Disclaimers--*room full of lighted candles in circles* I can't figure out
why I cannot own Rurouni Kenshin! *grimly looks down on circle of blood*
I'm using witchcraft and Watsuki-sama's soul refuses to give me Rurouni
Kenshin. *glares at mini-Watsuki doll*
--====--
Chapter 4: Explantaions and Confessions
--====--
Kenshin had made another batch of warm tea, since the earlier tea was already cold. Breakfast was completely forgotten, having the present situation much more important. Kaoru stared down at the floor, refusing to look up for the moment. When Kenshin returned and poured hot tea on each cup, he sat comfortably across from her.
"Now, Kaoru-dono, will you please explain what is happening?" Kenshin asked.
She sighed, having no choice but explain. She had avoided talking about certain topics in her life, but now, she must reveal everything.
"First things first: do the word 'vampire' struck a chord anywhere?" Kaoru asked. Kenshin nodded, while Sano and Yahiko looked at each other.
"Well, I heard about stories about them, but I didn't think they were actually true." Sano replied.
"The yakuza gang I worked for in the past told me some myths about them, though, as Sano said, I don't know if they really exist." Yahiko answered.
Rei smiled wryly. "Well, believe it, kid." He said dryly. "I'm a vampire."
"WHAT?!" Three voices asked in disbelief.
"Yes, Rei-chan is a vampire, as I am," Kaoru said. "My mother was one of the children of the rulers of the Vampire clan, located in Yokohama. She was trained to control her powers, as did her older brother, Honou, and her younger sister, Yume. But mother fell in love with my father, an ordinary human, and I was concieved. She stopped drinking blood, and went away from the clan."
She gazed at Kenshin. "As I said awhile ago, Kenshin, do not believe everything you hear about those myths. It is true that vampires have long fangs, piercing eyes and drink blood. But, vampires also 'live', to put it that way. They can die, not really immortal like those legends say. It is also true vampires are psychic, ordinary ones have telepathy and mind- reading. But, those who are destined to rule over the clan have special powers, levitation and to control the four elements of the earth, one for each ruler."
"And also, vampires who came from the blood of the 'Chosen Ones' have the exception on walking in broad daylight, not being burned by the sun. Ordinary vampires have to stay away from the sun's rays, because they are not blessed by such extraordinary ability. And as you have witnessed, Rei can control the wind, Hoshi can control the fire, and I can control water."
Kenshin shifted, listening intently. "And why is the woman called Hoshi after you?" He asked.
"Hoshi knows I am one of the 'Chosen Ones', or one of the destined rulers." Kaoru answered. "She thinks it is her duty to return me to the clan, so the three of us can lead. Hoshi is literally blood-thirsty, and she is what I call a full-pledged vampire. Rei despise blood, and is only forced to drink it during special occasions because of tradition. I, on the other hand, really loathe the taste of blood, and I refuse to drink one drop."
"So, you're telling us, Jou-chan, that you haven't tasted blood?" Sano asked.
"No, not really. I began to hate the metallic taste ever since I have accidentally bitten my mother when I was a child. That was when I realized I cannot and will not drink blood like any normal vampire will do." Kaoru replied, sipping tea quietly.
"Wait a minute!" Sano exclaimed.
"Nani?" Rei asked.
"If you two are vampires, then where's your long teeth, or fangs, or whatever?" Sano asked. Kaoru giggled, while Rei chuckled.
"You see, Sagara-san, we--the 'Chosen Ones'--can hide those unusual things so we can really loiter around humans during daytime." Rei explained.
Yahiko nodded, putting his hands on the table. "So, all we got to do is fight this Hoshi?"
"Literally, yes," Kaoru said. "But, Yahiko, Hoshi is an unnatural being, which cannot be defeated by ordinary means. That's why Rei and I will be the one who will fight her, if the time calls for it."
"But Kaoru-dono, it might be dangerous for you--" Kenshin started.
"Himura-san is right, Kaoru-chan. Hoshi is powerful, and you aren't fully trained." Rei interrupted.
"Nonsense!" Kaoru said angrily. "If I cannot fight for myself, then how can I fight for my clan?"
Rei sighed. "Alright, you will fight, but after extensive training." He warned.
Kaoru nodded, standing up and pulling Rei with her. "That's good enough for me!"
--==--
"No, no, Kaoru-chan," Rei said. "You concentrate on the bokken, pretend that you are holding it, then slowly lift your hand as if to really lift."
For the fifth time that day, Kaoru closed her eyes in concentration, her arm outstretched to the direction of the said bokken. Slowly, she lifted her arms inch by inch.
"What the--?" San gaped. The bokken was really floating in the air! It lifted itself from the rack. Kaoru opened her eyes, still concentrating.
