Disclaimer: Rurouni Kenshin is the property of Watsuki-sensei, Viz, Shonen Jump, Shueisha, Media Blasters, ADV, Fuji TV and Sony. I'm just a little blip on the radar screen. No money goes into my wallet for what I type.
A/N: I have decided to set Kenshin's early life in Aki because it's between Kyoto and Choshuu. I know the Hiden says that Kenshin is from the Kansai area (where Kyoto is), but to me it makes no sense that at 14 he should leave there, travel all the way to Choshuu, only to return again. Also, if Kenshin had trained in the mountain cabin Hiko was residing in during the Kyoto Arc, why did he need the Oniwabanshuu to locate Hiko? It makes more sense for him to be from somewhere between the two places.
Obon is the Japanese Festival of the Dead and is usually celebrated for a week in August. People visit graves and leave offerings for their departed loved ones. There are also fire works and gaiety in the evening.
A big thanks to Firuze Khanume, who read elements of this story in its earliest form and gave some good pointers.
August 9, 1879
Aboard a ship to Osaka
It was hard for Kaoru to believe that almost a year had come and gone since the day she was kidnapped by Yukishiro Enishi. While that time had been a living hell, it had been the thing that finally brought her and Kenshin together. The shedding of doubts and the conquering of demons had paved the way for them to become man and wife.
Now it was time for them to make their first trip to Kyoto together as man and wife for the festival of Obon, which would run from the 13th to the 15th. They had already made arrangements with Aoshi and Misao to stay at the Aoiya. After the festival, they would promptly return home, as Kyoto still held dark memories for Kenshin.
Before they left, Kaoru had strictly charged Yahiko to keep up with his practice every day and informed him that she would test him when they returned. Yahiko had answered in his customary charming manner, calling Kaoru "Busu" and received a few new lumps on his skull for impertinence.
Last night, they had boarded the steam ship that would take them west to Osaka and were now floating placidly over the water of the Philippine Sea. Sitting in their cabin, Kaoru cast a glance at her husband and caught the most faraway and wistful look on his face; the look he only got when he was thinking about his past.
Kaoru longed to ask him to share what was in his heart with her and to bop him over the head with a bokken if he refused to tell her, or gave her that dumb rurouni smile. She restrained herself because she knew she needed to overcome her immature temperaments and demanding nature. She knew would never be a consummate Japanese woman like Tomoe-san, but she needed to be less impulsive and impatient with those around her, especially Kenshin. He still carried the wounds of his past with him and probably always would to a certain degree. One year of happiness wasn't enough to undo decades of pain.
Kaoru decided to leave Kenshin alone with his memories and get some sleep. After crawling into the bed, she looked out the window at the rolling waves, swooping gulls and pink dolphins breeching the water. Watching them made her drowsier. Finally, she closed her eyes and drifted off, lulled by the motion of the ship. Before long, she sensed the bed shifting and a warm body lying down next to her. An arm encircled her protectively and drew her into a world of oneness, bliss and contentment.
August 12
The week-long trip was very lovely. Kaoru and Kenshin spent a lot of time looking out at the ocean and wondering what lay beyond the horizon. Sometimes they exchanged ideas as to what their globe trotting friend Sanosuke might be up to at that very moment. Surely, he was on the North American continent by now and probably getting into all kinds of mischief.
They watched the fishing birds and swimming cetaceans with great amusement. They passed Shizouka, Nagoya, Tsu and the peninsula and were approaching Osaka Bay, where they would disembark in Kobe.
Kaoru woke up to a gentle shaking. She looked up into a pair of soft violet eyes and a gentle smile. Kenshin held a tray with two rice balls which he'd gotten from the galley. With a soft "thank you", Kaoru sat up, rubbed the sleep from her eyes and took the proffered food. Kenshin sat down next to her on the bed, and the couple proceeded to eat in silence.
Not long after they finished and Kaoru had dressed for the day, the ship pulled into Osaka Bay. Kenshin stood up and shouldered both their bags. As they disembarked from the ship, Kaoru looked around her as they stepped out into the hot August air. She pulled out a fan she had brought with her and started flapping it in front of her face to try and cool off.
The train ride to Kyoto was uneventful. Kaoru spent most of it looking out the window and watching trees, countryside and a few buildings whizz by. Kenshin didn't really say much. Kaoru knew he was thinking of their visit to Kyoto, partially anticipating and partially dreading it.
At the end of the day, the train pulled into the year-old Kyoto station and came slowly to a stand-still, blowing steam from its stack. The station hadn't changed much in ten months since she and Kenshin had made the same trip to visit Tomoe's grave after the Jinchuu affair.
They stepped off the train and onto the platform which thankfully had a roof overhead to shade them from the harsh August sun. Kenshin took both bags again and started forward.
"Kenshin, why don't you let me carry something?" offered Kaoru.
Kenshin smiled at her.
"That's alright, Kaoru. I don't mind," he said, then turned and pressed ahead.
Kaoru shook her head and followed her rurouni to go look for Aoshi and Misao, who were supposed to meet them. As it turned out, they didn't have to wait long.
