Author's note: For the people who follow my other fic, Crimson Soul, here is the AU Okikagu fic I talked about. My main focus is still on Crimson Soul, I'll update this when I'm blocked on Crimson Soul or when I have enough time :)
Of Royalties and Complications
Chapter 1: She was called "Gurako"
He could still remember perfectly how she ended up as his sparring partner.
As if it was hard, she was, after all, the weirdest brat he had ever met in his whole life as the one and only Edo's prince. Should he mention how amazing it is, since his commander was a gorilla stalker while his vice-commander a mayonnaise freak (0)? Not to forget the lazy perm samurai he got as sword tutor!
Talking about him, it was how she came here, a year ago. The silver swordsman, Gintoki (but he always called him "danna", without any reasons) has been sent to a faraway country, Kouan, for diplomatic missions. He was the one supposed to go, unfortunately, a sickness prevented it, or so he made the servants think.
Anyway, the man returned as agreed two weeks after, round trip included. However, the little girl was, certainly not, included. He would not have minded if the moon courtesan didn't go into a rampage when first hearing about her husband bringing a girl with him.
Of course, the killing spree has been avoided almost immediately when the supposed exotic mistress revealed to only be a thirteen years old brat. To be exact, Tsukkuyo was still doubting because thirteenth was the legal age in their country.
That, until the said girl grinned with the most childish and innocent smile at her, giving her the nickname of "Tsukky"; which happened two minutes later after her arrival. Since then, the blond woman became her mother, making Danna the father although he could not really be considered as such.
It didn't take much time for the stranger to be accepted in the castle, blessed with a merry yet kind personality. But it did take a month for him to meet her.
Under the cherry blossoms, Okita Sougo, the usually busy prince, had finally a day off for the annual celebration. The event was a special day where everyone in the castle, from the high-ranked royalties to the lowest servants joined into cherry-viewing and had fun together. So he was peacefully sipping his sake, enjoying both the mood and warm weather.
She tainted his tranquillity, in every damn possible way.
First, her appearance. Who the hell had natural vermillion hair clashing with giant cerulean orbs? Rumors are almost inevitable in a big castle thus, he did hear about Danna adopting a foreigner girl, yet, he was not prepared to...this.
Oh, how he wished to shut the loud mouth of hers, this day. Unlike any normal attendant, she was not bothered to yell with an odd mix of Chinese and Yakuza accent; when the spring festival was supposed to be calm, serene.
Not like she would know this word. She was the kind of girl who did not hesitate to accept his janken–pon duel which soon ended up with them throwing punches at each other. Sure, their Hanami was meant to be a day where social status disappeared.
Trying to kill the kingdom's prince was, however, on another level.
"I don't care if you're this country's prince or not, you're still a bastard who cheated at janken–pon!" She shouted at him.
It was the first time he met someone so brazen, ill-mannered and...interesting. Being the prince with sadistic tendencies, most people submitted to him, dodging any problems.
But here she was, a small girl, a mere servant, not fearing to pick a fight with him. Not to mention, she could actually keep up with him with ease, even though he was famous for his prodigious swordplay.
Okita Sougo, prince of Edo, found his rival in the form of a little girl, "Gurako" she was called. Her name too was weird. So he decided to call her "China" since she always wears a red Qipao (1) and telephone buns. Kouan's people, the Yato, sure were odd.
He learned that her skin, fairly white, was her tribe's only weak point, Sun burned them. Which explained the violet umbrella she had with her constantly, though it was a weapon too. Because yes, Yato were at first a strong nomad population, until they finally settled down in Kouan, a northern kingdom. They still cultivate a keenness for strength for some reasons, and battle, making them renowned warriors.
And so forth, he was not ashamed to ask– no request her to be his sparring partner. It was pretty practical for both of them since Gurako was not good at going any housework. Now that he thought about it, it did not surprise him, she was even less feminine than the boss lady, a damn female gorilla.
Besides, she could be with her surrogate father, which she was quite fond of. Him being a sword tutor and her the sparring partner, they shared the same workplace: the training room. It was well placed, on the ground floor, opened to the garden. They would duel each other each Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
He's never going to tell her how much he looks forward it, each week.
Five months after their first meeting, Autumn was coming, cold breezes too. It may be miserable for a man to feel sick just because of pathetic mistrals but hey, he was the prince. It was not like he could go out often and get used to the weather (he noted that he should, not wanting his body to be weak like this).
