The reviews I received motivated me to write another chapter =D So thank you so much! But, since this is a "relief" fic, I won't work much on the plot, so deal with me!
On the other hand, I'm still working on the next Innocence chapter, Innocence Tales, My Girlfriend is an Older Girl, and Faded (I'm jumping from one to the other as the inspiration dictates), so be patient. And... I urgently need music recommendations! Especially for Innocence! T_T
Lastly, Kenshin and Kaoru have always been my "June lovers", so - although Watsuki changed Kaoru's birthday to October, I refuse to accept it - I will continue with June 28 for Kaoru as her birthday .
Disclaimer: Story is mine! The characters are Watsuki's.
"Presentation"
The entire capital erupted in cheers.
"Long live the heroes of the empire!"
"Long live!"
Two months had passed after the end of the war. And although the army was expected to arrive one month later, this was seen as a good omen since, during the festivities, no executions could be carried out.
The town would rest from the second prince's exploits, at least for the moment.
Shishio looked with boredom at the military procession, the parade that the common people admired, including, despite themselves, the members of the aristocracy, that faction that claimed they supported him. From his castle room, he could see the progress of the nation's heroes.
"Pathetic" He thought.
Although even he would not deny the envy he felt of those men. He wanted to fight, but he still had a year left to begin his journey as a man.
"You don't look happy, Prince Shishio," inquired one of his guards, Raijuta, a mercenary who had obtained permission to take the knight's exam, and who liked to annoy his master. "I'm sure you're upset you weren't invited to the celebration."
The boy barely spared him a glance before turning his gaze to the landscape outside the window.
"You're wrong," he said. "I am repulsed by these types of events, for me, it is better that they leave me out. Now, I can dedicate myself to training.
And after saying this, he stood up and walked out of the room.
Raijuta followed him towards the patio, where the young man was trying to master the firepower he had awakened. The latter had been the reason why the boy had managed to enter the palace two years ago. His power was on par with the imperial princess Sayo, and there were those who bet that it would continue to grow until he surpassed that of the crown prince, especially since he was younger than the latter.
"I will show them that my power is above them" The boy thought.
On the patio, the victims that would serve as food for the prince had already been laid out.
Despite the heated reception, none of the war heroes were acostumed to such a scene, so their serious expressions were more of discomfort than pride; except maybe Sanosuke, who couldn't stop greeting people and even sending an occasional air kiss to the young girls shouting his name.
"It seems like you're enjoying it too much," his general, Himura Kenshin, complained.
Sano laughed harder, advancing behind the redhead.
"And why shouldn't I? -Refuted the chestnut man -Today, I am famous. Tomorrow, I may fall back into my previous debts; better enjoy it while it lasts, right?"
Kenshin frowned.
"I am torn between pity and envy towards you."
Sano almost fell off his horse.
"Kenshin! How can you feel so...?!"
"Don't even say it," the redhead interrupted with a bored expression, and the brunette couldn't help but shut up on the spot.
"Che! -he complained. -I will be considerate to you only because I know you are nervous."
Although it was true the general was anxious, it was also true Sanosuke felt a certain fear of his superior's anger. Even if the general was of a slimmer build than the fighter, the power the redhead possessed was far above his own. To that day, Sano had not met anyone who could even match the elemental power that Kenshin had... not even the crown prince Shogo Amakusa himself had such a level.
The procession finally arrived at the esplanade of the white castle, where the royal family resided and where the subsequent festivities would take place. The emperor and his legitimate children stood on either side of him. In addition, both the prime minister, the members of the council, and the nobility were present. Among them, Kenshin was able to distinguish the leader of the Kamiya clan, Koishijirou. He looked at him with intent, but at the same time maintained a disinterested attitude.
Kenshin became even more curious about the talk they were going to have. He was hoping he had found the answer to his problem...
After reaching the limit of the access stairs, the procession stopped. Abandoning their steeds, the representatives advanced on foot until they were in front of their majesties. The crowd remained silent when the meeting took place.
"Welcome! -Emperor Sozo Amakusa spoke -The empire welcomes the heroes of our nation!"
The crowd broke out in cheers.
Kenshin and his men bowed in respect before the emperor.