"KAAAAAAAAAAAAAROOOOOOOUUUUUUUU-SAAAAAAAAAAAAAANN!!!!!!!!!!!"
Next thing Kaoru knew, she'd been bowled over by a petite kunoichi with sharp green eyes and a long braid.
"Oops, sorry about that," said Misao, quickly jumping to her feet and helping Kaoru up as well.
"Misao-dono always stands out in a crowd," said Kenshin with a sweatdrop on the back of his head.
"You better believe it!" said Misao, still dusting poor Kaoru off.
"AOSHI-SAAAAAAAAMAAAAAAAAAA, OVER HEEEEEEERRRREEEEEE!" Misao called when she spotted Aoshi making his way through the throng of travelers.
"Greetings, Himura," said Aoshi in his usual sunny voice.
"Hello, Aoshi. How are things going for you and Misao-dono?" asked Kenshin.
"Everything's great here!" chirped Misao before Aoshi could get a word in edgewise. "Let's get you guys to the Aoiya before the dinner rush tramples us!"
Before anyone could say anything, Aoshi bent over and picked up their bags.
"Oh, Aoshi, I can," Kenshin faltered.
"Don't be stupid Himura. You and Kaoru-san are our guests. Right, Aoshi-sama?" said Misao.
"Right," said Aoshi, shouldering everything and heading out.
Kaoru smiled at the dumbfounded look on Kenshin's face. The guy was just going to have to learn how to accept hospitality. The foursome made their way back to the Aoiya in relative quiet. The streets were packed with tourists who had come for the three-day festival which would start tomorrow.
When they reached the Aoiya, they were greeted by Okina.
"Welcome back! I've reserved a special room upstairs for both of you," he said. "Misao, would you take them?"
"Sure, Gramps. Follow me!" said Misao.
"Thank you, Okina-dono," said Kenshin with a bow.
He and Kaoru followed Misao upstairs. Misao slid the shouji open revealing a bed room with two futons rolled up in the corner and a large west-facing window that would show off the setting sun nicely.
"Have fun you two," said Misao with a wink.
"Get your mind out of the gutter," spat Kaoru after the kunoichi as she left, sliding the shouji shut behind her.
After Kenshin and Kaoru had put their stuff away, they headed to the bath house. Okina had reserved the bath house just for the two of them so they could bathe together without interruption.
Kenshin and Kaoru took their time washing and rinsing each other off and then headed into the bathing area, casting glances and exchanging nervous smiles with each other. Although Meiji law forbade men and women to bathe together in public bath houses, the law had so far gone over like a lead balloon with lax enforcement and zero respect for it. Kenshin and Kaoru certainly had no intention of following such a prudish and clearly Western-influenced law.
Kenshin and Kaoru spent the next half hour soaking in each others' arms, enjoying the solitude and warmth provided by the dimly-lit bath house. It was with some disappointment that they finally got out of the water at the hour of the rooster, as it would soon be dinner time.
After dressing in yukata with the Aoiya's logo on the backs, the couple made their way to the dining room where Misao had set them up with a private table. They ate a dinner of somen, watermelon, green tea and then kakigouri. Both were excited and nervous about visiting Tomoe's grave as a couple tomorrow.
August 13
After breakfast, Kenshin, Kaoru, Aoshi and Misao set out. They would walk together until they were to split off to pay respects at the graves of their dead. Aoshi and Misao had buried the Four in a sunny little patch of field that only they knew of and would go there while Kenshin and Kaoru went to the temple to see Tomoe's grave. That night, they would reunite for the Obon festivities.
Kenshin and Kaoru stopped at a vendor's and bought incense and flowers for Tomoe's grave, which Kenshin carried in a bucket. Kaoru followed him through the crowded streets to the temple. They walked up the steps to the front of the temple. Kenshin tossed a gold coin into the offering box and rang the little bell. Kaoru did the same and both stood in silent contemplation for a few moments before heading to the graveyard.
One year ago, after the end of Enishi's Jinchuu, Kaoru and Kenshin, his right arm still in a sling, had visited this very spot and prayed over Tomoe's grave. Kenshin had told Kaoru that Tomoe had been the kindest person he had ever known and he was certain that she would watch over the now-missing Enishi. Kaoru thought privately that sometimes Tomoe watched over them silently as well.
When they came to the graveyard, Kenshin led Kaoru down the steps. Instantly, the din of the noisy crowd outside seemed to just disappear and it was as if they were transported to another time and place. The graveyard was silent and green with lush grass growing everywhere and shaded by many beautiful trees. Kenshin led Kaoru to the small unmarked grave that looked far less lonely than it had when Kenshin had visited it right after the battle with Shishio; the hair clip and the bottle of haku baikou maintained their silent vigil. Kenshin thought perhaps Enishi and the unknown relative came by to care for the grave from time to time.
Kenshin poured water on the stone, stuck the incense sticks in the ground and lit them to burn. He and Kaoru each left their flowers on the grave, then bowed their heads in silent prayer.
