October 27, 2012: Made some slight edits to grammar and added a little improve the flow of things C:

Illusions of Dreaming proudly presents:

The Girl with Sapphire Eyes

Prologue

He was careless. He should've known someone as dangerous as him wouldn't be let off easily. He'd let his guard down. Now look where that had got him.

Panting softly, his steaming breath blowing out in little wisps of smoke as the warrior dragged himself through the plains. One hand clutched at his shoulder, stemming the flow of blood that pooled and stained his shirt. His heartbeat pounded by his ears, the lingering sense of adrenaline leaving his system left the warrior completely exhausted, spent.

Poison. It's pounding through his veins, masking his sight, his senses and shutting him down. It hurts, searing through his body and willing him to fall and stay down, forever.

The warrior bit down on his bottom lip, drawing strength and a brief moment of clarity from the pain as he forced himself to take another agonizing step. Everything seems to beg him to stay down, his body long spent from battle, cried and refused his commands, even the cool night breeze seemed to tempt him. Lie down, it whispered to him. Lie down and sleep in nature's embrace, we'll protect you.

His knees gave out, his body slumping forward willingly as the man fell on the grass. He's tired. So. Very. Tired.

The wound on his shoulder was burning; his head throbbed with pain, his body hot and sweaty, sticky with blood. It's the end. His end.

He supposed he deserved it. Yet, something felt off, there's this sense of… emptiness, void, something unfinished. Unaccomplished. Lying on the grass, seconds away from falling unconscious, the warrior felt regret. He hated it. It was such a petty emotion to die with.

Voices. Noise. Headache pounding mercilessly. He was turned over, flipped on his back, black silhouettes floated around his vision. Two sapphire orbs flashed into his vision, shining in contrast with the full moon hanging behind.

"Hang in there!" Lips that moved with words that were lost to the poisoned male.

Sapphire eyes.

Beautiful. Was his last thought before the night sky collapsed in on him.

Chapter 1: Contained

He woke with agonizing pain ripping through his shoulder. He woke to the scent of blood and sweat. He woke to the sounds of bustling feet and yelled commands. He woke to pain, then nothing at all.

x x x

"Will he survive?"

He stirred at the sound of a gentle voice beside him.

"I'm not sure, Kaoru. I'm not sure." Came the reply from a deeper feminine voice.

A sigh, a rustle of cloth and then he felt warm hands on his arm.

"I didn't bring him back just to let him die again."

So he's alive. Not burning in hell or trapped six feet underground. He supposed that's a relief, for now.

"We're trying our best already, he's safe for now. We managed to get the poison out of his system."

"That's good." Came from the voice beside his bed. The hands left him.

"Let him have his rest Kaoru."

"Yes, I suppose so." The sound of a closing door followed quickly.

Kaoru. Her name echoed around his mind before he slipped into unconsciousness again.

x x x

Thrashing. Someone was thrashing and yelling.

It wasn't until he slowly came to, that he noticed he was the one who was thrashing and yelling. And he had a perfect reason to.

The wound on his shoulder burned, his throat was parched from screaming and his body convulsed with pain.

"Someone get the antidotes!" yelled a doctor from beside him as several nurses came to restrain his flailing limbs.

The pain, the pain!

"I thought you said the poison was out of his system?" A familiar voice. Who? His thoughts broke off as another wave of burning agony ripped through him. He cried out again, straining against those that held him down.

"It's the aftereffects!" someone cursed. Someone fell as his warrior's arms hit them. He was getting out of control. The pain flooded his senses, ate at him and drove him insane. He struggled against his bonds, growling fiercely as he threw another nurse down.

Then suddenly, two strong hands pinned his shoulders down. The same blue eyes he saw that moonlit night filled his vision. He paused for a moment and a needle jabbed into his arm.

"It's alright warrior. Rest easy." Were her words before he slipped into darkness.

x x x

When he came to again, the room was quiet. His eyelids felt weighed down, as if someone went and piled rocks on them, struggling to open them was like trying to move a mountain. After several pathetic attempts, he managed a crack. It'll do for now.

His senses reached out slowly, like invisible arms searching and probing his surroundings. It's a small room, empty except for his bed, him and a lady dosing on his bed.

…

The warrior turned to his right with difficulty, looking at the lady who was leaning over his bed, sleeping on her crossed arms. He must've shifted the bed for she began to stir. Stunning sapphire eyes met his and he was lost in them for a moment.

