The Assassin's Curse
Author's Note: I'm so grateful to all of my reviewers! I love you all so much! And thank you so much for your support and encouragement when that person sent me the flame! It really did help; after all whenever someone says something like that it always hurts a little. So once again thank you all for your support! I hoped you all liked last chapter, it wasn't my best and it wasn't my worst, thank you all for your suggestions as well. This is my first fic so obviously I'll need suggestions to help me improve! Once again thank you all and I hope you like chapter four! -
Disclaimer: The anime Rurouni Kenshin doesn't belong to me (sad as it is) nor do any of its characters, they rightfully belong to the great author Nobuhiro Watsuki.
Now, here's chapter 4! (I hope you like)
Those Shattered AmbersThere was fire. A growing fire all around, eating everything in its path. It engulfed homes and people alike, never distinguishing the difference. The only thing that filled Kaoru's ears were the horrified screams and shouts of men, women, and children who hastened to escape the fire's wrath. And to her the most distinctive scream of all belonged to her mother. Kaoru' s home was burning with her mother trapped inside. In moments it would probably be nothing more than rubble.
Kaoru could only find comfort in knowing her father still lived. Though she couldn't find him amongst the panicked crowd she had seen him emerge from the house. He was still alive.
Kaoru shrieked when she saw the roof of her former home cave in as it shot out sparks and flaming debris. Her home that still had her mother and seven others trapped. Kaoru wasn't alone in her tears and screams. Other families had loved ones caught inside as well.
Gradually the fire began to die as more people helped to put it out. When finally the embers were extinguished and what used to be a house lay in ruin, rescuers and concerned people ventured inside to scout for survivors. Kaoru watched in anticipation as one by one rescuers hobbled out of the rubble carrying blackened and burnt victims whose ashen faces were stricken with terror. Each time someone emerged who was not her mother Kaoru's heart would sink lower into the depths of despair.
Kaoru watched the grave faces of the rescuers as they huddled together and uttered those dreaded few words "There's no more left alive." When those words came so did the tears. And for the first time in her life Kaoru felt detached from her body, she couldn't control herself. She didn't feel the tears flood down her face, she couldn't feel the excruciating pain from her burnt shoulder, she couldn't smell the stench of rotting flesh, and she couldn't hear as her own shrieks erupted from her mouth. Though many people tried to console the grief-stricken child, no one could. Now all she wished to do was dwell in her own suffering.
The more people came to calm her the more she knocked them away. She thought she'd pushed everyone away when strong, rough hands grabbed hold of both her arms and spun her around. She was prepared to knock this man away too. She opened her eyes to do just that and was met with a piercing gaze. She tried to look away, she tried to escape it, but it fastened her where she stood.
His eyes were terrifying; beautiful, but terrifying. And as much as they were terrifying they were even more mesmerizing. The last things Kaoru remembered were those terrifying, mesmerizing amber eyes.
Kaoru awoke, not knowing where she was or what had happened. The more she surveyed the room the more confused she became, until she came face to face with another set of blue eyes. It slowly all flooded back into her mind when she saw Megumi; the kidnapping, Battousai, Katsura, everything.
She scanned her surroundings, studying the crumpled sheets and the twisted covers. Everything lay strewn about the room, it was an utter mess. It almost looked like a battle had taken place. After seeing the mess through her own eyes she, once again, rested her vision on Megumi's concerned, questioning face.
"I don't want to know if you don't wan to tell me," Megumi seemed to be reading Kaoru's mind.
"Iie, that's okay, it doesn't matter. It was just a bad dream. Gomen, I woke you up," Truth be told though, not only had it been a bad dream, but it was one Kaoru had had nearly every night for the past week.
"Don't be," Megumi still sounded worried and Kaoru guessed she wasn't done, and so Megumi continued, "You scared me a little. You wouldn't stop thrashing and you were mumbling something that I couldn't understand. I mean just look at you, you're a wreck."
Not fully understanding Megumi's meaning Kaoru inspected herself. Strands of hair were sprawled all over her face and shoulders in a tangled, greasy mess. Her breathing was ragged, some saliva dripped down her lip, and sweat covered her skin like another layer. All in all she didn't look that pleasant.
