Brutal Passions
A/N: In truth I'm just looking for a clever way to do this: *Jaw drops, eyes pop* because that's what happened when I saw all my lovely reviews and people adding me to their fav.s Seriously, you all rock my socks. More detailed praise will follow the story.
All Ye Who Trespass Here: Once again, this has SEXUAL CONTENT people, and um… it gets MORE GRAPHIC as the story progresses so remember 'M' marks the Smut. (As in the rating, I'm trying to make a pun here).Thank you, have a good read!
CHAPTER TWO: Ironically Named 'Chapter Two'
Last time: He slammed down on top of her, knocking the air from her lungs in a painful rush. He straddled her hips, flattening her shoulder blades into the floor pinning her upper body as her legs flailed uselessly in attempt to knock him off. Her arms were trapped to her sides, held there by the crushing force of his thighs, and she let out a small whimper of defeat.
"Just remember," his guttural threat echoed in her ear, "You brought this on yourself."
"So much work left to do, So much we've already done." –Rich Collins
"What is destiny
But a unstoppable force
Pressing my demise
So I shall be
An immoveable object
Running out the clock"
Kaoru was trying desperately not to hyperventilate. Her breath stabbed in ragged gasps, his weight on her a crushing force of demand. Not again…
-Flashback-
She smelled smoke and burnt hair, hers she assumed, as she was jostled along like a prize pig. The men were laughing now, their rowdy glee at lighting her family home on fire fading to a companionable chatter. She was gagged and trussed like captured game, Yahiko's unconscious form slung over the saddle next to her, his head a limp pendulum swaying with the animal's unsteady gait.
In the distance red embers shot into the inky sky, the fiery remains of her family home. Smoke billowed like a giant beast, its smoky mass looming in the night sky as rising grey shapes. Her eyes stung well after they cleared the direct line of smoke, a hallow ache pummeled her chest. Her home, she'd fought and scraped and worked herself to almost death to keep the dojo alive, and now it was a smoldering ruin. A skeletal crypt for her dreams.
Voices grew louder, drawing her focus back to the horrid men who'd burned her home and taken her captive.
Slave traders, she surmised with an apprehensive chill, their foreign clothing and multi-language chatter had revealed as much to her sharp ears. One had to be alert when they were the surviving heir of an indebted man, especially a female heir; she should've listened more openly to Sano's offers to stay with her. Now it was too late, and she was being schlepped off to some unforeseen fate, with her brother, who had a decidedly worrying head wound.
They'd cracked his skull with the back of one of their blades, attacking from behind as he'd attempted to defend their escape from the underground storage where they'd been hiding. The flames had been high then; the fire and smoke blurred her vision. Strangely they'd been reluctant to doll the same brutal treatment out to her, but it hadn't mattered in the end, one girl with a wooden sword was no match for seven armed bandits.
Much of the journey from her house was a panicked blur, a frenzied retreat on horseback that left her sick with terror. As soon as they'd reached the men's camp, she'd begun screaming to high heaven through her gags as they'd taken Yahiko from her, mercilessly dividing the siblings and tossing the injured boy to another group of sinister men. She was then dragged by her hair to a tent, where her ties were removed long enough for the men to secure her to the center pole of the teepee structure. They bound her tight and refused to answer any of her pleas or questions, smiling at her desperate tears.
Despite her adrenaline induced strength, the bamboo was too well grounded to give way to her desperate attempts of escape. She waited for days in that cramped dim smelly tent; her only view a slit of sunshine or moonlight from the tent flap's cracks. Men came only to walk her to relieve herself, or deposit a meager meal of stale bread and water. They ignored her pleas for news of her brother, one even striking her when she grew hysterical with her grief and worry.
He came at night, his regal features skewed by the impenetrable dusk of the tent, no light cast his profile into clarity; he was but a looming shadow. She was exhausted, malnourished, and drained from emotional stress, limply her head hung, not bothering to arise and see what man had come to deliver her supper.
"Kaoru?" The voice was accented, familiar, and with a gasp she snapped her head upwards. "Oh, thank heavens I found you!" Her fiancée knelt beside her, eyes scanning her trussed form in apprehension. "Did they damage you? Did they touch you?" He demanded in concern, touching her cheek gently.
She shook her head, tears of relief flowing hotly down her grime coated cheeks.
"I'm here now, Lady Kamiya, do not fret," he soothed, stroking her hair.
"A-and Yahiko?" her watery voice quarried. His expression turned stony for but an instant before melting into congenial concern.
"Your brother?" he puzzled, "I assumed he had escaped, as there is no sign of him." At her crest fallen expression, he immediately soothed her. "We will find him, my sweet, I swear it to you. My first concern is you, however," he appeased, quickly loosening the ropes that had long since left raw patches on her arms and mid section. He gave the marks disapproving gazes, gently rubbing the feeling into her wrists.
"I'm afraid we must leave quickly," his soft smile brought out the green flecks in his eyes, though older, her fiancée was undeniably attractive, and had been nothing but charming and attentive since her father's passing.
All of this, despite her reluctance to instantly abide her father's agreement had gone long ways to change her view of the man. He seemed to be a very good match, and though she'd foolishly cherished the dream of marrying for love, she couldn't seem to see the fault in marrying for honor, not to such a decent person. If he truly helped her find Yahiko, it was the very least she could do, these events had pressed the importance of having a man to protect herself and younger kin.
