A/N: This is where I explain what happened to Kaoru in her past. Through
her perspective. ^_^ I'm not gonna go to her present because I must have
this worked out properly. Please no flames.
And, for real notes. This would explain why she isn't like her Kaoru self. Her pain is enormous. Her life was destroyed. I figured that is how I would react if I was in her place. And. Wouldn't your voice be tight, your throat hurting if you were running for your life for all night? (I am referring to the first chapter.) ^_^ try to sympathize. This is my picked kind of genre. Angst. Life is bittersweet. And I prefer to lose myself into this fic to throw my bitterness in life. ^_^ No, I am not a shallow person in life.
Ehehehe. but there are really times like this. When your world had been corrupted and you could not do anything but to carry the pain inside. Read the Times Magazine sometime. The story of a woman, a lawyer to be exact; spiritually and mentally killed by Saddam's masochist son, Udday. I highly recommend this to the people that had said Kaoru of m fic is acting. Not herself. Just understand the situation and understand what it feels to be in her place. ^_^ I'm being bitter, aren't? I just received a flame in one of my fics.
Answer to reviews:
Glitch- That was what I was planning. ^_ ^ If you have seen the anime, Kenshin got blinded and was cured by a fight! Your suggestion meant so much to me and therefore, I will take it! ^_^
Leigh- ^_^ I love your review! I will follow your suggestion, mixing it with Glitch's and am trying to make it better! ^_^ Perhaps this chappie will make you understand, ne? ^_^ I've been preparing it.
Hanna-chan- I'm glad you did. Ok, I will. You know, it feels like déjà vu, you're reviewing my fic coz' I have a friend that had the same name that luv RK. ^_^ Oh, well.
Goldmund- I'll detail it in the next chappie! ^_^ I am trying to figure that out myself. That's why I'm sending myself flames! (Weird ne? But to find your flaws, you just have to review your self! It was a suggestion from my friends.)
Starian Princess- Thank you! And yes, I will. ^_^ It's nice to hear from you. You're one of my daily reviewers, ne? Thank you for the support! Ehehehe! And yes, you make sense.
Aga_xris- thank you very much for understanding! ^_^ Your review just inspired me! Thank you thank you!!!
Flamehorsetamer- thanks a lot! ^_^
Endless Nights- Thank you very much! It's really heart warming! ^_^
Arwen- you think so? ^_^ thank you!
Jen- not necessarily. No, the end would not be sad. I promise! ^_^ Thanks for reviewing!
Little Dragon 5- Thanks for the suggestion! But I was thinking of another thing. This chappie might give you an idea of what it is! ^_^
Midnight Scribbler- ^_^; ehehehe. Okie dokie.
Anna- I will update when I'm finish constructing it. ^_^
"Tell me.
Why are women more of the social butterflies?"
"Hmm?"
"Why do they talk more than men?"
"Because we were made
To cover the things men have failed to see."
"What do you mean?"
"When you make a box out of paper,
There is a tendency you leave some creaks.
Those creaks would eventually evolve into big cracks
And would eventually swallow you whole.
We were made to clean after you.
To be beside you or behind you.
So that you'll never leave
A stone unturned."
- Written by the Author of this fic.^_^
CHAPTER 3
This is the story of her past. That had and still affects and present. And would help to sculpt her future.
She waited patiently for Batthousai to arrive. She was dressed in a flowing blue kimono that accentuated her lovely eyes. It was decorated by scattered cherry blossoms, very detailed so that you could see where they had come from. It had come from the bare cherry blossoms tree in the very end left part of her kimono.
The kimono actually mirrored her emotions and her soul. Slowly withering till it would finally be gone and forgotten for all its beauty.
Her eyes were closed; her head bowed in respect for the not yet visible murderer. The man beside her had looked at her with pity.
She had ignored him. After all, no amount of pitying looks would save her from her doom.
A man had opened the shoji screens. She dared not look up nor move from her place. It was highly disrespectful. The man had not said anything to her but talked to the man beside her. The man beside her stood up and walked to the far end corner. She could hear her conversation from her place.
