Cursed

by lossehelin

For a thousand years the village has known of the beast living in the old palace. A beast said to live on human blood. One father knows the truth, and is now bound by word to return a favor he has ignored for thirteen years.

39. Devotion

I'm starting to notice that I really like "d" words. What's up with that?

Disclaimer: Please don't accuse me of stealing. I am merely borrowing for my own pleasure. I gain nothing but satisfaction.

Chapter 39: Devotion

The voices had finally calmed. Whether it was the aroma floating in the air, the cushion separating him from the floor, or the comforting glow of the necklace just inches from his face, Kenshin didn't care, as long as the voices stopped their incessant whispering. Worn and emotionally exhausted, he ghosted his fingers carefully over the warm surface of the single, glass petal, his dark violet eyes watching the movement listlessly. Petting the wires, pushing the light bauble around and around in small circles on the futon bedding, letting the silver chain slip through his fingers over and over again, he found solace in the reality of its presence. Kaoru had touched this object, had worn it safely underneath her clothing, against her skin. It still radiated her heat. That meant that Kaoru herself had not been a dream. Kaoru had been there, in that very room, had slept in the same bed he was now lying on.

Stretched full-length on his belly, his head pillowed flat on the bedding, his wings spanned the entire width of Kaoru's room, touching and connecting both walls. It was dark, because it was nighttime, only the soft blush of pink from the necklace illuminating the red skin of his hand. Though tired and already droopy from the last two days of arguing with the voices, the atmosphere within her room relaxed him further. It was the scent of jasmine curling around his heart and mind, its beautiful fragrance pushing away his troubles and drugging him into complacency. The futon he rested upon was saturated with the smell, and as heavy eyes flickered close, he turned his nose into the mattress and could almost feel the soft threads of her hair.

"… please remember…"

Face contorting in agony; he shook his head, desperate to keep the tormenting voices at bay. I don't want to.

"Please…"

Just leave me alone.

Reluctantly the echo receded, and the palace master sighed in relief. Fluttering open his eyes, he began petting the necklace again. Its glow brightened with each gentle stroke of his finger, and he watched the ebb and rise of light with fascination. He had noticed similar occurrences before, when Kaoru had still been wearing it. At certain times its bright light would intensify, shining fiercely, rivaling her own beautiful glow. Was it affected by emotion, he wondered. Did it react to warmth alone, or was the magic within it attracted to something deeper, something incomprehensible to him? It certainly was very mesmerizing, and somehow, even lost in the depths of despair, just touching its smooth surface made him feel… happy.

An unconscious smile had tilted his lips just barely enough to show joy in his moment of contemplation. Feeling his stiff muscles protest the expression, recognizing the traitorous response, he let the smile slowly slide off. What was left for him to feel happy about? Kaoru was gone, and she was not going to return. All that he now had, all that he had gained, all had come about because of her. Swooping in, fierce and pure, she had changed his entire life, had forced him to reevaluate his actions and thoughts. She had taught him how to live, how to love… but something had gone wrong. Perhaps he had expected too much. Perhaps he had only imagined her love.

"I never really loved you Kenshin."

A sharp spasm speared his heart, forcing his eyes shut, his hand flattening over the necklace. One of the wicked voices had returned. How can that be? You told me you did. So many times you told me you did.

"I only pretended to keep you happy."

That was not fake. I will not believe that it was fake. I can't because… because my heart cannot give up on you. I have lived fake before… I have lived it, and you were not it.

"Really? You know so little of feminine wiles."

Fumbling, his breathing quickened as he was unsure how to argue. Feeling as if he were going mad, afraid he already had, he opened his eyes to focus on the necklace once more; needing release from the uncertainty.

"Who could ever love you?"

Whimpering, he fisted his fingers, enclosing the fragile petal in the palm of his hand. Bringing it closer, the silver chain tangled around his knuckles, he pressed his fingers against his eye, peeking secretively within the confined space. Pulsating, searing with heat, its brilliance almost hurt to look upon, but it was a different pain, a better pain. It was welcoming.

The voices and world receded… and suddenly he was flying.

Gliding along lazily through the clear summer sky, the wind was gentle against his face, playing tenderly with his wings. Smiling, he banked right, aiming for a particular mountain, a surge of excitement and impatience lighting his bright amethyst irises. Against his shoulder a feminine giggle alerted him to her pleasure, and he glanced over into sapphire eyes, his smile widening when she planted a happy kiss on his cheek.

"What was that for, my lady?"

Grinning, she shrugged. "Because you looked so adorable I was forced to. Really Kenshin, don't you know the rules?"

"Rules. I see." Eyeing her, his own smile turned up mysteriously. "But Kaoru-dono, this rule is not very practical or safe." Dropping his lips to her exposed neck, he explained in a carefully schooled voice. "According to this edict, I would have to kiss you every moment of the day, and I'm sure that might become rather improper."

"Ah. But that is why you are also allowed to save up kisses for later, and dispense them at your own discretion."

