Disclaimer: I don't own Rk
AN: This is my first Rk fic so it might not be very good. It will mostly be in Kenshin's POV. I was going to do both Kaoru and Kenshin's POV, but this is my first fic and it mite get a bit complicated.
Ages:
Kenshin- 14 Sano– 14
Aoshi- 14 Kaoru- 13
Misao- 13 Megumi- 13
Yahiko- 11 Tsubame- 11
Chapter 1:
It was a nice warm morning; the sky was clear except for some fluffy clouds here and there. But as I was walking to Meiji High, there was turmoil in my mind. I really don't feel ready to be going to high school. I was nervous and scared of a number of reasons. The first reason was that I knew that the workload was going to get a lot heavier.
Now the second reason is that I am afraid of not having any friends and what people would think of me. You see, for the past eight years I have gone to a Private school and though I had friends there, none of them were going to go to the same high school as me. Some were going to public high schools closer to their homes, while others were going to continue there Christian education in another Private school. I had one friend, my best friend actually, that is going to the same school as me, but she was a year younger than me and is still in eight grade. Now don't get me wrong, it wasn't like I wasn't popular in eight grade. Just ask any of my former classmates, I was one of the most popular boys in class, but high school is a big change and what one school may find cool may be different from what another school will see as cool.
That brings us to the third reason that I was nervous. This was the first time since first grade that My best friend Kaoru and I were in different schools. Though we were in different grades, we spent every recess and lunch together and I knew that I was going to miss her company terribly. I don't know how I/me was going to survive without my best friend around.
My endless worries were abruptly cut off when I heard my name being called and that was when I realized that I had arrived at school.
"Oi, Kenshin!" said a deep voice that sounded so familiar but different at the same time.
I looked around to find who was calling me. It was my old friend Sanosuke Sagara. Sano and I were also best friends during sixth grade, but his parents took him out of the private school because the tuition was too high for them. We had talked on the phone and on the internet over the years, but this was the first time I have seen Sano in over two years. Sano was tall for his age and had brown spiky hair. He had a red head band on with the school's blue uniform.
"Wow Sano you've grown a lot since the last time I saw you" I exclaimed.
"And I see you haven't grown all that much Kenshin" sniggered Sano as I sent him a death glare.
"Um….excuse me," someone asked quietly. We turned to see a tall boy with icy blue eyes.
"I just moved into town and I was wondering if you knew where classroom G 2 is."
"G2 you say, well your in luck cuz that's the same homeroom class that we're in, huh Kenshin," replied Sano.
"Ya, why don't you walk with us? By the way, the names Kenshin Himura and this is Sanosuke Sagara."
"Thanks. My name is Aoshi Shinomori"
As we walked to our classroom, we talked about anything that popped into our head. I told them about my worries and Sano said that I was worrying too much and reassured me that we would always be best friends. When I heard him say that, I was so grateful to have such him as a friend. Sano may not be very bright, but he is extremely loyal to his friends. We continued walking down the hall and I noticed that a lot of girls were staring at me.
"Looks like you have some admirers Kenshin," laughed Sano while my cheeks started to burn bright red.
After homeroom, we all split up and went to our separate classes. After a few hours, it was finally lunch time and me, Sano, and Aoshi met and sat together in the cafeteria chatting amiably about our day so far.
"After this I have PE, what do you guys have?" questioned Sano.
"Really, I have PE too," said Aoshi and I replied in unison.
So after we finished eating, we headed towards the locker room and changed into the blue shorts and white t-shirt that was our uniform and headed to the gym. As we got there, our PE teacher just got there as well.
"Good afternoon class. My name is Mr. Saitou and I am your PE teacher. Today we are going to do some running. You will all run a mile around the track field and will be timed. By this age, you should all finish the mile in less then 8 minutes, but since this is your first day, I will give you up to 10 minutes. Just to let you know, the better time you get the better grade you get, so you better not slack off just because you think you have 10 minutes."
"10 minutes, no problem! PE is my specialty," said Sano.
"Ya, if I remember correctly, it's the only class that you can ace," I said with a smirk.
"Shut up Kenshin! I bet I could finish before you can."
"Wanna bet Sano?"
"You're on! The loser has to pay for lunch for a whole week" said Sano. I, naturally, agreed seeing it as an easy way to earn a week of free lunch.
