Chapter 7
Sister and Brothers
Kaoru was scared literally shitless when she ran into the huge fat man that was blocking her path. She had been galloping away on the dirt road for what seemed to be only a few minutes. She silently prayed that Kenshin was alright as she continued to lead the horse along the narrow dirt path. She had turned her head to glance behind her to see if Kenshin was following as he said he would. That's when she had run smack into the huge fat man. He easily grabbed the horse and picked her up off of it and gently placed her on the ground in front of him.
She wasn't aware that her mouth was gapping open until he used the tip of his huge fat finger to close her mouth for her. She swallowed hard trying to wet her dry throat and choked.
"Damn Hyottoko!" Said another voice behind her. She was so shocked by the hugeness of the man in front of her that her mind had not registered that there was another man behind her.
"Don't scare her half to death. Kenshin will have our heads if we hurt her in any way. She must be special too. Lord Kenshin has never brought a woman to the village before. Misao will be more than happy."
It finally occurred to Kaoru that these men did not mean her any harm as she heard their conversation. She cautiously turned around to see a small man behind her who looked somewhat like a toad to her. He smiled a comforting smile at her which caused her to relax somewhat.
"We do apologize my lady," he said as he blushed in return to her smile.
He raised his hand to scratch behind his neck as he fidgeted under her glaze. "I guess we are not used to being gentle."
"Yeah!" Said the huge man in front of her. "We apologize."
Kaoru swallowed once again, testing her throat before she spoke. "I accept your apologies. I guess I am not used to seeing men.of your amazing statue," she said politely to the huge man.
"It's ok. I almost forgot to introduce ourselves," he said.
"My name is Hyottoko and the little runt behind you is called Beshimi. We are of the Oniwabanshuu. Lord Aoshi Shinomori is our leader." Both men bowed slightly to Kaoru.
Beshimi helped her back onto her feet. "Thank you once again. My name is Kaoru Kamiya," she said as she bowed in return.
Her shock was slowly ebbing away. She still wanted to know if Kenshin was ok.
"Come, we will take you back to our village. Lord Kenshin will be joining us momentarily," Hyottoko said.
Kaoru was placed back on her horse by Hyottoko and was lead through the surrounding forest. They had turned so many different ways when they entered the forest that Kaoru was sure that she would not be able to find her way back to the main road if she tried. Soon she saw a clearing up ahead after they had spent twenty minutes weaving through the lush forest. Kaoru came upon a huge village will rows and rows of homes and off in the distance there stood a huge mansion some four miles from the village. She wondered who lived in such an extravagant home.
As she was lead through the village Hyottoko and Beshimi were happily greeted by passenger bys. Kaoru smiled to each one in return who bowed to her as well.
"What is this village called?" She asked both of them.
Hyottoko answered. "This village is called Little Kyoto. We are some miles away from the city of Kyoto."
Kaoru nodded her thanks and understanding and continued to look around.
Beshimi exchanged looks with Hyottoko while she was preoccupied with staring at the Huge mansion before them.
Beshimi silently wondered to himself if Hyottoko should have told the young lady where their village was located. It was true that she was the first woman ever that Lord Himura had brought to the village but still he did not know if they could fully trust her as of yet. He felt as if she were truly harmless to them, but still looks could be deceiving. He thought of one in particular and shivered.
As if his thoughts were being brought into reality, the person that he was just thinking of appeared before them.
A beautiful young woman wearing a dark royal blue kimono with cherry blossoms patterns appeared in front of the horse causing them all to stop. They all stared at the woman who had stopped them.
"Hi ya boys! I heard that there was going to be a huge celebration at the mansion tonight. Am I to take it that Lord Hunny bunny Kenshin has arrived home?"
Hunny Bunny? Thought Kaoru as she stared at the beautiful young woman in front of her. Was this woman Kenshin's girlfri-. She could not allow herself to think it. The possibility of her being so hurt her so much that she felt tears appear in her eyes. She quickly wiped them away and tried to think of something else. Anything but that. The woman smiled coyly at both Hyottoko and Beshimi. Then her eyes rested on Kaoru. Very briefly a look of anger and resentment passed through her eyes before she turned on her smile and charm 100%.Beshimi and Hyottoko struggled a little as if they were unaffected by her.
"Well?" She asked again. "Aren't you going to answer me?
Both men pretended to be extremely interested in the ground at that moment. Kaoru thought this to be strange.
The woman tapped her foot in anticipation of their reply, so when one did not come, she screamed to the top of her lungs. She scared Kaoru so bad that she almost fell off her horse. Beshimi and Hyottoko seemed unaffected by her as if they had been bracing themselves for her tantrum.
"OK. That's fine. So don't tell me. I'll just be there tonight so that I may see him for myself." With that said she turned around on her heel and seductively walked away.
"Whew!" said both men.
"That was close. Let's hurry and make it the mansion before we have to deal with another run in with you know who," Beshimi said.
Hyottoko nodded in agreement and they all proceeded to the castle.
Kaoru wanted to ask who the woman was but decided not to. She was sure that she would find out eventually. However, she did ask who the mansion belonged to.
"Who owns the mansion up ahead?"
"Lord Kenshin," was the reply that she received from Hyottoko as they proceeded towards the village.
