Aurora Whisperwind: Okay, so I decided to write another OC fic. And the mother of all Mary-sue origins too. But I promise you, I am NOT going to tread that path. The plot, at least the starting is pretty usual. And I promise that I will try and make a decent fic out of this. A lot of research went into it, but if there is still any historical mistakes, please tell me. Thanks!
Disclaimer: I do not own Peacemaker Kurogane or any of its characters. Though hardly any of them are mentioned.
It is the spring of the year 1863
The cherry blossoms are in full bloom. My room is a mess, clothes and belongings strewn about everywhere. The letter from my step-sister Nami informing me about the naming ceremony my new-born niece Sayuri, after me, is still on the desk awaiting my reply. It's been almost a month since my brother Hikaru died. My world was shattered then, and only painful memories remain now. But I do not think of them now. I think of the offer from my uncle, Kondou Isami now. An offer to live with him. I am only a fifteen year old girl, and my sister has a family of her own. I would be a burden to her, considering she already has so many things to attend to and three young children to care for within the four short years of her wedding.
Uncle Kondou hasn't written to me since I was a child, though he kept regular contact with my brother. Since uncle founded his Mibu Roushi Gumi along with his partner Hijikata Toshizou, my brother had wanted to join. And all of uncle's letters about an extremely talented student he had, a prodigy, in fact, spurred him even more. And he insisted on me training with him. Now that he's gone…. I hope uncle will let me join. I'm not a very good swordswoman or anything; not as good as my brother but I can atleast defend myself. I make up my mind, scribble off a reply to Nami-san, pack my clothes and other belongings and then prepare to leave.
I stare at myself in the mirror. I'm wearing my brother's Gi, and as I'm so flat-chested anyway, I don't have to bind myself much. I tie my brown hair up in a short ponytail, as it's not very long. I look like any other young boy now, and not much effort went into it. I'm not like Nami-san, whose beauty can take anyone's breath away. I do not have her dark hair, long and straight, or her mesmerizing eyes. A true Geisha's eyes. That's why my father guarded her with all he had, partly because of his over-whelming love for her mother, who died suddenly and unexpectedly. It was after a few more years that he married my mother. I do not know my parents, just accounts of what other people have given me, as my they were murdered shortly after my birth. No one ever told me why. Nami-san and Hikaru-san recollect my mother vividly; she was soft-hearted and kind. She treated Nami-san with more affection than a birth mother would. In fact, Nami-san's first child, my oldest niece, was named after my mother. Nyoko. A true gem among women, Nami-san said.
On impulse, I open my pack and take out one of my mother's most treasured belongings, a wooden pendant which she wanted me to have. The carving is exquisite; it is that of a lily in full bloom. I never wore it, just kept it aside where it gathered dust. My mother's legacy. A wonderful woman whom I had never known. Tears fill my eyes as I remember Hikaru-san's last words-'Remember Sayuri. Remember our mother. When you feel lost or alone, look for her and she will be there. Try and be like her, loving and loved by all, pure and honored, a true samurai woman. Be proud of who you are, and your family'. It was god speaking, I know, as Hikaru-san had been delirious for many days until then. But that night, he spoke to me with coherency that could only have been granted by a divine hand. 'I promise' I whisper into the empty room, shutting the door and wiping my tears away, and suddenly over come with reverence, put the pendant around my neck.
I say good bye to my kind neighbors who have been almost family since my Hikaru-san's passing. I get their blessings and leave. Pushing a stray strand of hair off my face, I strap my brother's Katana to my side. I had never held a real sword before; all I had ever used was a shinai. A sword is much heavier and hard to control, I discover. So if I ever get into a real fight now, I'd probably die. It is mid-morning now. Walking along, I suddenly realize that I don't want to go. The sun, familiar birds calling to each other, the cherry blossom trees beckoning, these sights and sounds are what I'm all about. I've lived all my life here and I don't know if I ever will be able to go back. But Hikaru-san…. I bite my lower lip; I can't back out because of fear now. But as I turn around and leave, I pray to god to leave this village be, to know that there is some safe haven for me, a place to run to when thing get complicated, always waiting….
To Kyoto, the imperial city, as beautiful by day as it is dangerous by night.
Mmmm…. I tried to portray an ordinary Samurai girl, neither good nor bad with the sword. Please give me your opinions! They will be very much appreciated!