Disclaimer: You know the drill. I don't own Rurouni Kenshin or any of the
characters, never have, never will (alas). No doubt someone's used this
storyline before, I have yet to see it, but please don't take any of my
characters or details – I worked really hard on them.
Note: A year or two ago I discovered Rurouni Kenshin. I liked it
immediately, but nothing more. I learned quite a lot about the show, but
eventually it seemed just like a fad and passed...during this 'fad' I wrote
several fan-fics, both really pathetic. More recently I've come back to it
again. When I created 'Seiko' I had no idea that I had somehow made her
past almost identical to Kenshin's (it must have been something in my
subconscious mind....) I took my very first fan-fic, the story line at least,
and used it here. Also – I would've made Seiko taller, but for some reason
I couldn't bear to think of her more than three or four inches taller than
Kenshin, so instead of 5'6'' as I was planning she's 5'3 ½''ish. Please
R&R!!!! OH – one more thing. The man by the name of Makoto was invented of
my own brain before I knew that yet again another character by the same
name would show up later in Rurouni Kenshin...be sure they're not the same
person (and yes, if you're thinking what I think you're thinking, Seiko
*was* in love with Makoto and he her....)
'Rurouni Seiko'
Note: Here's a glossary I found....might be helpful. I use some of the words...
Aa- yeah
Anou, etto- um, er
Che- damn
Daijoubu desu ka- are you alright
Demo- but
Domo arigato gozaimasu- thank you very much
Gi- kimono that men wear
Gomen nasai- sorry
Hai- yes
Hakama- wide, loose men's pants
Honto ni- really
Iie- no
Itoshii- darling
Kakkoi- cool
Katana- sword
Kirei- beautiful
Maa maa- now, now
Nani- what
Naruhodo- I see
Naze- why
Nomiya- sake bar
Obi- sash
Okashira- leader, boss
Onegai- please
Ougi- succession technique
Oyasumi nasai- good night
Rurouni- wandering swordsman
Sencha- domestic type of tea
Shikashi- however
Sore nani- what is it
Sou ka- I see
Sumimasen- excuse me
Tatami- reed mat
Wakarimashita- I understand
Yamero- stop
Yare yare- similar to 'oh well'
Yokatta- good
Yukata- kimono used for sleeping
Chapter One Makoto?
They had been more skilled than Seiko had expected, to say the least. She had easily slain the two thieves, but come out with a tear in her dark blue gi and a deep cut behind it. After being certain they were dead, she had carefully wrapped several lengths of bandages around her stomach where on the side the cut was, then leaving, knowing well that it was not wise to linger where the dead were. Finding a piece of parchment in the belongings of the thieves, she carefully took a small piece of charcoal from her fire and wrote a note, signed Hiroshi Miyuki-Seiko, and with a twig soaked in blood, she pushed the note into the ground. She carefully wrapped up what belongings she had and headed from the clearing where she had been staying for the past few days.
It was late morning as she slowly trudged a well-worn dirt road, breathing painfully as every step increased the pain in her side. The sun was warm, to warm for spring, but despite the heat she felt cold. Seiko could easily see ahead that the road made a wide turn. She guessed that it went around a large hill, and decided to go over the hill and save time. The grass was soft and damp beneath her well-worn sandals, just beginning to be warmed by the sun. Arriving at the hill she sat down for a moment to catch her breath watching the late morning. She closed her eyes in bliss, then reluctantly stood up again and turned. Her eyes widened in shock and fear. Two figures were walking down the road, the first seemed fairly normal, a tall, rough looking man. But the other... For a moment everything was in turmoil in Seiko's mind and heart.
"Makoto," She whispered, "Makoto...Makoto!" she screamed, anguish welling up inside her.
A sudden urge sent her flying down the other side of the hill towards the two men who stood, looking confused, in the middle of the road. She gripped the handle of her sword and drew it quickly, the light glinting off it brightly, and swung it in front of her. Anticipating a thrust of the sword form the front, the smaller man stood to the side, only to be met by the blunt edge of the sword that sent him sprawling forward. The other man quickly stepped forward and gripped Seiko's arm tightly. She twisted around easily and thrust her other elbow into his back, then applied a back-kick heavily, releasing herself. She turned to the smaller man who, now standing up, drew his sword.
"Onegai, put your weapon away," He said softly.
"How many times must I kill you?" She hissed uneasily, "When will you die?"
Seiko brought up her sword. Metal clashed, and the fight seemed to last only several moments before Seiko stepped back, staring, terrified, at the man. Her sword was dropped in the road, and she fell to her knees. Darkness was closing about her mind, as her sight slowly seemed to fade away...
~*~
"Che, what was that?" Asked Sanosuke rubbing his back lightly, then added, "Aren't you going to leave her?"
Kenshin hovered over the hunched figure and gently placed a hand on the shoulder. There was reaction, so he slowly turned over the figure. A large spot of damp scarlet stained a rip in the gi. Kenshin gently moved the girl's arm to the side and found yet another sword at her side.
