Authors Note: Hey, this is my first fic in such a long time-since I did a
digimon saga fic. *sigh* well I'm back, and better than ever. I decided,
hey, why don't you do something spectacular to return as a fanfic writer? I
decided why not do it on my 3rd fav. anime of all time. Rurouni Kenshin?
Absolutely! And who should I do it on? No question, Yahiko, probably my
fav. character of the series. Take note: this takes place about 8 years
after the events in Rurouni Kenshin anime, and Yahiko was 10 at the time.
You do the math. Well sit back, relax and enjoy this fic. One note: that
some characters may be a BIT OOC, especially Tsubame, but I'm only doing
this, because the people are now older, and you know people can change a
bit when they grow up. I mean, I like the Tsubame personality of being shy
and all, but I think that when she grows up, she learns to be a little more
open minded (notice I say a little more).Also, she changes because of
Yahiko, since he was a role model to Tsubame when they were kids. You know,
watching him practice, working on swordsmanship, and that heroic act of
saving her from those gang members. Oh yes, a couple more things. I was
inspired the style of this story by the net famous Ranma fic, The More
Things Change (Ryouga/Ukyou fic), the 2nd best anime on my list. Hats off
to the authors, (though I wish they would have finished it,
and................I'm thinking of continuing it in the near future, check
it out and find the fic- it's great, but very long). Oh, I do not own RK.
Yes, even I can't own Kaoru or Megumi (*sigh again*) Oh Yes, MAJOR thanks
to my fox friend Kitsune-chan for editing!! You saved me!! well, on with
the show!
Yahiko: The New Rurouni in Town
Chapter 1: Reunions and Readjustments
It is said fate has control of all aspects of reality in the universe. Such control is so immense, that people deny that fate ever has effect on their own petty lives. People have a tendency to think they are in charge of themselves, and they tend not to consider the possibility that the paths they choose are due to fate. For a Rurouni, his life is made up of paths, taking the road here and there. Let's take, for example, a man by the name of Himura Kenshin. A past assassin for the imperialist government, who turns rurouni one day, to find himself upon an attractive Kamiya Kaoru, who also happened to be the Kamiya dojo's assistant manager. Not the typical boy-meets-girl situation, however, fate isn't demanding. And yes, fate brought the two to fall in love. What with setting up Miss Kaoru being kidnapped (who knows how many times), and leaving it to Kenshin to be Mr. Hero and save the day. He's the perfect hero figure. Presently, the two are happily married with a child called Kenji. However, fate is growing restless now that it has lost another mortal to play with. Now it has found a new target. After 10 years of searching, it has found the perfect target- Myoujin Yahiko, who just happened to be in the background of fate's previous target. This is the new victim's story.........
Somewhere off in the woods of Japan, an isolated wooden house was being raided by some roaming thieves that had some "business" to take care of with the owner of the house.
"Come on old man!! Fork over the money right now!" yelled one of the henchmen at a 45 year old man, who was helpless in a tight neck grip.
"Yeah times up! It's been a month now since you came to debt from gambling with us and we haven't heard didly squat from you." said another thief.
The man could only mumble from the tight grip. "I told you already, I only have 20 yen right now. This is it!!!"
This only made his intruders only angrier, and the thief expressed this through tightening his grip. "You liar!! I don't believe you one bit!"
However, at the corner of the house was a black haired, blue-eyed, 17 year old girl, who was the victim's daughter. "Please sir, he is telling the truth! Harvest isn't good this season, and we can't sell many crops now. I beg of you, let my father go and please give us time until the season turns to our favor." The girl was about to burst into tears from the sight she had been witnessing.
The man holding the father smirked and took a look at the daughter. "Hmm....well, money has its advantages, but your daughter seems really nice.......Shuon?"
The man's assistant, known as Shuon, understood what the other was saying. "I got ya boss." Then he started to approach the girl, closing in on her in the corner. "Hehe, this will be fun," Shuon said, licking the top of his lips. The girl was now completely terrified about what the man had in mind to do with her. "Oh no, please no. No....." she squealed.
The father took note of this, and even though he was being strangled, he said, "Please stop that. Don't touch my daughter. If you need to kill someone, kill me! She had nothing to do with it. I was the one that got in debt. Not her." The boss only smirked again. "How noble you are, but I prefer this change of arrangements, no?"
Shuon was just about to lay his fingers on the girl. "Now just be quiet and relax. This wont hurt a bit." The girl was now scared, and she thinking there was no chance for escape. Then all of a sudden, Shuon realized that for some odd reason, there was a blade up against his neck, ready to decapitate his head with the slightest gesture.
