Disclaimer - Rurouni Kenshin is property of Watsuki-sensai and other companies. I am merely just borrowing it for my own (and your) entertainment.
Author's Notes – Sorry for the long delay, I just moved so I had to wait for my computer to get plugged up. Also for readers who were waiting for Tomoe to make an appearance I'm sorry but she's not going to be in this fic. One more thing… I know that it would take a week or even more to get from Tokyo to Kyoto but in this fic lets just shorten the distance a bit. Onwards to the fic! Chained in Fate Chapter IV By MizzLee[Before in Kyoto]
Sagara Sanosuke enters a room that was softly lighted. There were a few bookshelves lined on the wall containing different types of books and parchments though it seems like they had rarely been touched. There were also a few decorative scrolls hung up on the wall all had been gifts. In the corner was a small short desk with an unlighted lantern resting on top it. There were also some flat pillows intended to be sat on while reading on the floor. On one of them he found his friend sitting on a pillow with his back towards the door. "Yo, I finally found you! Did that Kamama guy finally leave?"
Without turning to face him Kenshin answered. "I was here all along and his name is Kamiya Koshijirou. I expect you to treat my father in law with more respect." Sano's jaw dropped. "F-father in law?! What the hell how come I never--- maybe to be father in law" Kenshin cut him off. Sanosuke had already plotted himself down on one of the pillows beside Kenshin. "Why all of the sudden with marriage? You've never showed an interest much in women. Well then at least now you've removed those doubts I had about you not interested in them. Battousai suddenly shot him an amber glare. Sanosuke gulped. At times he can have such mood changes. Kenshin handed him a piece of paper that he was holding. Sanosuke took it and read through.
Himura,
Do not try to find me when you get this because I would of left this world already. I am sorry for leading you to such a life and robbed you of your sanity. A friend of mine will soon come to visit you and he has a daughter. I know wealth and riches is not enough for you to gain what you had lost; this girl can help you find what was lost. You may disagree with me in that case; regard this as a dying man's wish for you to at least meet her. Let fate guide you through the rest. It had been an honor.
Kogoro Katsura
"Ah… I see. Are you going to meet her?" asked Sanosuke. "We will be leaving tomorrow and you and Yahiko will be going with me." Sanosuke stood up. "Great! I get to meet your bride!" "….." Sanosuke knew he was back into his own thoughts again. He walked over and opened the shoji door. "I'll go tell the brat." And he closed the door after him. Kenshin sighed and closed his eyes.
He could see time catching up with his once youthful face. He could tell that he was studying him the moment they met, not just his physical appearance or movements though. He felt like this man was inspecting his very soul. After getting to know each other better he learned that the man was worried about his daughter's future. Worried about her never meeting a decent man or falling into the wrong hands. Kenshin then asked if he may go meet his daughter and Koshijirou agreed.
Sapphire eyes locked with his amber ones. She finally managed to find her voice. "Konnichiwa Himura sama."
Kenshin was breathless at the sight of the graceful goddess in front of him. Her pale ivory skin, her hair like the finest strands of silk and those sapphire eyes. He felt like he could drown in those pools of blue. He saw her cheeks turn a soft shade of pink as she looked down once again. Never had be been so allured by anything. "Konban wa Kaoru –dono." He said in his deep voice as he politely bowed.
A gust of wind suddenly blew by. He watched her actions as she brought a delicate hand to attempt to keep her silky hair in place. Suddenly an image of someone just came into his mind. "Katsura…" He heard Koshijirou whisper, that only his trained ears could pick up. 'Perhaps it is fate …' "Well now, shall we step inside and enjoy some fine sake?" Invited Koshijirou. "Yes of course." Replied Kenshin. Koshijirou turned around and went inside motioning Kaoru to follow him.
When the group of men had settled in the sitting room Kaoru had went to the kitchen to warm up the sake and serve it. When she got there she already found a tray with perfectly arranged teacups and a bottle of sake that was steaming at the top. Puzzled that everything had already been set for her she found Tae walk out from a corner of the kitchen. "Tae san you didn't have to…" Kaoru began but Tae but a finger to her lips and winked. Kaoru understood. "Arigatou." She whispered before she elegantly carried the tray out. "Good luck Kaoru san!" whispered Tae.
Kaoru entered the room where the men were conversing quietly. She gracefully set a cup in front of each person and poured them sake. She paused not sure if the young boy named Yahiko was suppose to consume alcohol. "Are you blind? I'm a man and I drink too!" he declared. Kaoru bowed her head. "Gomen naisai." And she poured sake into his shallow cup. She had her back partly turned so she did not see the look Battousai had given the boy. Yahiko choked his drink halfway. 'crap, when sano told me Kenshin demanded respect for his fiancée he meant it' Kenshin was the last to have been served. It took all the will power Kaoru had to not tremble while pouring, she felt like so frivolous under his gaze. He gave her a short nod when she finished and she sat back beside her father.
