AN- Hello everyone! So I have been an avid reader of fanfiction for many years but have never attempted to write anything of my own. But I guess a muse finally hit me and after much deliberation I have decided to post it up! This is my first ever fanfiction so I hope you will keep that in mind as you read and comment ;-P Anyways i really enjoyed writing this and I really hope you enjoy reading! Comments and constructive criticism is always welcome and much appreciated! Enjoy :)
Disclaimer- I do not own Rurouni Kenshin. It is the sole property of Nobuhiro Watsuki.
Chapter One: The first threads intertwine
The sun blazed high in the noon sky over the dry land. As the rays traveled down to strike the earth, one lone traveler tilted their broad rimmed hat further down to protect themselves from the harsh rays. The lone traveler walked steadily down the dusty, beaten road with little else moving in either direction. A few trees dotted the sides of the road but other than that little else could be seen. Through the screeching of the vultures high in the sky, one could hear the soft shuffle of the traveler's long wide legged pants sifting softly against the dry road. Light puffs of dust kicked up each time the travelers sensible, comfortable shoes moved down the road. A brown dusty cloak draped over the traveler and through the openings of the cloak, a scabbard could be seen strapped to a lean hip.
With a soft sigh barely audible the traveler stopped for a minute. Reaching over one shoulder, a small satchel came in to view hanging down the back of the cloak. Pulling out a small canteen, the traveler tipped their head back and took a long sip. Squinted eyes finally opened to reveal brilliant sapphire colored eyes. They were set in a small heart shaped face with a petite nose and slightly full mouth with a stubborn tilt. Capping the flask and slinging the satchel back over one slender shoulder the traveler wiped the corners of their mouth with the wide sleeves of the cloak. After making slight adjustments to the cream colored hakama pants visible behind the cloak the traveler once again picked up a steady tread down the winding dirt road.
Dusk found the traveler entering a small village perched just slightly off the main road. Stopping at the gates leading into the village, the traveler took a quick look around. Most villagers seemed to be closing up small shops for the day, while others could be seen entering the village outskirts no doubt from the fields bordering the village. Spotting a nearby elderly woman drawing water from a well, the traveler headed over in that direction. Seeing the woman struggling to bring up the bucket of water, the traveler stepped up and bowed politely to the woman.
"Please mum, let me help you draw the water out," the traveler murmured while quickly grasping the rope before the elderly woman could reply. With a grateful sigh the woman stepped back and watched the traveler quickly and efficiently draw out the bucket with ease. Placing the bucket lightly onto the rim of the well, the traveler turned back to the elder.
"Thank you, child. Nowadays raising that bucket full of water has seemed to become too much for these tired old bones. If I couldn't trouble you for a minute more would you mind carrying the bucket home for me? It's not too far from here." The traveler bowed slightly again and replied "of course mum." The elderly woman turned and adjusted a small bundle on her hip and then started off into the village. Grasping the bucket of water firmly, the traveler followed behind her.
By this time the sun had fully fallen and true dark was settling on the small village. Villagers had come out to place brightly lit lanterns on small holsters found scattered throughout the village to help illuminate the path way for those still making their way home. Reaching a small house not too far from the well, the grandmother quickly opened the small gate in front of the house and ushered the traveler in.
"Here child, come quickly I'm sure that bucket is quite heavy." Stepping up to the door to the small house, the elderly woman pushed open the door and beckoned the traveler in, before scurrying out of view of the doorway. The traveler entered the door and stood off politely to the side just inside the doorway listening to the sounds of rummaging coming from deeper inside the house. A few moments later a light flared on, and blinking to adjust to the light, the traveler could make out the form of the woman working her way back to the doorway.
Scurrying across what the traveler could make out as a small sitting room, furnished with a cheerful fireplace, the old woman beckoned. "Please child come in, come in. Place that bucket there by the fire and sit yourself down in that chair there. Now I'm going to have to insist you stay for supper, child, as you've done such a kind deed for me today. What is your name child?"
Placing the bucket by the side of the fire place, the traveler respectfully removed the hat before perching lightly on the chair. A cascade of black hair with tints of blue tied up in a horse tail flowed down the traveler's back after finally being freed of the confines of the hat, while a layer of bangs helped frame a heart shaped face. With a small, grateful smile, the traveler replied: "Hai mum, my name is Kaoru mum."