Kenshin owned the huge mansion before them? She was completely shocked. Wow! He must be loaded she thought. The way in which he made his money put a damper on Kaoru's mood. What kind of life could she have with an assassin? It was wrong to kill people regardless of how many reasons you deemed it right. When she saw Kenshin, she would have to have a long talk with him-regardless of how much he intimidated her. She had questions that she should have demanded an answer to before hand. Now was not the time for her emotions to get in the way. She would demand that he tell her what was going on.
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As Kenshin followed Aoshi to the back entrance to the mansion, he tried to focus on who was behind the plan to set him up. But as much as he tried to think, his mind kept wondering back to Kaoru. If Beshimi and Hyottoko had frightened her or harmed her in any way they would pay for it BIG TIME. Wait a sec, what the hell was wrong with him? He shouldn't care if she was frightened or not. He absentmindedly found himself wondering how she would like his home. Just as he was pondering that thought, he was kicked in the head which sent him to the ground. Kenshin was completely and totally unawares since his guard was not up. The cause of his apparent unguarded- ness being Kaoru.
Aoshi looked down to see Kenshin sprawled down on the ground with swirls in his eyes and sighed. He had noticed Misao's approach the moment that had entered the mansion. Obviously Kenshin had not. He did not know if it was a good or bad thing that the man's mind seemed to be occupied with the woman that he had brought to the village.
"That's for leaving and not saying goodbye as well as making me worry!!!!" Screamed an irate young woman wearing a dark blue ninja outfit.
"I'm sorry Misao! Please forgive me." Said Kenshin as his eyes continued to swirl.
"Well, just don't let it happen again!" She said angrily. Her demeanor quickly changed to one of pure happiness as she pulled her brother up from the ground and hugged him fiercely. Kenshin returned the hug and smiled. He loved his sister dearly, more than anything else in the world and he would die to make sure that she and Kaoru were always safe.
HUH! He thought. Kaoru safe? He would die?
He was once again brought out of his thoughts with a hard punch to face by an angry Misao.
"YOUR NOT EVEN LISTENING TO ME!!!" She said.
"Misao, I am sorry," Kenshin apologized hastily.
"That's ok," she said again cheerfully. "Did you bring me something?"
Talk about split personalities, he thought as he regarded his sister.
Kenshin was just about to answer her when Aoshi answered for him.
"He sure did Misao. He brought you a sister."
Kenshin felt his blood start to boil at that comment. He was going to get Aoshi for that.
" A sister!!" Miaso beamed. Then her eyes started to get glassy as she stared at her brother. "I knew that this day would come. I just knew it. Finally you have decided to settle down and stop your sword wielding assassin ways. Thank Buddha for this wonderful day!!"
"Now, now hold on Misao!" Kenshin stated nervously to his sister.
It's not like that. Miss Kaoru and I are just acquaintances, nothing more."
Kaoru looked blankly at him. "Just acquaintances! You have never brought a woman here before. Now when you do bring one, I'm to think that she is just an acquaintance. Really Kenshin, who do you think I am? I can see right through you. I know that this woman is more than just an acquaintance. Where is she?" Said Misao hastily looking around.
"She's with Beshimi and Hyottoko" said Aoshi.
"With those two buffoons! I'll go and save the poor woman," with that said she hastily disappeared.
"Aoshi."
"Kenshin."
"I owe you one."
"I know."
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Misao quickly found Beshimi and Hyottoko with Kenshin's lady friend in tow riding a horse. Misao quickly closed the gap between them as she left the front porch of the mansion and greeted them cheerfully.
"OH, hi Miss Misao!" The two men both said in unison.
"Hi guys! I hope that you have been treating our guest appropriately." Misao smiled at the young woman who smiled in return. She's pretty, thought Misao silently to herself. Now to see what her personality is like. I can't have my big brother marrying just anybody.
Kaoru smiled at the young woman. She wondered who she was and what her relation to Kenshin was. Had she not heard her name before?
"Well guys, help her down."
Kaoru was helped down from the horse by Hyottoko and bowed to Misao who bowed in return.
"My name is Misao and I am Kenshin's sister. Welcome to our home."
Kenshin's sister?!! Kaoru was surprised. And here she was starting to get jealous of the young woman.
"Thank you. My name is Kaoru."
"Tell me Kaoru, what do you think of my brother?" Misao asked. Her voice held no type of emotion and her face remained expressionless.
Kaoru pondered the young woman's question. "On the outside he appears to be coldhearted, but I think that once he lets you in, you'll find out that he's actually quite sweet. Sometimes he's makes me so mad that I want to literally ring his neck, and other times." Kaoru then began to blush fiercely as she recalled the pleasure that she received while in his arms. "I'm sorry, you asked me what I think about him and here I am rambling on."
Misao smiled slightly. She knew something was special about this woman who her brother had brought to their home. Now to get him to admit that she was special to him. It was obvious at the huge blushes that the woman was having that she and Kenshin had already shared some intimate moments. And she liked Kaoru's answer to her question about her brother.
The girl then quickly looped her arm with Kaoru's and pulled her towards the mansion laughing merrily.
Kaoru was surprised by the girl's actions as she tried to hurry her steps to match Miaso's.