The speech continued, but the general could barely understand anything of what was said. His interest was fixed on Kamiya Koishijirou and what must be ensured if that alliance was to be forged. Everything from including the emperor's recognition of him and praise for his deeds, to his entry into the castle, where they were redirected to the mansion where they would reside during their stay, Kenshin spent in a kind of trance.
The boy knew that he would not be able to speak to the clan leader immediately, but he felt desperate. Perhaps he could have thrown himself into bed and enjoyed a well-deserved rest, taken advantage of the luxuries granted, and, perhaps, even dared to take a walk in his new quarters. But he had issues to resolve.
He went to the desk in his room and prepared everything to write a note.
"I must know what my cards are before accepting any proposal from the emperor" He thought. Due to his anxiety his power was released.
The room was then filled with deep darkness...
Kaoru really hated that bath.
"They might as well skin me alive," the girl thought as her skin was washed for the umpteenth time.
It was the first time she had entered Her Majesty Princess Sayo's castle, so she was not used to having a bunch of maids washing her body. Not to mention that she found being bathed in milk and oils somewhat repulsive.
"Endure it" Megumi had told her. "Prove that you are a samurai."
So the girl did not complain even when the maids dressed her in the heavy ceremonial dress, nor when they pulled her hair to shape such an intricate hairstyle. Under the weight of so much gem, Kaoru thought her head would eventually fall off.
"How am I supposed to dance with all this?!" She complained.
Then came the makeup, and the girl almost completely lost her patience.
"We're done, princess," they told her.
"Princess" Being the daughter of a dukedom, this is how those of lower status should address her, but it was tedious when the empire had a legitimate princess. One more difference from home, she told herself bitterly.
"Wow, you even look like someone else!"
Kaoru turned almost instantly to look at her sister. The woman looked at her with a smug smile, but there was pride in the sparkle in her eyes.
"I feel ridiculous," the girl refuted with a pout.
And although Megumi let out a sing-song laugh, the little girl saw the feeling that danced in her sister's irises for a mere second.
'Ah' She said to herself. 'There's that feeling of pity. My sister, again, feels sorry for me.'
"It is to be expected since you have never worn such a fine, and intricate suit. -The oldest told her. -Your tastes have always been more sober."
Megumi approached her sister and knelt in front of her to admire and comfort her.
"But after your waking, it is inconceivable that you continue not dressing according to your position," she explained while caressing the little girl's face, taking the opportunity to fix some rebellious locks. "This is also your presentation to society as a future user. You should feel proud; you will inherit our father's sword, after all."
Kaoru frowned.
"Even if I have to marry into a new family?" She questioned suspiciously.
Megumi felt a tightness in her chest. Anger and disappointment dueled with her sadness.
"Even then," she assured her. "Also Kaoru, we talked that perhaps such an agreement could be broken."
For the past few months, and even though her sister had been preparing her to become a bride, Megumi had not stopped trying to find a different solution to Kaoru's situation. And she had constantly stressed to the girl her right to divorce once she reached adulthood. Their father had also assured that his agreement with Himura Battosai - if he accepted the deal - would highlight that the groom could not touch his future bride until she reached the age allowed according to the law to have sexual relations, and only if she consented to the act.
But, if she remained without consummating the marriage as Megumi guided her to decide, she could request an annulment as soon as she reached the age at which she could stand on her own in society. And by then, Megumi would have paved the way for her sister to return to her clan.
Of course, she had not discussed the latter with their father, but the young woman felt that it was her duty to protect Kaoru from an unwanted fate. After all, after the death of their mother, it had been Megumi who had been in charge of raising Kaoru, so she felt her like her own.
She wasn't going to give her to anyone who didn't deserve her, she told herself; and in her eyes, no such person would ever exist.
"What will happen if I like him?" The little girl questioned innocently, breaking the bubble of her sister's thoughts.
Megumi frowned.
"That will not happen." She declared with certainty.
"But-"
"Trust me, Kaoru," the older woman pressed, interrupting her. "Your nature does not mix with that of a murderer," she said.
This time, it was the child's heart that was grieving. Because she knew, despite her young age, that finding a partner who matched her power was basically impossible.
"I understand, sister," she agreed.
Megumi smiled at last.
"We should go now. We must not be late for your presentation."
