I do not own Rurouni Kenshin ;-)

Treasured

Chapter 3 – A Difficult Business

The next morning Kenshin felt a slight reprieve from Kaoru as she went about her way as if nothing had ever occurred.

Is better than she pretends you never had that conversation? Wouldn't it be better if she acknowledged your feelings openly as opposed to pretending nothing ever happened…

Sighing to himself Kenshin felt like he didn't have much choice when it came to Kaoru. She was a force which you never went against.

'Kenshin. I need to speak with you privately'

Huh? 'Uh, of course Kaoru san.'

'Follow me' nodding Kenshin followed her into a small study which was peppered with sheets of paper and the occasional novel. Settling down on one leathered seat, she motioned him to be seated on the other. She watched him for a moment before speaking.

'I have news of your sister.'

Kenshin stilled in his fidgeting as if he couldn't quite process what she had said.

'Ami? Wha-'

'She is being kept as an entertainer by a group of pirates'

'An entertainer? What kind of entertainer?' he asked quickly as he felt his heart growing heavy with every word Kaoru spoke.

'Fear not. Her role, as far as I have discerned is merely for showroom purposes. She sings and plays the piano, entices the men into making mergers, deals and anything of that nature with the pirates she has been captured by. We cannot act hastily Kenshin…she has become a great asset to them. Her singing and piano playing abilities have been praised by anyone who has seen her. And from her portrait she is quite beautiful, so I cannot imagine what man would not want to possess her. Essentially, they entice rich men with the possibility of having her but with the intention of never actually following through. These men love her element of innocence. I fear that if we wait too long, she will be lost to you…it is your choice what our next move should be.'

'I cannot risk waiting Kaoru. She is my sister, and only god knows what she has been through so far. What have we learned from scouting?'

'The group who hold her are keenly aware of her value. They guard her quite voraciously. She is never alone. So far I have seen her go for walks but a man is never far away keeping an eye on her. At the entrance of their current place of residence there are four guards. 2 outer, 2 inner. There are always 2 at the bar. 2 by her side at the piano. And one sitting with the leader of their group. When she sleeps there are two guards stationed outside her door which is locked at night. Her window faces the street and is directly above the entrance, so any idea's about an escape via the window can be discarded. Unless we dispose of the guards in the outer entrance before we take her. I have not had a chance to enter the residence in question myself. This is only the information I received from a trusted informant.'

'An ambush would not serve our purposes, is what you are trying to say…so we cannot attack openly. Subterfuge. Why send in someone to bring Ami, out but not as an attacker, as a friend. A performer of sorts who can disguise themselves.' Kenshin reasoned desperately.

'Of course this was the conclusion I reached as well. You however cannot go. Should Ami see you she may not follow the plan and give us up unintentionally. I thought I might send in a lady, who could join Ami in singing, and perhaps befriend her. Lead her to an isolated place where her shadow guards could be dealt with. And we could then make a hasty retreat from there. What do you say?'

'Agreed. Though which lady of your acquaintance were you planning on sending. Does she have a means to defend herself? Is she trained performing?'

'You needn't worry my sweet. I know the perfect lady for the job.' She said grinning.

Ah she loved subterfuge in all its forms. Especially when she controlled the deception. Kenshin is going to be in for a surprise she thought wickedly.


The plans were set in motion for tonight. The agent or subterfuge performer so to speak, would frequent the club for a few nights before insinuating herself into the performance. After all, who could resist two singing beauties?

He paced the Akebeko inn restlessly while he waited for the agent to appear. He wanted to know if they were up for the job. Hearing a sound he turned and halted at the sight which greeted him.

Kaoru

He had never seen her in anything but her breeches and boots. In a dress she was exquisite. She had donned a dark purple gown, tightly corseted with a similar coloured ribbon. The cap sleeves showed of her lovely arms which were encased in long gloves. The gloves however, ended at her wrists and were attached to a large gleaming ring on her middle finger, leaving the rest of her hands exposed. She swung the purple fan in wide lazy circles around her finger as she walked towards him.

'What do you think my sweet? Am I up for the part?' she said sidling up to him.

The crew cat called and she twirled in a circle and lifted an eyebrow which ceased the all sounds.

'This may take a few nights, or it might take one. I don't know how quickly these fools will fall for it. The point I'm making is this: While I am gone, surveillance must be doubled. I expect nothing short of impeccable routine and I want to hear nothing of 'shoulds or coulds' when I return. It is important that we have everything under control for departure. Sano, oversee the packing, make sure that everything is ready for our exodus at the drop of a hat. Do I make myself clear?' Without waiting she turned and boarded the hired carriage. Kenshin watched as the carriage ambled of towards where his sister was.

Kaoru, Goodluck. Though something tells me you won't be needing it.

The carriage stopped outside the building and upon opening her door she sighted the name of the inn.

The Golden Shower? I can think of at least one thing wrong with that name she giggled inwardly.

Upon reaching the entrance she was stopped by one of the two guards.

'Well, what do we have here?'

'Gentlemen, I wish to witness this great singer I have heard about. Would you be so kind as to allow me to behold the great beauty and wonder which can only be bestowed upon me by your patrons?' she inquired sweetly which fanning her self coquettishly.

'And what are you willing to give us in exchange?' he sneered

'I will allow you to kiss my hand and escort me to my table like the gentlemen I know you to be' she answered.

'Fair enough by me' agreed the guard, who up until now had remained silent. The more forward of the two leered and stepped back to allow her to be escorted inside.