Laughing, Kenshin twisted them up and over and threw them into a dive. "I suspect you are making these rules up as you go, my lady!"

They landed on a small, reasonably flat clearing overlooking the ocean. It was quite a ways away from the palace, far enough down the coast to be a good distance from all civilization. Pulling herself away from him, Kaoru's grin matched his. "I'm found out. I just wanted an excuse to kiss you whenever I wanted." Pouting, she stepped out of his reach. "Since you know I guess I'll have to behave."

Grabbing her hand before she could turn away, he brought her fingers to his lips. "You shouldn't pout, my lady. It looks more like a very tempting offer than a show of petulance. I am trying to behave as well."

The pout disappeared and it was her turn to eye him speculatively. "You will have to forgive me, Lord Himura." Bowing slowly at the waist, she didn't even try to hide her smirk as she looked up at him through her bangs. "But I cannot be conscious of every little movement I make. I as well have temptations to worry over. You will have to deal with your own."

Amethyst eyes had darkened to a deep violet, and he tugged on their still joined hands to bring them back together. "If you were aiming for a kiss, Kaoru-dono, the teasing was quite unnecessary."

"But I was having fun." Another pout and he was unable to resist. Against his lips he could feel her foolish smile, their joined hands caught between their bodies. She was willing and eager and he could never get enough of her taste. It was like heaven and it was like torture and he wished it would last forever.

They stayed there all afternoon, listening to the wind, the distant susurrations of the ocean, and the love in each other's voices as they spoke. With his head pillowed in her lap he felt content, and he was aware of dozing off a couple of times, always waking to the gentle tug of her fingers in his hair. The smile she graced him with was full of adoration, her blue eyes warm and lazy, and there was not one reason for him to believe that she was uncomfortable with their situation. Not once did he question the words of love she spoke to him.

"Kenshin… I…"

Blinking dazedly Kenshin pulled his hand away from his face, the glow of the petal soft and gentle once more. The memory clung to him, reminding him of a wonderful day of happiness and innocent pleasure. That day she was still beside him and within his reach… that day they had learned the limit of their boundaries. Trembling now, an unreasonable wish blossomed into life within his heart. If he had only ignored the boundaries, if he had only forgotten propriety and lost himself inside the embrace of her arms, he would have obtained every right to make her stay. She would have been unable to argue with him, and she would have been unable to sneak away. Not while trapped in the cage of his grasp while they slept side-by-side until the very end of eternity.

The necklace flashed, almost angrily, and Kenshin frowned, his thoughts pulling themselves away from delusional daydreams and useless wishes. What did any of that matter now? Even if he had done something as reckless and shameful as dishonoring her it would not have changed how she felt.

I just cannot believe everything that passed between us was an act. Every look, every gesture, every word rang with purity and truth. Even if she had disillusioned herself so well into truly believing her own lie, she would not have been so… perfect.

The necklace was once again glowing happily, expanding its luminance under his affectionate caress.

In my heart I do not believe what has happened. It tells me that it is surely only another nightmare, one that I will eventually wake from to find that Kaoru is waiting to comfort and soothe me. My heart tells me she would never leave, she would never say that she does not love me, but… my mind knows that it has happened, and so it must be true.

Once again, the soft pink glow burned brighter in urgency.

"Please, please remember…"

No. It hurts.

"Please…"

Why?

"… please…"

…Remember what?

The spiteful voices he hated rose up to overwhelm him, as if a flood gate had been opened; as if the pleading one had been holding them at bay. This time, however, his memory was clear, and he remembered why they were wrong.

"I could never forgive your past."

Teasing laughter echoed in his ears, a vision of her happy eyes fierce with glee as she threw herself into his chest. "Learning about your past was something I needed to deal with, yes it was harder because you didn't tell me everything yourself, but I'm not mad at you for how it affected me. I don't like how it affected you."

"This curse is far too lenient."

"It must have been so awful for you." The phantom feel of her fingers threaded with his were tight, her lungs trembling with sympathetic grief. "You had to suffer, all alone, for so long, watching everyone else suffer around you, unable to help them. They're your people and you couldn't help them." Tears slid down her cheeks, pained by the thought of his pain. "You must be in so much pain."

"I don't belong here."

Frowning, this time Kenshin conjured a different set of blue eyes. Ones that held more grey than blue. "Do you not think she would be happier at her own home, visiting you?" Only a few days later, those same blue eyes had looked out at the sunset and spoke in a voice that was touched with only an ounce of regret. "…she has informed me that she is quite happy here."

"I don't belong with you."

Tears were streaking her pale cheeks, her hands clasped against her chest as she whispered to him in soft confession. "Nothing's wrong, Kenshin. I'm just… happier than I have ever been in my life."

"I was only pretending to keep you happy."

Fireflies were dancing around her, shooting reflections of green light into her luminous eyes. Starlight shone above them, dim lanterns warming the ambience, and she was wishing for his happiness. "I just want you to be happy, too, Kenshin. And not just for a brief moment… but from… now on."

"I just felt sorry for you."