"Kaoru, you and I are going to get along just fine. You don't know how long I have longed for a sister. I am so glad that Kenshin has finally decided to settle down."
"Sister? Settle down?"
Misao stopped at the woman's confused questions.
"Yes. Your first woman that my brother has ever brought home. Our grandfather is going to be so happy. I can't wait to introduce you!"
"Grandfather?" Kaoru asked. Things were happening a little too fast for her. She couldn't meet his grandfather as she was now. She was sure that Kenshin did not see her as the marrying type. He told her that she was to be his to do with as he pleased. He saw her merely as a possession. His sister was totally misconstruing the situation. Kaoru would have to tell the young woman what her relationship to Kenshin consisted of. But how would she be able to tell her with out becoming completely mortified?
Misao saw a display of emotions cross the young woman's features. Misao gently squeezed Karou's hand for reassurance.
"It's ok. We won't bite. I promise. And if you are worried about my brother. Don't be. I'll set him straight. Tonight we are having a huge celebration in honor of his arrival back home. We will give you a nice hot bath, new clothes and then we will do your hair. You're going to look so beautiful tonight! Kenshin won't be able to take his eyes off of you."
Kaoru smiled at the young girl's enthusiasm.
"Kaoru, I do believe that we are going to be the best of friends and even greater sisters."
"I hope so Misao. I hope so."
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Kaoru sat down on the floor as Misao played with her hair. The young woman rearranged her hair in numerous styles before she finally settled with tying her raven locks with a dark blue silk ribbon in a ponytail. Kaoru had only spent a little over four hours with Kenshin's sister and she liked her immensely. Misao and she had taken a warm bath with scented oils and then they had sat and ate an early snack and talked about Kenshin and a man that Misao was in love with named Aoshi. Misao had then given Kaoru a lovely light blue silk kimono with dark blue flowers in it.
"Thanks Misao," said Kaoru as she admired herself in the mirror.
"You're welcome Kaoru. Aren't you excited?"
Excited wasn't the word. More like terrified. She was going to meet Kenshin's grandfather as well as Kenshin. She had not seen him since earlier this morning and now the sun was starting to set. Butterflies filled her stomach in anticipation. She had to tell Misao what Kenshin and her relationship consisted of, but the young woman was so happy. She didn't want to spoil that.
"Misao?"
"Yes Kaoru?" Asked Misao in concern. Kaoru's voice had changed somewhat and her shoulders had slumped as Misao sat behind her facing the mirror.
"I.I."
"Yes, Kaoru?"
"I.I'm," and then she burst into the tears.
Misao panicked. Wondering what she could have done to make the young woman cry. Misao turned a distraught Kaoru around and tried to comfort her. Kaoru fell into Misao's embrace and cried harder.
"Kaoru, what's wrong? Did I say or do something to upset you?"
"Ken.Kenshin."
"Kenshin? Kenshin has upset you," she stated angrily.
She felt Kaoru shake her head. Misao waited until the young woman continued. After she had clamed down somewhat, Kaoru shakily replied.
"Kenshin is going to kill me."
Misao was greatly confused. Her brother would never harm a woman. "Why would Kenshin want to kill you?"
"Be.because I have deceived you. I am not going to be your sister Misao."
"Why not?"
Kaoru pulled back from Misao to look the woman in her eyes.
"Because I am a Kenshin's sex slave," and then Kaoru cried even harder.
Misao was taken aback. Surly she had not heard that.
"HIS WHAT??!!!" She exclaimed.
"Please don't make me say it again. I am already embarrassed," Kaoru said.
Misao was fuming. Her brother had made Kaoru his sex slave! Surly there must be some mistake, some misunderstanding. She knew many geisha girls as well as other bold women who bragged about their sexual prowess and Kaoru was neither. How could her brother have done such a thing?
"Kaoru, before you met my brother, were you untouched?"
"Yes," she cried.
Misao was even madder. She would confront her brother immediately.
"Miss Kaoru, if you will excuse me. I need to talk to my brother," said Misao as she forced each syllable from her mouth.
"NO!" screamed Kaoru. "You can't. Then he will know that I told you."
Misao looked at the girl and saw that she was really scared.
"Surly you are not afraid of my brother? Wasn't it you who stated that he was really a softie on the inside?"
Kaoru recoiled a bit. She did say that didn't she? Some of the things that he had done for her were considered sweet, but her mind kept remembering those times that he looked at her as if he were going to kill her. And the time that he had punished her. She shivered with remembrance.
"It will be alright. Once I get some answers from him, I promise."
With that said, Miaso left the room in search of her brother leaving a confused Kaoru to ponder her thoughts.
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Kenshin sat in his room on his futon silently contemplating what had transpired that day. Someone was setting him up and he had to find out fast. He was sure that was the reason why Saitou had approached him. Although he and the man had never been on good terms, they still held some ounces of respect for one another. Saitou had warned him. Kenshin still knew that someone had been watching him, but for how long? He was so preoccupied with Kaoru that he had let his guard down somewhat. He had let it down again while walking to the mansion. That was not good. He would have to concentrate more.