'Thank You kindly sir. Your kindness warms my heart.'

'Your voice my lady, warms not only my heart but other places as well. But I'm sure you're already aware of your affect' with that he left her at a table in an obscured corner opposite from where a large gleaming black piano sat. Ordering a Peach and Lime Daiquiri, Kaoru settled herself in her seat for the upcoming performance. She glanced around and found the guards noted from the report she had received. Two at the inner entrance, two by the bar, two near the piano and…the other one hasn't appeared yet.

The lights dimmed and an applause broke out. A beautiful melody of piano chords slipped in between the applause as it diminished the chords rose high and swung low. The strength and splendour of the music curled into Kaoru's ears like a secret she had been longing to hear. Ami's voice was heard after the opening interlude, and she sang with a sweet clear expression of innocence. Yet a glance at her attire and her suggestive words left the men eager and waiting. Kaoru saw what the men found irresistible…She's an innocent beauty promising a fulfilment of their darkest desires…Kaoru knew her attractions were not so innocent. Her eyes reflected the portrait of a woman who had experienced hard times and survived. She was not innocent but worldly and her movements, words and intonation displayed these elements clearly. She was the exact opposite of Ami.

She waited until the first segment of Ami's performance was complete before making her way to the piano and seating herself there in the darkness. She began her piece quietly but as people noticed that another performer had arrived the chatter died down and her chords rose to overcome the silence quickly. Eventually she quickened the pace to a cabaret piece Sano had taken her to years ago when she first learned to play…

'Sano where are we? Are we even allowed to be here? I'm asking you a question ahou!'

'SSHHHH listen! Just listen'

As she focused she heard a sweet melodic voice infiltrate the air.

I've never been to London City

Oh but here's more the pity

Where was the reverie I had seen

The ribbon, lace and satin dream

The glimpse of ankle, slim and neat

A proverbial drum the Tonne would beat

A heathen lady could ever display

Such show of flesh never again

Oh but, where are we?

Lifted from our reverie

The smell of desire

And to play with fire

Piercing sighs

No pleasure denied

Where was the reverie I had seen

The ribbon, lace and satin dream…

Kaoru knew the song suited her look better than an innocent love harmony. It was dire, dark and pitched with desire. As her last notes rang out the crowd erupted with an applause which she basked in with the experience of a veteran. She swatted the crowd of men around her playfully and smiled at them from behind her fan while smiling flirtatiously.

Ah this IS fun

'That was a lovely performance, if I may say so myself' Kaoru heard the sweet voice and knew instantly to whom it belonged. Ami.

'Why Thank You dear Ami. Though hardly a comparison to your performance which was, If I may say so myself, exquisite.' She said while turning to face the lovely young girl.

'Oh, you have an advantage over me, for I do not know your name. Prey tell, what is your name?'

'Ah my name for all performance purposes is Kamiya. Is there somewhere Miss Ami that we may talk in private?'

'Oh of course Miss Kamiya, please follow me'

Kaoru followed Ami through the tables and behind the stage curtains to where a small den like room held numerous frocks, rouge and ribbons. A guard followed closely.

'This is my dressing room, we can chat here if you like? Please sit down'

Kaoru noted that although the guard did not enter the room he left the door slightly ajar and waited outside. As she looked into her eyes, she noted the strain and worry evident in her expression. Although Ami had bartered herself cleverly into a position which left her veritably untouched, she had still to escape their grasp altogether.

Before leaving Kaoru had taken the miniature portrait of Ami and tucked it into her garter belt high on her thigh. While she sat with her left side visible to the guard. Her right side was only visible to Ami. Sliding up her dress she flashed the portrait to Ami who stilled immediately at the sight of the beloved picture her brother carried with him since he had it commissioned just after her 14th birthday. Her head snapped up as gazed Kaoru wondrously. She knew Ami wanted to ask so many questions, but with a negative shake, Kaoru dispelled any action Ami may have had in doing so.

'So Miss Kamiya. What brings you to The Golden Shower' Kaoru just managed not to grimace at the name.

'I came to hear you sing, little nightingale. I have heard much accolade of the lady who sings like an angel and is more beautiful than a summers evening sky. Of course my singing cannot be compared to yours. It is somewhat cabaret…'

'And how did you come to be on this island?'

'Ah, I bartered my way here on a ship in search of an individual who may have passed through here. I despair for my Love. He has been gone some 6 months and I worry greatly. I thought perhaps travelling I may find news of him. He was thought to have stayed in this very inn, but alas I must return empty handed once more.'

'Oh…that is sad. I do wish you every luck in finding your love. Tell me Kamiya san do you like ribbons, satin and lace? If so then perhaps we should shop together on the morrow…the stalls are out – please do not refuse. We will have all the protection, I have my own guards you see'

Kaoru liked this girl. She was quick on the uptake, and she suspected the development of wit was due to her circumstances. Had the girl stayed in London she would have remained a giggling schoolgirl.

'Agreed. Tomorrow and 2pm, we shall meet here and walk to the stalls for ribbons and lace and all things nice'

After their chat Kaoru was escorted to her carriage, and Ami waved as it ambled away. Returning to her room Ami thought about her night.

I'm saved at last…I must be guarded by an angel.

Kenshin I miss you...


For some reason I'm feeling more creative about 'Treasured' than any of my other stories...weird

Anyway, please review and tell me what you think :-)

Cheers,

Iuvenalis