Bridal Mask and Kenshin are both sadly not my creations.
Just a couple things to know for this chapter:
For your info... A Gisaeng was a female entertainer (very prevalent during the Joseon period in Korean history), and sometimes performed acts of prostitution. They were usually commissioned to entertain high government officials etc, but were considered to be of very low social status. They basically held the same status level as slaves, and could not get out of their situation unless someone (usually a wealthy patron) paid a high fee to the government to release them. (From wikipedia.)
Also, during that time, the women entertainers at clubs like Club Akabeko would perform acts of prostitution as well (that is why Kenshin took that woman to bed in the beginning of the story). Sometimes the women of these clubs would use sex to get information from the patrons. (source, my Korean mom lol ^_^x)
Chapter 9: New Meetings, and Old Beginnings
Later that Night at Club Akabeko...
"Aren't you a little bit jealous that Seta got that promotion and not you Kenshin?" Kamatari asks, sitting across the table from the lieutenant, his friend's flamboyant pastel blue suit glittering with the lights of the club. Tomoe's voice is sweet as she sings a melody on stage.
Dressed in a stylish deep violet suit with pale pink button down, "what's that saying always coming out of your mouth?" He laughs, "oh right, que sera sera... Whatever happens happens. I suppose I've lost that ambition since my parents died, what's the point? Just live how you want to live right, who knows what tomorrow will bring?" The other man nods, and Kenshin holds up his glass, "to living in the now." The men toast as a new musician takes over the mic.
Seeing the pair from across the room, Tomoe glides over to their table. With long black hair curled in tendrils to her side, pinned back with a glittering silver broach, matching the silver lining her plunging neckline, "looks like she wants to talk to you Himura." Kamatari points to the woman in the short black dress, her black heels accentuating slender legs.
"Lieutenant," her voice like candy coming from ruby lips, "my name is Tomoe."
"Are you interested in meeting me in my room later? Is that why you came over?" Kenshin's grin is sly as the woman bends forward, revealing the softness of her breasts. It happens quickly as she leans down, placing a soft kiss on his lips. As she rises, Kenshin grasps her arms lightly, forcing her to sit on his lap. "I can make arrangements," he whispers in her ear, "there is a room upstairs."
Releasing herself from his hold, face flushed, she rises to her feet again, "don't you remember me, Lieutenant Himura?"
"I think I would remember meeting someone like you."
Five Years Ago at Yukishiro Gisaeng House...
Having only been employed by the police for two years now, Kenshin has been assigned guard duty for a prominent political figure while he holds a dinner party at a local gisaeng house. Although this job is not very prestigious, he takes his work very seriously.
About fifteen men sit around the low table, each dressed in dark gi and hakamas, a small, double crossed "t" embroidered over their hearts. With only his job in mind, he doesn't pay any attention to what the men are discussing. Immediately, one of the gisaeng enter the room, adorned in traditional white hambok, symbolizing mourning. "How dare you enter dressed like that." The man at the head table states, signaling towards his body guard.
In an instant, an intimidating man, nearly completely covered from head to toe with long, gray, gi and hakamas, strides towards the woman. His large, black, straw hat shielding the lady from seeing the sadistic grin on his face. "I told you I could not participate today. This is the day of my family's memorial."
Regardless of her words, the monster of a man continues his approach with two swords at his belt when the head mistress grasps the man's leg. "Please forgive her, she came to us when she was only five years old when her family was murdered!" Crying, "she is from a wealthy family, and doesn't know how to behave. Please have mercy." Tossing the woman to the side, the bodyguard pulls a katana, ready to strike.
Unable to stop himself, with speed only the devil could possess, the man's sword is met with steel as Kenshin puts his blade in the middle. The men go at it for a few minutes with the woman in utter shock, this man would risk his life to save me?... It is only a moment when Kenshin can feel his body tense slightly, looking into the bodyguard's eyes. Shaking it off, the clanging of metal echoes through the building until finally the man has the officer pinned against the wall, blade at his neck, "Jineh!" Someone shouts, halting the action.
