Disclaimer: Rurouni Kenshin is the creation of Nobuhiro Watsuki, with the manga and anime rights belonging to Jump Comics and Sony Entertainment, respectively. FF is non-profit, meant for entertainment only.

Chapter Five

*************

“Greedy, are you?” He said letting her pull him closer.

Her face was upturned waiting for her kiss. He smirked before he captured her lips. He eased her down to the bed slowly. He kissed her till she was breathless beneath him. He felt the rise and fall of her chest. He smiled down at her and she smiled back. He kissed her eyelids and pulled back a bit. “Sleep.” He said getting up and off the bed.

She grabbed him from behind and held onto him. She let her head rest on his shoulder. “Stay here.” She whispered.

He smirked, though she couldn’t see it. “Do you promise to be good?”

She nodded quickly. “Promise you won’t try anything?”

He waited a moment but she didn’t nod. His smirk turned wicked. He turned his face to hers. She was beat red. She swallowed hard under the heated gaze. He touched her face and she leaned into the caress. Closing her eyes. She kissed the palm of his hand. Despite everything he couldn’t completely hide the feelings he felt for her, not all the time. She looked into his eyes; they were full of warmth and something else. With the next blink of his eyes though the look was gone. She openly frowned and he kissed her forehead. “Get into bed.” He said. But she didn’t move.

“I promise to stay but I have to close the balcony doors.”

She allowed him to get up and watched as he did what he said. He stood by the bed staring at her for a moment. He took his daisho off and set it by the side of the bed. He watched as she drew the covers to the side so he could get in. He didn’t smile on the outside but inside, the gesture touched him. He got into bed and laid back for a minute. He closed his eyes and sighed as she finally inched close enough. She made herself comfortable in his arms. Feelings her eyelids grow heavy. He felt so nice, she thought as she curved herself around him.

Morning came with a cold wind.

Kaoru felt around for her companion but he was gone. She yawned and opened her eyes. She rubbed them to get a clearer look. She was alone in her room. “Baka.” She said, but sleep was still heavy and so she dozed off again.

She felt someone touching her face. So she opened one eye. It was Tokuma; she swatted his hand away and closed her eye.

“Kaoru-chan, aren’t you going to get up today?” He was all smiles.

“No” she said hiding her head under a pillow.

“But you need to eat.” He said taking the pillow away.

She was feeling grouchy. She didn’t say anything though. She allowed him to sit her up. Propped her like a doll and put the tray of food into her lap. She began to eat but her hair got in the way. She was about to push it back when he put some small hairclips in her hair and sat by her side. Watching her. It was a bit unnerving to say the least but she’d become accustom to it. So it didn’t bother as much as it should. “I was hoping we could walk the grounds today. We haven’t done it in a long time.” He said stroking a strand of her hair.

“That’s fine.” She said handing him the tray. “Can you give me an hour to get ready?”

He let go off her hair and took the tray. “Yes take your time.” He said getting up to leave.

She looked toward the balcony doors.

Tokuma gazed at her before closing the door.

When the balcony doors didn’t open she got up to open them. Where was he? She thought stepping out.

“What are you doing?”

Her hand flew to her heart. He’d scared her again. He’d been out here the whole time.

“Did you hear?” She asked him.

“I heard.” He said stepping away from her and walking in to her room.

She played with the strings on her robe as she followed him, he rested against the fireplace. She felt afraid. “I don’t want to marry him,” she said.

He turned and gave her a scrutinizing look. She’d never said that in all the time he’d been here. He watched her step closer to him. She picked his hand up and held it to her heart. “He can’t make me, can he?”

“No he can’t.” He said into her hair as he embraced her. He briefly wondered how she thought. Things didn’t make sense sometimes. He pushed her away from him and held her chin up with his right hand so she could look at him. “We leave in two days. I won’t see you during the day unless Yasuyoshi calls for me. I’ll see you at night, though.” He said as he tipped her head back further so he could kiss her. He let her go and left.

Kaoru opened her eyes and looked around. He was gone. She began to get ready to spend the day with Tokuma.

Kaoru came back from dinner in a huff. She removed her obi and threw it to the floor. She didn’t know days could drag out forever. She removed the hairpins and the hair clips from her hair. She sighed at the feeling. It felt so much better when it was loose. She changed clothes and began to pack. He had said favorite things only. Kaoru began to pack only the things she loved most. It was around midnight when she decided to stop. She stretched and made her way over to the bed. She was pulling back the cover when he came in.

“What took you so long?" She said halting her actions.  She watched as he closed the doors and came over to the bed.  He removed his daisho and waited a moment.  She threw herself over the bed so she was by his side in a matter of seconds.  She sat on the bed reaching out to him.  He smiled and came closer till he stood right in front of her.

“I’ve missed you.” She said.

He caressed her cheek.

“Did you miss me?” She asked putting her arms around his neck.

He leaned in to kiss her but she drew back just a bit.

He tried again and she repeated the action.  His hands which had been around her waist tightened. She felt her heart beat faster.

“Did you miss me?” She asked but her voice didn’t hold the inquisitiveness it had a moment ago.  Instead it had become breathy. Small flecks of gold appeared in his eyes and she found herself drawn in.  He stood a breath away from her waiting.  Her arms tightened around his neck and threw herself back on the bed.  They landed on the bed with a flop.  The moment they landed on the bed she brought his head down for a kiss.  She kissed him till she felt her heart was going to explode.  When she finally released his mouth she panted into his shoulder.  She closed her eyes when she felt him start to kiss her neck.  She ran her fingers through his hair.  It was so soft.  She untangled her left hand from around his neck, so she could touch him.  She ran her hand down his back slowly feeling the muscles over the Gi.  She ran her hand down to his bottom and squeezed him.

He growled and withdrew.  His breathing was shallow.  He looked down into her flushed face.  He closed his eyes.  She was very tempting, too receptive to the touch.  He opened them again, and they were a steel blue.  He looked down at her, his face not betraying what his body felt.

“You need to sleep.” He said getting up from the bed.

She was confused.

He drew the covers back so she would get in but she didn’t move.  He sighed.  It was his fault.  He should have just come in and given her a small kiss instead of letting her impair his judgment.  He extended his hand to her. “Come to bed, I need to rest.”

She pouted but did as he wished.  She laid on the bed and turned on her side away from him.  He got into bed and covered them both.  He grabbed her by the waist and pulled her closer to him till she rested against his chest.  He breathed in her scent and closed his eyes.

She smiled at his actions but didn’t say anything.  Just closed her eyes and let sleep take her.

*************

Kaoru woke up with a start.  She looked around and again he was gone.  She hated that.  He always left before she woke up.  She tossed the covers to the side with vengeance.  She got up and stomped to take her bath.  Today was the last day she’d be confined to this house and then she’d be free even if only for a month.  She finished her bath and walked back to her closet.  She dropped her robe just before she heard someone speak but it was too late.

“Yasuyoshi.”  Was all Kenshin got a chance to stay.  Her head had whipped around to see him while his eyes remained on her body.  He was rooted to the spot.  His eyes turned amber.

She’d been surprised to see him.  The way he was looking at her made her stomach turn to knots.  She watched as his eyes changed color.  She turned around and so did he.  “Dress.” Was roughly said over his shoulder.

Kaoru swallowed and dressed quickly in a plain forest green kimono. She called to him as she finished tying the obi.  He moved to the balcony and told her why he was here.

“Yasuyoshi was called away to a meeting.  He won’t be available till after lunch.”  He said feeling awkward.

