Hi Hi
It's me. Of course it is I don't know who else it could be. Heheh I wrote all of this today in one shot so I hope that everything turns out well. I hadn't intended to start this chapter inspiration hit s here it is. I hope that you like it.
I don't own RK
Echoe Shayne ^.^
Wiping his hand on his Hakama he entered the small kitchen again. Pausing he saw that that Kaoru was asleep her head resting on the table. Standing there he watched her a few seconds. She didn't look to be in the most comfortable position. With a frown on his face he leaned over and hosted her into his arms Her head lulled back against his shoulder causing him to look down to see if she was still asleep. She must have been really tired to let someone carry her or maybe she knew that it was him.
Opening the door to one of the rooms he was happy to see that it appeared to hers making his way quickly across the room he deposited her on the futon. Reaching out he pulled the blanket that was at the foot the bed over her body. Her hair was spread about her face in waves of ebony locks. Her breathing was still a little raspy. 'Do not think that you got out of a mission. No matter who the winner is your objective is the same. I require a kill.' His eyes flashing gold again as he continued to look down at her.
Walking out of the room he turned walking into the room that was next to it. Looking at the futon the he noted that the mattress had been fluffed. 'So this have been the room that she had prepared for him'. Sitting down he removed the swords from his side placing them on the futon next to him his hand curling around the hilt of his katana. He stared at the ceiling the room. A musty smell hung in air and he knew that it wasn't used that often. The fact was that the entire house had a unlived in feeling to it. The only room that looked like it was used regularly had been the room that Kaoru was now sleeping in.
Why had he come back here? He would have been able to watch her from the shadows. He would have known where she was. No, he told himself the reason that he had come here was because she wouldn't feel suspicious of him. With that cleared his thoughts turned to other things.
This house, the house that he had been in so long ago. He had done many things. Things that people wouldn't be proud of. Yet he held no regret for anything he had done. It was because of this that he was a dangerous man. When it came to his duty he would do what was required of him without question. 'That's why you failed so long ago?' a voice in the back of his head said. It had been different then though, she had been a child. Now she was a woman. If she stood against his cause, then she was an enemy in the eyes of superiors, and being so she was his enemy.
Had he known? Had he known on some level that she was the one? That it had been her all those years ago? Is that why he had that dream? Because in the back of his mind he knew that it was her. With frown on his face he closed his eyes. He didn't want to think about this. Besides why was he thinking about it when the time came he would do what he had to.
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Kaoru's eyes slid open and she became aware of the pain that lingered in her body. She was in her bed and she remembered vaguely that it was Kenshin who had put her there. At least she thought that it was him but who was she to tell her brain felt muddled. Kaoru knew that she had to get up and do something, she couldn't allow herself to become more stiff than she already was.
Sitting up she put her hand on her over her shoulder, before rolling them back to get rid of the stiffness that lingered there. Raising to her feet she listened to the house it didn't sound like her guest was moving around yet. That meant that she would be able to get in a bit of practice. Today was the day. At least that's what she told herself. The truth was that she told herself that everyday.
Most days it was that thought that got her out of bed and today was no different making her way slowly out of the room and into the Dojo she looked at the old worn floor and thought that it needed polishing. Making a mental note that she would polish it the next time that she got the chance she made her way across the room taking the wooden boken off the rack on the wall.
Moving to the middle of the room she stood there for a second before starting her workout. Her arm ached in protest but she continued. Already after a short time a thin layer of sweat had covered her brow. Reaching back she was about to swing the boken in a in an arch when a jolt of pain shot down her arm. Dropping to one knee she bit her lips her head bowing.
The Battousai heard the woman moving through the house. Sitting up looked around the room for a few seconds before rising to his feet leaning over he picked up his swords securing them to their rightful place as he walked. Making it to the last place heard the sounds of movement. He saw that she was crouched on the floor her back was heaving like she was having trouble breathing. Her small hands where gripped tightly on a boken that was propped against the ground like it was the only thing holding her up. By looks of her that was probably true.
Watching her for a few seconds she turned toward him. Her eyes trained on him as she bit her lip. 'To push herself so hard' he knew that her arm was bothering her. Normally such a cut shouldn't do anything but make you a little sore. Because the idiot had poisoned his blade it had seeped into her arm weakening the mussels. Cowardly tricks, but people that were weak always had to resort to tricks. It made no difference the damage was done. This evening would be a true measure of how much she was willing to fight. If she even went that was. Looking at her now thought he knew that she was not the kind of person that would walk away from something she would meet her death face on.
It was inevitable she would meet her death this night. The only thing that varied would be who would deliver her into the abyss. He was torn about this fact part of him hoped that Jin eh would be the one to do it so that he didn't have to. He would rather kill Jin eh then her. The other part of him didn't want Jin eh to lay a finger on her, he was unfit to take her life. That if anyone had the right to end her life, it would be him and no one else.
Looking up she saw him standing in the entrance of the Dojo just watching her like she was some kind of attraction in a show. Biting down on her lip even harder she pushed herself to her feet, thankful that she was able to keep her balance.
"It's good to see that your up I'll make us some breakfast." She said making her way past him and into the kitchen.
Sitting at the table he looked at her meager breakfast he guessed there hadn't been that much in the house to cook. Taking a bite he began to chew. It wasn't that she was a terrible cook, but she wasn't that great of cook either. None the less he ate the food that she had placed before him already thinking that he would cook lunch for her. Her last meal should be a decent one. That was the least that he could do for her.
Kaoru looked at her guest who was sitting across from her. It was odd seeing someone at this table she had ate by herself here for as long as she could remember and now someone was sitting here with her. Sure it was just a small thing, in a way it wasn't though. People never came here, she never let them come here. She liked being around him, they could sit in comfortable silence. Neither of them craving the constant chatter that most people had become accustomed to.