The mysterious wanderer holding the threatening sword whispered, "Liar." the young man sneered. "If you say that it won't hurt a bit, I might as well slice your throat, spill all your blood until you bleed to death and say 'that it won't hurt a bit'." Shuon turned to the man with angry eyes. "Who the hell are you?"
The man behind him smiled. He was about tall 5ft 10, with extremely long black spiked hair, a purple/red kimono, and had a pair of black/brown eyes which happened to be full of malice. "That is of no concern of yours. However, my concern is that you leave these people alone. How low can you get to rape a man's daughter? I should just kill you now."
Then the boss, who was deeply disturbed with this intruder, reached for his pocket and pulled out a pistol (you know, those hand-gun powder pistols) "I think I should just kill you!!" However the man suddenly disappeared right before his eyes! The boss pulled the trigger and accidentally shot and killed his associate. The girl screamed in panic instantly.
"No, Shuon!!" cried the boss, looking upon the horror he had just committed. "Alright that guy's dead!!!" The father then tried to take this chance to break free himself from the boss's grip, but his attempts were still futile. "No, I can't let you go now. I need to someone kill. Hmm maybe I should kill you! I would feel better, yes." and he pointed the pistol at point blank range at the father's head. "Say your prayers old man....."
The daughter couldn't bear to look and covered her face, and the father didn't know what to do. Then the mysterious man appeared from behind and knocked the man out with the side of his sword with lightning speed. He collapsed from the immense impact. The man was released, and his daughter rushed up to her father, sobbing in his arms. The man, still panting from the near-death situation, looked upon the person who just saved them. "Oh thank you sir. You saved me. How can I ever repay you for what you have done?" The person just replied. "Don't worry bout it. Anyway, I detest people like them so there's no need to repay me. I find it suitable to put out these types of scum." And with that, the man spat on the unconscious person to show his disgust. However, he glared slightly at the two. "Though I must say you should watch how you deal with your money the next time you go out. I won't be here the next time to save you." And with that, he was about to enter the forest again, when the girl suddenly stopped him. "Sir, may I please ask you what your name is? I know that Shoun man asked you before, but please just for my sake to know a great man, what is your name sir?" He stopped a few feet away, looked back from his shoulder and smiled. "Don't worry about it. I'm just a wandering Rurouni that just happened to be at the right place at the right time. But if you insist a name, just call me Yahiko." Again, he went off, to continue his journey to who knows where.
After leaving the house's clearing, he winced and a bit at his hand, which was partially burned by the gun powder. "Damn, this hurts really badly. I'm so grateful I wasn't that Shoun man back there." It gave him the shivers thinking of how much that would hurt. "Oooooohh, that's not a pretty feeling....I better get out of here before I can't get rid of it. This forest is creepy anyway" So then he sprinted off into the depths of forest.............with an annoying small hand wound gnawing on his brain.
Later that day in Osaka, Japan.
The new Akabeko restaurant was looking good for Tsubame. Just a few months ago, at the old Akabeko restaurant she worked at since she was 10, Miss Tae thought it was a good idea that Tsubame should go off and start her own business. After all, Tsubame couldn't rely on others forever. Tsubame was actually thinking of the same thing, making things easier on both sides. So, Miss Tae gave her a suitable amount of Yen to start out her own business, and Tsubame moved to Osaka and built a brand new Akabeko's. Business was going well for everyone now. Tsubame hired high-quality waitresses and workers, and customers loved the delicatessen prepared. For such a young age, Tsubame was striving. Not to mention, she was extravagantly beautiful. The restaurant wasn't just her place to work now, but it was her home as well, complete with 2 bedrooms, 1 for her, and the other for guests. So far, she hadn't used them at all. It's trivial why she even asked to construct 2 bedrooms.
"Well I guess its time to close once again," thought Tsubame as she saw the last of her employees going home. Then she remembered something, and a smile crawled up her face.
"Hmm, it feels like almost yesterday in those days when after I was done working at Akabeko's, Yahiko would usually wait for me and walk me home. It was really sweet of him to do that," she sighed. "I wonder where little Yahiko is? Oops!" Tsuabame said covering her mouth in embarrassment. It was an instinct by now-she forgets to not mention Yahiko, but she forgot Yahiko wasn't there. "Well better close up right now.oh my I forgot.....I need to go and buy some ingredients and supplies for tomorrow. I hope some of the markets aren't already closed." So she rushed off, locking the restaurants doors and made a bee line towards the market district, hoping some shops were still open.