“So we can spend the morning together.  We can finish my book.” She said running to her closet to get the book.  She’d left it somewhere around here.  She looked on her dresser, then ran to the bed.  She thought for a moment and dropped to the floor.  It was under the bed.  She stretched her arm so she could reach.  She almost had it.  There, she thought pulling it out from underneath.

“Do you want to get our basket while I finish my hair?” She said running to her dresser.

He left quickly and without a word.  She didn’t seem embarrassed in the least, he thought as he made his way to the kitchen to find Kane.

Half an hour later they were both making their way to her spot.  They walked in an amiable silence till they reached her favorite place.  He set things up pretty much like the first time.

He set the basket to the side and took his spot by the tree.  She pushed him forward much like she had the first time.  He waited till she got comfortable before he rested his head in her lap.  She opened the book to the last thing they’d read.  As she started to read she began to stroke his hair.

I’m fourteen and a half, now. Finally, I can see the resemblance between my mother and I. I’ve never cut my hair in all this years mainly because I wanted it long and second I don’t think I have a steady hand to cut it myself plus I don’t trust Yosho to do it. Maybe one day when I leave this house I’ll be able to cut it.

She reread the last part Kenshin had read from chapter fourteen.

I stood in the river doing my wash when I saw someone. It’s the first time in all the years I’ve been here since I’ve seen someone else. The boy seemed startled to see me. I don’t know what to do. He waves at me, so I wave back. ‘Oh no he’s coming over’ I thought. He bows to me and I return the gesture. I feel nervous I’ve never talked to any other boy other than my stepbrother.

“I didn’t know anyone lived around these parts. “ He said

“Yes me and my .....“ I didn’t know what to call him. My brother, my stepbrother, my half brother. What do I say? I didn’t know how I felt about him anymore.

“

My brother” I finished lamely.

The boy didn’t believe me I could tell but he didn’t say anything. He just nodded in understanding. “Do you want me to walk you back?” He said. “It looks like you have a lot to carry.”

I looked down at my wash. I smiled and nodded.

We spent a very pleasant time together. He told me about his mom and town, while I spoke very little about my brother. I asked him all about town and he seemed happy to tell me about it. I was a little sad when he left. But I had instructions on how to get to town. So I closed up our house. This was the first time I was stepping out.

I walked fast so I was able to make it to town in no time. I found a general store and walked in to ask for directions. The man pointed in the direction of a small shop.

The lady there was very nice. The length of my hair amazed her. Even in a braid as it was it still dragged on the floor. It’s the reason I had learned to tie it around my waist. I told her I didn’t want to cut it too short. She told me she had the perfect cut for me. I was afraid I must admit. I had never had anyone touch my hair, other than Yosho. I kept my eyes closed as she cut it. I didn’t want to see what she did. I felt her cut the hair around my face; I only squeezed my eyes tighter.

“All done, dear.” She said. “Get up and take a look.”

I stood up slowly and walked to the long mirror she had in her shop. I looked at my self. I was pretty. I looked so pretty. I felt tears well up in my eyes. I turned around and hugged the woman. I was so happy. I went back to the mirror to see. My hair was cut short from the back on long from the front. I had large bangs that reached my brow, two ponytails that stemmed from my bangs and fell on each side of my face. The length was perfect too; it was long enough to touch my breasts. I touched the back where I felt two more ponytails stemmed. My hair fell a bit from the knees. It was being held in two separate ponytails. I loved it. I ran to the woman and hugged her again. I paid her and hugged her one last time.

The sun was setting. I ran home. I had to get there before Yosho. True he almost never came home for dinner but just in case. I made dinner quickly. I had run home for nothing because he didn‘t come home early. It was nighttime now and I was so excited I just couldn‘t fall asleep. I heard Yosho come home. Oh no. It had been along time since I had waited up for him. I closed my eyes and pretended to sleep. I heard him as he took of his things. He changed and came to bed. I tried to stay very still. I‘d forgotten what I used to do. He picked me up from where I was and brought me closer to him till he curved around me. He touched up my leg and brought his hand up my arm.

I tried to stay very still. Is this what he did when I was asleep. He moved my hair to the side and stopped. He noticed. I usually did my hair in one long braid before going to sleep. But since I had less hair now I kept it as I had it.

“What did you do to your hair?” I heard him say. He pulled me in tighter till he encompassed me like a blanket.

I kept my eyes closed, too confused by the situation. Eventually I fell asleep. When I woke up I couldn’t move. I had turned in my sleep but he hadn’t. He was heavy. I looked into his face. He was so beautiful. I hadn’t stared at him in a while. I swallowed hard. I realized I still loved him. Now I was desperate to get out. To get away. I pushed him upward and he opened his eyes. I felt the flush run all over my body.

“We should eat.” I looked down at my companion. He hadn’t moved.

“But we just got to the best part.” I said.

I saw him smile, so I bent down and kissed him.

He looked up at me and I smiled, marking the page where we left off.

I took things out of the basket and we started to eat. “So are you excited about this vacation as I am? It’ll be nice to get away from the house for a while don’t you think?”

Kenshin looked at her for a moment. He nodded at her. She didn’t realize anything yet. No matter. Things had already been set in motion.

They finished their lunch and Kenshin packed everything up.

“Is it time to go already?” She asked holding her book to her chest.

He nodded and helped her up.

Before they got to the house he turned to look at her. “I need you to finish packing. I won’t come to you tonight. But I’ll see you early in the morning. Do you understand?”

They were hidden behind a large tree just outside the forest. She nodded and tears came to her eyes. He sat the basket down. “Why are you crying?”

“I don’t understand why you can’t sleep with me?”

He didn’t know how to take her statement. He just caressed her face. Her bottom lip quivered and he stopped it with a kiss. She blinked back her tears and held on to him tight.

“Tell me what’s wrong?” He said

“I don’t know.“ She said shaking her head.

The grasp on her hips tightened as he leaned his weight on her till she was between him and the tree. He pressed himself against until that’s all she felt.

“I don’t want to be separated from you.” She said.

So that’s what it was. He nuzzled her neck. “I’ll be with you all the time once we leave this place.” He whispered into her ear.

“Would you like that,” He asked.

She pulled his head enough so she could kiss him. She had moments were everything seemed insane. She felt like that now. She pressed herself close to him and held him tightly. She licked down his chin to the side of his neck. She stopped to suck on the spot right underneath his left ear. She felt overwhelmed by him.

He pushed her back. “You have to wait.” Was all he said. Fixing his Gi and smoothing down his hair. He took a deep breath before he made eye contact with her. He fixed her kimono, making sure her obi was still fastened tight. Her hair looked a little wild. He looked into her eyes. They were a fathomless blue. Her mouth was set in a small pout. He couldn’t give in to her yet though. Especially not out here where someone could walk by.

“Let’s go.” He said. Picking up the basket again he stepped a couple of feet away from her. Waiting for her to come to him so they could walk back.

She stomped her way over to him till she stood next to him. She then slapped his butt and ran away laughing. He stood there for a moment watching her runaway. He let a smile spread over his lips. He shook his head as he made his way in to the house.

Kaoru ran into the house and up to her room. She threw herself on the bed and panted for breath. He wouldn’t follow her in here. When she finally regained her breath she laid on her stomach. Maybe she’d take a nap before dinner.

- - - - - - - - - - - -

She laid on her back sleeping. A strange sensation was spreading through her body. Her eyes opened to see the battoussai.