As he watched her put away the dishes thoughts swirled through his mind. Why did she do the things that she did? Even with what he knew about her life. He was still left in the dark this wasn't the life that a woman would choose for herself. Even with what she had seen. Even with what he had put her through he knew that most women would not chose this life of death and pain. Though looking at the Kaoru it was a lifestyle that she had embraced.
'We can always spot our own' the words that he had spoke the other day came back to her as she looked at the man that sat across from her. So it was true she had known that it was. She was like him in every way. She only had to look in his eyes to tell just how true it was. When she looked at those steely blue orbs she saw nothing not even her own reflection. They were dull and lifeless much like her own when she looked in the mirror. She wondered why he did the things that he did. People didn't just turn out like him and herself they were made that way. He like her must have been forged out of tragedy and pain, knew what it was like to wear a mantel of anguish and grief.
Watching her he knew that she must have been thinking about something. She had a far away look on her face something that was different then the detached look that also lingered there.
'How am I going to ask him to leave before tonight?' She thought
"I will Make you lunch before I leave as a thanks for letting me stay here." He didn't know what he was waiting for but she nodded to him before getting up.
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Walking through the market he looked down at the Tofu that he held in his hands. It so odd, not that he was buying stuff to make lunch he often cooked for himself. It was the fact that he was going to cook for someone else that was different. He was always alone so it was unusual when he walked back into the gates he saw that Kaoru was hanging up some laundry. Looking he saw that she had taken his clothes down and they were folded neatly in a basket at her side.
Crossing the short distance he looked down at his clothes then back up at her. She appeared to see nothing about finishing a job that he had left half way done.
"I hope you don't mind but your stuff was dry so I took it down."
"No of course, I don't mind." He assured her before making his way into the kitchen to sit down the items that he had bought to make lunch.
Kaoru took a seat and watched as he got to work on their lunch. She offered to help a few times but he had kindly told her no each time. He moved gracefully even when doing such a simple task. His katana and its companion were still at his side and if he did something such as preparing lunch with such grace she could only imagine how skilled he was with the sword. Briefly she considered asking him but she knew that was a question that she herself would not want to be asked so instead she held her tongue.
He knew that she was watching him he could feel her trained eyes as they examined his every movement. Turning he was prepared to catch her in the act but instead he saw that she was looking at the edge of the table like she had known that he was going to turn before he did. She was good he would give her that.
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It was a feast he had prepared her a feast she couldn't remember the last time that she had seen so many dishes. Groaning inwardly she thought that they were dishes that she would have to be washing later. Her eyes widening she watched the man sit across from her.
"I hope you find it to your liking." He said calmly. He did hope that she liked it. It was be her last meal after all. He watched she took a bite of the tempura and waited. Her light pick lips parted and his thoughts from the other night came back to him. It looked like she would not be his after all. He dare not touch her though less he become more attached. 'more attached as in your already attached?' he questioned himself.
It was time he left it was late afternoon anyway. He knew that they both had places to be. Standing up he nodded to her before taking his clothes of the top of the basket that had been set by the door.
"I will be leaving then."
"It was nice to meet you. I don't know how I will ever repay you for what you have done for me." She paused not able to look at him any longer "I don't even know if I'll ever see you again."
The Battousai looked at her closing the distance between them he stood there for just a second gazing down at her. Reaching out he cupped her chin in his hand tilting her face up toward his.
Kaoru looked into his eyes they had softened a bit and no longer holding the icy edge that was usually there. Rather instead there appeared to be flecks of amethyst lurking in the blue depths. In return she felt her own defenses slipping away as his face lowered next to hers stopping just inches away. The warmness of his breath scorching her skin.
"When I see you again I'll be a different person." Taking a deep breathe he inhaled the sent of Jasmine that clung around hung in the air around her. "Close your eyes so you'll always remember me like this." He whispered into her ear.
She felt his hand move away the air feeling cold in its absence. He had let the room with out even opening her eyes she knew that he was gone. Unable to move for the longest time she stood there in the middle of the room with her eyes still closed. She knew that that he image of how he had looked at her that moment would be burned into her memory. ___________-
Dr Genzi looked out his window the sound of laughter could be heard filtering in from the outside. Walking to the door he yelled for the two little girls to come in. It would be getting dark soon and he wanted them in bed by the time Kaoru came. If she came that is. He wondered if she would take the chance of coming here. She knew that if she did come here that he would only try and talk her out of it. He hoped that her arm was aright. She hadn't looked all that good yesterday when she had left. Though she had tried to hide it he knew something was wrong.
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As the sun set Kaoru walked into her fathers room she would straiten things up in there before she got ready to leave. Walking in she saw that the bed was already made and the clothes that she had loaned Kenshin were sitting on the futon. Sitting down she picked up the gi and brought it to her face 'sandalwood' . Seeing that there was nothing for her to do here she sat for a few more minutes before getting up and walking into the other room.
The place felt empty. After having another person here it was like the house was aching to have more people in it. Almost as if the house was a living person. Shrugging she pushed away this thought she didn't have time for silly notions like this. She had more important things to worry about then this. To be so absent minded on this night wasn't good. Taking a deep breath to focus herself she reached for the her katana and short sword tucking them at her side. Practicing un sheathing them a few times she nodded in satisfaction. Before slipping into the darkening night.
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Approaching the two story house a feeling of foreboding settled around her something was wrong. The air felt heavy as she drew closer to the house the feeling only got worse. Opening the door she was met by the stench of blood. Slipping in she paused looking around her there were men laying on the floor covered in their own blood, some of it the blood of the other people that were laying around them. Making her way to the double doors that lead into the room she assumed to be holding the person that she had been sent here to protect but it looked like the man that she was supposed to be protecting him from had come eliyier then his calling card had said he would.
