Chapter Fourteen

White mist diffused into the air as Kenshin exhaled into the early morning chill. All around him, snow fell in large flakes from the thick overhead blanket of dark clouds, and the dead calm of the forest created an eerie atmosphere up on the mountain. Barren rock was visible within the arm's width circumference surrounding his body as the heat from his core created a bubble that melted the snow. Even still, the bite in the ever-moving air touched him, but no longer affected him as strongly as it once had. Kenshin was aware of his environment, but was currently directing his main focus inward.

His training with Hiko Seijuro had plateaued. For some reason, he could not find his rhythm and was still much too hesitant to use the powers raging within him. It was not as if he did not know how to use his powers. During the war, he had honed certain skills to a razor's edge. However, most of those skills were violent and murderous, and had only been perfected to keep himself alive and to inflict, as Hiko had once said, maximum damage. That was not how he wanted to use his powers ever again. Anger should not be at the center of his abilities. Sojiro's curse had taught him that much.

Something did not feel right about using his bare hands, though. He felt awkward and acutely aware of his small stature in comparison to Hiko. Over and over again, Hiko had barked at him that his size did not matter. As long as he could utilize his flame correctly, he would be capable of overpowering any demon much larger than him. The komainu were perfect examples. They were half his size and easily able to protect the mountain. Kenshin knew the theory was sound, but still could not shake his discomfort with the training.

Training with his father had been much easier, but then, learning from another fire demon had advantages. His father had also been a patient teacher, but no less strict. Fire was, after all, a dangerous element that required control and discipline. As most elemental power was.

Elemental children were few and far between for a couple of reasons. One being that not many survived taming their own power. Another being that elemental demons rarely got along with one another, and rarer still, paired for procreation. Kenshin never had the opportunity to meet his own mother, and his father had only spoken of her briefly.

His father had attained perfect control over his flame, and was the best example of what a fire demon was meant to be. If he had one flaw, Kenshin would say it was his love of humans. A love that Kenshin believed had resulted in his death.

A deep, shuddering breath upset his calm demeanor, and Kenshin parted his lashes to gaze down into his lap. Kenshin remembered his last moments with his father clearly. A smile had crinkled his features to illustrate his joy and relief that the humans had consented to peace talks, and he had spoken long about how good it was going to be for the world. Before leaving for the summit, his father had left him with a task, no doubt as a way to comfort his anxious, teenage son. Kenshin doubted his father had realized the trauma that simple task would later cause.

Drawing forth from deep within his core, Kenshin exhaled fire into the palm of both hands. Twisting his right wrist slowly, he reverently drew the fire out, like pulling a weapon from its sheath. As the flame took shape, it hardened into a katana with hints of red blushing from underneath the steel. Golden cording wrapped around stout decorative flames along the handle, and twin dragons breathed fire at one another around the metal guard. His father's sword was still as beautiful and pristine as the day he had been tasked with guarding it. Kenshin had only used it once himself, on the day he had taken revenge on his father's murderer. If only his father had kept the weapon, he surely would still be alive. Instead, he had insisted on leaving it. After all, he was going to a peace summit, and taking a weapon was disrespectful to that end.

"Where did you get that, boy?"

Violet eyes jerked upwards to find Hiko standing at a distance out in the snow. His long dark hair shadowed his eyes and his tone was firm. Nothing had alerted Kenshin to his approach, and his question was suspiciously specific. Wary, Kenshin kept his body still and his features blank.

"Get what?"

Kenshin's father had warned him against revealing the weapon to just anyone.

"Do you not know what it is you hold?" The master's voice was heavy again, like rushing water pounding against rocks.

"I hold nothing that is not mine to hold." Slow and meaningful, Kenshin offered the response.

"And where did you acquire it?" Their careful banter continued, and Kenshin's eyes narrowed slightly into a frown.

"Does it matter?"

"It does." Hard eyes finally became visible as the large man tilted his chin upwards and his long bangs parted. For the first time, Kenshin saw caution in his master's gaze.