They both left towards the event room, in the emperor's main castle where the victory celebration would take place.
During every festival, palace festivals and town festivals were customary. It was arranged General Himura Battousai and his closest soldiers would participate in the palace party, while the rest of the army would be part of a reception at the mansion where they resided as guests, but they would have the option of forgoing this and being part of the town festivals if they wanted it.
It was the first time since the fall of his clan that Kenshin had enjoyed such attentions, and he discovered that, while they were certainly a luxury, he preferred the simplicity of the country life he had led for ten years now.
So it was a surprise to see his two lieutenants so happy with that entertainment. Sanosuke being the more expressive of the two.
"That was the best bath I've had in months." Sanosuke exclaimed while stretching.
Like the general, his two lieutenants had been dressed in ceremonial costumes: a toga, trousers and fine belts with intricate embroidery; the red color for Kenshin, the black for Aoshi and the white for Sano, stood out against the beige of the main fabric.
"Let's hope it's not your last one," the redhead mocked starting to walk towards the dance hall; the others followed him.
"Don't rain on my parade, Kenshin!" Sano complained, making a face.
Kenshin stretched out his sideways smile.
"Why, I thought it was part of your philosophy." He told him, remembering his previous words during the entry into the capital.
"Cheh! -He complained. -I'll let it be for now, just because you're in a better mood."
Aoshi barely flinched, staring straight ahead as if bored. As soon as the officer at the entrance of the hall saw them, he hurried to open the doors and inform the spokesperson about their arrival, who formally introduced them.
"Himura Kenshin, Sanosuke Sagara, and Aoshi Shinomori; heroes of the nation." He declared.
The rest of the room paid attention to the newcomers. As they advanced into the hall, most of the nobles that were present murmured as they passed.
"I don't dislike the welcome," said Sanosuke, hands behind his neck.
"Speak for yourself." Aoshi responded with an equally serious frown.
Kenshin remained alert. He did not pay attention to the murmurs about his person, although he registered their words as information in the back of his mind, his attention was focused on finding Kamiya Koishijiro. However, he had no luck, and after three attempts to engage in the search, he was intercepted by other nobles who sought to satisfy their curiosity about the war hero, the bloodthirsty Battousai as he was known on the battlefield.
In the end he resigned from his search, and remained cordial in the face of the approaches of the nobility and the aristocracy.
...
The night continued, and soon, it was time for the main event. The emperor finally appeared in the company of his two legitimate children, and silence fell in the room. All attention was focused on the sovereign. He directed his guards and principal secretaries to give way to the event to commemorate the war hero.
Soon, Himura Kenshin was in front of the emperor, on his knees and with his forehead lowered, while all his achievements were mentioned, and the long list of treasures, with which he was decorated, was said.
"In honor of the feats accomplished during the war, I grant you the title of marquis." Declared the emperor.
In the end, he had not been granted the dukedom, Sano cursed to himself; although the title of marquis was quite high, and without a doubt the treasures received could be a good incentive in the plan they had to raise the clan... for now. They would have to settle, he thought.
Kenshin barely showed any emotion. Both Sano and Aoshi, however, were able to understand the redhead felt the same as them.
"It will have to do for now." Kenshin said to himself. "It's better to focus on the possible alliance with the Kamiya clan. That will have to be the solution."
...
Half an hour later, dinner was served, the main banquet left the previous appetizers behind, and soon, everyone was ready at their respective tables. Given the occasion, Kenshin's table was to the left of the emperor's table. In front of his, across the room was that of the main nobility, and in the middle of both those of the aristocracy.
But there was still no sign of the Kamiya clan leader.
The general became impatient.
"I can't say if it was really good or bad that they gave you the area of Myr along with the surrounding lands," Sano complained to his right, halfway to eating his dinner.
Kenshin sighed.
"It was to be expected considering my origins." He reminded him.
The Himura clan had been magnificent a little over a decade ago, but due to a political plot, they had fallen into disgrace. Its original territory had been to the North of the empire; but now, after years of neglect, it had fallen prey to the nothingness.
"But as I understand it, the duchy has been abandoned for almost a decade," Sano remarked. "Even with the treasures you received it will not be enough to raise the city of Myr. As far as I know, it is a territory of exiles."
