PASSING BELLS
~An Alternative Universe Fanfiction~
Disclaimer: I do not own anything in this story except for the plot. The Title of the story was taken from another book. The characters were created by Watsuki Nobuhiro-sama for the hit series Ruruoni Kenshin. As for me, the plot was original, the characters maybe OOC because this is an AU fic.
Author's Note: This is my first time to write something like Passing Bells. Please be kind, for I am not that great in Grammar nor story telling, I am just trying to put my ideas on paper. Comment, Criticisms and Suggestions are welcome, while flames will be used as heater here in Tagaytay Highlands. (Peace)
Chapter One
Shinomori Aoshi is the commanding officer of the unit that was dispatched in the Province of Kilchu. At first, he was reluctant to accept the project General Yamagata was offering to him. It's not that he was not that competent but the troubles and time this mission would consume made him think twice. He vaguely remembers the things the General instructed him when they were about to leave Japan.
There were about 5,000 soldiers who were sent in Pyongyang. They conquered the city with no resistance or whatsoever. Soon, their leader, Hajime Saitoh, dispatched the different units to their respective regions and provinces. His task seemed to be the baddest because the troops he was assigned was the most notorious and defiant. But because of his responsible attitude and love for challenge, he reluctantly agreed.
The trip to Kilchu was a pleasant one, he didn't encounter major problems. Sure, there were problems but nothing that he couldn't handle. They arrived at the village and what greeted them was no good. It seems that the small village was prepared to go battle with his men. There were about 500 villagers and his men were outnumbered by 75 elements, but it didn't bother him. His men, although notorious and defiant were the most accurate in terms of fighting, whether it be katanas (1) or gun power.
It surprised him that the villagers lasted for about a day or two. They put-up a great fight and some of his men were killed, and if not, severely injured. It even more surprised him that some of the women in the village were able to fight. But at the end of the day, his troops prevailed at the battle and they were able to break the resistance they put on hold. After the preliminary battle, they managed to get into the heart of the village. The surrounding was such a sore because of the waste the battle left in the gutter. There were blood, dilated body parts and wounded civilians. The village was such a mess. The crops were destroyed, as in everything was put into waste.
He felt a tinge of sympathy for the victims of this war. For him, this battle was not that important because his mother country not needed any of this. This colonialism thing is nothing but a waste of money and time. For him, repairing the country and industrializing it was more important than this absolute waste of resources.
Shinomori Aoshi is a young captain whose lineage extends to the samurais Taira ni Kiyomori (2). His ancestors were famous all over Japan and thus making his family influential when it comes to the political and military scene in Japan. While growing-up, the young Aoshi enjoyed all the luxuries in the world. His father, Kiotoku was an adviser of the Shoguns back when they are still the ruling power in Japan. His mother, Naname, was a plain house wife whose training extends to both writing and reading.
He grew-up in an environment where his family is the center of attention. His studies were conducted by private lessons by outstanding tutors, even at an early age; Aoshi was suited to become a samurai. He was trained for chivalry and perfectionism. He was taught of courtly manners one must adapt in order to fit into social circles. But Aoshi grew-up into something he was not supposed to be. He was always enigmatic person, void of any emotion and void of any feelings for others. His eyes were the only thing that shows his emotion, and soon his father became worried that his son might be gay. At first, his father didn't pay any attention to the young Aoshi's superficial attitude towards the opposite sex because it was just natural for young samurais to feel a certain degree of admiration with the older samurais, but his mother persisted that he court a young lady.
It was proven that young Aoshi was not gay and so his daily life became normal again. But faith was not very kind to the young Aoshi. A war between Samurais ensued and ruined the beautiful home that Aoshi lived in. His father was killed by the samurais who opposed the way of the shoguns. Unfortunately, those who were opposing the shoguns won the untimely battle and what happened next was a night mare that marred his whole life. Everything was stripped away from them. All the luxuries were taken away one by one, and the final blow came when his mother was taken away by the new government. His mother was forced into marriage by a politician named Suzuki, his mother couldn't do anything but to oblige and that decision of hers caused him his life as a kid.