Releasing Kenshin from his hold, Jineh walks back to his position beside the man at the head table. "Because this officer has put your life ahead of his own, your life will be spared today." He pauses, "as for you..." indicating Kenshin, "you have great courage, trying to save a woman you don't even know. For a low class gisaeng," the man turns towards the woman in white, "who can control the hearts of men... can be a dangerous, yet beautiful creature. For that revelation, you may remain at your post. Interfere again, and your head is mine." Kenshin bows, "hai, thank you," and the men continue their dinner party, the woman in white never taking her eyes off the officer.
Club Akabeko...
With violet eyes widening slightly, "you are that woman from five years ago." Nodding, Tomoe turns to walk away when Kenshin grips her wrist, pulling her on top of him once again, "just because I didn't remember a gisaeng in mourning clothes, doesn't mean I am not interested... In fact," his whisper tickles her ear, sending shivers down her spine, "I am very interested in learning more about how a lowly gisaeng from Joseon could become Tomoe, the Japanese singer."
Standing up, Tomoe smirks, "if you are lucky Mr. Himura, you and I might become very well acquainted." She walks from the men, sly smile playing across her lips.
"She sure likes you." Kamatari grins, and Kenshin shrugs. "A man does have needs," he pauses, looking at Tomoe's back as she walks away, "let's order another round."
Oniwaban Circus...
It is the first show that the brunette has participated in since her various brushes with the law, and Kaoru can't contain her excitement to put her masks back on. Wearing a black robe glittering in the spotlight, shoulder pads and high boots make her seem two feet taller than her usual petite frame. Colorful embroidery weaves throughout the robe, giving her an iridescent glow when stepping under the various colored lights.
"And now for the one you have all been waiting for..." Kaoru's heart races with anticipation, "...the mask changing demon of the Oniwaban!" The curtain is drawn to cheers from the crowd as a drum roll plays in the background with Kaoru's sudden appearance on stage. A colorful red and blue plastic mask with fangs giving the guise of a demon is the first in place.
With a flick of her wrist, a paper fan is opened, covering the mask for only what seems like a second, revealing a different face than that of the first. The crowd roars with excitement as Kaoru continues her dance, revealing mask after mask. The drums keep beat with each change until finally the last mask appears gaining hoots and cheers from the crowd. The applause is near deafening when the white mask comes on, the rosy cheeks unmistakable, and with one last flick, Kaoru takes off the final face to reveal her own.
Her smile is bright with breathing heavy, but the happiness is short lived when she hears a man in the crowd, "I knew we should never have let you go!" Dysuke and a few stragglers from Chong Ro police station rush the stage, guns drawn, "you are definitely working with battousai." The crowd screams in fear, running for the exits as the rest of the Oniwaban come on stage to block Kaoru from the unwanted intrusion.
"How is she working with battousai? It is just a traditional Korean wedding mask." Megumi pipes up, and the officer in charge points the pistol in her direction. Sano walks in front, shielding his wife from the man's gun when two men in black uniforms approach the stage. "What's going on here?" One of them asks the officers in white, "lower your weapons at once."
"Who are you to speak to a member of the imperial police like that?!" Dysuke exclaims.
"Are you really that much of a fool that you can't recognize members of the Japanese secret service?" Both men flash their badges at the officer, and speaking slowly and carefully, "we have been investigating this circus for six months now, and we will not have you idiots ruining our entire operation."
Kaoru glances at the rest of the circus members, who are just as shocked as she. "Now go running back home like good little boys, and don't mention this to anyone in your department, got it? Otherwise you are all out of jobs, and we have no problems locking you up for the rest of your pitiful lives." It doesn't take long for Dysuke and the rest of the policemen to get the hint, and race out of the circus tent with tails between their legs.
Smiling slightly, one of the secret service members addresses the circus troupe, "Aoshi, Okina, and Kaoru, follow us, there is someone that would like to speak with you about the vigilante, battousai."
"Don't go with them Kaoru." Yahiko begs, but Kaoru simply turns to the boy, "don't worry Yahiko, we will be alright. Everyone, just stay here, we will be fine."
Unable to really do anything else, the members watch as the three are taken away by the men in black.
Shishio's Office at Police Headquarters...
