Well this is my second Fanfic but my first in the anime/manga genre. I hope you enjoy it! I do try to follow the story line quite closely for most of the story! I take my dialogue from the Japanese Sub version hence the 'kun', 'san' and 'chan'. I try to stay true to the story. For my My Life, My Way reader, I do intend to finish it! I'm just a little stumped! As for this to story read an enjoy!
Ishikawa Kaiya sighed in relief as a town came into view, this had to be Kyoto. Two weeks ago Kaiya had left her home to come here in search of her younger cousin. Now after her long journey, her feet were crying for some relief but she was happy that she'd finally made it. By early evening Kaiya was strolling through the busy streets of Kyoto, wondering what she should do next. She didn't know where her cousin was staying or if he was even still alive. Her cousin was a warrior, a samurai and lived a very dangerous life, the last thing she had heard of him was that he had gone to Kyoto with a group of men. Originally she had travelled to the dojo where he had grown up but was turned away due to him no longer being there. The man she had talked too told her to go to Kyoto, so off she went hoping to find him there. The only other useful tidbit of information that she had gained from that man was that he was a part of a new organization called the Roshigumi.
Kaiya looked around; she was now at the market, probably one of the better places to start looking for more information. So she walked up to the nearest booth and started the hunt for more information. Most people regarded her with a cautious glance when she said the name Roshigumi, almost as if just hearing the name might curse them or incur their wrath. Most people would just tell her that they were a dangerous bunch and that if she was wise, she'd stay as far away from them as possible. One of the few useful things she did find out was that they regularly patrolled the city clothed in blue and white haori's. So she figured the best way to find her cousin was to ask one of the patrols.
The sun was beginning to set as Kaiya started her search for a patrol and she was beginning to worry she might have wait until tomorrow. Fortunately, as she was just about to give up her search, a group of men in blue and white haori's turned down the street she was presently walking down. Kaiya approached the man who appeared to be guiding the group and bowed politely.
"Excuse me, are you the Roshigumi?" she asked the man before her. When she looked up into his face, she was struck with how handsome he was despite the stoic expression he wore. His long hair was pulled over his right shoulder tied in a loose ponytail and his long bangs nearly covered his right half of his face. Underneath those long bangs was a pair of eyes with the most striking colour of blue she had ever seen.
"Yes, is there something you require?" He asked regarding her suspiciously.
"I'm looking for my cousin; I'm told he was recruited into the Roshigumi. I have an important letter to deliver to him!" She held her breath desperately hoping this man could or would help her.
"What is his name? Maybe I can deliver it for you." The man said as he continued to scrutinize her.
"I'm sorry but it was his sisters dying wish that I deliver it directly into his hands. His name is Okita Souji." The man squinted slightly as he studied her face more closely.
"I have never heard Souji, make mention of a cousin." He said crossing his arms.
"You know him!" Kaiya exclaimed excitedly. "He may not know of me. I am a cousin from his mother's side. Please just let me see him or have him come to see me and let him be the judge if I am to be believed or not." Please, she thought to herself.
He studied her a moment longer. "Alright, we are on our way back to our headquarters; you can accompany us. I am Saitou Hajime and you are?"
Kaiya bowed again politely, "I am Ishikawa Kaiya."
"Ishikawa-san, I shall warn you now; the Roshigumi do not like liars." Obviously he didn't trust her, what kind of people do these guys deal with to be so suspicious.
"Well then I have nothing to worry about as I am not lying. Thank you for the warning though Saitou-san." He nodded and stepped around her and continued down their intended path.
It was dark by the time they had reached the Roshigumi headquarters, which was situated in a large mansion surrounded by a beautifully tended yard. Upon passing through the gates Saitou turned to one of his men and asked him to request Okita to meet them in the meeting room then turned to her and instructed her to follow him. He led her to the entrance of the meeting room, sliding the door open and motioning her to go in. Stepping in behind her, he closed the door leaving them in total darkness; she heard his steps as he walked further into the room. She turned her head when she heard him strike a match and saw him standing next to a lamp, as he lit it.
"Sit where ever you like, Souji should be here momentarily." He said as walked up to another lamp and lit it as well.
Kaiya took a seat in the approximate centre of the room, while Saitou sat along the wall in front of her. Saitou placed his hand in his lap as he bowed his head a little and closed his eyes. Kaiya looked at him curiously, what a strange thing to do when you are so distrusting of someone! She thought. They sat as such her studying him, and him doing…whatever he was doing, for several long minutes until finally the door from which they had entered slid open once again.
"Oi, Hajime-kun what's the big deal. I was about to go have some fun with the Heisuke and Sano-san."