Kicking open the door she was prepared for someone to jump out at her. No one the room was empty except for a chair that was turned away from her. Scanning the corners of the room she made sure that no one was waiting for her there before proceeding across the room. A man sat there blood seeping down and covering the front of his shirt. A closer look at him revealed that he held a envelope in his hands .
~The Shadow~
Seeing this printed on the outside she reached out and quickly extracted a card from the envelope.
Meet me under the moon in a clearing one mile due east of here.
-Kurugasa
Crushing the paper in her hand she looked around her. 'Kurugasa' she said under her breath searching her mind to try and remember if there was anything that she had heard connected to that name. If she had the time she would ask Dr Genzi he would know what it was. The problem was that there was no time. Plus she didn't want to chance it if they were watching her she would not lead them to him. So she was on her own. The only option was to go the meeting place. She wasn't about to be caught un aware this time.
Time already elapsed. The blood on the floor was starting to congeal which lead her to the conclusion that the man must have departed at least twenty, thirty minutes ago. Meaning that there wasn't much time to waste
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Jin eh sat there lighting a cigarette as he watched the woman make her way into the clearing her face was covered which disappointed him. He had wanted to see the face of the person that had been causing them such a problem. There would be time for that later. She would remove it be it by her choice or not.
"You're punctual I like that. Just got here my self I was thankful that you didn't make me wait too long. You see I had other business to take care of. But you see that soon."
Her eyes narrowed as he nodded his head in the direction of the dojo. Smoke could be seen billowing up into the night air. Her house. Anger assailed her senses but she wasn't about to rush in blindly.
"Self control I love it. But that isn't what I was going for. I wanted you're to hate." He said in a cold voice watching her. Seeing as she wasn't about to rise to the occasion he continued on. "Seeing as you're going to be such an easy mark I don't understand why we're going through the trouble."
"You'll find out tonight I assure you." She said surpassing the rage that she felt.
The emotionless ness of her voice startled him a little. So she had good control over herself. Not for long dropping his cigarette to the ground it smoldered before his foot closed over it smashing it into the grass.
"Before we start I ask you to remove the covering from your face, unless you want me to do it myself."
"Since I'm going to kill you tonight it shouldn't matter whether you see my face or not. Though who's to say that we're alone here."
"You're a smart little vixen you know that? Fair enough I remove it myself."
Suddenly her eyes locked with his and she couldn't move. What the hell was going on here? She had heard about this before hadn't she? Shin no ippo her mind told her as she watched him make his way toward her. Waiting till he got with in reaching distance of her she focused all her attention on her hand that was covering the hilt of her sword. She felt the tension around her break and she was moving. Drawing her sword the sound of ringing steel could be heard echoing through the clearing as the man had parried her strike.
Laughter filled the air mingling with this the dieing sound of their blades. Moving into her stance her eyes focused on the man that was laughing like he had just seen the funniest thing in the world.
"You're better then I thought. To break my hold on you, it looks like I might have some fun tonight yet."
Saying nothing she watched him as they circled each other at a fast pace. Then he was on her. Raising her blade she blocked him his face inches from hers.
"Is the reason you hide your face, because you're afraid to show people how ugly you are?" He said as they separated she was faster then he would have thought she would be not that it mattered when he was hungry for blood nothing would stop him.
She wasn't going to let him get to her. His words were aimed to throw her off guard they were meant to make her lose her focus she was not about to fall for his little ploy. Their swords clashed again harder this time. Parting once again they circled each other then she felt it. For a split second she felt her limbs freeze, but she knew hat to do this time and didn't miss a stride.
"Your little tricks will not work on me a second time."
"Hum your already bleeding I haven't even touched you yet I can smell it in air. Is it because you already have a wound or could just be that it's because you are a woman?" he laughed at his own wittiness his movements were fluid. Not that he couldn't say the same about her she matched him step for step, stroke for stroke. He felt himself faultier as she had worked way into his defenses. With his stance broke she thought this was her chance rushing forward she was prepared to strike when he pulled another sword from his back. She was already moving forward and there wasn't enough time to avoid it she felt the blade pierce her flesh and she collapsed against the ground. Blood starting to pour from her arm as she brought her hand up to clutch the wound.
Jin eh stood above a smug look on his face.
"I can't believe that they wasted my time by sending me to get you. It's an insult really but I have to wonder why would a woman do something like this?"
Struggling into a crouching position she looked at the man. He was way too cocky for his own good.
"My reasons are my own."
Ah so that was how she wanted to play it. He looked at the woman crouched there and then she was gone. Rising his blade he deflected her from her true target but it wasn't fast enough to escape and he felt the tip pierce his shoulder. Then she was there in front of him again in her stance waiting for him. 'Revenge that what it was'
"What is it little girl someone murder your husband? No you wouldn't be able to develop skills like these so fast. Your Family then did someone slaughter your mommy and daddy in front of you?" She said nothing but he knew that his words had struck a cord with her. "Is that why you lurk in the shadows little girl?"
She didn't like it that this man wouldn't keep his mouth shut. Then he was in front of her raising her katana she blocked his sword but his short sward was quickly descending on her. Drawing her companion she blocked feeling the smaller hilt leave her hand but the good thing was that so did his and the smaller weapons were lost to both of them for the moment. Then she felt it pain in her side as his katana had circled hers slashing at her side. She felt warm liquid oozing from the wound causing her to stager a bit. ________-
The Battousai watched from the darkness they were a pretty even match but Kaoru's strength was ebbing away from her despite her will and he knew that the match would end soon. One way or the other everything was drawing to a close. He watched them as they fought Kaoru was wounded a few more times. Where as Jin eh appeared to be just having more fun. Then she was dropping to her knees.