"Lord Batthousai had wished for you to send her to the Mistress of Lord Chimiesno." The man had said urgently.
"I see. Is he not coming?" The man that had accompanied her questioned him.
The man shook his head. "I'm afraid not. He would not see her until she turns nineteen. She is to be trained to be a willing mistress. Our master would not deal with a feisty woman." He snickered.
The other man did not share his humor. He had stayed silent for a while. "Three long years." He murmured to himself absently.
"Yes, three long years. Is that not god enough for the woman? Honestly, this world is so corrupt. A young child like her doesn't deserve to be treated like this." Said the man that had just came in.
"Do you object?"
"I'm sorry?"
"Do you object of his decision? Would you do anything to help?" The men demanded from his new companion.
Kaoru could feel the tension within the room. She so badly wanted to escape. Training? She would be trained into a whore? How. 'Despicable.' She thought to herself, thoroughly disgusted.
"You know I could not do that. Even if I try, I would only die with out a reason." The man said reasonably.
The man that had accompanied Kaoru nodded solemnly. "No one can help her. No one will listen to her painful cries as he did the deed and take time to help her. No one will raise a finger to defy him." He said bitterly.
Kaoru was stiff. She could not move from her place. She tried hard not to cry. This would be effective if she just closed her eyes.
(A/N: I have read form some reading material that it is not possible to cry with your eyes closed? Can you please right me if I'm wrong? ^_^)
@!~@!~@!~@!~@!~@
They had led her into a big palace where she was welcome in not a very polite or kind way.
The tall mistress regarded her with an expression that looked down on her. Not only physically, but mentally. She felt like her soul was bared to hell. She hated it.
"Lord Batthousai was right. This young girl will need all the help she can get." She sneered, shushing off the men that had made her train in that place.
When it was clear that they had left she looked Kaoru all over. Kaoru gripped her fingers tightly.
"You do realize you'll be like me when you grow older?" The woman said in that voice men swoon over.
It only made Kaoru boil inside; but she said nothing. She did not like to be kicked out of this place.
"Listen to me Kaoru," She said, emphasizing her name, mocking her. Kaoru flinched but did not retort.
"Mistresses are only high-leveled whores. When we grow old and sag, they would throw us like ragged dolls. They only have us for pleasure. Don't fall in love." She said intelligently.
Even though hard, she had respected her. Mistress Rei knew. She knew that noble women were only seen, not heard. She knew that when noble men or what they prize them selves are old and have old wives, they would take fresh flesh, like her self.
"You are a toy. Remember your place, Kaoru. I have learned it the hard way. And it made me like this." She said to her, head held high, and even her mastered unemotional voice to young people like her, her voice was tinged with bitterness.
Kaoru nodded numbly. "Yes mistress." She said in a tight voice. She did not want to turn into what Mistress Rei had become. Like every mistress had become. She wanted to fight it badly. But, would she be called a brave woman or a fool in the end?
@!~@!~@!~@!~@!~@
She had thought of escaping. But seeing the men guarding all the passages disheartened her. How could she escape? Worst, what if she was caught?
She could already see it. Before she would die, her dignity would be taken away. The evil laughter of the guards, while they did their deeds. A tear trickled down her creamy-white skin. Her nails dug into her palms.
She closed her eyes and began to sleep a dreamless sleep. "Chichue." She murmured before she lost herself into oblivion.
@!~@!~@!~@!~@
The routines had etched in her mind, carved into it, making it hard to cover up. When she turned nineteen, she had finally been granted the privilege of seeing the man that would own her.
She was not looking forward to it. Mistress Rei had personally picked her attire and brushed her hair, putting it in an elegant twist.
She would not forget her words.
"Kaoru." Mistress Rei said in a voice you could detect she was trying to be calm and reserved.
"I'm sorry for your fate... You do not deserve this. However, if you have the chance to escape. Write to me." She said in a soft whisper directly to her ear, making her ocean blue eyes wide in shock. Tears formed in her eyes, but she had successfully stopped it.
"Thank you Mistress Rei, for all the things you have done for me." She said in a sincere voice.