Swallowing, Kenshin's spine straightened. If he had learned anything during his training, it was that Hiko was trustworthy, and not surprisingly wise to much lost knowledge. "It was my father's, and his father's before him." Holding the sword up and out, Kenshin rested the dull side of the blade on his sleeve. "Kagu-tsuchi was the name my father gave for it. Are you satisfied?"

Hiko was quiet as he considered him down the length of his nose.

"Who did you say your father was?"

"I didn't." This was something he could not reveal.

A low grumble vibrated Hiko's chest. "I did not ask for his true name."

Briefly, Kenshin's brows contracted together.

"Don't look so shocked. Do you really think I gave you my true name?" His arms crossed. "Do you think I believed 'Kenshin' was yours? Come on, boy, what name did the world know him by?"

"…Takibi. Himura Takibi."

"Hmph. A bit on the nose for a fire demon. But I don't recognize the name. Which is… curious."

"Because you recognize the sword?"

Dark eyes considered him. "That's right."

"How?"

A slight smirk pulled up one corner of his mouth. "Let's just say… it has a reputation. Did your father teach you how to use it?" The quick change of subject hinted that its reputation was either frightening or shameful. From the way Hiko had reacted, Kenshin guessed the former.

"I was taught to fight with a sword as soon as I could walk." The statement was confrontational and nearly boastful. "I was told I must master this before he even started training me with my flame."

A single, loud laugh shot from the larger demon's mouth, and he covered the distance between them in long strides. The heavy atmosphere hanging between them dissipated into the still morning air. "That explains why your reflexes are off, and why you're shit with your bare hands." Kenshin's frown deepened with petulance. "But now that I know, we can appropriately adjust how you're being trained."

Hiko's right hand reached out to his side, and water flowed from out of thin air to collect in his palm. Closing his fingers into a fist, a sword appeared as swiftly as river rapids. Its handle was simple wood, but the ripples in the steel of the blade resembled ocean waves. With katana in hand, his already intimidating persona intensified, and revealed just why Hiko Seijuro had denied being a water demon.

Light blue horns, like thick coral, branched from either side of his head just behind his temples, and his once black hair resembled the deep blue of the ocean. Rough scales covered his knuckles, and his irises were large but the color of sea foam. Understanding hit Kenshin like a kick in the chest, and his eyes widened in surprise before he quickly prostrated himself on the ground at his feet.

A dragon!

"You're a water dragon." His voice was breathless from the tightness in his chest. "I thought… the emperor was the only dragon left." The statement was not really a question, but was doubtful all the same.

"Get up, boy. I don't like others kneeling to me." Violet eyes peeked up at him, but found only the same serious set to Hiko's features as he was used to. Sitting back on his haunches, Kenshin carefully angled the katana in his lap.

"Are you related?" Technically, the emperor was a sky dragon, but not a lot was known about dragons other than they were the most powerful and sacred beings on Earth.

Another short laugh burst from Hiko's chest. "Hell no, and I'm thankful for it. That lifestyle doesn't suit me at all." Resting his katana on his shoulder, Hiko shifted his weight. "You, like most everyone, incorrectly assume that dragons are born."

Red brows lifted. "They're not?"

"No, boy. I wasn't born a dragon, and neither was the emperor. I was a water demon, just like my parents."

"Then… how did you become a dragon?"

"By mastering the energy within and gaining perfect control."

"That's it?"

Kenshin's skeptical retort forced a huff from Hiko's nose, and his voice dripped with sarcasm. "That's it."

Chagrined, Kenshin looked away, but pushed himself to his feet. "But that means… anyone could become a dragon."

"Theoretically." Extending the katana at his shoulder in one quick swish, the water dragon pointed its tip directly between Kenshin's eyes. "How about it, boy? Are you satisfied with remaining the last living fire demon in the world, or would you like to become the last fire dragon in history?"

