[insert excuses here] All I can say is gomen, minna. And here it is: the long-overdue Chapter 12. Sorry if it seems a bit…choppy and incoherent.
On a much-appreciated side note: Kudos for the reviews!
Comments: Lady_Tsunami@hotmail.com
Disclaimer: As far as I know, Rurouni Kenshin is no closer to
being mine than all of Japan. All I claim is this story and its plot.
Desert Rose
By Lady Calliope
Chapter Twelve: Crimson Moon
"Kaoru, as a doctor and your friend I must remind you: if you don't remember to breathe once in a while, you'll faint in front of everyone."
Although this suggestion was not completely ignored, it was not really taken to heart, either. The young woman in question was still gripping the balcony railing with white knuckles, and her face very nearly matched the pale shade of the full moon that dominated the desert sky. This was the night she had been anxiously anticipating for weeks now, but now that it was finally here, she wished more than anything that she was as far away from Sumaktra as possible. It wasn't the fact that she, along with Megumi, would be spotlighted as guests of honor; it wasn't the fact that she was wearing a dress that would have made an army about-face. It was the people that she was terrified of, or more specifically, one person in particular.
She wasn't nervous about seeing Kenshin in the sense that she didn't know how he felt about her. Oh no, her anxiety stemmed from a much more complicated problem: she had not the slightest clue as to how to proceed with this man that she was so obviously taken with. She had feelings for him, that was certainly true, but it seemed that for every positive reason she imagined to pursue this relationship there was a negative to counterbalance it. Everything about him intrigued her; he possessed an air of danger and secrets, and yet she felt so safe and warm whenever he was around. She found his tendency to fumble for coherent thoughts whenever she was near him to be quite endearing. But there was still one problem that seriously caused her to falter.
Kenshin was Battousai, the most wanted criminal in the kingdom. And outlaws do not make very good suitors for those of noble blood.
Oh, listen to yourself, Kaoru! You sound as petty as those nitwits in the Court, she chastised herself. It had been two weeks since the incident in the garden, and aside from the polite small talk required at meals, she and Kenshin had barely spoken to one another. Perhaps that was the cause of her trepidation; a rift had come between them that was rapidly turning into an insurmountable chasm, one that would be impossible to pass if she did not act quickly. But then, how exactly does one go about befriending a criminal?
"You know, you really shouldn't be so nervous, Kaoru," Megumi reassured her. "You look absolutely stunning; Kenshin would be crazy not to fall for you."
She smiled at her friend's attempts to calm her. If only you knew, Megumi. "Honestly, I put on a dress and you start treating me like I'm a delicate flower or something. Besides, what makes you think I have any desire or need of that man's adoration?"
"I'm guarded, not blind, Karou. I know how you feel about him. But how do you expect to win him if you're unconscious from lack of oxygen, hm?" she quipped, smirking.
Kaoru laughed for the first time in what seemed like ages. "You're right, I shouldn't worry about tonight. Besides, you'll be there to catch me if I do pass out."
"Aren't I always?"
Smiling, the two women made their final preparations and began making their way towards the dining hall. The banquet had started a good half an hour ago, but they must be fashionably late, of course. The entire trip was made in a comfortable, understanding silence. However, when the massive entrance of the hall came into view, Kaoru turned to her friend. "Megumi, can I ask you something?"
"Certainly."
"What do you think of Kenshin? I mean, he's a good man, right?"
Halting her stride, the doctor sighed affectionately before addressing her. Really, I've never known anyone so unsure of themselves, she thought warmly. "Kaoru, listen to me, because I will only say this once."
The young woman's gaze was rapt and attentive of her friend.
"If there's one thing I trust you with, it is your judge of character. I've seen you find the good in the lowliest of people. You took a chance on me, a former drug dealer, didn't you? If you truly love him like I know you do, then what I think does not matter. I believe in you."
With no further response, Megumi winked and resumed her path towards the banquet. I guess she's…wait! "Hey, Megumi, who said anything about lo…!"
But the doctor had disappeared through the entrance to the dining hall.
"Just what does she think she's insinuating?" Kaoru muttered. Oh well, she's right, like always. Battousai or not, Kenshin is a kind and caring person, and that's all that matters to me.
Taking a deep breath, she moved to the archway and closed her eyes before the looming structure. Here we go.
The guards held aside the velvety curtain, and she stepped over the threshold.
*-*-*-*-*-*-
Things were going perfectly. The food was excellent, the music intoxicating, the drink overflowing, and all the guests accounted for. Well, all of them except for two.
Where are those girls?! Kuso, why is it women can never be punctual when you need them to be! Sano cursed mentally, all the while maintaining a cool exterior and greeting his guests and fellow dignitaries. Kenshin, of course, was quickly approaching a frantic state of mind due to Kaoru's absence, and his mind was undoubtedly concocting the worst of scenarios. "Hey, Kenshin."