"It is the place that will become the home of my people, Sano. -Refuted Kenshin, who could no longer continue eating. -The only thing I have to do is focus on lifting it."
Sano was about to say something else when the music suddenly changed. The voices dwindled to whispers, and several attendants began to fill the room. The dance area, that was right in the center of the dining room, was prepared with different ornaments: flowers, garlands, incense, lamp and musical instruments.
"What now?" Sano questioned with interest.
"It's time for the ceremony." Aoshi answered without really paying attention, focused on finishing eating.
"Ceremony?" Sano asked again, even more confused.
A group of people entered and stood around the dancing area; some took the instruments laid out, then the brunette identified that they were priests.
"This banquet has a dual purpose," Aoshi told him, "just like the debutante balls for marriage, this presentation is for future elemental users."
Which meant that that group of young people in the background would be presented for the first time in front of high society, recognizing and pronouncing themselves as users.
Sano's smile grew sideways.
"Then you should be there, Kenshin" He teased the redhead poking him, after all, the general had never made such a presentation.
But it took longer to bother him than for his power to activate; dark waves came out of the redhead, plus Kenshin then raised his katana in threat of unsheathing it.
"I said nothing!" Sano exclaimed instantly, hands in front.
Kenshin calmed himself after a breath and a light sigh. The darkness returned to him, and the katana returned to rest at his side.
"Weren't you forbbiden to bring a sword?" Questioned Sano.
"Such a rule does not apply to me," Kenshin said.
While it was true that weapons were prohibited at such events, there were a few who were allowed to carry them, though they were mostly guards. However, having been decorated, Kenshin could wear his without problems.
Aoshi finished eating then and wiped his lips. He then addressed his general, his voice dropping to almost a whisper, catching Kenshin's attention immediately.
"Within this dance, the youngest of the Kamiyas applies as a user and is also the youngest of this year's five debutantes."
"Kamiya?" Kenshin asked, surprised.
Sano laughed again.
"Your future sister-in-law," he exclaimed, amused. -This is a good opportunity for you to meet inlaws, ne, Kenshin."
"Sanosuke" the redhead growled.
The brunette swallowed.
"I'll shut up now." He gave up.
Kenshin turned his attention to Aoshi, while the young people to introduce themselves took their places in the room.
"What is her element?" Asked Kenshin.
"It hasn't been registered yet," Aoshi answered, "but it is rumored that she is an air elemental."
"A rarity, as I understand these days." Considered Sano.
"But without a doubt of great strength. -Kenshin nodded, his gaze quickly identified the youngest of the Kamiyas, her features gave her away. -What about the oldest?"
"She is an earth elemental."
"What!? They aren't the same?!" Sano questioned.
"The Kamiya clan is one of the oldest, if not the oldest. -Aoshi told him. -It is said that the lines of elementals emerged from the branches of this clan; the reason why he remains so close to the emperor is precisely because they have elementals of all kinds."
"Including Kenshin's?" The brunette asked again.
Aoshi nodded.
"Although there are few records about it, there was once a user on the main line. -He told them. -Not to mention, it has been one of the greatest providers of queen consorts."
"Which raises the question why the clan leader wants to give his daughter to a nameless man. -Kenshin pointed out. But upon noticing Aoshi's silence he couldn't help but get excited. -You have a theory."
Aoshi did not deny it.
"I lack evidence to present it. So, I will continue investigating. As soon as I corroborate my suspicions, I'll let you know."
Kenshin nodded, but was already smiling.
"Perhaps it won't be necessary." He said.
The lights of the lamps dimmed then. The room was immersed in an ocher light; The music began to grow.
"Hush! It's going to start." Sano pointed out in a whisper, he looked excited.
...
Little Kaoru squeezed the branch of Momiji* that she carried in her hands, the leaf still retained its green color, but it would still change during the ceremony. Her face showed nervousness and insecurity. It wasn't that she wasn't ready, but rather the fact that she had to change her sister's plans and what that would mean.
Moments ago, her father had approached her, just before leaving. He had taken her by the shoulders and looked her in the eyes when he spoke to her.
"Listen Kaoru. You must remember the importance of this dance."
The girl had jumped up instantly.
