Chapter One: A New Purpose is Found
I could've never imagined what was outside of the house in Edo that I had lived in.
I didn't really have much of a purpose in life, or so I thought at the time. I thought that I'd be destined to get married to someone that Otousama chose for me, and just live the rest of my life as their wife.
Otousama is a great doctor that specializes in western medicine, which makes him quite valuable to the Shogun. Because of his work, he's often out of Edo, working in Kyoto.
I stared up at the blue sky, sighing, and then went back to sweeping the porch. It got kind of lonely around the house without anyone to talk to…
Suddenly, I felt an ominous breeze send shivers down my spine. What was this feeling?
"Here you are, my wife." A deep voice said.
I quickly turned around, and came face to face with a man, a bit older than me. His hair was blonde, and his ruby eyes pierced my brown ones. Did he just call me his wife?! "Who are you?!"
He took one step closer. "So, he hasn't told you…very well, I shall come at a later date to collect you, my dear wife."
He was gone before I could inquire who he was, or what he was talking about. I looked around, and swallowed a lump in my throat. I couldn't possibly stay here, knowing that he could come back! I was quite frightened at the thought of him showing up again like this.
So, I left for Kyoto, in hopes of finding Otousama and hopefully losing that stalker.
I had made good time, and arrived at Kyoto before the sun set, but there was no one that could tell me where Otousama worked…
It was going to get dark kind of soon…What was I going to do?
I was walking around aimlessly, preoccupied with my own thoughts, not really being alert, which was a big mistake on my part, since I accidentally bumped into a ronin…
"Watch where you're going!" He reeked of alcohol, most likely sake…
"Sumimasen! (Sorry/excuse me)" I bowed my head a little and tried to continue on my way.
"Oi, oi, you think you're going to get away with just that?!" The ronin grabbed my hair, pulling me back.
I knew my disguise was most likely a failure, since my curves still showed through, not matter how loose I made the hakama. "St-stop!" My hand rested on the hilt of my kodachi.
"You're a wench! I might as well get a good use out of you then." He sniggered and began dragging me by my hair.
I needed to wait for a good moment to hit him with the back of my kodachi to get away.
I didn't get my chance to, since the ronin stopped walking abruptly.
"Get out of my way!" He slurred.
"Let go of that child first." The voice I heard was calm, and cool, which reminded me of a blade.
"Who's gunna make me!?" He brought me forward to face whoever was in front of him.
I opened my eyes and looked up to see a man wearing a light blue Haori and a black kimono. His blue eyes were glaring in an emotionless way at the ronin. His blue hair was messily tied in a ponytail and hung on the front of his left shoulder.
"Don't say I didn't warn you." His movements were so fast; I wasn't sure what had happened. The ronin was already on the ground, and my hair was freed from his clutch.
"A-arigato gozaimasu (thank you very much)!" I bowed.
He gave me a nod to acknowledge my thanks.
Light blue haori…Is he part of the Shinsengumi? I had only really heard rumors, and not all of them were good, about the men in blue haori.
Perhaps he could help me? Before he turned around, I spoke up. "Do you know where I could find Yukimura Kodo?"
"Yukimura Kodo?" He seemed slightly surprised. "…Who are you?"
"I-I'm Yukimura…" I hesitated. Should I play the part as a boy?
He grabbed my wrist before I could say another word. "You need to come with me."
Now what was I getting myself into?!