Kyaa Kyaff here again!
Disclaimer: You know it, and so do I…do I really have to say Kenshin & co doesn't belong to me? *sigh*
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'…' Kaoru thoughts
*…* Kenshin
"…" Dialogue
Facing Adversity
Chapter 2: Practice and Plans
"Itai!"
Kaoru stood back up rubbing her back. Saitoh stood opposite her.
"Is that the best you can do after all I have taught you?" Saitoh asked.
Kaoru glared at him sliding into an offensive stance. Saitoh's eyes gleamed with amusement. Kaoru truly believed he liked to beat her up sometimes. Dashing to his left she jumped high to avoid his immediate counter to the attack he had anticipated. Kaoru countered his attack with one of her own, coming down with a small defensive swing. Their shinais clashed and for a few seconds a battle of strength ensued. Saitoh was much stronger than Kaoru, so she pushed against him hard before dropping to low and going for his middle. With a small amount of surprise Saitoh jumped back narrowly missing her attack.
He raced forward swinging low and high causing Kaoru to go totally defensive. Kaoru was slowly getting backed against the wall. Not a good position. She ducked one swing and at the same time swung with her shinai before pivoting to his side and striking again. He fluidly twisted around to catch Kaoru's strike before she could hit. Again they clashed one staring at the other, now a battle of will. Kaoru slid her shinai along his pulling free, dashing forward their swords met again, but Kaoru now smiling used her left hand to slip passed his defense and gave him a good punch to the face. He backed up slightly holding his cheek shinai still held ready.
"Good," Saitoh said sounding pleased, "But you still haven't defeated me."
Saitoh smiled a small smile before sliding back into a deep stance his right hand trailing to the end of his shinai. Kaoru frowned. He planned on using his best move on her. She never was able to defend this one. Kaoru shook her head focusing on him, taking her own stance. He came at her in a flash. Next thing Kaoru knew she was on the floor again. Kaoru stood up painfully. Saitoh laughed.
"You really need to practice more, Tanuki."
Kaoru practically growled out his name. His nickname for her grated her nerves.
"I think you get a perverse pleasure in hurting people," Kaoru grumped out.
"No, just you, tanuki."
Kaoru glared at him.
"Alright, enough warming up. Time to really practice."
Kaoru groaned as she went to get her real sword. It had become routine for Kaoru. First, she had to exercise. Second, she practiced with Saitoh with her shinai. Third, they practiced with real swords. It was kind of dangerous, but she trusted Saitoh. Last, she did some kata, stretched, and did a breathing exercise. After that she went to clean up, and work began. She had to practice three times a week. It could be tiring sometimes.
Kaoru placed her sword at her side before slowly drawing it out. She held it with perfect balance and form. Saitoh waited for her to initiate the fight. Kaoru calmed herself, then dashed forward holding nothing back.
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Kaoru sighed happily as she let the hot water run down her body. It felt so good on her sore muscles. No matter how much she practiced on her own she was always sore from practice with Saitoh. She smiled in satisfaction. Kaoru was getting better. She could tell by the way Saitoh would hold less and less back when they fought. So she did happen to like practice, after it was over and she thought about it. It was pure torture while she was actually training. But she did get Saitoh good with that punch.
Kaoru finished up and quickly got dressed in the locker room. The practice hall was for everyone, so it had it's own locker room and showers. Kaoru was grateful for the showers. Throwing on the clothes she brought with her Kaoru brushed her hair and put it up, not waiting for it to dry. She didn't really have the time.
Kaoru walked out of the locker room and to the elevator. The building was three story. The bottom was the reception area, the office where people went when they needed help, and a couple jail cells. The second floor was the training area that Kaoru was in. The third floor is where everyone else worked. Outside in the back was a shooting range. As the elevator opened Okita greeted her. She stepped inside saying a short hello.
"So how was practice with Saitoh-san?" Okita asked.
Kaoru rolled her eyes as the elevator opened, "I don't know how you survived it, when you trained with him."
"Saitoh-san is an excellent teacher."