To annoy his rival, and because they couldn't respect their usual sparring planning, he made her his nurse. Indeed, she did not agree, he very much obliged her with the help of his status. Being a prince has some really good perks, Sadists were usually opportunists too...
...Not that he really wanted her to be, for once, good with him. Not at all.
And it surprised him when she did it perfectly. She sucked at cleaning up or washing clothes, but he had to admit, she knew how to take care of the ills. For the first time, she had been very soft and gentle, often checking his temperature with her forehead (her worried look marked him forever), and she even fed him!
China, the same girl who hated his guts, was actually feeding him some porridge, taking care of blowing a bit the spoon in order to cool the dish. Sure, she looked embarrassed and annoyed, but she still did it.
"China, is that really you? Falling for this handsome prince, I see." He taunted
"In your dream, Sadist. I'm doing it because I was commanded to, nothing more." Her reply was immediate. "Now eat it!"
"What if you're actually poisoning me, uh? It wouldn't surprise me." His face was flushed, it was obvious that he was ill however his lips still curved into his signature smirk. Okita couldn't help, getting under her skin was so amusing.
"If I wanted to kill you, it would be with my fists bashing your stupid face, now don't be such a child and eat." The spoon was still in front of his mouth, it was lukewarm but if he did not comply fast it was going to be cold. And she had the experience, ill persons shouldn't eat a cold meal.(2) "Besides it would be quite problematic if I assassinated you–" she mumbled.
He did not really understand what she meant, supposing that it was about how messy it would be if a servant steals his precious life. In any case, he shrugged and finally had a taste of the porridge...
...It was delicious. Warm enough, and though he was not fond of sweet (on the contrary of a certain silver samurai), it was really good. There was even small pieces of Asian pear (3)! Okita found himself open his eyes in a really taken aback manner.
"Who cooked it?" He exclaimed, angering the girl.
"Me, who else? You are the one who asked me to be your damn nurse, or are you sick enough to lose your memories Sadist?" she answered in a sarcastic tone.
Seeing him so unwell, sweating so much did have an effect on her heart. Not that she appreciated him, even a bit, mind you. He just reminded her of her dear mami, the beautiful redhead died four years after her birth. Kagura or Gurako was the one who took care of her, alone, even if she had ton and ton of servants–
No. Better to not remember the old life she ran away from. She was going to stay in the Edo kingdom now, even if she had to hide as "Gurako" and be one of the Sadist's domestic. Lost in her thought, she continued to feed the prince until he finished the bowl. To think she actually had the patience to cook him something good.
Arrg, he's such a jerk!
As if she, Kagu– no Gurako, daughter of Gintoki and Tsukkuyo, couldn't do something as simple as cooking!
Well, she is not good at other housework, but still, what with this amazed look? She was still a girl, dammit. Also, she was a glutton (not like she would admit it in front of the other) and a Yato– from the purest breed she might add– with very sharp senses, of course, she would be an amazing cook. Furthermore, foods were very important in the Yato's culture.
I always end up thinking about them again, maybe some more times and I'll be able to—
Fist tightening, she suddenly stood up. In any case, she should wash the now empty bowl, along with the spoon. Maybe could she prepare some tea with medicinal plants as well? Yeah, then she'd let him rest and sleep. It was only a small cold, there was no need to bother doing more for him. They say idiot don't catch colds, was it a lie?
"Where are you going China?" He coughed a bit, he was not sleepy and hoped to be, at least, entertained by the young girl's presence.
"Wash the plates and get you some tea, whiny prince." She said an absent look plastered on her face. A feverish Sougo was really needy, and even more childish than usual. He was like a kid glued to his mother, albeit the "mother" being her. Sighing, she got out of the room and went to the kitchen.
It was a big room since there was an entire staff working here, in order to nourish everyone in the castle, including both the Okita's court and the Tokugawa's. In this marbled floor, well-equipped kitchen mixed two type of workers.
The Edo kingdom's government has been shared between two royal families since ages, the first one is the Tokugawa's family, led by king Shige Shige and his little sister, princess Soyo. They were busy with all the political and social matters. The second, the Okita's family had two heirs: Queen Mitsuba and her brother, our very prince Sougo. However Mitsuba died from tuberculosis and the prince was judged too young to actually govern. The Okita were occupied with the military and the economy of the country, so letting an eighteen years old prince as chief was dangerous.