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Kaoru felt her knees hit the ground and she willed herself to get up rising to block she felt the hilt of her sword leave her hands. Then she couldn't move gain. Trying to break it as she had before nothing happened she was trapped on the inside looking out at the maniac of a man from behind her own eyes.
"It wont work it's a stronger version of Shin no ippo it will not be broken by likes of you little girl." Leaning forward he pulled the black scarf that she had tired around her face off.
The cool air hit her face and she could do nothing but stare at him as he looked down at her. Sweat was pouring down the sides of her face from the exertion she was putting into trying to move but none of it was helping.
"I was wrong you're quite the looker. Now why would you hide such a face? I will show you why revenge is not meant for women. Look there's your house it's lighting up the sky now pretty isn't it?"
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The Battousai stood in the same spot watching. He wanted to rush forward but he was meant for the winner not before. So he waited taking in the sight of the struggling girl and gloating man. He was going to enjoy this tearing this man apart. From watching him he knew that he wouldn't be much of a challenge now the only thing left was to wait.
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Why was she helpless? She wasn't going to die like this she had worked too hard to die like this. She could feel her blood pooling around her.
"I'll give you a choice would you rather suffocate or would like me to end it all now?" "No don't answer that I'll put you of your misery." Rising his sword he looked down at her with a wicked smile. "It's a shame you're doctor wont be able to fix himself but you'll be seeing him soon." With that his blade started on it's decent toward her.
'Dr Genzi' the thought ran through her mind. Suddenly she could move. Her hands going up she clasped his blade between her two palms with a flick of her wrist she held the end of the broken blade in her hands trusting up she stabbed it into Jin eh's chest. He stumbled back falling to the ground.
Rising she was prepared to run she had no time to waste. 'Dr Denzi' but the man at her feet was speaking again.
"Revenge is still no path for a woman." His words came out faint and week but with a conviction that said that he meant them.
"It may not be but it is the path that I have chosen, No it was one that was chosen for me. I will reach the end of it, no matter what. Even if I have to arrive at my destination bathed in blood." She looked down at him disgusted, hearing a gurgle in his throat. She knew there was no help for him and being so she took off in the direction of the clinic.
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Okita took a step forward into the darkness in pursuit of the girl when he felt a hand on his shoulder holding him back.
"What are you doing? The girl was supposed to die." He said taking a look up at his Captain.
"She is no longer our prey." He motion toward the other edge of a clearing where golden eyes acted like they could see them even threw the darkness.
Standing frozen Okita watched the eyes and then they were gone but he still felt like he was being a watched.
"Come we must leave here. The girl is no longer our concern." The Captain said already turning to walk away.
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Kaoru bust into the house it was dark and quite. Running back to the office where she always met Dr Genzi and flinging open the door. The metallic smell of blood rushed toward her filling her sense and laying in the midst of the room was Dr. Genzi. Rushing forward she knelt at his side her and going to large wound in his chest. Pressing her hand to it she sat there next to him. There was no way that she could stop the bleeding and the blood from her wounds mixed with his on the floor.
"Kao chan" his voice was strained and low.
Hearing him call her that what she had been called so long ago tears started to pour down her cheeks and she could no longer think rationally.
"Don't talk. Save your energy."
He smiled a little reaching his red coated hand up to her face but he didn't quite have the strength to touch her. Instead he felt her hand close around his and bring it the rest of the way.
"Don't cry. I want to see you smile. Before I... a real smile." He murmured his eyes glazing over a little. "Ayame Suzume." tears had started to pour out of the corners of his eyes when he said their name.
Her blood started to run cold. 'were they here?' Not able to ask the question she looked down at the man that had treated her like his daughter. Sobbing she pulled him closer to her. Rocking back and forth with his head cradled in her arms she felt like her world was going to end. Once he was gone she was truly alone. Never in her life had she felt so lost.
"Don't leave me."
Dr Genzi looked up at Kaoru. His vision was going in and out of focus and he knew that there wasn't much time left. He wanted to see her smile he wanted to see her happy that was all that he ever wanted for her and now he was just adding to her sadness. It made his heart ach.
"Smil." he was too weak to get out the rest of the sentence.
Looking down at him she tried to smile. She tired to do what he wanted but she knew that fake emotion didn't reach her eyes. That like all her other smiles this one was hallow. The only thing that he wanted and she couldn't give it to him.
"I can't" burying her face against his she muttered this phrase over and over.
"But you will one day and I'll be watching."
She felt his body sag against her and she knew that he was gone.
"I will, I'll smile just for you." She whispered pulling back to look at him, feeling the wrench in her chest at the sight of him. She wanted to look away but she couldn't. Another person that she hadn't been able to save. Another person that had slipped away from her. At least she knew that the man who had done this was already rotting. That was her only comfort. Even so she felt more grief weighting her down.
The Battousai stood in the door watching the seen in front of him it was not one that he wanted to witness. Then again he had seen many things that were better left forgotten. The wound was one that could not be helped, the mans death had been slow but inevitable. Reaching for his sword he took a step forward. He would do this quickly and she would not have to suffer the same fate. His eyes flashing he looked at her small form crouched on the ground.
"I know you came to kill me." Kaoru said bowing her head.
If you want more please review.
Or I could be evil ^.~
The Girl Who Cried Oro- I'm glade that you liked it. I did I did update hehe
Califpinary3001-uh I don't know if that meant that you like it or if you thought it was so terrible that you collapsed from laughing so hard. Either way thanks for the review.
PyschoSushi-Ok I wont as long as people want to read I will write it. Thanks.