Meanwhile
Yahiko crawled through Osaka, trudging block to block, looking for a place to eat. "Man I'm soooooooooo hungry.must have food!!" As he crawled on, he saw a cat strolling through the town as it would in the night time. However, with the situation in hand, Yahiko was desperate, and his eyes were starting to play games with his mind, making the cat look like a walking piece of fish. His eyes bulged out, finally spotting some food. "FISH!!!!! Come here fishy!!" With that he leaped towards the fish/cat, but the cat was well aware of the "predator" and pounced forward and left Yahiko a pretty nasty pair of scratches on his cheek. "Oww!!! Since when did fish have claws??" His eyes then refocused and saw an angry cat running away. "Oh crap, what the hell was I thinking?" To make matters worst, it seemed people around him were looking at him like some crazed hungry psycho. Yahiko took noticed of this, made a BIG sweatdrop, and scratched pathetically the back of his head. "eheh...eheh...eheh." The people then just left saying "weirdo.......cat- eater.........crazy man......baka...." Yahiko drooped his head down. "Oh man oh man, some first impression here. I gotta find a restaurant, or I'm gonna die of starvation." So Yahiko got up and turned to a corner. Then a name caught his eye. "What's the name of this restaurant? Hope it's open! Hm.it says........the AKABEKO???!! Since when was the Akabeko in Osaka?? Maybe someone familiar is there, heck maybe Tsubame is there. That would be nice." Mentioning Tsubame instinctively made Yahiko just smile out of nowhere. It was like just the ring of that name was defining a good memory or a good time. And true enough, his memories with Tsubame were good ones indeed. "Now that I mention her, I'm starting to miss her again. I wonder if she's here." So Yahiko went up to door, and knocked on the door. "Hey is someone there!! Hello? Anyone???" Then all of a sudden, *WHAMMO*, all Yahiko saw was pitch black and he was out.
Tsubame threw away the slightly cracked rock that she just used to knock out the burglar who was about to rob her restaurant. "Oh dear, maybe I should have used a stick instead.....but still I'm not gonna let anyone steal from my restaurant!!!" She couldn't help but ponder who the burglar was. So, Tsubame knelt down beside the person and turned him over. "So let's see who you would..........YAHIKO!!!! Oh my God!! What did I do!!!" Without a second thought, she went dragging the twirled-eyed unconscious wanderer into her home/restaurant.
5 Minutes later.....
Yahiko struggled to open his eyes, being in a dazed state, and he saw Tsubame. "Wow I must be dreaming. All of a sudden I'm seeing Tsubame. Yep, I'm definitely dreaming alright. That's gotta be it." Tsubame blushed slightly but said meekly, "Umm......Yahiko, this isn't a dream...."
"Well am I dead?"
"Nope can't say that you are."
"Am I being delusional again?"
"Since when have you been delusional?"
"I care not to share.." (Yahiko sweat-drops again)
"Well I think I have you stuck now. This is reality."
"Yup. You sure got me alright."
About a minute of silence passed between the two of them, who just seemed to be lost within each others eyes, as if they were confirming to themselves that this was real, and it seem their very souls were exchanging greetings.
"Hey Tsubame..."
"Hey Yahiko....."
"Been a long time, hasn't it?"
".......yea, it has" she said shyly
"I was starting to miss you, you know, wondering where you were."
Tsubame only smiled brightly. "I was....." she started to twiddle with her fingers in embarrassment "sorta...thinking...... the same thing"
Yahiko finally returned his own bright shinny smile. "That's very kind of you."
"Yea...." by now her cheeks were flushed, and she was hiding her lower face behind a plate
"Hey also Tsubame, thanks for dragging me out of that mess back there. Some punk knocked me out for some reason. I hope I didn't lose any money or anything. Well, even though it was much" Yahiko then checked his small travel bag, seeing if any yen were missing.
Tsubame again covered her mouth, which didn't help her embarrassment.
"Oh LittleYahiko," shining brightly trying to change the subject, " don't worry about it. This section of the neighborhood is pretty safe."
However, Tsubame didn't pick her words right THIS time.
"I thought we thought to stop the "little" stuff!!!!"
Tsubame meekly replied from embarrassment, "....oops I'm sorry lit.....I mean Yahiko"
Yahiko was somewhat relieved, but he had to admit, he actually almost missed being called little Yahiko. But Tsubame was the only exception to say it.
"Hehe, don't worry about it. Anyways it's almost like going through da-ja-vou hearing it anymore, but it seems we're not the little kids we were 8 years ago."
Tsubame definitely agreed.
Yahiko also agreed with his own thoughts
Yahiko decided he needed to change the subject fast before things got a bit too "mushy".
"So Tsubame, did you make this new restaurant or something?"