"I released the girl and the circus members, now what is your plan to catch battousai?"
Contemplating a moment, Seta looks at his father, "battousai only attacks those who severely wrong the people of Joseon. We need to find someone that he will want to kill..." Pausing, "his most recent attack was on Saizuchi from the bank, but he did not kill him... If he does something again, I'm sure battousai will not fail in punishing the man this time."
Giving his father a quizzical look, "I know you were a part of the banks putting a stop on funds. I need to know what your plans are. If we want to kill that bastard, I need to know why you want to close the Joseon market."
"In time, if you prove that you can be trusted, I will tell you everything. For now, just know that Saizuchi will be an integral part of catching battousai."
"That's not good enough! You have to tell me your plans for the market at least! I'm not going to try to stop what you are doing, just tell me the truth!"
After a few moments, "it's no secret that the empire has plans to use this tiny peninsula to conquer the rest of asia. In addition to this, a wealthy business man my group is associated with wants to use the location of the market to build a new luxury hotel."
Shocked, "you mean to tell me that you are willing to destroy all those lives, and the livelihoods of those people just for money?"
"You wanted to know the truth. In this world, only the strong survive, feeding off the weak. That is the nature of life."
Sighing, Seta adds, "I told you I won't try to stop you. What will you have the manager do?"
The Asuka Hotel...
Making their way through the various corridors, the five finally reach a suite on the third floor. "They are waiting for you in here," the agents tell the group, opening the door to a world of luxury. With backs towards the entrance, Geong smiles at his companion, both turning just as they are closed off from prying eyes and ears.
Studying the pair, Kaoru's eyes light up, recognizing the man in a mustache almost instantly. "Father!" The brunette runs in, embracing Koshijuro fiercely. "Kao," the relief in his voice evident as he addresses the others. "Thank you for coming."
"Of course," Aoshi states, and Kaoru turns to their ring leader. "You knew this whole time?" The man and Okina nod, with the older man smiling ear to ear, and perhaps a faint upturn of Aoshi's lips... if Kaoru were to stare long enough she might see it.
After introductions have been completed, the group sit at the table in the center of the dining room, "we have been planning this for a while now," Koshijuro says.
"What do you need of the Oniwaban?" Aoshi asks.
"It's not you that we need help from," looking towards her daughter, "we need your help, Kao. If it's not too much to ask?"
"Anything father," the raven haired beauty smiles.
"We need you to arrange a meeting with battousai. If we had his help, our plan will go off without fail I am sure of it."
"I don't really know him personally... but I can try."
"That is all that I ask."
Dressed as battousai, Kenshin walks along the trail on the outskirts of town. He doesn't really know why, but something has brought him to this spot as he glances at the log next to him. Sitting down with hands pressed against the wood, his eyes go towards the heavens, and he closes his lids, letting the soft wind blow his hair with the breeze.
Taking a deep breath, something catches his eye when he opens them. Curious, he notices a piece of cloth hanging on a branch above his head, almost missing it. Grasping the item, he detaches it from the tree, breath hitching as he reads the crimson note. "Kao-dono," he whispers, stuffing the note quickly in his undershirt when he hears footsteps approaching. Kenshin sneaks behind the tree, hidden from any passersby.
Kaoru rushes to their spot when she sees that the note has been received, "young master?!" Knowing that he probably is long gone, "I... I have something important to ask you." No response, "I will wait here everyday right when the sun sets... Please come meet with me." Pulling another piece of white cloth from her pocket, she jumps up to replace it on the same branch with Kenshin scurrying further behind the tree not to be seen. His heart beating a rapid staccato against his chest.
After he makes sure she is out of sight, Kenshin retrieves the letter, stating much the same that she spoke of herself, that she will wait everyday for him to arrive at sunset to meet. Closing his eyes briefly, a sad smile plays on his lips, "Kao-dono..."
The next morning at Chong Ro police station...
Kenshin walks towards his office, but stops outside Seta's door when he hears officer Dysuke's voice inside. "-just let that bitch go like that! I wonder what internal affairs will think of this when I tell them you have feelings for that woman. You'll be out on the street so fast-" the officer stops his rant when they see Kenshin burst through the door.