He was abandoned by his mother at the tender age of 14. He was left at the streets with nothing to eat and nothing gain. He learned the life in the streets and it made him much stronger that he ever was. He learned the law of nature which is: The Strong shall live, and the weak shall die. He learned the art of street fighting and with it he met his second father, Okita. He was found by Okita in the streets and he immediately offered him a place to live. He old man said that he happens to know his father and this is the only way to repay the kindness his father showed the old geezer, with nothing to hang-on to, Aoshi accepted his offer and started his new life as an Oniwabanshuu spy.
It didn't last long before Aoshi left the Oni Gang in Kyoto. He wanted a more meaningful life. He remembered the promise he gave to his father; that he will go to the military school when the right time comes. At eighteen, Aoshi enrolled himself in the military school, due to his training when he was still a kid, he easily adapted to the military life. He was always on top among his peers. He was the pet, the favorite among his superiors and it made him happy. Soon, his ranks were higher than anybody else in his group.
Overtime, everybody expected Aoshi to change from being the emotionless soldier that he was. His friends made him court women, not just women, but beautiful and important ladies. At first, he would enjoy their company. Daughters of high ranking officials, commoners, and geishas were at his disposal but nothing seemed to matter to him. After a night or two of passion, he would just leave them and revert back to his old days and thus earning him the nick name of "Ice Blue Ice"
The young commander was the toast of the army. His skills made him exceptional and his looks made him irresistible. His height was unusual for a Japanese man; he's closer to heaven at six feet and three inches. His locks, a shiny and vibrant shade of ebony hung above his eye lids. His skin, white as an ivory was soft as silk. He has a body devoid of any fats due to him being vegetarian. And most of all, his face, chiseled and cold, devoid of any emotion that his eyes fully accentuate. His eyes were a mix of green and blue making it mysterious and conniving at the same time held an intense gaze that would make you falter and weak on the knees. Although a lot of girls have fallen prey to his charms and looks, none interested him like a samurai and a good sword. Not only his looks seemed deadly but also his skills when it comes with a sword and a gun and it made him what he is right now.
After they penetrated the village, Shinomori's men rounded the place to search food, and other loot that can guarantee their success. He was walking around the village when he heard the snickering of his men and the pleading of a girl. At first, he was unaffected by the pleas and cries of the girl but when he heard her give an ultimatum in place of her ailing father, he immediately helped out knowing that his men can't be trusted. He didn't know why this sudden interest made him do just that, but something inside told him that he needed to do just that.
The reason was trivial to him and it made him wonder as to what she can give him. Normally, Aoshi is not the type to help damsel-in-distress ladies unless he can get something lucrative in return, but what power does she have on him to do just that (to save her). The girl was not that gorgeous. Her physical attributes were that of a normal Japanese girl, black hair, skinny, fair-skinned, and red lips, but what caught his fancy, was her eyes. The eyes of the captive were a pair of endless blue pools. It was so unusual to see a girl with black hair and blue eyes, but this girl, this girl possesses that attribute. There was something in her eyes that captivated him the first time see set his eyes on her. But he just couldn't quite put a finger on it.
Hmmm…black hair and blue eyes, am I just dreaming or am I seeing something new he pondered emotionlessly. He can't show his fanciness over the girl to his men because they will surely lose respect to him. But unknown to him, two pair of amethyst eyes were watching his every move.
After they finished rounding up the place, Aoshi motioned his men to follow him in to the city proper of Kilchu. The Japanese army set-up a camp over there because the people in the city offered none, if, less resistance. The day was tiring for his men and a lot of his soldiers either went out to eat or to get a yujo or two. He didn't prohibit the use of Yujos the battle hours. For him, it was just natural to use a woman of two when you just finished a battle. But what he doesn't allow is his men to rape girls and women alike. For him, it was a despicable thing to do, he wants his women willing because of the pleasure they are both giving each other and he wanted his men to feel that feeling.
He was about to go to sleep when a soldier called him from outside. He remembered the soldier as a Private First Class Cadet in the Services. He was an orphaned before he went to the army for help, his name was Myojin Yahiko. He was a fresh graduate from the military school in Kyoto and top notched his class.
"Captain, the woman we got from the village wishes to speak with you," he reported to the captain. Yahiko stands no more than five feet and six inches. His complexion was that of an exotic creature that basked in the sunshine's of the tropic. His face was different from those of the typical Japanese; his was a mixture of mischievousness and young enthusiasm that his older superior lacked.