“You’re finally awake.” He said as he continued to kiss down her neck. He parted her yukata and she saw as he started to kiss the slope between her breasts.

She closed her eyes.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

“Kaoru-chan?” Came the voice.

'Damn it,' she thought. It didn’t even have a chance to get good. She opened her eyes. She just couldn’t smile at Tokuma though. She rubbed her eyes as she rose from bed. “Is it time for dinner?” She asked as she swung her legs over the bed.

He nodded

“All right,” she said heading for the door.

“Are you going to go like that?” He pointed.

“Do we have company?” She asked pausing by the door.

He shook his head no.

“Would you like me to change?” She said.

He nodded.

“All right, I’ll change and be right down.” She said heading for her closet.

She waited till he left before she changed.

She changed and went down to dinner. She looked around hoping to see her bodyguard but there was no sign of him, just Tokuma.

“Are you excited Kaoru-chan?” He said as they began to eat.

“Yes.” She answered. “Did you arrange my boat trip?”

“Yes I did. The boat will make several stops along the way though. You will get off in Matsue where you will take another boat. I have made all arrangements and Himura knows all the details.” He said conversationally.

“Can I take jewelry with me?” She’d been meaning to ask him that.

“Of course you can.” He said looking up to see her smile at him.

“Will the battoussai handle the money, or will you be giving me some money of my own?” She paused mid bite.

“Himura-san has all the money. He will buy you what ever you wish. Don’t worry I’ve spoken with him already. Just do as he says. He has your best interests in mind.” He watched as Kaoru frowned. He just couldn’t let her hold the money though. She maybe all right now but she often fell into moments where she seemed lost to the world. She’d forget herself. And if that was the case he didn’t want her to have all the money.

They finished their meal and walked back to his office where they sat in front of the fire. They had their desert there. She ate hers first, asking him all kinds of questions about traveling. He smiled at her enthusiasm.

When she finished eating she turned to the fire. She lost her smile and stared into it deeply. Tokuma watched the change.

There was something about the fire. The color of the flames.

There was something she was supposed to do. To remember. She lost herself in thought. The fire isn’t happy there, contained in the fireplace. It’s a wild force of nature. It needs to be free.

Tokuma gazed at her. “Kaoru-chan it’s dangerous if left unguarded. It could kill people. You have to be careful when you handle fire.” He said answering her statement.

She turned her head to look at him. She smiled at him. It was good advice. Her mind urged her back to the flames though. She fell asleep watching the flames. Tokuma picked her up and proceeded to take her back to her room but he was having a hard time getting her up the stairs. She’d gotten heavier.

Himura had just rounded the corner when he saw them. Tokuma seemed grateful to see him. “Himura-san can you take her off my arms? I don’t want to wake her, but I don’t want to drop her either.”

The battoussai took her out of his arms and Tokuma watched as she snuggled into Himura’s chest. His eyes remained like steel though. He didn’t bother to look at the women he held. He kept his gaze focused on Yasuyoshi.

It made Tokuma think. Did Himura even like his Kaoru-chan? It was hard to tell. He was protective but that didn’t necessarily mean that he liked her, hmm.

Himura watched as Yasuyoshi walked ahead of him to Kaoru’s room.

Yasuyoshi opened the door and drew the covers back. Himura laid her down but she was reluctant to let go of his Gi. Yasuyoshi frowned. Himura grabbed a hold of her hand till she released the Gi. He stepped away with out saying anything.

Yasuyoshi covered her and she turned on her side, looking for the companion she usually slept with. Both men watched as she reached over looking for something. She gave a small cry when she didn’t feel anything. Himura walked over and placed a pillow where he usually slept and she seemed to calm. Her cheek nuzzled the pillow and a little smile came to her lips.

Yasuyoshi was a bit disappointed he couldn’t kiss her goodnight. So he just told her. “Sleep well, Kaoru-chan.”

Both men left her room at the same time. Himura was about to walk into his room when Yasuyoshi stopped him.

“Himura how did you know she was looking for a pillow.” He asked leaning against the wall.

“She wasn’t, but it helps her sleep.” Himura said letting his hand drop from the doorknob of his room.

“You know of her rurouni?” He asked.

“I know he is dead to her.” Himura said turning around to Yasuyoshi.

“But if he came back. How do you think she would react?” He said pushing the subject.

“If her rurouni were to make an appearance she would go insane.” Himura was getting agitated. “He can’t be dead and then alive. Her mind can‘t rationalize that. I need to rest.” Himura said taking his leave. He turned on his heel and walked into his room.

Hmm, thought Yasuyoshi, it was the longest conversation they’d had since he’d come to this house six months ago.

*************

I’m late she thought. She threw the entire jewelry box into her trunk and closed it. Was she forgetting something? She looked around. Her book was with her companion so that was safe. She had her clothes, accessories, and what else. What else?

“Urghh” She screamed. The door opened.

“What’s wrong Kaoru-chan?” Tokuma came in.

“I can’t remember if I’ve got everything that I need.” She stopped pulling on her hair. “Can you call someone to take this away?” She said.

She remembered something. She ran out the closet and moved a little spot in the construct of the closet. The small piece of wood moved over and she saw the little dark green bag. She’d forgotten she had them there. She picked it up and hid it in her obi.

She stepped away from the closet and closed it. She turned around. “Battoussai, you startled me.” She said.

Kenshin knew Yasuyoshi was behind him. “Are you ready?”

“Yes, I am.” She said as Tokuma grabbed her hand and they walked outside. She’d already said her good bye to Kane so there was nothing else to do.

Himura sat on the front of the carriage as she was escorted inside. “Why are you sitting up there?” She called out to him. He didn’t turn.

“Kaoru-chan, I’m going to ride with you. I wanted to see you off as you boarded the boat.” Tokuma said taking his seat and closing the door.

The ride there was boring. She was a little upset about Battoussai being made to ride outside. Tokuma always did that. He liked to make him feel bad. And that didn’t sit well with her.

They finally got there,

“We’re here.” She said reaching for the door. She opened it and stepped out. She took a deep breath even the air smelled differently. A little salty. She was very excited. Her eyes narrowed she thought she saw something.

“Kaoru-chan? You’re not listening.” She turned around to face Tokuma. “I said write to me when you get to Nagasaki.”

She nodded. She held still as Tokuma hugged her good bye. He backed away and she smiled. “Thank you Tokuma. For everything.”

The shouts of a man broke their good byes short. They turned just as the man fell a foot away from them. They turned to see two policemen running towards them.

The policemen picked the man up and bowed at Himura. “Thank you for stopping him.” They bowed one more time and left with the man in custody.

Tokuma turned and saw a lot of people around them. “Yes, well I think you better get going.” He said hugging her one last time. “Be careful, listen to Himura-san and don’t run away from him. Be good.” He said waving good bye to her as she walked away with Himura, who followed closely behind. He saw her almost trip and Himura catch her immediately. He let her go and they continued as before. It was hard to believe that someone like Himura still existed. When Himura had first come to work for him, he had thought that a lot of the stories about him might have been exaggerated. As time went on however he saw how seriously he took his job. The power he wielded in his hands. His mere presence exuded the call of death. He shivered a bit. He saw her get on the boat and wave Good bye to him. He felt it was so final. Hmm, he thought walking back to the carriage maybe he’d join her later on.

*************

Kenshin was glad to finally get away. The man in front of them paused in front of a room. “This one will be yours.” He said to Kenshin. They continued to the next room. “Ma’m this one will be yours.” Looking at Kaoru who nodded.