Red hair was slapped into his face, her expression flirting and playful. She was listing off what she liked about him, telling him why she enjoyed his company, why her emotions were deeper than anything so shallow. "My lord, your list of attractive qualities is quite long, so it won't be hard to conjure a few more for your enjoyment."

"Can you… change the way you look?"

The abrupt smack of her palm against the back of his head had shocked him, her lips pursed and blue eyes narrowed. "Don't be such an idiot. There is absolutely nothing wrong with you and I'm not going to deal with you feeling sorry for yourself."

"You are so easily fooled. You know nothing of feminine wiles."

This time his mind came up blank, and like every time before his argument trembled in danger of falling apart. He did not believe that everything they had shared was fake. He did not believe his memories to be false, but… if his memories were true then that meant all the hateful words she had spoken before leaving were not. Such a conclusion didn't make sense. Why would she spend so long convincing him that she loved him just to tear it all apart within twenty-four hours with a series of horrible lies? Kenshin didn't understand, and the less he understood the feebler his protests became. What would make a woman so pure and innocent lie about her true feelings?

Light began to flicker and sputter randomly from the glass petal still curled in his loose grip, and a wrenching fear widened his eyes. It reminded him so much of the lone petal back at the shrine, its dying form marking the end of everything. "No. No, what's wrong? What did I do?" Struggling to brace himself on his side, his other arm forcing its way free to cup the necklace in both hands, Kenshin brought the delicate bauble and its faltering light close into the hollow of his body. Curving himself around it protectively, he stared down into the bowl his hands created, frightened by each quivering hue of pink. "What do you want me to do?" Voice a hushed whisper of pain, his world narrowed to the small flame of light.

"… Kenshin… remember…"

"The truth or the lies? I don't know what you want."

"Please…"

"I was lied to. Either way, I was lied to and I don't understand why. I'm not sure I want to understand. It must be… a horrible understanding if it made her run."

"… Kenshin…" There was an almost chiding tone to the ethereal voice, and he was once more a young boy standing before his mother.

"Kenshin, child… what am I going to do with you?"

Mother.

A new memory came to mind, transporting him back to his angry teenage years. He could not show his emotions any longer, the rage he felt caged and building within his heart. One such day a small bubble had escaped him while in his mother's presence.

"Everyone lies to me. It makes me sick. Not one person in this place will ever speak the entire truth to me." Golden eyes glanced towards his mother, the depths hard and nearly accusing. "Even you lie, Mother. I don't understand it."

Soft lilac eyes considered him carefully, her composure always unruffled even in the face of accusation. Setting down her teacup, she folded her hands politely in her lap. "Do you not know why people lie, Kenshin?"

"Because they are afraid of the truth?"

"Ah, that is a large part of it, but maybe they do not fear it in the way you think. I believe that there are only three real reasons why someone will willingly tell a lie. Only three very simple reasons. One, because it will help them gain something they want. Two, because they are afraid for themselves. And three, because they are protecting something or someone they love." Sad lilac eyes met his squarely when he looked at her again, and she gently smiled. "Do you know why I lie?"

"… remember…"

"I love you, Kenshin." Trembling, Kenshin clenched his eyes shut, seeing in his mind's eye, feeling Kaoru's face pressed into his neck as she clutched at his kimono. The fireflies were dancing again, and she was explaining why she would go through so much trouble just to please him. "I love you and I want you to be happy."

"… please…" The meager light of the necklace began to strengthen.

"… I love you so much, and I'm… I'm overwhelmed..." Sweet words whispered to him moments before their first kiss.

"… please remember…"

"My crazy Lord Himura… you are just too sweet. I love that about you." Gentle, teasing words comforting him after a nightmare.

"Please, please remember…" It was much stronger now, the necklace a fighting glow, no longer flickering in danger.

"Goodnight, Kenshin. I love you."

"I love you."

"Because I love you, silly."

"Don't tease… you know you love me."

"Nothing will ever change my mind."

"Don't worry, Kenshin. I love you too much to stop now."

"I love you."

"I love you."

The cacophony swelled like a large ocean wave, reminding him, reassuring him, and telling him everything he needed to know. Between the shelter of his hands the necklace was afire, like a fierce flame warming his heart. It was magic, he knew there was no other explanation, but he also knew that it was Kaoru. It was feeding him these words, reminding him of what he should already know; what his heart was already aware of. Otherwise, he would have believed the lie. From the very beginning he had known that something was off, had known not to give into the despair that wished to take him. Because even though his mind had nearly been corrupted by the test of their love, his heart would not be swayed. He had no reason to doubt Kaoru, just as she had no reason to doubt him.

"I love you, Kenshin." The voice was clearer now, and when his eyes closed it was like a comforting spring breeze. "Please, please remember that I did and will always love you."