"Oh how lovely you are child, now that I can properly see your face. Have you been traveling all day? Oh child you must be exhausted and near famished. Let me get you a glass of water before I start off the dinner, and you just rest your feet there for the time being." The old woman started puttering around grabbing pots and pans, but not before handing a tall glass of water to Kaoru and then heading over to a room just off of the sitting room, which Kaoru assumed to be the kitchen.
Taking a large gulp of water gratefully, Kaoru surveyed the room with a mild interest. Other than the two chairs placed in front of the fire place, there was a small cushioned bench placed across one wall of the room. The other end of the room held a table with a set of four chairs. There was another doorway leading out of the room opposite the small bench. Directly across from Kaoru was the doorway leading to the kitchen, where she could hear the sound of pots and pans being stirred around and delicious smells start wafting out. Other small knick knacks filled the room: a small stool here, a basket full of weaving there, a small rug placed in the center of the room. Over all, the house was not too furnished but even so had a very homely air. Kaoru fully relaxed back into her chair, which she found was a rocking chair, feeling very comfortable and at ease.
The old woman bustled back in to the room arms full of serving dishes and food balanced quite precariously. Placing her now empty cup on the floor, Kaoru hurried over to the side of the table to relieve some of the load in the woman's arms. The elder smiled gratefully at her and began directing Kaoru on where to set the items. After a few more trips in to the kitchen the elder finally placed the last item on the table and turned to Kaoru with a kind smile.
"Ok child now let us eat before the food gets to cold." However before Kaoru could sit, sharp, aged eyes scanned her over before clucking disapprovingly. "Now child you know better than to sit at the table with your travel cloak and sack still strapped about you. Why don't you just take them off and place them by the wall there, and we shall eat in peace and comfort."
Blushing lightly that she had forgotten, Kaoru unslung her sack and leaned it against the wall near the table. Unclasping the hook of her cloak found at the upper left corner near her shoulder, she slid off the cloak before folding it neatly and setting it atop the satchel. One hand slid down to the scabbard at her hip now exposed, and hesitated a bit. She didn't miss the way the elders eye sharpened a bit when they fell on the scabbard but since she made no comments, Kaoru mentally shrugged and also unhooked it and leaned it against the wall. Swords were not an uncommon thing in this day and age but it was a rarity to be seen on a woman. However the old woman did not ask any questions and Kaoru didn't volunteer any information.
Glancing down at the table, Kaoru noticed that it had been set for three. On her inspection of the small house, Kaoru didn't see anything indicating that the old woman had a husband or any child. She hesitated slightly before taking her place at one of the chairs. Seeing Kaoru's hesitance and glance at the third place setting, the old woman smiled lightly before speaking up: "Ah child we are just waiting on little Tsubame to come in, she should just be getting in any minute now."
Surely enough there was the sound of another door opening from deeper in the house, which Kaoru guessed may have been a back door. Light, timid footsteps could be heard coming closer before they stopped. Glancing up in question when no one came into view, Kaoru looked over in to the doorway that lead to the kitchen. Hiding behind the framework with just one eye peeking out, Kaoru could make out the figure of what looked like a small child glancing shyly at her from her hiding spot. When the child noticed Kaoru's gaze a small squeak was heard before the child retreated all the way back into the kitchen.
The old woman sighed lightly and shook her head before turning toward Kaoru. "You'll have to forgive Tsubame child. She is quite shy and doesn't know how to handle herself much around company. She really is the sweetest thing but has had quite some experiences when it comes to strangers. Because of this she tends to shy away from almost all people except those she trusts and knows completely. Let me go call her out but don't be offended child if she doesn't say much. That poor child has really been through a lot."
The old woman turned back and shuffled out through the doorway. Kaoru could hear the sound of murmuring but couldn't clearly make out what was being said. After a few moments of waiting, the old woman came back through the door. Following closely behind her was the child whom Kaoru could see had the elder's skirts grasped firmly in one had. The child had her head bent down, with her chin length hair covering as much of her face as it could. She walked almost on the heels of the elder and stayed as hidden as she could behind her.