Kaoru could hear the admiration in Okita's voice. She kind of had the feeling that Okita looked up to Saitoh. Kaoru found the man sometimes outright annoying, but everyone was entitled to his or her own opinion. Not that Kaoru had no respect for him, but…
"Kaoru!" Akira called in greeting.
"Yeah, yeah. Stop with the upbeat cheerfulness. I'm tired."
"Practice go well?"
"Went as always," Kaoru replied.
Akira walked from his desk over to Kaoru, "We've got an assignment."
"Great," Kaoru said halfheartedly.
"Don't worry. Nothing spectacular. We have to guard some guy tomorrow night. Make sure he gets through the night safe and sound. We have to go meet him later today."
"Who is it?" Kaoru asked flipping through the folder Akira handed her.
"Ookubo Toshimichi."
"Really? He's an important government official," Kaoru said absently, "What's this?"
"It's a warning for Ookubo. Ever heard of Battousai. That's like a tag of his. If you receive it, you're his next target."
"Pretty confidant of his ability then…Anything else I might need to know?" Kaoru asked looking at the red x slashed across the black background of a small card.
"No."
"Okay then. I'll make sure Saitoh doesn't have anything else for us. If not let's go to the shooting range, cause I'm tired of using a sword. I feel like using my gun," Kaoru said.
Akira walked back to his desk sitting back, "You could always use Saitoh-san as target practice."
"I wish…" Kaoru muttered to herself as she walked over to Saitoh's door giving it a knock.
"Yes."
Kaoru opened the door sticking her head in, "Do you have anything else on our assignment. If not we're going to the shooting range."
"I have nothing. Go."
Kaoru shut the door in relief, "Let's go Akira!"
Kaoru grabbed her guns from her desk, putting on her holster. A grin split her face as she walked over to the elevator. Akira followed her in as the doors opened.
"I got Saitoh once in practice today!" Kaoru said cheerfully.
"Really? Once out of the…wait how many times he got you?"
Kaoru punched Akira's arm, "Come on! It's hard to even scratch that guy."
Akira laughed as the elevator reached the first floor and opened up. They stepped out, while Kaoru shook her head. As they made their way to the back, Kaoru narrowly avoided being bowled over by someone rushing passed. The person stopped immediately spinning around to face Kaoru head bowed.
"Gomen nasai! It's my first day, and I'm lost! I have no idea where Saitoh-san's office is!"
"You're the new secretary?" Kaoru asked.
"Yep," the short girl said straightening up.
"Just turn the corner, take a left, go to floor three, and someone should be able to help you there," Kaoru said.
"Thank you so much!" the girl shouted running off before Kaoru could say another word.
"She seems more energetic then you even," Akira chuckled out.
"You know! You are really asking for it! How about a bet?"
"I'm listening," Akira said intrigued as he held open the door for Kaoru.
"Whoever shoots better has to do the after action report for this assignment!"
"You're on!" Akira declared.
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Kaoru hung her head low after losing the bet, "It's not fair! You had more sleep, you didn't practice with Saitoh, and…and…"
Akira put an arm around her shoulders, "Admit it, you suck! I'm better than you."
Kaoru shrugged off his arm stomping ahead of him. Akira followed her with a triumphant smile. He hated doing those reports.
"Hey, we have to go see that guy soon."
"Yeah, yeah. I have to go get my stuff," Kaoru said walking inside.
"I'll be waiting," Akira replied.
Kaoru sighed. She hated doing those reports. They were a necessary evil. Why did she make a bet? Akira was definitely better than her handling a gun.
'Baka!'
Kaoru pressed the elevator to go up and waited for it to come down. She heard someone walk up behind her.
"Hi! It's me again! Gomen ne! I really didn't mean to almost run you over."
Kaoru turned to the small girl with a smile, "No problem. Find Saitoh-san all right."
"Yep," the girl said with a frown.
"You'll get used to him," Kaoru replied.
"He called me itachi!"
Kaoru began to chuckle, "That's okay. He calls me tanuki."
"What!?"
Kaoru smiled liking this girl already, "So what's your name?"
"Oh! Makimachi Misao!"