It was the last time, she had promised herself she would use that tone. Mistress Rei did not respond, but led the way to where the guest was.
@!~@!~@!~@!~@!~@
Batthousai's eyes were closed. Why had he taken this woman, the daughter of one of his murdered men to be his mistress?
He knew of the danger. Yes. In one time of closing his eyes, he may never have the chance to open them again for she would have the thought of killing him.
Alas, she would not be victorious. He was known for killing men that had quite a talent in their swords. How could he not kill this woman that he thought was ignorant? He would not take her by force. He had confidence he would come around to take her by will.
But when? It was yet to be known to him.
Finally, Rei, lord Chimiesno's mistress opened the doors, her cold eyes, regarding him and nodding to him.
"I am not guaranteeing she will not have flaws. I did my best." She said, her head held high.
"Perhaps, you weren't a good enough teacher." He replied curtly.
Her eyebrow arched momentarily before a woman came.
Their eyes turned to her. Her head was bowed. She bowed to Batthousai and remained standing, her head pointing to the floor.
She was a temptress. At one look he had regarded her so. She was well- developed and possibly easy to tame. But she had not yet opened her eyes. She might be a fiery one. Her eyes would regard her as whom she is.
"Open your eyes, wench." He commanded her.
Her eyes opened. It was like a wave flowed in the ocean. For that was the same color of her eyes. Ocean blue eyes that betrayed no emotion whatsoever.
He could see at the corner of his eyes Rei's smirk. This was better. He thought I won't have to deal with her talking.
"Continue like that and I might spare your life. I do not want my women talking." He said coldly.
She only nodded, agreeing to his wishes. After all, she did not wish to speak to him anyway.
She had remained still in the ride to his place. Batthousai did not particularly care. Women are not brought to society to be heard; but only to be seen.
She was unusually quiet for herself. Of course, it was one of the trainings Mistress Rei had taught her strictly. She was not allowed to talk. Even if she was addressed to, she wasn't allowed to talk, not until the men had told her she could.
"You would make this an opportunity." Batthousai's cold statement broke her thoughts. Her perfect brow arched without her realizing.
"A great opportunity to revenge you father's death." He sneered at her.
She did not answer to this, but only blinked, looking at him. His eyes were closed, so she could look at him with confusion.
"Answer me woman." He snapped at her.
She did. "I am not a fool, Lord Batthousai. I know my place. Three years makes people understand where their place is in society. I would be an idiot if I would make a move to kill you. You have killed my father. That is proof enough of your abilities, is it not?" She wanted to say more, but she forbids herself to. Her voice was monotonous.
"You answer with your own known knowledge, but are you certain? Am I certain that you will not make a move of murder?" He asked her coldly.
"Do not worry about me, Lord Batthousai. I worry enough for myself. I am the one in danger, am I not? You are the one with the abilities. You are the one with freedom to kill me." She stated monotonously. Inside, she feared the fact that she may have just answered back to her lord. But her anger was rising. She would be killed if the lord questions her further.
Batthousai let out a low chuckle. "Very well." Was his last sentence said to her before he had slept (or at least she thinks.)
@!~@!~@!~@!~@!~@!~@
No one had welcomed them in Batthousai's home. Probably he had killed them all. Kaoru thought to herself fearfully. Will this be a use and kill kind of thing? After the pleasure Batthousai will get form her. Would she be killed? Or given to his friends (if he had any) for fun? She shuddered at the thought inwardly. She had been scanning the palace with her eyes, looking up what has to be done. Unfortunately, there was none and she knew it meant she would be bored to death that day or probably her whole life.
"Woman, I want you to tend to the gardens, sees to it food is cook and that my palace is spotless." He said coolly. She bowed.
"Yes Lord." She said dutifully. Demanding, she thought. But not very hard to fulfill. It was one of her duties, as the mistress. She recalls Mistress Rei's words and their time together. She was taught to tend to the gardens, cook delightful meals (although it was very hard and took much time for she was ignorant in cooking) and cleaning the house without touching anything (actually, she was taught how to bark orders to the servants.)
