Disclaimer: I do not own Rurouni Kenshin.
Author Note: Hi! This is my first fanfic. I hope you'll enjoy it. Just to avoid any possible confusion, a person's thoughts are expressed without quotation marks. : D
Silence Speaks Out
Kaoru Kamiya charged at her hideous opponent with fiery blue eyes. Clunk! Swish! Smack! echoed in the air as Kaoru performed her improved double combo. She paused and examined the dents of her rival. Not completely satisfied, Kaoru hurled a full forced punch in his firm stomach. He was speechless and immobile. Thus, it was the perfect moment for the finale. Kaoru leaped into midair and aimed her worn out bokken at her foe's skull. An instant later, the awaited crack thundered in the young woman's ears.
Forty feet away, Kenshin Himura gaped at Kaoru's adroit abilities. Her strength and agility surpassed all of the female warriors Kenshin had ever witnessed. Although he was stunned at Kaoru's immense power, Kenshin was mostly fascinated by the flaming fury in her eyes. How could such a young soul emit this type of rage? Kenshin wondered.
Suddenly, a tap on Kenshin's shoulder interrupted his thoughts. He spun around and cried, "Sanosuke!"
"Hey Kenshin. Long time no see. What ya doin' in Futae no Kiwami Academy on this fine morning?" Sanosuke questioned.
"I am going to attend here as of today. Hiko said that it would benefit me if I learned to socialize and continue my training as a swordsman simultaneously."
"That's great, pal. Hey, if ya need anything, just ask away."
"Well...who is that young lady over there?" Kenshin inquired as he directed his gaze at Kaoru.
"That's Kaoru Kamiya, assistant master of the Kamiya Kasshin style."
"Ah...she is amazing."
"In battle, yes. Otherwise, when she isn't fighting, she's a walking corpse."
"What?! How-"
"Kenshin," Sanosuke held up his hand, "let me finish. Two years ago, she was a different person. She was outspoken, defiant, happy, and nonetheless, the most caring person I've ever met. Kaoru used to have many friends, including me. Nowadays, she's an outcast. She's been silent for TWO years!" Sano exclaimed, with two raised fingers. "People say that she still hasn't gotten over her parents' murder," he muttered quietly.
Kenshin was at a loss for words. A few moments later, Kenshin replied in a dangerously low tone, "No one deserves the pain Kaoru's been going through. Absolutely no one."
Sano swore that Kenshin's usual violet eyes flickered to burning amber for a second. That was the look of a true manslayer, Sanosuke thought. He took several cautious steps back.
"Sano, I am going to try to befriend Kaoru. I believe she needs a friend more than anything else at this time, that I do," Kenshin said, as he smiled.
Phew, he's back to normal. Sanosuke heaved a sigh of relief. "Kenshin, you really are something." Sano slapped Kenshin on the back gently. "I'd love to stick around, but I gotta go to class. Don't forget to stop by principal Anji's office to get your schedule. See ya around," he waved and strode down the hallway.
Meanwhile, Kaoru disposed of her bruised training dummy and broken bokken into the garbage can. Next, she grabbed her bottle and gulped down some refreshing water. Kaoru always savored the sweet droplets of crystalline liquid after she trained vigorously.
"Yep, water quenches every fighter's thirst," a cheerful voice unexpectedly announced.
Kaoru instinctively looked to the side and met the shiniest pair of violet eyes she had ever seen. Her faded sapphire eyes trailed down to an x-shaped scar on Kenshin's left cheek. She felt her heart cringe at the sight of the etched mark.
Kenshin was aware of Kaoru's wandering eyes. Surprisingly, upon closer observation, he realized that her light hue of blue were void of all emotions. Where is the wrath from before? Maybe...No! Now is not the time to sort through the numerous possibilities of Kaoru's emptiness. I must remain focused and proceed with my plan, Kenshin chided himself. Soon, Kenshin greeted, "Hi. I am Kenshin Himura and I am very pleased to meet you. You are an impressive fighter, that you are."
The seventeen year old girl stared back at Kenshin without a trace of a grin. Kaoru's eyes continued to express a dull blankness. Why is he speaking to me? Everyone else knows that it's pointless to say anything to me. That's why no one has said anything to me in months, Kaoru mutely remarked.
A minute ticked away and Kenshin scratched the back of his head nervously. The blazing red haired man sensed that the conversation he had hoped for would have to be postponed. "Well, Miss Kaoru, it is getting late. I will be on my way to Anji's office. Do you happen to know where his office is?"
There was no response.
"It's all right if you do not know. I am sorry for taking away your time. I hope to see you again soon!"
Kaoru watched Kenshin stroll out of the gym, but not out of her life. Why would he want to see me again? Didn't I just act like a rock? Wasn't I rude for not giving him instructions to the principal's office? Kaoru pondered guiltily.
Yes, Kaoru's conscience answered. Kaoru, the stern voice began, you are finally regaining your sympathy for someone. The twist in your heart earlier and your current state proves it. Your frozen heart is steadily melting away. You know that you want to laugh, cry, speak, and live again. It's been too long since you've shown any feelings to any living creature. Quit putting on your facade. Kenshin can help unlock your compassion for others if you just give him a chance.
You're right, Kaoru replied. I am developing feelings for someone. BUT, I must remain reticent and emotionless towards others. Remember what I shouted two years ago? I can't allow anyone to be close to my heart, no matter how well someone treats me. My past must never be repeated.
A/N: Well, that's all for now! Please send any type of feedback. It will determine whether or not I will continue my story. : P Why does enmity blaze in Kaoru's eyes while she trains? What exactly happened two years ago? If all goes well, the answers will be revealed in upcoming chapters.