Coming to the table the elder paused, and then reached behind her to draw the child in front of her. "Now Tsubame child don't be rude and say hello to our guest." Shyly, Tsubame lifted her head and met Kaoru's eyes hesitantly. "Konichiwa,"was the quite reply. Kaoru smiled gently at the girl before nodding her head in acknowledgement of the greeting. The child held eye contact for a few moments before shyly ducking her head again.
In those moments Kaoru studied her face and realized that Tsubame wasn't so much a child as a teen. She had a thin face with high cheekbones which had the look of someone who had gone weeks without proper nourishment but had recently begun to gain some of it back. She had wide brown eyes set atop a small nose and thin mouth. A thin ribbon held chin length, chocolate brown hair back from her face. Her body was thin and her cloths hung loosely around her slender body. Her height Kaoru estimate to be close to 5 feet, smaller than Kaoru's own five foot four inches. Both her height and weight had fooled Kaoru into thinking that she was a child.
The grandmother cleared her throat lightly to which Tsubame jumped before blushing and sliding into the chair directly across from Kaoru. Kaoru chuckled lightly at that and then folded her hands into the wide sleeves of her gi and waited for the elder to take her place at the last setting on the table. Once the elder was seated she bowed her head. Kaoru looked on curiously and saw that Tsubame to had her head bent with hands clasped loosely in front of her. Realizing that they were sending thanks for the food, Kaoru too bent her head and sent a quick prayer of thanks for the food.
Glancing up her heart stirred a bit at forgotten memories. She could remember times when she and her father had sat at the table just like this thanking kami-sama for the food gifted them. Her father would patiently instruct Kaoru of the importance of doing so to always keep in kami-sama's good graces, while a young impatient Kaoru would want nothing but to dive head first in to the food. That was years ago while her father had still been part of this world.
Stilling her mind, Kaoru pushed the painful memories back down and looked up to see Tsubame watching her across the table. For a moment their eyes met and Kaoru could see understanding in Tsubame's eyes which spoke of a deep loss of the child's own. In that moment both Kaoru and Tsubame seemed to connect and she could see a little bit of acceptance enter Tsubame's eyes. Kaoru did a quick re-evaluation of Tsubame there, realizing that there was much more buried under her shy exterior than she let on.
"Okay children now that our prayers of thanks have been sent, let us eat," the elder exclaimed jovially before grabbing a bowl of steaming rice next to her and dishing out portions to the plates set around the table. Tsubame also reached across the table and grasped the pot of stew sitting halfway between her and Kaoru. As she did so her sleeve pulled back a bit, and on the insides of her wrist Kaoru could see what looked like fading bruises and old scars. Seeing Kaoru's gaze, Tsubame quickly shifted back and readjusted her sleeve to hide her arms back up to the backs of her hands. Her eyes shuttered once again and Kaoru realized that Tsubame had put up her invisible defenses once more. Kaoru made a mental note to ask the grandmother about what exactly had happened to the child to leave such marks on her body.
Dinner was a quite event with little noise other than the clinking of dishes as they ate. The food was a simple affair but delicious none the less. The stew was hearty filled with large chunks of vegetables and beef. The rice was warm and topped with a spicy curry which Kaoru took an instant liking to. Warm rolls accompanied the food to help wash down the spice of the curry. For dessert the elder pulled out sweet buns which were crumbly on touch and spread over the tongue with their sweetness.
As dinner wrapped up, Kaoru stood and grabbed some dishes determined to repay the elder's kindness with some chores. The elder smiled in understanding and let Kaoru carry on. Walking into the small kitchen in the back of the house, Kaoru placed the dirty dishes into the sink and headed back to grab the remaining ones left on the table. As she walked back into the kitchen with the last load of dishes, she could hear the elder give Tsubame soft instructions to start tea over the fire place in the living room. Hearing the scrape of chairs on the wooden floor, Kaoru quickly ran the water to lather the dirty dishes in soap and started washing the dishes.