"Whoever she is," Kenshin said thoughtfully, "She was well armed – and from what I have seen very skilled."
Sanosuke stood up and walked to where the blade had dropped and picked the weapon. "Fine sword, that it is." Kenshin agreed, still studying their attacker, "Come Sano, we must bring her back to the dojo. Maybe Koaru can do something about this injury."
Sanosuke grumbled to himself but carefully gathered the limp girl into his arms while Kenshin took up her sword and carried it with him. It was a fairly short walk to the dojo, and the two men arrived there briefly. As they arrived, Kaoru appeared at the door, watching curiously as they grew closer. She ran out to meet them and gasped, seeing the bloodied figure in Sanosuke's arms.
"What happened?" She asked quickly, falling in step beside them.
"What happened!?" Grumbled Sanosuke.
"We found this girl on road," Kenshin interrupted, "She's hurt."
Kaoru led them to a small, spare room off the kitchen when are small futon sat in one corner, a small table, chair, and chest scattered elsewhere about the room. Yahiko appeared, surprised, and Kenshin quickly sent him for the doctor in town. Kaoru carefully removed the shabby gi and carefully set it on the floor. She unwrapped the soiled bandages and replaced them with new ones before removing the dirtied hakama and carrying off to wash. Koaru looked at the clothing carefully. The gi was made of a thick, rough dark blue material; it was ripped in many places and un- expertly mended together again, fraying on several edges. The hakama was growing gray, and frayed as well around the ages, but otherwise in better shape than the gi. The young woman set them to soak and went to see if Yahiko had returned.
In the spare room, Kenshin sat nearby the side of the futon studying the young woman. She couldn't be much taller than Kenshin himself, but considerably thinner – he supposed there had been many a missed meal for her. It seemed as if she hadn't had a good bath for some time, and although her hair was quite dirty it was still and evident dark, red color with lighter streaks in it. Her hands were small and thin, but apparently quite strong and calloused. The most astonishing mar was the fairly thick line of a scar on her right cheek. There seemed something quite sad about her. Kenshin was shaken by his thoughts when slowly the woman turned her head back in forth, whimpering softly and breathing irregularly.
Several moments later Kaoru entered the room, followed by the doctor, excited Yahiko, and fairly interested Sanosuke. The small room was now crowded, and Kaoru chased the two men and young boy out of the room. In the kitchen Yahiko demanded to be told exactly what happened, and Sanosuke related the story (with a few added details) while Kenshin eyed him unpleasantly.
"Where's the sword?" Yahiko demanded.
"I've put it away for safe keeping." Said Kenshin, smiling softly.
Yahiko grunted and headed off outside.
The doctor gave Kaoru some brief instructions and left.
"What did he say?" Kenshin asked.
"It's a deep cut and she's lost a lot of blood, but it isn't infected," Kaoru said, sitting down with a sigh, "She shouldn't be moved for at least two weeks, or more, so that she can get rest and nourishment."
Kenshin nodded thoughtfully, "Then shall she stay here?"
"Of course!" Cried Kaoru, "I'm not sending some nearly-dead girl off!"
Kenshin smiled, then asked, "Do you know how old she is?"
"I can only guess. At the most maybe a year or two older than me."
Anou, etto- um, er
Che- damn
Daijoubu desu ka- are you alright
Demo- but
Domo arigato gozaimasu- thank you very much
Gi- kimono that men wear
Gomen nasai- sorry
Hai- yes
Hakama- wide, loose men's pants
Honto ni- really
Iie- no
Itoshii- darling
Kakkoi- cool
Katana- sword
Kirei- beautiful
Maa maa- now, now
Nani- what
Naruhodo- I see
Naze- why
Nomiya- sake bar
Obi- sash
Okashira- leader, boss
Onegai- please
Ougi- succession technique
Oyasumi nasai- good night
Rurouni- wandering swordsman
Sencha- domestic type of tea
Shikashi- however
Sore nani- what is it
Sou ka- I see
Sumimasen- excuse me
Tatami- reed mat
Wakarimashita- I understand
Yamero- stop
Yare yare- similar to 'oh well'
Yokatta- good
Yukata- kimono used for sleeping
Chapter One Makoto?
They had been more skilled than Seiko had expected, to say the least. She had easily slain the two thieves, but come out with a tear in her dark blue gi and a deep cut behind it. After being certain they were dead, she had carefully wrapped several lengths of bandages around her stomach where on the side the cut was, then leaving, knowing well that it was not wise to linger where the dead were. Finding a piece of parchment in the belongings of the thieves, she carefully took a small piece of charcoal from her fire and wrote a note, signed Hiroshi Miyuki-Seiko, and with a twig soaked in blood, she pushed the note into the ground. She carefully wrapped up what belongings she had and headed from the clearing where she had been staying for the past few days.
