A/n Hi everyone! I'm glad to see that this story has promise. I'm glad for all the positive reviews I received. Some people are excited about Saitou's character, and some are worried. In truth I'm not yet 100 percent sure where I'm going with him just yet. Ideas are always welcomed. I hope my readers will take the time to check out my other Kenshin-gumi tale…In Wolf's Clothing. An Aoshi/Misao fic. I will also be posting a second Ken/Kaoru fic in a few weeks. So keep an eye out for that as well ... hehe oklay enough of my shameless story plugging.
Disclaimer. I don't own Kenshin
"Really Kaoru, How do you expect to keep a husband if you can't even cook?" Megumi sighed as she scraped the scorched rice from the pot. Their father had only been gone for three days but already Kaoru was about ready to maul her sisters. Misao sat giggling at the table where her bowls of perfectly prepared miso soup sat waiting for them.
Kaoru narrowed her eyes at her sister. "I like to think the man I would marry wouldn't care about my cooking."
"Right, right." Megumi waved her argument away. She had heard it many times before; the man Kaoru would marry would only care about her skills, not the skills she lacked.
"What about Saitou? He adores your swordsmanship?" Behind Kaoru, Misao made a face and pretended to gag.
"Yeah, and he adores everyone else. Especially those with a bit more money than he has." Kaoru's face scrunched up almost identical to the one Misao pulled.
"True, but really Kaoru no one is going to want a fighting instructor for a wife. Do you think a man is going to want to come home to a violent, sweaty, smelly woman who can't cook? Really Kaoru you should think about your future. Look at Misao, she gave up that ridiculous idea of becoming a ninja for a husband, she has her priorities straight." Megumi turned back to the stove to make some new rice.
Kaoru bit her bottom lip. Was she really smelly?
"Aww come on Megumi. Kaoru is different than I am. You can't expect her to give up something important to her just because I did. Would you give up medicine to get a husband?" Misao called from the table.
Megumi paused for a moment and returned to rinsing the rice. "No. If a man wants to marry me even though I'm a doctor then that would be nice. But I don't plan on getting married. My job as a doctor would be able to support me enough that I wouldn't have to worry about needing a man for income. People need doctors, they don't need sword instructors." She looked up at Kaoru as if she were doing her a favor by tell her this information. "An instructor isn't a very lucrative job; do you plan on living with Tou-san all your life?"
Kaoru felt her teeth digging painfully in her lip. "No," she started softly, "I plan on having my own dojo."
"And how do you plan to get the money and support needed for that if you don't have a man? Even though Saitou is a jerk you know he understands the drive of swordsmanship. You shouldn't be picky. He's your best bet for the life you want; but even he's going to want a wife who can cook." She caught Kaoru's eye. "Remember that."
Kaoru nodded silently and sat next to Misao; her eyes glued to the bowl of cooling miso. Misao patted her knee affectionately.
"Don't worry Kaoru…you don't really stink much."
… . .
Dr. Gensi hummed happily to himself as he navigated his horse through the thick forest. The troupe of men and empty carts carried on just as happily by his side. Gensi's koi were sold and everyone's pockets were a bit heavier with gold coins. One of the carts was heavy laden with bolts of silk, sacks of rice, caged chickens, and tucked safely away was a large black leather doctor bag already filled with various instruments. Wrapped in paper next to the doctor bag was Misao's blue and white wedding kimono. The silk was a milky white color with snow white cranes and a soft blue obi. It was by far the most beautiful kimono Dr. Gensai had ever seen.
But the old Doctor couldn't find anything for Kaoru. He searched and found many wonderful wooden bokkens, steel swords, as well as wonderful gi's and hakamas, but nothing he felt was worthy enough for his youngest child. Gensai's horse slowed as the old man thought deeply, the other men and the carts quickly passing him.
