Disclaimer: Neither Rurouni Kenshin nor its characters belongs to me. Sigh.
Notes: Thoughts are in italics. Sometimes emphasis is also expressed through italics. I've also used terms from the series, so let me know if there's something unfamiliar. Remember, this takes place a couple of years after the Jinchuu arc, but with some changes.
Chapter 3
After returning from the cemetery, Kaoru decided that she wanted to practice in the dojo for a little while before returning to the Akabeko. After all, she reasoned, she would probably be unable to practice while traveling or in Kyoto. To her surprise, Aoshi asked Kaoru's permission to watch.
"I'd like to see the form that helped Misao defeat Kamatari of the Ten Swords." He explained.
A pleased blush spread across Kaoru's smiling face. "Oh! I don't think you'd really be interested. I mean, it's a defensive form and…uh…it doesn't have any really amazing attacks…"
"I assure you, Kamiya-san, that I can appreciate the subtlety and finesse of your family's renowned form of swordsmanship. In martial arts, nearly every discipline has counterstrikes designed to deflect a weapon attack and to disarm the opponent. There are soft techniques developed to use an attacker's force against him, such as Tai chi. The type of sword I use, the kodachi, was initially created for defense."
"Yes, of course, but I am just an adjutant master…"
"Kamiya-san, are you nervous? Do not be so modest. It is not my place to judge you. Just because your Kasshin-ryu is not a killing form does it make it any less of a discipline. In fact, one could say that it takes more control and precision to defeat an opponent without killing him than to take his life."
Kaoru stared at Aoshi with wide eyes. Kenshin, although admiring, ultimately thought her father's goal was too naïve. Aoshi is the first swordsman she has met to not only accept, but truly grasp, her father's ideals.
"Oh…ok. I'll just get changed and meet you in the dojo."
Aoshi nodded and headed towards the dojo. A few minutes later, Kaoru entered the dojo to see Aoshi standing in the center of the room, a shinai in each hand. Kaoru's mouth dropped open.
"I thought a spar would give you better practice than simply going through kata." He held one shinai out to her. She hesitated a moment before decisively grasping the offered weapon.
They both took a few minutes to limber up. When Aoshi glanced at Kaoru, she gave a little nod. They stood facing each other, shinai at the ready. Neither moved a muscle for long moments. Barely noticeable, Aoshi's fingers tightened their grip, and then he was moving. Kaoru's reflexes kicked in, blocking the incoming strike before she even had time to think about it. The power behind the strike knocked Kaoru backwards a few feet, but she could still tell that Aoshi was holding back. She couldn't be upset about it, though. He did not know her strength, just as she did not know the full extent of his. She had seen him fight once before, but the circumstances and opponents were vastly different.
Kaoru retreated, slowly circling Aoshi to gain some space, awaiting his next move. Like a viper, he struck again, fluid and graceful. Kaoru was ready, deflecting his attacks, adjusting to his speed and launching her own counterattacks. He parried easily, and the two moved seamlessly, partners in an intricate dance. He gauged how much power he could use without overpowering her, making up for it with speed and agility. In this, Kaoru was surprisingly adept. Though she lacked the physical strength of a man, her ability to read her opponent's movements and react almost instantly was impressive.
Finally, Aoshi lunged forward, spinning his shinai rapidly and forcefully, using Kaoru's practiced deflection against her and driving her sword into the ground and sliding his own up the top of her blade, coming to rest at her throat. Breathing heavily, Kaoru's eyes locked with Aoshi's. He pulled his weapon away and stepped back, signaling an end to their spar.
"That was most enlightening." He said. "Thank you."
"Oh no, thank you for treating me as a proper opponent. I know it was probably easy for you, but…"
"Never underestimate yourself, Kamiya-san. Yours is a very adaptable style. While I am stronger, I have also been fighting longer and have faced far more opponents than you. Further experience will only help you temper your skills and evolve your style. It is a good discipline, though, with solid techniques and principles."
Kaoru's heart was pounding, from Aoshi's positive assessment or the exercise, she wasn't certain. She nodded jerkily.