A frown wrinkled his forehead and the comfort abruptly disappeared. Kaoru lied to protect me from something even knowing she was going to be hurting herself in the process. Sitting up straight, the necklace now clutched in one hand, he stared at a far wall blankly, his mind focused inward. She protected me at the sacrifice of herself and I was not aware. A small surge of his anger came back, its return pronounced after a long absence. But just what was she protecting me from? Quickly and thoroughly his mind ran back over every detail and word they had traded from the time he had gone to sleep the night she had disappeared to the last time she had acted normal when near him.

"I have a few things I wish to take care of before evening anyway. I'll see you at supper, okay Kenshin?" Focused, his eyes widened, because only a few hours later she had entered the dining hall… and stared as if it was the last time she would ever get to see him. "… I… I was just… admiring the view." And hugged him like she never wanted to let go. "I'm just… so exhausted, Kenshin." And kissed him like she wished to drown. The very next day, his nightmare had come to life.

What happened between the time she left my side in the office to the time we sat down to dinner? Where did she go? What would upset her enough to make her run away?

The truth came to him like a flash of lightning, and he realized he too had been lying, but to himself and for a much more selfish reason than Kaoru. "… until the day you understand. When you understand exactly what it means…"

Standing, Kenshin carefully tucked the necklace inside his kimono and marched to the shoji. Kaoru was in need of a severe scolding. Afterwards, he would have to apologize for taking so long in realizing.

X

Uncomfortable heat radiated outward from the campfire, but the light was welcoming, just as the warm food had been. Staring at the crackling flames, Koshijirou sighed, his grey-blue eyes lifting up and sideways to stare at his daughter's back. She was seated far enough apart from their camp that darkness was beginning to envelope her. It made him nervous for her safety, but he was aware of her wish for solidarity, even if he did not completely understand it. Sighing again, he darted a glance at the boys, their own dark eyes tentative as they shot looks at the female in their group.

"Is… Kaoru-san alright?" Kazuki whispered his worry. "Did something happen between her and her husband or something?"

"Of course something happened, idiot. She wouldn't be acting like that if it were nothing." Haruki glared at his younger brother who returned the look irritably.

"Calm down, Haruki-kun. Your brother was merely concerned." Truth be told, Koshijirou was concerned himself, and he figured it was time to find out what was going on. They were running, both he and his daughter, though from different things. Koshijirou only wished to protect her, but he could not fathom what had forced his daughter to run. As far as he knew, his daughter ran from nothing.

"She shouldn't be away from him." Steel blue eyes swung from the ducked posture of his daughter, over the campfire, and steadied slowly on Ren. Black eyes, reflecting red flames, were watching Kaoru. "If they stay apart…" His voice trailed off, and he blinked then added decisively. "They are stronger together." Haruki hummed in agreement, Kazuki nodding his head as he prodded the fire. An unnatural feeling of apprehension settled into Koshijirou's bones, and he stared at the three boys sitting in a semi-circle before him. What were they talking about? What did they mean? How come they sounded as if they knew more about what was going on than him? At that moment, they seemed suddenly so alien.

"Sensei." Unable to keep himself from jumping, the master gasped in a breath, shocked from his uneasy contemplation.

"Yes, what is it, Ren-kun?"

"If Kaoru-san is upset about something you should try to talk to her about it." The young boy he was used to seeing was back once more, his voice slightly unsure and earnest. It was nothing like the way he had spoken before. "Maybe you can help her."

Frowning at him, his blue eyes intent as he studied each of the boys in turn, Koshijirou nodded his head. "Yeah, I think you're right." Standing to his feet a grimace contorted his face as his sore muscles and aching bones protested. Sometimes it was easy to forget he was getting old. This was not one of those times. "You boys keep an eye out for any… predators. Don't let your guard down."

"Yes, sensei." They chorused in unison as he walked away, and his mind reluctantly slipped from his eerie thoughts of them to his concerned feelings for his only child. Kaoru was not one to let her sorrow show, it would be hard getting her to confess. Especially to him.

As he seated himself next to her he ignored the way she hunched in defense and instead kept his eyes focused forward into the dark woods. Nothing stirred outside their ring of firelight, and the complete stillness brought both comfort and anxiety. Kaoru fidgeted, her weight shifting from side to side. Her legs drew up into her chest, her arms pulling at the folds of the large overcoat she was wearing until it wrapped tight around her slim figure. Letting his attention linger on the article of clothing, he reached over to absently tug on one of the sleeves.

"Is this the same haori you found the day it snowed on the mountain?" His daughter hesitated, her bangs falling in her face before she nodded silently. "It's of much better quality than the one I gave to you. It's very thick. No doubt warm, too." Kaoru's chin tilted away from him to look out through the trees and nodded again. "Ah." Letting his hand slip away, he studied her intently. "Aijou, are you sick?" A frown pulled at her mouth.

"No." Her voice was soft and confused by his question.

"Truly? You would not lie to your old man, would you?"

"Of course not, Father." Finally her eyes looked fully into his. Successfully caught, he struck a blow through her lowered guard.