Kenshin had met with his grandfather after Miaso had dropped kicked him. Okina, former leader of the Oniwabanshuu had greeted his son with open arms. Aoshi was the new leader of the group. Kenshin had turned the title down and had chosen as a young boy to study the Hiten Mitsurugi Ryuu style of fighting when he saw his master in a fight one day. Every since then his master had taken him on and trained him. Kenshin had left his master's tutelage to go fight in the samurai wars and had not seen his master since.
Okina and he had talked about what had transpired with Masayo and the two warriors that he had killed on the island. His island had been a secret up until that point. Now it seemed as if everyone knew about his favorite hiding place. Kenshin had left Okina to go find Kaoru when Aoshi had informed him that Misao had taken her to take a bath and to get ready for the upcoming celebration. Kenshin signed and went to take a bath of his own.
His mind kept wondering back to Kaoru no matter how hard he tried to concentrate on other matters. His grandfather had already heard the news before he reached him.
"Son, you have truly made an old man happy today. I was wondering when you were going to settle down. I was hoping that I would be alive to see it and by the grace of Buddha I am!"
Kenshin stared blankly at Okina and then he averted his narrow glaze to Aoshi who was smiling slightly.
Okina grabbed Kenshin and hugged his grandson immensely. "I am so proud of you!!! I can't wait to meet the young woman. I hear that she is very beautiful."
Kenshin felt his blood start to rise again. He was heated. Everyone in the village no doubt knew that he had brought Kaoru here. He would have to be on extra guard tonight. What if the man responsible for setting him up was in the village? Kenshin also had no intention of announcing Kaoru as his betrothed. Did he? The whole situation was so confusing he needed to do something to clear his head. After he and Okina had changed the subject to more serious matters he had left an hour later.
Now here he was, back in his room. Contemplating whether or not he should go and seek Kaoru out before the celebration. She must be just as confused as he was. He had stated to her that she was nothing more than a tool for his pleasure. He was sure that Misao had filled her head up with promises of becoming her sister. To be truthful Kenshin really did not know how he felt about that. Before he could ponder further, Misao had pulled back his door and dropped kicked him to the ground.
"Misao, what did I do wrong now?" He asked as he lay swirly eyed on the floor.
"That's for what you did to Kaoru!! I can't believe you Kenshin!! Treating that poor girl like she was some type of SEX SLAVE!! You have sunk lower than lower! YOU DIRT BAG!!! You should be ashamed of yourself!!! Wait until I tell Grandfather!!!" With that said, Misao left the room.
WHAT!! Thought Kenshin as he tried to regain his posture. What the hell was Misao shouting about this time? Sex slave? SEX SLAVE!! That's right, he had made it seem like Kaoru was only going to be his sex slave. She must have told Misao! STUPID STUPID!! He thought to himself. He had not counted on that. Now Misao was on her way to tell Okina. OKINA!! Kenshin jumped up and quickly left the room trying to beat Miaso to their grandfather.
When he finally reached her she was already in the main dinning room with Okina. She smiled sweetly at him as he entered. He knew that something was amiss. Had she already told Okina?
"Kenshin!" Said Okina sternly.
Kenshin looked back to Misao who seemed to be paying attention to some imaginary string on her dark blue Kimono.
She did not tell Okina, did she? He asked himself.
Misao turned to him and smiled sweetly again.
"Kenshin! I am very angry with you right now!" Okina said as his eyes narrowed on Kenshin.
She did, thought Kenshin.
"I am so sorry Okina. I didn't know that she was untouched. Actually, I did know that she was untouched, but I couldn't help myself. I took a job and well, she was part of the job. No, actually she was the job. I am usually very careful at things of this nature."
Okina looked confused as Kenshin continued to talk.
"What are you talking about?" Okina asked.
Kenshin stopped talking and glanced at Okina. It was plain that the man had no ideal what Kenshin was talking about. He glanced back at Misao who had her hand covering her mouth as her eyes danced with laughter. It was clear that he had assumed that she had told Okina about Kaoru and his relationship. And of course when you assume, you make a fool out of yourself. Which Kenshin no doubt had done.
He wanted to strangle his sister and Aoshi. If two people ever belonged together he was sure that it was his sister and Aoshi.
"What were you talking about sir?" Asked Kenshin of Okina.
"Misao said that you planned to leave tomorrow after the festival, is this true?"
Kenshin looked dumbfounded at Okina. "No sir. I was planning on staying as long as I could. I need to think and find out who is setting me up before I can continue."
Okina smiled brightly then. "Good!! When you're around, the young women usually flock here and I have been in need of some company as of late. Aoshi scares most of the girls to death with that cold stare of his and Misao threatens anyone who comes close to him so we don't receive that much company from the fairer sex. Although I guess I will have to get use to that ending as well since you will be marrying soon. Hey! What was all that you were mumbling about earlier?"
"Nothing sir. Nothing," Kenshin said hastily as he bowed backing out of the room. "I will see you tonight at the celebration." Kenshin spared one last look at his sister and left the room. He had to find Kaoru. He was sure that she was staying in one of the guess rooms. With her on his mind, he left heading for her quarters.
Whew. That was a lot! Hope you enjoy.