"Myojin-san, haven't I told you that I don't want any distraction this night," he sternly stared at the boy. His eyes were burning right through the boy's. He saw him flinched at his command. He knew that the boy regards him as highly as possible and any mistake will be futile for his promotion. But Aoshi's mid was nowhere near that idea and the last thing that he needed now were problems caused by that girl.
Myojin Yahiko didn't know what to do or how to act. He was clueless about the girl's situation and his superior is giving a hard time, indirectly. He didn't know why he's feeling that way he does when his superior is around. Aoshi Shinomori has this aura that will make you afraid and if not, cautious and nervous at the same time. He watched him at the corner of his eyes because he knew that his superior doesn't like people looking at him and besides, it's decorum in the military school to never look at your superior unless instructed so.
After moments of pondering on what to do with his captive, Aoshi Shinomori gave an exact order to the boy, 'So, the girl wants to talk to me…' he thought, his eye flickered for a moment and it went unnoticed by the boy. "Bring her to me and tell the guards to stay away at my tent for the 15 hours."
"Hai, Shinomori-sama"
Kaoru was roughly brought to Aoshi's tent. She didn't know exactly what to do and what to say, all she ever was to convinced him to let her go but as they were nearing his tent, her insides started rampaging and it left her thoughts scattered about everything.
The tent was just like any other tent in the camp. She expected a place where there were decorations and extravagance. But what she saw surprised her more than anything else. The tent was bare except for a cot and a table; there were no decorations except for a paper crane that was undone in the table. The tall, handsome officer was nowhere in sight. After a few moments of waiting, the guard who brought her in left her without a word or whatsoever. Soon after that, her insides started to calm and the inevitable slumber claimed her.
She was sleeping peacefully when she heard some shuffling, trained as she was; her senses became alert of the possible danger. Now fully awake, Kaoru slowly crawled out of the cot and immediately hid herself from the heavy drape of the tent.
Aoshi entered the room with a litter noise due to the flap of the tent. He heard that the girl was brought over his tent, just as he commanded. But he was not able meet to her because of minor problem with the cooks. After attending to the problems at hand, Aoshi immediately went to the tent to check if the girl was okay. He felt her peaceful, slumbering area upon the taking the nearest step toward his tent, but as unfortunately, the flap caused the girl to awaken. Her aura, no longer sleeping, quickly changed position to possibly hide herself, but to no avail, Aoshi easily saw her hiding place upon entering the marquee.
He didn't pay attention to the girl, and started undressing himself when he heard a stifled scream. The girl was obviously oblivious to the male anatomy. It was evident that this is her first time to see a man stripping naked, 'Interesting' Aoshi thought.
"Hiding is of no use because I know where you are exactly at," Aoshi quietly informed her. Soon, a petite girl revealed herself from his view. She was wearing a Japanese yukata. Her soiled article of clothing from before was nowhere to be seen, and her hair was put into a bun by the ladies in the camp. Aoshi continued on what he is doing after finishing it, sat in a compensable silence.
Kaoru waited for him to speak but his movements told her that he has no intention of doing that. As her patience ran dry, Kaoru was forced to take matters on her side.
"Why won't you release me?"
No response
"Please, release me,"
No response
"My father is sick and he needs my help," she pleadingly informed him
Silence
"Can't you understand?! Are you deaf?" she half-shouted.
Silence, Stoic green eyes melt smoldering turquoise and after a few moments, a voice colder than ice was heard. "You offered yourself to us and we honored our promise and that is enough for you to be quiet."
"You don't understand, my father is ill, he will die if I don't care for him." She was frantically pleading. She was searching for his eyes but she only met a steely gave that sent shivers down her spine.
Silence.
"Please, I will do anything,"
Silence.
"Anything! I will clean for you,"
Silence.
"Please, anything…"
Silence.
"If you let me go until my father die, I will put myself into your hands, I'll be your slave." A reaction, at last. She saw his eyes flickered at the ultimatum she gave him.
"And what can you give me for this night?" he asked her, his eyes boring circles onto her. She was still, and he silently waited for her response.