"Alright, everybody to the track field!" yelled Saitou. "and by the way, the school record is exactly 5 minutes. If anybody can beat the record, they are excused from not only the rest of class, but also from the next mile we have to run."
"5 minutes! That's crazy. The fastest I ran the mile was 6 min and 5 sec. There is no way I'll beat it" said Sano incredulously. "Same here" I heard Aoshi agree.
"Ready. GO!" said Saitou as he sat down on the benches with his clipboard.
All the 9th graders started running, with Sano, Aoshi and me at the lead. "There is no way you are going to beat me Himura" cried Sano as he ran. "We'll see about that!" I replied and with that I started running even faster, reaching God-like speeds leaving Sano and Aoshi in my dust.
"Damn, damn damn damn!" cursed Sano as he desperately tried to catch up with me.
When I finished, Mr. Saitou was amazed and I heard that that wasn't an easy feat.
"Wow kid what's you're name?" asked Mr. Saitou
"Kenshin Himura," I replied with a smile.
"That was amazing. I can't believe that a freshman beat the school record and not just any freshman, but a scrawny little red head," said Mr. Saitou with a look of awe on his face.
I fell anime style after hearing his comment and managed to ignore it thinking that this was his way of complimenting me.
When the rest of the class finished, Saitou beckoned for me to stand next to him.
"Well class, it seems we have a new school record. Congratulations Himura, your time was 4:27," said Saitou.
With that said, the class erupted with awed whispering. "Himura, you are excused from PE. You may watch the class or change or do whatever the hell you want as long as you don't cause any trouble. Understand?" "Yes sir" I said and started walking to the benches to watch and think. 'I guess high school isn't that bad. I already have friends and nobody thinks I'm weird for having long red hair. Most of the time people would make fun of me for my long hair and its unusual color. On the contrary, a lot of the girls seem to be attracted to me for it' I thought with a wide grin and slight blush on my face.
"Alright hit the showers and I'll see you tomorrow!" yelled Saitou. "Oh and by the way, for those of you interested in Kendo club, tryouts are today after school."
As Sano and Aoshi started walking towards the locker rooms, I ran to catch up with them.
"Hey guys" I greeted smiling.
"mmm" grumbled Sano as he trudged along to the locker room.
"Did you hear Mr. Saitou's announcement about Kendo club Kenshin?" asked Aoshi.
"Ya I did. Are you two going to tryout?"
Aoshi said, "I was thinking about it, how about you?"
"You know swordsmanship!" exclaimed Sano.
"I'm going to tryout and yes Sano I know swordsmanship. Remember I used to have Kendo practice after school with my Uncle Hiko when we went to school together?" I patiently replied.
"Oh yeah! I forgot about those. But I didn't know you knew swordsmanship Aoshi."
"Well we did just meet today, and I personally prefer kodachis over swords," said Aoshi.
"Whatever…I don't do swords. I am more into the punching and kicking style of fighting."
I rolled my eyes and hurried into the locker room to change followed by my two friends. After we were done we split up and went to our last class of the day. The end of class finally arrived and I headed toward the gym. I met up with Aoshi and Sano and changed into my PE uniform again so that I can have more mobility. Sano decided to sit on the benches and watch us tryout and "see how good we were" as he put it. As we entered the gym I saw that it was filled with about 5 students already on the kendo team and a group of students in the corner stretching out and getting ready to tryout. We headed towards the group just as the gym doors flew open to reveal a big, tall man with long dark hair tied into a low ponytail at his neck. 'UNCLE HIKO!' I thought. 'I forgot that he worked here as the kendo team coach. I hope he doesn't embarrass me. He seems to enjoy doing that.'
"Alright! People that are already in Kendo team will help me decide who will get on the team. So get over here!" yelled the big man as the few that were on the kendo team stood behind him.
"You may all call me Hiko-sensei. Ok…first off, I want all of you to sit down except for the seniors and juniors." About 6 people were in that group. "Alright. You will spar against one of my kendo students and we will see if you are good enough. After you are done you are to sit at the benches and wait till the end. If I see that you are very good you will be immediately put on the team, but if you aren't, you will either be rejected immediately or you will have to wait until we everyone gets their turn."
