Swords and Roses

Chapter 10: Just Your Imagination?

The evening went by quickly with Kaoru, Kenshin, and Hiko sharing a silent meal together. The only sounds to be heard was their chopsticks scrapping against their bowls and the faint sounds of the nighttime creatures. When they had finished Kaoru had left to retire for bed and Hiko dragged Kenshin out to do some make up training for skipping his lesson.

"One more time!" Hiko barked as he had Kenshin do an aerial drill again.

Trying hard to mask his exhaustion, Kenshin tittered slightly before performing the drill again as his master instructed. Hiko watched with dissecting eyes, taking in every movement Kenshin made. The fact that his body was practically covered in the blackness of the night meant nothing as Hiko was still able to track his pupil with indifference.

"That was sloppy!"

"I am tired." Kenshin protested.

"Well you have been tired for a while now. You were too tired to even detect the presence of Kaoru when she walked in on you and you are tired now. But funny that you wouldn't be too tired to skip my lessons earlier and what a shame you didn't use it to rest." Hiko admonished.

Kenshin eyed Hiko as he took deep breathes leaning forward.

"Do you really think that I give a shit if you are tired?" Hiko continued. "Or better yet do you think that any of the fucking idiots out there that want your head are going to give a shit that you are tired?"

"I know that I have gotten myself into trouble, but they have left me alone now." Kenshin replied.

"Yes, they left you alone and now whether your dumb ass can see it or not my niece is going to drive you back into the heart of their attention. Did you really think that temporary peace you brought about was going to last?"

"But-"

"BUT NOTHING! You fool! I told you before you got yourself mixed in with those idiots that they were going to either use you or kill you. You think I wouldn't hear the rumors flying around town? That those scum bags want after Kaoru?"

Hiko paced around Kenshin eyeing him. His controlled rage shaping his aura to where Kenshin could feel it roll through his body. He could feel the warmth of Hiko's anger beat on his cold, sweat slicken skin. The sounds of his foot steps creating a cadence in his head as Kenshin fought to stand.

The training had been intense. Nothing but aerials and combo drills back to back. And even before that there was the fight with Hiko. Taking each task on separately Kenshin stood a chance of fighting off total exhaustion, but combined…

"Answer me!"

Kenshin's wandering mind snapped back to the present.

"Kaoru isn't helping any by drawing attention to herself!" Kenshin blurted out.

"And that's supposed to mean anything? You started it dumb ass now you have to be prepared to help protect her! My brother trained his daughter for Tokyo, but he didn't teach her anything to prepare her for Kyoto. You and I both know that. So until I finish teaching her, you will have to be her guardian!"

Kenshin's eyes widened at the last sentence.

You will have to be her guardian!

'But that's just what I didn't want to be. I didn't want to protect her.' He thought, but in the back of his mind he knew better.

"Master, I…" Kenshin could not cling to the land of the wake any longer. His body had been tested beyond its measures and his body shut down in reaction.

Shaking his head Hiko looked at the still young swordsman.

"You still have a lot to learn."

Sighing Hiko bent down and hauled Kenshin over his shoulder heading in the direction of his room.

"Hopefully with another kendo master here you will actually learn something."

The next day came with surprising speed. One moment Kaoru woke up early to start her day of training with Yahiko and the next moment Kaoru noticed that it was already mid day. Having grown tired of being trapped in the house and still feeling the urge to explore her new home again, Kaoru prepared to head back out into the market streets.

Before Kaoru reached the gate she noticed that her uncle stood by the steps as if he was waiting for her. Confused Kaoru walked towards him.

"Uncle...are you waiting for someone?"

"Well she is here now, so my wait is over." He replied looking down at her.

Kaoru quickly bowed her head. "Oh! Gomen-nasi uncle! I did not know you were waiting for me."

Hiko simply waved off her apology as he turned his attention from his niece to the path of steps that connected his home to one of the tired roads of Kyoto.

"Are you heading out again today Kaoru?" Hiko asked casually. "Why…yes…" Kaoru answered slowly, slightly thrown off by her uncle's odd behavior.

Hiko nodded to her answer and returned his attention back to her with a face of stone. Nothing gave way to the thoughts or emotions that swam inside, nor did his aura offer any clue. Before an uneasy silence had a chance to settle upon them, Hiko outstretched his hand to Kaoru. Kaoru looked at what Hiko was handing her and noticed it was an umbrella.

"The weather might turn on you today; you might want to take it." Hiko said as he made a gesture.

"Ah…arigatou!" Kaoru said smiling as she took the umbrella from him.

"Now be on your way Kaoru. It is a walk going into the city and you don't want to walk back in the dark." Hiko stated as he gave a small smirk and headed back towards the main part of the dojo.

Kaoru looked down at the umbrella and then at the retreating back of her uncle and shrugged, continuing on her way.