Besides that, she had nowhere else to go.
It was time to grow up and accept the responsibilities of the eldest Kamiya. To stop hiding behind the skirts of childish whimsy and dreams, and emerge into the (less desirable) reality and take her place as a woman and wife. It was in a daze that she followed her fiancée, shocked at the gold coins he gave her captures. She wished to give them metal, but hers would be sharper and aimed towards the heart.
When she told her escort as much he frowned, "That is hardly proper talk for a young lady." He pointed out, gripping the reigns. She resisted the urge to roll her eyes, accepting his hand and climbing behind him on his pure breed steed.
It's only half of what they deserve, she insisted to herself.
He lectured her on her state of dress when they dismounted at his estate; her intelligent blue eyes clearly conveyed her shock at such a ridiculous comment. She fought the apprehensive chill at the condescending disapproval in his gaze, wondering at his transition from gentle concern to cold calculating assessment.
As the days progressed in his care she shortly remembered why she had been so reluctant to accept the wealthy man as her match, they were horribly unsuited. He was imperious in his demands, and haughty in every demeanor, a spoiled and petulant man who was used to people doing what he told them. An insufferable egotist, Kaoru remembered thinking.
While they attempted to force her into yet another western dress of frills and gaudy ribbons she put her slippered foot down, she was not a doll to be dressed as he pleased. Furthermore, he had yet to spend one moment answering her questions about Yahiko, dismissing her worry as 'foolish womanly temperament.' The mere memory of it had her gnashing her teeth in frustration.
At her declaration that she would notsufferthrough yet another painful corset and dressing in the foreign clothing her maid left in a pale frenzy. The stout woman's trembling should have perhaps been Kaoru's first clue that the master of the house did not receive rejection well.
He'd stormed in, looking impressive as usual in his grey western style suite, eyes flinty with disdain. As usual his hair was impeccably placed; a color like newborn chick feathers falling artfully across his sculpted pale face. He'd ordered her to dress in the garment, ignoring her outrage at seeing him in her dressing room.
She'd bristled. Engaged or not, his intrusion was highly improper.
"Highly improper?" He'd sneered, gripping her upper arm, "I don't think you understand, dear," he told her in a condescending tone, "you are to be my wife, you willlearn to honor and obey." He sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose as he stared down at her, "Too much of my time has been wasted on your foolish tantrums; I will not have such vile spiritedness in my home."
"Then it's your folly," she'd retorted with disdain, yanking her arm free, "I am not a pretty bird to be kept in a cage, you may find yourself a socialite bride to suite your needs, but I assure you, it won't be me." She sniffed, turning from him in dismissal.
"Again, why would I waste my time? I have already purchased my bride," He gazed at her meaningfully, seeming distant and snide suddenly. Where was the concerned man who'd rescued her?
"You have not," she seethed defiantly; "I won't be bought."
"But you have been, my dear," he closed in on her, barricading her with his massive form. He traced a lock of black hair between his fingers, the look in his eyes making her want to place more distance between them, "Bought, packaged, and delivered." His taunt was sealed with a demeaning leer.
"You, sir," she seethed the word 'sir' in heated sarcasm, "are no gentlemen," she accused, feeling be fret, tossed ashore in foreign territory and floundering in the waves.
Her life as a rural tom boy had afforded little interaction with men, aside from Sano and Yahiko, both of whom were more like brothers. She was run through with shock at the impersonal attitude this man donned while claiming to own her. His attitude was daunting, menacing even.
"And you, my precious pet, are no Lady," he responded with a smug smirk, barring her to her dainty dresser with two strong arms, towering over her in size and strength. She attempted to push past the insufferable man, but he held fast, pressing her between himself and the small furnishing.
"Tell me, Kamiya darling, have you not wondered at the nature of our agreement? Why a wealthy man, such as myself would forgo the effort of trying to locate a much more suitable bride, instead of a churlish tom-boy like you?" His grin was cutting, like that of a hungry wolf.
She shook her head, mute at the malice he now showed her. It roiled off him in waves, a dark force that made her skin crawl.
"Ah, let me enlighten you," he stroked her hair, frowning as she turned from him churlishly. "You are a pathetic woman, with low birth, although pretty, you are socially inadequate for a man like me. Yet, I find myself in an uncomfortable position of late," he displayed a brief moment of chagrin at the mention of it.
"My appetites are hardly…appropriate, for refined society, and now men are actually leery of besmirching their daughter's reputations," he shrugged a shoulder, dismissing their rejection with a haughty snort, "Though they themselves enjoy the very…pleasures that I provide, they don't wish to sully their precious blue blood offspring."
He gripped her chin, staring into her wide fearful eyes, his thumb rubbed her jaw, "So I found myself an indebted man of noble birth, no matter how far from society he'd fallen, and offered him money for his beautiful daughter. Who I very much intend to collect, and Kaoru?" He teased, dipping his head and stealing a chaste kiss from her soured lips, "I am not a man to be denied."
She shrugged free of his grip, her face flaming as he chuckled at her. With a surge of determination she shoved free of his looming figure, claiming a few backward steps of distance. Her eyes were burning sapphires, alit with her outrage and indignation.
