The Art of Seduction: Chapter 2

Lesson II: To Beat the Weasel-girl

by Iridian

Disclaimer: I do not own Rurouni Kenshin, it belongs to Nobuhiro Watsuki-sama.

Kaoru awoke feeling incredibly comfortable and rested. She sat up, stretching, then turned to gaze out the window, the sun just beginning to rise.

"Did Kaoru-hime decide to get up now?" said a voice.

Kaoru spun, startled, when she discovered Kenshin leaning against the wall, his arms folded, regarding her curiously.

He has got to stop doing that…

"Ohayou, Himura-san," said Kaoru, getting out of the bed, then tidying the sheets up.

"Why are you doing that?" said Kenshin sharply.

Kaoru froze, hoping she hadn't done anything wrong. "Because…they are messy, and I was the one who caused it," she said, facing Kenshin.

Kenshin narrowed his eyes. What kind of princess fixes her own bedsheets?

"You are a princess…" said Kenshin, trailing off.

"Well…My father was angry at me for constantly making a mess everywhere I went, leaving the poor servants to clean up after me. So, one day, he made me clean up all of my messes, and from then on I've tried to be tidier and clean myself," explained Kaoru.

What a family…

Kenshin smiled slightly. "Let's go eat," he said. Before walking to the door, and looking expectantly at her.

She quickly followed, and took the hand that was proffered to her.

---

"Morning Missy! Sleep well?" greeted Sano loudly, a sly smirk on his face.

Kaoru colored, but merely shook her head and replied. "I did sleep well, Sano, through a very restful and uneventful night," she turned away from him to look at Aoshi. "Ohayou Shinomori-san."

"Ohayou Kamiya-dono," replied Aoshi.

They all sat down to eat, the silence pervading until Kaoru jumped up.

She gasped, clasping a hand over her mouth. "Kuso!"

The three turned to look at her, Sano chuckling lightly while Kenshin and Aoshi regarded her with an amused look on their faces.

"What is it?" said Kenshin.

"I forgot about Tsubame! I promised her I would come get her if I could…and look at me now, eating good food in a nice hotel and I haven't even tried to reach her!" moaned Kaoru, hitting herself repeatedly on her forehead.

Kenshin reached out and caught her hand. The sight of her hitting herself unsettled him. "It won't do for you to me mentally-damaged while you're married to me."

"Sano," said Kenshin.

"Hai," replied Sano.

"Go get Tsubame and bring her here. I expect you to be back by nightfall," said Kenshin.

"Ay ay, captain," said Sano, lifting his hand in mock-salute.

He turned and walked out of the room, calling for a servant to fetch him a horse.

"She'll be here before seven o'clock today."

"Kenshin?" said Kaoru.

"Hai."

"May I go out today?"

Kenshin paused, then nodded. "I will accompany you."

Kaoru sprang up happily, giving Kenshin a tight hug before running off to get ready.

Aoshi looked on, then opened his mouth to comment.

"Not a word," growled Kenshin, before getting up and following his fiancée.

Aoshi only continued smirking.

---

The two headed out into the marketplace, Kaoru practically skipping as she walked ahead of him.

Kenshin sighed. Kami-sama, for such a small woman she can move very quickly…and such endurance…I wonder why she wasn't able to keep up yesterday?

All of a sudden, a black and blue blur shot at him, knocking the wind out of him. He immediately recovered, his hand on his sword as his eyes glinted gold. Kaoru turned, wondering who was crazy enough to attack her fiancé, a tinge of worry shooting through her veins.

"Himura!" shouted a genki young girl.

Kenshin sighed audibly, then winced slightly, imagining Aoshi's reaction. "Misao." He acknowledged her curtly.

"Hey Himura, where's…" Misao trailed off as she realized that the tall noble looking lady was staring at her.

Misao growled at her. Kaoru merely looked skeptical, not at all intimidated by the small figure in front of her.

Misao whipped out her kunai, throwing five quickly, aiming for the woman. Kaoru noted the kunai flying at her, and with the agility that she had gained from her martial arts, quickly sidestepped them.

Kenshin's eyes had flared gold again when he had seen Misao reach for her kunai, grabbing her immediately.

"What the hell do you think you're doing, weasel-girl?" he snarled, "That is my fiancée."

Misao gulped, looking around for help.

"Uh…I didn't know?"

Kaoru sweatdropped at her pathetic defense, and she quickly spoke in defense of the girl.

"Stop Kenshin, I'm not hurt. She didn't know," said Kaoru.

Misao turned to gape at Kaoru, who looked supremely unruffled.

"I didn't get her?" she said, wondering how she could've missed.

"You better be damn grateful you didn't harm a hair on her body," snarled Kenshin.

Ok…this girl…Misao, attempts to attack me with kunai…obviously a ninja. She knows Kenshin…she is so familiar with him? He jumps to my defense…I have never seen him so…angry. He goes from ice to flame in a second…blazing gold to light lavender.