"Then for what reason have you been wearing that winter coat these past two summer nights if you are not cold?" Her head jerked away, but not before he saw pain contort her features. Unconsciously her fingers clutched the haori tighter and she did not answer. A sad, plummeting sensation in his chest warned him he was near to the problem. Somehow, Koshijirou was already aware that there was only one man who could make her act this way, and that man was not him. "That haori belongs to Lord Kenshin, doesn't it?" Sighing, he looked back out over the darkness. "For you to be holding onto it so desperately tells me you have somewhere else you wish to be. What I don't understand, Kaoru… is what has happened to send you away from there?"

The numbness Kaoru had fought to hold onto was cracking away with the draining of her strength. The pain she did not wish to acknowledge, the heartbreak she wanted to bury was finding those cracks, making her feel weak. How pathetic that only a small questioning would crumble her resolve to stay strong. For two days she had kept up her act, and now that her father was finally demanding answers, she could not handle the pressure. The emotion would no longer be contained.

"You should not deny your heart, aijou. If you wish to be at the palace then you should stay there, with your lord. If you are worried about me then you shouldn't be. The idea does not thrill me, but I have seen enough to know you are well taken care of there, and you are happy, ne? All that I want is for you to be happy, no matter where you are or who you are with. If that means being with that… man, then so be it."

Glancing quickly in her direction to see how she was reacting to his declarations, Koshijirou's words died, his eyes widening as he watched her fight the thick tears that were spilling from her lashes. Her mouth was clenched shut and she was having increasing trouble trying to breathe through her nose. Abruptly torn between worry and anger, his arm wrapped around her shoulders. "Aijou… he hurt you, didn't he? What did he do? Tell me what happened. You said you were fine, and I believed you, but Kaoru if he…"

"No." Fight lost the moment her mouth opened to argue, the gasping breaths tore from her lips. "He didn't hurt me, Daddy. Ihurt him." Sobbing as the pain finally surfaced and found an outlet; she pressed her face into her knees and muffled her cries with her arms. "I hurt him…" Hiccupping, unable to breathe, she wept the same harsh, bitter tears she had as a child standing beside her mother's grave. It was painful and never-ending, and the misery it filled her with lead straight into hopelessness.

"Kaoru…" It was a shock to see his daughter in such a state, and he did the only thing he could. Hugging her to him he waited for her tears to calm. They only ebbed, however, never truly giving up their hold on her small frame, and he pressed her to see if talking would help. "What did you mean, you hurt him? Tell me what happened, aijou."

"I had to, Daddy. I had to leave. It was the only way." Relieved that she was talking, though her words were disjointed and watery, Koshijirou encouraged her to continue. Halting and soaked with emotions of shame, love, and pain, she told him everything about the curse; about why she wanted to help and why she had left. It was a lot to take in, a lot to understand, and though Koshijirou knew he would never fully comprehend what was going on he was aware of the basics. There was a curse on the palace; any idiot with eyes could tell their existence was not natural. Kaoru meant to break that curse, and to do that this sorceress, the one his wife had spoken of in her stories, meant for Kaoru to leave and abandon the lord to his solitude. He could sympathize with Kaoru's decision, because of the other residents of the palace, but there was something about the situation that did not sit well with him.

"Do you love him, aijou?" Careful of his tone he petted her hair. Her reply was a soft yes. "And does he love you?"

"He… he did before…"

Koshijirou frowned. "Do you doubt that he loved you?"

Kaoru's head came up off her knees, her face a mess of tears. "No." The quivering conviction in her voice made him smile.

"Then Kaoru… how can you think that this will truly make him happy?"

Dropping her head back into her arms, she sniffed and gasped through her tears. "He's lived so long; trapped like that… he deserves to live free again. I promised him I would help… I promised I would do whatever it took. But it's more than that… I want to free him from that curse. I love him so much and I… I can't stand the thought of him suffering anymore."

"You don't think he will suffer now?"

"I know." Sobbing into her knees, she fisted a hand into her hair. "But I had to make a choice, and I couldn't stand the thought of what would happen if I had stayed. I would have aged and died and he… he wouldn't and he'd have to live on afterwards… alone… and…" Sniffing, she wiped her face hard on her sleeves but the tears that had avoided her for two days would not stop now. "It sounds so tormenting and awful. How could I do that to him? I could never be so selfish."

"Kaoru…" Letting out a breath, he braced his heart for the hurtful words he had to say. "What you've done is selfish."

"What?" Quivering, her eyes peeked up over her elbow, the look on her face incredulous and wounded.

"You are doing this for him, but do you truly think this is what he would have chosen for himself? If what you say is true and he really would live forever if you had stayed, do you think he would rather send you away and live without you for fifty or sixty years just to die alone? Or do you think he would like to keep you with him and live happily until you go and then continue to live with the wonderful knowledge that he loved and was loved by the woman he gave his heart to?"

"But…"

"Do you think that I am bitter and tormented? I loved your mother from the very first moment I saw her. I waited ten years to marry her, and I can only claim six years of her life as mine. But even now, knowing I would only spend six short years with her, I would do it over again, and again, and again. Aijou…" Brushing back her sticky hair, he smiled at her tortured face. "I would not trade the short time I spent with her for all of eternity to live. Just as I would not trade the child our love created for anything in this world." Tears still thick, lips trembling, she clenched her eyes shut, but did not argue.