"I'm sorry it's my fault." Kaiya said as she stood up and bowed politely.
Okita stepped into the room and closed the door. "And you are?" he asked with a smile.
"I am Ishikawa Kaiya, your cousin."
"My cousin?" Okita crossed his arms and looked at her again more carefully.
"Is she lying?" Saitou asked from where he remained seated on the ground.
"Ishikawa you say?" Okita said starting to frown and scratching his head.
"Yes," Kaiya said patiently "from your mother's side. My father was your mother's elder brother."
"My mother maiden name was Ishikawa, but I don't know much about her family. You do kinda resemble her from what I can remember. I suppose I'll believe you for now. So what brings you here?" He gave her the same suspicious look that Saitou had.
"A letter." Kaiya pulled the letter she had tucked in her sleeve and handed it to him.
"A letter? You came all this way to deliver a letter?" He asked as he took it from her.
"Yes, it's from your sister? I promised her I would give it to you directly." Kaiya did her best to keep her face neutral as exhaustion was making it hard for her to contain her emotions.
Okita eyes widened in shock, "My sister? Why would she write me a letter now after all these years?"
Kaiya looked down at the ground sadly. "I'm sorry to tell you this but your sister has passed on…"
Okita remained silent for a time turning the letter in his hands then looking up and studying the woman before him. "How did you know of this? And how did she die?"
Suddenly Saitou stood up and walked to the door. "I shall take my leave and let you discuss this further in private."
"Thanks Hajime-kun." Okita said. Saitou nodded his head and closed the door. He looked down again at the letter in his hands. Kaiya placed a gentle hand on his arm, "let's sit and I will tell you."
They both took a seat on the floor facing each other. "Okita-kun, has your sister ever tried to make contact with you since she left you at that dojo?"
He studied her face, looking for any trace that told of deceit. "No…never." Kaiya felt saddened by the bitterness she heard in his voice.
"Well month's after your father's death, my father found out and went looking for the two of you. He managed to find your sister, she was living in a small shack near to where you used to live; he took her in and raised her like another daughter. My father wanted to fetch you from that dojo too, but she didn't want to further burden my father. She thought that you would have a better life there. My father passed away about six years ago protecting us from ronin. Up until a month ago it's been just your sister and I surviving by ourselves."
"Wait how did the two of you survive by yourselves for so long?" Okita was genuinely curious.
Kaiya smiled sadly, "My father was a physician, a rather good one. Since he had no sons to pass his knowledge on to, he passed it all on to me. In our village he was very well known and respected so when he passed the villagers looked to me for their health needs and they felt sorry for us as well, so they'd repair our roof or other odd jobs to repay us for our services."
"I see, so what happened to my sister?" Okita asked once again studying her closely.
Kaiya looked down, "about a year and a half ago your sister fell ill with tuberculosis. There is no cure for it. I've heard that some have survived it, though that's extremely rare." Tears started sliding down her cheeks, "I'm sorry I did everything I could but…I failed…" Kaiya put her hands to her face and started to weep.
Okita was silent for a moment as he let her story sink in. He was fairly certain she wasn't lying, her emotions were just too real. He slid forward a bit and place his hands on her trembling shoulders.
"Hey it's not your fault, like you said it's incurable. I'm sure you did everything you could. Do you have a place to spend the night?" He asked in a soothing voice. Kaiya looked up wiping the tears from her eyes and shook her head. "Well then you can spend the night with me…I mean if you wanna trust me that is."
Okita dropped his hand, "Didn't you say to Saitou-san that you were going out with some friends. I don't want to burden you." Kaiya wiped the tears from her eyes.
Okita rubbed his head feeling a little awkward, "Don't much feel like going out now. It's the least I can do for you; I mean you must have come quite far to bring me this."
"It was no problem; I needed a change of scenery anyways." Kaiya laughed half heartedly.
"And you won't be a burden come on. In the morning I can introduce you to Kondo-san, maybe we can let you stay for a little while." Okita said with a wink.
"Oh no, I couldn't!" Kaiya exclaimed waving her hands in front of her. Okita smiled and pulled her to her feet.
"Bah! I doubt you got better places to be right now. Beside we might have some work for you to do. You said you have considerable medical knowledge right? I mean we're warriors; we get injuries all the time! I'm sure we could find a place for you." He patted her on the head then headed for the door.
Kaiya stood there shocked for a moment, and then bowed again. "Thank you Okita-kun."
"Hey we're family right! Call me Souji can I call you Kai?"
Kaiya smiled, "Yes that is just fine Souji."
"Then right this way Kai!" He smiled at her and dragged her out of the room.
The next morning Kaiya woke to find Souji sitting in the corner of the room reading the letter that she had given him. When he noticed her sitting up, he put the letter down on his lap.