"Come." She commanded. The bokken swiftly flew towards her, and she caught it by her hand.
"Wow," Was the only thing Yahiko could say, his mouth hanging wide open.
"Yahiko, close your mouth before it becomes a nest for flies," Kaoru giggled. Yahiko shut it almost immediately.
Kenshin sat on the dojo floor, leaning on the wall, the sakabatou propped on his shoulders. He watched intently her so-called 'training' and how she displayed her powers.
"Kenshin," Kaoru's voice snapped him back to reality. "What are you thinking?"
"Nani mo nai de gozaru, Kaoru-dono." Kenshin answered, smiling at her innocently. He saw Kaoru frown, but she shrugged and resumed her training. He continued to watch her, his violet eyes intent. /I will protect you, I swear I will./
--==--
Kaoru sat on the middle of her futon, her hair flowing freely down her shoulders, her eyes closed. She was already dressed in a simple lavander yukata, her candle placed on the table, no longer holding up the flames, but moonlight shone in the room, iluminating her form.
Slowly, she opened her eyes, lifting it up to the door. She could see a very faint outline of a person due to the thinness of the rice paper, and by sensing the figure's ki, she knew who it was.
"Nani, Kenshin?" She asked, quietly standing from her place. Kaoru slid the shoji open, revealing her musings true. Kenshin stood there, his face lowered, eyes covered by his bangs. What worried her most was his hands-- they were balled into a fist.
Kaoru looked at him, concern evident in her eyes. He was silently trembling, but she could see it. "Kenshin...?"
"Onegai, Kaoru-dono, please don't fight Hoshi anymore." He replied. Slightly taken aback, it took moments before she could register what he had said into her concern-hazed mind.
"I cannot leave Hoshi like this, Kenshin, and you know that," Kaoru told him, entering her room. Kenshin followed. "Besides, she will do everything to bring me back, and dirty ticks are sure part of it."
"But, what if you're not properly trained? What if she attacks early?" He asked, a bit of panick in his voice. "What if you're harmed? What if she kills you?"
She chuckled lightly, putting her hand on chin, lifting his gaze to her. "You know what, Kenshin? You worry too much." Kaoru whispered. Sighing, she rested her forehead on his shoulders. "I can take care of myself, and Rei is here. Don't worry about me, Kenshin."
"I can't help it," He replied. "I'm so worried."
Kaoru giggled softly. "You always worry too much, Kenshin. Even though I'm just going out to the market to buy tofu, you offer to accompany me. Do you think that I can't read you mind?" She asked.
"Oro?" Kenshin blinked, then his face softened. "Aa, sou ka. Your mind- reading." He whispered in her ear.
"Sou deshou, dakara, stop being concerned. It'll make your hair turn white." Kaoru teased, twirling a lock of his red hair.
He laughed, unconsciously hugging her to him. Kaoru blinked with surprise. When Kenshin had stopped, he realized their position and he quickly let go.
"Gomen de gozaru," Kenshin said, letting his arm hung limply on his side. "Oyasumi de gozaru, Kaoru-dono." He turned to leave.
Suddenly, he felt Kaoru's hand grasp his wrist, preventing him from moving away. He looked at her, his confused eyes gazing at her. Kaoru stood and threw herself at him, her arms circling around his neck...
...her lips touching his in a passionate kiss.
At first, Kenshin was so surprised that they tumbled backwards, Kenshin lying on the floor with Kaoru on top of him, her hands now resting on his chest. After that, Kaoru felt his arms on her back, pulling her close to deepen their kiss. They parted, both breathing heavily and looking at each other's eyes.
A smile formed on Kaoru's lips. "Oyasumi, Kenshin." She whispered, lightly tracing her finger on his jawline, kissing lightly once more. Kaoru moved to stand, but Kenshin's hand held her from doing so.
"Why?" Kenshin asked simply.
Kaoru stiffled a laugh, only giggling. "You forget, Himura Kenshin, that I can read minds," She answered him, brushing his red hair away from his eyes. "I felt your hesitation to leave, and I decided to probe around a bit with your thoughts..."
"And?" He pressed.
Smiling slyly, Kaoru kissed him quickly on the forehead. "You should hear yourself. //I can't tell her that I love her. Look at me, famous Hitokiri Battousai of Bakumatsu no Doran, scared of telling his feelings on a mear girl. I wish she could return it, and kiss me...even once.//" She answered coyly. "Didn't I manage to give this hitokiri what he wished for?"
At that, Kenshin promptly blushed red. "Sneaky little Kaoru..." He whispered, before raising his head for another kiss, surprising her. He planted a kiss on the tip of her nose, then nuzzling her neck. "I love you, Kaoru." Kenshin said.
