To Reveal All
Chapter 6: Revealing Words
By steelphoenix
Disclaimer: I don't own Rurouni Kenshin, or any of its characters.
Author's Notes: I just watched one of the OVAs, Samurai X: Reflections. So SAAAAAD/sobs/ I cried at the end of the last scene… I found it at the Graphic Novel Café, a place I just recently discovered, which has soooo much anime and manga, including RK! It's wonderful!
Language Notes: Battousai's back!Kenshin's/Rurouni's thoughts are in italics, and Battousai's thoughts are in italic and bold. This is simply to distinguish between them.
A kunai is a small throwing-knife, and shurikens are throwing-stars.
An obi is the wide silk sash that ties a kimono.
'-sama' is a suffix added to someone's name to indicate great respect. Thus, 'Aoshi-sama' is similar to 'Lord Aoshi' or 'Sir Aoshi'.
A shoji door is a door in the traditional Japanese style, with split-bamboo framing and paper covering.
A Kunoichi is a female ninja or warrior.
Warnings:PG-13 for sexual situations/scenes and violence in other chapters. No language warnings.
Two pairs of feet clattered across the dojo's veranda, and a young man's voice was raised in a yell. "Kenshin! Sano! Where are you?"
The rooster-headed fighter strolled into one end of the practice hall just as Yahiko and Tsubame came tearing into it from the other. The young man skidded to halt in front of Sano, Tsubame bumping into him. He began speaking rapidly.
"Kaoru and Megumi and Tae have been kidnapped! I think that Kokuryukai Gang did it! We need to find them –"
"There was no-one left but me and the attendants!" added Tsubame.
"What… wait… did you say Megumi, Kaoru and Tae have been kidnapped?" Sano was having trouble digesting what Yahiko had said.
"Yes, they were all kidnapped! They might be in trouble, but we think we might know where they are!"
"Megumi… Kaoru… Tae…" Sano's face went pale under his tan.
"What does this one hear you talking about?" asked Kenshin, coming into the practice hall. He wore what Kaoru called his 'Rurouni smile', but when he heard Tsubame's quick explanation, it faded, and his mouth turned down into a scowl.
"Kaoru-dono… Megumi… Tae…" his voice was harsh. He ducked his head, and his hands fisted. He seemed to be fighting himself, or trying to make a decision.
"Kenshin…?" asked Sano. Kenshin lifted his head, and his eyes were in a forbidding battle-expression.
There was one other major change to his eyes.
What! His eyes… they're yellow? Sano thought. Wait… red hair, cross-shaped scar, changing eyes…
Battousai!
"We need a plan. Sagara, find from Kamiya where the geishas may be. Kamiya, Sanjou, I need a map of the area we're aiming for. Sort it." His voice was deeper, and held the snap of one used to command.
He stalked off towards the door of the dojo.
Yahiko pulled his jaw off the floor. "What the hell? He's talking… normally… and he called us by our surnames…"
Tsubame's voice shook. "I don't like that voice…"
Sano watched the smaller man go out of the door. "Yahiko, Tsubame. Have you heard of Hitokiri Battousai? Himura Battousai?"
"Yeah, Hitokiri – wait, Himura Battousai?"
"Hitokiri Battousai. That's him?" asked Tsubame, fearful.
"That's him." Sano's voice was flat.
---
Battousai briskly strode down the corridor of the dojo, towards his room.
That was not really necessary, Battousai! chided the Rurouni from the back of his mind.
I don't care what you think is necessary, Rurouni! I'm taking over here. You can't direct a military operation, so I need to do it, Battousai snapped at the usually-gentle voice.
But this isn't a military operation! protested Rurouni.
It is, replied Battousai, rapidly losing his temper. What do you call an operation to rescue a woman from captivity?
A woman? What about the rest of them?
Kaoru is the only one that matters, said Battousai. She's the one you're anxious about, right? I am too.
What! Rurouni was gobsmacked. Battousai never admitted to caring for anyone. To admit to it now… You must love her as much as I do!
Of course I love her as much as you do, Rurouni. Now that I am aware, I am influenced by your feelings for her. They enhance the gratitude I have for her actions to love.
Gratitude? That is all you feel?
No. As I said, your feelings influence me to love her. But I do feel gratitude, nevertheless. She is the one who gave me my sanity. Before she kissed me, I was simply a being of anger and bloodlust. Now I am sane, and real.
But… you've always been insane!
Not always. But now, she has returned me to the state I was in during the Bakumatsu – a warrior, able to function, without the anger I have taking me over.
It's been so hard keeping you – when you were mad – under control.
I know. But now… I'm here. I'll take care of the battles, Rurouni. You hold Kaoru's heart for us.
