A/N: First of all I would like to start out by saying, Kyuzo was way too badass to have been killed by a bullet, so this is my fluff story of him surviving on after Kanna Village. No flames, but please feel free to leave any constructive criticism on this story. I already have 11 chapters written up, but I just want to see how this one does. The chapters do start out a little short and a little confusing at first, I'm warning you in advance. Please enjoy the read and drop me a review if you would like. Thanks in advance for reading =)
The sun was setting, turning the sky and earth a lovely shade of orange. The trees of the forest towered above me as I made my way back to my empty home, my evening meal tucked in a basket at my side and a bamboo pole slung over my shoulder. The wind was picking up and was causing loose strands of my dark hair to tickle my face. I scrunched my nose and used my free hand to tuck the strands behind my ear. With each step I took I felt my katana gently move at my left side. This slight movement caused a pang of loneliness in my heart. I had been living alone for about half a year and the only communication I had was with people at the market when I happened to venture into the city.
It was getting darker by the minute and I increased my pace. In no time I arrived back home, but as I approached the door I stopped short. I sensed someone inside, someone who was not welcome. I quietly placed my basket of fish and my pole on the ground beside me and reached for my blade. I held my breath as I slowly began sliding the door open. I succeeded in opening the door about halfway before I was welcomed by a blade about an inch away from the spot between my eyes. I withdrew my hand from my weapon and raised both my hands in surrender. My vision then focused on the man holding the sword, he was in red clothing and had shaggy, blonde hair which covered one of his eyes. His exposed eye was in a cold stare and fixated right on me. I let out my breath cautiously and blinked a few times trying to think of something to say. He spoke first, however.
"Is this your home?" His voice was deep and monotone. I still could not speak so I merely nodded in response. Thankfully, he lowered his weapon so I deemed it safe to lower my hands.
"May I ask what you are doing in my home?" I asked, finally finding my voice.
"Looking for your husband."
I gave him quite a confused look as the pang of loneliness came rushing back to my chest. The man in red said nothing more, just continued staring at me with those hollow eyes.
"Sadly, The Dragon died six months ago while on a mission," I replied, frowning at the thought of his old nickname. "What did you need with him?"
"I am recruiting samurai."
Did this guy only speak in four word sentences?
"Well I am sorry, I cannot help you. How did you find my home anyway? Pretty remote out here."
"Samurai in the city."
Apparently I was right about the four words per sentence thing…
"The only thing I can offer you, is dinner. I have fish and it won't take long for me to boil up some rice."
The man did not respond, but did not move either. I stepped back slightly and reached down to pick up my basket and bamboo pole before maneuvering past him and inside my home. I put some water on to boil and laid a fish on the counter. I looked over my shoulder and saw him still standing there at the doorway, but instead of facing outside he was watching me.
"So I suppose if you are staying for dinner, you could at least give me your name," I said, turning back to the fish on the counter that I was now slicing carefully with a small knife.
"Kyuzo."
I nodded.
"I am-"
"Amaya," he stated blandly.
One word responses now…And interruptions…
"Yes, I suppose the samurai also gave you that information."
I looked back over my shoulder at him, and found he had positioned himself on the floor beside the table. Kyuzo was quiet and offered no apology for interrupting me. This man was indeed a strange one.
We had no more conversation during the preparation of dinner and during that time I couldn't help but feel quite anxious about the mysterious Kyuzo in my home.
After a silent dinner I cleared the table while Kyuzo remained seated on the floor. I returned and sat across from him. Honestly, he was starting to creep me out a little.
"Kyuzo-san, may I ask why you are recruiting samurai?"
He did not answer.
"Okay, I suppose that must be some kind of classified information."
More awkward silence.
"I thank you for sharing a meal with me." Wait…Shouldn't he be thanking me for the meal?
"Thank you," he stated. Now it seemed right.
"So, where are you staying? In the city?" I asked, unsure of how else to ask him to leave, but instead of answering me, he remained mute.
I sighed slightly, slowly beginning to realize his situation.
"I suppose you haven't a place to stay then…I see…I was married to a samurai, I do know the predicaments they face at times."
"So about your marriage?" He asked.
Well at least we were back up to four words again.
"It…was arranged." I said looking slightly ashamed. "If you've no place to go, I can offer you a futon here in the sitting room," I continued desperately trying to change the subject.
He seemed to understand and nodded his thanks. A short while later I laid out a futon in the sitting room just as I said I would. As I was doing so the pitter patter of raindrops sounded from outside. I sighed with content. The night rain always helped me sleep better.