“If you need anything at all you know where to find me,” he said to Kenshin. They both nodded and the man walked away. Kenshin waited till he rounded the corner before they went inside.

The room was very large, nice she thought. “How long to the first stop?”

“Two days.” He felt uneasy here. “Why don’t you rest, I’ll come get you for lunch.” He said as he started to leave.

“Wait,” she said grabbing hold of his sleeve.

He didn’t want to argue. He needed to check the ship, the people. Make sure no one around her was wearing purple.

“Stay.” He said. Attempting to leave.

“I’m coming with you.” She said moving closer to him.

“Is this how you will be through out the trip?” He didn’t want to resort to making her angry.

She stepped back and placed her hand on her hips. I gesture he knew all to well from his days at the dojo.

“What do you mean by that?” She asked narrowing eyes. “Am I a bother to you?”

He was about to say no but she cut him off.

“If I am I can certainly find company elsewhere.”

He didn’t like the sound of that. She was trying to make him angry. He however had far more control over his emotions then she did. “If you do I’m sure I can do the same.” He stated and left. He heard things being thrown at the door as he walked away. He just shook his head in amusement. She’d always been very possessive or so he had thought then. She had actually been jealous though.

Took him two hours to walk the whole ship. Only one woman had been wearing a purple kimono but she’d had a small accident with a drink so now she wore a light blue one. He was a bit afraid of stepping into her room. She was probably still mad. He took a deep breath before he stepped into her room.

She was gone.

He felt anger bubble up from the pit of his stomach. He gave the room a quick one over before he left. She was really going to get it this time. He didn’t know what he’d do yet but she was not going to like it.

He spent the next hour searching every place he thought she might have been. But she wasn’t there. He went back to her room. It was as he’d left it.

Where could she have gone?

He stood outside her room looking down the corridor. There was one place he hadn’t thought of. He walked to his room and opened it quietly. He should have known. She was sleeping, face down hugging a pillow. He approached her sleeping form.

He smiled.

Even in her sleep she seemed angry. She had done it on purpose no doubt, making him look for her. He just couldn’t be mad at her for too long though. It looked like she’d spent the entire time here. She must be hungry by now. Should he wake her? They were going to serve dinner in about an hour so he’d wake her up then. He locked the door and made his way to the futon she had laid out. He removed the pillow from her arms and laid down next to her. She snuggled up too him. She was such a handful he thought closing his eyes, enjoying the feeling of warmth she produced.

*************

Kaoru stirred. She didn’t have to open her eyes to know he’d found her. She smiled. She wasn’t angry anymore.

“You’re finally awake?”

Kaoru froze. She’d heard those words before.

“Are you ready for dinner?” He said getting up.

She turned when she felt her pillow rising. She looked at him as he got up. He didn’t seem angry but then if he were it’d be hard for her to tell. He extended his hand to her and she took it. He pulled her up and walked to the door. She rose and fixed her kimono. She pulled the pin that held her hair in an elaborate hair do and redid it into a simple bun. He opened the door when she came close to him.

Dinner wasn’t too eventful. They received a couple of stares but that was expected. They’d seen him take down the man before they boarded the ship. They made their way back to their room were he waited for her to go inside. She started to unpack but he held her hand. “Do you really wish to go to Nagasaki?”

She didn’t know how to answer. She had wanted a vacation. To be free. I guess it really didn’t matter where, she thought. “Is there somewhere you want to go?”

She didn’t answer his question, simply asked one of her own.

“Do you want to visit someplace? We can go where you want.” She said. “It doesn’t have to be Nagasaki. I picked that place because it was far away from home.”

“I see.”

He let her finish unpacking. He watched her take her jewelry box out of the trunk. “I said only your favorite things.”

“Oh, well I was in a hurry this morning so I didn’t get a chance to pick stuff out I just threw everything in here.”

He didn’t want her to have all these jewels with her. “Which one of this are your favorites?”

“Are you going to send them back?“ She said holding the box up to her chest.

“Do they mean something to you?” He said taking a seat.

“No.” was her response putting the box down and kneeling in front of him. “They don’t.”

“So if you lost them or they were stolen you wouldn’t care?” He couldn’t quite believe her.

“Of course I wouldn’t care?”

“Then why did you bring them?”

What was his problem? She let go of his hands. “They’re accessories. That’s all they are.” She said leaving his side as she continued sorting through her things. She found her brush and her yukata.

He had an overwhelming urge to throw everything overboard. If it weren’t for the tantrum she’d have over it he’d do it.

She rose to her feet and started to undo her obi.

He got to his feet quickly. “I’ll be back soon.”

He left to his room and sat on his futon. He wouldn’t stop feeling subjugated till they were far from Aomori. He sat and meditated for moment. He needed to keep his cool. A better handle on his temper, on his emotions. He wasn’t quite ready to give into his savage side.

He let an hour go by before he returned to her room. She was laying down looking at something. She put it away quickly when he opened the door. He looked at her she looked so guilty. He closed the door and locked it. He lay back and waited. She was hiding it behind her back so she hadn’t scooted over. He gave her a moment.

She was reluctant to share. There was still a candle burning so he might still see it. Now was not the time though. She couldn’t show him yet. She placed it inside the bind that held her breasts. Just in case.

Kenshin thought it was very clever of her. He let her fall asleep. She moved towards him once she had. He held her and took his rest.

She was up early, but not early enough. He was gone. This better not be how they were going to spent the entire trip. One of these days she was going to wake up before him. She dressed quickly, brushed her hair and hid the small green silk bag before she left her room. She opened the door.

“Where are you going?” He said taking hold of her hand.

She’d come to a conclusion. He liked scaring her. She pouted. “I want to look at the ship.”

“There’s nothing to look at.”

“Mou,” she said in exasperation.

His hand loosened. It was something she used to do. Before she got sick. Maybe he should let her.

She grabbed his wrist and pulled him. The whole day was just spent starring at the water. She enjoyed it though. She loved the birds flying overhead. The flow of the ocean. It was soothing.

Despite just staring at the water she was tired. She didn’t even change, just fell asleep like that.

*************

Niigata. Their first stop.

It had taken longer than expected. They’d made it there sometime in the after noon. She was exited. They’d be there for two days. She was running around finding something to wear, in the end she just left in what she had on. A pale yellow kimono and a striped obi. The obi was white and pale blue. She took her small bag and rushed out the door. They had already docked. She sped down the hallway when she ran into someone.

Her bag dropped to the floor but she was caught. Her eyes looked into his and she smiled. “So you’re ready. Let‘s go.”

She dragged him off the boat. She’d never been here. The streets were so full. She had a carriage take them further into town.

Kasugayama was very lively. She looked around. “We need to find a place to stay.” She said pulling him to a restaurant. They sat down and ate. She ate as fast as she could and stared at her companion till he was done. They took a bath before they went to bed.

She couldn’t go to sleep though. She lay there trying not to think of anything. Her vision was getting hazy; still she could see the rays of the morning sun starting to come in before everything went dark.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

She blinked trying to get her eyes to adjust.

“Have you forgotten?” The voice sounded angry.

She turned to see where it was coming from.

“Do you plan to abandon me?” The voice came again.

She strained her eyes. She could make out a tree. She approached it. There was someone in the tree. She felt her mouth go dry.

He jumped down. “Don’t you want me?” He stressed ‘want’.

It made her shiver.

“I still want you?” He said from behind her. She felt hands on her hips. They stroked her soothingly.

She was embraced from behind roughly. Her heart sped to an incredible pace.