---
"You are still to be punished. You will be freely available for use by any man who asks, for the next week." Shinomori said.
Kaoru gasped. This was indeed a punishment, especially if there were a lot of men. They would all be determined to have their 'share'. And if even one of them was diseased…
I have to get out of here! Soon!
She sat back down, hard. Looking up at Shinomori, who loomed large over her, she said. "Is there any way I could… reduce the sentence?"
"No." He drew his sword – which Kaoru now saw was a kodachi – knelt, and cut her bonds. He lifted her to her feet.
"Follow."
Ducking her head, seemingly docile, she obeyed. Shinomori returned to the door, and pausing there, said, "Let this punishment be an example to you all. This will happen to any who disobey."
He swept out the door, beckoning both the guards and Kaoru. They followed him up a long flight of stairs, and into what was seemingly a traditional practise hall, from its polished floor and the filled weapons racks on the walls. The guards stopped as they entered the hall, and Kaoru turned back momentarily to see them sliding a panel over the opening, concealing it as perfectly as if it had never been there.
She turned back to follow Shinomori, and was met by a hard slap.
"I told you to follow me. Don't disobey."
Kaoru clutched her stinging cheek. "No, sir…" she whispered, more shocked than anything else. She had only rarely been slapped before, and certainly not with the cold ruthlessness that Shinomori had just demonstrated.
He turned, and strode away, across the room. He didn't even check that she was following. I could try not following him… Kaoru thought, a mutinous, but faint, scowl on her lips. She decided not to push her luck, and followed silently.
The tall man moved down the corridors and through the rooms with a fast, smooth stride. Kaoru, despite having to half-run to keep up with him, had time to notice that all the architecture was of the traditional Japanese style, rather than the more fashionable Western design.
Yukatas are not made for running in! thought Kaoru as she hurried after Shinomori. It was only the intensive geisha training that allowed her to add a semblance of grace to her speed.
All her training, however, didn't prevent her from slamming into Shinomori's back when he stopped abruptly outside an open door.
"Sorry, sir…" she said, quickly trying to rectify her mistake. Shinomori merely frowned down at her, with a cold and contemptuous look in his eyes. That look is very off-putting! Kaoru backed away slightly, looking at the floor. She had learned how to look inconspicuous when her father was angry: hopefully, the meek attitude would stay his anger.
Shinomori grabbed her by the shoulder, unceremoniously, and propelled her through the door. The room was sparsely furnished, in the traditional style, but there were several clothes racks along the back wall, holding various brightly-coloured, heavily-embroidered kimonos and robes.
Shinomori pulled out the first rack, and lifted a kimono off it. "You'll wear this."
Kaoru blanched, then spat, "No, I won't!"
The man glared at her. "Do you want me to punish you further?"
"No, but I am never going to wear something that ugly!"
Shinomori glanced down at the kimono. "There is nothing wrong with it!"
"No, there most definitely is!" said Kaoru. The kimono was a hideous green, something near the colour of fresh grass-stains, and had two heavily-gilded orange dragons embroidered up its sides.
Shinomori sighed, demonstrating patience for the first time that Kaoru had seen. He placed the kimono back on the rack, and slid out the next one. Pulling off the nearest kimono, he held it out at her.
"I am not a ninja!" Kaoru was indignant. Was the man trying to pick the ugliest kimonos in Kyoto? This one was black (not as bad as the green), but down its back it held an embroidered katana, backed by a shower of kunais and shurikens.
Shinomori pushed the kimono into her hands, and, though his back was turned, Kaoru could have sworn that he snickered, the first show of emotion Kaoru had seen from him.
No, geisha, but you're just as spirited as another ninja I know…
Kaoru glared at him, and pushed the kimono back onto the rack. She slid out the next rack, and shuddered in horror at the kimono that was thus presented. Brown, with a pattern of brilliant blue and green leaves. Disgusting.
"Where do you get these, anyway? Whose are they?"
"These are Lady Yumi's kimonos. She is Leader Shishio's favourite," replied Shinomori, his tone back to the usual cold detachment.
"Has she got any taste at all?" Kaoru muttered, wincing at the colour combination of hte next kimono.
"That is unlikely."
Kaoru turned around in shock.He had heard? Andhe was insulting a woman who likely had lot of influence with his boss? Possibly not a wise move. Why did he do it?
"I am Shishio's right-hand man. He would not sacrifice me just because that whore asked him to." Shinomori answered the question he knew Kaoru was thinking.
Kaoru stared up into his face. There was a lot more to this man than she expected.
"Well, hurry up and choose a kimono. There is meeting in an hour, which you will attend with me. Be ready." He strolled over to the wall, and leaned against it.
