Standard disclaimers apply
>>>This chapter is dedicated to Chibi-angel, my faithful confidant<<<
*** CHAPTER 10 ***
For the remaining weeks of May, the atmosphere at the Kamiya mansion was peaceful and harmonious. Kaoru, heady with relief that Shogu Amakusa had departed back to Kyoto, was in cheerful good spirits.
Her parents, too, were in a happy frame of mind. They rejoiced in their daughterâ??s reformed attitude toward her marriage, and at the same time, Saitouâ??s initial fury over Soujirouâ??s disobedience had now mellowed into an air of quiet pride.
The Widow Tae Sekihara, in her forthright manner, had made the opinion of the entire county known on the subject:
â??Heâ??s a fine lad, your Soujirou,â?? she declared, when she joined the Kamiya family for afternoon tea. â??Everyoneâ??s talking about him, you know. Showed a high degree of courage and spirit, going off to fight for his country like that. Most impressive. I always said there was a lot more to Soujirou than anyone gave him credit for.â??
Saitou huffed and puffed, but it was plain that, now he had had time to consider, he was indeed rather proud of his younger son. However, it was against his nature freely to admit this. Instead he commented gruffly, â??Just hope the boy knows what heâ??s doing. I donâ??t mean just the filthy business of war. Thereâ??s a great deal that goes with it, you know. All those camp women, for example. He could stray into bad paths.â??
Kaoru busied herself with her tea. How well she could imagine Megumi or Tomoe enslaving the inexperienced Soujirou with their flattery and charm.
â??Oh for goodness sake!â?? snorted Tae. â??It will do Soujirou good to sow a few wild oats. Heâ??s of an age for it. And at least heâ??ll have the decency to scatter them on foreign soil, and not only on our beloved land!â??
A flushed Yumi cough and rattled her teacup, casting warning glances toward Kaoru, who was staring fixedly out of the window.
â??Now donâ??t be so stuffy, Yumi,â?? declared their visitor. â??If Kaoru is to be married, it is time she was made aware of the facts of life.â?? She turned to Kaoru. â??So you are set on marrying Shogu Amakusa, are you?â??
â??It has been settled, maâ??am,â?? said Kaoru demurely.
â??Mmmâ?|I suppose you know what youâ??re doing. Canâ??t say I like the man myself.â??
â??But Tae, you invited him to stay in your own house!â?? protested Kaoruâ??s mother.
â??Only because I am related, distantly to his late wife, and felt it my duty to entertain Mr. Amakusa,â?? said Tae. â??But I must speak my mind. It is my opinion that there is something definitely not quite right about Shogu Amakusa. Canâ??t quite put my finger on it, but I never feel easy in his presence.â??
â??Tae, you are referring to my future son,â?? boomed Saitou. â??I would be grateful if you would either restrict your comments to those of a kindly nature or else keep them to yourself.â??
The Widow Sekihara shrugged, in a manner which Yumi later said as very unladylike, and the conversation turned to less controversial topics. Nevertheless, Kaoru was intrigued by the Widow Sekiharaâ??s remarks. So she was not alone, then, in distrusting Shogu Amakusa!
â??Good news, good news!â?? cried Yumi, rushing into the dining room the following evening with a letter which had just come by special messenger.
â??It is from Aoshi. He writes to say that our dearest Misao is pregnant!â??
Yumi was trembling so much she could not keep on her reading glasses. Saitou was compelled to read the rest of the letter aloud to her.
â??Aoshi says that the child will be born in November.â??
Yumiâ??s hands flew to her face. â??Oh! I must arrange for the nursery to be completely renovated. And rooms must be made ready for Misaoâ??s lying in. There will be so much to do!â??
Saitou read on, â??The doctors have pronounced Misao to be in good health, but Aoshi said that he has found her somewhat listless lately. Unfortunately, it is impossible for her to leave Kyoto until the end of the season next month. Aoshi says she speaks often of Kaoru. He would be most grateful, in fact, if we could spare Kaoru for a few weeks, to visit Misao in Kyoto and help to make some of the time of her confinement more tolerable.â??