Assassin13- Wow that makes me so happy to hear that. I'm glade that you like this story and I hope to never disappoint you if I do just tell me and I'll do everything within my power to make it better. Hope to hear from you soon. ^.^
It's me. Of course it is I don't know who else it could be. Heheh I wrote all of this today in one shot so I hope that everything turns out well. I hadn't intended to start this chapter inspiration hit s here it is. I hope that you like it.
I don't own RK
Echoe Shayne ^.^
Wiping his hand on his Hakama he entered the small kitchen again. Pausing he saw that that Kaoru was asleep her head resting on the table. Standing there he watched her a few seconds. She didn't look to be in the most comfortable position. With a frown on his face he leaned over and hosted her into his arms Her head lulled back against his shoulder causing him to look down to see if she was still asleep. She must have been really tired to let someone carry her or maybe she knew that it was him.
Opening the door to one of the rooms he was happy to see that it appeared to hers making his way quickly across the room he deposited her on the futon. Reaching out he pulled the blanket that was at the foot the bed over her body. Her hair was spread about her face in waves of ebony locks. Her breathing was still a little raspy. 'Do not think that you got out of a mission. No matter who the winner is your objective is the same. I require a kill.' His eyes flashing gold again as he continued to look down at her.
Walking out of the room he turned walking into the room that was next to it. Looking at the futon the he noted that the mattress had been fluffed. 'So this have been the room that she had prepared for him'. Sitting down he removed the swords from his side placing them on the futon next to him his hand curling around the hilt of his katana. He stared at the ceiling the room. A musty smell hung in air and he knew that it wasn't used that often. The fact was that the entire house had a unlived in feeling to it. The only room that looked like it was used regularly had been the room that Kaoru was now sleeping in.
Why had he come back here? He would have been able to watch her from the shadows. He would have known where she was. No, he told himself the reason that he had come here was because she wouldn't feel suspicious of him. With that cleared his thoughts turned to other things.
This house, the house that he had been in so long ago. He had done many things. Things that people wouldn't be proud of. Yet he held no regret for anything he had done. It was because of this that he was a dangerous man. When it came to his duty he would do what was required of him without question. 'That's why you failed so long ago?' a voice in the back of his head said. It had been different then though, she had been a child. Now she was a woman. If she stood against his cause, then she was an enemy in the eyes of superiors, and being so she was his enemy.
Had he known? Had he known on some level that she was the one? That it had been her all those years ago? Is that why he had that dream? Because in the back of his mind he knew that it was her. With frown on his face he closed his eyes. He didn't want to think about this. Besides why was he thinking about it when the time came he would do what he had to.
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Kaoru's eyes slid open and she became aware of the pain that lingered in her body. She was in her bed and she remembered vaguely that it was Kenshin who had put her there. At least she thought that it was him but who was she to tell her brain felt muddled. Kaoru knew that she had to get up and do something, she couldn't allow herself to become more stiff than she already was.
Sitting up she put her hand on her over her shoulder, before rolling them back to get rid of the stiffness that lingered there. Raising to her feet she listened to the house it didn't sound like her guest was moving around yet. That meant that she would be able to get in a bit of practice. Today was the day. At least that's what she told herself. The truth was that she told herself that everyday.
Most days it was that thought that got her out of bed and today was no different making her way slowly out of the room and into the Dojo she looked at the old worn floor and thought that it needed polishing. Making a mental note that she would polish it the next time that she got the chance she made her way across the room taking the wooden boken off the rack on the wall.
Moving to the middle of the room she stood there for a second before starting her workout. Her arm ached in protest but she continued. Already after a short time a thin layer of sweat had covered her brow. Reaching back she was about to swing the boken in a in an arch when a jolt of pain shot down her arm. Dropping to one knee she bit her lips her head bowing.
The Battousai heard the woman moving through the house. Sitting up looked around the room for a few seconds before rising to his feet leaning over he picked up his swords securing them to their rightful place as he walked. Making it to the last place heard the sounds of movement. He saw that she was crouched on the floor her back was heaving like she was having trouble breathing. Her small hands where gripped tightly on a boken that was propped against the ground like it was the only thing holding her up. By looks of her that was probably true.
Watching her for a few seconds she turned toward him. Her eyes trained on him as she bit her lip. 'To push herself so hard' he knew that her arm was bothering her. Normally such a cut shouldn't do anything but make you a little sore. Because the idiot had poisoned his blade it had seeped into her arm weakening the mussels. Cowardly tricks, but people that were weak always had to resort to tricks. It made no difference the damage was done. This evening would be a true measure of how much she was willing to fight. If she even went that was. Looking at her now thought he knew that she was not the kind of person that would walk away from something she would meet her death face on.
It was inevitable she would meet her death this night. The only thing that varied would be who would deliver her into the abyss. He was torn about this fact part of him hoped that Jin eh would be the one to do it so that he didn't have to. He would rather kill Jin eh then her. The other part of him didn't want Jin eh to lay a finger on her, he was unfit to take her life. That if anyone had the right to end her life, it would be him and no one else.
Looking up she saw him standing in the entrance of the Dojo just watching her like she was some kind of attraction in a show. Biting down on her lip even harder she pushed herself to her feet, thankful that she was able to keep her balance.
"It's good to see that your up I'll make us some breakfast." She said making her way past him and into the kitchen.
Sitting at the table he looked at her meager breakfast he guessed there hadn't been that much in the house to cook. Taking a bite he began to chew. It wasn't that she was a terrible cook, but she wasn't that great of cook either. None the less he ate the food that she had placed before him already thinking that he would cook lunch for her. Her last meal should be a decent one. That was the least that he could do for her.
