A/N: Hello, and thanks for your reviews! Here's the first chapter. I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I did writing it! Please leave a review and let me know what you think. It helps the creative juices flowing. :D
Disclaimer: I do not own Rurouni Kenshin.
CHAPTER ONE
It was early-December. Every leafless tree that passed him by didn't go unnoticed. The scent in the air was that of a cold, frosty night, full of the fragrance of ice and snow. The wind was unmercifully chill, and the night was pitch black. The only light present was the glow the lanterns that hung on to the carriage emitted. His arm was leaning on the window while his fingers were soothing his throbbing temples. He hated traveling. He wished the carriage would go any faster than it did; there was no rush, but the trip was agonizingly long. He only wished to get there sooner. He heaved a heavy sigh and closed his eyes, pondering on how he had come to this situation.
That's right. He had no choice. Hiko had sentenced him to this trip, to Hakone. The reason was still unknown. Could it be he wanted him away for some serious business? No. Hiko wanted him by his side, if ever that were the reason. Could it be that his life was in danger, being the sole heir of Hiko Seijuro, one of Japan's prominent business-tycoons, and all? Impossible. He was very much capable of protecting himself. And even so, it was all the more reason for him to stay by his side. Could it be that he was just giving him a break? Possibly. There were no other possible motives; the latter would have to suffice.
All of winter in Hakone alone. Excellent. Kenshin didn't mind working ceaselessly, it was expected of him, but a few unwinding activities, definitely never hurt anybody. And in the hot-springs too, who could ever refuse? Only the timing was a considerable pretext to refuse such offer, but opportunities like these, for Himura Kenshin, were quite scarce. He was excited. And exhausted. Who knew sitting motionless for a long while could be so wearing? He definitely did not. If he did, he would've taken a faster mode of transportation besides this bumpy, old carriage.
His light amethyst eyes opened slowly taking in whatever view he could make out in the middle of the obscurity of the night. There was not much he could see, or to see, for that matter. There were just snow-capped mountains and more leafless trees. He sat up straight as he watched the carriage take a turn from the main road.
"Driver, where are we?"
"Mount Hakone, sir. A remote part of it." The coach replied, "Hiko-sama instructed that you remain here during your stay, sir."
Nothing less from Hiko Seijuro. He wasn't to blame though. A man of his degree had certain precautions to consider. Kenshin sighed. He would just have to comply for the time being.
He looked out of the window, the familiar panorama was easily shunned by his attention, and instead, he beheld a large building not too far from where the carriage stood. It lay on the edge of the snow-white mountain, as if it was just carefully positioned there from above. The wooden gates were a dead give-away to its old-fashioned architecture.
Inside though, was a sight to behold. Once through the gates, the area offered a spacious yard with a slightly treaded road that encircled it, which would lead carriages toward the mansion and out. The redhead, eyes now glued to the view beyond the glass pane, scrunched his chin in impress. Though it had been wintertime, he already assumed the careful gardening of the lawn. Further ahead, he had to raise his eyebrows, and then scoff at what awaited him. A large traditional mansion that screamed of Hiko Seijuro's wealth stood erect. Now he's just showing off, he thought.
"This is the Heika no Ie. One of Hiko-sama's most private houses," the driver said. Kenshin stepped out of the carriage, relieved. He stretched his aching muscles before being greeted by two warm, strangely identical smiles.
"Ah, Himura-sama!" The more cheerful woman bowed lowly before him, "Welcome to Heika no Ie! I am Sekihara Tae, a humble house-keeper."
"Thank you for accommodating me." Kenshin bowed back, his smile unwavering. He turned to the other woman, and initiated another courteous bow.
"It is our honor, Himura-sama. I am Sekihara Sae," she said, before returning the gesture.
"You have had a long journey. Allow us the honor of showing you to your room." Tae said before proceeding to the carriage, without the redhead's affirmation. He was in no mood to argue about women carrying his bags. He could only feel fatigue, and the urge to lay back and rest. He bowed slightly at the driver before disappearing into the many halls of the mansion, following the two who had went ahead of him.