Kaoru held her breath. She had no doubt at all that Kenshin was responsible for this turn of events! Of course, not even he had been able to foresee that Misao would be pregnantâ?|but she guessed that the moment he had heard the news, he had seized upon it as an excuse to bring her to Kyoto, and to him! And Misao, dear, sweet Misao, had played her part to perfection, convincing Aoshi that she needed Kaoru by her side.
But would her father agree? He hated Kyoto, though he had no objection to Aoshi living there, attending and dealing with all the complicated matters relating to the Kamiya stocks and shares. But Aoshi was an exception. Saitou was most reluctant to allow any other member of his family to set foot in the capital.
â??I do not like the sound of this scheme for Kaoru to journey to Kyoto. I hardly thinkâ??â??
â??Saitou!â?? Yumi looked shocked. â??How could you think of refusing poor Misao such a request, and at such a time, too! Oh, how well I remember the anxiety and weariness of my own confinements! Of course dearest Misao longs for a companion of her own age and sex, and from her own family, too. It is only natural. I must insist that Kaoru be allowed to go!â??
Saitouâ??s eyes widened in disbelief. Never, in their entire married life, had Yumi insisted on anything. Stunned, he could do no more than murmur, â??Of course, my dear. If you think it is best. Kaoru will surely travel to Kyoto.â??
Kaoru could hardly believe that it had all been settled so easily. Yumi, almost numb with shock at this unprecedented victory over her husband, swept Kaoru from the room. â??Come, my dear. We must write express to Misao.â??
There was so much to be done! The two ladies spent a week preparing Kaoruâ??s things. Kaoru was glad she had so many preparations to occupy her, for the hours could not pass quickly enough before she set out for Kyoto. Nevertheless, excited as she was, she was careful to curb her anticipation in front of her father.
Loathing Kyoto so much, it was inconceivable to Saitou that anyone should actually look forward to going there, and Kaoru had no desire to arouse his impatience by revealing her own jubilation. Prudently, she adopted the air of one who was traveling to Kyoto merely as a dutiful sister, to be by Misaoâ??s side.
At last, the bright June day dawned. The carriage was waiting at the door, with her luggage loaded safely on top. After bidding farewell to her parents, Kaoru set forth to the capital, escorted on the journey by Saitouâ??s right-hand man Chou.
It was the best of days for traveling. Under a clear blue sky the green hills and fields were covered with different kinds of sweet smelling flowers. Kaoru smiled as she relaxed against the cushions, happy in the knowledge that each turn of the carriage wheels was taking her nearer to Kenshin.
When she arrived in Kyoto, Kaoru sat forward, gasping with delight at the hustle-
bustle in the city. How lovely it is, she thought, surveying some Western buildings along with various shops.
And within another hour, there was Misao herself, standing at the door of her house, holding out her hands in smiling greeting to her sister.
The two girls hugged and kissed. â??Misao, it is so good to see you. We are all overjoyed at your condition! Mama is beside herself with excitement, of course, and all the village women are busy sewing baby clothes.â?? When Misao had taken Kaoru into her drawing room and rung the bell for refreshments, Kaoru commented, â??But you look fine Misao! Not at all pale and listless as we were led to believe from Aoshiâ??s letter.â??
Misao laughed. â??Your brother is out on business this afternoon, but he will be joining us for dinner. And of course I am in excellent health. I am sure you know why I arranged for you to come and stay?â??
Kaoru said breathlessly, â??Kenshin... has he been in touch with you? Do you know--â??
Misao raised a warning hand as a servant entered with tea and sugared cakes. â??We will talk tomorrow, Kaoru, I promise. Meanwhile, I want to know your opinion of the house. Aoshi allowed me free rein in redecorating it. Although I had to be careful not to offend his traditional views, I think it is much improved, donâ??t you agree?â??