Shady (
Sister and Brothers
Kaoru was scared literally shitless when she ran into the huge fat man that was blocking her path. She had been galloping away on the dirt road for what seemed to be only a few minutes. She silently prayed that Kenshin was alright as she continued to lead the horse along the narrow dirt path. She had turned her head to glance behind her to see if Kenshin was following as he said he would. That's when she had run smack into the huge fat man. He easily grabbed the horse and picked her up off of it and gently placed her on the ground in front of him.
She wasn't aware that her mouth was gapping open until he used the tip of his huge fat finger to close her mouth for her. She swallowed hard trying to wet her dry throat and choked.
"Damn Hyottoko!" Said another voice behind her. She was so shocked by the hugeness of the man in front of her that her mind had not registered that there was another man behind her.
"Don't scare her half to death. Kenshin will have our heads if we hurt her in any way. She must be special too. Lord Kenshin has never brought a woman to the village before. Misao will be more than happy."
It finally occurred to Kaoru that these men did not mean her any harm as she heard their conversation. She cautiously turned around to see a small man behind her who looked somewhat like a toad to her. He smiled a comforting smile at her which caused her to relax somewhat.
"We do apologize my lady," he said as he blushed in return to her smile.
He raised his hand to scratch behind his neck as he fidgeted under her glaze. "I guess we are not used to being gentle."
"Yeah!" Said the huge man in front of her. "We apologize."
Kaoru swallowed once again, testing her throat before she spoke. "I accept your apologies. I guess I am not used to seeing men.of your amazing statue," she said politely to the huge man.
"It's ok. I almost forgot to introduce ourselves," he said.
"My name is Hyottoko and the little runt behind you is called Beshimi. We are of the Oniwabanshuu. Lord Aoshi Shinomori is our leader." Both men bowed slightly to Kaoru.
Beshimi helped her back onto her feet. "Thank you once again. My name is Kaoru Kamiya," she said as she bowed in return.
Her shock was slowly ebbing away. She still wanted to know if Kenshin was ok.
"Come, we will take you back to our village. Lord Kenshin will be joining us momentarily," Hyottoko said.
Kaoru was placed back on her horse by Hyottoko and was lead through the surrounding forest. They had turned so many different ways when they entered the forest that Kaoru was sure that she would not be able to find her way back to the main road if she tried. Soon she saw a clearing up ahead after they had spent twenty minutes weaving through the lush forest. Kaoru came upon a huge village will rows and rows of homes and off in the distance there stood a huge mansion some four miles from the village. She wondered who lived in such an extravagant home.
As she was lead through the village Hyottoko and Beshimi were happily greeted by passenger bys. Kaoru smiled to each one in return who bowed to her as well.
"What is this village called?" She asked both of them.
Hyottoko answered. "This village is called Little Kyoto. We are some miles away from the city of Kyoto."
Kaoru nodded her thanks and understanding and continued to look around.
Beshimi exchanged looks with Hyottoko while she was preoccupied with staring at the Huge mansion before them.
Beshimi silently wondered to himself if Hyottoko should have told the young lady where their village was located. It was true that she was the first woman ever that Lord Himura had brought to the village but still he did not know if they could fully trust her as of yet. He felt as if she were truly harmless to them, but still looks could be deceiving. He thought of one in particular and shivered.
As if his thoughts were being brought into reality, the person that he was just thinking of appeared before them.
A beautiful young woman wearing a dark royal blue kimono with cherry blossoms patterns appeared in front of the horse causing them all to stop. They all stared at the woman who had stopped them.
"Hi ya boys! I heard that there was going to be a huge celebration at the mansion tonight. Am I to take it that Lord Hunny bunny Kenshin has arrived home?"
Hunny Bunny? Thought Kaoru as she stared at the beautiful young woman in front of her. Was this woman Kenshin's girlfri-. She could not allow herself to think it. The possibility of her being so hurt her so much that she felt tears appear in her eyes. She quickly wiped them away and tried to think of something else. Anything but that. The woman smiled coyly at both Hyottoko and Beshimi. Then her eyes rested on Kaoru. Very briefly a look of anger and resentment passed through her eyes before she turned on her smile and charm 100%.Beshimi and Hyottoko struggled a little as if they were unaffected by her.
"Well?" She asked again. "Aren't you going to answer me?
Both men pretended to be extremely interested in the ground at that moment. Kaoru thought this to be strange.
The woman tapped her foot in anticipation of their reply, so when one did not come, she screamed to the top of her lungs. She scared Kaoru so bad that she almost fell off her horse. Beshimi and Hyottoko seemed unaffected by her as if they had been bracing themselves for her tantrum.
"OK. That's fine. So don't tell me. I'll just be there tonight so that I may see him for myself." With that said she turned around on her heel and seductively walked away.
"Whew!" said both men.
"That was close. Let's hurry and make it the mansion before we have to deal with another run in with you know who," Beshimi said.
Hyottoko nodded in agreement and they all proceeded to the castle.
Kaoru wanted to ask who the woman was but decided not to. She was sure that she would find out eventually. However, she did ask who the mansion belonged to.
"Who owns the mansion up ahead?"
"Lord Kenshin," was the reply that she received from Hyottoko as they proceeded towards the village.