"Be sure to fulfill all of my orders or else." He threatened her. She was calm. He noted to himself. Why was she calm when he threatened her? Was she used to this harsh, rude treatment? Quite so, if she was not shaking in fear. Perhaps. She is hiding her fear?
For her own sake, he hoped so; for he would not like to tame another wench today. He was not even in the mood to sleep with a person.
Night had fallen into the palace. Seeing her chances were high, especially if Batthousai was sent off into a mission and left her in the house, she would easily escape. But that is too far ahead. Besides, her lord might need her tonight. She sat in her bed, waiting for him to come.
She brushed her long black straight hair, her fingers guiding the brush down her waist length-hair.
Suddenly, the shoji screens opened and she stopped brushing her hair and bowed down. There appeared Batthousai, looking at her coldly.
"Not tonight, wench. Sleep." He ordered her, leaving her and closing the screen behind him. She breathe a sigh of relief. She was not yet ready and there fore would not like her first time wasted.
"No, it must not matter. It will be gone anyway."
It was weeks that he had almost done the deed.
Flash Back
Kaoru brushed her hair silently. Her lord had returned from an assignment that day. She was wrong not to think that he would leave her alone, unattended. He had asked a friend of his to look after her.
His name was Sano Suke Sagara.
Anyway, she put down the brush, ready for bed. Actually, she did not intend on falling asleep. Afraid to be raped or something.
Technically, she was there to give him pleasure. If only she was there to get some herself.
She felt the shoji doors open, revealing a drunken samurai. She stiffened instantly.
"Kaoru." He said in 'that tone' that was very suggestive. She stiffened even more, hating his voice, hating his scent which was most likely sake.
"Kaoru." He said again, his hands flying to her shoulder instantly. She didn't move a muscle. And it seems he didn't care if she did either.
"You're mine and mine only." He said roughly to her, trailing butterfly kisses on her neck and shoulder.
(Well, I've heard that geishas wear very revealing kimonos. Please consider this as one. ^_^)
She could feel tears starting to form in her lovely eyes. She closed her eyes and attempted to stop them. She would never let herself be vulnerable with a man that could kill her so easily. He was nibbling her earlobe. She knew for her ear was moist. "Kaoru." He breathe again.
She wanted to snap at him. Say something like 'I heard you now will you shut up?' or 'Don't you dare take that tone when saying my name!' But it was hopeless. She hated being helpless. But as it is, the race of female Homo sapiens where bound to be the prey. The victim of the male species.
The kisses stop. Her moist ear had dried and she dared to turn her head and see her lord, sleeping soundly, snoring a bit. But not very loudly.
If there is a chance to escape, this is it. She thought to herself determinedly. She had no other choice. And besides, she knew the path of escaping. She had even forgotten about Mistress Rei's offer. And she knew that even how fond that woman is of her, she would still let her be killed. The weeks with Sano Sagara was a bit fruitful for he would go to the city, cross paths she had not even realized where there and tour her. Of course, if he didn't, he would have to suffer the consequences. Either take her with him and be bored to death inside the big palace; or leave her behind and let her escape after wards getting him self killed by his lord.
He had scaled the options and chose the for her to go with him. He had not even notice her long glances on the other paths. She had memorized it, trying to look innocent and get lost; after she had seen what she had to, she would call on him, saying that she had lost him and he would not even nag on her.
She put another set of clothing, a kimono that was not very much revealing (please note that she is a mistress, dressing sluttily is expected of her.)
Yes, she can pull this off. She can escape. She had run and met two men that had been drunk, having seen her with lustful eyes, made her their prey. Making her run into Aoshi and starting the story.
End of chapter 3
Author's notes: I am sorry for the long await of this chap. And for the next chap. I have been having mind block and could not think of anymore. Anyway, this may have helped clear the misunderstandings and please, read and review this chapter. Tell me what you think, ask me what you do not have clarity of, (boy do I sound formal! ^_^) and make me a happy ningen! ^_^ Thank you for all the suggestions, those wonderful encouraging reviews and the constructive criticism. If you have a suggestion or an idea you might want me to put into my fic, please don't hesitate and click that bottom submit review thingy. Yes, go ahead and make me happy!