She felt the arms loosen and eventually let her go. She turned around but there wasn’t anyone there. She looked into the branches of the tree. She saw an amber gleam. Her heart was still pounding.

‘Remember’ the wind whispered.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -<

She woke up feeling strange. Her body tingled. She looked around, she was alone but there was a note. “I‘ll be back before lunch, don‘t leave the Inn alone.” It wasn’t signed. Why wouldn’t he have signed it? She dressed and waited for him. She took the small green silk bag out of her purse and placed it in her obi.

Minutes later the door opened. She didn’t wait for him to come in. “Let’s go I want to shop before we eat.” She dragged him all over town buying things he didn’t really think she needed. It was so much stuff they had to stop at the inn and drop things off.

It looked like they were having a festival. They stopped at a small cart and bought some food. She smiled at him as they ate. What a wonderful day. People were gathered around a large fire in the middle of town.

They sat around watching the flames. Something about them seemed to entrance her. “There’s something I’ve wanted to give you.” She pulled a small green pouch from her obi. She pulled a necklace, with half a medallion. She handed it to him. It looked like a half a broken coin. It seemed to have a design on one side and something else on the other. He looked at it closely, it was writing. ‘A wild creature.’ He watched as she pulled a similar one out.

“This one is my half.” She said putting close to his.

He took her and held them close. Together the design formed a heart. He turned the coin over. Hers read, ‘Tamed by Love’

“A wild creature tamed by love,” he said out loud. It made him smile. He looked at her. She was staring at the fire. He put his on and kneeled in front of her to place hers around her neck. Her eyes broke away from the flames. “You are mine? So now you can’t leave me. Ever.”

He didn’t like the look in her eyes. It was unfocused. Her eyes wanted to go back to the flames but he brought her head back down to meet his eyes. They were glazed over. “Do you want me?” He asked.

Her eyes regained their focus. “Mine.” She said running her hand across his scarred cheek.

“Are you willing to be mine in exchange?” His voice took on a deeper quality.

She looked at him for along moment. “Himura.”

He looked at her not understanding what that meant.

“I want to be a Himura.” She said looking down at his face but focusing on his mouth.

His frown turned to lopsided grin. He understood perfectly fine. “All right.” He was about to kiss her when she started screaming. He looked around frantic to find the source of her distress. He saw a man in a purple Gi running away. He shook her but it was no use. She was becoming hysterical. Then just like that she went limp. He felt anger choking him. Couldn’t ever get a break.

He picked her up and carried her back to the Inn. He laid her down. He’d have to wait and see. Why had the man run away when she screamed? Did he know something? Where they been followed? All these questions rose up. Questions he didn’t have answers to. That made him even angrier. He watched as she turned in her sleep. Maybe he should wake her?

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Turmoil. She felt it through out her whole being

She struggled against the hands that held her captive. She could see her rurouni a couple of feet away from her. Just looking at her. She thrashed about but she wasn’t able get away. “I’m leaving,” he said.

“No, please.” She tried to make him see he couldn‘t leave her.

He turned his back to her.

“Please,” she said falling to her knees. The sorrow and fear she felt where were overwhelming.

It was always the same.

How could he leave?

Why?

Her crying echoed through out the woods. She felt a chill. She looked up. A couple of feet away she could see a man sitting on a branch looking at her. She stood on shaky legs and made her way to the figure. She looked at the face and recognized the eyes.

He jumped from the branch to land in front of her. “Am I who you seek?” His voice was rough and deadly.

Her voice was broken from all the crying. “Yes.”

“Then why have you abandoned me?” He said as he circled her around.

“The man you’re staying with, it’s the rurouni pretending to be me.” He stopped in front of her.

“No.” She began shaking her head.

“He’s supposed to be dead.” She grabbed her head with her hands.

“What do I do?” She was becoming hysterical.

He grabbed her hands and pulled her into him. She looked into his amber eyes transfixed by them. “You already know. The man in from yesterday, you recognized him.”

Her gaze told him she didn’t understand.

He came closer to her and put his arms around her waist. He let his hand travel down till they cupped her bottom and then squeezed. “Don‘t you want me?”

“Yes.”

“Then try and remember the man, you’ve seen him in Kyoto.” He said rubbing her back.

“What if I can’t?” She asked holding on to his Gi.

“Then you won’t have me.” He began to pull away

“No don’t.” She said trying to grasp for him.

The smile he graced her with was a seductive one. “If you want me you’ll set me free. You know what to do.”

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Her eyes opened. She looked at the man who stood watch. It disgusted her. She hated him. She needed to find the man from Kyoto. He wasn't hard to miss with his blond, broom like hair.

She sat up.

“Are you all right?” He said reaching to help her up.

She slapped his hands away.

Small Notes:  Ok, in chapter four the dream battoussai lets Kaoru go so she can come back to the real world. (It's why she stops spacing out.) When she comes out of that haze she seems to forget certain things. Not completely as there are constant reminders through out the days. The dreams being one and the flames being the other. Last chapter Kenshin figured out what she wanted but was still unsure whether to give into that. Finally the boat has sailed and Kenshin is more than glad. Everything is going fine till someone from his past emerges. (check out episode 40)

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Please remember, when you see these dash things over dialogue it means she’s retreated to the world in her mind or she's in a dream.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Chapter Six

*************

She slapped his hands away not bothering to hide her dislike of him.

He grounded his teeth in frustration. He tried very hard to keep his temper under control. He had to keep telling himself, this wasn’t her fault. She was sick. And it was his fault she was sick.

She turned to him. “Get out, I need to change.”

He set his emotional barriers in place and stood up rigidly.

She started to unfasten her obi. She didn’t care if he was still in the room. It dropped to the floor. He heard her kimono drop on the floor as he was reaching the door. He stood there a moment and closed his eyes trying to desperately to clear his head. His eyes remained closed even as he felt her move behind him. He opened his eyes and made a grab for the door but as he did, he saw her arms wrap around his waist. He felt her press herself against his back.

“Is there a reason you haven’t left yet?” She said over his shoulder

He stood motionless in the face of temptation. Enticing. He gripped the wood on the door, tightly. She was trying to arouse him. He blinked back the uproar.

He had to get a grip. The madness the demon in him was creating was astonishing. Her hands moved below his hips. She was trying to arouse the battoussai.

He pushed her to the side and stepped out. He closed the door firmly behind him. He stood in front of the door, his mind battling his need. Each side fighting for dominance. A part of him wanted to go in there and show her just how savage he could be. But his reasonable side reminded him she was sick. She didn‘t know what she was doing. He heard someone open a door from his left. His head turned.

The man was about to stepped out of his room when he looked up. He had but a glimpse of the red head before he slammed his door shut. The look in those amber eyes was enough to give him nightmares.

When she was like this he needed to be careful. She was more out of control. Much harder to restraint. He heard her reach for the door so he moved to the side.

“Let’s go.” She said as she stepped out of their room.

She walked on without giving him a second thought. He trailed behind her as she moved through the crowd.

They finally came to a stop. It was a restaurant. They sat down and ordered. She didn’t look at him. “What did the man from yesterday look like?”

Her eyes turned to his. Maybe he could find him. Her mind struggled for an answer.

He watched her eyes. Her eyes were deep and cold like gems. “I might be able to find him if you saw what he looked like.”

“He was a tall, lanky man. Somewhat young. Large blonde hair that stood on end like a broom. I’ve seen him before.” She turned her attention to the waitress who brought their food.