It was the first time Kaoru had visited Kyoto since Aoshiâ??s marriage. She remembered it as a somber bachelor residence. But as Misao led her on a tour of inspection, it was obvious that the gloomy atmosphere had been swept away. The walls were now lined with cream silk, while all the furnishings were light, graceful, and in exquisite taste. Misao glowed with pride when Kaoru sincerely congratulated her on the transformation.
Aoshi arrived home in good time for dinner at six. He was clearly pleased to see his sister, and curious to hear firsthand the details of what had come to be known in the family as â??Soujirouâ??s Army escapadeâ??.
Kaoru told him all she could, though it was evident from the gleam in Misaoâ??s blue-green eyes that she suspected her sister of not revealing the entire story. How amazed she will be, thought Kaoru, when I tell her of my adventures at Haruno Grange!
â??Papa is now really proud of Soujirou,â?? Kaoru informed Aoshi, â??and Mama was reassured to receive a letter. He is fit and well, fighting with our Army in Taiwan.â??
â??Ah, I just hope he knows what heâ??s doing,â?? sighed Aoshi. â??Itâ??s foolish to rush recklessly without first thinking of oneâ??s actions.â??
â??I thought it would be pleasant if you and I went on a tour of the city,â?? Misao told Kaoru interrupting Aoshiâ??s speech.
Kaoru was happy to agree, and the two girls traveled to visit the civic buildings which house the Kabuki and No theaters, where classical drama is staged. Kaoru also admired the temples and colorful shops along the way.
Misao suggested that they take a short stroll. As they walked under the glorious spreading sakura trees. Misao turned to the subject dearest to Kaoruâ??s heart.
â??Now,â?? she declared, her soft blue-green eyes dancing with anticipation, â??tell me what you and Kenshin have been up to!â??
Kaoru recounted her adventures.
When she had finished, Misao gasped, â??Kaoru, how incredible! How brave of you. To go alone at night to Haruno Grange. Then to journey to the Omiya Inn and pose as a dancer. What daring! How I admire you!â??
â??It was your doing, in part,â?? said Kaoru, â??for it was you who lent me the book about Naru. Without that I would never have thought of running away to the Army with Kenshin. I realize now, of course, what an impossible scheme it was. But tell meâ?|you have seen him?â??
â??He was waiting for me at the circulating library one day. He told me he was desperate to see you again, before he joined the Army. But before we could talk further, I suddenly felt faint. He kindly assisted me home, where he overheard my maid make a reference to my condition. It was then, of course, that we realized it would be the perfect excuse to bring you to Kyoto.â??
â??So my guess is right,â?? sighed Kaoru. â??Where and when are we to meet?â??
â??Tomorrow evening,â?? replied Misao, â??at the Suizenji Garden.â??
Kaoruâ??s pretty face clouded. â??But what will Aoshi say, when he sees me going out of the house alone, at night?â??
â??Aoshi has a dinner engagement tomorrow night,â?? said Misao calmly. â??And you will not be going alone. I will go with you.â??
â??But you can hardly venture out at night in your condition!â??
â??Nonsense!â?? laughed Misao. â??The child is not to be born until November, and I refuse to regard myself as an invalid for all the coming months. Besides, do you imagine I could possibly sit at home knowing you were out participating in an adventure? This time, I want to be there. I have always longed to visit Suizenji, but Aoshi has said it is a low place and refused to allow me to go.â??
â??Then we will most certainly go together tomorrow to meet Kenshin!â?? exclaimed Kaoru. â??Oh, I can hardly wait!â??
Misao had arranged for them to journey to Kumamoto and then take the ferry down to Suizenji. Kaoru was trembling with excitement as they glided in the boat along the Biwa Lake.