'And to think that I would be climbing these stairs again…' Enishi thought with disgust.

Just yesterday the mysterious Tokyo girl had came to his shop and made a purchase for one of the stupid apprentices of the old man. But as he was calling to her after she made the purchase he had meant to give her, her change. Although, of course she being a woman, assumed that he was being a typical male trying to place a name with a pretty face.

But even Enishi had to admit he was curious of her name and even more curious about what she knew about swords. However, Enishi always kept a professional business mind when he ran his shop. No distractions and no exceptions…

But today…today was a leisure day. And though he could have left this little chore up to one of his errand boys, he felt the need to make this delivery in person.

He wanted to see this Kamiya, Kaoru was it? Yes, yes it was.

He wanted to see Kaoru again; even if it meant having to go through his most despised enemies. Yes…this new girl had him that spell bound. To risk seeing two of his most hated enemies in the world; she was a delightful surprise worthy of her cost of exploration.

Enishi stopped as he reached top of the stairs, standing at the entrance of the gate. In the distance he saw the figure of a man exiting a room.

"Excuse me, there wouldn't happen to be a Kamiya, Kaoru here by any chance?"

Kenshin awoke, blinking slowly as he watched his vision go from blurred to focus. How long had he been out? What time was it? Surely it was around midday at least.

Sitting up Kenshin realized just how sore he was and remembered last night's events.

'Before I do anything I will take a hot bath to loosen up.' He thought.

Content with his plan Kenshin got up and took off his gi, leaving on his hamaka, and headed out his room. Although he would normally pick up around his room first, he figured that he would clean up when he got back.

As he existed his room and closed the door, the voice of a stranger caught his attention.

"Excuse me, there wouldn't happen to be a Kamiya, Kaoru here by any chance?"

Kenshin's blood ran cold as he recognized the owner of the voice.

'Enishi?'

Kenshin turned around, glaring at the man in front of him.

Anger and hatred immediately began to make his blood boil. Why would he be here? And what did he want with Kaoru? In fact…where was Kaoru?

"What the hell are you doing here and what do you want with her?" Kenshin demanded as he walked towards Enishi.

Enishi noticing that the person was only Kenshin, smirked.

"Nice to see you too murderer."

"Leave now." Kenshin hissed.

"Or what…you'll kill me too?" Enishi mocked, his smirk turning into a grin at Kenshin's glare.

"Oh don't give me that amber eyed expression Battousai. Save that for someone who will be impressed by your little eye color trick." He added.

"What are you doing here?" Kenshin demanded again, this time his voice was a degree softer and contained a hidden sinister note to it that made Enishi obey.

"I am here on official business. Unfortunately it's between me and the girl. So where is she?" Enishi answered looking over Kenshin to see if he could catch a glimpse of her.

"Whatever business you have with Kaoru-dono you can take up with me." Kenshin replied icily.

"How very gentlemen like of you, but sadly that is not proper protocol." Enishi mocked again, with a slight pout.

"For what? Your business or Street Lords?" Kenshin countered.

Enishi snarled, but quickly regained his composure.

"I am looking for Kamiya, Kaoru, as my visit pertains solely to her. If you won't aid me in finding her then I shall just return at a later time." Enishi stated coolly.

"Your return won't be necessary."

Both men looked in the direction of Hiko. He seemed to have appeared from thin air behind Kenshin. Enishi was the first to recover from the shock of their new company.

"And why would that be?" He challenged.

"Because I have sole custody over Kamiya-dono, so any business she has with you I can also take up with you since I am her guardian and she isn't exactly of age quite yet." Hiko stated dryly as he folded his arms over his chest.

Enishi wrinkled his nose in frustration.

'Must these two be so damned difficult?!'

"Very well then…" Enishi said stiffly as he straightened his back and hesitantly made his way to Hiko.

"Your dear ward had found her way to my sword shop and made a purchase yesterday. Unfortunately she left before I could return to her, her change as she rushed off in a hurry. So I just came by to deliver her change in person." Enishi stated as he reached into the inside pocket of his navy blue tuxedo and pulled out a coin purse.

Hiko snatched the draw string bag and spilled the contents inside the purse into his hands and counted. Enishi, feeling greatly disrespected stood his ground.

"You came all the way from your side of town to here to deliver this little bit of change?" Hiko asked raising an eyebrow of suspicion.

"I shall not have it that my shop has wronged or stole from anyone in this town." Enishi said taking a deep breath.

Hiko chuckled as he poured the money back into the bag and placed the coin purse in his sleeve.

"I shall see to it that my niece receives her change. So you may rest assured now that the good name of your store is preserved and you may leave now." Hiko said dismissively as turned and walked away.

Enishi was seething now. No one ever talked like that to him. No one that ever lived to tell.