"If I had to live a thousand years just for the slim chance of meeting your mother again, I would gladly do it, and I would gladly live another thousand years afterwards if it meant I was allowed to keep her for even another moment longer. The only comfort I feel in my mortality is the knowledge that I will see her again in the afterlife, but that is because we parted ways with no doubts between us. If I had to choose between living forever just to keep the woman I loved for even a short time or living my life free and mortal knowing the woman I loved was somewhere else and not by my side, Kaoru… I would rather live forever." She was hiding her face again, her back trembling with each gasping inhale, and even though the sight was heartbreaking Koshijirou couldn't help but smile in soft affection. Love was hard, but it was also wonderful. "What would you choose aijou?"

"I wouldn't care." Sobbing hard as she confessed, the truth hurt like a knife in her heart. "I'd want him to stay."

"Do you see now?" The smile was evident in his voice, but it died quickly when she shook her head.

"But I can't. This isn't just about me or Kenshin, everyone else is suffering too. I can't put myself before them. I can't let them continue to suffer just because I don't want to leave."

"Kaoru… my beautiful stubborn daughter." Sighing, Koshijirou shook his head. He had no answer for this, because it was a hard thing to weigh the lives of many against just two. If it were him he would also wish to save everyone, but to condemn someone he loved, to let that person live on with the false knowledge that he had callously tossed them aside claiming he had never loved them… it was too cruel. Koshijirou would have never been able to look his lovely Sayoko in the eye and coldly tell her he wasn't in love with her. The strength it must have required of his daughter was unfathomable… especially when she was so good, honest, and pure.

A dark shadow caught his attention and Koshijirou looked up, tracking the silent movement with his eyes. It disappeared quickly but it took only a few long moments of anticipation before a soft rustle and thump sounded at a distance behind them. "What happens, Kaoru, if he does not believe you? What if he defies your act and comes after you? Would you still pretend to hate him?"

A broken sob trembled her body, her head shaking desperately. "That's why I wanted to go to Shinsaki, because I know I can't. I'm not strong enough to do it again. I'll betray myself, I know I will."

Shoulders relaxing he hugged his daughter soothingly as she continued to cry. Koshijirou was suddenly very grateful his wife had insisted the lord ask for his daughter's company all those years ago. No one else in the world would have ever returned her unwavering devotion with the same stubborn resolve.

X

Jade green eyes cut through the night as Enishi softly crept his way towards the beacon of fire shining alone in the woods. Soft whispers drifting on the wind ghosted into his ears and the after scent of food clenched his gut, reminding him that he had not eaten since noon. Ignoring the discomfort, his mind gleefully latched onto the thought of finally having that woman within reach. It had been too long since he had last seen Kaoru. He wondered how time had changed her, of how she would look when he forced her to submit. It was going to feel so good reminding her of who she really belonged to.

Crouching down low next to the man who was following the two Kamiyas, Enishi returned the nod of acknowledgement he was given in greeting. The man had chosen a good spot; downwind, out of sight, but with a good view of the campfire. Scanning his green eyes over the three boys sitting around that fire, Enishi frowned.

"Where's the old man and the girl?"

"There." Whispering low, one finger crooked off to their right, pointing at the pair sitting out in the semi-darkness. Studying their postures, Enishi's frown turned contemplative and perplexed. Between the sharp crackles of the fire and the soft whistle of the wind he could just hear the muffled cries coming from Kaoru's hunched form. Never in his entire life had Enishi ever seen Kaoru cry like that except once… at her mother's funeral. The image was at once disturbing and irritating. Nobody else was allowed to make her feel such a strong emotion. That right belonged to him.

Turning on the man next to him as if he were responsible, Enishi hissed in anger. "What happened? Why is she crying?"

"I'm not sure. She was sitting by herself for a long time, and then the old man went over to talk to her, and then she just… started crying like the world was ending." Shrugging helplessly, the man leaned further away from the menacing threat of his boss. "She's secluded herself ever since she came back. Maybe she had a fight with that man she was supposed to have married."

"Hmph. He probably dumped her for someone else. That woman's got too much spirit for any normal man to handle. I'm surprised it lasted this long."

The man spit to show his contempt. "Probably some spineless shop boy. Their hands are too soft for women like her. I bet she's quite the handful." A suggestive leer took the place of contempt on his face and he shot Enishi a knowing look. "She's a beauty, too. I wouldn't mind having a go at her myself. Say, Boss, you ain't going to keep her all to yourself once you've had her, are ya?"

One hand shot out to clench around the man's neck, cutting off his lewd implication. Squeezing violently, Enishi pressed his face close to his subordinate and growled low in his throat. "I have absolutely no intention of sharing her once she's mine. Do you understand? And if I catch you so much as looking at her in any way I find displeasing I will have your eyes right out of your head. The same goes for any other part of your body you try to use on her." Letting go with a short wrenching motion, Enishi returned his attention to the camp, ignoring the soft wheezes coming from his left. "Get yourself ready. I plan on having her tonight."