"Yes, Sano?" the redhead answered, his eyes remaining on the throngs of people, constantly scanning them for one face in particular.
"This is a banquet, not a funeral. At least try to be a little more cheerful. You'll have the Nihamran delegates thinking we've got no sense of fun," the emperor advised.
Kenshin scowled. "I am cheerful, can't you tell?"
The sovereign sighed and shook his head. "If this is you cheerful, remind me never to be around when you're angry."
"I'll have you know…" the bandit started, then stopped. Curious, Sanosuke followed the direction of his friend's gaze and smiled when his eyes came to rest on a pleasing sight. She's finally arrived.
Kaoru spotted the two of them almost immediately and slowly made her way towards them. Suddenly, Kenshin's feet felt rooted to the spot and his mouth went dry, all thoughts fleeing his mind and leaving him in a state of awe.
She was ethereal.
Her dark, ebony hair was pulled back in her customary ponytail, but in place of her usual small tie was a long, silky crimson ribbon trailing freely behind her. She was wearing a two-piece outfit a shade deeper than her ribbon, the top of which revealed her shoulders and half her back but was long sleeved and came to two points on top of her wrists. The skirt portion was long with a side-slit up to the knee, revealing just enough of her legs to make the mind wonder what the rest looked like. Flowing around her was a thin piece of translucent cloth the same color as the adornment in her hair, tied around both her wrists. She wore a veil of the same material over her face, covering her nose and everything below it.
She was the picture of a desert rose itself.
Kenshin silently thanked the gods that Sano was there with him to greet her as he had still not recovered the power of speech just yet.
"Well, Jou-chan, who ever would have guessed you shined up this nicely? I see you opted not to wear your practice clothes. Seriously, though, you look wonderful," he whispered as he pulled her into a brotherly embrace.
When the two parted, her eyes turned to the redhead standing behind the emperor. "Kenshin, it's wonderful to see you. I'm so happy you could attend." The control in her voice shocked her; she was definitely not feeling as calm as she sounded.
"K…Miss Kaoru," he fumbled, blushing slightly. Gods, he needed to pull himself together if he hoped to gain anything out of tonight!
"Jou-chan, is Megumi here yet?" Sanosuke queried, attempting to cover for his speechless friend. When she nodded affirmatively, he announced, "Well, I'm off to find her, then," and promptly spun on his heels, heading towards the direction Kaoru had indicated.
The raven-haired young woman could sense an awkward silence approaching. However, she'd be damned if her nerves were going to ruin her chance to make this an enjoyable evening. "Kenshin, would you like to dance?" she blurted out. She immediately regretted it; dancing was not exactly her forte and the last thing she wanted was to embarrass Kenshin!
The bandit, however, smiled. He may not have been talented at many imperial things, but dancing was not one of his weak points. With surprising smoothness, he guided her out into the multitude of couples just as the musicians took up another song.
Before long, all previous discomfiture had been forgotten as the two became one with the music.
*-*-*-*-*-*-
In the shadows of the palace hallways, a small figure darted in and out of the darkness. Tonight would be a night of sweet revenge, the night she had been waiting for, for so long now…
All she had to do was bide her time. And after years of practiced patience, what were a few more hours?
Her smile was cold and dead.
*-*-*-*-*-*-
Time flew by as quickly as the sands in the wind. They had been dancing for hours yet it seemed like mere minutes. Neither could remember the last time they had felt this happy or had such fun as this. The doubts she had previously been harboring regarding her mysterious partner were all quite dispelled. There was no more reservation in her heart.
Suddenly, a tap on her shoulder interrupted their dreamlike world. Pulled back to reality, Kaoru turned to face the guard that had addressed her. "Yes?" she inquired politely.
"Forgive my intrusion, Miss Kaoru, but the emperor desires a word with you. If you could please follow me."
Bewildered, she turned to Kenshin. Seeing he was just as baffled as she, her eyes scanned the room to see if she could pick out her royal friend. It had been a while she had last seen him…
"I'll return shortly, Kenshin," she promised, releasing his arm and following the guard as he weaved his way through the crowd and out of the dining hall.
As soon as she disappeared from sight through the curtained entrance, the marauder sensed something was amiss. What could be so important that Sanosuke simply had to speak with her during the banquet, at that moment? Something just wasn't right…
I think living as an outlaw has made me overly zealous when it comes to sensing danger, he reasoned. Knowing him, he's probably just checking to see how things are going so he can play matchmaker…Yes, that's it.
But try as he might, he could not shake the sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach.
*-*-*-*-*-*-
"Now, Sano, what did you want to see me…"
Kaoru jumped as the guard slammed the door behind her, locking her in. Immediately sensing danger, she took a defensive pose and remained still. The room was completely dark but for the pale moonlight streaming in from the balcony through the drawn curtains, illuminating a small area of the room. She glanced furtively about, desperately willing her eyes to adjust to the dim light. Suddenly, she heard a movement to her left and caught a flash of steel in the waning luminosity.