Perhaps he would take Kaoru to the city and have her pick out something she liked. She tried so hard, she deserved something wonderful. Yes, that was what he would do; he would take Kaoru to the city. Satisfied Dr. Gensai glanced upward and found himself riding alone, his horse moving at a leisurely, slow pace.
"Useless nag." He muttered as he yanked at the reins to pull the old horse away from some greens she was reaching for off the trail. "Hurry now, we have to catch up." He urged the horse forward and the creature moved at a brisk trot to catch up as if realizing she was being left behind. The forest was suddenly eerily quiet with nothing but the horse's clopping hooves to break the silence. Gensai looked forward, confused to see that the trail didn't seem to have many fresh tracks. He pushed the horse at a faster pace as the trail curved sharply, he was sure his group must be around the bend. But as they made their way around the curve, they didn't find the group of carts and men; instead the trail grew wide and lead right up to a massive estate. The horse slowed as it grew close to the front gate of the stone wall that bordered the estate.
The wood and stone wall stretched out on either side before him. How big was this place? Why was there such a large family estate out in the middle of the forest in the middle of nowhere? He had travelled here many times in his life and he didn't remember an estate out here. Dr. Gensai looked around one more time for his group, seeing no one, he got off his horse and walked up to the gate. Maybe whoever lived here could give him directions to the main road. Just as he reached up to knock on the gates, they swung wide open. It was almost as if a giant gust of wind pushed the gates open. The gates bounced loudly off the stone wall before coming to a rest. Their creaky hinges echoed in the suddenly still forest. Inside Gensai was surprised to see a vast and beautiful garden before him, as well as an equally beautiful home.
"Hello?" Dr. Gensai called. He waited for a moment but there was no answer. He ventured further past the large wooden gates. The home was very large. Enough to house multiple families. The Doctor slowly looked around the yard hoping to see someone; perhaps the ones who opened the gates…but there was no one. A small stream cut right across his path but a simple, low wooden bridge arced delicately over the water. The only sound was of the water cascading over the rocks. "Anyone here?" Dr. Gensai called again, but his eyes had already started to wander. A vast garden spread out before him and his feet moved him almost against his will.
Over the small bridge and past the first part of the home, Dr. Gensai found a rose garden with roses of colors he had never seen before: red, white, yellow, lavender, sky blue, green, orange and even black. Along the wall grew cherry trees, their branches were thick with delicate pink blossoms. "Um…Hello?" He called again. There had to be someone here, someone had to take care of such a beautiful place.
A scream from the middle of the garden made the poor doctor jump and whirl around.
A peacock. It's gem-like feathers shimmered in the afternoon sun. It had its tail feathers folded back and tucked away inches above the ground. It screamed again, most likely there were other birds wandering about the massive place. The elderly man watched the bird for a few moments before wandering into the center of the garden. He was now in the center of the estate and Dr. Gensai was greeted by a massive pond. The stream which had snaked through the whole garden emptied into the pond through a small cascade of rock. Koi fish the size of small cats and beauty that rivaled his own glided silently under the glass surface. The doctor spent a long moment gazing at the creatures, wondering if he could reproduce such beauty in his own fish once he returned home.
Turning Gensai surveyed the back of the estate. It was just as beautiful as the front. On his left, part of the house had been pulled away to show a large and beautiful Dojo. Curious Gensai approached the house. "Hello!" he called as he did so, not wanting to trespass. But there was still no answer. The doctor stepped closer and noticed the back of the dojo was lined with large mirrors. This was a grand place indeed... Could the Emperor himself afford so many huge reflecting glasses? Just who lived here? The old man was close enough now that he could reach out and run his hand on the smooth wood of the porch that lined the entire estate. The wood was hard and as smooth as polished stone. "Is there anyone home?" He called into the dojo. Just then Dr. Gensai spotted something glittering in the sun.