Kenshin owned the huge mansion before them? She was completely shocked. Wow! He must be loaded she thought. The way in which he made his money put a damper on Kaoru's mood. What kind of life could she have with an assassin? It was wrong to kill people regardless of how many reasons you deemed it right. When she saw Kenshin, she would have to have a long talk with him-regardless of how much he intimidated her. She had questions that she should have demanded an answer to before hand. Now was not the time for her emotions to get in the way. She would demand that he tell her what was going on.
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As Kenshin followed Aoshi to the back entrance to the mansion, he tried to focus on who was behind the plan to set him up. But as much as he tried to think, his mind kept wondering back to Kaoru. If Beshimi and Hyottoko had frightened her or harmed her in any way they would pay for it BIG TIME. Wait a sec, what the hell was wrong with him? He shouldn't care if she was frightened or not. He absentmindedly found himself wondering how she would like his home. Just as he was pondering that thought, he was kicked in the head which sent him to the ground. Kenshin was completely and totally unawares since his guard was not up. The cause of his apparent unguarded- ness being Kaoru.
Aoshi looked down to see Kenshin sprawled down on the ground with swirls in his eyes and sighed. He had noticed Misao's approach the moment that had entered the mansion. Obviously Kenshin had not. He did not know if it was a good or bad thing that the man's mind seemed to be occupied with the woman that he had brought to the village.
"That's for leaving and not saying goodbye as well as making me worry!!!!" Screamed an irate young woman wearing a dark blue ninja outfit.
"I'm sorry Misao! Please forgive me." Said Kenshin as his eyes continued to swirl.
"Well, just don't let it happen again!" She said angrily. Her demeanor quickly changed to one of pure happiness as she pulled her brother up from the ground and hugged him fiercely. Kenshin returned the hug and smiled. He loved his sister dearly, more than anything else in the world and he would die to make sure that she and Kaoru were always safe.
HUH! He thought. Kaoru safe? He would die?
He was once again brought out of his thoughts with a hard punch to face by an angry Misao.
"YOUR NOT EVEN LISTENING TO ME!!!" She said.
"Misao, I am sorry," Kenshin apologized hastily.
"That's ok," she said again cheerfully. "Did you bring me something?"
Talk about split personalities, he thought as he regarded his sister.
Kenshin was just about to answer her when Aoshi answered for him.
"He sure did Misao. He brought you a sister."
Kenshin felt his blood start to boil at that comment. He was going to get Aoshi for that.
" A sister!!" Miaso beamed. Then her eyes started to get glassy as she stared at her brother. "I knew that this day would come. I just knew it. Finally you have decided to settle down and stop your sword wielding assassin ways. Thank Buddha for this wonderful day!!"
"Now, now hold on Misao!" Kenshin stated nervously to his sister.
It's not like that. Miss Kaoru and I are just acquaintances, nothing more."
Kaoru looked blankly at him. "Just acquaintances! You have never brought a woman here before. Now when you do bring one, I'm to think that she is just an acquaintance. Really Kenshin, who do you think I am? I can see right through you. I know that this woman is more than just an acquaintance. Where is she?" Said Misao hastily looking around.
"She's with Beshimi and Hyottoko" said Aoshi.
"With those two buffoons! I'll go and save the poor woman," with that said she hastily disappeared.
"Aoshi."
"Kenshin."
"I owe you one."
"I know."
******* ******* ******* ******* ******* ******* ******* ******* *******
Misao quickly found Beshimi and Hyottoko with Kenshin's lady friend in tow riding a horse. Misao quickly closed the gap between them as she left the front porch of the mansion and greeted them cheerfully.
"OH, hi Miss Misao!" The two men both said in unison.
"Hi guys! I hope that you have been treating our guest appropriately." Misao smiled at the young woman who smiled in return. She's pretty, thought Misao silently to herself. Now to see what her personality is like. I can't have my big brother marrying just anybody.
Kaoru smiled at the young woman. She wondered who she was and what her relation to Kenshin was. Had she not heard her name before?
"Well guys, help her down."
Kaoru was helped down from the horse by Hyottoko and bowed to Misao who bowed in return.
"My name is Misao and I am Kenshin's sister. Welcome to our home."
Kenshin's sister?!! Kaoru was surprised. And here she was starting to get jealous of the young woman.
"Thank you. My name is Kaoru."
"Tell me Kaoru, what do you think of my brother?" Misao asked. Her voice held no type of emotion and her face remained expressionless.
Kaoru pondered the young woman's question. "On the outside he appears to be coldhearted, but I think that once he lets you in, you'll find out that he's actually quite sweet. Sometimes he's makes me so mad that I want to literally ring his neck, and other times." Kaoru then began to blush fiercely as she recalled the pleasure that she received while in his arms. "I'm sorry, you asked me what I think about him and here I am rambling on."
Misao smiled slightly. She knew something was special about this woman who her brother had brought to their home. Now to get him to admit that she was special to him. It was obvious at the huge blushes that the woman was having that she and Kenshin had already shared some intimate moments. And she liked Kaoru's answer to her question about her brother.
The girl then quickly looped her arm with Kaoru's and pulled her towards the mansion laughing merrily.
Kaoru was surprised by the girl's actions as she tried to hurry her steps to match Miaso's.