So, the husband of the late queen and the vice-commander of the royal army: the Shinsengumi, Hijikata Toushirou, was naturally asked to be the temporary king even if he didn't have the royal blood himself.
I'm never going to ever understand their families thingie, keeping two families is problematic. Soyo-chan should be the only leader.
Having picked the medicinal leafs and then poured pouring hot water, Kagura known as Gurako tried to remember her surrogate mother's lesson while she was washing the plates. Tsukkuyo was a good teacher, even if she was only a courtesan she still managed to, at the same time, be one of the official historians. She was going to live in Edo, she must at least know the country's story, right?
Although I've been taught about it a long time ago...I was too young to really learn it, ugh.
"So there are two families, the Okita and the Tokugawa. Each have their own functions, there are two kings and no queens yet. Soyo-chan has a private army, the Mimawarigumi while the official army is controlled by the Okita...What's the name again ?" The Chinese themed girl walked in the direction of the luxurious prince's room. Opening the door, she was still searching.
"It's the Shinsengumi, stupid." Explained the prince, with a smug tone. "I have good ears you know."
"Shut up, I'm being kind and nursing you, don't make me regret that." She retorted, pouting.
"You should not hurt this country's prince feeling you know? You can remember the white freaks' army name but not the official one, China girl?" He mocked, but a bit curious. She did call the princess by her given name, and from his observation, they were quite close.
"As if I care about you, uh–uh. And Nobume-chan is cooler than all of you tax-robbers."
"Just because the official army is under my family's control do not mean that we are tax-robbers. The people are happy, the Tokugawa are not even busy with social problems." He continued. Really, how come she was so close to the high-ranked of the other's family? The servants do work together, but not the armies nor the royal families. They were not in conflict or anything like that, they just preferred to meddle with their own affairs.
No. Even if they were in cooperation, how could a domestic befriend with them? The Shinsengumi knew her because she was the daughter of Gintoki, a fellow samurai but what about the princess and the Mimawarigumi?
"Now that I think about it, you are close to the Tokugawa and their army. How come?" He frowned.
I met them before you, but it's not like you'll ever know that, stupid.
"Not your problem, Sadist. Anego said that a lady should keep some secrets!" She beamed. "Anego" was the big sister of Gintoki's four-eyed apprentice, Shinpachi. The vermillion haired girl always thought of her as a sister figure: she was a beautiful courtesan (to the point that a gorilla stalked her) and very strong too (she always kicked the said beast to death).
This sentence, however, made him laugh loudly, before coughing one more time. "Good joke, China, as if you were a lady. You're more of a gluttonous monster." She cursed him mentally, a lady should not beat a sick person. She should not, even if he's extremely rude.
"Then this gluttonous monster is going to leave you with your loneliness, sleep and rest stupid Sadist."
"Hey don't be so seriou–"
Bam.
She already left the room, by slamming violently the poor wooden door.
He sipped the tea, it was very appeasing, the perfume of it, the taste, it soothed him soon to sleep along with the great idea he came up with?
"Kagura-chan, Okita-san requested you to be his personal cook from now on, plus your role as sparring partner. You have to prepare his breakfast and dinner every day." Announced the woman wearing a pink kimono.
Wait, what?
In his office, the newly recovered prince was smiling darkly, hearing a scream of indignation coming from the garden.
"SAAAADISTTTT"
(0): Here the military force and government are divided. So even if Sougo's the prince, he's only third in command in the Shinsengumi, mainly due to his lack of experience and young age?.
(1): Qipao is the mandarin term for Kagura's dress, Cheongsam is the cantonese one.
(2): In this story, Yato culture = Chinese culture, or at least most of the time. There's a saying in China in which a sick person must drink and eat warm things. (Although it can be applied to daily life too, like how Chinese prefer hot water rather than cold/normal one)
(3): Asian pear, google if you don't know what it is. Again, in the chinese culture have a yin/yang thing, in which some food are either yin or yang. (We can always use the term cool/warm instead of yin/yang). The "cool" food, like asian pears, are said to cure cold or hoarse voice (and it's delicious too). I don't know if we can put them in porridge though, we usually use them in a sweet soup. Well, some put apples in porridge, so I thought it was okay XD