If only he had his sword…

"You heard him. Get the hell away from here and don't return." Kenshin echoed as he eyed Enishi.

Enishi turned his heated vision toward Kenshin.

"This isn't over yet murderer. This isn't the last you'll see me and it definitely won't be the last I try to see her either."

"If you come near Kaoru, I promise you will regret it." Kenshin growled.

"If you think for one moment I'm going to buy that you are going to protect that girl like you so heroically did my sister you can think again. Kaoru is better off without you. She doesn't need scum like you." Enishi stated as he walked towards Kenshin.

"What are you deaf? I said get the hell off my property! Don't they teach you kids anything in those fancy schools?" Hiko yelled from the main dojo doors.

Enishi glared in Hiko's direction, but said nothing as he straightened his tie and then headed back the way he came.

Kaoru sighed as she watched the waitress walk off with her lunch order. It had been a long afternoon for her and what she needed at the moment was good, warm food. Not that Kenshin's meals were terrible, not by a long shot, but she wanted to try something new and with the walk home being so long, why not eat out?

As the waitress returned with Kaoru's drink two ladies walked into the restaurant. From the sound of it they were regulars as she noted the very cheery greeting of the hostess and the extended polite conversation all three were having. But Kaoru didn't care about them and didn't bother to face them.

Although the two women that entered recognized her and upon almost passing her decided to stop and make conversation.

"Ah, Kaoru-chan!"

Kaoru looked up and saw the face of the nurse woman that had treated her wounds previously.

"Oh, Megumi-san! What a pleasure to see you again!" Kaoru said as she smiled.

"Don't forget about me too Kamiya-chan. I am standing here too." Tomoe interjected, coughing slightly.

"Oh I'm sorry. Nice to see you again…Tomoe-san, right?" Kaoru replied.

Tomoe coughed again before stating that she was correct.

Megumi noticed her friends' annoyance with the girl for not immediately addressing her or recalling her name. So she quickly decided to move the pace of their conversation.

"Well funny we should bump into you here Kaoru-chan."

"Please just call me Kaoru."

"Ok…Well like she was saying it's funny we should run into you KAORU-chan. For you see me and Megumi were out browsing and we decided that after such a long time of looking at kimonos that we were hungry." Tomoe interrupted.

"I see… I was out browsing myself. I had bought me a new kimono and a ribbon to go with it." Kaoru stated.

"Well aren't you going to invite us to sit and join you while you show us your latest purchase?" Tomoe replied, tilting her head to the side wearing a mocking smile.

Kaoru was quickly losing her patience with this Tomoe woman, but decided to bite back her tongue. She offered the women to join her and after they made their orders Kaoru displayed the new dark blue kimono she had bought with pink and purple flowers decorating the robe.

"Oh, my! What a beautiful kimono!" Megumi muttered as she leaned over the table to get a better look.

Tomoe eyed her friend out the corner of her eye, but smiled politely and agreed.

"Thank you. I think I spent most of the afternoon looking for a new kimono and when I saw this one…I just had to get it." Kaoru chimed, relaxing slightly.

Tomoe sat back a little eyeing Kaoru. Her defenses were dropping and if Tomoe had to guess she hasn't really had any offers for female friendship since she's been in Kyoto. So with the little friendly façade Megumi was giving, Kaoru was eating for possible friendship.

'And the boss thinks that this little girl could really be so important? She's still only a child.' Tomoe thought.

Kenshin ran as fast as he could, nearing the town. He couldn't remember the last time he was this worried, the last time he was so pressed against time, the last time he was so angry…

Just seeing Enishi again brought back a whirlwind of emotions and so many memories he thought he had buried deep down inside him. Now knowing that Enishi was after Kaoru only further complicated his dilemma.

All he heard in his mind was the echoing voices of Hiko and Enishi. Hiko stating he was Kaoru's guardian and Enishi mocking his competence as one.

'Please…Not again…Not again!' Kenshin thought as he finally made it into town and began to frantically look around for Kaoru.

"So are you enjoying your stay here in Kyoto? I mean besides all of the fighting and stuff you've been up to." Megumi questioned while toying with her food.

"Well…I have been enjoying myself. I guess with a little more time Kyoto will start to feel something like home." Kaoru answered honestly.

"With time? With time? Kaoru-chan you have already been here nearly a month now and you mean to tell me you still need more time?" Tomoe said rather loudly.

Kaoru opened her mouth to say something, but Tomoe cut her off.

"Haven't you made any friends? Don't you talk to anyone?"

Again Kaoru opened her mouth to say something, but again Tomoe interrupted.

"Oh yeah that's right you haven't. I mean how could you? You have been busy getting into fights and stuff with Sir Hiko's students and then with random thugs. You've probably have been bouncing back between fighting and recovering." Tomoe answered.