"Kaoru, you and I are going to get along just fine. You don't know how long I have longed for a sister. I am so glad that Kenshin has finally decided to settle down."
"Sister? Settle down?"
Misao stopped at the woman's confused questions.
"Yes. Your first woman that my brother has ever brought home. Our grandfather is going to be so happy. I can't wait to introduce you!"
"Grandfather?" Kaoru asked. Things were happening a little too fast for her. She couldn't meet his grandfather as she was now. She was sure that Kenshin did not see her as the marrying type. He told her that she was to be his to do with as he pleased. He saw her merely as a possession. His sister was totally misconstruing the situation. Kaoru would have to tell the young woman what her relationship to Kenshin consisted of. But how would she be able to tell her with out becoming completely mortified?
Misao saw a display of emotions cross the young woman's features. Misao gently squeezed Karou's hand for reassurance.
"It's ok. We won't bite. I promise. And if you are worried about my brother. Don't be. I'll set him straight. Tonight we are having a huge celebration in honor of his arrival back home. We will give you a nice hot bath, new clothes and then we will do your hair. You're going to look so beautiful tonight! Kenshin won't be able to take his eyes off of you."
Kaoru smiled at the young girl's enthusiasm.
"Kaoru, I do believe that we are going to be the best of friends and even greater sisters."
"I hope so Misao. I hope so."
******* ******* ******** ******* ******** ********* ******** ********* *********
Kaoru sat down on the floor as Misao played with her hair. The young woman rearranged her hair in numerous styles before she finally settled with tying her raven locks with a dark blue silk ribbon in a ponytail. Kaoru had only spent a little over four hours with Kenshin's sister and she liked her immensely. Misao and she had taken a warm bath with scented oils and then they had sat and ate an early snack and talked about Kenshin and a man that Misao was in love with named Aoshi. Misao had then given Kaoru a lovely light blue silk kimono with dark blue flowers in it.
"Thanks Misao," said Kaoru as she admired herself in the mirror.
"You're welcome Kaoru. Aren't you excited?"
Excited wasn't the word. More like terrified. She was going to meet Kenshin's grandfather as well as Kenshin. She had not seen him since earlier this morning and now the sun was starting to set. Butterflies filled her stomach in anticipation. She had to tell Misao what Kenshin and her relationship consisted of, but the young woman was so happy. She didn't want to spoil that.
"Misao?"
"Yes Kaoru?" Asked Misao in concern. Kaoru's voice had changed somewhat and her shoulders had slumped as Misao sat behind her facing the mirror.
"I.I."
"Yes, Kaoru?"
"I.I'm," and then she burst into the tears.
Misao panicked. Wondering what she could have done to make the young woman cry. Misao turned a distraught Kaoru around and tried to comfort her. Kaoru fell into Misao's embrace and cried harder.
"Kaoru, what's wrong? Did I say or do something to upset you?"
"Ken.Kenshin."
"Kenshin? Kenshin has upset you," she stated angrily.
She felt Kaoru shake her head. Misao waited until the young woman continued. After she had clamed down somewhat, Kaoru shakily replied.
"Kenshin is going to kill me."
Misao was greatly confused. Her brother would never harm a woman. "Why would Kenshin want to kill you?"
"Be.because I have deceived you. I am not going to be your sister Misao."
"Why not?"
Kaoru pulled back from Misao to look the woman in her eyes.
"Because I am a Kenshin's sex slave," and then Kaoru cried even harder.
Misao was taken aback. Surly she had not heard that.
"HIS WHAT??!!!" She exclaimed.
"Please don't make me say it again. I am already embarrassed," Kaoru said.
Misao was fuming. Her brother had made Kaoru his sex slave! Surly there must be some mistake, some misunderstanding. She knew many geisha girls as well as other bold women who bragged about their sexual prowess and Kaoru was neither. How could her brother have done such a thing?
"Kaoru, before you met my brother, were you untouched?"
"Yes," she cried.
Misao was even madder. She would confront her brother immediately.
"Miss Kaoru, if you will excuse me. I need to talk to my brother," said Misao as she forced each syllable from her mouth.
"NO!" screamed Kaoru. "You can't. Then he will know that I told you."
Misao looked at the girl and saw that she was really scared.
"Surly you are not afraid of my brother? Wasn't it you who stated that he was really a softie on the inside?"
Kaoru recoiled a bit. She did say that didn't she? Some of the things that he had done for her were considered sweet, but her mind kept remembering those times that he looked at her as if he were going to kill her. And the time that he had punished her. She shivered with remembrance.
"It will be alright. Once I get some answers from him, I promise."
With that said, Miaso left the room in search of her brother leaving a confused Kaoru to ponder her thoughts.
******* ******* ******* ******* ******** ******** ******** ******** ******** *********
Kenshin sat in his room on his futon silently contemplating what had transpired that day. Someone was setting him up and he had to find out fast. He was sure that was the reason why Saitou had approached him. Although he and the man had never been on good terms, they still held some ounces of respect for one another. Saitou had warned him. Kenshin still knew that someone had been watching him, but for how long? He was so preoccupied with Kaoru that he had let his guard down somewhat. He had let it down again while walking to the mansion. That was not good. He would have to concentrate more.