Kenshin knew someone like that but it couldn’t be the same man. Why would he be here? But if it were, then it would explain the reason he’d runaway.

They finished their meal in silence.

Kaoru’s thoughts ran all over the place. What should she do when she found the man? She didn’t remember him only what he looked like. The odds of her finding him were very small, so why run away.

Kenshin watched her closely. She seemed to be plotting. He didn’t want to have to drag her kicking and screaming back to the ship. As long as he remained cold and unfeeling in her presence he’d be able to keep her controlled.

The day was very stressful to say the least. She hadn’t spoken to him again, since the restaurant. They had just walked around town until she became tired.

He watched her sleep. Thankful she hadn’t run away. She held his happiness in the palm of her hand. He turned away from her.

He felt the medallion in the dark, knowing what it meant. He tucked it back in and stepped out of the room. He came back a moment later with another man. The man picked things up and carried them outside. Kenshin bent down and picked her up slowly. She leaned her head on him as he moved through the inn. He laid her into the carriage and helped the man bring the rest of their things out. Finally everything was onboard. “Drive slowly.”

The coachman nodded at Kenshin.

He stepped into the coach and held her so she wouldn’t fall. He pulled the pin out of her hair and watched as it flowed over his lap and onto the seat. He couldn’t help but get angry everything had been going just fine. The next stop would be in four days. That’s where they were going to have to get off. The port in Kanazawa, Ishikawa. From there he’d have to play it by ear. He needed to be careful if they were being followed. His thoughts turned over the recent events.

He felt the carriage come to a stop. A quick glance at the window confirmed that they were by the docks. The man opened the door and Kenshin stepped out carefully, with a bundle in his arms. He made his way up the rail and into the boat. He laid her down once he was back at the room. He closed the door behind him and paid the men who’d brought her things the rest of the way. They set everything in his room and left. He went back up to the deck were it was starting to get busy. People were coming back onboard. He watched the sky over Kasugayama. It was orange red. He squinted, a moment later he sniffed the air. He could be wrong but it looked like it was on fire. A moment later he went back to her room. She hadn’t stirred.

Four days with her like this, it was going to be difficult because someone was bound to snap. Either she snapped or he did.

*************

“I don’t want this,” she said slapping it away. Neither turned as the cup flew out of his hand and rolled onto the floor.

“I want to go outside. You can’t keep me in here.” She was in a dark mood. She’d been forced to stay in this stupid room for two days, now.

He was amazed by his own level of control, though it only lasted a second. He smashed the teapot he held against the door. It shook with the blow.

She didn’t seem the least bit bothered.

They stared at each other for a long while. Neither blinking, neither wanting to give up control of the situation.

“If you don’t let me out of this room. I swear, I’ll make you sorry.”

He reasoned that he should let her out and he might have if she hadn’t said that. “You can try.” He held her with a cool gaze.

“Don’t push me.” Her tone became harsh.

He smiled.

He actually smiled at her remark. That really infuriated her. “Don’t be so certain of yourself. I know what to do to wound you.” Her tone held hidden meaning.

His smile disappeared.

“I want out.” She was insistent.

He rose to his feet slowly and made his way to the door. “Don’t make me bind you.” He said with his back to her.

That was it. She threw all her weight on to him. She caught him off balance and he landed on his hands an knees right over the broken tea pot. He felt the pieces dig into his hands. It was starting to bleed.

She was about to jump over him to get away but she just couldn’t. She felt a pang in her heart. Her eyes teared-up. “I’m sorry.” She said as she kneeled next to him. She held him tight. He straightened up and she was able to cry into his shoulder. “I’m Sorry” She wept.

He sighed into her hair. She pulled back a bit and took his hand so she could look at it. The tears flowed faster. She removed the pieces of the teapot from his hands and used the sleeve of her Yukata to clean the blood off. When she was done she kissed the palm of both hands.

“I need to bandage them.” Her voice was no more than a whisper.

He allowed her to clean them, watched as she bandaged them.

She was feeling drowsy. “We need a nap.”

“Why don’t you change first.” He said coaxingly.

She nodded.

He turned his back as she did.

“I’m tired,” she said as he approached her. He sat down next to her. She looked worn-out. “Go to sleep.”

“Sleep with me.” She said as she pulled him down to sleep next to her.

He didn’t want to but it was best to get some rest while he could. He wasn’t sleepy but he would try. She cuddled him until she felt the warmth of his body envelope her. His eyes drifted close and dreamt of a time where Himura Kaoru laughed at the silliness of everyday life.

*************

She crossed her arms over her chest. “I’m not going out like this.”

His head bent down in defeat. For three days now, all he had heard is ‘I want out.’ ‘I want to go outside.’ Blah, blah, blah ‘outside.’ And now that he was willing (more like worn down) to let her go she didn’t want to.

He sat back down. “We’ll stay here then.”

“What about my lunch?”

“If you promise to stay, I’ll go and get you something to eat.” He could never negotiate with her. She held the upper hand.

“What do you promise me if I stay?” She said as she uncrossed her arms.

Sometimes he felt like ripping his hair out. “Stay.”

“Or else what?” she said in a haughty tone.

“Or else you’re going to get it.” He was exasperated.

“Promise.” She said giving him a sly look.

He didn’t want to smile, he didn’t want to. He stopped it just before it showed. He was not going to get into this kind of conversation right now. “If you don’t stay I will stop sleeping with you.” There that aught to do it.

A frown appeared on her face. Why was she arguing with him. He would do as she asked. She couldn’t forget who he was, the reason she was living with him at the moment was because she couldn’t bring the battoussai out. She had to settled for this inadequate replacement.

Battoussai. She gave an inner sigh.

Her eyes lost their spark as she looked at him. She wasn’t really seeing him anymore. She saw what she wanted to see.

He knelt in front of her. She slowly blinked. She didn’t want to be here. She had no way out. It was easier to retreat to a place where she could be happy.

He tilted her face up but she wretched it away. “I wish to be alone.”

Why did he think threats were going to work. He tried for her face gain but she slapped him hard across the face. She hated him. He stood up and left the room. She wasn’t going to try to run off in this state of mind.

She laid back of her futon, her eyes glazed over as she pictured the battoussai in her mind. Beautiful and wild. Savage and dangerous. I man whose eyes alone sent shivers down her spine.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

“Miss me?” Came the amused voice.

She blinked. She could see him in the room kneeling in front of her. Just looking at her. She swallowed the lump in her throat.

His head tilted to the side.

She watched with eager eyes as he parted her yukata and massaged her leg.

“I think you have.” he murmured as he bent low to kiss the leg he massaged.

“Do you know what I want?” He purred as he made his way up her body.

Her body shook in ardent enthusiasm. “To be free.”

He let his hand travel over the yukata, caressing the material.

“Among other things.” His smile was feral.

She closed her eyes as he bit her. Even through the yukata she could feel the pain his teeth caused. A happy sigh escaped her mouth.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Kenshin came back to see she’d fallen asleep. He placed the food he’d brought to the side and took a seat next to her. He brushed back some strands from her face. This thing with the battoussai, though it had stemmed from the hate she had for the rurouni, it had grown to be more. It wasn’t just fascination she held for him.

He hadn’t wanted to admit it. Even now, though he wouldn’t say it out loud it didn‘t keep it from being any less true. She longed for the battoussai and it hurt. It hurt her not to have him and it hurt him to see her want some else so badly.

He’d driven her to this, so maybe the least he could do was give her what she most wanted.