"Will you not have some sake with us Kaoru dono?" the mysterious man asked. "Hai." She replied softly as she poured herself a cup. "Well, what do you think of my daughter Himura san?" Her father said. It seemed out of the sudden and Kaoru felt her cheeks go red so she focused her gaze at her cup. She felt his eyes on her as he talked. "I am honored to have such a bride." Sanosuke raised an eyebrow. He didn't expect Kenshin to actually accept the idea of marriage. Then again, he had already liked this woman. She did not seem like the other money hungry women they had met. He almost felt like he could feel her innocence radiating from her. He felt like she could accomplish something none else can, even though he didn't know what.
The conversation went on about usual things like the journey to the dojo. How it had been in Kyoto. Kaoru mostly stayed silent occasionally refilling the men's cups. "So where will you all intending on staying at while you're here?" Yahiko wanted to join the conversation. "Well we were going to stay at one of the hotels in town." "Well if you didn't mind you could stay at my dojo. It's not elegant like hotels but it has done us good for the years." Koshijirou invited. "Yes I think we will stay here instead. It seems much more civil than places in town." Kenshin replied. "Well then its settled! But I only have two guest room if that's okay with you three." Sanosuke and Yahiko gave each other a look. 'What I have to sleep with this brat / rooster head?!' the same thought went through their minds. "Of course it will be fine." Koshijirou clapped his hands together. "Then its settled! Kaoru, please prepare and show them to their rooms. "Hai" Kaoru replied gently as she went over to the shoji and opened it. "Please follow me." She motioned the three guests to follow her.
As she was walking in front of everyone showing the way Yahiko was already exploring everywhere with his eyes. "Wow Kaoru your home is pretty nice. But Kenshin's is way bigger." Exclaimed Yahiko forgetting about his manners once again. Was it him or did he suddenly feel the sheath of one of Kenshin's swords poke at him? "Um…Is it okay if you call you by your first name Kamiya san?" The maiden in front of them replied. "Of course Kaoru is fine by me Yahiko chan." The boys fist clenched as always when he was referred to as 'chan' "Don't call me Ch—" but Sanosuke covered his mouth before he could finish. Kaoru turned around to find her soon to be husband looking at her and behind him was Yahiko trying to wrestle with Sanosuke. He looked a bit blue now from the hand covering half of his face. Kaoru stifled a giggle. Kenshin noticed how she looked even prettier when she smiled. "This is the first room which is a bit bigger than the second one." Kaoru explained as she opened the shoji door to one of the dojo's rooms. "Kenshin you don't need that big of a place for just yourself! Me and the brat will take this room alright?" The man with red hair nodded. The two ran inside to inspect their room. "I'll bring your futons afterwards." Kaoru made a short bow before continuing down the hall.
Kaoru felt giddy because she felt like this man was watching her every movement. The two turned a corner and stopped at the next door. "Himura sama—" she was cut off. "Please call me Kenshin." He requested. "K-kenshin sama…" She couldn't help but stutter. "This is your room. My room is right beside yours and my otosan's room is further down the hallway. Your futon is already inside. If you need anything please just ask me." She spoke gently. Still not able to look into his eyes. "Kaoru dono…" she looked up and was once again drowning in his orbs. "May I have the honor of going out with you to dinner tonight?"
She was a bit shocked. She had barely gone out after dark with anyone except her father. Of course she was taught to never deny requests or demands. "Yes, I would love to go." Kenshin's lips moved a bit. It wasn't even close to a grin but Kaoru supposed it was his way of smiling. "I must go retrieve futons for Sagara san and Yahiko chan." With a short bow she left. Kenshin gave her retreating back one last look before he retired to his room.
Kaoru struggled a bit while she carried the two futons down the hall. "Ugh…I never knew they could get so heavy" she mumbled. Finally her strength gave in and she lost balance. Her fall was padded by the futons but she was incredibly embarrassed. 'Dear god I hope no one saw me.' She pushed herself up and noticed a pair of bandaged legs. 'oh crap' she thought as she looked up. There was Sanosuke standing there. "Gomen! Gomen!" Kaoru repeated as she bowed in her sitting position. "Whoa calm down Jo-chan!" said Sano as he bent down to help her arrange the beds into position. "Jo-chan?" Kaoru asked. "Oh damn… sorry I'm not used to all this manner stuff. I thought the name had suited you Kamiya san." Kaoru smiled. "Oh its okay please call me whatever you prefer. I suppose we are going to get know each other better in the future Sagara san." "Well if we are then no more of this stranger talk then! Call me Sano! Here this is too heavy for you I'll help you carry it." He said as he picked up the pile easily. "A-arigatou Sanosuke san" Kaoru said as she followed him. "Argh! No sans, samas or anything either! Makes me feel like some dork!" They arrived at their room and Kaoru helped open the door.