"Good morning, Souji! How long have you been awake?" Kaiya asked as she stretched her arms and yawned.
Souji smiled at her, "Ah about an hour. I went to go talk to Kondou-san for you; he would really like to meet you."
"You know I didn't come here to ask for handouts. I had fully intended on returning home, I just wanted to deliver that letter to you." Kaiya looked sadly at the letter still in Souji's hands as she ran her fingers through her hair trying to get rid of the tangles. She undoubtedly looked like a mess, but he didn't seem to notice.
"I know. You're one of those open book type of people," Kaiya blushed. "You're the type that wears their heart on their sleeve for the entire world to see, consequences be damned. I'm generally not an easy person to gain trust from, I generally opt to cut people first before they get a chance to do something. But you, I don't know, there's something about you that makes me trust and believe you. This letter helps too."
"Did you read it?" Kaiya asked tilting her head to the side curiously.
"Yes. She apologized profusely for leaving me, wishing she could have at least come to see me but she couldn't and so on and so forth. You know this whole time I've been very angry with her, for leaving me. Kondou-san always told me growing up that she did what she did because she cared and she figured that my life would be better there at that dojo. Honestly I loved it there…after the first couple of years that is, but I still felt abandoned. I thought Kondou-san would just tell me those things to try and make me feel better, but now reading this letter I find out that he was right about her." He looked down at the letter a little sadly.
"Are you still mad at her?"
Souji sighed and scratched his head, "No, not anymore."
Kaiya smiled brightly as Souji stood up. "Kai, why don't ya get cleaned and get ready for breakfast. Kondou-san is probably waiting for us already."
"Thank you Souji." Kaiya said bowing her head.
"Don't thank me yet, I don't know what Kondou-san will say and besides, you also get meet with all my fellow captains as well. They kinda act like a jury, but don't worry I won't let any of them bully you!" He said with a wink.
"How many will there be?" She asked cautiously.
"Ha ha well besides me and you? Well about seven, depending if everyone's there. I'll wait outside the door." Souji stopped at the door and looked back at Kaiya.
"Don't tell anyone what I said 'kay? I have an image to keep up and the guys would tease me to no end."
Kaiya smiled and nodded. A while later Kaiya stepped out and like Souji promised, he stood by the door waiting. Souji indicated down the hall with his head "This way." Souji started down the path and called over his shoulder, "You look a lot better with that rats nest combed out of your hair."
Kaiya blushed and gave Souji a bit of a shove, which in turned caused him to chuckle. Souji led her to what she was pretty sure was the room they had originally met in the night before. Even before they reached the door Kaiya could hear a loud argument going on in the room.
Souji sighed, "Sounds like those two are at it again."
Kaiya looked at him questioningly. Souji shook his head as he reached for the sliding door, "Just boys being boys."
He turned back to the door and slid it open. Souji walked in and took a seat behind a tray already loaded up with food. When she entered all conversation in the room stopped; everyone but Souji and Saitou stopped to stare at her.
As if someone suddenly remembering her, Souji perked up as he grabbed for his chopsticks. "Kondou-san this is the cousin I told you about this morning."
Kaiya followed his gaze to a group of three men who sat at what she presumed to the head position. The man in the centre nodded his head and motioned her forward. Kaiya walked forward and sat down in front of them and bowed politely. When she looked up she was greeted with a warm smile from whom she assumed was Kondou. His dark hair was mostly cut short, except she could see a hint of a top knot stick up from behind his head. Like his smile his eyes were very warm and gentle…not at all what you would expect from a man leading an apparently malicious military group.
"I am Kondou Isami, to my right is Hijikata Toshiza and to my left is Keisuke Yamnami. You must be Ishikawa-chan, it is a pleasure to meet you." Kondou said breaking her from her revere.
Kaiya bowed her head slightly. "The honor is mine. I've heard many things about the Roshigumi in the short time I've been in the area of Kyoto."
Behind her she heard someone scoff, "Tch, not likely anything good! People think we're just a menace!"
"Don't sound so sour Sano-san." Souji said with a mouthful of food.
"Please don't speak with your mouthful, Souji! You'll give this woman a negative impression of how you were raised which, will make Kondou-san look bad." Hijikata grumbled.
Kondou chuckled, "As you can see we speak freely amongst ourselves. I apologize for their rudeness."
Kaiya smiled kindly, "Oh not at all."
"Souji told me that you have considerable medical training." Kondou said clearing his throat.
"I don't wish to boast but I did my best to absorb all the things my father tried to teach me. I don't have an extensive experience with soldiers but I do with farmers and sometimes their injuries can be quite severe."