"Yes, actually, Tae-chan gave me part of her savings to me to go off on my own to start my own business, you know, to get acquainted with the world. So far, business is thriving, and now this new Akabeko is my home. It's comfy, and plus I always felt like the restaurant was like home, and Tae-chan was almost like a second mother to me." "Oh yeah? She always had a parental personality towards you and the rest of us. Maybe that's why she allowed Sano to eat without paying, even when he calls says he's gonna pay her back." The two couldn't help but laugh at that.
"Well, though, I'm glad everything is going good for you, Tsubame. I'm happy for you."
Tsubame giggled. "Why thank you, little Yahiko."
Yahiko was now trying to hide his annoyance, after hearing yet another little, with a smile, which he was faking really badly, with a twitching eyebrow.
"Don't .......mention....it....." his mind screamed, though it was hard to stay annoyed with a girl who seemed to be so happy (and embarrassed as well). Then Yahiko's stomach growled like no other stomach had ever dared. "Oh my! Have you been eating lately Yahiko?" "Can't say I have." "Here, wait here for a few seconds" And before he knew it, Tsubame was up cooking some eggs, pork, rice, and fried fish, and rolling up some rolls of sushi. Then, she presented the tray of food to Yahiko, who was by now drooling at the sheer observance of food.
"Here you go Yahiko. Eat up. I wouldn't want you to starve to death."
"Arigato Tsubame-chan. Itadakashima!!!!!" (Way of saying "Let's Eat") Within 30 seconds, all the food was licked clean from the plate.
"Wow, that was great Tsubame. I never knew you had become quite the cook."
"Well, it comes with the business. Glad to hear it was splendid."
"Yup. Well Tsubame-chan, I wouldn't want to cause you anymore trouble tonight. I mean, I dragged you to help me out and to practically feed me. I'm deeply grateful for your hospitality."
"Oh think nothing of it Yahiko-kun." said Tsubame brightly.
"Hehe, alright Tsubame-chan. I'm gonna be off now......"
Tsubame then asked, "Where you going to go?"
Yahiko just tried to put together his thoughts. "Well I've become a rurouni now, wandering seems to be my style; it feels exciting to visit some place new everyday. So, I got no real place to go........ anyway, I better get going." Then, a small voice was screaming inside of her , and, for some reason, she leapt forward and grabbed any part of his clothing she could find. However, by chance, she grabbed something on the left side on his waist. There was something hidden under his coat he was wearing over his Kimono. It was long and thin. Like a.
Curiosity got the best of her. "Yahiko-kun, what are you doing with a sword sheath? I thought it was illegal to carry swords."
Yahiko stop dead on his tracks. "Oh..............you mean this?"
He lifted the coat and there was a black sword sheath.
"It's the sword that Sir Kenshin had and gave to me, after he gave up the way of the sword completely. It was like a coming of age present."
"You mean it's THE reverse blade sword? Sir Kenshin's?"
"You got it."
"Oh my!"
"Yea you could say that.......though I haven't reached the full potential of the sword yet, like Kenshin did."
"Don't worry Yahiko. I'm sure you'll soon be like Sir Kenshin. I have no doubt."
"Yea. I know too. That's also another reason why I wonder off. It gives me time as a wanderer to adapt, live, and comprehend new environments, so I can be suitable in any condition. That's how I've been training so far."
"It must be rough but........Yahiko.....you know.......you don't.....have to go" Tsubame was stumbling terribly at this point. Yahiko only blinked. "What are you saying Tsubame?"
"I'm saying that maybe you should take a break from wandering around. It's sure to be exhausting and..." then she slightly frowned, "I can tell you haven't been eating right. At least I can set you up on a good food routine before you set out. If you keep on going like that, you'll die from lack of nutrition. So........"
"you were thinking I can stay at your place, you're saying, ne?" finished Yahiko with a slight grin.
Tsubame was twiddling with her thumbs again. "Um.....yes....."
Then, in that next moment, she was in the arms of a handsome Yahiko, giving her an affectionate hug.
"Thank you so much for being such a kind person to me. You are such a nice and gentle girl, and I would be honored to be a guest in your home. Thank you Tsubame-chan."
Tsubame was going beet red as her cheeks were flushing, but she unfalteringly returned the hug with just as much affection. "You're quite welcome. From now on, little Yahiko, this is your home until you leave." That sentence left Yahiko at ease. It really did feel like home. The last time he felt like this was when he was first living with Ms. Kaoru and Kenshin. Tsubame really had to do something at that moment. She was too embarrassed to go on, so she released herself reluctantly from Yahiko and slowly looked down at the ground. "Well I really got to go to bed. There's a spare bedroom to the right. Alright? Goodnight." And in a flash she was already up the stairs and in her room with her heart beating frantically. She slid her back down the door, feeling her heart beat faster. "Oh my God, he's here. I finally get to see him again. But why does it feel so wonderful to see him? Why does my heart beat so fast when I get so close with him."
