A fanfiction written by- RoyalJester
Disclaimer- I do NOT own Rurouni Kenshin.
NOTE Thanks everyone for your great reviews and I'm glad ya'll liked it! Wow. I've had SO many reviews for the last chapter!! Lol. Here you go!! Sorry for the long wait!! I thought I already posted up this chapter...then I looked at my story and am like...what? Wheres chapter 8?? Sorry for the LONG wait. Please read and review!!
CHAPTER 8 EDITED!!! YAY!!!
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A body laid motionless on the cot, the breathing was light as it stung her lungs and caused her ribs to crack gently, each breath was as if it were death as she just laid there. The windows were open as a slight breeze came over the body as the drape flicked in the wind and charms were heard chinking together creating a soft tone in the background. Soujirou sat in a chair at the far corner watching her, his dark blue eyes were pale as he choked back from watching such a frail body from someone who was stronger then most alive. Her breathing was barely noticeable as he walked over to her side and knelt down, he pulled the blanket around her as sweat beads gently fell down her calm face. It had been three days and still he had not seen those amazing blue eyes.
Soujirou shook his head, what did he care? Why was he here? Certainly he wasn't worried about the poor girl. He rose with a start and began to stride away from the figure, he stopped and turned back around to look at her, praying for her to be all right. He then slid the door open where he met a slim figure that was carrying a bowl of steamy water carefully and a rag in the other hand. He plastered on a smile as he bowed gently.
"I give you my apologies Megumi-san, please, let me assist you," he said with his charm as Megumi shook her head gently.
"I'll be fine, but thank you." With that Soujirou nodded and left the other direction where a crowd of admirers soon met him.
Megumi rolled her eyes as she walked in and slid the door closed. She had just received word what had happened to her little sister and came home immediately from the local village in which a terrible illness had stricken them. She held back a choke as she stared at her sister look so fragile, something that was not her. She walked over and knelt down as she gently undid her sister's kimono that was soaked in old blood. Megumi closed her eyes as she cut the fabric that was tightly wrapped around her sister's thin body as she herself soaked a sponge and gently let the water sprinkle on Kaoru's scars. Megumi jumped gently when she heard a load moan of pain.
"Ka...Kaoru." she said, her voice had squeaked as her throat tightened.
"Oro?" she asked as her eyes squeezed tighter from water splashing down on her. She tried to flip on her side but broke down as she slammed against the mat once again.
"Why did you do this..." Kaoru smirked gently then winced.
"Always my fault, of course Konjiro gets no blame," Megumi shot up, her eyes flashed dangerously.
"Was Konjiro the one that was teaching a servant? Was he the one that showed the entire school that he was a wimp? Kaoru-dono...this is not you. Why did you let that crazed man get the better of you and from what I heard, you did nothing! You've already made a disgrace of the Kamiya name, but must you ruin our reputation of being strong as well? Look at you Kaoru...you cannot even move and what am I to do?" Kaoru clenched her teeth tightly as they scraped against one another.
"It's always about you isn't it! Oh poor little Megumi who has to live with my ways and me. You're always the victim you brat!" Kaoru said as she gently rose, her arms shaking from lack of use as she sat up straight. Megumi watched her. With a flash she bent down and slapped Kaoru against the cheek, as she did nothing to stop it.
"You, Kaoru, are in this school as a apprentice and a leader. What you are showing these children is to give up. You have been the only girl permitted in this school and right now, you are not creating a very bright future for us. I'm proud that you wanted to teach that servant girl and that Konjiro does deserve a smacking and only you can do it. You must show every man here that you are better then them...that you can take a beating and come back stronger. Kaoru, walk passed the pain. It may be hard but I expect you at dinner and I expect your head held high. You may be laughed at now, but in the future everyone will gain admiration for you. Now...help me with that rag of yours that you insist on wearing." Megumi said as she got straight to work.
Kaoru minded her elder sister as everything ran through her head, she never did say enough or explain things clear, but everything made sense and all was forgiven as Kaoru held back a scream as the water crackled on her skin.
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Sanosuke smirked as young maids surrounded Soujirou trying to tempt him. Soon the maids left but one who was one of the prettiest and out spoken of the group. She would smile and flutter her eyelashes as she ran a hand up and down Souji's arm who looked as if he was gazing out in space as the girl tried everything she could. Sano came up from behind and nudged Souji who got the hint.
"Will you...accompany me to dinner this evening?" the girl squealed from joy as she quickly answered and left in a rush. Sano smirked as he punched Souji's arm.
"Nice pick." Soujirou smirked.