"Be as sullen and mulish as you please, my dear, I find this charade too tiring to continue," hope that this meant her release must have shown in her expression, because he clucked his tongue at her chidingly.
"I will have my pretty young bride," he assured her pertly, "I simply do not wish to pretend this is more than it is. You are mine, by law, and we will be finalizing this marriage within the month." He easily ignored her horror at this announcement.
"In the mean time, you will cease speaking to me about you silly complaints, I do not care to hear my generosity refused. If you have problems with this, I will find you less desirable accommodations elsewhere on my estate, are we clear?" His grey green gaze probed her, and she flushed under his calculating stare.
"You have lost your mind," She accused, stunned at the malicious man before her.
"No, sadly my dear, it is still quite intact," he smiled wearily, "Though if you continue to try my sanity with your tedious, and might I add, futile displays of willfulness and defiance, you might encounter a man you'd rather not test." He warned her, his eyebrows slashing downward.
"I don't have to listen to this," Kaoru insisted, "I'll send for Sano and be gone in the morning. Good luck finding this docile wife you require," her tone clearly conveyed the insincerity of this, "it won't be me."
His nostrils flared as his evergreen eyes narrowed, "Women are such dull creatures, were you not listening child? I own you, and what I own is mine to do with, and to, as I please," a devilish sneer punctuated this, "Perhaps you need a demonstration?"
"I will scream," she threatened, balking. He smirked, eyeing her from the meager distance she'd gained.
"Scream away, my dear, I shall enjoy that very much," his lids lowered lustfully, "struggle, scream, no one will come, no one would dare. Who do you think the police will side with, a wealthy merchant, or a penniless wretch?" He once again approached her, "Who would dare defend you? And precious, you must ask yourself, what would I do to any who tried?"
"You are a scoundrel and a cretin," she huffed, crossing her arms, "I will scream," she added shakily as he continued his stride towards her. His hand braced her cheek, eyes mocking with false tenderness.
He smiled down at her, pausing for but a moment to add, "As I have said, please do," His mouth slammed onto hers with such forced her lips sliced on her teeth, his probing and demanding tongue jammed past her throbbing lips remorselessly plunging into her mouth. She tried to force him away, outrage staining her cheeks, fear making her tremble.
His arms locked around her waifish form with ease, pinning her struggles with a harsh grip. His left hand snaked to her bottom, pressing her flush against his steely weight. His other gripped her hair painfully, bending her head awkwardly so that he could continue his horrid ministrations to her mouth. In nothing more than a simple sleeping yukata she felt decidedly more vulnerable, and she whimpered as his teeth nipped her unmoving tongue, wordlessly demanding she respond.
"That was a treat," he told her sarcastically, dragging her by her hair to his daybed. She struggled, hitting at him with flailing strikes. "Calm down, my dear," he ordered her candidly, "I have yet to give you reason to struggle."
"W-what?!" she demanded, stiffening in disbelief. "That was plenty of reason," she assured him stubbornly, expression fierce though inwardly she was cringing at the sickening amount of excitement she'd cause him with her repeated defiance.
"No, pet, this is plenty of reason," he grabbed her wrist, tugging her onto the futon's mattress with careless force, his hand went to the black belt at his hips, deftly unsnapping the clasp.
"Let me go!" she shrieked, ignoring his earlier assurances that help would not arrive. "Bastard! Pig!" she sneered, slapping at him before he encircled her wrists and dragged her resisting form across his lap.
"Act like an ill-behaved child, and get treated like one," he told her in a disturbingly patronizing tone, his belt slipped free of the loops, dangling like a black serpent from his hands. She tried to twist and stare at him but he hand her well pinned, her shoulders and head laying at one side, belly across his lap as his free hand alternatively kept her from bucking free and dolled squeezing and pinching gropes.
"I will never forgive this," she promised, a hot tear leaking from her eye as he pulled up the thin cotton of her sleeping clothes and exposed her bare rear to his avid inspection. He chuckled, a deep and sinister sound.
"Verily, you will find, sweet wife, that this is but a timid reprimand," He told her easily, his hand caressing her curved rump with anticipation. She fumed; feeling humiliated and angrier then she'd ever been in her life.
"You will find-" but her retort turned to a choked cry with the first lash of leather slapping tender flesh. It felt like a burning fire, stinging so acutely she felt more tears gather beneath her lids. He stroked the stinging flesh, an appreciative male growl issuing from him gruffly.
"Yes, I do like you so much better silent," he agreed amiably to no one, "However, I will have those screams," his finger rested beneath her chin, drawing her face upward and revealing her tear trekked features.
"Ah, pet, you are so very eye catching," he told her affectionately. Her cutting glare caused him to frown. "Willful, yes, but I have much experience correcting such things." His hand rose with the thick belt, and he brought it down with much more force, splitting skin and wrenching a garbled cry from her.
"Again, pet," he ordered, snapping it down on her upper thighs, it felt like lava being poured on her sensitive flesh. She bucked, trying to escape the torture. He laughed.
"Hardly, sweet, we have but begun," his head lowered to her ear, he whispered, "Can you imagine the feel of my belt here?" he touched her most tender area, the place she'd never let any man near, "branding you, making you mine?" She whimpered her denial of such a disgusting picture.