Red lashes blinked at the steel just barely brushing the skin of his nose before he averted his eyes to study the softly falling snow. It took him a moment to respond. "It occurs to me that I made a promise… to return stronger than I left. That means, I must do all that I am capable of in order to genuinely hold up my end of our agreement." A gentle smile pulled at his lips.

What kind of expression of wonder would she wear… if one day I could show her a form that was completely under my control? The tender expression firmed into one of determination. More importantly, if I attain perfect control, I will be better able to protect those in need… and no one would be able to hurt her ever again.

Violet eyes turned on Hiko, and he automatically morphed the expression into something harmless. "Unfortunately, you keep raising the goal posts of what I must aim for. If I am capable of reaching your level, then I'm afraid I must do it."

"I never said you were capable of reaching my level." Heavy amusement thickened the master's voice. "But you most definitely will be stronger. I will warn you… I can help you on this path, but at a certain point, you will have to walk the rest of the way alone."

X

When training with Hiko, there was no room for anything else. Especially now that they had added swords. However, on that day, Kenshin was distracted. According to Tomoe, Megumi had discovered that the metal pin in Kaoru's mouth was not in any way bound to the seal. Which meant, the pin was finally coming out. If Kenshin was being honest, he was more than a little disappointed that he was not going to be there to witness it. Apparently, Kaoru felt the same way.

Kaoru had already informed Tomoe and Megumi that she would speak to him and him only immediately after the pin was removed. Since he was still stuck in Neo-Kyoto until Hiko deemed him capable of continuing his training on his own, Megumi had irritably offered a compromise. Once the anesthesia wore off and Kaoru was once more coherent following surgery, they would video call him on his phone so that she could relay whatever message she wanted. With the surgery scheduled for that day, Kenshin was hard pressed to keep his attention only on training.

For the first time since his arrival, Kenshin was carrying his phone with him. Due to the high probability that it would be broken, he usually left it with his things at the house. Since he hardly received any calls or messages from anyone other than Tomoe, he really saw need to have the phone with him at all times anyway. Although, he had toyed with the idea of adding another phone to his plan so that he could communicate with Kaoru directly.

Hiko was getting irritated with him as the afternoon wore on, and he only narrowly avoided accumulating a few new scars to his body; more out of luck than skill. When the call finally did sound, he found himself face first in the cold, wet dirt with a foot in the middle of his back.

"About damn time." Growling like an angry bear, Hiko shoved off his shoulder blade with more force than necessary to stomp away into the trees. "Talk to your little girlfriend and get your head on straight. I'd like to accomplish something before supper."

Grunting as he rolled onto his back, Kenshin sat up and reached for his phone. When he answered, he caught the tail end of them speculating on why he had not yet picked up.

"It's alright, Kaoru-san. I'm sure he's just busy."

The screen lit up to reveal Kaoru's slightly anxious features, and she was not actually looking at the phone, but over it. When she looked down again to see he was there, the anxiety instantly melted and was replaced by an elated smile. Her entire body perked up, from the lift of her shoulders to the straightening of her neck. Even the phone angled a touch higher, and she glanced sideways to nod happily when Tomoe asked if she could see him.

"Hello, Miss Kaoru."

He couldn't keep the warmth from his voice, and it was so involuntary that he was surprised by the pink that tinged her cheeks in reaction. Cheeks that were fuller now that she had regained a healthy weight and vigor, and skin that was brighter with the soft glow of youth. A second later, and her eyebrows knitted together before she pointed at her own forehead. Blinking, Kenshin reached up to find dirt caked on his skin, and he chuckled as he brushed it away.

"Hiko-sama is quite strong, but I've gotten much better. I have not forgotten our promise."

A touch of excitement animated her sapphire gaze, and the phone pulled further away from her so that he could see the arm she lifted to show off her own progress. Through the light material of her gown, he could clearly discern the outline of her lean muscles.

"Impressive!"

"Alright." A hand appeared on top of her head, and he was strangely distressed by Tomoe's interruption. "Wasn't there something you wished to say to Himura-san?"