"I thought it was you who picked, I'm just the one who has to spend the evening with her." Sano smirked as he leaned against the wall.
"Where were you earlier? You've been missing for a few days." Sano asked as he chewed on a fishbone. Soujirou smirked wider.
"That is my business, and I don't believe in telling you everything." Sano nodded as he got up and started walking with his best friend.
"Have you seen that Kamiya girl? I don't think she's even moved an inch. That Konjiro really got the better of her," Soujirou closed his eyes as he breathed in deeply, he then opened his eyes wide and smiled cheerfully gazing at his friend.
"Indeed he did. Although, I would've settled things differently." He stated with a smirk. Sano laughed as he winked at a maid who blushed deeply and scattered.
"I know you would've, and you would be in the front row as they executed her," Sano said with confidence as Souji stopped suddenly, his body frozen as he stared at him in confusion.
"I wouldn't have her killed Sano..." Sano stopped and cocked an eyebrow at him.
"We are talking about the same girl correct? The one that gave you a nose bleed... the one that disgraces you." he said with a mixed confusion, he half expected Souji to laugh and say that he was only joking. Soujirou just stared at him and blinked.
"And for those reasons I should have her killed?" Sano smirked as he nodded.
"I know where you're coming from...you like her don't you?" Soujirou stepped back and shook his head waving his hands in the air.
"Like her?! Never, no. It won't ever happen." He said trying to convince himself as Sano laughed and continued walking. Souji glanced down the hall where Kamiya's room was and shook his head slightly as he continued on his way to train for the competition that started tomorrow morning.
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The maids shunned the young girl who sat on her cot; no one was allowed to speak to the rebel who had placed a dirty hand on a clean blade and noble sword. Misao pulled her legs from under her and rose. Her big blue eyes glanced around the crowded room as she took off from the room. She had to visit her friend, she must see if her friend was still alive from the brutal beating. Misao knew her friend was strong and she had never seen Konjiro ever hurt anyone like that but there was always a chance. She swung the door open as she sprinted towards the room of her friend. She glanced behind her trying to keep hidden when she ran into a figure.
She stared up into an angry face that grabbed her tightly by the arm.
"I was told you would be shunned. What are you doing out here?" Konjiro asked in disgrace at talking to a mere servant. Misao's mouth opened slightly in shock as he nodded. "Exactly what I thought, Guards!" he called out as two appeared next to his side.
"Take this servant to the chambers"
"Chambers?"
"Did I stutter?" he asked as the guards shook their heads and quickly dragged the servant off under the school where the chambers were located. Konjiro smirked as he continued on his way. "Only one more left." he whispered.
Everyone sat at the dining hall, eating quietly as Soujirou and the maid enjoyed a meal together, the maid fluttered her eyelashes and ran a hand up and down his forearm whenever possible, Souji would smile and listen to the beauty. Shihami glanced at his son in despair when he heard the doors creak open. Rustling was heard around the entire hall as everyone turned to glance at the late arrival. There stood Kaoru, she clenched her teeth in pain trying not to show it as she walked forward slowly. She could feel stares pierce her as she walked up the steps onto the stage where senseis were seated. Konjiro rose, a look of hatred placed on his face as he watched her stare at him, hatred in her eyes.
"Ah, Kamiya, I am pleased to see you once again. I must not have embarrassed you enough – do care for another go?" he asked as Shihami watched the girl placed in front of him who held her stance.
"Konjiro – pain and mercy is nothing you will see from me, so do as you wish because I will not give you your sickening pleasures." Kaoru said back as Megumi watched the scene smiling at her sister slightly as Aoshi put his hand on top of hers gently, making sure no one saw.
"Well then Master Shihami, you heard her words." He said as he glanced at the master who still stared at Kaoru who was pale from pain, he smiled gently.
"You will leave her alone Konjiro, or you will leave this school and will not return." Konjiro's eyes widened slightly at the masters words. Muttering was heard around the students as Konjiro's cold eyes glanced across the top of the heads, as if memorizing those who laughed.
"Master Shihami – do you not care what Kamiya had done?"
"Kamiya had received the punishment, so why have more pain upon her when she has gotten the same punishment as her fellow students and in my opinion even more."
"Well, that scum of a woman deserved everything she got." Konjiro said as he smirked at Kaoru who glared at him, no one saw or would have guessed what was about to happen. With a snap Konjiro's head was flung to the side with a bright ruby-red hand print that was now marked on his face as everyone turned to the quiet and lady-like older sister Megumi who had fire in her eyes as her right hand was raised up high in the air, red from the impact.