Whatever it was, was leaning up against the porch. The doctor took a step closer and found it to be a wooden sword. The upper and lower hilt was covered in tiny glittering gems and carved inlays of jade. The wood was a rich golden color. Entranced, the doctor picked up the sword and turned it in his hands, watching the stones come to life under the sun. The middle of the hilt was gilded with gold, worn silky smooth from use and veins of gold tangled between the gems. This was a beautiful and expertly made wood sword. Perfect for his Kaoru. This was something she could cherish for the rest of her life. The purse of gold in his pocket was heavy and Gensai approached the stone steps that lead up onto the porch and into the dojo.
"Hello? Is there anyone home? I wish to buy this sword from you!" The old man's brows knitted together. Surly there had to be someone living here. Why would they leave a grand house such as this open for strangers such as himself to wander into? Weren't there even servants to watch over the house? He kicked off his sandals and cautiously stepped into the dojo. The wood of the dojo was darker and polished so smooth his socks slid on the surface as if it were glass and he could see a faint reflection of himself in the golden wood. A door was open on the other side of the dojo, Gensai could see deeper into the estate as he approached the doorway. The hallway leading deeper into the house was dark, with only the sunlight from the dojo lighting the way before him.
"Anyone there?" He said in a softer voice. This place had an eerie feel about it all of a sudden. Gensai fought the feeling of wanting to curl into a ball. The day had been so warm but the house was cold despite one wall being pulled away to invite the sunlight in. He clutched the wooden sword to his chest as if it would protect him from the strange feeling.
A thought struck the old doctor. What if there was someone here, but they were hurt and could not respond to his calls? The whole family might be sick or otherwise incapacitated. As a doctor, he had to do something. His code as a doctor chased away all of his fears and doubts, letting him march forward into the house. "If there's anyone here and you can hear me, I'm letting myself in. I'm a doctor; you have no reason to be afraid of me." He turned the corner to the hallway and it opened up to a larger room, but there was even less light here and the doctor couldn't quite make out its contents. "If you need help, I'll help you-"
A pair of bight yellow eyes flashed mere inches from his face. Startled, Dr. Gensai gasped and took a step back. Something shoved him hard at his chest and the old man fell back. "Wait" He called to the owner of the eyes as he felt whoever it was advancing to him. "I'm looking for the owner of this place."
"I am the lord of this estate." a voice growled out. Gensai felt a pair of hands grip him by the front of his clothes and haul him back to his feet. "How dare you trespass, not only on my land but in my home!" The person roared. The old man suddenly felt himself flying as the owner threw him down the hallway. He landed in a crumpled heap back in the dojo. He hit his head on the hard smooth floor and had to squint in the sudden bright sunlight.
"Wait, I had been calling…" Gensai could just make out the form of a man standing in the shadow of the doorway.
"Why are you here?" The man barked.
"I took a wrong turn somewhere and got separated from my group. I though perhaps I could get directions from here."
The stranger's laugh was deep and rumbling. "I doubt that." he hissed.
"Why?" Gensai struggled to stand. It was then that the man advanced out of the shadows and into the light of the dojo. The man wasn't very tall, almost the same height as himself, his hair was blood red and long; it flared out wispy and wild like a lion's main. His eyes were narrow and hard amber, his mouth was a thin gash in his face. On his cheek was a scabbed and bleeding X shaped wound. He limped as he walked; nearly dragging his left foot for it was almost useless. His clothes were old, faded and torn. They were stiff with dried blood and Gensai could see between the rips of clothing, more bleeding and scabbed wounds. The old doctor couldn't get a better look, for the stranger flipped a torn hood over his head and his red hair covered much of his face.
"You have come to rob me." He said, coming to a stop two feet away from the old doctor.
Gensai balked at the idea despite his horror at the state of the man. "Why would you think that?"
The terrifying stranger jabbed a finger at him, "You have one of my prized swords. No doubt you ventured further to see what other nick-knacks you could snatch."