She is not harmed…that's good. Better for Misao than her anyway. How did she get out of the way? Misao is a skilled ninja, her aim is impeccable. This is something new…Why did it bother me so much though?

Shimatta! Thank Kami-sama that lady saved me…so, this is the famous fiancée, eh? Kamiya Kaoru. More than she looks if she dodged my kunai without even breaking a sweat. Oohh…Aoshi-sama, I've found you again!

Misao suddenly cackled, her voice resounding throughout the village. Small children cowered as their mothers quickly locked their doors.

In the hotel, Shinomori Aoshi groaned and buried his face in his hands before taking another swig of his tea as if it would help dull the forthcoming pain…

Misao walked up to Kaoru, her long braid swinging behind her, bowing her head.

"Hajimemashite, Kamiya-san. Watashi wa Makimachi Misao," said Misao, smiling jauntily at the girl she had so recently tried to impale. Misao managed a weak smile, "Goman nasai about the kunai, Kamiya-san. It was well meant."

Kaoru chuckled. "Well meant? I've never heard of anything with an edge being well meant. It was no problem, Makimachi-san, though you must work on your speed and stealth. I saw you reaching for your kunai a full two seconds before you threw them. Oh yes, call me Kaoru, please."

Misao growled, the insult of her skills infuriating the girl. "Here I am trying to be nice and you just go all sensei on me, huh?"

"I am a sensei, Misao-chan," replied Kaoru simply.

Kenshin merely watched on, amused and curious about his fiancée.

"I, Makimachi Misao, challenge you to a target competition," said Misao grandly, puffing herself up.

"If you like," said Kaoru, still smiling.

She turned to Kenshin, whose eyes had narrowed slightly. "There is no danger Kenshin-kun."

Misao whipped out ten kunai and tossed five to Kaoru, hoping to faze the young woman, who had only caught them with ease earned through practice.

Misao narrowed her eyes, and named a target. "That rabbit right there." She threw the kunai, hitting the rabbit dead on.

She turned to Kaoru triumphantly. Kaoru pointed to a bird that was even farther off. She threw the kunai with practiced grace, the bird falling dead to the ground.

Misao narrowed her eyes, opening her mouth to name another target.

"That is enough," cut in Kenshin, "Misao, you should know when to acknowledge defeat. Perhaps your training has done nothing for you?" He turned, Kaoru following, back to the hotel.

Misao huffed out a breath, but then smiled excitedly. Aoshi-sama is there! She skipped all the way up to them, trailing them happily back to the hotel.

---

When they reached the hotel, Misao immediately took off, trying to find her beloved 'Aoshi-sama'. Both Kaoru and Kenshin smirked, sensing that the tall ninja had effectively hidden his ki, and was now about three miles away in the middle of a forest, meditating.

The two sat down, Kaoru pouring tea for the both of them, enjoying the silence.

"Where did you learn martial arts?" asked Kenshin, breaking the silence.

Kaoru sipped her tea, then answered. "I've been training since I was born, Kenshin-kun. My father was once known as the Wolf of Mibu, and he had many enemies. To leave me defenseless was not an option. I've trained in katana, staff, kodachi, kunai, and basically every other weapon. I even learned how to used the bladed fan. He also taught me jujitsu and kenjutsu, just in case I was unarmed, which I am rarely."

Kenshin regarded her calmly. "Why did you not defend yourself back at the compound?"

"I am no fool. The three of you would overpower me in a second. The only reason I was so tired that day was that I had not been sleeping, and had been exhausted for over a month now," said Kaoru, bowing her head, then added quietly, "I would've had to sacrifice the lives of my father's soldiers. I would not have been able to protect them and myself."

Since she was born, huh? I shall have to test her.

Kenshin grinned, then said, "How would you like to spar with me?"

Kaoru smiled back, "I would love to."

---

Kaoru had gone up to her room to change into a more suitable outfit, donning a dark green gi and white hakama that she trained in.

Kenshin was in the training room, waiting for her, already clad in a dark blue gi and gray hakama.

"Choose your weapons."

Kaoru nodded, before making her way over to the weapons rack. She chose a set of lightweight kodachi, and slid a heavy twenty-blade metal fan onto a holder on her back. Several kunai she hid on her body, then she turned.

"I'm ready."

Kenshin's eyes gleamed gold.

"Come at me."

Kaoru's foot tapped once, taking off in a blur of green.

She moves with speed I have never seen before…well on someone other than me. She is skilled…

Kenshin whirled, blocking the kodachi that had been aimed at his back, the clang of metal deafening.

Kaoru flipped back, calculating her next move. Kenshin sprang, moving toward her with a battoujutsu stance that he was named after.

Kaoru blinked, awed at the perfection of his form, before gritting her teeth, whipping out her bladed fan and sheathing her kodachi to defend.

She managed to block, but was thrown backwards into a wall, but quickly recovered.