"If you ever speak that way to my sister again I will show you what a Kamiya can do you evil little-" Megumi was stopped as a hand was placed over her mouth as Aoshi quickly began whispering in her ear as she calmed down, Konjiro smirked.
"Honestly, were Kamiya's not trained as proper women? Aoshi-sama I suggest you bethrone another." Konjiro said as Aoshi let go of her mouth and stared at the man before him, his cold icy blue eyes flashed with anger as he moved his raven hair from his eyes.
"Never speak of them like that again Konjiro, or you will deal with me. If I catch you even muttering a word about them to anyone then consider yourself dead." His icy blue eyes flashed as he tapped on his sword that hung around his waist. Konjiro snarled as he took off, bumping into Kaoru slightly who stood her grounds.
Everyone was silent as Soujirou watched the scene; his eyes were wide as he stared at Kaoru. Just that morning she was gasping for air, and now, she was back to her fiery self. Without even realizing it he rose and began walking towards this raven beauty who locked eyes with him. The guards and students were shocked as they watched their leader and/or friend walk up the stairs as he stood merely inches away from her. Her eyes were glossy and her face held confusion as he whispered gently, "Forgive me." Kaoru would have asked why she should when suddenly she felt his arms around her, embracing her.
Kaoru was stunned as he pulled her closer to him, was this not Soujirou? Was he actually hugging her? The man who made fun of her, the man who brought her pain and agony? The man who brought her challenges? Kaoru pushed that all back as she felt herself hug him back. Everyone was shocked as they watched the two enemies embrace one another.
A silent cough broke them from their intimate moment as they both flushed and turned away, Megumi smiled as she patted her sister on the cheek as both her and Aoshi left.
"Well...erm..." Kaoru began as everyone still watched. She met Shihami's smile as his icy blue eyes brightened, he rose as he beckoned everyone to continue eating as he summoned for both Kaoru and Soujirou to come.
Soujirou cursed under his breath at himself. How could he have hugged her? Was he that worried about her that his emotions took over his actions? Did he actually have feelings for this Kaoru? He glanced at her as he watched her silently. Maybe he did have feelings for this woman warrior.
Shihami coughed gently as Soujirou snapped to stare at his father who smiled.
"It is an honor seeing you so soon Kamiya, might I say that my little Soujirou has been worried sick. I'm certain this is the first time he came out from staying by your side all these days." Kaoru blushed gently as he spoke; she turned to Soujirou who turned away as she turned to face the leader of the school
"Your son is very loyal to his teammates Shihami-sama." Kaoru answered as Shihami laughed gently.
"If Konjiro bothers you again Kamiya, please, speak with me." Kaoru nodded as she smiled gently.
"I can take care of my own problems, but I thank you." She said, with a bow she took off slowly as Soujirou caught up with her.
"Kaoru, may I speak with you?" Kaoru looked at him in mixed confusion when she glanced over his shoulder meeting an angry stare as the lady that was eating with Soujirou placed her hands on her hips, tapping her foot. She wore a beautiful kimono, something that Kaoru would never be seen in. Kaoru instantly envied her. How beautiful she was with her raven locks that spilled over her shoulder. Kaoru quickly shook her head turning to the man in front of her.
"I believe your guest would like to spend the evening with you, I will see you tomorrow morning Souji-sama." With that Kaoru bowed and walked off slowly in a shuffle. Soujirou watched after her when his eyes fell on the angered beauty that still wanted a date from him. He sighed as he walked over to her, the closer he got he plastered a smile on his face.
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Her eyes shot open as she instantly rose, sweat was dripping down her face as she held a horrified look as her body gently shook. She glanced around her pitch-black room seeing if he was there, if the man with the bright red hair had come for her at last. She shook her head as she held a hand up to her cheek as she closed her eyes. The memories, the horrible memories he had caused her. When he trained her to become a manslayer.
Kaoru walked over to the balcony as she pulled the drapes over, little sunlight made it to the room as the sun was just rising. She stepped out meeting a warm breeze as she breathed in deeply as looked over the land. The legendary Battousai was coming. She wondered if he knew she was here, if he knew, the battousai would've been here in an instant to destroy her.
She shook her head as she stepped back into her room as she put her raven hair in a ponytail. She instantly changed into a black kimono as a silver symbol was placed on her back, her team symbol. Kaoru tied her new katana, the spirit of Bushido, around her slim waist as she walked out of her room.
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Megumi walked outside with Aoshi as they entered a carriage to take them to the battlegrounds. She cast a glance towards Aoshi who wore a full black fighting kimono and had a symbol placed on his back signaling his team, she smiled as he met her gaze.