"Oh…I see your meaning," Kaoru discreetly whispered.
"Uh-huh. If you want to you can tell me, I'll listen. If not I understand," Megumi sympathized, the girl didn't look like she was up to talking.
Kaoru contemplated for a moment on whether or not she should tell Megumi. After all, she was still a stranger, though she had been kind to Kaoru, she was still a stranger. But then again Megumi had shown compassion for her in the little time Kaoru had known her, and even now she seemed to respect Kaoru's privacy. 'I guess it wouldn't hurt to tell her.'
Kaoru had decided and so proceeded, "M-my mother."
Just those two words seemed to explain a lot to Megumi, she could relate to what Kaoru was feeling. "Oh…I-I-, gomen," Megumi apologized.
"Iie, iie, don't be sorry. My mother was killed in one of the Kyoto burnings, she just never made it out. It was four years ago, I was fourteen then, and I've learned to move on. But, still…it haunts me," Kaoru put on a small, sad smile trying to keep up her façade. It was true, she had moved on, she just couldn't forget, no matter how hard she tried.
"It's okay to still remember. It's like paying tribute to her, and we really never forget. I know I've never forgotten," Megumi consoled, trying to tell Kaoru that she wasn't alone in her pain. "We never really forget those we love."
"Hai, and arigatou," Kaoru nodded to show her appreciation.
"Yeah, but anyway, you should probably start getting ready. Katsura left a fresh pair of hakamas and a new gi for you by the door." Megumi quickly changed the subject; it wasn't good to dwell on something so sad for too long.
"Get ready? For what?" Kaoru asked stupidly as she walked to the where her training clothes awaited her.
Kaoru first unwrapped her yukata and then slipped her arms through the gi's arm holes. Megumi politely turned away thinking the girl might not want her every movement to become a spectacle to those around her.
Megumi reminded. "For your first practice with Ken-san, you baka!".
"I'm not an id- Hey wait! Who's Ken-san?" Kaoru inquired, befuddled.
"Oh…um-er, uh…Battousai. Hai, that's right! It's just so weird for me to call him that," Megumi explained a bit embarrassed.
"Oh, that…I guess you're right! I wouldn't want to miss my first practice with Battousai the Manslayer," Kaoru snapped sarcastically.
"Don't say things you might regret later. You don't know him as well as us," Megumi retorted trying her best to defend Battousai without offending Kaoru.
"I don't think I want to know him," Kaoru spat.
"There are things about him that even I don't know. And I've known him longer than anyone here. Don't judge someone unless you know exactly what you're saying," Megumi advised.
Those words seemed to embed themselves in Kaoru's mind. She was being a hypocrite. All her life she'd always told others not to judge people before they got to know them and now she was eating her own words. She sighed heavily and exited the room. Then with her last words, "I guess it wouldn't hurt to maybe try and see things through his eyes." Kaoru conceded and clicked the door shut leaving Megumi behind.
She never knew where to meet for training so now her new mission was to find Katsura and figure out where to go. She was peeking around a corner when someone laid a rough hand on her shoulder causing Kaoru to jump two feet.
"Looking for something?" The all too familiar voice of Battousai whispered in her ear.
"Don't ever do that again! You nearly killed me!" Kaoru exclaimed ignoring his question.
Battousai simply smirked at her skittishness and said, "Follow me."
Kaoru thought it was best not to argue. After all he had been the one she was looking for originally.
Kaoru hastened a few steps behind Battousai trying to stay even with his pace. Though he was unusually short his stride was incredibly longer than Kaoru's. She couldn't fully match his steady pace, but she was close enough.
She wasn't all that sure where he was leading her, but she didn't question it until he opened a door and stepped out into clear light. He continued to walk toward wherever their destination was, Kaoru stopped dead in her tracks as she puzzled.
"Hey, why are we outside? Isn't there some sort of training hall we should go to?"
"Just keep walking," He answered and kept walking, never once turning around.
