a huff. Kenshin was declared the winner! Now he had some money to go on the date! Kenshin couldn't stop himself from smiling. He happily took the prize money and walked back to the Dojo.
He still felt like someone was watching him though. He hoped it wasn't one of the men after him. He didn't want Kaoru to get caught up in anything.
*****
"Kaoru-Dono!" Kenshin called out as he walked into the Dojo. He slid off his sandels at the door and placed the dirty shoes by the door. He walked into the Dojo, looking around for Kaoru. Surely she wouldn't be out already.
"Oi! Where were you Kenshin?" Sano asked Kenshin, while leaning against the doorway.
"Sessha was working. Where is Kaoru-dono?" Kenshin questioned.
"Jou-chan went out. She said she had some 'speacail' shopping she needed to do. Whatever that means." Sano said. "She said something about an important event tonight she needed to get ready for. Do you know what that is?"
Kenshin blushed a little. "N-no. Sessha does not know, that he doesn't."
Sano walked up to Kenshin and poked him in the cheek. "That's why you're blushing? What's going on between you and Jou-chan? I promise I won't tell."
"Nothing is going on Sano." Kenshin answered him.
"Hey Kenshin. You might want to change. You're clothes smell," Sano said to Kenshin.
"Oroooo?"
******
Kaoru looked around the store. She saw some very nice material. Nothing she could really afford though. She could only buy slightly above normal Kamonos. She sighed in anger. She couldn't believe it. Sure, nothing caught her eye and her clothes weren't bad. But, nothing compaired to some of these nice kamonos.
"Oi Kaoru-Chan." Said a voice. Kaoru turned around. It was Megumi!
"Oi Megumi-san." Kaoru answered back with a smile.
"What are you doing so far into town? It's going to be a long walk back." Megumi said, walking up to her.
"I'm shopping for a Kamono. But, I haven't found anything yet that has caught my eye." Kaoru answered, looking around the store.
"I see. Do, you have a date?" Megumi asked, getting excitied. It wasn't everyday the Tomboyish Kaoru dated!
"NO!... Well... yes.." Kaoru admitted, with her cheeks burning with a blush.
"Well. Leave it up to me. I'll get you ready for your date! Come on. Let's go to the other store. They have the nicest Kamonos." Megumi said, dragging Kaoru with her.
"But, Megumi-San! I cannot afford any of those." Kaoru complained in a low voice so only Megumi could hear her.
"Don't worry about it Kaoru-Chan. I'll help with the payment. It will be worth it seeing you in a decent Kamono." Megumi said with a wink to Kaoru.
"And what's wrong with my Kamonos?" Kaoru asked with a hint of anger in her voice.
**************************
Sorry that I didn't get to the Date! I got so caught up in this chapter with the fighting, and Kenshin's side of the date, that I didn't get to the date!
SORRY AGAIN! I really meant for the date to be in this chapter. Well, I will have another appearence of Megumi in the next chapter. It's shopping time in the next chapter along with the date!
Hope you enjoy my story. Please review!