Yahiko was still downstairs, wondering just what happened. One second she was in his arms and the next, she was up in her room. Then he remembered that one "Home line". She called him Little......AGAIN.
"FOR THE 100th time, Don't call me LITTLE!!!!!" And the two friends were reunited, once again ^_^
So How do you Like it? PLEASE GIVE FEEDBACK. Just give the word on how it is. Hopefully I'll be able to add more chapters soon, so please no worries. Also THANK YOU kitsune-chan for editing, since i only have stinking Wordpad. LOL. Please review people!!!
Yahiko: The New Rurouni in Town
Chapter 1: Reunions and Readjustments
It is said fate has control of all aspects of reality in the universe. Such control is so immense, that people deny that fate ever has effect on their own petty lives. People have a tendency to think they are in charge of themselves, and they tend not to consider the possibility that the paths they choose are due to fate. For a Rurouni, his life is made up of paths, taking the road here and there. Let's take, for example, a man by the name of Himura Kenshin. A past assassin for the imperialist government, who turns rurouni one day, to find himself upon an attractive Kamiya Kaoru, who also happened to be the Kamiya dojo's assistant manager. Not the typical boy-meets-girl situation, however, fate isn't demanding. And yes, fate brought the two to fall in love. What with setting up Miss Kaoru being kidnapped (who knows how many times), and leaving it to Kenshin to be Mr. Hero and save the day. He's the perfect hero figure. Presently, the two are happily married with a child called Kenji. However, fate is growing restless now that it has lost another mortal to play with. Now it has found a new target. After 10 years of searching, it has found the perfect target- Myoujin Yahiko, who just happened to be in the background of fate's previous target. This is the new victim's story.........
Somewhere off in the woods of Japan, an isolated wooden house was being raided by some roaming thieves that had some "business" to take care of with the owner of the house.
"Come on old man!! Fork over the money right now!" yelled one of the henchmen at a 45 year old man, who was helpless in a tight neck grip.
"Yeah times up! It's been a month now since you came to debt from gambling with us and we haven't heard didly squat from you." said another thief.
The man could only mumble from the tight grip. "I told you already, I only have 20 yen right now. This is it!!!"
This only made his intruders only angrier, and the thief expressed this through tightening his grip. "You liar!! I don't believe you one bit!"
However, at the corner of the house was a black haired, blue-eyed, 17 year old girl, who was the victim's daughter. "Please sir, he is telling the truth! Harvest isn't good this season, and we can't sell many crops now. I beg of you, let my father go and please give us time until the season turns to our favor." The girl was about to burst into tears from the sight she had been witnessing.
The man holding the father smirked and took a look at the daughter. "Hmm....well, money has its advantages, but your daughter seems really nice.......Shuon?"
The man's assistant, known as Shuon, understood what the other was saying. "I got ya boss." Then he started to approach the girl, closing in on her in the corner. "Hehe, this will be fun," Shuon said, licking the top of his lips. The girl was now completely terrified about what the man had in mind to do with her. "Oh no, please no. No....." she squealed.
The father took note of this, and even though he was being strangled, he said, "Please stop that. Don't touch my daughter. If you need to kill someone, kill me! She had nothing to do with it. I was the one that got in debt. Not her." The boss only smirked again. "How noble you are, but I prefer this change of arrangements, no?"
Shuon was just about to lay his fingers on the girl. "Now just be quiet and relax. This wont hurt a bit." The girl was now scared, and she thinking there was no chance for escape. Then all of a sudden, Shuon realized that for some odd reason, there was a blade up against his neck, ready to decapitate his head with the slightest gesture.
The mysterious wanderer holding the threatening sword whispered, "Liar." the young man sneered. "If you say that it won't hurt a bit, I might as well slice your throat, spill all your blood until you bleed to death and say 'that it won't hurt a bit'." Shuon turned to the man with angry eyes. "Who the hell are you?"
The man behind him smiled. He was about tall 5ft 10, with extremely long black spiked hair, a purple/red kimono, and had a pair of black/brown eyes which happened to be full of malice. "That is of no concern of yours. However, my concern is that you leave these people alone. How low can you get to rape a man's daughter? I should just kill you now."
Then the boss, who was deeply disturbed with this intruder, reached for his pocket and pulled out a pistol (you know, those hand-gun powder pistols) "I think I should just kill you!!" However the man suddenly disappeared right before his eyes! The boss pulled the trigger and accidentally shot and killed his associate. The girl screamed in panic instantly.