*************

Kanazawa, Ishikawa. Finally.

The boat had docked sometime at dawn. A shadowy figure stepped of the boat to arrange his means of transportation.

An hour later.

Kenshin picked Kaoru up, careful not to wake her. He made his way down the rail and placed her inside a carriage. All there luggage was brought down from their rooms and boarded on to the carriage.

The carriage set off at a slow pace. It didn’t stop till they reached the next town some miles away. They stopped at a shady shop. Kenshin was in there a while, when he came back out he went directly to the coachman.

“This should be more then enough.” He said giving the man a small pouch full of yen.

The man quickly opened the bag. His eyes widened at the amount. He closed the bag then his mouth. He bowed deeply to Kenshin and left.

Kenshin sat up where the coachman usually sat. He drove the carriage further into town till he found an Inn. This would only be a rest stop till they could reach Fukui. His eyes scanned the area. He parked the carriage around the back and stepped in. A moment later he stepped out to the carriage and removed the precious bundle he‘d left inside. He’d covered her before they disembarked so no one could see her. He walked cautiously to the room where the owner held the door open for him. Kenshin nodded to him and the man left.

He laid her back and left to take a quick bath.

Kaoru opened her eyes slowly. She looked around the room. Where am I? Everything was so hazy. She rose up slowly. Her head was pounding.

“You’re finally awake.”

Her head snapped back around to see him. But the pain stopped her. Her hands flew to her head and she bent over in pain. He was by her side in a less than a second. She tried to slap his hand away but she felt so weak.

He held her up. “You haven’t eaten in the last few days.”

She tried to make sense of what he was saying but it all seemed so fuzzy. She felt as he lay her back. When she opened her eyes again she saw a tray of food but he was gone. She rose up and ate slowly. As soon as she finished she lay back down.

*************

Spring was in full bloom. The wind stirred the leaves of the trees and the flowers leaned in to the hint of the breeze.

Her eyes snapped open. She rose up quickly only to fall to her knees. She tried again. It was hard to stand up straight her back hurt. She took small steps to the door. She tried to slide the door open but someone else did it for her. Her eyes met eerie blue ones. “I need a bath.”

Her companion simply nodded. He picked her up and took her to the bath house. “I will bring your things.” He said as he left her in there. She looked around the bath house. Everything felt strange. She dipped her hand in the water, it felt nice and warm. She was pulling her hand out when the door slid open. She looked at him as he put down a small basket with her things including a clean yukata down by the door. He left with out looking at her.

That was strange.

She took her bath without giving it much thought. She dried off and put her yukata on. She stepped out of the bath house only to find the her body guard outside the door. ‘Now, that was more like it,’ she thought. She was about to walk away but she realized she didn’t know where the room was. So she just stopped.

Kenshin took this as a sign of frailty, so he picked her up. He carried her into the room where he sat her down. As he leaned over to set her of the futon, his medallion slipped out. She stared at it. She felt hers over her yukata. She locked gazes with him. He displayed battoussai characteristics. Her eyes soften a bit. She reached out to touch it but he pulled back. “I need to get us lunch.” He said as he turned to leave.

“Where are our things? The things I bought?” He voice was hoarse. She felt like she’d been screaming.

He stopped by the door. “They’re in the carriage still.”

Why where they in the carriage. Wait what carriage. “Shouldn’t you bring them inside?”

“What for?” His voice was monotonous.

“So I can change clothing when we go out.” She stated. ‘Why else would I need them for, she thought.

“This is a rest stop only. We will continue our journey in one day.” That was all he said. He left the room.

Journey, this is my vacation. She felt weak, her movements were sluggish. She opened the window, there wasn’t much to see. It looked like they were close to the a forest. The outskirt of some town. Maybe. She stood there for a instant, eyes closed, feeling the wind stir her hair. She kept them closed even as she heard voices.

“Yes, they say it was three men.” woman one

“Murdered. I just can’t believe it.” woman two

Kaoru opened her eyes to see the women. But the voices were coming from outside the window. She padded acros the room and stood by the door.

“They say someone on the boat did.”

“One of the other passengers?” woman two

“They think it was someone they picked up in Niigata.” woman one

“I just can’t imagine.” woman two

Kaoru stood close by the door straining to hear the conversation. She frowned when she couldn’t hear anymore. She turned back to the window. A scream died in her throat. there had been someone at her window. She’d seen a flash of someone. They’d been all covered up.

The door suddenly opened and this time she did scream. She let out a unearthly shriek. Her hands flew to her heart as she sank to the floor.

Kenshin bent over to pick her up. She was shaking.

“Doushte?” He asked.

“You scared me. I thought you were someone else.” She breathed. “There was someone by the window watching me just a bit ago. I thought you were them.”

His color drained. Someone. Watching.

His worse thoughts had been confirmed they were being followed by someone. He thought they’d lost him when they boarded the ship in the middle of the night. But that hadn’t been so.

Her blue eyes were watery while his were a deadly shade of silvery blue, like the gleam of a blade. His felt the hairs on his arm stand on end.

He looked down on her finally meeting her eyes. They didn’t seem frightened anymore just curious. “I brought you something to eat.” He said handing her a plate. He’d forgotten in the confusion. He helped her up.

They sat in the middle of the room. Eating their meal silently. He should go out there and check. But something told him that he wouldn’t find anything or anyone out there. Plus there was always the possibility of those trying to draw him away to take her away from him. It wasn’t something he could afford. He was not going to gamble on this. He heard a faint snap. His eyes turned to hers. She seemed amused.

“I told you not to grip them like that.” Her eyes fell to his hand.

He looked down to see he’d broken his chopsticks.

She smiled at him. “Here, I’m done with mine.” She removed his out of his hand and placed her instead.

He nodded at her and continued to eat. She moved her line of sight back to the window. She smiled. The battoussai was close to the surface. Danger had a way of bringing him out. It wouldn’t be too long before he emerged on his own. She’d just wait. Her smile turned to a frown, then. It was what she’d told him that had upset him. She’d seen the look in his eyes, it was deadly. The someone she saw at the window. It must be someone he knows. Someone who hates him. He must, to have followed them. Her hands fisted close. Her battoussai could be hurt in all of this. This other person, they might not be alone. What if this was a trap? She felt fear squeeze her heart. What if they tried to kill him? Her eyes watered. She wouldn’t be able to stand that. If someone killed him....

He ate silently watching the flow of emotions run across her face. From happy, to confused, to worried, to plain frightened. What really scarred him was this last look. She really seemed insanely desperate. He pulled on her hand.

Her face turned to his and the look she gave him broke his heart. He steeled himself against her. No display of emotions could be seen on his part.

Her lip quivered. “Battoussai, what if they kill you? I won’t go on without you.”

He felt his eyes gather moisture. He had to reassure her. “They can try but I doubt they’ll succeed.”

The sleeve of her yukata went over her face and mouth. So it was true. There was the possibility. She sobbed into her sleeve. She blinked back just enough to look at him. He didn’t seemed frightened or worried.

“I don’t want them to try.” She half sobbed half said.

“They won’t succeed.” His voice was cold.

She sobbed into her sleeve.

“Not if they die first.” He amended. He grabbed her by the arms and moved her so she could sit on his lap. She cried into his neck. Frightened of what could happen. He held her, running his fingers through her hair in a smoothing manner.

She pulled her face away just slightly, enough so that it wasn’t resting against his shoulder. Their faces side by side.

She closed her eyes, even with them closed she could still feel the tears escaping. “I want to be married as soon as possible.” She stated, her voice hoarse from all the crying.