"N-no I want to buy this from you." Gensai had forgotten that he was clutching the sword in front of him. "That's why I came searching for you. No one answered my calls."
The red-headed stranger scoffed. "You couldn't afford something like that."
"No, I have gold, truly." Gensai argued, noticing the sword that bounced at his hip.
"Gold is useless here."
"What can I give you to let me have this sword?"
The stranger lashed out, caching Gensai by his free arm and twisting it painfully so that the old man was forced to double over. "What does an old man want with a wooden sword?" For his state, the man was strong.
"It's for one of my daughters…please." Gensai shouted, desperate to get away from the pain.
"Gold is useless, lives are not. If you want this sword so bad..." The man reached across and pulled his sword free of its sheath. "You can pay for it with your life."
Gensai's eyes grew wide and he dropped the sword. "Keep it then."
"No, it's too late now. You have insulted me by entering my home to rob me." He raised the sword; its sharp edge glittered in the sunlight.
"No, please, I wasn't going to rob you. What can I do to prove it?" The doctor closed his eyes but death never came. Slowly, the old man blinked upward at the strange man.
The demon looked thoughtful, the sword hovering just over his head. "You said you had daughters, how many?" the tips of four fangs peeked from between his lips as he talked.
"Three." Gensai's eyes were rooted to those fangs.
"You have been blessed. Hmm" he tossed Gensai to the ground again. A man with all daughters and no sons, was anything but blessed. He was teasing the old man. "I'll let you go and give you the sword, and you are to trade me one of your daughters."
The doctor climbed to his feet. "No, if you must take a life, take mine."
The red head scooped up the sword from where it was dropped and shoved it back into the old man's arms. "I'll give you three days to talk to your daughters and get any affairs in order, if one returns in your place, it must be of her own free will." he took the stuttering old man by the front of his clothes again and dragged him out of the dojo, pausing long enough for the man to slip on his sandals before shoving him down the stone steps. "Remember, you have three days. If you nor one of your daughters returns, I will hunt you down and kill not only you, but your whole family. One life, or all of them, it's up to you." He snarled
Gensai stood again, ignoring the various pains in his body. He looked down at the sword in his hand. Suddenly it didn't look as grand. "You will see me again; I won't let anyone take my place." The doctor turned and walked calmly to the front of the estate, aware that the man was following him. Every step, limp and dragging sounds made the old man want to run, but he kept calm and at a steady pace. When they reached the front and his horse came into view the red-head grabbed Gensai by the back of his clothes.
"Wait." He said, "You can't make it back to your home on that nag. She looks close to death."
Gensai looked and his horse seemed just as well as before. She was old but far from dying. "I don't understand." The doctor turned back to the man and looked at him square in the face just as a breeze tugged the curtain of hair from his face. Instantly the stranger slapped him with the back of his hand.
"Keep your eyes down." He snapped. "You will ride in my carriage."
"Carriage?" Dr. Gensai blinked the sting of the slap away and glanced upward at the sound of ringing chains and horseshoes. Two large black horses pulled a covered carriage large enough for four people. There was no driver in the top driver seat, the horses moved about on their own. Dr. Gensai felt the ground fall away beneath him as the stranger grabbed him by the back of his clothes once again. The carriage door flew open and Dr. Gensai was thrown in.
"I'll send the carriage to your home in three days to retrieve you or one of your daughters."
"Wait!" There was no driver, how were horses going to find his home? Gensai struggled in the small space to flip around, but when he did, the carriage door slammed closed and the carriage jerked forward. The poor man struggled to climb to his seat as the carriage rocked violently in a thunder of chains, wheels and hooves.
a/n Wow, we're moving right along now. This chapter is a bit shorter than what I like to post, but next chapters should be better. I had a little trouble with the battousai/demon/beast character. But I have a nice back story that I think will work rather well. We just have to get there hehe. Thanks for reading everyone! Please review! They are loved! (Ideas for Saitou would be welcomed)