"No, Shuon!!" cried the boss, looking upon the horror he had just committed. "Alright that guy's dead!!!" The father then tried to take this chance to break free himself from the boss's grip, but his attempts were still futile. "No, I can't let you go now. I need to someone kill. Hmm maybe I should kill you! I would feel better, yes." and he pointed the pistol at point blank range at the father's head. "Say your prayers old man....."
The daughter couldn't bear to look and covered her face, and the father didn't know what to do. Then the mysterious man appeared from behind and knocked the man out with the side of his sword with lightning speed. He collapsed from the immense impact. The man was released, and his daughter rushed up to her father, sobbing in his arms. The man, still panting from the near-death situation, looked upon the person who just saved them. "Oh thank you sir. You saved me. How can I ever repay you for what you have done?" The person just replied. "Don't worry bout it. Anyway, I detest people like them so there's no need to repay me. I find it suitable to put out these types of scum." And with that, the man spat on the unconscious person to show his disgust. However, he glared slightly at the two. "Though I must say you should watch how you deal with your money the next time you go out. I won't be here the next time to save you." And with that, he was about to enter the forest again, when the girl suddenly stopped him. "Sir, may I please ask you what your name is? I know that Shoun man asked you before, but please just for my sake to know a great man, what is your name sir?" He stopped a few feet away, looked back from his shoulder and smiled. "Don't worry about it. I'm just a wandering Rurouni that just happened to be at the right place at the right time. But if you insist a name, just call me Yahiko." Again, he went off, to continue his journey to who knows where.
After leaving the house's clearing, he winced and a bit at his hand, which was partially burned by the gun powder. "Damn, this hurts really badly. I'm so grateful I wasn't that Shoun man back there." It gave him the shivers thinking of how much that would hurt. "Oooooohh, that's not a pretty feeling....I better get out of here before I can't get rid of it. This forest is creepy anyway" So then he sprinted off into the depths of forest.............with an annoying small hand wound gnawing on his brain.
Later that day in Osaka, Japan.
The new Akabeko restaurant was looking good for Tsubame. Just a few months ago, at the old Akabeko restaurant she worked at since she was 10, Miss Tae thought it was a good idea that Tsubame should go off and start her own business. After all, Tsubame couldn't rely on others forever. Tsubame was actually thinking of the same thing, making things easier on both sides. So, Miss Tae gave her a suitable amount of Yen to start out her own business, and Tsubame moved to Osaka and built a brand new Akabeko's. Business was going well for everyone now. Tsubame hired high-quality waitresses and workers, and customers loved the delicatessen prepared. For such a young age, Tsubame was striving. Not to mention, she was extravagantly beautiful. The restaurant wasn't just her place to work now, but it was her home as well, complete with 2 bedrooms, 1 for her, and the other for guests. So far, she hadn't used them at all. It's trivial why she even asked to construct 2 bedrooms.
"Well I guess its time to close once again," thought Tsubame as she saw the last of her employees going home. Then she remembered something, and a smile crawled up her face.
"Hmm, it feels like almost yesterday in those days when after I was done working at Akabeko's, Yahiko would usually wait for me and walk me home. It was really sweet of him to do that," she sighed. "I wonder where little Yahiko is? Oops!" Tsuabame said covering her mouth in embarrassment. It was an instinct by now-she forgets to not mention Yahiko, but she forgot Yahiko wasn't there. "Well better close up right now.oh my I forgot.....I need to go and buy some ingredients and supplies for tomorrow. I hope some of the markets aren't already closed." So she rushed off, locking the restaurants doors and made a bee line towards the market district, hoping some shops were still open.
Meanwhile
Yahiko crawled through Osaka, trudging block to block, looking for a place to eat. "Man I'm soooooooooo hungry.must have food!!" As he crawled on, he saw a cat strolling through the town as it would in the night time. However, with the situation in hand, Yahiko was desperate, and his eyes were starting to play games with his mind, making the cat look like a walking piece of fish. His eyes bulged out, finally spotting some food. "FISH!!!!! Come here fishy!!" With that he leaped towards the fish/cat, but the cat was well aware of the "predator" and pounced forward and left Yahiko a pretty nasty pair of scratches on his cheek. "Oww!!! Since when did fish have claws??" His eyes then refocused and saw an angry cat running away. "Oh crap, what the hell was I thinking?" To make matters worst, it seemed people around him were looking at him like some crazed hungry psycho. Yahiko took noticed of this, made a BIG sweatdrop, and scratched pathetically the back of his head. "eheh...eheh...eheh." The people then just left saying "weirdo.......cat- eater.........crazy man......baka...." Yahiko drooped his head down. "Oh man oh man, some first impression here. I gotta find a restaurant, or I'm gonna die of starvation." So Yahiko got up and turned to a corner. Then a name caught his eye. "What's the name of this restaurant? Hope it's open! Hm.it says........the AKABEKO???!! Since when was the Akabeko in Osaka?? Maybe someone familiar is there, heck maybe Tsubame is there. That would be nice." Mentioning Tsubame instinctively made Yahiko just smile out of nowhere. It was like just the ring of that name was defining a good memory or a good time. And true enough, his memories with Tsubame were good ones indeed. "Now that I mention her, I'm starting to miss her again. I wonder if she's here." So Yahiko went up to door, and knocked on the door. "Hey is someone there!! Hello? Anyone???" Then all of a sudden, *WHAMMO*, all Yahiko saw was pitch black and he was out.