Kondou laughed, "Believe me, Toshi and I know exactly where you're coming from considering our past. Sickle's can be just as deadly as any katana."
Kaiya felt confused by his statement but kept quiet. Kondou turned to Hijikata. "So what do you think Toshi, do you think we could use her help?"
Kaiya looked at the man Kondou was speaking too. He was younger then Kondou but wore an almost grumpy expression. He had long hair tied back and eyes that could look at your soul. And at the moment he was closely studying hers.
"If she's as talented as she claims, then I have no qualms." Hijikata finally said with a sigh.
Kondou turned to his left, "and what about you Sannan-kun?"
Kaiya met the man's eyes. She could see considerable intelligence in them as well as a bit of a coldness in them. His expression seemed softer then Hijikata but she had a sense that there's roles tended to be in reverse. Sannan had a more modern look with chin length hair and glasses gracing his face.
"I agree with Hijikata-kun, as long as her talents are as they claim to be I see no harm in her staying. Even if she doesn't intend to stay long, it might prove beneficial to Yamazaki-kun to learn from her."
"Hm, you're right Sannan-kun that's a great idea! Then it is decided, Ishikawa-chan you can stay for as long as you see fit presuming you aid the Roshigumi with your medical knowledge." Kondou's smile broadened.
Kaiya bowed more humbly this time, "I humbly accept your generosity."
Souji scoffed, "Kai no need to be so formal here. We aren't used to people with manners."
Kondou laughed heartily, "I have to admit that Souji is somewhat right, but it's very much appreciated. Maybe you can teach these boys a thing or two on that matter, hmm? Anyways why don't you take a seat by Souji there, Heisuke-kun why don't fetch Ishikawa-chan a tray as well?"
Kaiya turned and saw a young man jump to his feet. "I'm on it, Kondou-san!" He said with enthusiasm. As he ran from the room Kaiya stood up and walked over to Souji and took her seat beside him. Souji bent over and pointed at the door.
"That was Todou Heisuke, everybody just calls him Heisuke. And mister negative over there…" Souji pointed with his chopsticks.
"Hey who you calling negative!" He was the one who had spoken up earlier, Kaiya noted. Kaiya's first impression of him was womanizer and arrogant, he wore a cheeky smile on his face. Souji smiled also but otherwise continued like he hadn't heard him.
"…that's Harada Sanosuke. He's a bit of a letch but otherwise harmless…"
"Hey! Who you calling harmless! Well maybe to the opposite gender I am..." Kaiya chuckled, Souji was obviously enjoying ribbing him.
"…the beefcake over there…" instantly the man indicated started flexing his muscles. From the corner of her eye Kaiya could see Hijikata put a hand to his head as he shook it. Beside him Harada laughed and joined in the muscle flexing. Souji rolled his eyes as he continued "…that idiot is Nagakura Shinpachi, also letch and likes his alcohol a bit too much but also harmless and both of you idiots are coming as totally desperate so knock it off!"
"Hey I ain't desperate, I can get any girl I want it's this one over here who can't get a girl." Harada said jabbing his thumb in the direction of Nagakura. Nagakura frowned and punched Harada in the side making him laugh.
Souji shook his head, "Children." He mumbled quietly. Then Souji pointed beside him, "You met Hajime-kun yesterday. He's too serious to be a letch and far from harmless but he's good guy."
Saitou nodded his head politely acknowledging her. Heisuke stepped in and put down a tray in front of her smiling broadly. Kaiya smiled back thinking, what a cute kid. From behind him Kaiya heard the loud clatter of dishes hitting the ground. When Heisuke turned around Kaiya could see Nagakura sitting on Harada repeatedly punching him in the side and back while he lay in a turtle position laughing hysterically.
Heisuke chuckled, "Whoa what did I miss?"
"Nagakura-san didn't like being called desperate I think, and I'm pretty sure Harada-san was making fun of his lack of ability to attract girls." Kaiya said as sweetly as she could.
Souji and Heisuke burst out laughing, even Saitou cracked a smile. Then there was another loud bag as Hijikata banged his fist on his tray.
"That's enough you two!" He roared. Nagakura climbed off of Harada and sat down with his arms crossed. "Now both of you clean up the mess you made!" Hijikata said in a more controlled growl.
Hijikata turned to look at her, "I apologize for the spectacle like Souji said; some of us have no manners." He gave the two a pointed glare.
Kaiya laughed lightly, "Think nothing of it, I don't mind." Kaiya picked up her chopstick and started picking at her questionable breakfast. Definitely gonna be an interesting time here she thought to herself.
Well? I hope you enjoyed it! R&R! Let me know of my mistakes so I can correct them!
-Shockra