"Don't worry for me Megumi." Megumi blushed as she glanced down at her ring. Did she give off an aura that told him she was worried for him? She nodded as she glanced back up at him as the carriage began to move.
"Of course." She answered as she glanced out the window. Who knew how many wounds she would have to tend, how many illnesses would be caused from fatigue? "How long is this tournament?" she asked as Aoshi met her gaze.
"Usually lasts a week, but it all depends on the teams. Last year it lasted for two weeks because members would insist on a rematch." Megumi nodded.
"Did you fight last year?" He nodded. "What team were you on?"
"My brother's"
"I just don't understand why Kaoru must fight."
"Your sister is strong mentally and physically. She may be the best one there. I'd worry more about those that your sister fights then her." Megumi nodded as she glanced out the window again, Aoshi smiled as he entwined his fingers with hers causing her to blush gently.
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Carriages lined one another as they came across a field that held many dojos that all circled around a large platform. Sand surrounded the mat that was combed and brushed to create ruffles in the sand.
Kaoru jumped from her carriage as she glanced around. The atmospheres were calm and settle as she noticed a lake from a distance. For one week she would remain here, as a battle goes on. For one week she would be fighting her ultimate as her teammates watch. Sano and Souji. She instantly smiled at the thought of Soujirou but quickly shook her head to rid away the image. Why was she thinking of that jerk!
She sighed when she felt an upcoming presence. Her eyes flashed as Soujirou stood next to her and felt his breath intake as he smiled.
"Back home." He said as he smiled at Kaoru who rolled her eyes. He smiled as he grabbed her bag from her grasp and began walking. She was instantly stunned. Did he...was he...was he being nice?! She instantly jogged after her belongings.
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Night fell over the land as now only six teams remains. Four battles took place that day, the two losers were sent away. Those teams that were at loss would remain to watch the rest of the tournament. Only six teams remained and Soujirou's team was first up tomorrow morning. The teams set for tomorrow were randomly placed outside to train as if their life depended on it.
Kaoru breathed in deeply as she gently pulled out her sword with grace and began twirling it slowly around her body, trying to get the feel back into her blood. Suddenly, without warning she pulled out a wakizashi (aka dagger) and plunged it forward causing her katana and wakizashi to look as if it were one sword in which she would tip the katana flipping it around leaving the surprised guest with a dagger to injure them. She let out a breath of air as she returned the dagger to her pocket as she then began jogging in place, trying to get a flow going once again.
A figure smiled as he watched her. She moves with such grace, it was hard not to stare at her. How her hair would flick when she turned around quickly, and her face was calm and peaceful. He couldn't help but be entranced with her. He watched when she suddenly pulled out her katana quickly from its sheath only to cut her leg, she flung forward as her voice echoed in a scream.
"KUSO!" (sh!t) she screamed as she held onto her leg. Soujirou smiled as he came up behind her and glanced her up and down. If she were seriously wounded, he wouldn't be smiling. But seeing someone as perfect as a fighter as her wound herself, was amusing.
"My my, being a woman warrior and having a foul mouth. I do say Kamiya, you are the perfect woman." She flushed as she dropped her head down, trying to hide it as Soujirou smiled and came up behind her. He ripped part of his kimono off as he tied it around her wound tightly.
"Thank you." She murmured.
"You really should be careful."
"Hai, but everyone cuts themselves when they try to use the Battou Jutsu." (1) Soujirou gazed at her.
"Battou Jutsu? You are trying to learn that? Kamiya, I am disappointed in you. One who has a nickname of battousai should specialize in this move. Here. Let me show you." He said as he smiled. Kaoru glared at him as she rose and put her sword back in sheath. He stood behind her as his breath tickled her neck. He grabbed her hand softly as he placed it on her sword handle and put her other hand holding her sheath so his arms were wrapped around her.
She blushed instantly as he couldn't help but blush as well as he jumped back and put an arm behind his head.
"Uhh, you know the rest Kamiya. Remember – we have a match tomorrow morning so make sure you get your rest." He said rapidly as if embarrassed as he immediately left, Kaoru smiled after him as she worked on the Battou Jutsu to make it perfect preparing for her upcoming battle.
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Battou Jutsu- The user draws his sword from their sheath so rapidly they are able to kill with a single stroke. If they miss, the user is left open.
A/N- annnnd that's chapter 8!! Next chapter is full of battles and...that's it. Slight hint of romance but mainly battles, blood, and gore! Muwhahaha!! Not to worry peeps battousai is on his way and moving quickly!!! I think....the chapter after next...hmm. Toodles!! And remember review please!!
Meanwhile...Misao is stuck in the dungeons still...poor girl.