Ja ne! Sincerely yours,
Massao
And, for real notes. This would explain why she isn't like her Kaoru self. Her pain is enormous. Her life was destroyed. I figured that is how I would react if I was in her place. And. Wouldn't your voice be tight, your throat hurting if you were running for your life for all night? (I am referring to the first chapter.) ^_^ try to sympathize. This is my picked kind of genre. Angst. Life is bittersweet. And I prefer to lose myself into this fic to throw my bitterness in life. ^_^ No, I am not a shallow person in life.
Ehehehe. but there are really times like this. When your world had been corrupted and you could not do anything but to carry the pain inside. Read the Times Magazine sometime. The story of a woman, a lawyer to be exact; spiritually and mentally killed by Saddam's masochist son, Udday. I highly recommend this to the people that had said Kaoru of m fic is acting. Not herself. Just understand the situation and understand what it feels to be in her place. ^_^ I'm being bitter, aren't? I just received a flame in one of my fics.
Answer to reviews:
Glitch- That was what I was planning. ^_ ^ If you have seen the anime, Kenshin got blinded and was cured by a fight! Your suggestion meant so much to me and therefore, I will take it! ^_^
Leigh- ^_^ I love your review! I will follow your suggestion, mixing it with Glitch's and am trying to make it better! ^_^ Perhaps this chappie will make you understand, ne? ^_^ I've been preparing it.
Hanna-chan- I'm glad you did. Ok, I will. You know, it feels like déjà vu, you're reviewing my fic coz' I have a friend that had the same name that luv RK. ^_^ Oh, well.
Goldmund- I'll detail it in the next chappie! ^_^ I am trying to figure that out myself. That's why I'm sending myself flames! (Weird ne? But to find your flaws, you just have to review your self! It was a suggestion from my friends.)
Starian Princess- Thank you! And yes, I will. ^_^ It's nice to hear from you. You're one of my daily reviewers, ne? Thank you for the support! Ehehehe! And yes, you make sense.
Aga_xris- thank you very much for understanding! ^_^ Your review just inspired me! Thank you thank you!!!
Flamehorsetamer- thanks a lot! ^_^
Endless Nights- Thank you very much! It's really heart warming! ^_^
Arwen- you think so? ^_^ thank you!
Jen- not necessarily. No, the end would not be sad. I promise! ^_^ Thanks for reviewing!
Little Dragon 5- Thanks for the suggestion! But I was thinking of another thing. This chappie might give you an idea of what it is! ^_^
Midnight Scribbler- ^_^; ehehehe. Okie dokie.
Anna- I will update when I'm finish constructing it. ^_^
"Tell me.
Why are women more of the social butterflies?"
"Hmm?"
"Why do they talk more than men?"
"Because we were made
To cover the things men have failed to see."
"What do you mean?"
"When you make a box out of paper,
There is a tendency you leave some creaks.
Those creaks would eventually evolve into big cracks
And would eventually swallow you whole.
We were made to clean after you.
To be beside you or behind you.
So that you'll never leave
A stone unturned."
- Written by the Author of this fic.^_^
CHAPTER 3
This is the story of her past. That had and still affects and present. And would help to sculpt her future.
She waited patiently for Batthousai to arrive. She was dressed in a flowing blue kimono that accentuated her lovely eyes. It was decorated by scattered cherry blossoms, very detailed so that you could see where they had come from. It had come from the bare cherry blossoms tree in the very end left part of her kimono.
The kimono actually mirrored her emotions and her soul. Slowly withering till it would finally be gone and forgotten for all its beauty.
Her eyes were closed; her head bowed in respect for the not yet visible murderer. The man beside her had looked at her with pity.
She had ignored him. After all, no amount of pitying looks would save her from her doom.
A man had opened the shoji screens. She dared not look up nor move from her place. It was highly disrespectful. The man had not said anything to her but talked to the man beside her. The man beside her stood up and walked to the far end corner. She could hear her conversation from her place.
"Lord Batthousai had wished for you to send her to the Mistress of Lord Chimiesno." The man had said urgently.