Tsubame threw away the slightly cracked rock that she just used to knock out the burglar who was about to rob her restaurant. "Oh dear, maybe I should have used a stick instead.....but still I'm not gonna let anyone steal from my restaurant!!!" She couldn't help but ponder who the burglar was. So, Tsubame knelt down beside the person and turned him over. "So let's see who you would..........YAHIKO!!!! Oh my God!! What did I do!!!" Without a second thought, she went dragging the twirled-eyed unconscious wanderer into her home/restaurant.
5 Minutes later.....
Yahiko struggled to open his eyes, being in a dazed state, and he saw Tsubame. "Wow I must be dreaming. All of a sudden I'm seeing Tsubame. Yep, I'm definitely dreaming alright. That's gotta be it." Tsubame blushed slightly but said meekly, "Umm......Yahiko, this isn't a dream...."
"Well am I dead?"
"Nope can't say that you are."
"Am I being delusional again?"
"Since when have you been delusional?"
"I care not to share.." (Yahiko sweat-drops again)
"Well I think I have you stuck now. This is reality."
"Yup. You sure got me alright."
About a minute of silence passed between the two of them, who just seemed to be lost within each others eyes, as if they were confirming to themselves that this was real, and it seem their very souls were exchanging greetings.
"Hey Tsubame..."
"Hey Yahiko....."
"Been a long time, hasn't it?"
".......yea, it has" she said shyly
"I was starting to miss you, you know, wondering where you were."
Tsubame only smiled brightly. "I was....." she started to twiddle with her fingers in embarrassment "sorta...thinking...... the same thing"
Yahiko finally returned his own bright shinny smile. "That's very kind of you."
"Yea...." by now her cheeks were flushed, and she was hiding her lower face behind a plate
"Hey also Tsubame, thanks for dragging me out of that mess back there. Some punk knocked me out for some reason. I hope I didn't lose any money or anything. Well, even though it was much" Yahiko then checked his small travel bag, seeing if any yen were missing.
Tsubame again covered her mouth, which didn't help her embarrassment.
"Oh LittleYahiko," shining brightly trying to change the subject, " don't worry about it. This section of the neighborhood is pretty safe."
However, Tsubame didn't pick her words right THIS time.
"I thought we thought to stop the "little" stuff!!!!"
Tsubame meekly replied from embarrassment, "....oops I'm sorry lit.....I mean Yahiko"
Yahiko was somewhat relieved, but he had to admit, he actually almost missed being called little Yahiko. But Tsubame was the only exception to say it.
"Hehe, don't worry about it. Anyways it's almost like going through da-ja-vou hearing it anymore, but it seems we're not the little kids we were 8 years ago."
Tsubame definitely agreed.
Yahiko also agreed with his own thoughts
Yahiko decided he needed to change the subject fast before things got a bit too "mushy".
"So Tsubame, did you make this new restaurant or something?"
"Yes, actually, Tae-chan gave me part of her savings to me to go off on my own to start my own business, you know, to get acquainted with the world. So far, business is thriving, and now this new Akabeko is my home. It's comfy, and plus I always felt like the restaurant was like home, and Tae-chan was almost like a second mother to me." "Oh yeah? She always had a parental personality towards you and the rest of us. Maybe that's why she allowed Sano to eat without paying, even when he calls says he's gonna pay her back." The two couldn't help but laugh at that.
"Well, though, I'm glad everything is going good for you, Tsubame. I'm happy for you."
Tsubame giggled. "Why thank you, little Yahiko."
Yahiko was now trying to hide his annoyance, after hearing yet another little, with a smile, which he was faking really badly, with a twitching eyebrow.