Kaoru didn't ask anything further. She jogged a bit to catch up to Battousai who was a ways ahead of her by now. Though once she reached him they resumed to their silent tread.
He had taken her through dense woods that lay on the back perimeter of the inn and led them to a clearing. Hopefully they could get more training done without so much spying from people he knew would be curious.
Kaoru, unaware they had stopped, collided with Battousai's backside and tumbling backwards. He looked behind at her and raised an eyebrow. Impossible as Kaoru thought she swore she saw a smile glance across his usually unchanging face.
"Uh-sorry," Kaoru quickly apologized.
"This is where we'll be working," Battousai conveyed.
"Don't you think this is a little far out? Won't Katsura wonder why we disappeared," Kaoru really didn't care if Katsura wondered or not, but she knew she wasn't all that comfortable being with a killer, especially when the nearest humanoid life was nearly two kilometers away.
"He won't wonder," Battousai answered then he directed, "Take your stance."
"What?" Kaoru asked, was this how he was going to start training. She didn't even know the stance!
"Your stance." Battousai demanded as he slung the equipment that they'd need later off his shoulder.
"But, I don-" Kaoru started.
"Try." He commanded.
Kaoru didn't know what to so she did as he instructed and took the basic stance of Kamiya Kasshin Ryu. She eyed Battousai warily as he circled her and studied her stance. When Battousai appeared on her other side he seemed to disappear just as quickly.
Kaoru swung her head around hunting for the man; he had just seemed to vanish. Then she felt her feet lifting out from under her. She fell backwards and collided with the solid ground. For a moment she gasped for the air that had been knocked from her lungs.
"Terrible stance," Battousai said wryly.
Kaoru glanced up and saw him staring down at her as if he were anticipating something.
"Get up," He demanded impatiently.
Kaoru staggered her feet finally having gotten air back into her lungs. She glared at him fiercely, eyes never wavering. For the first time she actually got a good look at him. Before it had been too dark to notice specific features. Now she saw he was an alarmingly small, almost feminine looking man with long, scarlet hair tied in a traditional high ponytail, common among warriors. He stood just slightly taller than she did, but it was obvious to the trained eye just how strong he really was. There was a cross-like scar stretching from his left cheekbone to his chin. Out of all his odd features probably the most distinctive were his golden eyes, which were currently glowering into her own.
"I'm not sure why Katsura would want you trained so badly. You're pathetic," He spat vehemently.
"I didn't even have warning! How was I supposed to know you were going to trip me!" Kaoru hissed back furiously now that she'd been able to study him.
"You weren't. In a battle, do you honestly think your opponent would warn you when they attack? If your stance is good they'd have less of a opportunity to kill you," Battousai once again began to stealthily circle Kaoru. "Now again."
"You almost sound like me," Kaoru muttered sarcastically as she did as she was told.
"Stupid wench," Battousai mumbled back inaudibly.
He once again began to survey her noticing many flaws. He went up to her and kicked her foot a little to the left causing her wobble unsteadily.
"Hey!" Kaoru cried out in surprise and anger.
"Your foot was off. And unless you want me to do that again move you front foot back and to the right," He warned.
"Hmph,"
Kaoru adjusted her feet to his orders to prevent herself from being tripped by him again.
"Angle your hips and waist to the right," Battousai directed.
When Kaoru did not successfully angle herself Battousai walked impatiently up to her and jerked her shoulders causing her hips angle and her waist to twist properly.
"Would you stop that!" Kaoru screamed.
Battousai just ignored her and studied her now proper stance. Then in one god-like motion he ducked and swung his leg under her feet again. She tripped and was falling, but before she could hit the ground she caught herself with her back foot and her hands.
"I said to stop that!" Kaoru raged.
"You didn't hit the ground that time," Battousai pointed out ignoring her demands.
"I still fell."
"But you caught yourself because of your better stance. And that's probably as good as it's going to get," Battousai smirked as he walked over to where he had laid the equipment.
Kaoru, feeling it was safe to get up, started dusting herself off.
Battousai turned around and took the weapon he'd chosen and tossed it to her.