This isn’t were he had wanted to get married. He had wanted to get married in Izumo, Matsue. The shrine there was dedicated to Okuninushi no Mikoto, the god of marriage, good fortune and agriculture. He felt as she rested her head against his shoulder again. She continued to cry. He closed his eyes. There was a shrine not too far from here. They could marry there.

“I’ll go get your trunks, pick something to wear. We’ll marry today.” He deposited her on the floor and left.

She sniveled into her sleeve. She felt her heart constrict. She needed to compose herself. He was here and he was safe. As long as the knowledge of that remained a fact then there was nothing to fear. He was the Hitokiri Battoussai.

Yes she nodded to herself. He was the hitokiri battoussai. He’d be just fine. She sighed, trying to rid herself of the fear.

Kenshin came back a moment later with a trunk. He placed it in front of her so she could look through it.

She frowned. The shiro-maku. and uchikake weren’t in this trunk. “The things I want aren’t in this one. I’ve bought your

Montsuki and matching Haori. They’re here but you can’t wear them if I don’t have my kimono.”

He gave an inward smile. She’d bought their wedding things already. “This is marriage has to happen today before nightfall. We can wed again in Matsue.” His tone gave no room for arguing. She scowled but didn’t say much after that.

He walked over to the window and closed it. Threw her a casual glance as he walked back to stand by the door. She rummaged through the trunk till she found something she’d like. He turned his back to her when started to undress.

It was an odd kimono. It was indigo almost black like the color of his Gi. The bottom of the kimono much like the sleeves had sakuras all along the hem. She brushed her hair quickly. She did her hair into complicated twists and held them with small clips. When she was done she added two large jeweled combs. They were pink butterflies. They watched the kimono perfectly. She added a bit of rouge balm to her lips and rose to leave.

They walked outside wordlessly sided by side till they reached the shrine.

The wedding was quick. They walked back to the Inn silently each occupied with their own thoughts.

“Do you want to stop and eat somewhere?” These were the first words she had spoken since the shrine.

He nodded.

They walked to a restaurant. She seemed happy all through out dinner. He ate, his moves practiced. He kept his eyes on the entrance. Scrutinizing, anyone who looked half suspicious.

“I feel worn-out. The walk to the shrine seems to have drained my energy.” She walked contently down the street her hand around his.

People regarded them with odd looks. Stares, she was oblivious to.

As they walked to their room she halted. His head turned to her. “Will you get some water so I can make tea?”

“Water?” He echoed.

“Yes, I have tea, but I need the hot water.” she said coaxed.

He felt uneasy letting her go alone to the room. He stared at her for a long moment. Trying to decided. “I’ll walk you to the room first.”

He nodded and they continued to the room. He opened the door cautiously. He walked in first. Examined the room and walked over to the window. He gazed out into the yard. He took a moment closed his eyes reaching out further with his sense. He felt nothing. It was safe. He closed the window and left.

She watched him survey the area. She’d turned and lit a small lamp. The glow gave the room a warm look. She watched him close his eyes. That was curious. She wondered if he could hear better with them closed. She waited till he left before she pulled out the green pouch. The battoussai was close to the surface but he could use a small push. She smiled as she set out the futon. She pulled pillows out of the trunk. Ha! and he said there could be no use for them. You had to admit. There were some benefits to trading with the west.

He came back in with the a teapot and two cups. He came in quietly just in case she’d fallen asleep. He slid open the door.

She quickly hid the book. She smiled at him.

“Are you cheating?” He asked her in an audacious tone.

“I ....” What could she say he’d seen it.

He placed the teapot in front of her.

She didn’t say anything. She just started to make the tea.

He watched the shadows created by the glow of the candle. The glow was familiar to him. It reminded him of the days with the Ishin Shishi. He frowned. He usually kept those thought buried deep within. It must be the threat of danger in the air.

His attention turned back to her when she sat the cup in front of him. She took a sip of hers and watched him drink his. She smiled ad him and gave him another cup. She drank one cup sip by sip while he drank four cups.

He put the cup down. It had actually calmed his nerves. The tea and her cheerful face made him feel relaxed.

“Let’s go to bed.” She said putting her cup down.

“You change, I need to step out for a second.” He rose up and left.

She changed and got under the covers. Her eyes were drooping close. Tomorrow first thing in the morning her battoussai would be here. She should get some sleep. She was just barely aware when he came back in.

He watched her sleeping form. He sighed and got into the futon with her. He brought her close to him and fell asleep.

*************

“Hurry!”

“We have to get him!”

Kenshin woke up to the running of people in the hall. They were screaming. He got up careful not to wake her up. He slid the door open and stepped out. He reached out and stopped a man who was running by. “What’s happened?”

The man seemed in a hurry to leave. “Someone’s been murdered and the other side of town in on fire.”

“Murdered?” He repeated.

“Let me go.” The man struggled against Kenshin’s hold.

“Yes murdered. He was in the first room.” The man stopped struggling. Kenshin’s hold had increased.

“Of this Inn?” His voice had grown colder by the second.

Someone! The man’s getting away!

Kenshin let got of the man and back to his room. A second later he ran out with his sakabatou in hand.

The man watched as Kenshin ran off. Why on earth would he try to catch the killer for? He was going to get himself killed. The man ran out through the back entrance.

whp

The mans head flew off.

“Good sword,” reflected the killer as he licked the side of his blade. He threw a bottle at the dead body and then three more at the side of the Inn. He watched as they caught fire.

“Will see how you like this battoussai.” He laughed as he ran off.

Kaoru woke up to the smell of smoke. She sat up coughing. She looked around but her husband was nowhere to be seen. She rose up and left her room. She watched the smoke eating away the bath house and half the Inn. ‘His haori,’ she thought. She rushed back to her room and threw everything inside the trunk. She pushed it with all strength. The smoke was getting stronger. She finally made it to the street. She was having trouble breathing.

She coughed.

She stood there watching not just the Inn but every building on this street. They were all on fire. What’s going? She coughed again and again. The smoke was getting worse. She watched as the flames engulfed a little shop.

The flames.

There was something about them..........

She stood there transfixed by the flames as people ran around screaming.

*************

Kenshin ran back to the inn as fast as he could. How could he have been so stupid. He should have known. It was the perfect way to rouse him up. Even from far he could see the Inn. He stopped for a moment. It was on fire. Despite the heat in the air, he felt his body go cold. He’d left her there. She’d been sleeping.

“NO!” he screamed as he ran off in to the flames that covered the street.

The wedding info:

The traditional white wedding kimono is called shiro-maku. Shiro meaning white and maku meaning pure. The Japanese wedding kimono actually consists of several different kimono. The white wedding kimono is worn for the wedding ceremony and an elaborate rich patterned silk brocade kimono called uchikake is worn over the white kimono at the wedding reception.

The uchikake kimono is usually made of silk and beautiful silk brocade. The kimono is rich in fine embroidered patterns and scenes of flowers, cranes, pines, flower carts and nature motifs embellish the kimono in rich color. Red is the most popular uchikake kimono color, however they are available in many different colors from imperial purple to sea green.

Small Notes:   Well aside from the wedding info I don’t think there is anything else I need to mention. Yes, she’s still trying to awaken her battoussai though it looks like someone else did it for her. :)

The traditional Japanese wedding kimono worn by men is a combination of a montsuki kimono and a short haori overcoat with pleated hakama pants.

Thanks for reading. Love the reviews. So please review.