Updated: 22/08/05. I know it has been a long time but I have kind of been stuck in the stone ages myself without having a computer or the Internet in my little apartment. I would also like to say thank you for all the people who reviewed this, it is nice to get feedback so thank you once again.

Re-Edited:31/5/2009

Thanks goes to my Beta Reader Kokoronagomu. Sorry it took forever to put it up.

Authors Notes: This an AU fic, I do not and never will own Rurouni Kenshin no matter how hard I pray or wish.

BLOSSOM

It was another bruise to add to the already green and black bruises marring the skin. It was a trying time but it would all be worth it very soon.

The hand raised in the air quickly coming down with force all within the blink of an eye. Men, women and children gathered in a circle to watch the commotion.

What did we tell you? Time and Time again! You must learn to act as the others until it is time.

Well what do you have to say for yourself?

The man questioned, his long fingers playing in his dark black beard, his voice harsh as if daring the person to speak.

Dark deep blue eyes met chocolate brown ones in an act of defiance.

You knew I was like this Master, so why did you send me then?

The man said nothing, twirling around so his back was to everyone, but just as quickly he turned back and his hand was slicing the air again, with that, he walked inside his hut. People gasped, and then sighed in relief, it could have been worse, much worse. The people then began to disperse; the commotion was over although there would be a lot of gossip about it in the continuing weeks. Jiro who was amongst the crowd who came rushing over.

Are you okay Kaowu, does it huwt? questioned Jiro.

For his sake she had to smile, to show him she was strong, that she was fine, even though the muscles in her face protested against it, Im fine Jiro, it doesnt hurt too bad.

Suddenly Jiro did something unexpected he kissed her cheek. She wrapped him in her arms, if it was one thing that could break her heart it would be Jiro, he was so sweet, and so innocent. She let her tears flow silently and freely then, hugging Jiro tighter to her chest. He could not see those tears ever, if she was to protect him.

She hated the way Jiro was witnessing all this violence but the more she tried to get out of it, the more she was reeled back into it. She sighed, lost in thought as she looked in her vanity mirror while braiding her hair for bed. She wondered if Jiro remembered his parents-- his real parents, not the fakes who would take your life if it meant success to the mission. She looked across to a futon where Jiro was fast asleep, and she smiled slightly. The houses were like huts, and they were all on strict budgets, but it didnt mean a thing to Kaoru as long as Jiro got a good life after-- unlike hers. She prayed to the gods above that she would not have those dreams again, those awful dreams where she would wake drenched in sweat, or where she would have to bolt from the house before she threw up the contents of the day. She unfurled, her own futon and again made a silent plea to the gods that tonight she would be able to sleep peacefully.

Fate would not be kind to Kaoru, after the things she had seen, at the young age she had seen them, her dreams would be anything but sweet.

WARNING: The next chapter will be dark, it will give away a little insight and depth of Kaoru.