"Anything you like,"
Soon after, Aoshi was beside her, his eyes were intently her own. His hand found its way to her left shoulder. The contact sent chills down her spine. Then she felt his hand remove the hair that was resting on that shoulder. While left hand continuously patted her shoulder his other hand found her face, tilting her face up, his lips met hers. The kiss was pleasant but Kaoru didn't feel it, she was too nervous to feel anything, too afraid on what he can do if she showed any resistance, 'This is for Father' she repeatedly thought.
Aoshi was rather enjoying it. It's been a long while since he tasted a lady this good. Ever since he was put into command in the army that raided the villages here in Kilchu, his sex life was rather empty. While, there were beautiful creatures here in the island, Aoshi was too afraid to bed them due to sicknesses that sometimes come with them. And now, after months of abstaining himself, he was with a girl and a virgin to boot. He was about to untie her yukata when a tear slid from the girl's eyes. He was startled but he didn't let her see it. He let go of her the moment he saw this, his mood changed. Aoshi never liked forcing a girl to his bed and this one was no exception no matter how beautiful she was wearing that thin Yukata that accentuated her womanly figures.
Kaoru felt his hands leaving her. She was confused as to what is happening. As she slowly opened her eyes, she saw him sitting at the cot, back in his meditation position. At first she was glad but as realization hit her, she felt rejected. Truly, she was afraid, but something nagged her when he stopped. He was a very handsome man and for him to show that he liked her was a compliment for Kaoru, as shrewd and pathetic as it was and somehow his ceaseless made her feel ugly and unwanted.
She looked up to him and asked "Why?"
Silence
Due to his silence, Kaoru took it as a sign to leave, she was about to get out when he spoke.
"You will not go anywhere unless you are told so."
"I thought you didn't---"
Silence
"You don't want me, right?"
Silence
"In that case, I have no use in here…" she was half way down the exit when he spoke again.
"I didn't say I don't like you,"
"Then why?"
Silence
"Why?"
Silence
"Why?!"
"Because I don't force woman on my bed, besides I don't want a child for lover."
TO BE CONTINUED…
~An Alternative Universe Fanfiction~
Disclaimer: I do not own anything in this story except for the plot. The Title of the story was taken from another book. The characters were created by Watsuki Nobuhiro-sama for the hit series Ruruoni Kenshin. As for me, the plot was original, the characters maybe OOC because this is an AU fic.
Author's Note: This is my first time to write something like Passing Bells. Please be kind, for I am not that great in Grammar nor story telling, I am just trying to put my ideas on paper. Comment, Criticisms and Suggestions are welcome, while flames will be used as heater here in Tagaytay Highlands. (Peace)
Chapter One
Shinomori Aoshi is the commanding officer of the unit that was dispatched in the Province of Kilchu. At first, he was reluctant to accept the project General Yamagata was offering to him. It's not that he was not that competent but the troubles and time this mission would consume made him think twice. He vaguely remembers the things the General instructed him when they were about to leave Japan.
There were about 5,000 soldiers who were sent in Pyongyang. They conquered the city with no resistance or whatsoever. Soon, their leader, Hajime Saitoh, dispatched the different units to their respective regions and provinces. His task seemed to be the baddest because the troops he was assigned was the most notorious and defiant. But because of his responsible attitude and love for challenge, he reluctantly agreed.
The trip to Kilchu was a pleasant one, he didn't encounter major problems. Sure, there were problems but nothing that he couldn't handle. They arrived at the village and what greeted them was no good. It seems that the small village was prepared to go battle with his men. There were about 500 villagers and his men were outnumbered by 75 elements, but it didn't bother him. His men, although notorious and defiant were the most accurate in terms of fighting, whether it be katanas (1) or gun power.
It surprised him that the villagers lasted for about a day or two. They put-up a great fight and some of his men were killed, and if not, severely injured. It even more surprised him that some of the women in the village were able to fight. But at the end of the day, his troops prevailed at the battle and they were able to break the resistance they put on hold. After the preliminary battle, they managed to get into the heart of the village. The surrounding was such a sore because of the waste the battle left in the gutter. There were blood, dilated body parts and wounded civilians. The village was such a mess. The crops were destroyed, as in everything was put into waste.
He felt a tinge of sympathy for the victims of this war. For him, this battle was not that important because his mother country not needed any of this. This colonialism thing is nothing but a waste of money and time. For him, repairing the country and industrializing it was more important than this absolute waste of resources.