"I could never forget it, father. But, my sister Megumi said that-"
"I know what your sister told you. -The oldest interrupted him. -However, you are special Kaoru. Your power carries a responsibility above your sister's feelings, and even your own."
Her father didn't lie. Although she had already inclined for an element, it was still not fully delivered, and yet...
"But the rest of the group."
His father smiled.
"They will respond according to your movements. -He told her. And the girl knew it would be like that. Her classmates would know how to identify the change in the dance, and since she was the one directing, they would not question her. -You must trust, Kaoru."
So now the youngest surrendered to that change after taking a deep breath and began to dance as soon as the emperor finished introducing them.
...
Different trails of light were drawn in the air while the users danced and made use of their gifts. The people around looked moved at such a presentation of colors, one color for each gift.
"It seems that your little-in-law is the only air elemental." Sanosuke pointed out with interest.
After determining who was important, they had concentrated on the girl and ignored the rest.
"Which is an achievement in itself." Aoshi pointed out.
Although there were elementals of all kinds, air elementals were rare. The reason was not very well known, but it was thought to be related to the goddess they venerated. This made them very coveted.
The general, for his part, looked at the girl with different thoughts. Far from admiring her power and analyzing her abilities, his attention was focused on admiring her completely, for her person and the image she projected.
"She is adorable." He thought within himself, without imagining the way his heart was being captured little by little.
...
Kaoru prepared herself, after each of her classmates introduced themselves one by one, her turn had finally arrived. Here she had to make the change.
"Father... Will this also serve the purposes of the clan? For the wedding you have planned for me?" She had asked her moments ago, still conflicted about having to go against her sister's wishes to protect her, but if she could have a compelling reason, maybe she wouldn't feel so guilty.
"It's something more than that, my little one. -His father smiled at her. -I know I have no way to prove it to you, but I promise you that I only seek to protect you and your sister."
"And the clan." Kaoru completed childishly.
"And the clan. -Her father agreed, laughing at his daughter's audacity. -Although I must confess that I am only interested in the happiness of you two."
"Father, you shouldn't say that."
"Don't worry about me, and focus on what you have to do."
The dance changed, her breathing was different, the trail of color that her power projected began to fade until it almost vanished...
...
Kenshin put his hand to his chest as he felt warmth in his center; a sensation that made him momentarily uncomfortable.
"Is something wrong?" Aoshi questioned him upon noticing his discomfort.
"No." The general denied and immediately settled back into his seat. "Nothing important. It must just be tiredness."
"U sure?" Sano asked this time. "You look pale."
"If you need to retreat..." Aoshi pressed.
"I'm fine." The redhead declared forcefully.
There was a brief silence after that small explosion; it was evident that something was happening, but the redhead would not give the opportunity to be questioned.
"If you say so." Said Sano and returned his attention to the dance.
Kenshin, likewise, turned his gaze forward. Breathing began to feel forced, as if the air had become thick. His eyes, however, once again followed the figure of the youngest Kamiya. When he did, he noticed that his body suddenly relaxed again, even though the environment around him still felt heavy.
The dance had changed, those present noticed. Kaoru stepped forward and presented herself in front of her audience; her companions were quick to surround her even though they were supossed to remain in line behind her, and they all raised Momiji's leaves as a sign of respect.
Kaoru's father's voice reverberated in his mind with every step he took.
"Be careful of your steps, my daughter."
She took a step forward, with her hands separated and raised to the sides; she drew a circle, turning gently on her right foot. The stele began to colored again until it took on a new color.
"Even if you have to show yourself..."
Those present watched this change in amazement, enthralled by the young girl's movements and the energy she gave off.
"That posture is...!" Megumi thought in alarm when she identified the change, and tried to go out to stop her "No! Kaoru you must not-!"
But her father stopped her.
"You better not cause a scene, Megumi." He warned.
"Father, but what have you done?" She questioned upset.
"What is necessary for the success of Kaoru's future." His father sentenced. And after taking one last look at his daughter, he led Megumi out of the room.
"You should not show that you are a light user."
Kaoru's ceremonial clothes changed from green to gold. The flash rose from the base, dyeing first the skirts, then the torso, and lastly the loose sleeves and the veil that covered her head.
Sanosuke stood up from his chair in amazement, and so did others.
"That is!" Aoshi exclaimed, who also looked surprised.