Not hesitating for a second, she ducked and dove in the direction of the sound, barely able to discern the faint outline of a man in the dark. She connected only with cold stone, but as she attempted to stand something monstrously heavy was thrown on top of her, pushing her back to the ground. Something monstrously heavy…and wet.
Heart pounding, she scarcely detected the sound of retreating footsteps and the clatter of steel as she pushed the cumbersome object off of her. Groping around for the sword she knew was nearby, she rose as her now sticky, warm hand clasped the handle, desperate to arm herself against the dead fear coursing through her body. Slowly, she made her way to the balcony archway, throwing back the curtains completely so the room was fully illuminated.
The dead fear transfigured into panic.
Lying on the floor where she had been laying was the body of the Nihamran prince. As she slowly began to comprehend the sight before her, she tentatively glanced at the rest of the room. Three other Nihamran delegates were lying, slaughtered, scattered about the room. Deep gashes ran across each victim's chest, blood pooling around the spots where they lay. Assassinated. It slowly dawned on her; but, if this was indeed an assassination, why was it done so messily? Unless…
She didn't have time to scream before the door was flung wide open, blinding her with light from the hallway.
*-*-*-*-*-*-
It had been ten minutes, far too long for his comfort. Whatever Sanosuke wanted to say to her did not require this much time…
Suddenly, Kenshin caught a glimpse of a spiked head across the dining hall, and fear began to rise in his throat. No, no, that can't be him. He's out somewhere talking with Kaoru…
His fervent denial did him no good as he appraoched the figure. He sprinted the remaining distance to his friend.
"Sano! Sano, why are you here?! You're not…you're supposed to be in… talking with Kaoru…!"
Puzzled, the emperor gave him a blank look. "Kenshin, what are you raving about? I've been here the whole time. You know I never leave my guests."
Shit! he cursed himself. If Sano's here, then that means Kaoru…
The bandit didn't even finish his thought before running through the curtains and taking off in a random direction, praying that she had followed the same course.
Please, not again…*-*-*-*-*-*-
Through the brilliance, she could distinguish the faint figures of several persons standing in the doorway. Her heart was thumping wildly in her chest, panic giving way to absolute terror.
"Stop right there! Someone get the emperor!"
She released the sword from her cold fingers, the sound of it clattering against the hard stone floor doing little to shake her from her petrified state.
"Tell his highness that the prince and delegates have all been assassinated!"
No! NO! It wasn't me! She wanted to scream, but the words wouldn't come out. Covered in the blood of the victims, she began to tremble with fear as she slumped to her knees. The palace guards began advancing on her.
It was all too perfect.
At that moment, reason fled and instinct took over. In one swift motion, she picked up the fallen weapon and charged the guards before her, fighting for her life but being careful not to inflict any fatal wounds. She didn't need any more accusations added to her repertoire. Within minutes, five unconscious bodies fell to the ground. Not wasting a second, she threw the sword down and tore from the room, running as fast as her shaky legs could carry her.
She hadn't gotten very far when she felt a sharp pain, a prick, at the back of her neck. Almost immediately, the shapes around her began to shift and lose their definition as her vision blurred. Stumbling, she reached a hand up to her neck and withdrew a dart of some kind from her skin. She began losing control of her body as she slowed and staggered, collapsing in a bloodstained heap.
*-*-*-*-*-*-
Kenshin never slowed his pace as he sprinted frantically down the winding hallways of the palace. There was no telling what direction she might have gone, and the palace had far too many corridors on this floor for him to be able to search them all! Suddenly, he heard the sound of shouting guards and heavy footsteps. Halting immediately, he spun around and headed in the direction of the noise.
He came to the spot just in time to see Kaoru run out of a side room, sprinting like she had a demon on her heels. Speeding up, he took off after her and was about to call her name when something shiny flying through the air caught his eye. Almost immediately after, Kaoru began to slow and trip until she fell to the floor, unconscious. The sound of reinforcements was not far behind.
Cursing, he ran forward, scooped her up into his arms, and was about to flee when he noticed something small and metallic lying on the ground beside her. Grabbing the mysterious object, he cradled Kaoru to his chest and resumed his sprint. He turned left at the next corridor and made his way outside to the stables. Untying his horse, he secured one arm around her waist and used the other to haul them both onto the saddle with her unconscious body facing him, his arm securing her to his body. Pulling at the reigns, he pushed his steed as fast as it could go, clearing the palace gate before the guards could even enter the courtyard. He rode like a man possessed for a half an hour before he at last slowed to a steady gallop. Finally able to breathe again, he looked down at the woman resting against his chest.
"It looks like you and I are now equal in the eyes of the law," he whispered sadly, staring at her closed eyes. "But I won't let them do to you what they've done to me."
"I'll protect you with my life, Kaoru. I swear it."
*-*-*-*-*-*-
tbc…