"Eh? Yahiko chan isn't here?" She wondered. She had already felt closer to her new companion. "Oh he already went out exploring. Heh, can't wait till you go call him chan again." Kaoru didn't understand the last part Sanosuke had said but she remained silent. "Well, I have to go. It's been nice getting to know you better …Sano!" She knew it wasn't exactly proper to speak that way to guests but Kaoru thought that this man would be okay with it. She was correct when he smiled. "Alright! See ya!" With a bow she left.
Kaoru was once again in a good mood. Resisting the urge to skip down the hall she turned towards the training dojo to look for her father. She needed to tell him about her arranged date with the mysterious man called Kenshin. Though the thought of marrying such a scary yet alluring man she still does not know or trust is in the back of her mind she had already decided to accept her fate and see where it would bring her. She stopped when she saw a boy walk into her dojo.
Walking in behind him she saw that he was walking around the dojo inspecting the decorating weapons on the walls. She wondered if he knew the art of the sword since his 'master' seemed like a skillful samurai. Then she noticed that he was still wearing his footwear. She was fumed with anger, certainly anyone would of known it was disrespectable to wear shoes in the dojo. She walked in. "Yahiko chan, please remove your shoes when entering the training floors." She gently spoke controlling her anger. Yahiko spun around quickly, he had not known that women was in the room. 'oh crap I forgot to take them off…wait…she called me--!' "Don't call me chan!" he shouted. He kicked off both of his shoes. "Stupid women! Don't think someone ugly and weak as you can always tell me what to do." Those were the words he would ever regret to say. Kaoru quietly walked over to where his shoe had fallen and picked it up. Walking back to the entrance of the dojo she placed them neatly beside hers. She turned back to face the boy. Yahiko thought she was going to fall down and cry after yelling at her but he could never have been more wrong.
"Do not underestimate me just because I am a women Yahiko chan. You will regret letting those words out of your mouth." She was already too angry to continue. "I told you not to call me chan already you stupid pathetic women! Ugly! Ugly! Ugly!!" Yahiko jumped up and down repeating the word. Out of nowhere a boken was thrown into his hands. He looked back up and Kaoru had one in her hands also. Flames seem to be burning behind her. "Lets see how weak this women is then." She took out her ribbon and had retied her hair into a high ponytail with an elastic. Kaoru was still wearing her elegant kimono which restricted her movements but she was motivated enough to beat her victim to a pulp while barely wrinkling it. 'Great time to try my new boken' Eying the boy from across the big room. "You will take back your words." She threw her ribbon in the air and watched confidently as it drifted down. Yahiko watched it also but he had his boken held limply in his hand. He knew what it was but he did not know a thing about using it. Kenshin always refused to teach him. But he still believed in this theory of women being weak. Even as the ribbon landed on the floor and a streak of blue coming towards him. "KYAAA!!" Kaoru cried her battle cry. A perfect stroke. She hit her target full force in the stomach. Without hesitating she swung again. The process was repeated as sounds of Yahiko getting beaten to a pulp echoed from the dojo.
Sanosuke had her a women's voice yell and he quickly woke up from his nap and ran towards the sound. On the way he heard what seemed like Yahiko's voice. "AhhH!!! Shit!! Arghh!!" He got to the doorway and saw Kaoru pulverize Yahiko. "Heh" he huffed as he leaned on the doorway watching the show. He felt a gust of wind suddenly and Battousai was crouched beside him. Hand on his kantana, amber eyes. Battousai had come from hearing the noise. He relaxed as he saw the surprising sight in front of him. Her elegance in fighting almost matched her beauty. She was swift and smooth each swing and step was correct. He stood emotionlessly watching her. The thought of a women fighting being absorb and unworthy for a wife had not come to his mind. Yahiko's beating shortly ended.