"As wretched as I am, dearest, I agree, I must restrain myself until our wedding," he chuckled, mercilessly pinching the already swelling marks on her pale skin, "It builds the anticipation." The leather belt whistled before it connected this time, the metal clasp ripping up skin as he pulled it away.
Finally, he had gotten her to scream.
*End Flashback*
Battousai frowned as he felt the surly wench beneath him go slack, her eyelids fluttering as her eyes rolled, and then her entire slender frame slumped. He sighed; apparently even this temperamental minx had her limits. Her body seemed to have capitulated under the shock. He studied her dirt streaked features, her tattered white shirt like torn wings splaying from her pale exposed back. Ebony hair mussed, with eyes like a sea storm, violent and troubled.
He fisted his hands, his teeth grinding as he rose and carried the female ruffian to his bed. It wasn't as if he slept in it, but it irked him, her sudden unconsciousness, and while he stared at her unassuming profile in his arms, he was consumed with the sudden urge to roughly shake the female hellion awake.
Instead, he dutifully laid her onto the bed, feeling infinitely wearier then he had in weeks. Stiffly, he lowered himself to the floor beside his cabin's entrance, crossing his arms and resting his hat beside him with a weary sigh. His sword he kept across his legs, within easy reach in case of surprises. It wasn't his crew that worried him tonight, so much as the woman lying so peaceful and unassuming in his bed.
He had no head for fancy, had long dismissed his existence as a never ending life at sea, bound to the fraying tatters of his honor. Only two things moved his heart, the turmoil and dangerous beauty of the ocean, and his vow to avenge his people, and repent for his mistakes that had destroyed everything he held dear, irrevocably. He saw them still, the people he loved and lost, in the flitted moments when his brain skidded the elusive world of dreams, a taunting image that dug deep into his heart.
Love was not for a man like him, one bred hard, turned feral by the world's abuses. What use did he have for any woman? Besides the quick tumble he could easily obtain for a reasonable price, minus any daft chatter and impossible expectations. He couldn't be kept, or tamed; his life was that of blood and death, it coated him in its intricate web, making him less than a man, little more than a beast.
He knew his faults, knew life had made him merciless, cruel to an extent.
Scoundrel! Rapist!
He frowned, not liking the sound of her words in his head. She was just a tavern whore or loose woman, no lady of noble birth took position on a pirate boat, lost brother or not. He knew as much, should not doubt himself to Sanosuke's questionable word. The man had done more foolish things, and had even had the galls to plainly admit she was hunted by the law!
By Danu, the last thing he needed was some wench catching the attention of the police and giving them away before he completed the task Katsura assigned him. She was trouble, and he was in no mood or set of mind to accept Aoshi's ridiculous explanation based on a foolish tradition long since washed away in the sands of time. His second in command had been there with him since almost the beginning, he of all people should know that his heart had long died, incapable of sustaining an endless existence of regret and grief. It had been replaced by duty, and bloodshed.
Indeed, he'd been shocked his logical first mate had even suggested the notion, and dismissed it as his way of saying he wanted no part of dealing with the girl. Not that he could blame him, he'd met wild horses that were more accommodating then that particular chit. With a gruff sort of realization he supposed she put up as much fight as an innocent, but she clawed like a feral feline, hardly the feminine pleas he heard docilely uttered by the few ladies he'd actually bedded.
In the end, women tended to act the part of not wanting it, as was their social duty in this strange period in time, but she hadn't surrendered as most were prone to do upon seeing his trim physique and obvious skill. He watched as she stirred, curling into herself for warmth, a soft frown marring her delicate features visible even through her tousled locks. He didn't believe for a moment such a daft creature was meant for him, he'd almost truly forced himself upon her out of spite; she would surely hate him come morning.
Not that he cared, mind you, he had every intention of throwing her into the brig with Sano, where they could both spend the rest of the voyage praying he didn't follow through with his threat and hand them over to the authorities. Decided, and not willing to look into the matter further, he allowed his eyes to close, and his breathing to slow, drifting into a light almost-sleep.
-*-
She felt as if she never rested anymore.
Kaoru ignored the stares, more aptly described as solicitous leers, she received from the menacing men who attempted to eye her while still attempting to appear busy enough to not receive a lecture, or worse, be sent for a swim. Such had been the fate of the last man who'd made a rash move to disturb her from her chores. The crew had taken their time fishing the last lout from the jagged waters.
She'd thought Battousai was cruel, spiteful, intolerable, and she'd come to see exactly how unpleasurable it was to be right in such circumstances.
Barely conscious she'd been drug from his bed, a shirt thrust into her hands with strict orders that she better be dressed by the time he returned to fetch her. He'd returned shortly, too soon for her comfort, and proceeded to man handle her towards the deck, where she was told she could either work or enjoy a rather long and impossible swim to shore.
Her eyes flickered to the officer's quarters above deck, where Sano had been dragged hours before, biting her lip before she returned to mending the nets.
It was mid day before she was disturbed. Her hands were sore and calloused from the many days hard labor on this vessel, and the delicate work of mending forced the stiff and painful digits to move swiftly and deftly in ways that had her seething her frustrations. It was much like sewing, a skill she detested above all, next to cooking, which she did not so much hate as make a mockery of by attempt. The only womanly skill she possessed that was passable was singing, and even that was hardly a thing worth sparing praise over. Even an idiot cage bird could sing.