"Are you going to stay and watch, then?"
"I don't want you to escape."
"Fine," said Kaoru. It was slightly embarrassing to have someone watching her preparations, but there wasn't a lot she could do about it.
First, a kimono. She went through the clothing racks fast, occasionally wincing at some particularly revolting combinations. As she got closer to the corner of the room, the kimonos became more dusty and less disgusting. Eventually, on the second-to-last rack, she found a kimono that she liked.
It was a deep cobalt blue, a little darker than the colour of her eyes. At its hem were embroidered cherry-tree leaves in dark blue-green and purple, interspersed with red dragon scales. Its obi was incredibly detailed, too. A brilliant red embroidered dragon eating its own tail writhed across it, on a ground of cherry-tree leaves in the same colours as on the hem.
Shinomori, still leaning against the wall, sighed, exasperated at the amount of time it took to simply choose a kimono. "Hurry up."
"Yes, sir," replied Kaoru. She hurried over to the dressing-box beside the first rack, and pulled out various pots and brushes. With the aid of combs found in a drawer in the box, her hair was rapidly arranged into the traditional hairstyle. Loosening her yukata, she rapidly spread white chalk-paste over her face, neck, and shoulders. Black kohl outlined her eyes and brows, and her lips were painted on, and in no time, she was a perfect porcelain doll and a geisha.
The yukata will have to stand in for nagajuban, Kaoru grimaced. The kimono wouldn't quite sit right, but hopefully it wouldn't be noticeable. Yukata tightened and kimono donned – it was slightly too short, and slightly too loose – she shuffled over to where Shinomori stood, bowed, and said, in her best voice, "Sir, I am ready."
"Good. Follow."
I seem to be doing nothing but follow him! Kaoru grumbled to herself internally, while keeping pace with Shinomori's rapid strides.
Shinomori turned a corner, and was stopped rapidly as a petite young woman, dressed in a ninja uniform, bounced up to him, black plait swinging, and hugged him enthusiastically.
"Aoshi-samaaaaaaa! I've got my report!" She grinned up at the tall man, and Kaoru saw how her eyes sparkled with joy at meeting him.
"Hello, Misao. I am on my way to a meeting." Kaoru noticed a warmth to Shinomori's voice that she hadn't heard before.
"Oh, hello," said Misao, noticing Kaoru behind Shinomori. "Who're you? I'm Misao Makimachi, pleased to meet you."
"I'm Kaoru Kamiya," said Kaoru, bowing politely.
"She is one of our captives," said Shinomori. "Shishio insisted that I have a woman on my arm today. She misbehaved, so I chose her as a punishment."
"Why, what did she do?" asked Misao, obviously puzzled.
"She woke all the other geishas."
"Why, from when they were knocked out? She shouldn't be punished for that, Aoshi-sama. She saved you a difficult task."
"What?" Shinomori growled. "Look, I needed to make an example of someone. She was the nearest. Doing this will keep the others under control. Besides, I'm not going to punish her as severely as I could have."
"What?" Kaoru interrupted, using much the same tone as Shinomori had a minute ago. "I don't think that making a woman free for use by any man who wants her isn't severe!"
"Aoshi-sama! Did you really make her free for any man to use?" Misao's eyes were wide and disbelieving.
"Of course I didn't, Misao!" Shinomori's words were hurried, as if he were trying to rapidly find something to appease Misao. "That was only to intimidate the rest of the geishas. She's going to be in solitary confinement for the week."
"I expect to get out of here before that!" spat Kaoru, disgusted at the man's deception of the young ninja. Besides, I could be… Kenshin and Sano are bound to try rescuing us…
'Out of here'? She's expecting rescuers? Shinomori noted the slip, then turned back to Misao, to watch her reaction.
"Oh, that's alright then." Misao's face lost its horrified look. "I'll give you your report when you're not busy, Aoshi-sama. Bye!" She scooted off down the hallway.
"Are you really going to put me in solitary?" asked Kaoru, when Misao was out of earshot. Shinomori nodded in answer. Kaoru did a double-take, and gasped out, "You are? But… why? What…?"
"I can't disappoint Misao." was Shinomori's only answer. He turned, and began walking down the corridor, clearly expecting her to follow.
He changes my punishment just for that woman? He must be a kinder man than I thought… It was interesting how much kinder he seemed when he was with her… Kaoru mused as she followed him. And he could just conceal the punishment if he wanted… He's got too much honour – and honesty – to be a mere gangster!