"I love you, too," Kaoru whispered, before Kenshin claimed her mouth for another earth-shattering kiss.
------To Be Continued-------------
--====--
Chapter 4: Explantaions and Confessions
--====--
Kenshin had made another batch of warm tea, since the earlier tea was already cold. Breakfast was completely forgotten, having the present situation much more important. Kaoru stared down at the floor, refusing to look up for the moment. When Kenshin returned and poured hot tea on each cup, he sat comfortably across from her.
"Now, Kaoru-dono, will you please explain what is happening?" Kenshin asked.
She sighed, having no choice but explain. She had avoided talking about certain topics in her life, but now, she must reveal everything.
"First things first: do the word 'vampire' struck a chord anywhere?" Kaoru asked. Kenshin nodded, while Sano and Yahiko looked at each other.
"Well, I heard about stories about them, but I didn't think they were actually true." Sano replied.
"The yakuza gang I worked for in the past told me some myths about them, though, as Sano said, I don't know if they really exist." Yahiko answered.
Rei smiled wryly. "Well, believe it, kid." He said dryly. "I'm a vampire."
"WHAT?!" Three voices asked in disbelief.
"Yes, Rei-chan is a vampire, as I am," Kaoru said. "My mother was one of the children of the rulers of the Vampire clan, located in Yokohama. She was trained to control her powers, as did her older brother, Honou, and her younger sister, Yume. But mother fell in love with my father, an ordinary human, and I was concieved. She stopped drinking blood, and went away from the clan."
She gazed at Kenshin. "As I said awhile ago, Kenshin, do not believe everything you hear about those myths. It is true that vampires have long fangs, piercing eyes and drink blood. But, vampires also 'live', to put it that way. They can die, not really immortal like those legends say. It is also true vampires are psychic, ordinary ones have telepathy and mind- reading. But, those who are destined to rule over the clan have special powers, levitation and to control the four elements of the earth, one for each ruler."
"And also, vampires who came from the blood of the 'Chosen Ones' have the exception on walking in broad daylight, not being burned by the sun. Ordinary vampires have to stay away from the sun's rays, because they are not blessed by such extraordinary ability. And as you have witnessed, Rei can control the wind, Hoshi can control the fire, and I can control water."
Kenshin shifted, listening intently. "And why is the woman called Hoshi after you?" He asked.
"Hoshi knows I am one of the 'Chosen Ones', or one of the destined rulers." Kaoru answered. "She thinks it is her duty to return me to the clan, so the three of us can lead. Hoshi is literally blood-thirsty, and she is what I call a full-pledged vampire. Rei despise blood, and is only forced to drink it during special occasions because of tradition. I, on the other hand, really loathe the taste of blood, and I refuse to drink one drop."
"So, you're telling us, Jou-chan, that you haven't tasted blood?" Sano asked.
"No, not really. I began to hate the metallic taste ever since I have accidentally bitten my mother when I was a child. That was when I realized I cannot and will not drink blood like any normal vampire will do." Kaoru replied, sipping tea quietly.
"Wait a minute!" Sano exclaimed.
"Nani?" Rei asked.
"If you two are vampires, then where's your long teeth, or fangs, or whatever?" Sano asked. Kaoru giggled, while Rei chuckled.
"You see, Sagara-san, we--the 'Chosen Ones'--can hide those unusual things so we can really loiter around humans during daytime." Rei explained.
Yahiko nodded, putting his hands on the table. "So, all we got to do is fight this Hoshi?"
"Literally, yes," Kaoru said. "But, Yahiko, Hoshi is an unnatural being, which cannot be defeated by ordinary means. That's why Rei and I will be the one who will fight her, if the time calls for it."
"But Kaoru-dono, it might be dangerous for you--" Kenshin started.
"Himura-san is right, Kaoru-chan. Hoshi is powerful, and you aren't fully trained." Rei interrupted.
"Nonsense!" Kaoru said angrily. "If I cannot fight for myself, then how can I fight for my clan?"
Rei sighed. "Alright, you will fight, but after extensive training." He warned.
Kaoru nodded, standing up and pulling Rei with her. "That's good enough for me!"
--==--
"No, no, Kaoru-chan," Rei said. "You concentrate on the bokken, pretend that you are holding it, then slowly lift your hand as if to really lift."
For the fifth time that day, Kaoru closed her eyes in concentration, her arm outstretched to the direction of the said bokken. Slowly, she lifted her arms inch by inch.
"What the--?" San gaped. The bokken was really floating in the air! It lifted itself from the rack. Kaoru opened her eyes, still concentrating.
"Come." She commanded. The bokken swiftly flew towards her, and she caught it by her hand.