"I see. Is he not coming?" The man that had accompanied her questioned him.
The man shook his head. "I'm afraid not. He would not see her until she turns nineteen. She is to be trained to be a willing mistress. Our master would not deal with a feisty woman." He snickered.
The other man did not share his humor. He had stayed silent for a while. "Three long years." He murmured to himself absently.
"Yes, three long years. Is that not god enough for the woman? Honestly, this world is so corrupt. A young child like her doesn't deserve to be treated like this." Said the man that had just came in.
"Do you object?"
"I'm sorry?"
"Do you object of his decision? Would you do anything to help?" The men demanded from his new companion.
Kaoru could feel the tension within the room. She so badly wanted to escape. Training? She would be trained into a whore? How. 'Despicable.' She thought to herself, thoroughly disgusted.
"You know I could not do that. Even if I try, I would only die with out a reason." The man said reasonably.
The man that had accompanied Kaoru nodded solemnly. "No one can help her. No one will listen to her painful cries as he did the deed and take time to help her. No one will raise a finger to defy him." He said bitterly.
Kaoru was stiff. She could not move from her place. She tried hard not to cry. This would be effective if she just closed her eyes.
(A/N: I have read form some reading material that it is not possible to cry with your eyes closed? Can you please right me if I'm wrong? ^_^)
@!~@!~@!~@!~@!~@
They had led her into a big palace where she was welcome in not a very polite or kind way.
The tall mistress regarded her with an expression that looked down on her. Not only physically, but mentally. She felt like her soul was bared to hell. She hated it.
"Lord Batthousai was right. This young girl will need all the help she can get." She sneered, shushing off the men that had made her train in that place.
When it was clear that they had left she looked Kaoru all over. Kaoru gripped her fingers tightly.
"You do realize you'll be like me when you grow older?" The woman said in that voice men swoon over.
It only made Kaoru boil inside; but she said nothing. She did not like to be kicked out of this place.
"Listen to me Kaoru," She said, emphasizing her name, mocking her. Kaoru flinched but did not retort.
"Mistresses are only high-leveled whores. When we grow old and sag, they would throw us like ragged dolls. They only have us for pleasure. Don't fall in love." She said intelligently.
Even though hard, she had respected her. Mistress Rei knew. She knew that noble women were only seen, not heard. She knew that when noble men or what they prize them selves are old and have old wives, they would take fresh flesh, like her self.
"You are a toy. Remember your place, Kaoru. I have learned it the hard way. And it made me like this." She said to her, head held high, and even her mastered unemotional voice to young people like her, her voice was tinged with bitterness.
Kaoru nodded numbly. "Yes mistress." She said in a tight voice. She did not want to turn into what Mistress Rei had become. Like every mistress had become. She wanted to fight it badly. But, would she be called a brave woman or a fool in the end?
@!~@!~@!~@!~@!~@
She had thought of escaping. But seeing the men guarding all the passages disheartened her. How could she escape? Worst, what if she was caught?
She could already see it. Before she would die, her dignity would be taken away. The evil laughter of the guards, while they did their deeds. A tear trickled down her creamy-white skin. Her nails dug into her palms.
She closed her eyes and began to sleep a dreamless sleep. "Chichue." She murmured before she lost herself into oblivion.
@!~@!~@!~@!~@
The routines had etched in her mind, carved into it, making it hard to cover up. When she turned nineteen, she had finally been granted the privilege of seeing the man that would own her.
She was not looking forward to it. Mistress Rei had personally picked her attire and brushed her hair, putting it in an elegant twist.
She would not forget her words.
"Kaoru." Mistress Rei said in a voice you could detect she was trying to be calm and reserved.
"I'm sorry for your fate... You do not deserve this. However, if you have the chance to escape. Write to me." She said in a soft whisper directly to her ear, making her ocean blue eyes wide in shock. Tears formed in her eyes, but she had successfully stopped it.
"Thank you Mistress Rei, for all the things you have done for me." She said in a sincere voice.
It was the last time, she had promised herself she would use that tone. Mistress Rei did not respond, but led the way to where the guest was.