"Is there a problem in here lieutenant?" Kenshin addresses Seta.
"No, thank you for your concern." Steeling his gaze at the other officer in the room, "he was just leaving." Seta walks from the room with Kenshin trailing behind, stopping at the few stairs before the center of the station below.
"Attention!" Soujiro calls, the rest of the employees hustling to line up. "The first two rows come with me, the rest of you, return to your work. Lieutenant," he turns to his friend, "come as well."
"Hai, where are we going?" Kenshin asks.
"To the Oniwaban circus."
After a few minutes drive, the officers arrive at the glittering main tent with all the performers halting their practice when they see their unexpected guests. Automatically gathering on the center stage, a slight gasp escapes Kaoru's lips as she sees Seta approaching in the white uniform. With eyes like steel, he addresses the members, his vision never leaving that of the brunette's.
"From this day forward, Kamiya Kaoru will be on twenty four hour surveillance. If any member of this circus is suspected of being involved with terrorist groups, each one of you will be interrogated. There will be no more leniency given to traitors."
"You can't do that!" Sano's voice booms, "we haven't done anything wrong!"
"This is for your own safety."
"What safety?! You can't treat us like prisoners!" Yahiko can't help start running towards his former teacher, bokken in hand. "Yahiko!" Kaoru holds him back, "don't be foolish," she whispers, "he's just another Jap," the boy mutters, and Kaoru doesn't fail to see the look of sadness in his old friend's eyes.
Clearing his throat, Seta continues, "regardless. Lieutenant Himura," Kenshin's back straightens, "hai," he turns toward his new boss, "you and officer Cho are assigned this station. I trust that you will keep a tight watch on Kamiya while officer Cho makes sure the rest of the members stay in line."
Bowing slightly, "hai," the two policemen agree to their new assignments, Kenshin glancing at Kaoru. His heart clenches against his ribs when he sees the water glistening around navy irises.
Turning from the group, Seta and the other officers head to the exit, Kaoru following swiftly after, grasping the back of Seta's uniform, "Seta," it comes as a whisper. With back facing Kaoru, he hears the hurt in her voice, "is it because of me?" She pauses, "is that why you put on this uniform?"
The man's eyes close as he takes in a deep lungful of air, "don't be a fool, battousai killed my brother." Seta can feel her hand release, "that is the only reason why I wear this uniform. Until battousai is dead..." a stop, "this is who I am now." He walks away, heart beating heavily in his chest, leaving Kenshin and Cho behind.
Taking a look around, Kenshin's mind is reeling with his new assignment. Perhaps this can work for the best... "All of you, you will come to no harm. Just resume your normal activities." Not missing the snickers of those in the group, Kenshin follows silently behind Kaoru towards one of the dressing rooms.
Turning swiftly, "are you really going to follow me everywhere I go?!" Kenshin remains silent, in awe of this woman's courage. Even after all that he has done to her, she still has such a fighting spirit. He can't stop the smirk from forming on his lips.
With expression suddenly serious, voice slightly hushed, "to the ends of the earth, I will follow you," and protect you...
Grabbing some cleaning supplies, frustrated at her new predicament, Kaoru begins her vigorous scrubbing of the dressing room mirrors. She doesn't really need to be cleaning right now, but anything to keep herself busy without having to think about the man standing nearby. Unsure how much time has passed, it seems like she has been cleaning the various dressing rooms for hours now.
Kaoru takes a quick glance out the window, heart racing when she realizes that the sun is almost setting. I have to be there incase battousai shows up... She takes another look at the officer in the room, sitting on a chair near the door, eyes closed. The slow, steady rise and fall of his chest indicating a peaceful sleep. Is he really... asleep?... Feeling for the dagger between her breasts, I could kill him easily now...
Carefully removing the blade from its sheath, Kaoru creeps towards the sleeping man, and with a quick thrust, she winces as Kenshin easily grips her delicate wrist, shocked to see violet eyes staring into her own. Pulling her close, their lips a mere breath apart "Don't try anything foolish."