"Tomoe!" Megumi exclaimed.

Kaoru's eyes were wide with shock and then slowly narrowed down with anger.

"And just how did you come up with that conclusion?" Kaoru snapped.

Tomoe only smiled as she took a small bite of her lunch, deliberately consuming it slowly before responding.

"Because it is all anyone hears of you doing around here. Fighting. Don't you understand this is a gossiping town? And it doesn't help that you are new here Kaoru because new comers are our favorite piece of gossip."

Megumi quickly looked between her friend and Kaoru. Things were not looking good as she could tell from Kaoru's body language that she was ready to jump across the table and beat Tomoe. And Tomoe was proud of herself for getting under Kaoru's skin.

"Tomoe please! This is the girl that helped save my life. You shouldn't talk to her that way." Megumi scolded.

Tomoe gave Megumi a dirty look before slowly turning back to face Kaoru with a smiling face again.

"I am sorry Kaoru-chan. Megumi is right, I am being a bit rude. Surely you may have already befriended Kenshin and his friend Sanosuke." Tomoe stated.

Eyeing Tomoe suspiciously Kaoru replied.

"Although it is none of your business, yes I have become friends with Sano." Kaoru answered. "And Kenshin…is growing on me as a friend."

Tomoe's eyes widened in momentary shock before her complete demeanor changed to serious.

"You should take my advice, a nice girl like you don't want to get involved with a man like Kenshin." Tomoe said as she took a sip of her tea.

Kaoru eyebrows furrowed.

"Not only does the man have a reputation, but he has a lot of personal baggage that could get in the way of any form of a romantic relationship." She added.

Reading between the lines that Tomoe could possibly be an old flame to Kenshin Kaoru decided it was time for her to go.

"Well fortunately for you I don't intend to get romantically involved with Kenshin. So you are free to have him." Kaoru spat as she stood up, gathered her things and left tossing her money on the table.

Not to be out done Tomoe suddenly reached across the table grabbing her arm. Kaoru spun around quickly to face Tomoe, catching herself from hitting her.

"I give you advise because I know sweetheart how he works. First you can't stand him, next you don't like him, then after he comes to your rescue a few times he is tolerable and maybe even a friend. He just keeps growing and growing on you until the next thing you know you like him." Tomoe said as she released her hold on Kaoru and returned to her seat.

"I won't end up like you." Kaoru replied before she left the table.

"Oh my…Kaoru!!!" Megumi called, but Kaoru was gone.

Just as Megumi was sitting down, Tomoe slapped her. Megumi stumbled down and looked at Tomoe in shock.

"The next time you defend that girl in front of me so boldly you can count on finding the rest of your damn family by yourself." Tomoe hissed in a low tone.

Megumi bobbed her head up and down muttering apologies until Tomoe told her to stop.

'I can't believe the nerve of some people!! I mean really just who the hell does she think she-'

"KAORU-DONO!!!!!"

Kaoru stopped walking and stared at the owner of the voice that just interrupted her thoughts.

"Kenshin?"

Having caught Kaoru coming out of a restaurant with no sign of Enishi around Kenshin quickly went after up to her now, Kenshin stopped to catch his breath as Kaoru took a step to place a hand on his back.

Kaoru noted just how exhausted he looked and how his face was slick with sweat.

"Kenshin what's wrong? Is it Yahiko or Uncle?"

After a moment Kenshin stood up, smacking away Kaoru's hand glaring at her.

"And just what did you think you were doing coming into town all by yourself? Why didn't you come and get me?"

Kaoru was at such a loss for words at the concerned yet stern look Kenshin was giving her that she almost didn't recognize her own voice.

"Y-you weren't around, so I figured you were already out with Sano."

Kenshin cursed under his breath and rubbed a hand over his face.

"Next time Kaoru-dono please do not come into town by yourself. You had me…never mind. Are you done here?"

"I am not a child Kenshin!" Kaoru retorted, trying not to feel like a little kid being yelled at.

"Kaoru are you done here?" Kenshin asked again his eyes burning with unrestrained displeasure.

Swallowing Kaoru gave a soft "yes" and Kenshin grabbed her arm and began to lead her back in the direction of the Hiten dojo.

But unbeknownst to them two pairs of eyes watched their retreat.

a/n- Hmmm, I wonder who could be watching them? Anyways I am alive everyone! I hope this update made someone happy. After such a long break I just couldn't stay away any longer. To everyone that reviewed in my absence, I thank you for the bottom of my heart, and to any new comers I welcome you to my lovely fanfic and hope you have patience of steel.

PREVIEW

"So Kenshin are we ever going to talk about happened between us? I mean...why did you barge in to my room to begin with?" Kaoru asked.

"There's nothing to talk about." Kenshin replied quickly.