@!~@!~@!~@!~@!~@
Batthousai's eyes were closed. Why had he taken this woman, the daughter of one of his murdered men to be his mistress?
He knew of the danger. Yes. In one time of closing his eyes, he may never have the chance to open them again for she would have the thought of killing him.
Alas, she would not be victorious. He was known for killing men that had quite a talent in their swords. How could he not kill this woman that he thought was ignorant? He would not take her by force. He had confidence he would come around to take her by will.
But when? It was yet to be known to him.
Finally, Rei, lord Chimiesno's mistress opened the doors, her cold eyes, regarding him and nodding to him.
"I am not guaranteeing she will not have flaws. I did my best." She said, her head held high.
"Perhaps, you weren't a good enough teacher." He replied curtly.
Her eyebrow arched momentarily before a woman came.
Their eyes turned to her. Her head was bowed. She bowed to Batthousai and remained standing, her head pointing to the floor.
She was a temptress. At one look he had regarded her so. She was well- developed and possibly easy to tame. But she had not yet opened her eyes. She might be a fiery one. Her eyes would regard her as whom she is.
"Open your eyes, wench." He commanded her.
Her eyes opened. It was like a wave flowed in the ocean. For that was the same color of her eyes. Ocean blue eyes that betrayed no emotion whatsoever.
He could see at the corner of his eyes Rei's smirk. This was better. He thought I won't have to deal with her talking.
"Continue like that and I might spare your life. I do not want my women talking." He said coldly.
She only nodded, agreeing to his wishes. After all, she did not wish to speak to him anyway.
She had remained still in the ride to his place. Batthousai did not particularly care. Women are not brought to society to be heard; but only to be seen.
She was unusually quiet for herself. Of course, it was one of the trainings Mistress Rei had taught her strictly. She was not allowed to talk. Even if she was addressed to, she wasn't allowed to talk, not until the men had told her she could.
"You would make this an opportunity." Batthousai's cold statement broke her thoughts. Her perfect brow arched without her realizing.
"A great opportunity to revenge you father's death." He sneered at her.
She did not answer to this, but only blinked, looking at him. His eyes were closed, so she could look at him with confusion.
"Answer me woman." He snapped at her.
She did. "I am not a fool, Lord Batthousai. I know my place. Three years makes people understand where their place is in society. I would be an idiot if I would make a move to kill you. You have killed my father. That is proof enough of your abilities, is it not?" She wanted to say more, but she forbids herself to. Her voice was monotonous.
"You answer with your own known knowledge, but are you certain? Am I certain that you will not make a move of murder?" He asked her coldly.
"Do not worry about me, Lord Batthousai. I worry enough for myself. I am the one in danger, am I not? You are the one with the abilities. You are the one with freedom to kill me." She stated monotonously. Inside, she feared the fact that she may have just answered back to her lord. But her anger was rising. She would be killed if the lord questions her further.
Batthousai let out a low chuckle. "Very well." Was his last sentence said to her before he had slept (or at least she thinks.)
@!~@!~@!~@!~@!~@!~@
No one had welcomed them in Batthousai's home. Probably he had killed them all. Kaoru thought to herself fearfully. Will this be a use and kill kind of thing? After the pleasure Batthousai will get form her. Would she be killed? Or given to his friends (if he had any) for fun? She shuddered at the thought inwardly. She had been scanning the palace with her eyes, looking up what has to be done. Unfortunately, there was none and she knew it meant she would be bored to death that day or probably her whole life.
"Woman, I want you to tend to the gardens, sees to it food is cook and that my palace is spotless." He said coolly. She bowed.
"Yes Lord." She said dutifully. Demanding, she thought. But not very hard to fulfill. It was one of her duties, as the mistress. She recalls Mistress Rei's words and their time together. She was taught to tend to the gardens, cook delightful meals (although it was very hard and took much time for she was ignorant in cooking) and cleaning the house without touching anything (actually, she was taught how to bark orders to the servants.)
"Be sure to fulfill all of my orders or else." He threatened her. She was calm. He noted to himself. Why was she calm when he threatened her? Was she used to this harsh, rude treatment? Quite so, if she was not shaking in fear. Perhaps. She is hiding her fear?