"Thank you. I'll uh…I'll run some bathwater for you first."
"That's not necessary. You may bathe first. I can take one while you are at the Akabeko." Aoshi declined politely.
"But I thought you'd be going with me. I can prepare my clothes while you bathe."
Aoshi looked at her. "You wish for me to attend?"
"Of course!" Kaoru cocked her head to the side. "Why wouldn't I?"
Aoshi gazed at her for a few seconds more, then closed his eyes and shook his head minutely. "Then we should leave at 5:30. That will give us plenty of time to get there."
--
--
Kaoru met Aoshi out in the yard. She had changed into a beautiful yellow kimono, intricately patterned with multicolored flowers. Half of her hair was swept back from her face and tied with a dark blue ribbon, hanging freely down her back. Aoshi had changed clothes, too, to Kaoru's surprise, wearing a dark grey gi with black hakama. Kaoru so rarely saw him in anything other than ninja garb or solid black that she was momentarily speechless.
Without thinking, she blurted out, "You certainly are handsome, Shinomori-san!"
Mortified, she flushed hotly and looked away. She did not see his amused smirk.
"Kamiya-san," Kaoru did not look up. He tried again.
"Kamiya," Aoshi waited until she looked at him. "May I say that you look lovely?"
"Th… Thank you," Kaoru smiled brilliantly, her cheeks still red.
He offered her his arm and she tucked her hand into the crook of his elbow. Together they strolled towards the Akabeko.
By the time they arrived, Yahiko was already there.
"What took you so long bu… busu?" Yahiko got a good look at Kaoru. "Who are you and what have you done to Kaoru?"
Aoshi felt Kaoru's fingers tighten on his arm in frustration. He put his hand over hers in silent reassurance. Her grip relaxed. Yahiko noticed this, too.
"Since it's a party and I won't be seeing you for a while, I'll let that slide." Kaoru smiled, but there was menace behind it.
"Yeah, yeah. Anyway, we were just waiting for you. The table's this way."
Aoshi freed Kaoru's hand, allowing her to follow Yahiko. Tae had selected one of the booths in the back area to afford more privacy and space. Dr. Genzai and the girls were there, sitting together on one side, chattering excitedly. Yahiko squeezed in next to them. Aoshi raised an eyebrow at this, but said nothing.
Kaoru smiled wistfully, realizing that she wouldn't see these familiar faces for a little while. She took off her shoes and slid gracefully into the booth, sitting across from the girls. Aoshi sat down next to her.
Tae appeared suddenly, announcing, "Since we won't be seeing Kaoru-chan for a while, tonight's meal is on the house!"
Kaoru laughed delightedly. "I bet you're only saying that since Sano isn't here. Everyone knows he'd eat the Akabeko out of business!"
Tae gave Kaoru a friendly wink and a smile. "That's certainly true enough."
"Zanza?" Aoshi looked to Kaoru for clarification.
"Oh, yes, between Yahiko and him, they could eat an entire cow!" Kaoru joked.
"Shut up, busu! I'm a growing man!" Yahiko growled, hoping that Tsubame wasn't around to hear Kaoru's jibes. "Besides, we have to store up food for whenever you decide to cook. It's always inedible!"
"Yahiko…" Kaoru snarled, her fist tightening. Aoshi simply put a hand on her forearm and she stopped immediately. "That's your second free pass, but remember, third time's a charm, and you may not be so lucky."
The sweet smile Kaoru offered had Yahiko gulping. Aoshi removed his hand.
The rest of the dinner progressed without any more bickering. Tsubame would bring them food, so Yahiko was on his best behavior.
"So, Kaoru-chan, are you excited to go to Kyoto?" Dr. Genzai asked.
"Oh yes, it'll be good to get away….to have some time off." Kaoru answered.
"What about Ken-nii?" Suzume bounced in her seat.
Kaoru scrunched her nose up. Dr. Genzai looked embarrassed and apologetic. As Kaoru opened her mouth to say who knows what, Aoshi answered the little girl.