Kenshin had met with his grandfather after Miaso had dropped kicked him. Okina, former leader of the Oniwabanshuu had greeted his son with open arms. Aoshi was the new leader of the group. Kenshin had turned the title down and had chosen as a young boy to study the Hiten Mitsurugi Ryuu style of fighting when he saw his master in a fight one day. Every since then his master had taken him on and trained him. Kenshin had left his master's tutelage to go fight in the samurai wars and had not seen his master since.
Okina and he had talked about what had transpired with Masayo and the two warriors that he had killed on the island. His island had been a secret up until that point. Now it seemed as if everyone knew about his favorite hiding place. Kenshin had left Okina to go find Kaoru when Aoshi had informed him that Misao had taken her to take a bath and to get ready for the upcoming celebration. Kenshin signed and went to take a bath of his own.
His mind kept wondering back to Kaoru no matter how hard he tried to concentrate on other matters. His grandfather had already heard the news before he reached him.
"Son, you have truly made an old man happy today. I was wondering when you were going to settle down. I was hoping that I would be alive to see it and by the grace of Buddha I am!"
Kenshin stared blankly at Okina and then he averted his narrow glaze to Aoshi who was smiling slightly.
Okina grabbed Kenshin and hugged his grandson immensely. "I am so proud of you!!! I can't wait to meet the young woman. I hear that she is very beautiful."
Kenshin felt his blood start to rise again. He was heated. Everyone in the village no doubt knew that he had brought Kaoru here. He would have to be on extra guard tonight. What if the man responsible for setting him up was in the village? Kenshin also had no intention of announcing Kaoru as his betrothed. Did he? The whole situation was so confusing he needed to do something to clear his head. After he and Okina had changed the subject to more serious matters he had left an hour later.
Now here he was, back in his room. Contemplating whether or not he should go and seek Kaoru out before the celebration. She must be just as confused as he was. He had stated to her that she was nothing more than a tool for his pleasure. He was sure that Misao had filled her head up with promises of becoming her sister. To be truthful Kenshin really did not know how he felt about that. Before he could ponder further, Misao had pulled back his door and dropped kicked him to the ground.
"Misao, what did I do wrong now?" He asked as he lay swirly eyed on the floor.
"That's for what you did to Kaoru!! I can't believe you Kenshin!! Treating that poor girl like she was some type of SEX SLAVE!! You have sunk lower than lower! YOU DIRT BAG!!! You should be ashamed of yourself!!! Wait until I tell Grandfather!!!" With that said, Misao left the room.
WHAT!! Thought Kenshin as he tried to regain his posture. What the hell was Misao shouting about this time? Sex slave? SEX SLAVE!! That's right, he had made it seem like Kaoru was only going to be his sex slave. She must have told Misao! STUPID STUPID!! He thought to himself. He had not counted on that. Now Misao was on her way to tell Okina. OKINA!! Kenshin jumped up and quickly left the room trying to beat Miaso to their grandfather.
When he finally reached her she was already in the main dinning room with Okina. She smiled sweetly at him as he entered. He knew that something was amiss. Had she already told Okina?
"Kenshin!" Said Okina sternly.
Kenshin looked back to Misao who seemed to be paying attention to some imaginary string on her dark blue Kimono.
She did not tell Okina, did she? He asked himself.
Misao turned to him and smiled sweetly again.
"Kenshin! I am very angry with you right now!" Okina said as his eyes narrowed on Kenshin.
She did, thought Kenshin.
"I am so sorry Okina. I didn't know that she was untouched. Actually, I did know that she was untouched, but I couldn't help myself. I took a job and well, she was part of the job. No, actually she was the job. I am usually very careful at things of this nature."
Okina looked confused as Kenshin continued to talk.
"What are you talking about?" Okina asked.
Kenshin stopped talking and glanced at Okina. It was plain that the man had no ideal what Kenshin was talking about. He glanced back at Misao who had her hand covering her mouth as her eyes danced with laughter. It was clear that he had assumed that she had told Okina about Kaoru and his relationship. And of course when you assume, you make a fool out of yourself. Which Kenshin no doubt had done.
He wanted to strangle his sister and Aoshi. If two people ever belonged together he was sure that it was his sister and Aoshi.
"What were you talking about sir?" Asked Kenshin of Okina.
"Misao said that you planned to leave tomorrow after the festival, is this true?"
Kenshin looked dumbfounded at Okina. "No sir. I was planning on staying as long as I could. I need to think and find out who is setting me up before I can continue."
Okina smiled brightly then. "Good!! When you're around, the young women usually flock here and I have been in need of some company as of late. Aoshi scares most of the girls to death with that cold stare of his and Misao threatens anyone who comes close to him so we don't receive that much company from the fairer sex. Although I guess I will have to get use to that ending as well since you will be marrying soon. Hey! What was all that you were mumbling about earlier?"
"Nothing sir. Nothing," Kenshin said hastily as he bowed backing out of the room. "I will see you tonight at the celebration." Kenshin spared one last look at his sister and left the room. He had to find Kaoru. He was sure that she was staying in one of the guess rooms. With her on his mind, he left heading for her quarters.
Whew. That was a lot! Hope you enjoy.
Shady (