The poor boy was sprawled on the ground his eyes swirling. Kaoru smiled. "That'll teach you a lesson for calling me weak and also for disrespecting the dojo." She untied her ponytail and turned around to pick up her ribbon. She was shocked to see the two men standing at the doorway. "S-Sanosuke…H-Himura sama!" She quickly fell onto her knees beside the still swirling eyed Yahiko. Kenshin looked at Sanosuke with a questioning gaze when she spoke his name with such familiarity. Sano shrugged. "Hey…I was making friends." Kaoru's frightened and stuttering voice brought the attention back to her. "Gomen….gomen…I'm unworthy." Tears were welling up in her eyes. Sanosuke took a step forward. "Hey…its okay jo-chan. No need for tears. We're cool with this…right Kenshin?" He turned around to look at his friend for his response. Kaoru was scared but she looked up. Kenshin held his amber gaze. "…." Kaoru understood the negative silence and she couldn't control her emotions. She stood up and fled from the room tears pouring down her porcelain skin. She ran past Kenshin. Her long black hair flew behind her as continued running down the hall. Kenshin watched the goddess disappear around the corner.
Sanosuke walked over to Yahiko and nudged him a bit with his foot. "Get up idiot. You just got pounded by a women!" Yahiko flinched at the words. "W-women…not weak…specially that one!" He passed out again. Seconds later snores seem to come from him. Sanosuke laughed. Picked him up and swung him around his shoulder. "Hey man, why didn't you say anything to her? She's really a special girl." Kenshin remained silent. Sanosuke snorted and walked past him. When the fighter too turned the corner Kenshin walked into the middle of the dojo and picked up the forgotten ribbon.
Kaoru sat in a corner of her dim room. The sun was beginning to set. She was still sniffing. Her eyes had already turned red and puffy. "Gomen…" she whispered to her late mother. She must be frowning at her now from the heavens above. She heard her shoji door open and she flinched. The person came in and closed the paper door. Then walked towards her and sat down. She slowly turned around. "Otosan…I'm sorry" she whispered. Her voice already hoarse from crying. "Kaoru chan…I'm disappointed in you." Her father began. Kaoru covered her face in shame. "I know! I must have disgraced the family. Himura sama must be leaving tomorrow at dawn not wanting a bride like me." Her father gently patted her head. "No you have not brought shame and no Himura is not leaving." He gently cooed. Kaoru's breathing became normal. "Your going to be a lovely beautiful bride. That boy Yahiko had asked me to tell you sorry and he was wrong." Kaoru lifted her head to look at him. "You know what happened?" Her father chuckled. "Yes, most of it and I have to say, even though you shouldn't have I think you did the right thing to teach him a lesson." Kaoru smiled. Her father also smiled seeing her begin to feel better. "Now, Himura is still waiting for you to go out tonight. Enjoy yourself and get to know him." "I can't see him again! He thinks I'm some aggressive man in disguise now!" Her father stood up. "No he doesn't. He thinks you're a charming lady. Now go take a bath and wash away those tears. No more crying okay? I know you can do it." Kaoru nodded and her father left her room.
Kaoru chose an emerald colored kimono. She wasn't as thrilled as before about going out that night. She was almost scared to meet his amber gaze. Carrying her clothing in a wooden bucket she walked over to her shoji door and stood there for a moment. Hoping she wouldn't run into anyone on her way she swung open the door kept her head down and took quick strides towards the bathhouse.
Kenshin sat in his room. He watched the sun slowly set from his open door. In his hand was the silver obi Kaoru had dropped. He was confused. He had never felt so attracted to anyone like this before. It was as if someone had bound him to her. She looked so delicate yet so strong as she had proved before. He could not push out the unknown emotion going through him. Kenshin put the ribbon into his kimono. Putting his two swords back into his hakama he walked out to meet her.
Kaoru came out of the bathhouse looking and feeling refreshed. She saw Kenshin and her father standing by the dojo gates. Taking a deep breathe she begins to walk over to them.
She bowed to the two men when she arrived. "Ah! Perfect timing Kaoru." Her father said. "You look lovely as usual. Don't you agree Himura san?" her father asked. Kenshin just nodded. It didn't seem like Koujishiro got the response he wanted. "Well then you two better be off." "But Otosan…what about you and our guests dinners?" Kaoru asked. She had not cooked supper for them yet. "Oh no worries I'll take care of ourselves. Now you don't worry and go have a good time. Himura, I trust you will take care of her." Kaoru looked at him. "You don't have to worry." He replied. Kenshin and Kaoru said their goodbyes and began walking down the darkening streets. Koshijirou stood there for a moment watching the two's departing backs. Then he too turned back and walked towards his dojo.
Kaoru walked behind Kenshin. Nervous from being alone with him yet she somehow felt good being around him though she barely knew him. Taking steady breaths she quietly followed his steps.
'be still my beating heart'
Not a very good spot to stop, but I wanted another chapter up soon as possible. I'll try to hurry up with the next chapters. Please review and tell me what you like and not like. Click there!
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