Chapter 10.
The tears of a stranger are only water. - Old Russian Proverb
Ah, but the tears of a loved one have all the power of the mighty ocean. - Me
Kaoru stared up at the dark ceiling of her bedroom, an arm over her forehead. She sighed. Try as she might, sleep would not come. Her feet were tangled in the thick comforter, her hands twisting her sheets. Wrestling her way out of the tangled cloth, she sat on the side of the bed, listening to her own breathing. Grunting, she picked herself up and walked to the hallway.
Careful not to wake Yahiko, Kaoru tiptoed past his room. Loud snoring could clearly be heard, the noise shaking the door slightly. Snickering silently, she walked on, pausing in front of Shinta's door. She stopped, listening for breathing.
Nothing, not even the rustle of clothes. Kaoru slowly eased the door open to find the room deserted. She began to panic, until she saw his small satchel by the wall. Sighing in relief, she walked down the stairs to the kitchen. Pouring herself a glass of water, the young girl leaned against the counter and sipped at the cool liquid.
Slowly, Kaoru became aware of soft singing. Curious, she slowly walked over to the front door, which lay slightly ajar. Opening the door a bit further, she noiselessly stepped out onto the porch. The wood was cold on her bare feet, making her gasp lightly. Glancing around, she saw Shinta sitting down on the porch staring at the moon. His back was to her, and he didn't seem to notice her. He sang a low, mournful song, his voice rising and falling expertly:
Look for me at dawning, when the world still lays asleep,
Till each dewdrop is kissed by day.
'Neath the pines and rowans my vigil I'll keep,
Every moment you're away.
-
The worlds slowly turn as the seasons change slowly,
All flowers and leaves born to wane,
Hear my song o'er the lea, like the wind soft and lowly,
Oh please come back to my arms again.
-
While the moon slowly slumbers, 'neath the stars I'll weep,
For you so long ago, left me behind.
Memories are slowly fading, those I dearly wish to keep,
Our love was so deeply intertwined.
He let the last note hang softly in the air. "Kaoru-dono, you should be asleep," Shinta spoke without turning, his voice thick with emotion.
Kaoru seemed surprised for a moment. She looked down at the wooden slats of the porch. "I-I couldn't sleep."
Shinta slowly stood slowly, his back still turned towards her. "I am very sorry if my singing woke you."
Kaoru looked up sharply. "N-no, it wasn't that." She paused for a moment, as if deciding what to say. "That was a beautiful song. Where did you learn it?"
"At a funeral."
Shinta slowly turned, his face streaked with tears. A sad smile had slowly worked across his face. "It was a long time ago, Kaoru-dono. Perhaps I should have moved on centuries ago, but…" He trailed off as he turned his head to look at the stars. They glittered down happily at him.
Kaoru took a tentative step forward. "No." Shinta looked at her quizzically as Kaoru continued. "No, you should never forget a loved one." She took another step towards him. "I know what it's like. We all have to experience Death, whether it is our own or someone we love." Another step. "It's not something we can avoid."
Shinta squeezed his eyes closed, his voice low. "I can, and continue to avoid it." A single tear followed the trail another had left. Kaoru stopped in front of him and touched his arm. His eyes snapped open suddenly to find Kaoru staring at him softly. Without warning, she pulled him into a hug. "Cry, Shinta. There is no shame in tears."
Shinta chuckled sadly before pulling away. Tears were still falling quickly, landing with small noises on the porch. "Kaoru," he whispered softly. "I am afraid it is not going to work." He stepped back, his face downcast. "Forgo the pain and forget your love for me. I cannot have you."
Kaoru's eyes flickered over his face, mouth agape. "I-I was trying to comfort you, that's all." She was glad that the night shadows covered the blush on her cheeks. Shinta wiped his eyes once, clearing his vision. "Ah, but there was love in that embrace. And, as I said, I cannot have you."
Kaoru could feel her heart contract in pain. She felt like crying right where she stood. Sano's voice suddenly cut through her mind. "Love makes people do things they normally couldn't. If you want it to happen, with all your heart, then it will happen."
A sudden smile seemed to spread uncontrollably over her face. "Well, I guess I should've expected that answer. But, no harm done. I'm a rather stubborn girl and I can handle myself."
Shinta seemed to be surprised. "Well, it would appear that I have underestimated your strength of character greatly. I am glad we see eye to eye."
Kaoru giggled suddenly. "No, I don't think you understand. When I said I would take care of myself, I didn't say I was giving up." Shinta lifted an eyebrow. "Um, Kaoru-dono, I am afraid that this nut is a bit tough to crack." His voice seemed sad.
The raven-haired girl just nodded. "I know. But remember, even a big rock can be worn away with lots of water. Good-night." She turned on her heel and walked into the house. Shinta simply stared at the spot she had been in a moment before. Chuckling he glanced at the stars again. "Well, she is nothing like…" He traced his finger over the scar. Sighing, he sat down on the porch swing to wait for morning.
Hmm, incredibly mushy. It's like I'm writing a romance novel. Eh, it's necessary to show different aspects of the developing couple. Anyway, the song above is actually from a book, Brian Jaque's "Martin the Warrior". I tweaked it and added the extra stanza at the end from my own li'l head. I had to put little lines between them to keep the stanzas apart though.
Actually, in a way, I like this chapter. I know that Kaoru is sort of…Misao-ish in this chapter, I guess you might say. But, I had to. After all, Kenshin had to go through some (inferred, but you all ready know what it is) horrible stuff. Next chapter, I'll bring in the Oniwabanshuu. I'm not going to give the Oniwaban any names, because they all die anyway. So what's the point of writing down all their complicated names? I'm not even going to bother. I might even bring Misao in prematurely, but maybe not. We'll see. That is, if "The West's Running Blade" story doesn't take up all my time.
And, (need I even say it), review.