He was led to a spacious room, with large closets, intricately arranged flowers on one corner and but one painting of lush mountains, and a small wall clock hanging on one wall. A large futon had already been placed on the floor and a yukata folded at the head of it. It was simple. He cared not of the view that the window offered; he couldn't make it out in the darkness anyway.
"Himura-sama…" The woman cheerfully trailed.
"Kenshin. That is my name." He smiled, tired of the formalities that accompanied his social degree.
"Kenshin-sama, if there is anything else you need, please call on us."
"Katajikenai. Tonight, I would really much like to be undisturbed." He said, removing his heavy katana from the grips of his belt.
"As you wish. Excuse us."
The shoji slid shut. He was finally alone. Hakone was nothing special after all, he sighed. What was he supposed to all winter? Wrinkle himself like a prune in the hot springs? He started to doubt his master's judgment. Of all places, of all times, he was sent to a remote area that barely offers any recreational activity during the climax of winter. He slid a hand from his forehead toward the chin in frustration. Hiko Seijuro has yet again pulled another of his mean jokes. Kenshin sighed at the image of a laughing Hiko in his head.
He shook his head to rid himself of the image before blowing out the candles and sliding into the warm futon before entering a deep sleep.
He awoke rather early the following morning and it upset him that his body clock has not been switched to vacation-mode yet. He very well expected that he sleep in a little to make up for the stress from all the work accomplished before leaving, not to mention the discomfort of the trip. But once his eyes responded to the red through closed eyes, he couldn't bring them to shut again. And so, a little after sunrise, Kenshin was already propped up on his futon, regretting not wearing anything warmer than the thin yukata that hugged his body. There was a small hint of pine in the air's scent, implying that the cold of the night didn't seem enough to summon snowfall. He rubbed his eyes before he had them scan the room for his katana, and once sighted where he had left it, he blinked in expected relief. Said object has never been out of his area of comfort, after all.
Speaking of area of comfort, it took him several blinks before the blur in his vision cleared and the realization that he was no longer in his more extravagant room in Kyoto dawned on him. His brows rose and so did his cheeks at the lack of familiarity. The change in scenery stirred excitement in the redhead's disposition, and the idea of wrinkling like a prune in the springs suddenly made its way at the top of his priority list. That is, right after he's crossed-out the Explore-Hiko's-Ridiculous-Mansion item above it. He brought the folds of his robe closer to his chest to ward the chills off before getting out of the blankets. As soon as his stomach signaled for breakfast, one of the housekeepers knocked on his door before sliding it open.
"Good morning, Himura-sama!" she chirped. He nodded slightly in acknowledgement then added Tell-Housemaids-Apart to the list. He'd been too conscious to name the woman in fear of embarrassment.
"Tae. Sekihara Tae." she giggled knowingly, "I've brought your breakfast," she added. The redhead smiled back in response, "I'm sorry. Your resemblance to your sister is uncanny."
"Don't be. We get that a lot." She flicked her wrist at the insignificance of the apology before presenting said meal tray, "Of course, you can always just call either of us Sekihara-san, but I'm not sure for how long though. Sae's been dating this man, you see, and he seems perfect for her, and I know my sister, and even if she won't admit it, I know she's in love but the man isn't really.." She ranted, all the while pouring tea from across him. Kenshin smiled at the unexpected openness while tidying his sheets. He paid little attention to her stories but he welcomed the idea of having real company despite being away from home. Hiko always had partners, businessmen, employees, servants and other people he'd will Kenshin to meet, never out of purpose, and never permanent. And those that looked up at him in his field, made sure he was looking down on them. Except now for this chatty countrywoman who now seems to be considering putting up a restaurant because she deemed her beef hot-pots incomparable.
She handed him his meal tray once he settled across her, blabbering as she does. Her topic shifted to a darker tone and this time he gave ear, "I just can't imagine it.. The poor boy must have been really upset. His brother must be so worried. And to think, they only have each other in this life now. It's not that no one in the village has tried reaching out to them, but the brother really has social issues, and he's not to blame. But times like these, you really must learn to trust others, don't you think?" Kenshin only hummed in reply, having only gotten half-cooked information.