"You're awake." She murmured, her voice soft and gentle.

'Who are you?' He wanted to ask, yet the words never managed past his heavy, numbed lips. Who was she that saved him, nursed him and tired herself for this measly soul?

"Who are you warrior?" it irked him that she was asking the question he wanted to. Her sapphire eyes caught his attention again.

"Ken…shin." He managed to whisper.

His name was Kenshin. Then the man was dragged underwater again, claimed by exhaustion and troubled dreams.

x x x

He had been moved.

This room felt different, cleaner and larger. The air was fresh, without the musky tang of blood and sweat of the room he woke up to several times before.

He slowly sat up, wincing when the movement jolted the wound on his shoulder. Violet eyes scanned the room finding a small desk table by the side and a large window that opened up to a balcony hanging over a flower garden. His eyes scanned his surroundings with the fine instincts and honed habits of a warrior constantly in danger and mentally began ticking off a list. No potential threats. Empty. Breathing normal. Movements normal. Weapons? For a moment a flash of fear ran through the male when he couldn't find his sword, before he noticed it laid right beside his pile of clothes, washed, cleaned and folded on the bed.

A mixture of relief and gratitude washed over the swordsman as he pulled his sword close, taking comfort from the familiar weight of his inanimate companion.

Slowly, Kenshin stood up as he began to dress himself, grimacing when his wound flared in pain. Kenshin forced himself to ignore the throbbing pain; there were other pressing matters to be worried about. The swordsman walked around his room, his hand tested the doorknob, locked. Just like he thought.

The warrior contemplated if he should break the door or jump from the balcony to escape, but in his current state, he probably wouldn't make it far.

As if on cue, he suddenly felt woozy, leaning on the wall for support before he pooled on the ground in an unorganized pile of limbs. No. He wouldn't make it far at all.

The stubborn side of him insisted to try anyways, aching to escape his current predicament while he still had time.

The reasonable side, told him to rest. After all, if this place was meant to contain a runaway swordsman, instead of walls there would be iron bars. If they meant him harm, they would've let the poison done him in. Yet they saved him, cleansed him from the drug, gave him a place to rest and let him keep his weapon.

It seems they haven't figured out his identity yet.

Sanctuary. For now.

A tired groan escaped his lips as he got up slowly. How long do they plan on keeping him here? Contained?

His heart throbbed with an unknown emotion that was bleak and tasteless. Fear? Kenshin shuddered slightly, his right hand absently reaching to his injured left shoulder.

They will be searching.

Searching for his corpse and when they can't find it...

The warrior frowned, it's not like him to get worried over people after his life. He's one of the strongest swordsman in the country, petty assassins can't hope to defeat him.

His feet brought him to the room's open balcony as the flame haired male looked down to watch people travel through the garden, some carried trays, others carried books. Where was he? Kenshin turned around and nearly stumbled back in shock as amber eyes registered the tall structure that loomed behind him. A castle.

Violet eyes blinked with surprise and amazement as he took in the majestic view. The castle was huge; stretching so far Kenshin couldn't see the end of the building from his current position. All along the castle walls, silver was pounded into the walls in intricate swirling designs, causing the castle to light up as sunlight reflected from it, painting a beautiful, blinding sight. The warrior shook his head in mute amazement, just where was he?

Rubbing his head in shock, the warrior walked back to his room. He's in a castle. From what he'd gathered so far, he could conclude that he was probably saved by someone of high status. A memory of sapphire eyes flashed into his mind and the long haired male cringed. Yes. Someone with sapphire eyes saved him.

Recalling memories from several days before proved to be difficult as he was mostly delirious with poison then, everything was masked with a foggy haze.

Kenshin sighed. First, running away from his killers, then poisoned and took a brief visit to the gates of hell, now locked in a room within a castle by his saviors. What a mess.

x x x

A raven haired lady turned in surprise as she heard her name called out. Halting in her steps she waited for the younger lady to catch up, black hair thrown in disarray.

"What's the problem Tsubame?" her voice was laced with worry as she bent down towards the panting girl.

Bright eyes looked up to meet hers, "He's awake, princess." The young servant managed through her gasping, watching as the princess's face light up with surprise and delight.