"Yes… Boss…"

"Them three boys won't be a challenge at all. You shouldn't have any trouble if I leave them to you. It's the old man that's going to be a fight. He doesn't look it, but he knows how to use that katana he's got. Kaoru, too. She can't be underestimated, though perhaps she won't put up a fight in that state." Strategizing quickly, Enishi leaned closer to the bandit. "Here's what you're going to do. I'm going to make my way around closer to the old man. You wait until I attack first. That'll surely send them boys running to help. Cut them off and kill them quick. Once you're finished with them, you better come help me with the girl. I'll have enough problems fending off the old man, but you better not try anything funny or I'll kill you myself. Once we're done here I'll let you have whoever you want down in the village. First pick."

Greed and lust killed the sullen dullness in the bandit's eyes and he nodded eagerly. "Thanks, Boss. I'll be real gentle with her, I promise. Not a scratch."

Enishi wanted to laugh. The poor fool had better not be too gentle with Kaoru or she would more than likely lay him flat for his trouble. As he shook his head derisively, movement caught his eye from the direction of the boys. Something had spooked them, because all three were half-raised from their sitting positions, black eyes raised skyward. Peeking upwards himself, Enishi saw nothing, but caution kept him seated, his hand silencing the man next to him when he tried to speak. Just when he thought to throw off their unease as immature jitters a soft crack, rustle and thump announced the presence of something large off to the left side of the camp. All three boys were on their feet, their eyes staring intently into the trees, stances defensive. Crouching lower in direct opposition, Enishi watched as well, his lackey wisely silent beside him.

What emerged from the forest, however, was something he had only ever seen in his nightmares.

X

Kazuki's eyes were as wide as they would stretch, his entire being frozen as he stared at the straight and proud figure of the palace lord. All his life he had heard stories about the youngest Himura noble living in the cursed palace, but none of them were enough to prepare him for his first look upon his appearance. He was at once beast and man; creature and human. His stance spoke of strength, but his very human violet eyes spoke of gentleness. The scales, wings, horns and claws all said monster, but the beautiful silk of his kimono and hakama covering the upright form of his posture made him look very much human.

What felt like long minutes of silence passed in an instant and his older brother's hand smacked harshly against the back of his head. Forced into a low bow at the waist, Kazuki blinked and was suddenly very grateful for his brother's confidence. If not for him, he probably would have continued to stare.

"Head down, Kazuki. Show some respect." Hissing through clenched teeth, Haruki kept his hand on the back of his little brother's head and bowed next to him. To the lord he spoke in a louder tone. "Forgive my idiot brother, my lord, he forgot his manners. We are very honored to meet you." Echoing him faintly, Kazuki apologized for his rudeness as well.

Amethyst eyes glanced between the two boys, slightly taken aback by their show of courtesy. It was not what he had expected when he had approached them, he had in fact prepared himself for their fear. It was of little importance as long as he found Kaoru, and he knew she was there. He could smell the jasmine of her soap. This, however, was an odd surprise.

The situation only continued to progress towards oddity when the smallest boy off to his left actually approached him. His steps were tentative, but a quick study of his expression showed that he was not afraid. Shy, perhaps? Not far from him and he too bowed at the waist and spoke a polite greeting. When the young boy looked back up at him Kenshin was vaguely interested in the probing intensity of his black eyes.

"Are you looking for Kaoru-san?" Interest shifted, Kenshin's eyes focused completely on the child. It must have startled the boy, because he took a hesitant step back.

"Yes. I would know where she is if you would tell me, young one."

The boy relaxed and he caught the briefest look of incredulity from the other two as they slowly straightened. No doubt they had never expected him to be so well spoken. Pointing with a small smile, the child indicated the other side of the fire where he could not see clearly. "Kaoru-san is over there with her father. I'm glad you came. She's grown very weak."

The natural statement coming from this child was the most perplexing and alarming thing Kenshin had ever heard. What did he mean weak? Was she sick? Stepping around him he laid one clawed hand on his shoulder. "Thank you, and be at ease. I will make sure she is taken care of."

Just around the fire and he could see Kaoru's form curled in on herself, her father sitting next to her, trying to comfort the harsh sorrow wracking her frame. The sight angered him, hating this pain she had inflicted upon herself so readily. Hating that she would place so little faith in him. When he stopped behind them his features were stern and unyielding.

Koshijirou's grey-blue eyes glanced up at him, a slight nod jerking his head. Kenshin barely spared him a glance. His attention was focused upon the woman: his woman; his lady. There were so many things he wanted to say to her at once, to make her understand, but this was not the place for a confrontation. Reigning in his anger, he called up the last ounce of his patience and held it tight like a lifeline.