"Kamiya Kaoru," Kaoru said holding her hand out to the girl, who took it with a surprisingly strong grip.
"Kamiya Kaoru! Wow! You are really high up there! I mean you were the one that…"
"Yes, that's me," Kaoru interrupted realizing the elevator had come down while she was caught in conversation with Misao.
"I'm just a secretary, but…" Misao trailed off as they stepped inside.
"Saitoh-san doesn't keep secretaries long. No, it's the other way around. They leave on their own. If you can survive working for him, you can do anything."
Misao nodded with a determined look. As the door opened Kaoru stepped out.
Misao started to follow but stopped short, "Oh no! I forgot the folders downstairs. Ack! I guess I'll see you some other time!"
Kaoru waved goodbye. Walking over to her desk, she grabbed the folder with the information in it. As she passed Okita's open office door she leaned in real quick.
"Me and Akira are off to talk with Ookubo," Kaoru informed.
Okita gave her a nod of acknowledgement as he continued to talk on the phone. Kaoru made her way downstairs as Akira pulled his car to the front.
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Kaoru spent the drive going over the information. Ookubo was attending an important party, and it looked like Akira and Kaoru were going to have to dress up for this one. Getting through security Kaoru and Akira made their way to the front door. They were greeted by an elderly man, who led them inside. They were seated and had to wait a few minutes for Ookubo.
A well-polished middle-aged man came into the room smiling, "Gomen. I didn't mean to keep you waiting."
"No problem Ookubo-san."
"Send Saitoh-san my regards, when you get back," Ookubo replied cordially.
"We will," Akira said.
"Then down to business. You will have to familiarize yourself with my guards. Tomorrow…"
Kaoru listened intently to all the instructions. After talking with Ookubo they spoke with his bodyguards and went over some minor details. Finally, having all the details they spoke to Ookubo one last time before leaving.
"I'm starving!" Akira proclaimed as he got into his car.
"Well, drop me off at the office first. I have to drop this off," Kaoru said indicating the folders, "And I need to get my car. Try not to eat all of dinner."
"Tomoe wouldn't let me."
Fifteen minutes later Akira dropped Kaoru off, who went inside. Just as she put the folder away and was about to leave, Saitoh came over.
'Damn.'
"Was there something you needed Saitoh-san?" Kaoru asked scrunching her nose at the smell of cigarette smoke.
Saitoh leaned in just to annoy Kaoru, "This is an extremely important assignment."
"All cases are."
"This more so than the others," Saitoh informed her.
"Yes, Saitoh-san," Kaoru replied.
"Don't forget your sword for this assignment."
"I won't. I don't know where I'm supposed to put it…"
Saitoh shook his head moving away from her and toward his office.
Kaoru sighed, "I worked out that minor detail too. One of the guards will have it ready if I need it."
"I have obtained some information on the person known as Battousai. He does not use a gun," Saitoh said throwing down the paper he had retrieved from his office.
Kaoru leaned over to read some of the things it said, "Don't tell me. He kills with a sword."
"Precisely."
"Then it will be easier. At least we won't have to worry…" Kaoru started.
"Do I need to show you again, why a sword is more dangerous then any gun you could use?"
"No, Saitoh-san," Kaoru said annoyed.
"Good take this home with you. Leave." Saitoh ordered going back into his office.
Kaoru gathered her things now including the paper. Giving Okita a wave goodbye she thought hungrily of the food that would be awaiting her when she got home.
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Kaoru made it to her house in record time. The door was locked much to Kaoru's frustration. Finding the right key she opened it up and called out. No one answered. Putting her things down she saw a note on the end table. Picking it up she read the note from Tomoe.
Kaoru
Akira and I are going out tonight. Gomen. I made dinner for you. Hopefully it's still warm. If not just heat it in the microwave for thirty seconds. See you later tonight.
Love,
Tomoe.