For her own sake, he hoped so; for he would not like to tame another wench today. He was not even in the mood to sleep with a person.
Night had fallen into the palace. Seeing her chances were high, especially if Batthousai was sent off into a mission and left her in the house, she would easily escape. But that is too far ahead. Besides, her lord might need her tonight. She sat in her bed, waiting for him to come.
She brushed her long black straight hair, her fingers guiding the brush down her waist length-hair.
Suddenly, the shoji screens opened and she stopped brushing her hair and bowed down. There appeared Batthousai, looking at her coldly.
"Not tonight, wench. Sleep." He ordered her, leaving her and closing the screen behind him. She breathe a sigh of relief. She was not yet ready and there fore would not like her first time wasted.
"No, it must not matter. It will be gone anyway."
It was weeks that he had almost done the deed.
Flash Back
Kaoru brushed her hair silently. Her lord had returned from an assignment that day. She was wrong not to think that he would leave her alone, unattended. He had asked a friend of his to look after her.
His name was Sano Suke Sagara.
Anyway, she put down the brush, ready for bed. Actually, she did not intend on falling asleep. Afraid to be raped or something.
Technically, she was there to give him pleasure. If only she was there to get some herself.
She felt the shoji doors open, revealing a drunken samurai. She stiffened instantly.
"Kaoru." He said in 'that tone' that was very suggestive. She stiffened even more, hating his voice, hating his scent which was most likely sake.
"Kaoru." He said again, his hands flying to her shoulder instantly. She didn't move a muscle. And it seems he didn't care if she did either.
"You're mine and mine only." He said roughly to her, trailing butterfly kisses on her neck and shoulder.
(Well, I've heard that geishas wear very revealing kimonos. Please consider this as one. ^_^)
She could feel tears starting to form in her lovely eyes. She closed her eyes and attempted to stop them. She would never let herself be vulnerable with a man that could kill her so easily. He was nibbling her earlobe. She knew for her ear was moist. "Kaoru." He breathe again.
She wanted to snap at him. Say something like 'I heard you now will you shut up?' or 'Don't you dare take that tone when saying my name!' But it was hopeless. She hated being helpless. But as it is, the race of female Homo sapiens where bound to be the prey. The victim of the male species.
The kisses stop. Her moist ear had dried and she dared to turn her head and see her lord, sleeping soundly, snoring a bit. But not very loudly.
If there is a chance to escape, this is it. She thought to herself determinedly. She had no other choice. And besides, she knew the path of escaping. She had even forgotten about Mistress Rei's offer. And she knew that even how fond that woman is of her, she would still let her be killed. The weeks with Sano Sagara was a bit fruitful for he would go to the city, cross paths she had not even realized where there and tour her. Of course, if he didn't, he would have to suffer the consequences. Either take her with him and be bored to death inside the big palace; or leave her behind and let her escape after wards getting him self killed by his lord.
He had scaled the options and chose the for her to go with him. He had not even notice her long glances on the other paths. She had memorized it, trying to look innocent and get lost; after she had seen what she had to, she would call on him, saying that she had lost him and he would not even nag on her.
She put another set of clothing, a kimono that was not very much revealing (please note that she is a mistress, dressing sluttily is expected of her.)
Yes, she can pull this off. She can escape. She had run and met two men that had been drunk, having seen her with lustful eyes, made her their prey. Making her run into Aoshi and starting the story.
End of chapter 3
Author's notes: I am sorry for the long await of this chap. And for the next chap. I have been having mind block and could not think of anymore. Anyway, this may have helped clear the misunderstandings and please, read and review this chapter. Tell me what you think, ask me what you do not have clarity of, (boy do I sound formal! ^_^) and make me a happy ningen! ^_^ Thank you for all the suggestions, those wonderful encouraging reviews and the constructive criticism. If you have a suggestion or an idea you might want me to put into my fic, please don't hesitate and click that bottom submit review thingy. Yes, go ahead and make me happy!
Ja ne! Sincerely yours,
Massao