As she began rubbing the dishes down with soap and a rag, Kaoru heard the steady shuffle of the elder as she made her way back into the kitchen. She entered the kitchen but didn't say anything to Kaoru and began placing the left-over food into bins to be eaten tomorrow. For a while both Kaoru and the elder were silent, engrossed in their work. However the scars and bruises on Tsubame's wrist were a constant niggling in the back of her mind and Kaoru decided now was the best time to bring it up while Tsubame was in the other room.
"…Grandmother, earlier you had mentioned that Tsubame didn't deal well with strangers. I was wondering, if it isn't too much trouble, if you might explain to me why."
The grandmother stilled from what she was doing and then sighed: "Oh hai child I did mention that to you didn't I? And I'm sure Tsubame's own behavior spoke for itself. Well child, Tsubame is not an actual native of this village. In fact she hasn't been here but a few weeks now. She was actually found not too far from the village in one of the fields." The elder hesitated for a moment, and then stopped what she was doing to face Kaoru. "I don't know why child but something inside of me is telling me to trust you and tell you what I know of Tsubame. I feel that you maybe what is needed to help that child. And your actions to me today have told me that you are kind, sweet child who has no mal-intentions."
Taking a deep breath the elder began Tsubame's story: "Well child a few weeks ago there was a slight scare in the village. It seemed a pack of bandits had been seen not too far down the road and where making their way close to our village. We are a small village with little to offer but often that doesn't deter the bandits. But we were lucky. Other than pillaging some of the more distant fields, these bandits didn't seem to want much else from our village. We waited a few days locked in our houses, our men folk armed and ready to do what was needed should the bandits make their way in to the village. However after a few days it was deemed clear and safe and we all headed out to the fields to see how much damage had been done. That night I had been just clearing up for the night and settling in, when a group of the men folk came knocking on my door. It seemed that the bandits had left something behind. The men folk had found Tsubame abandoned and badly beaten in one of the far fields. The child had been unconscious and near knocking on deaths door. None of the men folk could recognize the child as one of our villages' own and decided to bring her to me. You see child I have been alone for many years now, my husband having passed a few years ago and my own son having left the village for his own journey."
Here she paused, her eyes glazing over slightly with past memories. Shaking herself slightly, the elder cleared her throat and continued on. "So they decided to bring her to me seeing as how I would have the most time to nurture the poor child. Oh my dear and how badly beaten and scarred was that child. That first night when I first removed her cloths to bathe and dress her wounds I was near overcome with tears at the state that child was in. Bruises covered almost every inch of that child's body, scars almost every else. There were whip marks down her back and her legs some still fresh and seeping. That night and almost for the next three days, I stayed every waking moment with that child coaxing her back to health and fighting fever and infection that had set in her wounds."
"She stayed unconscious those three whole days and towards the end of the third day I had near given up hope that the child would pull through. But thank kami-sama that night her fever finally broke. The next morning the child woke and she was all big eyes in that poor shrunken face. Upon waking she curled up and backed as far away from me as her strength would allow. Poor child was shaking so much from fear and weariness but would not let me near her, that traumatized was she. After much soothing and crooning from me she finally relaxed after several hours and then slowly allowed me to give her food and water and then treat her wounds. She has been recovering her health slowly since then but she speaks not at all of what happened and how she got here. In fact child says very little as it is and has an inherent fear of any strangers, especially the men folk."
Here the grandmother paused again and wiped her wet eyes. "The sweetest child is she and she is nothing but helpful around here so quick to help with chores and help relieve my burdens. One thing I will say, even with all of her experiences I do see a fighting spirit in that child. Even given everything she has been through she has a strong will to live. But child I can see that she has also taken an instant liking to you as well. Never have I seen her more relaxed around someone as she is with you. That is why I say that there must be something good that you can do for that child." Here the grandmother stopped and then turned back to finishing her task of packing up the leftovers.
Kaoru had steadily washed the dishes throughout the story, fearing that if she stopped her anger at what she could only imagine those bandits had done to Tsubame begin leaking out. She recalled the way Tsubame had barely been able to make eye contact with her throughout dinner but then had seen understanding in her eyes, seen Tsubame relating her own pain to something reflected in Kaoru's eyes over dinner. Kaoru's father had raised her to be strong and independent, with strong morals on protecting those who could not protect themselves. In fact much of her travels centered around the fact that Kaoru wanted to strengthen herself so she could provide strength to people like Tsubame.