Kaoru walked into the kitchen absently throwing the note in the garbage. Going over to the pot resting on the stove she opened it up. It was still warm. Kaoru shrugged, she didn't mind them going out. As long as she had food to eat she was good. Besides, she hated always being around, when she was sure Akira and Tomoe would rather spend some quality time together. Grabbing a bowl of the food Tomoe left her, she made herself comfortable on the couch turning the T.V. on. Flipping through the channels she yawned. Kaoru had gotten up way too early for her tastes. Now it was catching up to her. She finished eating her food placing the bowl on the glass table before laying down on the couch. She stopped on one show that looked interesting enough before drifting off to sleep.
An hour later Tomoe and Akira came into the house. Tomoe was about to call for Kaoru, but Akira stopped her pointing over to the couch, where Kaoru was sleeping. Tomoe walked over brushing the hair out off Kaoru's face and hooking it behind her ear gently.
"She must be very tired," Tomoe said softly.
"Better let her rest," Akira replied coming up behind Tomoe and placing his hands on her shoulders.
"You're right."
Tomoe picked the bowl sitting on the glass table up, bringing it into the kitchen. Akira followed catching her around the waist, kissing her neck. Tomoe started to giggled as Akira started to tickle her sides.
"A…kira…stop…tick…ling…" Tomoe struggled to protest while staying quiet enough not to wake Kaoru up.
Akira stopped suddenly, "I'll stop, but you have to give me something before I go home."
Tomoe's eyes narrowed before she pulled him close and kissed him until they both were breathless.
"That was definitely better than the hug I wanted," Akira said smiling.
Tomoe smiled back, "I'll walk you to the door."
Once there Akira turned around hugging Tomoe tight, "I'll come by tomorrow to pick up Kaoru."
"You two better be careful," Tomoe said.
"Hey, no worries. We just have to keep him safe. He'll be surrounded by bodyguards anyway."
"I doesn't stop me from worrying," Tomoe replied.
"Want to tell Kaoru tomorrow?"
It took a second for Tomoe to figure out what he was talking about; when she did she broke out with a radiant smile, "Yes."
"Good. I'll see you in the morning then," Akira said leaning forward to capture her lips again.
"I love you."
"I love you too," Akira replied with one more kiss before walking out the door.
Tomoe watched him until he got into his car and started to leave. She waved to him one more time before shutting and locking the door. Going over to Kaoru she decided not to wake her up. Instead she brought in a blanket, covering Kaoru up so she wouldn't get cold. She leaned down kissing her sister's forehead.
"Goodnight Kaoru."
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Kaoru yawned sitting up. Looking around she realized she was still on the couch. Tomoe came out of the kitchen just at that moment.
"Kaoru, you're awake! Breakfast is almost finished."
"Hey! How come you didn't wake me up last night?" Kaoru asked grumpily.
"I didn't want to disturb you."
"Fine," Kaoru said getting up and stretching.
The doorbell rang, and Kaoru went to answer it.
"Hey!"
Kaoru shut the door in the person's face.
"Kaoru, who was that?" Tomoe called from the kitchen.
"Akira," Kaoru replied as the door opened.
"Ha! Ha. Very funny Kaoru," Akira said coming inside.
"Breakfast is ready!" Tomoe announced stopping the argument that was about to begin.
Akira and Kaoru both came into the kitchen. Akira went over giving Tomoe a quick kiss before sitting down for breakfast.
"After this we have to pick up your dress, get the final details, and set up everything."
"Sounds good," Kaoru said with a mouthful of food.
"Kaoru! Don't talk with your mouth full," Tomoe reprimanded with a disapproving look.
"Yes, mother."
"Kaoru…"
"I was just joking oneesan," Kaoru said waving her fork in the air.
After breakfast Tomoe gathered up the plates. Tomoe then told Kaoru and Akira to be careful. They both promised they would be. The worry was still evident in her eyes. Walking out to Akira's car both waved one last time to Tomoe.
"Please stay safe." Tomoe whispered softly closing the door.
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Okay! Hope you liked it! Kenshin will be showing up next chapter!
Thanks go out to Jason M. Lee, Val, me, Shizuka, Kriska, Gypsy-chan, SwtrkGurlz, Astralkitten, kupo-chan, Chiki, Omochi, lizzie, sarah0sleds, Kamimura Kaoru, and MP.
Kyaa Kyaff saying can't wait to hear from you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!