After Hiko's explanation, they got started. Only 1 of the six seniors and juniors were good enough to immediately get on the team. They rest sat on the benches and prayed that none of the freshmen and sophomores were better then them. "Next are the sophomores!" bellowed Hiko as 12 students stood up and got into a line. Out of the 12, only 2 were good enough to make the team immediately after trying out. "Finally we have the freshmen. Let's see if any of you guys can embarrass the older kids with your skill."
There were 15 freshmen and they all lined up. I found myself standing at the very end of the line. I sighed… 'You'd think that with my godlike speed I could get to the front of the line. Oh well either way I get a turn. I wonder who I get to spar.'
Many of the freshmen weren't all that experienced with swordsmanship. The first freshman to make the team was Aoshi. He was very good and was better then a lot of the sophomores and juniors. He was quick on his feet and had finely tuned reflexes. After a few more freshmen, it was finally my turn.
"Well well well…if it isn't my baka deshi," drawled Hiko as the other students started laughing. By then Hiko had an arrogant smirk on place and I was blushing madly and glaring at my uncle.
"I should have known that you would have tried out for the team. Well since I already know what kind of skills you possess I will let you on my team. No need for you to tryout."
"Are you sure Shisho?" I mumbled while looking at my feet.
"Hey that's not fair!" someone yelled. "We all had to tryout and he makes the team without even sparring with anybody. At least let us see what he can do. Just because you taught him some swordsmanship doesn't mean that he is any good. I mean look at him, he's puny."
I saw Hiko look up to see who had said that and found that it was a senior that made the team. He was an exceptional swordsman and had beaten his opponent in a matter of seconds. He was tall and had blonde hair that stuck up like a broom.
"Hmm…alright. I guess you're right. So who wants to spar my nephew?" said Hiko with
amusement clearly in his eyes. "By the looks of things, my nephew is going to be using his sakabato. So the challenger will get to use this," and a real katana was held up for everyone to see.
A hand went up and Okita Sousho (AN: not sure with his last name so if anybody knows can you let me know. Btw, this is the 1st captain of the shinsengumi for those of you who don't know.)
said, "I will spar against Mr. Himura." Okita was a short Junior. He had short brown hair that was tied up into a ponytail.
I walked to the center and stood about 7 meters from Okita. We both politely bowed and got ready. I slipped into my favorite stance the battoujutsu as Okita went into his Gatotsu stance. Hiko gave us the signal to begin, but we just stood there for a few minutes sizing the other.
After a few minutes of just staring, Okita decided to make the first move. He charged at me with his right hand holding the sword and his left hand at the other end steadying it. I was almost surprised at the speed that he was charging me with. It almost matched my own godlike speeds. Almost. AS he charged at me I tensed and right at the last second I drew my sakabto, dodged his thrust and made for a counter attack. But he was quick as well and managed to dodge it. I decided to take the initiative and attacked him. I rushed forward in my battoujutsu stance and a few feet before I got to him, I unsheathed my sword. I slashed at him and he blocked with his sword.
We broke apart and rushed at each other again. He made a horizontal strike from the left and I ducked and rolled to his side. I stuck him hard on his side as I rose and he flew a few feet in the air before hitting the ground with a thunk. I ran up to him before he could get up and placed my sword right above his neck.
"The winner is …Kenshin," bellowed my uncle as I sheathed my sword and helped Okita up. He bowed to me and I bowed back. "That was a great match Himura. I see why Hiko-sensei said that you didn't need to tryout," smiled Okita.
"Thanks, and you did well too," I replied.
As I looked around the room I realized that most of teens there were staring at me with wide eyes and their mouths wide open. I looked over at Hiko and I saw that he had noticed the staring. I had known him all my life and I knew that he was getting annoyed. "Oi! Quit staring like morons!" That got everyone's attention alright and I was glad. I was starting to feel uncomfortable under everyone's stares.
"Alright, for those of you who made the team, there is practice after school every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. I will post a list of the other people that made the team on the gym doors tomorrow. You can all go home now." Hiko commanded. Slowly, everyone started picking their things up and headed towards the door. Sano and Aoshi walked over to me.
"Wow Kenshin! I never knew you could kick ass like that!" exclaimed Sano grinning.
"Ya that was pretty amazing," agreed Aoshi.
"Thanks," was the only thing that I could think to say to their compliments.
"Hey Baka! You need a ride home?" asked Hiko impatiently already on the way out the door.