Looking down Kaoru could see her hands shaking, clutching the plate so tightly her knuckles had turned white and were in danger of snapping the plate in half. Placing the plate back into the soapy water, Kaoru took a deep breath and started composing herself once again. Concentrating on her calming exercises, she used washing the dishes as a good meditation tool to help center herself once more. At least Tsubame was no longer in any danger here and seemed to be recovering well from what the elder said. That would have to be enough for now and Kaoru would reinforce her own goals to become stronger and help others in similar situations as Tsubame.
After finishing up the dishes Kaoru made her way back into the sitting room, grabbing her pack, cloak and scabbard from near the table on the way. Near the fireplace she could see that the grandmother had settled into one of the chairs sitting in front of the fireplace while Tsubame was kneeling in front of the flames working on what looked to be a pot of tea. Glancing up and noticing Kaoru's belongings in her hand the elder spoke up.
"Now child where do you think you are going?" Before Kaoru could speak up and explain she would just camp out for the night and couldn't impose on her hospitality anymore, the elder was up, pulling Kaoru's belongings from her hand and then beckoning Kaoru over to the other chair by the fire. "Now now child, you shall not be heading anywhere at this time of night. I'm sure you don't have any accommodations for the night and I won't hear anything of you staying somewhere else. Now you just settle yourself down in the chair here, and we will enjoy our nice cup of tea together before we call it a night." All during her rant the elder had pushed Kaoru back into the chair and then Tsubame was in front of her shyly offering her a steaming cup of tea. Feeling humbled by how honest and accepting these people where, Kaoru stopped her protests and instead took the tea from Tsubame.
"Thank you so much mum, I am forever in your debt for all the kindness you have paid me today." The grandmother waved away her thanks and just accepted her own cup of tea, sipping lightly and sighing in pleasure. "Tsubame here makes the most wonderful cup of tea, Kaoru-san. You must try it!" Hearing the praise Tsubame turned deep red to the tips of her hair before burying her face in her own cup of tea. Taking a sip and marveling at the rich taste of the herbal tea, Kaoru couldn't help but concur. "Ah mum, you are most definitely right. That is one of the finest cups of tea I have ever tasted." Tsubame squeaked lightly, before bowing her head in silent thanks to the praise. Kaoru smiled warmly at the girl, marveling at how such a tiny thing could have gone through such trauma. Pushing the depressing thoughts out of her mind, the three companions spent the rest of the evening enjoying their tea and just relaxing in each other's company.
After a few hours had passed, the grandmother who had been lightly dozing in her chair stirred. Tsubame and Kaoru, who had both been lost in thought while staring at the flames, also shifted back to consciousness. Getting up and stretching the elder turned towards the two younger ladies. "Oh how time flies when in good company. But now these tired old bones are insisting that I head out to bed and I'm sure both of you are ready to do the same. Now Tsubame dear I think I will retire back in to our room but why don't you make your sleeping arrangements out here and keep Kaoru-san company for the night. Good night Kaoru-san, till the morrow then." Kaoru got up and bowed slightly to the elder as she headed through the other doorway to the bedroom in the back.
Tsubame in the meantime had made her way over to a trunk located at the far end of the sitting room. She began pulling out two spare futons pillows and blankets. She lined one of the futons on one side of the room and set up the other one across from it against the other wall of the sitting room. Making her way over to the futon closest to her, Kaoru set her pack and cloak down near where her head would be. The scabbard though, she lay down parallel to the futon within easy reach, as had become her habit over the years. Tsubame had disappeared in to the bed room and now came out changed into a light night shift ready for bed.
Kaoru settled into her futon lying onto her back and pulling the blanket up to her chin, but left her right arm out for quick access to the scabbard at her side. Across the room she could hear Tsubame settling into her own futon. Turning her head she could see Tsubame settled under her own blanket with her back to Kaoru. "Good night Tsubame-chan and sweet dreams," Kaoru murmured softly across the room. A few minutes passed where Kaoru thought maybe Tsubame hadn't heard her or had fallen asleep before a reply came back: "Good night Kaoru-san, kami-sama bless." With the light crackle of the fire in their ears both young women eventually drifted off into sleep.
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