On leaving the ferry at Suizenji, the two girls entered the spacious gardens. How delightful, they agreed, the small pond with tiny islets, surrounded by bonsai trees of every conceivable variety. And as for the large trees, they were like fantasies from fairyland, with their branches hung with lanterns and the lights glimmering through the leaves like a million stars.
Kaoru was enchanted, both by the gardens and the ladies and gentlemen who strolled along the garden. All manner of people were gathered here, from the highest-born to the lowest, each and every one mingling with laughter and good humor. Ruffians, pimps, prostitutes, and the elite all rubbed shoulders, creating an atmosphere of dangerous glamour.
Kaoru could well imagine why Aoshi had forbidden his wife to come here! The air of adventure and romance which cloaked Suizenji would be sure to offend such a sober spirit as her brother Aoshi.
â??How are we going to find Kenshin?â?? Kaoru inquired, clutching Misaoâ??s arm. â??This is a very large place, we could so easily find ourselves lost.â??
â??He advised me to follow the sound of the music,â?? said Misao serenely.
Sure enough, they heard the melodious tone of the shamisen playing. Guided by the melody, Kaoru and Misao came to room, thronged with revellers listening and watching the geishas sing and dance.
Kaoru would have paused and gazed on the elegant geishas. But almost before she had time to draw breath, she felt a touch on her arm. There, before her, was her beloved Kenshin.
If Misao had entertained any doubts about the depth of her sisterâ??s feelings towards Kenshin, they were immediately dispelled as she observed the radiance of Kaoruâ??s face as she gazed upon him.
â??So our plans succeeded,â?? he said with a laugh. â??Did I not promise you we would meet again, Kaoru?â??
â??You have never failed me,â?? she smiled.
He seemed in lighthearted mood, and his gaiety was infectious. â??Come, I have arranged a treat for us,â?? he declared.
He escorted the two ladies out of the room and led them into a small rustic makeshift hut set under the trees. Inside, they found a very tempting supper laid out on a low table. There were sushi, tempura, sashimi, onigiri, mouth-watering strawberries and cherries, and tea.
â??How delightful!â?? exclaimed Misao.
â??Be seated,â?? instructed Kenshin. â??We will have an excellent view of the fireworks from here.â??
It was one of the most memorable hours of Kaoruâ??s life. In all her previous encounters with Kenshin, the situation had been filled with danger. But here at Suizenji Garden they were able to relax and indulge in the simple luxury of enjoying one anotherâ??s company.
Kenshin proved a very entertaining companion. And although the purpose of the occasion was to bring him and Kaoru together, he never for a moment made Misao feel an outsider. As the fireworks splashed dramatic patterns across the sky, the three in the makeshift hut feasted on strawberries and tea, and were happy.
When the fireworks were ended, Misao stood up. â??I will stroll back to the music room. Come and find me there later, Kaoru.â??
â??But I cannot leave you on your own,â?? Kaoru protested, darting to her feet.
Misao smiled. â??It is only a short step to the music room. I will be quite safe, I promise you.â?? She extended her hand to Kenshin. â??Goodbye, then, for the present. I wish you a good fortune.â??
He bowed down respectfully to her. â??I will be forever in your debt, Mrs. Kamiya.â??
When Misao had left them, Kaoru posed the question which had puzzled her for a long time. â??Kenshin, why do you always carry your sword?â??
He smiled. â??It has a sentimental value, not to mention a serious symbol to me. Over the years, it was my constant companion. Wherever I went, it is the only thing that understood my mission. I have vowed to carry it until my affairs in Japan are brought to a satisfactory honorable conclusion. It is a permanent reminder to myself that I must kept to my task. Until then, I regard myself as an outcast, and so I need to carry my sword.â??
â??I wish you would tell me more about yourself and your problems,â?? said Kaoru. â??I may be able to help. I would do anythingâ??â??