"Jou-chan!" Sanosuke scooped her up in his rough embrace, spilling the net work she was toiling over. She scowled, slapping him lightly for his impulsive tendencies. He spun her, his crushing hug squeezing the air from her lungs.
"Put me down!" She hissed through her teeth, "You are making a spectacle." Sure enough, the crew's attention lay solely on the intertwined two, their expressions mixed variation of jealousy and curiosity.
"Sano," A harsh growl cut the air, the captain stepped from the officer's quarters, slamming the door behind him. The cheerful man glanced up, releasing the fuming girl from his arms with a bashful grin.
"Hai, captain?" He responded candidly, Kaoru wondered at the extreme change in his attitude. Why was he addressing the man who'd thrown him in the brig and practically raped her with a friendly smile? It stung that the only one seemingly still disturbed by the events of last night was her.
"While I will honor that your voyage fair has been paid, new revelations aside, I believe it was told to me that I would have a cabin boy of some use," Battousai's amber irises shown like honey when the sun hit them, enhancing the exotic appeal of his features. "Seeing as you have thought fit to deny me a boy, you and the….woman will divide the duties."
"Which means," He added severely, his eyes roving Kaoru's frozen posture with a condescending gaze, "You will not disturb her from her duties, or you will be subjected to the same treatment as the rest of my crew."
"Hai captain," Sano agreed wryly, picking up the tangled net and sitting down at the place Kaoru had occupied.
"Oi! Captain," a lithe fellow with gold skin and green eyes, Rodgers, was lingering near the helm, commanding the lethal officer's attention. Battousai turned, fixing the man with an unnerving stare.
"Wha' of ye offer, may we entertain the miss this evening?" He waggled his brows, earning hearty praise from his fellow ship mates. Kaoru stiffened, her palms growing cold and slick with sweat. She noticed Sano's careful stare as he regarded his supposed friend, eyes hard beneath the spiky tufts that always managed to stray into his face.
"Leave the wench," the captain ordered.
Kaoru released a breath she didn't know she was holding, wiping the sticky sweat beading at her brow and turning to assist Sano with finishing her task. Orders, on this pirate ship, were Orders. She had yet to see a man willfully deny the captain of the Prix Du Sang, a French name that Sanosuke had reluctantly informed her meant 'Blood Money'.
"Aye, captain," Rodgers' expression fell. In response the captain spared him one of his extremely rare smiles, a cutting toothy grin that was more of a grimace.
"Don't fret, Rodgers," He called to his crewman, "We make port before sunset, there's plenty of more amiable wenches to be had then that ugly scrap of claws."
The other man grinned, nodding his thanks to the captain, and soon talk arose once more on deck, men speculating at the sport to be had once they came ashore. The captain continued below deck in clipped steps, sparing no one a second glance.
It had been a week or so since she'd known the feel of solid ground; it was sheer luck she'd taken to sea life so easily. She'd heard tales of sea sickness, and the like, thanking the fates that no such thing befell her. It had been Sano who commented first, telling her with a little awe that she had natural sea legs; his best guess being it came from so many years spent training rigorously to strengthen her body in the style of her family name, Kamiya Kashin Ryu Kendo. The family name her father had long since tarnished.
Before her father had fallen to ill fortune he had been a better man, one that prided hard work, a man who'd cared for his family. Poverty changed people so quickly, and she'd seen for herself, not for the better. She thought of home as she mended the rough netting, wasting no small talk with an equally distracted Sano, whose larger hands had bigger trouble mending the delicate tears.
Homesickness was a constant ache within her heart, a cutting jab at all that was lost to her, perhaps forever. She missed the slant of sun on freshly washed wood floors, the feel of her bokken in her hands as she slipped effortlessly through her training exercises. Yahiko's rowdy steps as he clambered down to cook breakfast, the comfort of their routine blending in with the scents of homemade Japanese food. She missed the taste of their humble meals, so different then the stale salty food aboard this wretched ship.
Most of all she missed her brother. From the way he'd surprise her every so often with a clever way of making ends meet on their own, to his exuberant grin when he mastered a new technique in the dojo, even his petulant scowl as he called her 'ugly' filled her with such yearning for what had been. She prayed daily that he was safe; that the fate dealt to him at the slave traders was not too horrible, too damaging. From what little she knew of it though, and from the hopeless looks she saw Sano give when he thought her well distracted, luck was not on their side in this venture.
When dinner came, she sat with Sano above deck, fearful to stray and fall prey to the disturbingly vigilant crew. It seemed they only waited for her to slip from view to ensnare her, judging by their leering winks, captain's orders or not. Besides, she hardly expected that vile man to defend her when it came down to it. She had so little faith in men of late it was sad, a tribute to the hard times she'd been dealt. As well as to the one's she had yet to face, she amended, watching as the captain and first mate walked to take their meals below.
"What is to become of us?" She asked finally, unable to with hold the pushing anxiety any longer. Sanosuke's handsome face was currently half stuffed with crunchy bread, and he swallowed thickly, guzzling ale down his throat before he spoke.
He met her beguiling blue stare with a slow smile, in a whisper he confided, "I have convinced the captain that we are madly in love," he told with her a playful wink. Her response was a puzzled frown.