Kaoru looked at her guest who was sitting across from her. It was odd seeing someone at this table she had ate by herself here for as long as she could remember and now someone was sitting here with her. Sure it was just a small thing, in a way it wasn't though. People never came here, she never let them come here. She liked being around him, they could sit in comfortable silence. Neither of them craving the constant chatter that most people had become accustomed to.
As he watched her put away the dishes thoughts swirled through his mind. Why did she do the things that she did? Even with what he knew about her life. He was still left in the dark this wasn't the life that a woman would choose for herself. Even with what she had seen. Even with what he had put her through he knew that most women would not chose this life of death and pain. Though looking at the Kaoru it was a lifestyle that she had embraced.
'We can always spot our own' the words that he had spoke the other day came back to her as she looked at the man that sat across from her. So it was true she had known that it was. She was like him in every way. She only had to look in his eyes to tell just how true it was. When she looked at those steely blue orbs she saw nothing not even her own reflection. They were dull and lifeless much like her own when she looked in the mirror. She wondered why he did the things that he did. People didn't just turn out like him and herself they were made that way. He like her must have been forged out of tragedy and pain, knew what it was like to wear a mantel of anguish and grief.
Watching her he knew that she must have been thinking about something. She had a far away look on her face something that was different then the detached look that also lingered there.
'How am I going to ask him to leave before tonight?' She thought
"I will Make you lunch before I leave as a thanks for letting me stay here." He didn't know what he was waiting for but she nodded to him before getting up.
______________-
Walking through the market he looked down at the Tofu that he held in his hands. It so odd, not that he was buying stuff to make lunch he often cooked for himself. It was the fact that he was going to cook for someone else that was different. He was always alone so it was unusual when he walked back into the gates he saw that Kaoru was hanging up some laundry. Looking he saw that she had taken his clothes down and they were folded neatly in a basket at her side.
Crossing the short distance he looked down at his clothes then back up at her. She appeared to see nothing about finishing a job that he had left half way done.
"I hope you don't mind but your stuff was dry so I took it down."
"No of course, I don't mind." He assured her before making his way into the kitchen to sit down the items that he had bought to make lunch.
Kaoru took a seat and watched as he got to work on their lunch. She offered to help a few times but he had kindly told her no each time. He moved gracefully even when doing such a simple task. His katana and its companion were still at his side and if he did something such as preparing lunch with such grace she could only imagine how skilled he was with the sword. Briefly she considered asking him but she knew that was a question that she herself would not want to be asked so instead she held her tongue.
He knew that she was watching him he could feel her trained eyes as they examined his every movement. Turning he was prepared to catch her in the act but instead he saw that she was looking at the edge of the table like she had known that he was going to turn before he did. She was good he would give her that.
___________-
It was a feast he had prepared her a feast she couldn't remember the last time that she had seen so many dishes. Groaning inwardly she thought that they were dishes that she would have to be washing later. Her eyes widening she watched the man sit across from her.
"I hope you find it to your liking." He said calmly. He did hope that she liked it. It was be her last meal after all. He watched she took a bite of the tempura and waited. Her light pick lips parted and his thoughts from the other night came back to him. It looked like she would not be his after all. He dare not touch her though less he become more attached. 'more attached as in your already attached?' he questioned himself.
It was time he left it was late afternoon anyway. He knew that they both had places to be. Standing up he nodded to her before taking his clothes of the top of the basket that had been set by the door.
"I will be leaving then."
"It was nice to meet you. I don't know how I will ever repay you for what you have done for me." She paused not able to look at him any longer "I don't even know if I'll ever see you again."
The Battousai looked at her closing the distance between them he stood there for just a second gazing down at her. Reaching out he cupped her chin in his hand tilting her face up toward his.
Kaoru looked into his eyes they had softened a bit and no longer holding the icy edge that was usually there. Rather instead there appeared to be flecks of amethyst lurking in the blue depths. In return she felt her own defenses slipping away as his face lowered next to hers stopping just inches away. The warmness of his breath scorching her skin.
"When I see you again I'll be a different person." Taking a deep breathe he inhaled the sent of Jasmine that clung around hung in the air around her. "Close your eyes so you'll always remember me like this." He whispered into her ear.
She felt his hand move away the air feeling cold in its absence. He had let the room with out even opening her eyes she knew that he was gone. Unable to move for the longest time she stood there in the middle of the room with her eyes still closed. She knew that that he image of how he had looked at her that moment would be burned into her memory. ___________-
Dr Genzi looked out his window the sound of laughter could be heard filtering in from the outside. Walking to the door he yelled for the two little girls to come in. It would be getting dark soon and he wanted them in bed by the time Kaoru came. If she came that is. He wondered if she would take the chance of coming here. She knew that if she did come here that he would only try and talk her out of it. He hoped that her arm was aright. She hadn't looked all that good yesterday when she had left. Though she had tried to hide it he knew something was wrong.
________-
As the sun set Kaoru walked into her fathers room she would straiten things up in there before she got ready to leave. Walking in she saw that the bed was already made and the clothes that she had loaned Kenshin were sitting on the futon. Sitting down she picked up the gi and brought it to her face 'sandalwood' . Seeing that there was nothing for her to do here she sat for a few more minutes before getting up and walking into the other room.
The place felt empty. After having another person here it was like the house was aching to have more people in it. Almost as if the house was a living person. Shrugging she pushed away this thought she didn't have time for silly notions like this. She had more important things to worry about then this. To be so absent minded on this night wasn't good. Taking a deep breath to focus herself she reached for the her katana and short sword tucking them at her side. Practicing un sheathing them a few times she nodded in satisfaction. Before slipping into the darkening night.