"Yeah! Wait up Shisho!" I yelled back as I rushed to grab my bags. "I guess I'll see you guys tomorrow. See ya!" I added as I ran after my Uncle.
As I ran out, I heard, "bye" coming from Aoshi and Sano. I caught up to uncle Hiko just as he unlocked the doors to his car and I dumped my backpack and gym bag into the back seat and got into the front.
"So I see you made some friends. I told you that you worry too much didn't I?" said my uncle.
I sighed "Ya ya ya…I guess you were right." For a few minutes we just sat in silence, the only noise being the radio.
"Do I still have to go to Kendo practice on Tuesdays and Thursdays at your house Uncle?" I asked slowly.
"YA! Of course you do. Just because you are on the kendo team at school doesn't mean that you can skip your normal practices. Besides, the practices at school are different from ours since there are a lot of students with different sword styles."
We finally drove up into my drive way. "Remember kendo practice tomorrow. Don't be late," was all Hiko said to me as I got out of the car.
"Right. I won't be late. See ya tomorrow Shisho!" I said as his car pulled out of the drive way. I walked into the door and was greeted by my little sisters clutching onto my legs.
"Ken-nii is home! Ken-nii is home!" they chimed.
Laughing I started walking awkwardly toward the living room where I knew my mom was cleaning up the mess Ayame and Suzume must have caused. My mom is a pretty woman with dark long hair and a gentle smile. She always seems to have a mountain of patience hidden inside of her.
"Ayame and Suzume! Leave your brother alone. He must be tired from his first day of school," she scolded as the two girls let go of my legs and went to watch TV.
Smiling, she looked up at me. "How was your first day of school Kenshin? Did you see Sano? Did you make new friends?"
"My day was actually pretty good. I met up with Sano in the morning and I met this new guy named Aoshi." I replied returning the smile.
"Well that's good. Why don't you head on up and get started on your homework and when you're done come on down and help me prepare dinner before your father gets home," said my mom.
"Ok." I headed upstairs and went into my room. I dropped my bags and decided to take a shower first. After that, I started my homework. Around 6'oclock, I headed down and helped my mom cook dinner. If there is any chore that I actually enjoy, it's cooking. I find myself relaxing from the day's events as I chopped some vegetables. Not long after we finished making dinner, my dad came home.
"Hey Dad!" I greeted as he sat down at the table with Ayame and Suzume. My dad is a tall man with dark brown hair. He is strong, but gentle at the same time. He has a bit of a temper, but doesn't get mad at just anything.
"Hi Kenshin," he replied with a gentle smile on his face. "How was your first day without Kaoru?" he asked with a smirk on his face.
I blushed and said, "It was fine. Better then I thought it would be. I made the kendo team."
"Well, your Uncle Hiko is the coach isn't he? I would be surprised if you didn't make the team even if he wasn't the coach. He is a good teacher and you are a natural at kendo."
"Thanks." After that, Ayame and Suzume told us about their days in Kindergarten and preschool. Dinner lasted about an hour and after we all finished, I headed to my room to complete my homework. By the time I was done, it was nearly nine 'o clock. I decided to call Kaoru to see how her day was. I knew she always went to sleep around 9:30 to 10 so I had a good half hour to talk to her.
I picked up my cell phone and dialed for her cell. After a few rings, she finally answered.
"Hey Kenshin!" she greeted form the other side.
"Hey Kaoru! How was your first day without me?" I teased.
"Actually, it was pretty good I made friends with these two new girls named Megumi and Misao. How was your day? Did you miss me? Were you a loner?" she teased back.
Amusement filled my voice as I told her about my day and she told me of hers. After talking to her for about an hour, I heard my mother tell me to get to bed just as hers told her to.
"Well…I gotta go to bed," she said.
"Ya me too. Good night Kaoru!" I said stifling a yawn.
"Good night Kenshin. Bye"
"Bye" I said then hung up my phone. I changed into my pajamas, turned off my lights and fell into slumber filled with dreams of my friends, both old and new.
AN: Well...what do you think. Please R & R . All the present day Rk fics I have read had them as seniors or juniors. I thought that maybe it would be a good idea to have them jsut starting high school...anyway... I'll update as soon as i can if you guys like it...but I am just starting high school as well on monday so I dont know how fast I can update.