"Kenshin! -Sano spoke to him next to him, without taking his eyes off the spectacle. -Are you seeing what I am seeing!?"
The redhead barely heard his lieutenant's words. His being was trapped by that image. Kaoru was enveloped in a white light with golden sparkles. It was a figure that seemed to be made entirely of pure, ethereal light. His features could no longer be distinguished, only his silhouette.
"Impossible..." Kenshin muttered.
The girl raised her hands towards the ceiling and, from between the space of her hands, specks of golden light began to form. They were fastly created; rising to the top and spreading throughout the room as they fell.
Expressions of astonishment were heard throughout the room. "How beautiful!" some said. "It is a miracle!" others exclaimed. The emperor himself and his sons were completely caught and confused by such a scene, admiring in awe such beauty.
"I thought you said she was an air elemental," Sano pointed out, while he received in his hands one of the specks of light that the girl continued to produce as if it were a tireless fountain.
The light danced before dissipating into piles of sparks that looked like miniature stars.
"I said it was rumored to be, I never declared it as such," Aoshi refuted with some annoyance. In his case he refused to touch those lights.
"It's the same thing," Sanosuke bellowed.
Aoshi was going to refute, but Kenshin stopped them.
"Enough." He declared forcefully.
His two lieutenants looked at him then, both aware of what this meant for their general. He kept his gaze fixed on the youngest of the Kamiyas. His eyes shone with longing and a feeling similar to sadness.
The darkness within him seemed to celebrate such a meeting, as if dancing around the light in the middle of a feast. And that scared him...
...
"How could you?!" Megumi bellowed.
Her father had taken her to a waiting room next to the event hall where the presentation continued. By then, Megumi's eyes were filled with tears again; her heavy heart felt like she was about to permanently lose the girl she considered hers.
"You said you wanted to protect her, but you have put her under everyone's sights." She claimed.
His father did not deny it.
"If I didn't do it this way, we couldn't get a blessing." He declared.
The brunette understood her father's intentions.
"You're not thinking...!"
"I cannot trust that the emperor and the rest of the factions do not see the union I intend as a threat," the man cut her off. "However, if I make it evident to everyone's eyes, no one will be able to refute it."
Having made it so evident in front of all the nobility and aristocracy of the empire, no one could deny the logic of the alliance he was bidding for; and, on the contrary, it would be more suspicious if someone sought to deny it.
"Kaoru's gift cannot be combined with that of that monster's!" -Megumi refuted strongly. -Haven't you heard it? No matter how noble he may appear, he is a ruthless killer. Kaoru's light will die drowned under his darkness!"
Koishijirou frowned, for once seeing his daughter for the threat to his plans that she was.
"I see you've been investigating him."
"You left me no alternative."
"So, have you found a different solution? -He challenged him. Megumi jumped caught in her own trap, she had no words to refute. -Don't try to interfere again, Megumi. Or I will be forced to sever the link you have with your element."
"Is your ambition that big?"
Her father sighed sadly.
"You will understand once you take my place." He told her.
...
In the event room, the lights dissipated until they burst into lots of golden sparks, a soft rain that astonished those present even more, leaving everyone with a smile on their lips and a warm feeling of happiness on their faces.
The young user took one last turn as her light went out, making her return to her previous image. But the clothes did not recover the emerald green tones of before, but the gold remained on the fabric, the seams had also turned red, a scarlet tone too similar to the one worn by General Himura Battousai. Few noticed this important detail.
Sanosuke slumped back into his chair, looking somewhat disappointed.
"Damn Kenshin," he said. "If it weren't for the obvious age difference, she could have very well been your partner."
"She could be..." Muttered the redhead, who was still watching the little user.
It would be too bold to declare her a user of light, but it was clear that although her element could be different, the power was there. And given her lineage, it was easy to think she could transform as she pleased.
Kenshin found himself wishing that his future bride was the little dancer.
...
So it was a relief and a confusing joy to hear those words from the little girl's mouth...
"Are you my future husband?"
A/N: We are going to place this story in medieval times but with certain magical - scientific artifacts D:
And no. I don't plan to work on the political plot. As I said, it is a relief story for me; merely written to satisfy my desire to dream of a story like this between these two characters.