"But why?" She asked, eyebrows rising, "I don't see that making a difference to such a man." Sano shrugged, biting off another piece of bread and chewing thoughtfully.
"Well missy, you are in trouble with the law, I am hopelessly infatuated, and we both plan to escape the mainland and settle to a new married life on a less populated island," He told her with a wry smirk. "I couldn't help but sneak you aboard, not willing to risk my future bride's imprisonment." He laughed dismissively, "In any case, it saved our necks from being handed to the authorities."
"But why the lie?" She repeated, uneasy. "I don't think the captain will like it if he learns we've been untruthful." Not that she cared so much about offending the man; she just didn't wish to be on the receiving end of his temper again anytime soon.
"Oh, I agree," Sano nodded heartily, sipping more alcohol, "But he insists the true story is the lie, and made short work of letting me know it was my lying tongue that earned you…" He broke off, suddenly troubled, "He meant what he said? That no one forced you?" He enquired worriedly.
"By mere luck," She growled unkindly, hating the insidious captain and his crude crew. "The sooner we make port, the better." She added, chewing her own rock-like portion of bread.
As if summoned by her wish, one of the crew let out a loud yell that shore was in sight. Many rushed for the glimpse of sweet land, a mere line of green and black on the endless blue horizon. Still others remained seated and content, their years of sea life having long dulled them of such meager excitements. The deck was a frenzy of action as they prepared to make port, and she soon found herself mixed in the jumble.
A man caught her arm and she had to stifle the urge to scream, "Relax little missy," Sano told her fondly, rubbing her head in an affectionate gesture. "Perhaps you should wait below in the kitchens; no one will disturb you there. If you're seen underfoot Shinomori and Battousai might not like it."
She nodded slowly, "If you think its best." Sano nodded, clasping her in a quick hug and shooing her towards the door. She complied, wishing she was already on land, safe from the captain and his pirates.
"Where do you think you're going?" A demanding voice hissed as she reached the bottom of the stairs. The suddenness of it, mixed with the iron grip on her bicep caused her to startle and flinch. He dragged her around the corner, looming over her in intimidation.
She lifted her head, meeting that cutting amber glare with her own frosty one, "To the kitchens, to stay out of the way." Tension leaked from the lean man, but his severe expression sneered at her, an impenetrable mask of dislike and imperious beauty. If he wasn't such a demon, she would consider his features fair, delicate even, but his sour temperament and scars deflected any image of softness, marking him for the hard man he was.
"Somehow, I doubt little you do doesn't involve trouble," He commented, his stance relaxing to that of a predatory cat, his hands loosening enough to leave some room between her encircled limb and his punishing grip. Yet, his eyes remained vigilant, hostile, pinning her in accusation.
Forced this close to the man, even in the dim lighting of the cramped hall, she could feel his burning dislike like a stuffy summer day, swallowing her in heat and discomfort.
"I am actually trying to avoid it," she told him matter-of-factly, wishing he'd just move along and pay her no attention.
"As I said, doubtful," he peered at her in assessment, from his borrowed v-cut tunic to her own filthy breeches. Bindings removed, he could glimpse her pert mounds pushing at the fabric, betraying her sex, her vivid eyes seemed to drown a man in blue water, thickly lashed and feminine they were perhaps her only saving feature.
"Well?" She demanded suddenly, "Do you plan to stare at me all evening? Or may I continue?" The haughty tip of her head was perhaps a bit defiant, but she seemed to be a posturing child, a null threat, he should very well ignore her as planned.
"As captain, I may look as I please," He informed her darkly, his eyes pointedly roving to parts of her anatomy that brought a maiden flush across her dirt mucked face. She bristled, like a feral cat.
"Oh for heaven's sake!" She huffed, dragging her arm from his grip to cross both arms over her chest and pin him with an exasperated glare, "Does nothing appease you? I am trying to be pleasant, but you seem determined to rile me!" She accused, sparing the man her own narrowed stare.
"This is you being pleasant?" he asked incredulously.
"And what does a man like you know of pleasantries?" She demanded frigidly, clenching her hands against the urge to hit this impossible man.
Logically she knew he should terrify her, but instead his every word and action riled her sense of injustice, bringing forth her quick temper. She must have lost some of her common sense traveling with Sanosuke for so long. That must be what was causing her to act so recklessly around this professional rapist and murderer. All pirates must be cut from the same cloth, she mused caustically, and this dangerous man seemed to be the original pattern of degenerate behavior and ill manners from which they came.
"Very little," he assured her gruffly, his demeanor turning hostile. "Keep that in mind when you talk to me so freely." She was certain that he meant to follow this with some form of threat, but his tiger eyes snapped back towards the way she'd come, and in moments the calm profile of his first mate appeared, taking in the sight of them conversing with hidden shock.
"Captain Battousai, your presence is required on deck," His smooth emotionless voice informed the menacing red head. The ship's captain nodded, trusting Aoshi to make sure the devilish chit wasn't getting into trouble or nicking anything before their departure. The sooner the wench was off his ship, and away from him, the better.
When Kaoru turned to leave a pristine white arm blocked her way, it was attached to a deadly calm man with imposing height and the most glacier stare. Though he'd been polite to her, kind even, she could hardly trust any person who would willingly serve such a bastard. Sanosuke was a wretched judge of character, this she knew, but she hadn't quite expected to be thrust into such blatantly criminal company. Impatiently she regarded the man, awaiting his comment.