He took her hand. â??I know, my sweet, dear Kaoru. But I am engaged in a deadly battle. And I must fight it alone. For your own safety, it is better that you know as little as possible about me.â?? He shifted slightly on the seat and inquired, â??Now tell me, did our plan succeed in delaying your marriage to Shogu Amakusa?â??
Kaoru nodded. â??My father agreed to postpone the wedding until Mr. Amakusa is confirmed in his title. But Shogu Amakusa is a devious, cunning man. I am convinced he will think of some way to persuade my father that we should marry as soon as possible.â??
â??You will never marry that man!â?? Kenshinâ??s voice curled like a whiplash. â??I give you my word, Kaoru.â??
As always, his tone steadied and reassured her. She felt so safe with him, here in the makeshift hut. But outside, it was growing dark, and she was aware that the time was rapidly approaching when she and Kenshin must part.
â??You are going away to war,â?? she said softly. â??Will you not give me something to remember you by? It would be a memento for me during the long lonely days ahead when we are in different countries, separated by a wide stretch of sea.â??
As she spoke, he tore a thin strip from his blue gi, and then said, â??Give me a lock of your hair, Kaoru.â??
Surprised, she removed the little gold scissors from her etui case and snipped off a few of her raven hairs. He took the scissors from her and cut some of his own, flame-colored hair. Holding the threads of black and red he twisted them round the piece of cloth, finally fashioning it into a circle. Then, lifting Kaoruâ??s right hand, he slipped the ring onto her third finger.
â??For the moment, it is all I have to offer you,â?? he said softly . â??I want you to keep it, as a symbol of my love for you.â??
Kaoruâ??s eyes misted as she gazed down on her ring. How much it meant to herâ?|â?| the blue cloth, the red and black hair, all entwined in a special message only she could understand.
â??I will keep it safe,â?? she whispered. â??I will treasure it--oh, Kenshin!â??
And then there were no more words, only his strong arms around her as he bent to cover her face in kisses and finally settling on her lips in a long and languorous kiss.
They walked in silence back to the music room, where Kenshin escorted her across to Misao before disappearing into the crowd. For a moment, surrounded by all the hubbub and laughter, Kaoru imagined she must have dreamed her meeting with Kenshin and their enchanting hour together in the hut . But no, there was the reassuring pressure of his ring upon her finger to tell her that it had all happenedâ?|. he loved herâ?|.. he would come back to her.
Kaoru smiled. And then, looking across the garden, she found she was gazing into the cold, pale green eyes of Shogu Amakusa.
AUTHORâ??S RAMBLINGS:
OH NO! Woe to my raven haired beauty! Hmmmâ?|I might get insane all of a sudden and turn this fic into angstâ?|but of course, I dare not. No doubt Iâ??ll be ousted from fanfic.net if I do that.
Chibi-angel â?? I hope you like this chapter. Iâ??ve written your long awaited kiss.
JML â?? Sorry, if you did not like the way I portrayed Tomoe. I know I will feel the same if Iâ??m a Tomoe fan. But since Iâ??m notâ?|::hehehe:: never mindâ?| *peace*
Dora-chan â?? My first language? If you havenâ??t received my E-mail then ask Chibi-angel, she knows what my first language is. About the masked ball, thereâ??s an episode in RK where there is a ball (I think thatâ??s the ninja girl with three weird looking Germans episode) being held. So thatâ??s where I got the idea about the masked ball. And since Iâ??m not an expert on Japan, I have to invent a lot of things in this fic, so pls. bear with me, okay.
By the way, we wonâ??t see Sano and the others again. I want to focus on the K&K romance. You have to forgive me if ever you see some errors in this chappie. Let me tell you, working six days a week with two hours overtime is enough to muddle your brain. Frankly I donâ??t know how I still managed to write this fic when my brain is not fully functioning. Anways, enough with the chit-chat. THANK YOU MINNA! For reading and reviewing sesshaâ??s story. Suggestions, comments and criticisms are very much welcome. And if you have the time, feel free to E-mail me. ADIOS!
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