"Is he?" the princess chuckled, helping the tired servant up. "Well then, please take care of him for me for now Tsubame. If he wants, show him around the area-"

"Your royal highness!" a voice called for her from the end of the hallway, beckoning her to hurry with flailing arms.

"Coming!" the raven haired princess yelled, before turning to Tsubame and gave her a light pat on the shoulder. "Make him take his medications okay?" the pretty lady laughed as she rushed away from the castle servant, rounding a corner and disappearing into the maze of hallways, leaving a very tired servant girl staring after her with amazement in her eyes.

x x x

A knock drew his attention to the door. His hand reached for his sword, holding it close and ready.

"Sir, I came to deliver your medications, can I come in?" came a light voice from behind the heavy doors.

Kenshin felt himself stiffen with suspicion, hand gripping tighter on the hilt of his sword for reassurance. Why were they asking for permission? "Come in." he managed to rasp.

The lock clicked and slowly eased open to admit a young servant girl carrying a tray. Kenshin watched with wary eyes that followed the movement of the girl towards the desk table where she sets down her tray. Run! His instincts screamed at him yet his traitorous body froze in it's place, reluctant to retreat.

She turned and bowed to him, "I came to deliver your medications and change your bandages, sir."

Kenshin made no move to move closer, his eyes darting quickly to the opened door and back to the young servant before him, wondering if it would be wise to run away now.

"Sir?" the hesitant waver in the servant's voice made him realize his eyes must be burning gold with emotion.

"Where am I?" he demanded, eyes never leaving the short haired servant.

"In the castle of Amura, sir."

Amura… the name struck a memory within him. The Kingdom of the East, one of the largest and strongest kingdoms in the world. If he remembered clearly, Queen Anna currently ruled Amura after King Koshijiro passed away.

Did he really travel that far in just one night?

"How long have I been here?" Kenshin asked, ignoring the curious glint in the servant's eyes.

"This would be your eighth day with us sir."

Eighth day. He was knocked out for one week. The red haired male frowned and his grip tightened on his sword.

"Who brought me here?"

"That would be Princess Kaoru, sir."

Kaoru. The name stirred a faint memory within him. Where had he heard that name before? Kenshin flinched in surprise when the servant neared him; his hand instinctively went back to clenching his sword.

"Get back." He growled, amethyst orbs darkening with irritation and suspicion.

The servant girl flinched in shock, but didn't retreat; instead she bowed down to him and held out a bottle and a glass of water. "I'm sorry, but please take these, sir."

Catching the suspicious look on the warrior's face, Tsubame quickly hurried to reassure him. "It's a herbal mixture that will numb the pain of your wound, sir."

Or it could be poison. The dark thought slithered through his mind before he quickly shook it away. Why would they want to poison him after saving him from poison in the first place? He's being unreasonable.

Slowly he took the bottle from the girl and sipped, tasting the liquid, feeling for any sense of burning or other symptoms of harmful substances. When he felt nothing, he took a deeper drink, wincing and gagging from taste. He took the glass of water and washed down the horrible taste, ignoring of the smothered, amused laughter from the girl.

"Who are you?" Kenshin murmured softly as he placed the bottle and glass down. No burning pain or numbing sensations in his throat, so he's safe for now. The servant before him doesn't seem to be carrying any killing aura, in fact she seemed rather timid.

"I'm Tsubame, a servant of the castle, sir."

Kenshin frowned, he didn't like her calling him sir but it's not important now.

"What are they planning to do with me Tsubame?" Kenshin asked slowly, watching the emotion of surprise flit across her face.

"Sir?" she asked with a confused look, not sure what the male with flaming hair was asking.

Kenshin held Tsubame's eyes before slowly asking. "Am I a prisoner?"

Several emotions rushed past the young servant's face; shock, surprise and amusement. Then the young servant surprised the seasoned warrior when she suddenly bursted into laughter.

"I'm sorry sir." She apologized as she tried to control her laughing. "You're not a prisoner sir, but our guest." Tsubame bowed again, emphasizing her point.

"Guest?" Kenshin's eyes warily went to the door that was locked not too long ago.

Tsubame followed his gaze and understanding dawned on her face. "We didn't want any curious people prying sir." She explained.

Kenshin raised an eyebrow, "Does that mean I can leave?" It couldn't be that easy could it?