"If Sano is truly your betrothed, I would suggest, my lady, that you cease putting yourself in such situations," His calm tone somehow managed to covey how very much he doubted this was indeed the case. "Captain Himura doesn't take kindly to teasing."
"T-teasing?" She sputtered. Who in their right mind would tease that man? That was like poking a tiger!
"Pardon me sir," she couldn't withhold the sarcasm in her tone, sapphire eyes flashing, "But I would think a person would have to be daft to do such a thing, and as you can plainly see, I have managed to retain my wits. I was, for lack of a better explanation, merely trying to pass by, before he so rudely accosted me."
"Is that so?" He enquired, seemingly truly interested. She remembered his part in the events of the night before. It was his foolish whimsy about that mark nonsense that had left her to the captain's mercy.
"Yes," She sniffed airily, tilting her head upwards, "Is is so. Now, if you don't mind, I intend to complete my journey."
As she made as if to bypass his extended arm, his other slammed down by her head, caging her. There was no lust in his eyes, no appreciation in his chilly revere, only a commanding air about him that seemed offended, a man riled at being so callously dismissed.
"You are very outspoken," He commented dryly, yet he was so unaffected she didn't have the will to feel properly threatened.
"So I've been told," she replied with a self depreciating smirk. Suddenly she sighed, feeling weary of this nonstop game of cat and mouse. Did she never get to be the cat? "Is there anything else?"
"The captain, how do you find him?" He enquired, arching a dark eyebrow. She wanted to laugh, but the stiff formality of this man kept it from spilling from her mouth.
"As ornery as a mule, with half the manners," she told him with a small smile, "Why do you ask?" He frowned, a slight mar to his usually indiscernible features.
"Are you truly betrothed to Sanosuke?" He questioned, ignoring her own demand for answers.
She met his determined blue gaze with one of her own, and for a moment the two stood locked in standstill, simply staring at one another. He was dressed in immaculate white clothing, as it seemed was his way, looking like a gentleman, but he had the hard eyes of a merciless man, a similar harshness that reflected the captain's own distant reserve.
They're made for one another, she told herself, dismissing the idiotic notion of being honest with this man. The saying 'thicker then thieves' must come from somewhere, and she did not wish to risk her future and the life of her brother on such a foolish gamble. If Sano's explanation was good enough for the infamous captain, then it should be more than enough for his second in command.
"He has told you as much," somehow, under that probing stare, her lips and tongue refused to form full lies.
He nodded, and she let out a slow breath of relief, "He has," the tall man agreed, "but you have not."
He studied her, her slim youthful frame betrayed her innocence, as well as her reactions to the men the night before, yet in direct contrast she certainly seemed to have the tongue of a experienced woman. There was wildness about her, something that refused to bend, and he'd spotted it instinctively through their brief exchanges.
He had two gifts, ones that he never questioned himself on; one was the ability to read people, especially to know when they were lying. It wasn't a guess; it was the gift of innate knowledge, a reliable fact that presented itself to him by years of perfected talent. Sano was lying when he'd told the captain she was his woman, he knew that, and her reluctance had confirmed it, but he felt as if there were something more that he was missing. Something crucial.
To find her alone with the captain had been a shock, he rarely spared the crew a few words, but as he'd descended there had been no doubt that what he was hearing between the two was an argument. He'd seen grown men crumble under Battousai's displeasure; this girl was either very foolish, or exceedingly brave to have confronted the assassin so determinedly.
"Very well, I am his betrothed," the dishonestly in her voice was so transparent, it was very clear lying made the young woman nervous. Or perhaps it was the way he was leaning over her; he moved to allow her space, watchful lest she attempt to dart off again. She relaxed, leaning against the rough wood wall and eyeing him in speculation.
"Enough," he ordered, "I am already well aware Sano is not your bed mate. I am also aware that women who don't spread their legs do not warrant Sano's tender affections. The man would sooner run himself through with his own sword then end his drunken gambling and brothel visits. So I ask you, and expect complete honestly, what are you truly after?"
"It is true what you say, Sano is not my intended," she attempted to stifle her alarm at his absolute certainty of their dishonestly, meeting his gaze directly, "My brother was taken, please, I only want to find him," her eyes held sadness, a weight of sorrow and hard truths that took some of the guileless innocence from her. She lowered them beneath thick lashes, "A-are you going to tell the captain?"
"No," he expression softened, noting that he'd shocked her. "But I wish a favor in exchange."
"A favor?" She repeated warily. Her latest encounters with men had shown her that few, if any, were honorable, it seemed present company was not to be excluded from those without.
"You plan to go ashore here, but I take it, you have no real intention of locating a minister?" At her sullen nod he continued, "As I assumed. Where then, do you plan to go?"
Her face flamed, knowing her next words could be horribly misinterpreted, "A brothel." At his shock she quickly elaborated, "Sano claims that the women there know the town better than any, and we cannot go to the police."
"I see," he replied thinly. "Still, it is no place for a lady."
"I won't be going as a lady," she smirked, unable to quell her mirth at his puzzled expression. Understanding appeared to dawn on him as he looked over her state of dress, the manly breeches and shirt were hardly the delicate garments of a lady.