________-
Approaching the two story house a feeling of foreboding settled around her something was wrong. The air felt heavy as she drew closer to the house the feeling only got worse. Opening the door she was met by the stench of blood. Slipping in she paused looking around her there were men laying on the floor covered in their own blood, some of it the blood of the other people that were laying around them. Making her way to the double doors that lead into the room she assumed to be holding the person that she had been sent here to protect but it looked like the man that she was supposed to be protecting him from had come eliyier then his calling card had said he would.
Kicking open the door she was prepared for someone to jump out at her. No one the room was empty except for a chair that was turned away from her. Scanning the corners of the room she made sure that no one was waiting for her there before proceeding across the room. A man sat there blood seeping down and covering the front of his shirt. A closer look at him revealed that he held a envelope in his hands .
~The Shadow~
Seeing this printed on the outside she reached out and quickly extracted a card from the envelope.
Meet me under the moon in a clearing one mile due east of here.
-Kurugasa
Crushing the paper in her hand she looked around her. 'Kurugasa' she said under her breath searching her mind to try and remember if there was anything that she had heard connected to that name. If she had the time she would ask Dr Genzi he would know what it was. The problem was that there was no time. Plus she didn't want to chance it if they were watching her she would not lead them to him. So she was on her own. The only option was to go the meeting place. She wasn't about to be caught un aware this time.
Time already elapsed. The blood on the floor was starting to congeal which lead her to the conclusion that the man must have departed at least twenty, thirty minutes ago. Meaning that there wasn't much time to waste
____________-
Jin eh sat there lighting a cigarette as he watched the woman make her way into the clearing her face was covered which disappointed him. He had wanted to see the face of the person that had been causing them such a problem. There would be time for that later. She would remove it be it by her choice or not.
"You're punctual I like that. Just got here my self I was thankful that you didn't make me wait too long. You see I had other business to take care of. But you see that soon."
Her eyes narrowed as he nodded his head in the direction of the dojo. Smoke could be seen billowing up into the night air. Her house. Anger assailed her senses but she wasn't about to rush in blindly.
"Self control I love it. But that isn't what I was going for. I wanted you're to hate." He said in a cold voice watching her. Seeing as she wasn't about to rise to the occasion he continued on. "Seeing as you're going to be such an easy mark I don't understand why we're going through the trouble."
"You'll find out tonight I assure you." She said surpassing the rage that she felt.
The emotionless ness of her voice startled him a little. So she had good control over herself. Not for long dropping his cigarette to the ground it smoldered before his foot closed over it smashing it into the grass.
"Before we start I ask you to remove the covering from your face, unless you want me to do it myself."
"Since I'm going to kill you tonight it shouldn't matter whether you see my face or not. Though who's to say that we're alone here."
"You're a smart little vixen you know that? Fair enough I remove it myself."
Suddenly her eyes locked with his and she couldn't move. What the hell was going on here? She had heard about this before hadn't she? Shin no ippo her mind told her as she watched him make his way toward her. Waiting till he got with in reaching distance of her she focused all her attention on her hand that was covering the hilt of her sword. She felt the tension around her break and she was moving. Drawing her sword the sound of ringing steel could be heard echoing through the clearing as the man had parried her strike.
Laughter filled the air mingling with this the dieing sound of their blades. Moving into her stance her eyes focused on the man that was laughing like he had just seen the funniest thing in the world.
"You're better then I thought. To break my hold on you, it looks like I might have some fun tonight yet."
Saying nothing she watched him as they circled each other at a fast pace. Then he was on her. Raising her blade she blocked him his face inches from hers.
"Is the reason you hide your face, because you're afraid to show people how ugly you are?" He said as they separated she was faster then he would have thought she would be not that it mattered when he was hungry for blood nothing would stop him.
She wasn't going to let him get to her. His words were aimed to throw her off guard they were meant to make her lose her focus she was not about to fall for his little ploy. Their swords clashed again harder this time. Parting once again they circled each other then she felt it. For a split second she felt her limbs freeze, but she knew hat to do this time and didn't miss a stride.
"Your little tricks will not work on me a second time."
"Hum your already bleeding I haven't even touched you yet I can smell it in air. Is it because you already have a wound or could just be that it's because you are a woman?" he laughed at his own wittiness his movements were fluid. Not that he couldn't say the same about her she matched him step for step, stroke for stroke. He felt himself faultier as she had worked way into his defenses. With his stance broke she thought this was her chance rushing forward she was prepared to strike when he pulled another sword from his back. She was already moving forward and there wasn't enough time to avoid it she felt the blade pierce her flesh and she collapsed against the ground. Blood starting to pour from her arm as she brought her hand up to clutch the wound.
Jin eh stood above a smug look on his face.
"I can't believe that they wasted my time by sending me to get you. It's an insult really but I have to wonder why would a woman do something like this?"
Struggling into a crouching position she looked at the man. He was way too cocky for his own good.
"My reasons are my own."
Ah so that was how she wanted to play it. He looked at the woman crouched there and then she was gone. Rising his blade he deflected her from her true target but it wasn't fast enough to escape and he felt the tip pierce his shoulder. Then she was there in front of him again in her stance waiting for him. 'Revenge that what it was'
"What is it little girl someone murder your husband? No you wouldn't be able to develop skills like these so fast. Your Family then did someone slaughter your mommy and daddy in front of you?" She said nothing but he knew that his words had struck a cord with her. "Is that why you lurk in the shadows little girl?"