"Wow," Was the only thing Yahiko could say, his mouth hanging wide open.
"Yahiko, close your mouth before it becomes a nest for flies," Kaoru giggled. Yahiko shut it almost immediately.
Kenshin sat on the dojo floor, leaning on the wall, the sakabatou propped on his shoulders. He watched intently her so-called 'training' and how she displayed her powers.
"Kenshin," Kaoru's voice snapped him back to reality. "What are you thinking?"
"Nani mo nai de gozaru, Kaoru-dono." Kenshin answered, smiling at her innocently. He saw Kaoru frown, but she shrugged and resumed her training. He continued to watch her, his violet eyes intent. /I will protect you, I swear I will./
--==--
Kaoru sat on the middle of her futon, her hair flowing freely down her shoulders, her eyes closed. She was already dressed in a simple lavander yukata, her candle placed on the table, no longer holding up the flames, but moonlight shone in the room, iluminating her form.
Slowly, she opened her eyes, lifting it up to the door. She could see a very faint outline of a person due to the thinness of the rice paper, and by sensing the figure's ki, she knew who it was.
"Nani, Kenshin?" She asked, quietly standing from her place. Kaoru slid the shoji open, revealing her musings true. Kenshin stood there, his face lowered, eyes covered by his bangs. What worried her most was his hands-- they were balled into a fist.
Kaoru looked at him, concern evident in her eyes. He was silently trembling, but she could see it. "Kenshin...?"
"Onegai, Kaoru-dono, please don't fight Hoshi anymore." He replied. Slightly taken aback, it took moments before she could register what he had said into her concern-hazed mind.
"I cannot leave Hoshi like this, Kenshin, and you know that," Kaoru told him, entering her room. Kenshin followed. "Besides, she will do everything to bring me back, and dirty ticks are sure part of it."
"But, what if you're not properly trained? What if she attacks early?" He asked, a bit of panick in his voice. "What if you're harmed? What if she kills you?"
She chuckled lightly, putting her hand on chin, lifting his gaze to her. "You know what, Kenshin? You worry too much." Kaoru whispered. Sighing, she rested her forehead on his shoulders. "I can take care of myself, and Rei is here. Don't worry about me, Kenshin."
"I can't help it," He replied. "I'm so worried."
Kaoru giggled softly. "You always worry too much, Kenshin. Even though I'm just going out to the market to buy tofu, you offer to accompany me. Do you think that I can't read you mind?" She asked.
"Oro?" Kenshin blinked, then his face softened. "Aa, sou ka. Your mind- reading." He whispered in her ear.
"Sou deshou, dakara, stop being concerned. It'll make your hair turn white." Kaoru teased, twirling a lock of his red hair.
He laughed, unconsciously hugging her to him. Kaoru blinked with surprise. When Kenshin had stopped, he realized their position and he quickly let go.
"Gomen de gozaru," Kenshin said, letting his arm hung limply on his side. "Oyasumi de gozaru, Kaoru-dono." He turned to leave.
Suddenly, he felt Kaoru's hand grasp his wrist, preventing him from moving away. He looked at her, his confused eyes gazing at her. Kaoru stood and threw herself at him, her arms circling around his neck...
...her lips touching his in a passionate kiss.
At first, Kenshin was so surprised that they tumbled backwards, Kenshin lying on the floor with Kaoru on top of him, her hands now resting on his chest. After that, Kaoru felt his arms on her back, pulling her close to deepen their kiss. They parted, both breathing heavily and looking at each other's eyes.
A smile formed on Kaoru's lips. "Oyasumi, Kenshin." She whispered, lightly tracing her finger on his jawline, kissing lightly once more. Kaoru moved to stand, but Kenshin's hand held her from doing so.
"Why?" Kenshin asked simply.
Kaoru stiffled a laugh, only giggling. "You forget, Himura Kenshin, that I can read minds," She answered him, brushing his red hair away from his eyes. "I felt your hesitation to leave, and I decided to probe around a bit with your thoughts..."
"And?" He pressed.
Smiling slyly, Kaoru kissed him quickly on the forehead. "You should hear yourself. //I can't tell her that I love her. Look at me, famous Hitokiri Battousai of Bakumatsu no Doran, scared of telling his feelings on a mear girl. I wish she could return it, and kiss me...even once.//" She answered coyly. "Didn't I manage to give this hitokiri what he wished for?"
At that, Kenshin promptly blushed red. "Sneaky little Kaoru..." He whispered, before raising his head for another kiss, surprising her. He planted a kiss on the tip of her nose, then nuzzling her neck. "I love you, Kaoru." Kenshin said.
"I love you, too," Kaoru whispered, before Kenshin claimed her mouth for another earth-shattering kiss.
------To Be Continued-------------