Releasing her arm, Kaoru runs, slamming the door behind her with Kenshin sitting back in his chair. Looking out the window, almost sunset, he smiles, at least as battousai she doesn't hate me. After a few minutes, with the guise of being in pursuit, Kenshin runs, leaving the Oniwaban circus behind.
Pacing for what seems like forever, Kaoru takes a peek at the orange and pink streaks throughout the sky. With dusk approaching, she plops on the fallen tree nearby. "Maybe he isn't coming today," she mumbles, but rises quickly when she hears the trotting of hooves in the distance.
Seeing the familiar white hambok and black mare, Kaoru is nearly beaming as her hero approaches.
As Kenshin makes his dismount, "I wasn't sure if you would come." Kaoru's face flushes a subtle pink, unable to hide the beauty in her expression, fingers playing nervously with a piece of paper in her hands. Battousai remains expressionless, at least he is trying to anyway. "I," she pauses as butterflies flutter around her heart, "I wanted to say thank you," her voice soft, but Kenshin can't help the feelings of guilt wash over him, "for all of those times you have helped me."
She doesn't know why, but tears form behind her eyes, "I didn't think I would ever get a chance to say thank you. When it was in the papers that you died..." Battousai closes his lids, a vice on his heart remembering his father, thankful for the mask covering his features.
"Here," she quickly takes hold of Kenshin's calloused hands, placing a piece of paper inside. Unwilling to release his gentle touch, Kaoru inches closer to the vigilante, "my father," she pauses, getting lost in a purple haze, violet eyes... "He is like you, he is fighting to help the people of Joseon. I know it's a lot to ask, but he wants to meet with you. He is staying at the Asuka hotel under the name of Geong Lee. Please meet with him."
So Koshijuro is back, nodding a slight affirmative that he will at least go to the hotel, Kenshin doesn't want to risk her being seen with battousai any longer than necessary, so he turns to get back on his horse. He is stopped abruptly when he feels soft hands grip his own, "wait," he can hear the desperation in her voice as Kenshin faces the raven haired beauty once more.
"I'm..." cheeks flushing, "Kaoru Kamiya." Her eyes a deep, liquid blue, piercing into the depths of Kenshin's soul. He can't help the soft whisper of her name dancing across his lips, "Kaoru-dono." Her throat catches, wondering if she imagined the addition of the formality to her name, is it really you?
Just as quickly as he arrived, Kenshin takes off on his steed, leaving Kaoru to walk along the trail. Few minutes pass before Kaoru begins her trek back to the Oniwaban, dreading her encounter with a certain lieutenant.
As if he is reading her mind, she hears footsteps up ahead, her head tilting, hiding her eyes immediately. "What are you doing here?" Kenshin asks, voice harsh, dressed again in his policeman's garb.
"I was," a pause, "just getting some air!" Walking passed him with a huff, a smile playing on Kenshin's lips as he follows a few feet behind. Now, I will have to leave soon for the Asuka hotel... Kenshin thinks, but will continue to enjoy simply being near, even if she will never forgive him for all that he did. At least he can remember these moments, just watching from afar will have to be enough.
Well, that's it for now, hope you enjoyed this chapter :) Sorry for the delay, sometimes life just gets in the way of writing fanfics ;) Anywho, reviews are highly appreciated once again, thanks and happy reading :)
Coming up...
"Do you think I won't be able to figure out who he is?" Seta stares at the inscription on the small hilt in his hands, the brunette looking down, trying to hide her fear. Kenshin can feel the drops of perspiration forming on his brow, and rushes towards Kaoru, lifting her chin gently. "Just say anything, anything that you know about battousai, and we will let you go. Just-"
"Even if I knew, I wouldn't tell you!" Kaoru turns to look at the man she used to consider friend, eyes widening when she sees him pull a leather whip from the wall. Blue irises staring back at Kenshin, "just kill me then!"
Kenshin's throat is dry, heart clenching painfully in his chest, "that's what you've been wanting to do all along!"
"Lieutenant Himura," thankful that he can take his eyes from the frightened girl in front of him. "Hai." His voice struggling to stay steady.
"Whip this Joseon bitch until she screams battousai's name..."
I promise it won't be more than a couple of weeks until the next update. See you then! :)