She didn't like it that this man wouldn't keep his mouth shut. Then he was in front of her raising her katana she blocked his sword but his short sward was quickly descending on her. Drawing her companion she blocked feeling the smaller hilt leave her hand but the good thing was that so did his and the smaller weapons were lost to both of them for the moment. Then she felt it pain in her side as his katana had circled hers slashing at her side. She felt warm liquid oozing from the wound causing her to stager a bit. ________-
The Battousai watched from the darkness they were a pretty even match but Kaoru's strength was ebbing away from her despite her will and he knew that the match would end soon. One way or the other everything was drawing to a close. He watched them as they fought Kaoru was wounded a few more times. Where as Jin eh appeared to be just having more fun. Then she was dropping to her knees.
______________-
Kaoru felt her knees hit the ground and she willed herself to get up rising to block she felt the hilt of her sword leave her hands. Then she couldn't move gain. Trying to break it as she had before nothing happened she was trapped on the inside looking out at the maniac of a man from behind her own eyes.
"It wont work it's a stronger version of Shin no ippo it will not be broken by likes of you little girl." Leaning forward he pulled the black scarf that she had tired around her face off.
The cool air hit her face and she could do nothing but stare at him as he looked down at her. Sweat was pouring down the sides of her face from the exertion she was putting into trying to move but none of it was helping.
"I was wrong you're quite the looker. Now why would you hide such a face? I will show you why revenge is not meant for women. Look there's your house it's lighting up the sky now pretty isn't it?"
_________-
The Battousai stood in the same spot watching. He wanted to rush forward but he was meant for the winner not before. So he waited taking in the sight of the struggling girl and gloating man. He was going to enjoy this tearing this man apart. From watching him he knew that he wouldn't be much of a challenge now the only thing left was to wait.
__________-
Why was she helpless? She wasn't going to die like this she had worked too hard to die like this. She could feel her blood pooling around her.
"I'll give you a choice would you rather suffocate or would like me to end it all now?" "No don't answer that I'll put you of your misery." Rising his sword he looked down at her with a wicked smile. "It's a shame you're doctor wont be able to fix himself but you'll be seeing him soon." With that his blade started on it's decent toward her.
'Dr Genzi' the thought ran through her mind. Suddenly she could move. Her hands going up she clasped his blade between her two palms with a flick of her wrist she held the end of the broken blade in her hands trusting up she stabbed it into Jin eh's chest. He stumbled back falling to the ground.
Rising she was prepared to run she had no time to waste. 'Dr Denzi' but the man at her feet was speaking again.
"Revenge is still no path for a woman." His words came out faint and week but with a conviction that said that he meant them.
"It may not be but it is the path that I have chosen, No it was one that was chosen for me. I will reach the end of it, no matter what. Even if I have to arrive at my destination bathed in blood." She looked down at him disgusted, hearing a gurgle in his throat. She knew there was no help for him and being so she took off in the direction of the clinic.
___________-
Okita took a step forward into the darkness in pursuit of the girl when he felt a hand on his shoulder holding him back.
"What are you doing? The girl was supposed to die." He said taking a look up at his Captain.
"She is no longer our prey." He motion toward the other edge of a clearing where golden eyes acted like they could see them even threw the darkness.
Standing frozen Okita watched the eyes and then they were gone but he still felt like he was being a watched.
"Come we must leave here. The girl is no longer our concern." The Captain said already turning to walk away.
___________-
Kaoru bust into the house it was dark and quite. Running back to the office where she always met Dr Genzi and flinging open the door. The metallic smell of blood rushed toward her filling her sense and laying in the midst of the room was Dr. Genzi. Rushing forward she knelt at his side her and going to large wound in his chest. Pressing her hand to it she sat there next to him. There was no way that she could stop the bleeding and the blood from her wounds mixed with his on the floor.
"Kao chan" his voice was strained and low.
Hearing him call her that what she had been called so long ago tears started to pour down her cheeks and she could no longer think rationally.
"Don't talk. Save your energy."
He smiled a little reaching his red coated hand up to her face but he didn't quite have the strength to touch her. Instead he felt her hand close around his and bring it the rest of the way.
"Don't cry. I want to see you smile. Before I... a real smile." He murmured his eyes glazing over a little. "Ayame Suzume." tears had started to pour out of the corners of his eyes when he said their name.
Her blood started to run cold. 'were they here?' Not able to ask the question she looked down at the man that had treated her like his daughter. Sobbing she pulled him closer to her. Rocking back and forth with his head cradled in her arms she felt like her world was going to end. Once he was gone she was truly alone. Never in her life had she felt so lost.
"Don't leave me."
Dr Genzi looked up at Kaoru. His vision was going in and out of focus and he knew that there wasn't much time left. He wanted to see her smile he wanted to see her happy that was all that he ever wanted for her and now he was just adding to her sadness. It made his heart ach.
"Smil." he was too weak to get out the rest of the sentence.
Looking down at him she tried to smile. She tired to do what he wanted but she knew that fake emotion didn't reach her eyes. That like all her other smiles this one was hallow. The only thing that he wanted and she couldn't give it to him.
"I can't" burying her face against his she muttered this phrase over and over.
"But you will one day and I'll be watching."
She felt his body sag against her and she knew that he was gone.
"I will, I'll smile just for you." She whispered pulling back to look at him, feeling the wrench in her chest at the sight of him. She wanted to look away but she couldn't. Another person that she hadn't been able to save. Another person that had slipped away from her. At least she knew that the man who had done this was already rotting. That was her only comfort. Even so she felt more grief weighting her down.
The Battousai stood in the door watching the seen in front of him it was not one that he wanted to witness. Then again he had seen many things that were better left forgotten. The wound was one that could not be helped, the mans death had been slow but inevitable. Reaching for his sword he took a step forward. He would do this quickly and she would not have to suffer the same fate. His eyes flashing he looked at her small form crouched on the ground.
"I know you came to kill me." Kaoru said bowing her head.
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The Girl Who Cried Oro- I'm glade that you liked it. I did I did update hehe
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