"And at the peak of winter too, my goodness.. All the possibilities.." She finally paused to linger on the thought more. The redhead did the same. As quickly as she dwelt, she resumed, "Anyway, I'll have to ask Sae about it more tomorrow. She's having dinner tonight with a few of the women from the village. She's quite.."
"Sae-san is? And yourself?" Kenshin interjected.
"Why, I'll be here of course!" She laughed, as if it was a fact too large to be missed, "We take turns watching over the house, and now that you've graced us with your presence, I hardly think there's a chance of us leaving you." She winked, handing him his cup of tea.
"And it's always been that way?"
"Well, yes." She smiled.
"Well, I won't have it." He returned the gesture, "It's not fair that you aren't ever gathered as a family on this house, or my, account."
"But Himura-sama.."
"It's just for the night, is it not? I can very well handle myself, for a few hours, that I can."
"But.." she said, pretending to object, and he would have believed it to be if she hadn't beamed up at him. "Hiko-sama won't allow it.."
"Hiko hardly cares, and he will continue to feel that way since he won't ever know." He said, chowing on a slice of radish from his oden. He received no response, except maybe for a cough, which told him the woman was suppressing a would-be exaggerated expression of joy.
"Well, that changes my plans for tonight. I'll finally chip in on some ideas for Hino's baby-shower. You know I get the feeling.." and she went on again. Kenshin smiled, satisfied at being the reason for Tae's extra cheeriness, and most definitely not at the thought that he didn't have to tolerate all the unwanted gossip. That would be rude. And Himura Kenshin is not rude. Her voice was muted in his head but he looked up from his bowl and saw that she gestured out to the hallway, and to the spot where she sat. 'When you're done, just leave the empty trays here. I have other things to do.' He chewed and nodded before smiling up at her. She bowed slightly before hurriedly padding away. He sighed in slight relief before finishing his meal, looking forward to the day ahead.
Despite being told otherwise, he found himself wandering around the mansion looking for the kitchen with tray in hand, taking the opportunity to cross the first item off of his list. He mumbled under his breath, although admittedly enthralled at the property, because somehow, he could hear his master's taunting laugh at every corner. 'How is it? Impressive, ain't it? I'm so filthy rich and marvelous, you don't even know about this place!' He shuddered, causing the empty dishes in his hands to quake. The conceit in that man knows no bounds.
Very traditional, well maintained. And if he hadn't been so tired the night before, he would have admired the view his room presented much earlier. The scenic Ashinoko Lake had been beckoning for his eyes that whole time. The house boasted two hot springs; a larger outdoor one, and a quaint indoor pool, both located at the opposite ends of the area. He stood at the corridor by the larger springs, and thought that were it not for the crunchy snow on the path, he would have already walked over and waded at the steaming waters. Winter-afflicted elephant grass and several other greens stooped over the waters, bordering the other end of the pool. Alright. This was definitely going on the list.
"Himura-sama? It's rather cold out. Consider wearing an extra layer."
"Tae-dono," he turned.
"Sae, actually." She smiled. Well, it was worth a shot. He shrugged, somehow getting the idea that this one was not as casual as her sister, "Allow me, Himura-sama." She said, referring to his tray of dishes.
"Kenshin. Kenshin will do." He said, quietly eradicating the undeserved formality.
"Kenshin-sama, I want to thank you for.."
"You're welcome." He said knowingly, "No.. It's just that.. Our family will be very happy." She said, not even bothering to expound on the subject. He mentally crossed out the task of telling the housemaids apart, after having noted the obvious difference in conversation. He nodded in reply, "You've worked hard enough. And the house is beautiful, that it is." He looked over again at the springs, already imagining himself encircled in its heat.
"Will you be alright though? There really aren't bandits or thieves to worry about, but it does get a little lonely at night.."
"I will be fine, that I will." He said, "I'm more accustomed to loneliness than you may have assumed." She only exhaled in response.
"Well, I just have to warn you then. Oftentimes, snow monkeys come and bathe here, so you might want to ward them off when they do."
"Then, I suppose that solves the issue of loneliness." He said, beaming at her while crossing his arms to warm them. She bowed lightly before walking away with his tray of empty dishes. Ward-Off-Snow-Monkeys, noted.