"Don't .......mention....it....." his mind screamed, though it was hard to stay annoyed with a girl who seemed to be so happy (and embarrassed as well). Then Yahiko's stomach growled like no other stomach had ever dared. "Oh my! Have you been eating lately Yahiko?" "Can't say I have." "Here, wait here for a few seconds" And before he knew it, Tsubame was up cooking some eggs, pork, rice, and fried fish, and rolling up some rolls of sushi. Then, she presented the tray of food to Yahiko, who was by now drooling at the sheer observance of food.
"Here you go Yahiko. Eat up. I wouldn't want you to starve to death."
"Arigato Tsubame-chan. Itadakashima!!!!!" (Way of saying "Let's Eat") Within 30 seconds, all the food was licked clean from the plate.
"Wow, that was great Tsubame. I never knew you had become quite the cook."
"Well, it comes with the business. Glad to hear it was splendid."
"Yup. Well Tsubame-chan, I wouldn't want to cause you anymore trouble tonight. I mean, I dragged you to help me out and to practically feed me. I'm deeply grateful for your hospitality."
"Oh think nothing of it Yahiko-kun." said Tsubame brightly.
"Hehe, alright Tsubame-chan. I'm gonna be off now......"
Tsubame then asked, "Where you going to go?"
Yahiko just tried to put together his thoughts. "Well I've become a rurouni now, wandering seems to be my style; it feels exciting to visit some place new everyday. So, I got no real place to go........ anyway, I better get going." Then, a small voice was screaming inside of her , and, for some reason, she leapt forward and grabbed any part of his clothing she could find. However, by chance, she grabbed something on the left side on his waist. There was something hidden under his coat he was wearing over his Kimono. It was long and thin. Like a.
Curiosity got the best of her. "Yahiko-kun, what are you doing with a sword sheath? I thought it was illegal to carry swords."
Yahiko stop dead on his tracks. "Oh..............you mean this?"
He lifted the coat and there was a black sword sheath.
"It's the sword that Sir Kenshin had and gave to me, after he gave up the way of the sword completely. It was like a coming of age present."
"You mean it's THE reverse blade sword? Sir Kenshin's?"
"You got it."
"Oh my!"
"Yea you could say that.......though I haven't reached the full potential of the sword yet, like Kenshin did."
"Don't worry Yahiko. I'm sure you'll soon be like Sir Kenshin. I have no doubt."
"Yea. I know too. That's also another reason why I wonder off. It gives me time as a wanderer to adapt, live, and comprehend new environments, so I can be suitable in any condition. That's how I've been training so far."
"It must be rough but........Yahiko.....you know.......you don't.....have to go" Tsubame was stumbling terribly at this point. Yahiko only blinked. "What are you saying Tsubame?"
"I'm saying that maybe you should take a break from wandering around. It's sure to be exhausting and..." then she slightly frowned, "I can tell you haven't been eating right. At least I can set you up on a good food routine before you set out. If you keep on going like that, you'll die from lack of nutrition. So........"
"you were thinking I can stay at your place, you're saying, ne?" finished Yahiko with a slight grin.
Tsubame was twiddling with her thumbs again. "Um.....yes....."
Then, in that next moment, she was in the arms of a handsome Yahiko, giving her an affectionate hug.
"Thank you so much for being such a kind person to me. You are such a nice and gentle girl, and I would be honored to be a guest in your home. Thank you Tsubame-chan."
Tsubame was going beet red as her cheeks were flushing, but she unfalteringly returned the hug with just as much affection. "You're quite welcome. From now on, little Yahiko, this is your home until you leave." That sentence left Yahiko at ease. It really did feel like home. The last time he felt like this was when he was first living with Ms. Kaoru and Kenshin. Tsubame really had to do something at that moment. She was too embarrassed to go on, so she released herself reluctantly from Yahiko and slowly looked down at the ground. "Well I really got to go to bed. There's a spare bedroom to the right. Alright? Goodnight." And in a flash she was already up the stairs and in her room with her heart beating frantically. She slid her back down the door, feeling her heart beat faster. "Oh my God, he's here. I finally get to see him again. But why does it feel so wonderful to see him? Why does my heart beat so fast when I get so close with him."
Yahiko was still downstairs, wondering just what happened. One second she was in his arms and the next, she was up in her room. Then he remembered that one "Home line". She called him Little......AGAIN.
"FOR THE 100th time, Don't call me LITTLE!!!!!" And the two friends were reunited, once again ^_^
So How do you Like it? PLEASE GIVE FEEDBACK. Just give the word on how it is. Hopefully I'll be able to add more chapters soon, so please no worries. Also THANK YOU kitsune-chan for editing, since i only have stinking Wordpad. LOL. Please review people!!!