"Himura is on a trip of his own. Kamiya has been invited as a guest at our restaurant. She deserves a little vacation, don't you think?" Aoshi smiled slightly, little more than a curve to his lips, yet still setting the hearts of all the females at the table (not to mention in the general area) a-flutter. Who knew that Aoshi could look so tenderly at a child? Kaoru and Yahiko stared in wonder. Aoshi seemed amused.
"Did you think I would frighten her? I raised Misao since she was practically an infant." Aoshi, smirking, reached over and placed a finger under Kaoru's chin, closing her wide-open mouth. Yahiko snapped his own mouth shut in further surprise. A speculative look stole across his face, but it was gone in an instant.
Ayame giggled suddenly, poking Yahiko in the face. The slight tension that had been building was broken, and the rest of the evening was filled with food and laughter. The girls asked Aoshi questions nonstop about the upcoming trip. At first, they were a little hesitant to speak with the stoic man, but as is the nature of energetic little girls, they soon included Aoshi in their lively conversation.
As the evening wore down, with promises from Kaoru to buy everyone souvenirs from her travels, Dr. Genzai could tell his granddaughters were getting sleepy.
"Well, I think it's time we said goodnight," Dr. Genzai said. "It has been a lovely evening, Kaoru-chan. I wish you safe travels." He rounded his granddaughters up, against sleepy protests, and exited the booth.
Yahiko stood. "I should probably help Tae clean up." He scratched his ear, not knowing what to say.
Kaoru stood up as well. "Aw, I know what you're trying to say. I'll miss you too, Yahiko. Try not to burn down the dojo while I'm gone, OK?"
"Like I'd ever do that, busu. You're more likely to set fire to anything you're cooking." Yahiko teased.
"Third time, Yahiko!" Kaoru reached for him, and for a moment Yahiko thought she was going to pummel him. Instead, Kaoru swept him up in a crushing hug.
"Kaoru!!" Yahiko gasped, turning red from either embarrassment or a lack of oxygen.
Kaoru laughed and released him. "OK, go help Tae! I'll see you when I get back!"
"Write us when you get there!" Yahiko waved, walking off in search of Tae (and probably Tsubame.) He looked back once, directly at Aoshi. "Take care of her, all right?"
Aoshi, silent during this exchange, simply nodded.
Kaoru looked up at him askance. "I don't need babysitting, Shinomori-san."
"I'm sure that's not what the boy meant, Kamiya." Aoshi replied. "Let's head back to the dojo."
"All right. We should get plenty of rest if we're going to get an early start, right?"
"Of course."
The walk back to the dojo was silent, but not unpleasant. The fireflies were starting to come out, filling Kaoru with bittersweet nostalgia.
"I've always loved watching the fireflies dance in the moonlight. Their glow is almost magical." Kaoru stopped by the stream, the very one Kenshin had left her at back when he went to Kyoto to face Shishio. "I used to play here, trying to catch the fireflies. But then…here is where he left me for the first time. The night was beautiful and the fireflies were out again and I thought he was going to say something else…I'm such a fool."
"It is in the past now, Kamiya. Do not dwell on it, for it will only bring you heartache." Kaoru turned to face Aoshi, who was looking out at the water.
"Life is all about moving forward, right?" she asked.
Aoshi looked over at her. "Yes."
Their eyes met, hers bright and searching, his dark and penetrating. Kaoru felt her heart begin to race. As fireflies danced around them, Kaoru couldn't help but wonder about this man. The distant sound of a horse broke through the growing tension between them. Kaoru was the first to look away.
"We're almost home," she whispered, resuming her previous pace. Aoshi kept in step.
"Aa," Aoshi replied, almost as quietly.
"I'll miss home. I know I'm coming back, but I've never really been away for so long. I don't even know how long I'll be gone. But I'm also excited…and a little anxious…to experience new things."
"It's natural, Kamiya."
"Thank you for going with me to the party tonight."
"Of course," Aoshi replied, as if it were the most natural thing in the world for him to accompany Kaoru.
Kaoru looked down and smiled to herself. She wasn't sure if Aoshi could see it in the deepening night sky, but she had a feeling he could.
Together, they walked to the dojo without another word.
To Be Continued...