Two quick nods agreed, and a sense of impatience filled him as he watched her open her mouth. No metal peeked back at him through the screen, and relief relaxed the muscles around his heart. The pin no longer tormented her, and he would finally hear the voice that had haunted him ever since that first video of her humming.

A deep breath pulled into her lungs… and then her tongue stuck out at the screen mockingly. Stitches could be seen where the metal post had been removed, but it was her mischievous features that made him laugh.

"You silly thing." Tomoe's gentle voice was a sigh. "Don't kill us with the suspense."

Still smiling, Kenshin propped his arm up on one knee. "I agree, Miss Kaoru. Even if it is just a greeting, I will be content."

Another flush of pink decorated her cheeks, and she swallowed before licking her lips. The phone was moved a little closer to her face, and he watched eagerly as her mouth moved. He read the words of gratitude she had waited to convey, but no sound transmitted over the phone. Frowning, Kenshin instantly adjusted the volume, but bewilderment had also marred her expression. Again, the words were mouthed but not spoken, and her eyes were plainly stressed. Her third, fourth, and fifth attempts were just his name, before her lashes slammed shut and her body tensed in a silent scream.

No sound escaped her except for the rush of air forced from her lungs. For whatever reason, the absence of the metal pin had resulted in the complete suppression of her vocal cords.

X

Gein grinned happily from his workshop as the clearly upset and angry banging from upstairs persisted. The sound was not irritating for him in the least. In fact, it was better than music. It was not, however, as lovely as Kaoru's screams had been, but he was content to make do with what was available. The beautiful sounds of torture were the perfect backdrop for his art.

Laying prone on the large metal table at the center of his workshop was his current masterpiece. A thick metal frame made of light but durable material formed the base of the doll, and each joint had been painstakingly fitted and hinged perfectly so that they moved without sound or any catching. Cable corded like muscle across the metal skeleton to add strength and shape, and eventually movement. There was still much to be done, but Gein was content to take his time.

On another table, he was painstakingly coiling thin, red, razor floss to a length of exactly one hundred and six centimeters. Although they would be added last, there were many to create if he was to mimic a full head of hair. Gein typically preferred to add hidden weapons to his dolls, but Sojiro insisted on simplicity for his commissions. As a result, Gein had to be creative with his additions, and it challenged him as an artist.

The alarm on his wrist beeped three times for his attention, and Gein sighed before sitting down the black box Sojiro had left in his care. He hated to leave while so inspired, but it was time to feed Master Shishio.

Like a dog in a cage.

The comparison amused him, and he ascended the stairs with a grin hidden behind his skull mask. At the door to Shishio's room, he slid aside the metal lock before dropping down the access door for the food tray. Bandaged hands greedily reached for the food, but Gein removed it quickly from reach.

"What did we talk about? You will accept the tray respectfully, or eat nothing at all."

Skeletal hands shook before they fisted into tight balls. Gein's grin widened in satisfaction.

"Good. You remember the deal. Do as I say, and I'll play our special recording again."

The tray was offered and accepted, and the access door was reset into place. All it takes is a little singing, and he's right in the palm of my hand.

X

A/N: I'm at a loss for the author's note, so maybe that means I put everything that I wanted to in the chapter? Yay! (If so, lol.) I do feel bad for what I've done to Kaoru, but I also am enjoying her persistence and continued determination to deal with everything in a very goofy (for lack of a better word) way. Life is never fair, and it's the way we deal with it that gets us through it. I also really like writing cute interactions between Kenshin and Kaoru, so I'm a bit giddy when I get to fit them in.

Oh, did anyone recognize the name for Kenshin's sword? I toyed with using the sakabato, but… I'm going for something a bit different in this story.

The next chapter will introduce another character that I've never had the pleasure of using before, and I'm a bit nervous. Thanks for sticking around! And if you'd like to leave a review to let me know your thoughts, I'd really enjoy reading them! Stay sane!