Violet eyes watched as the young servant startled in surprise, her eyes momentarily breaking contact with his as she swallowed nervously. "Princess Kaoru said if you're interested, I can show you around the castle…"

No, of course.

Kenshin nodded slowly, noting the fact that she'd avoided his question as well. He sighed, so that that means he'll be staying for a while.

"I guess, it wouldn't hurt to explore the castle a bit." He murmured reluctantly. Since they were so nice to save him from potential death and don't seem particularly antagonized at the fact they're letting a stranger wander around… staying in Amura might be a good idea, that is, until he was healed.

"Is it possible to meet my savior? I'd like to give her my thanks for saving me." Kenshin stood, walking towards Tsubame.

"Princess Kaoru is currently busy with her duties and told me to keep you entertained for now, sir."

"Please call me Kenshin."

"Sir?"

"My name is Kenshin. Himura Kenshin." The warrior said as he bent down to meet Tsubame's lowered gaze.

"I-I'm sorry, sir Himura-"

"Don't call me sir, just Kenshin, Tsubame." Kenshin smiled, tilting the servant's chin up to meet his gaze.

"K-Kenshin…sir."

Kenshin sighed. This might take some time. "Very well, since I can't escape-" He noted down the guilty shuffle of feet from Tsubame. "-I might as well take a tour around the area." The warrior tried to smile warmly at the servant, trying to ease her tension but it seemed to have the opposite effect.

"O-of course, si-Kenshin." Tsubame corrected herself after Kenshin's pointed look.

Walking out the room with the man of fiery hair following behind her, she hesitantly sneaked a glance behind her, watching the male take in his surroundings carefully. His violet eyes were tinged with a small ring of gold. Tsubame swallowed nervously as she picked up her pace.

Princess Kaoru picked up a troublesome one this time.

x x x

"-and this is the flower garden." Tsubame murmured, her throat starting to feel dry from all the talking she'd done.

Kenshin looked at the flora that filled the area around him, the overwhelming scent of nature's perfume that saturated the area made him sneeze a whirlwind before his senses adjusted to the strong smell. Whoever made this garden either constantly had a blocked nose or was completely infatuated with perfumes.

Other than the strong smell, Kenshin had to admit that the garden was delicately designed. Well-trimmed bushes sectioned off patches of flowers, climbing vines decorated the castle walls and a small man-made river ran through the garden, sporting cattails along the banks. Trees swayed lightly in the afternoon breeze, shaking their branches and rattling leaves as the shadows on the ground danced in complicated patterns. Around every other corner there would be conveniently placed benches for visitors to sit and relax to enjoy the beautifully planned scenery before them.

Looking up, Kenshin found his balcony hanging over them. He mused quietly to himself, how easy it would be for him to just climb out from his balcony and escape if he wanted. He silently wondered if that made his saviors friendly and trusting or very ignorant.

"It's very beautiful." The swordsman agreed, after you get over the overwhelming smell. He added silently.

"It's princess Kaoru's favorite place as well." Tsubame sighed softly before turning away to lead the red haired male to their next destination.

Kaoru. The name kept reappearing and despite his best attempts, he can't seem to remember her features, other than stunning sapphire eyes. Kenshin sighed, how was he supposed to find his savior and thank her without knowing how she looked like? He followed Tsubame silently as they exited the flower garden.

His master had once told him that a man must always pay his debts and life debts were one of the hardest debts to pay. Kenshin sighed again, if he took time to think about it, the royal family didn't have to lock or chain him (they did neither but even so…) to prevent him from leaving. Without paying his debt properly, Kenshin wouldn't leave; after all, he was not one who liked to be indebted to others.

To be continued...

Welcome to my first RK fanfic! xD

This is a KK/Kenru/KenshiXKaoru/KenKao/whatever other name there is for this pair, story. I have a great plot for this story, but I hope I have enough muse to finish it. xD currently it's brimming and overflowing. But who knows what will happen later?

This story won't have much Japanese/Korean terms, I'm chinese and not completely familiar with it's terms, therefore you won't be seeing any 'chans' 'sans' here. There might be some asian reference, such as the switch of names so it's FAMILY NAME, GIVEN NAME and not GIVEN NAME, FAMILY NAME because that's how it works with chinese names as well xD so some reference to japanese/korean things if I understand them, but not much. and also because this is set in an alternate universe :B who cares! -shot-

anyways! enjoy C: reviews greatly appreciated!