Shaking her gently, Koshijirou encouraged her up out of her shell of grief, a kind look on his face as he pointed over her shoulder. Confused at first, Kaoru's neck twisted slowly, eyes wide as she sought out whatever was now standing behind her and to the side. Her show of ignorance was less than convincing, however, because she already knew what awaited her. She had failed and the curse would remain unbroken. Unless she was capable of keeping up her lie even now.

Trembling as she stared up into his firm violet gaze, she tried to swallow, tried to conjure up the right words to say, but his own actions undid her resolve as quickly and efficiently as any skilled warrior of his caliber could. She was too happy to see him, too relieved and comforted by his presence. Biting her lip as his hand outstretched, offering everything in such a small gesture, she was far past the point of being able to control the tears burning down her cheeks.

"It's time for you to come home now, my lady."

Face to face with the man she loved she was unable to deny him anything, and with a choked sob she placed her hand in his and allowed him to pull her up. The storm of tears came back in a rush, heaving in her chest, hiccoughing from her mouth, and with her head bowed low she took that one step forward and buried her face in his shoulder and cried for all she was worth. Securely his arms wrapped around her back, not comforting but stressing that he would not let go a second time. He was angry and unwilling to give her reassurance. Shuddering out a watery breath, Kaoru knew it was nothing less than she deserved. Only Koshijirou saw the relieved fall of red lashes and the slight tilt of his cheek into her hair.

Standing, Koshijirou waited for those violet eyes to open again before speaking. "I'll bring her things along in a couple days. I assume we will need to have a discussion at that time."

Kenshin nodded once, resolutely, then bent to hook an arm under Kaoru's knees and lifted her against his chest. Automatically her arms encircled his neck, holding on tightly as her face shifted to press against his hair. A searching look up, a few steps to the side, and he was bunching the muscles in his legs to launch them into the sky. With a sigh the old master tossed a look at his other three students, surprised by their composure. They were taking this all too well. Shaking his head, Koshijirou threw the thought off for later. Some sleep sounded good, and in the morning they could begin their journey back towards the palace.

X

Shock, disbelief and yes, even a touch of fear held Enishi in place, refusing to let him move even to run away… if he had thought to. What had just played out before him was the last thing on this earth he had ever expected to happen to get in his way. Ducking instinctively when the red-scaled creature took flight, Enishi cursed, his head swiveling around to watch the large shadow disappear over the trees. Just what the hell is going on?!

"What the hell was that, Boss?" Petrified by fear, the quivering coward next to him still had his hands over his head as if such a small barrier would protect him. "That wasn't… shit, you don't think that was really the palace lord, do you?"

Green irises swung back to the camp, watching as the old man walked his way unhurriedly towards the fire. There was a sad but resolute set to his features, but Enishi had seen everything. Kamiya Koshijirou was not the least bit surprised by the presence of the beast. In fact, his face had shown expectance and even a touch of relief. Eyes widening, Enishi's mouth twisted into a snarl as conclusions and ideas came together in his mind. "That sick son-of-a-bitch. He just gave his own daughter to him."

"You think you know what happened, Boss?" Eager to hear an explanation, thick fingers jostled his arm. "Was that him?"

"Yeah, that was him, and I know exactly what's going on here." Rage tightened his fist around the hilt of his katana. "That bastard just gave Kaoru to him, no doubt to spare himself. That's what she was crying for, because she knew she was going to be used as a sacrifice." Frowning, his head ducked, his face contorting in disgust and fuming anger. "No. Not sacrifice. I bet the damn thing wants to breed. It makes perfect sense. It would have to every so often, right? Everyone thinks it's been the same damn creature living up there these last thousand years, but that's not even possible. When it hits its prime or starts getting too old, I bet it snatches up one of the women nearby and makes another one." Inspiration struck, and Enishi spoke half to himself. "That's why she disappeared when she was young. It's had its eye on her from the very beginning, and I bet that stupid old man made some kind of deal with him."

Emerald green eyes shot up and locked onto the form of Kaoru's father, hatred darkening his face. "Our plans have just changed."

"Boss?"

"I want you to send a message to the rest. We attack the village later. First we're going to destroy that cursed palace and kill the beast that lives there before it gets a chance to implant its rotten seed in my woman. We'll end its reign of terror once and for all. But before that… I'm going to kill her old man. You get the boys."

X

A/N: Well… was it okay? I know it's hard reading a story by chapter and then having to wait. It can be very frustrating, but I hope you find this enjoyable anyway. Maybe when it's completely finished it want seem so drawn out. I hope. Anyway, this might seen a bit anticlimactic, and I can't really say that it is what I wanted, but I have it in my head a certain way and I'm trying to be true to that no matter what is said. So… I know everyone was expecting a confrontation between Kenshin and Enishi… but not yet. There is still one more thing that needs to be done first.

Oh, and I had mixed reviews on Saitou, but… I thought I did well, so maybe you will understand why soon. If you still disagree, then I apologize, but I promise I did not think I was engineering his actions to fit, I truly thought it was something he would do.

In the next chapter: Kenshin proves his love; Enishi fights Koshijirou; and Tomoe cries. Please leave a review, and hope to see you soon.