Kaoru was startled when she heard him throw something at her and was just barely able to catch it. When she had a firm hold on it she examined it more closely. Then to confirm her suspicions she clicked the hilt from the sheath and drew the blade halfway out. Her suspicions were correct, a katana. She resheathed the blade and held it in one hand at her side.
"I'm can't use this," Kaoru murmured, eyes downcast.
"Why?" He exhaled.
"I don't use anything, save a shinai," her voice grew slightly louder.
"Then you'll learn to use it," Battousai growled back thoughtlessly.
"I mean I won't use it," Kaoru declared, stubbornness inflicted upon her eyes.
"Yes you will," he contradicted.
"I'm not straying from my beliefs anymore than I already have," she announced defiantly.
"Don't think you're the only one who's had to give up some of their beliefs for the betterment of others," Battousai growled from clenched teeth as he turned to face her.
"You mean you," Kaoru stated and then went on, "Well, I didn't give up my beliefs willingly!"
"Don't be selfish!" He barked. "Nobody surrenders their beliefs willingly!"
At this point he was nearly an inch from Kaoru's nose, and for the first time she was able to actually see into his eyes. And what she saw surprised her that she almost felt pity. His eyes weren't evil or emotionless. They were young, too young, and they were broken. They looked like someone had smashed them and another person had tried to glue them back together but the pieces would never stick. It's as though they just kept falling apart. And for the first time ever she pitied this man as she gazed into his shattered ambers.
And so Kaoru relented, "Fine. Show me how to hold it."
Maybe this was what Megumi had meant.
"Sano? Sano?" The young boy panicked as he scurried to the dojo's front gates.
"Whoa! Whoa! Calm down Yahiko," Sano, the man the boy had been looking for, coaxed.
"Well? What did the police say? Did you tell them?" The boy Yahiko asked hurriedly.
"Slow down, one at a time. Yes, I told them, but I don't think they're really going to do anything about it,"
"But she's missing, Sano! Kaoru would never leave without telling us! She's been gone two days!"
"I know, I know. But like I said, I don't think they'll do anything about it, I doubt they even care," Sano spat, he hated the government which included the police. He thought of them no more than dimwitted bafoons who had been granted a position of high authority.
"Then what do we do! I want to find her! And if they're not going to do anything I think we should!" Yahiko rashly proposed.
"Ignoring the fact that that is a completely stupid idea, I'd say I have to agree with you. I think maybe you got a point, little man," Sano pondered Yahiko's suggestion for a moment.
"Does that mean we're going? We have to. Kaoru'd do the same for us!" Yahiko declared.
"You got a point there and I'm not arguin'. I say we do it your way," Sano finally decided. "The only problem, where do we start?"
"Baka! Just do it your way: look everywhere till we find her!" Yahiko snipped.
"Hey, who says that's my way," Sano muttered, then he continued, "We should probably head north, to Kyoto."
"Why Kyoto?"
"Cause a kidnapper would probably want a place to hide, right? And what better place to hide than in a large city," Sano clarified.
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go find Kaoru!" Yahiko concluded running past Sano and out the gates.
"Yo! Yahiko-chan! You might wanna get some money and supplies!" Sano yelled after the impatient boy.
Yahiko had forgotten about that amidst his excitement. And so he trailed back to the dojo to get his money and supplies when he stopped, "Hey! Why do I have to bring my money? You're the adult!"
"What can I say, I'm broke," Sano shrugged.
"You stinkin' free-loader!" Yahiko shouted over his shoulder as he went to get his things, using Kaoru's term for Sano.
Sano just followed Yahiko inside to help get packed. This was going to be a long trek.
Though it was finally decided, they'd save Kaoru if it was the last thing they did. And so after making last minute preparations Sano and Yahiko departed from the dojo to rescue their friend.
Their sister….