"Sae-dono," she stopped to turn at the call, "I'm planning on visiting the lake for some fishing, that I am. Might there be a horse I can take with me?"
She bowed lightly again, "I shall prepare the mare."
He went downhill a little after noon, when the sun was high and the cold was weak. He trudged down the snowy path on a dapple-gray mare Sae would affectionately call Sawako, keeping his fishing gear steady on his shoulder. He had to admit, the thought of fishing never crossed his mind up until he looked out his bedroom window that morning. It wasn't something a man of his degree would ever do, and something only reserved for people whose livelihoods depended on the catch. He would rationalize, of course, that none of his blessings were the results of his own labor, and that whatever degree people assumed him to have, wasn't wholly his.
So, suddenly the experience of a catch fruited by a long day of patience and diligence stirred in his mind. Not to mention, the beautiful scenery he was introduced to earlier this morning gave him the extra push.
He arrived at the southern shore of the lake after about an hour since he descended, and was surprised to see that despite the winter season, a number of people had come to enjoy the same leisure he sought. Fathers and sons, young couples, passersby's and onlookers, all gathered to enjoy a little warmth by the lake. He got off Sawako's back and walked around for a place to settle.
"Himura?" a voice called, "Himura Kenshin?"
The redhead turned toward the voice and smiled at the familiar face, "Tsunan!" The two exchanged handshakes and eagerly started a conversation.
"Look at you! You haven't changed a bit! What brings you here?" The dark-haired man placed an arm around the redhead's shoulder, seemingly ecstatic at their reunion, "Oh, just.. getting away." He replied.
"You sure?" Tsunan retracted his arm, scratching his head, "Last time you 'got away' things didn't turn out very well.."
"I know." Kenshin said, his voice dark from the harsh memory, "This time it's different. It's just vacation, sponsored by Hiko." He tried to regain his cheery composure all the while tying Sawako to the tree closest to where he had decided to settle to fish, "And yourself?"
"Well, you know, I've settled here with my wife's family for now. Though I must say, I can't wait to move out." He nudged at the connotation.
"I wouldn't know." The redhead shrugged at the absence of romance in his timeline.
"Yeah, you work on that." Tsunan laughed, settling by the bank and taking his own fishing gear out, "You know it must not be just coincidence we met now coz I got a letter from the old rooster-head just this morning."
"Sanosuke?" Kenshin briefly paused from assembling his gear at the remembrance of the trusted friend he had never seen in years. He smiled at the idea of a reunification before continuing with the matter at hand.
"The one and only. He said he would be in the country this month, but he didn't exactly mention when." The taller guy looked over at his friend and smiled, "It'll be like old times."
"Not sure if we should look forward to that." Kenshin admittedly sighed, remembering the many situations he wished he was never involved in, "Those were the days.." Tsunan added.
"But hey, you're twenty-four, and unmarried, you could still get away with things. And knowing Sano, he probably still has some tricks up his sleeve." Tsunan carefully pierced a butterworm on to his hook.
"I think I'm old enough to know when my juvenile days are over, that I do," Kenshin retorted, a hint of seriousness echoed from his tone, "and I'm just busy with Hiko and everything, I haven't really considered.." He dared not mouth the words. Marrying again.
"Well, let's at least meet-up and have some sake, or dip in the springs when he arrives." Tsunan said casually, casting his line in to the lake.
The redhead smiled before doing the same. That much he can promise. Another addition to his list.
"Aah."
He arrived at the mansion a little after the sun had set, when the oranges in the skies peeked through the mountain ranges before disappearing. His shoulders ached at the mass of the gear, but it would have been justified if there were a few fishes that weighed it down with it. Nevertheless, Kenshin considered the day pleasurable, what with the meeting of an old friend and the surety of future conversations with him and everything. Added with the news of the arrival of a supposed best friend, as well. It was a good day.
He stroked Sawako's nose after removing her saddle but before leaving the stables. The strap of his fishing gear was still draped over his shoulder when he saw the twins approaching him, supposedly to prep the horses again before leaving. The bags each carried over their shoulders solidified the theory.