He's amazing…

Kenshin narrowed his eyes, then prepared for another attack. He lunged, only to be parried by Kaoru's fan, her maneuvering blocking his attacks. He smirked, not even breaking a sweat.

She executed a spinning back kick, aimed at his knees, but was caught. He flipped her over, placing his foot on her back.

"I think I won," he said calmly, allowing her to get up.

She bowed, acknowledging her defeat, her eyes lighting up. "Care to teach me, Himura-sensei?"

Kenshin chuckled. "You do not need training from me, I believe you're very capable yourself. Where did you learn to move like that?"

"My sensei, Seta Soujirou, was known for the Shukuchi, and taught me. Perhaps you're heard of him, the Tenken?" said Kaoru.

"You were taught by the Tenken?" said Kenshin, amazement in his voice.

"You were taught by Seijirou Hiko, that is far more impressive," said Kaoru.

Fathered by the Wolf of Mibu, taught by the Tenken…this woman is formidable…I like it.

"Tadaima!" came a loud voice.

"I believe Sano is back with your charge," said Kenshin casually.

Kaoru jumped up, running out of the room to find them.

"Tsubame-chan?"

"Kaoru-dono!" cried the little girl, leaping into Kaoru's arms.

"There's the chibi tanuki-chan," grumbled Sano.

"Did she give you trouble, Sanosuke?" said Kaoru, amused.

"She bit me! Not to mention nearly killed us both when she grabbed the horse's reins," said Sano indignantly, leaning up against the wall.

Tsubame winced, going over to Sano, her face apologetic. "Gomen nasai, Sagara-san. I didn't know if you were a nice man or not."

Sano merely grunted. Tsubame backed away, looking hurt. Sano looked up, his eyes defeated.

"Aww kid. Come here," said Sano. Tsubame lit up, giving Sano a hug, before jumping back.

"Kaoru-dono, Sagara-san, it's almost dinnertime. I'll go get some food and tea," said Tsubame walking towards the doorway.

She walked straight into Kenshin, who had just tried to enter the room.

Kaoru cleared her throat. "Tsubame-chan, this is my new fiancé, Lord Himura Kenshin."

Tsubame gazed up at Kenshin, her wide eyes taking in the man. She bowed in deference. "Hajimemashite Himura-dono. Watashi wa Atsuki Tsubame."

"Ohayou Tsubame-chan," said Kenshin, amused.

He moved to let her pass, and she quickly scurried away.

"Sano, this child caused you difficulty?" queried Kenshin, sitting down next to Kaoru.

"She was only a kid, I couldn't defend myself," said Sano.

Flashback

"Tori-atama no baka, where are you taking me?" screamed the girl.

"I'm taking you to your Kaoru-dono," said Sano impatiently, for the hundredth time.

"I don't believe you, you big ugly man! Put me down!"

"Listen kid, I don't care if you don't believe me. That's where I'm taking you," said Sano.

"If you hurt Kaoru-dono…I-I'll kick you," said Tsubame, stuttering.

"I didn't hurt Kaoru, ok kid? She's going to marry my lord, and she will be my mistress as well," explained Sano, softening at Tsubame's tough act.

"W-well…" Tsubame signed. If this man would take her to her mistress, then so be it.

"Hey kid, don't worry. I'm not going to hurt you, and you're going to be very happy when we get back home, ok?" said Sano gruffly.

Tsubame sniffled, and hugged Sano tightly before letting go and hitting him again.

"You could've told me before, you know," said Tsubame smartly.

Sano glared.

End Flashback

"Hey, is dinner ready?" said Misao, sitting down next to Kaoru.

"Weasel girl? Che, no wonder Aoshi isn't here," said Sano smirking.

"Hey tori-atama, keep your damn mouth shut!" said Misao, her face red.

"It might prove better for you health Sano, if you learned how to shut up," said Aoshi, sitting next to Sano.

"Aoshi-sama! I knew I would find you!" said Misao, her eyes starry.

"Dinner is here," announced Tsubame, followed by several servants who had rushed to do her bidding when she said she was Kaoru's handmaiden.

The servants filed in, serving dinner to the hungry crowd, oblivious to the man who was coming closer and closer, zeroing in on them while they ate…

I decided to release this chapter a little early, to assure you all that I am not going in the same direction as Scented Candles' story. Hope you all enjoy it!

Iri

Lady Vite and Leigh 4: I'm sorry about the similarities, I'm planning on changing them, but I haven't had much time to do anything about it. I assure you that I haven't read that story, (well, I have now) and I do not support plagerism, mainly because it's a really disgusting practice. Even though this was all accidental, I do plan on changing it. I have contacted Scented Candles, apologizing, and I hope you guys will see in this chapter that this is in no way going to be the same story as hers. I am honestly extremely new to the whole fanfiction thing and I really am so…Sorry…

Thanks to:

Gabyhyatt

Half-breed-demon-fox

Sims are awesome

Review!