To be continued…
Author's Note: Yay! I finally have a beta reader (actually I have two)! And so many thanks to Onyx Dawn and ShirubaNeko for betaing my story. As many of you can probably tell I can't use proper grammar to save my life, and well that's all about to change. Anyway, I really hoped you all liked chapter four! I know it wasn't the best, I didn't like it all that much though there were parts that I did like how they turned out. Many thanks to all of my reviewers! You are all so supportive (not to mention helpful), and kind to me! Thank you so much! I love you all! And remember to read and review! -
Review Responses:
ShirubaNeko: Thank you so much for all your suggestions! I tried to follow as many as I could remember (heh-sweatdrop-)! Well, I hope you like chapter four! It's finally finished! I know it took forever, but hey I'm a bit of a procrastinator! (But I'm not that big of a procrastinator) Love ya! Buh-bye! -
livworld: I am so glad you like my story! It's always good for an author to know her stories are loved! And I finally updated! I hope you liked chapter four, and if you didn't I sincerely apologize and I'll try to do better! And once again thank you so much! P.S. Don't worry, be happy! (I love that phrase, it's one of my favorites! I liked how you put it in your review!) -
Reignashii: I'm happy you like my story! I finally wrote some more! I really hope you liked chapter four! If not I'll try to do better! Once again thank you so much for reviewing! And remember to review chapter four (pretty-please)! Once again thank you so much! -
Angel of lonelyness: Thank you for reviewing! I'm so glad you like my story! I feel loved! And don't worry I'll make sure Kaoru gives Kenshin an extremely hard time! I really hoped you like chapter four! I know it wasn't the greatest, but then again there are always chapters that aren't so great. Once again thank you so much for reviewing! I'm glad you like it! -
Ginny-cry: I feel so loved! I'm so glad you like the story! I hope you liked chapter four! It wasn't my greatest, but I promise they do get better! Thanks so much! Buh-bye! -
Jing-Jing: Thank you so so so so much! I feel so very loved! I don't know how much I can express that! Nor do I know how I can express how thankful I am to you! Thank you! I saw you put my story on your favorites list! I'm so glad you like it! I sincerely hope you liked chapter four! If not I promise better ones will come in the future! Thanks so much! Buy-bye! -
Bradybunch4529: Thank you so much for your support and encouragement with that flame! As I've probably mentioned it really helps when people give their support! I really glad you like the story! Your reviews are really great, you tell me what you specifically like about my story and I thank you so much! I hope you liked chapter four! Well, buh-bye! -
smiley: Thank you so much for your support when somebody sent me that flame, I didn't really take it to heart but it always helps to know people care! Thank you so much! In an answer to your review: the story takes place in 1865 during the Bakumatsu so Kenshin is around 17 years old and that's why he's a little childish. Once again thank you so much I hope you liked chapter four! Buh-Bye! -
Sorrow's Raven: I'm so glad you like my story! And I finally updated for all my loving reviewers! I feel so loved! I really hope you liked chapter four! I know it wasn't my greatest, but I guess that's okay! P.S. I like you penname! -
crystal: Thank you so much for reviewing! I'm really glad you liked my story! I finally updated! I don't know when I'll finish so I can't promise. But I'll try to update as quickly as I can! Once again Thank you so much! Buh-bye! -
Onyx Dawn: I feel so loved! And I'm honored that you sent me your longest review ever! And yes, you are now finally betaing my story. And I finally updated! I know it took forever! I had to think of a chapter plot. But, anyway I hoped you liked chapter four! I know it wasn't my greatest, but oh well! P.S. I am reading your Aquafina, Murderess story but the review thing won't let me review! It is an awesome story and although I've never read Xanth the fic makes total sense to me! Once again it's really a great fic! Like aeriol, it left me speechless (though maybe for different reasons, I'm not sure)! Once again Thank you very much! Buh-Bye! -
Wow! I'm glad that's done! I had a lot of review responses to write! But I'm so glad you all reviewed I feel so loved! And now that this chapter is done I'm going to get right to work on chapter five! And remember all to read and review! -
P.S. To anyone who likes Harry Potter: I suggest you read Guilty as the Arctic Winds written by Onyx Dawn. It's an extremely well written story with an awesome plotline. You can't get much better than that! But the thing is not many people read her stuff! And all of her stories are really great, I should know I've read them all! Once again please read and review her stuff! -
Buh-Bye! -