"Kenshin-sama.." One of them spoke.
"Sae, when did you get so casual with the master? Honestly, you really should learn your place. I mean really.."
"It's alright. I asked her to refer to me as such, that I did." Kenshin waved his hands defensively in front of him while smiling. He was just glad he intervened before Tae could trail off.
"Oh? Then you wouldn't mind Ken-san?" she smiled, her eyes disappearing into slits. Kenshin shook his head. Tae laughed richly, "Then, Ken-san, we're headed home."
"By all means."
"We've prepared your dinner beforehand, and we left it in the kitchen." Sae said, and Kenshin slowly nodded, trying to remember where exactly that would be, "We've locked most entryways, except of course for the main gate." She handed him a single key, and he accepted it without question. "We will be back tomorrow morning, sometime around eight, if that is acceptable."
"It is." He said, "Do be careful on your way. It's rather dark tonight."
"Ken-san, thank you again for allowing us this privilege." The two simultaneously bowed before him, their gratitude emanating from the gesture. He bowed in return before wishing them another farewell. He saw them riding off slowly, and when they had disappeared from his sight, he shut the wooden gates before locking them. He looked at the mansion and had to shiver either at the cold, or the uncertainty that awaited him for spending the night alone. It wasn't that he feared anything; he was trained well in the art of defense. But the house was huge and empty, he couldn't help but slightly regret putting himself in that condition. He shrugged the uncertainty off, knowing that if a woman could do it for so long, then so could he.
Dinner was quiet, and quick. He never would have thought that a whole day of sitting around and waiting for a catch could cost so much energy. He also had to blame his poor sense of direction though, for taking him at least a good fifteen minutes before locating the kitchen. Not much could be done after washing the dishes, so he resolved to retiring to bed early after a short bath.
The fatigue that built up around his shoulders from fishing and his thighs from straddling wore off of his system the moment he walked out of the bathhouse, and never threatened to resurface as he lay on his futon.
Sleep would come easy tonight. And it did.
He cringed in his sleep, but quickly dismissed it. He turned to the other side, the next time around. And the third time, he sat up, eyes flashed immediately at the clock on his wall. Quarter past midnight. His face plastered concern and panic, but he didn't get up until it came again. He waited, and not long after, there it was.
A loud shriek. It echoed through his paper door, and as quickly as it traveled, he sprang up from his blankets, katana in hand, and traced the sound to the wooden gates. It wasn't before he had come close enough to the entrance before he realized that it wasn't just a random scream, but rather a cry for help. He ignored the cold that assaulted his bare toes as he ran for the gate.
"Help me please! Anyone!" The voice called, desperate.
"Hold on!" The redhead replied, fumbling the key around until he finally got it to open. He beheld a figure, cloaked and covered, kneeling on his entrance, crying. It took him a moment before he could make out that the person wasn't alone, and in their arms, held a body, stiff and frail. He knelt over and reached his arms out offering assistance.
The figure stretched their arms to reveal the body, deformed and dead. It was a boy, no more than ten years old he assumed, skin dried out to the bone, face hollow; as if muscle was never there. His hair was thin and sparse, and his eyes bulged through closed lids. Terror plainly marked Kenshin's countenance and the mystery of the cause of death flooded his thoughts. Through the cold, his sweat managed to escape, as the horror he held in his arms failed to show any sign of life.
A hand gripped his upper arm, snapping him from his trance. He looked up and beheld something, even stranger. The cloaked figure, now revealed to be a woman, dark haired, pale-skinned, and blue eyes that had a peculiar rim of silver around them, shed tears in front of him. He was confused now, at what he should be more surprised about. She was mouthing words at him, but the world suddenly was inaudible. She gripped his other arm, snapping him out again.
"He'll be okay, won't he!?" She yelled, obviously in a deep state of denial, "You have to help him, please!" She looked at him, eyes dramatically blue and wet and bright and silver and many other words he couldn't find.
"Help him please.." she finally softened her tone whilst bowing her head again to sob.
Kenshin only exhaled sharply, adding another task to his list.
A/N: Must I go on? Leave a review!