Kenshin's prayer:
"Hello, Tomoe. It's good to talk to you again. Kaoru and I are married now and I love her very much. Know though that no matter how my love for her grows, I will never forget nor stop loving you. Kaoru will never replace you, but each of you occupies your own place in my heart and my love for you both grows by the day. I hope you are happy in the next world. Again, I am sorry for taking away your happiness and that your life was cut short by my sword. All my love, Kenshin."
Kaoru's prayer:
"Hello again, Tomoe-san. Thank you again for protecting me on the island and for allowing Kenshin and me to come together. You needn't worry about Kenshin because I've been taking good care of him in your stead. He is very happy now. However, I know he will never forget you. I will continue to stand by his side and support him in everything he needs as I know you would have. See you next year. Kaoru."
Kenshin and Kaoru stood up from praying, exchanged smiles and walked out of the quiet graveyard and back into the noise and chaos of the crowded Kyoto streets. As they made their way through the throng, Kaoru stumbled a bit. Before she had the chance to fall on her face, Kenshin was there, steadying her.
"Thanks," said Kaoru, mentally cursing her stupidity at wearing those high wooden sandals
Kenshin merely nodded with a smile, then turned and began leading the way again. Kenshin took Kaoru to one of the Kyoto tea gardens to get out of the hot, crowded streets. The garden was very green and quiet with ponds and rocks, forests of miniature pines, clumps of bamboos and different kinds of ornamental trees and shrubs. The garden was spotted with Man's work; bridges, tea houses, pavilions and pathways, all of which were constructed to harmonize with the natural beauty around them.
Kenshin and Kaoru sat in one of the open air tea houses, sipping on ginger tea and eating little tea cakes. The wood of the floor under their bare feet cooled them while the warm August wind blew through their hair as they meditated on the solemnity and beauty of the tranquil garden that surrounded them.
After they finished their tea, the couple walked one of the pathways by a pond. Taking out some bread he'd brought with him, Kenshin divided the loaf in half and gave one half to Kaoru. Tearing his half in pieces, Kenshin tossed them into the pond. Large catfish came to the top and quickly devoured the watery bread before retreating under the water. Kaoru did as Kenshin did and was delighted by the fish with the large mouths, beady eyes, shiny scales and fins.
In the evening, the Himuras met up with Aoshi and Misao again and headed for the epicenter of Kyoto for the Obon festival. As they went more to the center, the streets became crowded and nearly impossible to walk through. However, Kenshin, Kaoru, Misao and Aoshi weaved through the mass of humanity with the ease of a snake gliding through water.
The atmosphere was thick with gaiety. Women dressed in their finest summer kimono, patterned with cranes, floral prints and butterflies, clopped about in their high wooden geta, fanning themselves with colorfully decorated fans while little children ran around waving multi-colored sparklers. Sake flowed like a river; several people stumbled about drunkenly, reminding Kaoru of Sanosuke and Yahiko.
Just then, the sound of loud drumming drowned out everything else. The foursome looked over to the left and saw the four taiko yaku, banging their giant drums that were set up on wooden stands, with their thick wooden bachi. Everyone in the area surrounded each yaku and began dancing in a circle around them as they continued to drum rythmically. Moved by the music, Kaoru suddenly yanked Kenshin forward by his gi sleeve toward the closest circle.
"ORO!"
Kaoru yanked Kenshin into the circle and began moving with the other people. Not knowing what else to do, Kenshin followed suit and soon found himself swept up in the pandemonium. Squealing, Misao tried to yank Aoshi into the dancing circle closest to them.
"C'MON AOSHI-SAMA!" yelled Misao.
"I don't dance," said Aoshi cooly. Seeing the disappointment in Misao's green eyes, he quickly added. "However, I would enjoy watching you do it."
"OK!" said Misao, breaking away from his side to join in the festivities.
Misao jumped into the fray and danced with the rhythm, her long braid whipping about in the air and hitting the faces of those unfortunate enough to be behind her.
Aoshi did indeed enjoy watching her.
As the moments passed, the drumming grew louder and faster, building to a crescendo. Kaoru reveled in the fun and freedom of moving to the music. Kenshin was beginning to feel dizzy. When the drumming came to a thunderous and sudden end, Kenshin went stumbling forward, eyes all aswirl.
"Oroooooooooroooooooooorooooooooooo..."
"Kenshin!" called Kaoru going after the stumbling redhead.
"Orooooooo..."
Kaoru lunged forward and yanked the sheathed Sakabatou out of Kenshin's belt.
WHACK!
"Ow!"
"Sorry. But I can't have you stumbling off and getting lost," said Kaoru, handing Kenshin back the Sakabatou.
"Thank you, koishi," said Kenshin, rubbing the new lump on the back of his head.
Over the next three days, the foursome took in the sights and sounds of Obon. Every evening concluded with the exciting festivities and fireworks. Kaoru noticed with some sorrow in her heart that Kenshin flinched whenever the fireworks were set off, doubtlessly an old war reflex. A secret squeeze of his hand helped him to relax and he flashed her a quick smile of thanks before returning his attention to the spectacle lighting the night sky.