Eventually they stopped outside a room – Kaoru, for the third time, narrowly avoiding running into Shinomori – and Shinomori opened the shoji. A long table was revealed, surrounded by men. At the head of the table sat a man in gi and hakama. This wasn't what made him unusual – he was covered, as far as Kaoru could see, in bandages. He must be Shishio, the Kokuryukai's leader, Kaoru realised. The man was a legend in their district of Tokyo. Everyone had heard of the bandaged gang leader.
"Finally here, Shinomori? And with one of those pretty geishas on your arm? Excellent. You followed my instructions exactly." The man had a voice that grated on Kaoru's ears and nerves, but she kept her face in the false, chalky geisha mask.
"Of course, sir," replied Shinomori, his tone even icier than it had been when he had threatened the geishas. It also, Kaoru was surprised to notice, held an amount of hatred. Why hatred? He's his boss… what reason could he have for hating him? Kaoru wondered.
Shinomori walked around the table, and knelt down on the pillow, half-forgetting that Kaoru was behind him, following his every move.
"Ah, ah, Aoshi, that's wrong," said Shishio, imitating (rather childishly, Kaoru thought) a parent telling off a disobedient youngster. "No weapons in my presence, and no women in the meetings."
Shinomori rose again, suppressing the desire to heave a sigh of annoyance. Damn the man… No weapons? Everyone has daggers. Damn the girl too… but her escape is useful for my plans…
Grabbing her arm, he none-too-gently pulled her out into the hallway, Kaoru barely managing to keep her composure and her balance. He thrust her towards a row of cushions lined up opposite the door of the meeting room.
"Sit."
Kaoru padded over to a pillow, and knelt. Shinomori crouched in front of her, pulling the kodachi out of his belt, and placed it beside her.
I know she can use a katana… The spies didn't nickname her 'the Kunoichi' for nothing… I need a diversion, and she'll provide it nicely.
"Look after that." His eyes flashed at her, and he tapped the kodachi's hilt.
Kaoru's eyes widened. He wants me to run!
Shinomori saw her comprehension, and nodded once.
He rose, and walked through the shoji door, closing it.
Before he had even slid the shoji closed, Kaoru was plotting. A kodachi… ideal… I can conceal it easily, but it's like enough to a katana to let me use it like one!
I can get away from here!
Author's Notes: And the plot thickens! Aoshi's not as bad as we thought he was… and he has plans… Battousai's taken over for Kenshin… what will happen? Find out next update!
On the note of Aoshi, I'm sorry if he seemed cruel here, with Kaoru, but, well, he does tend to seem rather cold and uncaring (except with Misao), and he does have other things on his mind here… Please don't flame/hides from lynch mob of Aoshi-sama's fangirls/ Speaking of 'Aoshi-sama', I couldn't resist leaving Misao calling him 'Aoshi-sama'. It just doesn't sound right, similar to Kenshin not calling Kaoru 'Kaoru-dono'. And I promised I wouldn't use fangirl Japanese… /sweatdrops/
Review! Please! Onegai!
Review Replies: Thanks to all my reviewers.
half-breed-demon-fox – I love being evil… BWAHAHAHA!
Peachie-Chan – Kenshin saving the day? He may… but have you no faith in our Kaoru? (hint, hint)
RangerDo'Urden – Gotta love the Muses… and gotta hate them sometimes, too... /glares at MuseMuse whistles innocently/ She's been attacking me more than usual recently, so I've had several fics running around in my head recently. I've started writing them, but I hate to have a fic that's half-finished, so I write the first few chapters before posting anything… Thus, you may see them later on, but not now!
angelprincess22 – Well, as you can see, she doesn't…
kenshinlover2002 – Why didn't Kaoru say yes? Well, bear in mind that this isn't quite the Kaoru we know and love. She's been a geisha for five years, and through that she's been encouraged to banish feelings, so she doesn't really know how what love is, and how to express it. I'm glad that you like the story!
jeez – I'm sorry about the inaccuracy. I did research, but apparently not enough, as most of my research indicated that many geisha houses engaged in prostitution also. However, I won't (and never really intended to) be focussing on the 'geisha' aspect of the story. Thanks for the information, and that you think my story has potential.
miki –I hope this chapter has put to rest any fears you might have had about Kenshin's reaction. Don't get off the edge of your seat yet, though. Kaoru's got a lot to go through yet…
Pixel-the-evil-fairy – Getting good? You bet! Thanks!
HiEi JiGaNsHis FlAmE – You didn't count the bit with Aoshi and Yahiko as fighting? Oh well. And just what do you mean, you hope Kenshin turns into Battousai? He already has… and may do again… and no, I am not going to give away the plot here!
Jomai – Continued… and thanks!
Hi Hi – More intimacy? Hmm… I'll consider it, but I quite like it the way it is.