"The captain, as well as the crew, stay at brothels to conceal their presence from the law as well," He tilted his head, assessing her, "It will be the same one, no doubt, as Battousai and Sanosuke share many acquaintances on this island. My favor to you then is simple," he eyed her keenly; "you must simply allow the captain to see you dressed as a woman, preferably, a bathed one."
"That's ridiculous!" She retorted incredulously, "What would you gain from that?"
"That is none of your concern," he told her coldly, "Will you honor it, or shall I tell the captain he's been lied to, again?" He emphasized 'again', making it sound ominous.
"Very well, but you can't know that it will be the same brothel," she pointed out, trying to quell the hope in her tone.
"Oh, I am quite certain," his cutting grin implied he knew something she did not, "Do you agree then?"
She hesitated only for an instant, quickly reminding herself that she could pick the ugliest dress imaginable, in hopes that the red headed tyrant paid her no attention. Likely, he wouldn't, not in a brothel full of willing woman. He'd said himself she was hardly desirable next to such, as much as it cut her pride to allow such a thing said (she was a woman after all); in this case it served her needs nicely.
"Yes," She nodded, meeting the man's cool gaze directly.
"Your word," he demanded. In mild surprise her eyebrows rose, a smile playing at her lips.
"You'd take the word of a woman?" She asked, amused. As his silent impatience lengthened she grew serious, "Then you have it, of course. My word that if I encounter your captain, I will wear a dress."
"And bathe."
She frowned, dutifully adding, "And bathe." Tilting her head charmingly, she asked, "Are we quite through?"
"Yes," he waved her onward, "Stay to the kitchen, if anyone finds you wandering…"
Turning, she gifted him a knowing smile, eyes twinkling, "As I said, I am not witless. I have no desire to run afoul of pirates." She spun, making her way assuredly to the cramped foul smelling kitchens.
He watched her go, glad she wasn't mated to him. Kenshin had despaired of their traditions, shortly after their homeland had burned; Aoshi could hardly blame the man. He'd witnessed so much loss, and the honorable and fair man Aoshi had known since childhood, had grown into a merciless tyrant who hid his heart behind duty and his art of sword. While Aoshi possessed some of the most sought talents of their kind, Kenshin had always been the most powerful, and the responsibility of it weighed too heavily on the man.
Not that Himura was lacking as a leader, if he was Katsura would never entrust him with his most nefarious and well secreted tasks, and Aioshi would not risk his life for the man without forethought. No, the captain was a man who inspired loyalty, who commanded respect, as a mercenary he lacked nothing, but as a man, he denied himself the most basic needs of companionship. It was all Tomoe's fault, Aioshi felt no guilt at blaming the tragic temptress for her deeds, she had broken the man, torn his hope from him.
So the legend of the marks was a story told over the camp fire, something children giggled over with awe, but Aioshi had seen too much of the world to so easily dismiss what he felt instinctively. There was something to this girl, and if Himura refused to see it, Aioshi would only gift him with a second chance. If his lifelong friend didn't react as Aioshi suspected he would, then the point was mute and he'd lost nothing on the wager.
He nodded to himself in self assurance, rejoining the men above deck.
-*-
A/N: To everyone going "HEY! WTF! Where's the hot n' steamy Battousai action???" *Evil grin* Patience precious, all in good time. Below is some response to reviews, not that I promise to do this every time, but I feel the need to give massive props to the amazing people who really made my day.
Miniwoo: I had to let you have a glimpse of the nefarious unnamed fiancé this chapter, who is sadly not a RK character, not to be a spoiler but I just didn't want to give the false impression of forethought when actually I just struggled through the first chapters unable to figure out what to call the guy (that sounds horrid doesn't it?? 0_0' ). I think lack of name adds mystique and atmosphere to his daunting persona, but I digress…. Thank you so much, you're awesome, and I hope you continue to like this story.
Back Up Girl: *Grins* Thank you, and yes, Kenshin is in full bad boy mode, to my pleasure. I had to laugh out loud at your comment about his 'mood swings' looking over these chapters and the next couple I have to agree completely, my Battousai is a majorly moody bastard. LOL.
Kingdomfantasyanime453: *Clutches books to chest* OMG, V.V.V's books are amazing; Dragon Bait is one of my favorites next to Companions of the Night, and Eternal Contradiction is a very gifted writer. I've read like, everything under her username. Thanks for your comments, and the heads up *smiles*
Jmai: *sweat drop* Heh, I did just sort of dive into the nitty gritty in this fiction huh? Thanks for your support, and for kindly informing me of my butchering of Aoshi's name, I tried to change every error of that sort in this chapter. I'm picky when reading and hate when people do that stuff, so when I saw I was the culprit this time I had to shake myself once good. Hopefully you continue to read this story and enjoy it!
Chao: Something did prevent the actual rape, I agree, possessive and domineering Battousai is fun, but we can't let him be too naughty or he'll be no better than the villain! Although I always secretly find myself rooting for the villain anyway…weird aren't I?
Honorable Mention: Brukaoru; Tigresa89; Chios-gal; AutumnsFall; jenniebennie; Kao-Misao1728; phoenixkid; Maffy
*Huggles to kind reviewers*
….unless you're creepy, O.o' then how about a firm hand shake instead? (^-^)'