It was late morning as she slowly trudged a well-worn dirt road, breathing painfully as every step increased the pain in her side. The sun was warm, to warm for spring, but despite the heat she felt cold. Seiko could easily see ahead that the road made a wide turn. She guessed that it went around a large hill, and decided to go over the hill and save time. The grass was soft and damp beneath her well-worn sandals, just beginning to be warmed by the sun. Arriving at the hill she sat down for a moment to catch her breath watching the late morning. She closed her eyes in bliss, then reluctantly stood up again and turned. Her eyes widened in shock and fear. Two figures were walking down the road, the first seemed fairly normal, a tall, rough looking man. But the other... For a moment everything was in turmoil in Seiko's mind and heart.
"Makoto," She whispered, "Makoto...Makoto!" she screamed, anguish welling up inside her.
A sudden urge sent her flying down the other side of the hill towards the two men who stood, looking confused, in the middle of the road. She gripped the handle of her sword and drew it quickly, the light glinting off it brightly, and swung it in front of her. Anticipating a thrust of the sword form the front, the smaller man stood to the side, only to be met by the blunt edge of the sword that sent him sprawling forward. The other man quickly stepped forward and gripped Seiko's arm tightly. She twisted around easily and thrust her other elbow into his back, then applied a back-kick heavily, releasing herself. She turned to the smaller man who, now standing up, drew his sword.
"Onegai, put your weapon away," He said softly.
"How many times must I kill you?" She hissed uneasily, "When will you die?"
Seiko brought up her sword. Metal clashed, and the fight seemed to last only several moments before Seiko stepped back, staring, terrified, at the man. Her sword was dropped in the road, and she fell to her knees. Darkness was closing about her mind, as her sight slowly seemed to fade away...
~*~
"Che, what was that?" Asked Sanosuke rubbing his back lightly, then added, "Aren't you going to leave her?"
Kenshin hovered over the hunched figure and gently placed a hand on the shoulder. There was reaction, so he slowly turned over the figure. A large spot of damp scarlet stained a rip in the gi. Kenshin gently moved the girl's arm to the side and found yet another sword at her side.
"Whoever she is," Kenshin said thoughtfully, "She was well armed – and from what I have seen very skilled."
Sanosuke stood up and walked to where the blade had dropped and picked the weapon. "Fine sword, that it is." Kenshin agreed, still studying their attacker, "Come Sano, we must bring her back to the dojo. Maybe Koaru can do something about this injury."
Sanosuke grumbled to himself but carefully gathered the limp girl into his arms while Kenshin took up her sword and carried it with him. It was a fairly short walk to the dojo, and the two men arrived there briefly. As they arrived, Kaoru appeared at the door, watching curiously as they grew closer. She ran out to meet them and gasped, seeing the bloodied figure in Sanosuke's arms.
"What happened?" She asked quickly, falling in step beside them.
"What happened!?" Grumbled Sanosuke.
"We found this girl on road," Kenshin interrupted, "She's hurt."
Kaoru led them to a small, spare room off the kitchen when are small futon sat in one corner, a small table, chair, and chest scattered elsewhere about the room. Yahiko appeared, surprised, and Kenshin quickly sent him for the doctor in town. Kaoru carefully removed the shabby gi and carefully set it on the floor. She unwrapped the soiled bandages and replaced them with new ones before removing the dirtied hakama and carrying off to wash. Koaru looked at the clothing carefully. The gi was made of a thick, rough dark blue material; it was ripped in many places and un- expertly mended together again, fraying on several edges. The hakama was growing gray, and frayed as well around the ages, but otherwise in better shape than the gi. The young woman set them to soak and went to see if Yahiko had returned.
In the spare room, Kenshin sat nearby the side of the futon studying the young woman. She couldn't be much taller than Kenshin himself, but considerably thinner – he supposed there had been many a missed meal for her. It seemed as if she hadn't had a good bath for some time, and although her hair was quite dirty it was still and evident dark, red color with lighter streaks in it. Her hands were small and thin, but apparently quite strong and calloused. The most astonishing mar was the fairly thick line of a scar on her right cheek. There seemed something quite sad about her. Kenshin was shaken by his thoughts when slowly the woman turned her head back in forth, whimpering softly and breathing irregularly.
Several moments later Kaoru entered the room, followed by the doctor, excited Yahiko, and fairly interested Sanosuke. The small room was now crowded, and Kaoru chased the two men and young boy out of the room. In the kitchen Yahiko demanded to be told exactly what happened, and Sanosuke related the story (with a few added details) while Kenshin eyed him unpleasantly.
"Where's the sword?" Yahiko demanded.
"I've put it away for safe keeping." Said Kenshin, smiling softly.
Yahiko grunted and headed off outside.
The doctor gave Kaoru some brief instructions and left.
"What did he say?" Kenshin asked.
"It's a deep cut and she's lost a lot of blood, but it isn't infected," Kaoru said, sitting down with a sigh, "She shouldn't be moved for at least two weeks, or more, so that she can get rest and nourishment."
Kenshin nodded thoughtfully, "Then shall she stay here?"
"Of course!" Cried Kaoru, "I'm not sending some nearly-dead girl off!"
Kenshin smiled, then asked, "Do you know how old she is?"
"I can only guess. At the most maybe a year or two older than me."