Shinomori Aoshi is a young captain whose lineage extends to the samurais Taira ni Kiyomori (2). His ancestors were famous all over Japan and thus making his family influential when it comes to the political and military scene in Japan. While growing-up, the young Aoshi enjoyed all the luxuries in the world. His father, Kiotoku was an adviser of the Shoguns back when they are still the ruling power in Japan. His mother, Naname, was a plain house wife whose training extends to both writing and reading.
He grew-up in an environment where his family is the center of attention. His studies were conducted by private lessons by outstanding tutors, even at an early age; Aoshi was suited to become a samurai. He was trained for chivalry and perfectionism. He was taught of courtly manners one must adapt in order to fit into social circles. But Aoshi grew-up into something he was not supposed to be. He was always enigmatic person, void of any emotion and void of any feelings for others. His eyes were the only thing that shows his emotion, and soon his father became worried that his son might be gay. At first, his father didn't pay any attention to the young Aoshi's superficial attitude towards the opposite sex because it was just natural for young samurais to feel a certain degree of admiration with the older samurais, but his mother persisted that he court a young lady.
It was proven that young Aoshi was not gay and so his daily life became normal again. But faith was not very kind to the young Aoshi. A war between Samurais ensued and ruined the beautiful home that Aoshi lived in. His father was killed by the samurais who opposed the way of the shoguns. Unfortunately, those who were opposing the shoguns won the untimely battle and what happened next was a night mare that marred his whole life. Everything was stripped away from them. All the luxuries were taken away one by one, and the final blow came when his mother was taken away by the new government. His mother was forced into marriage by a politician named Suzuki, his mother couldn't do anything but to oblige and that decision of hers caused him his life as a kid.
He was abandoned by his mother at the tender age of 14. He was left at the streets with nothing to eat and nothing gain. He learned the life in the streets and it made him much stronger that he ever was. He learned the law of nature which is: The Strong shall live, and the weak shall die. He learned the art of street fighting and with it he met his second father, Okita. He was found by Okita in the streets and he immediately offered him a place to live. He old man said that he happens to know his father and this is the only way to repay the kindness his father showed the old geezer, with nothing to hang-on to, Aoshi accepted his offer and started his new life as an Oniwabanshuu spy.
It didn't last long before Aoshi left the Oni Gang in Kyoto. He wanted a more meaningful life. He remembered the promise he gave to his father; that he will go to the military school when the right time comes. At eighteen, Aoshi enrolled himself in the military school, due to his training when he was still a kid, he easily adapted to the military life. He was always on top among his peers. He was the pet, the favorite among his superiors and it made him happy. Soon, his ranks were higher than anybody else in his group.
Overtime, everybody expected Aoshi to change from being the emotionless soldier that he was. His friends made him court women, not just women, but beautiful and important ladies. At first, he would enjoy their company. Daughters of high ranking officials, commoners, and geishas were at his disposal but nothing seemed to matter to him. After a night or two of passion, he would just leave them and revert back to his old days and thus earning him the nick name of "Ice Blue Ice"
The young commander was the toast of the army. His skills made him exceptional and his looks made him irresistible. His height was unusual for a Japanese man; he's closer to heaven at six feet and three inches. His locks, a shiny and vibrant shade of ebony hung above his eye lids. His skin, white as an ivory was soft as silk. He has a body devoid of any fats due to him being vegetarian. And most of all, his face, chiseled and cold, devoid of any emotion that his eyes fully accentuate. His eyes were a mix of green and blue making it mysterious and conniving at the same time held an intense gaze that would make you falter and weak on the knees. Although a lot of girls have fallen prey to his charms and looks, none interested him like a samurai and a good sword. Not only his looks seemed deadly but also his skills when it comes with a sword and a gun and it made him what he is right now.
After they penetrated the village, Shinomori's men rounded the place to search food, and other loot that can guarantee their success. He was walking around the village when he heard the snickering of his men and the pleading of a girl. At first, he was unaffected by the pleas and cries of the girl but when he heard her give an ultimatum in place of her ailing father, he immediately helped out knowing that his men can't be trusted. He didn't know why this sudden interest made him do just that, but something inside told him that he needed to do just that.
The reason was trivial to him and it made him wonder as to what she can give him. Normally, Aoshi is not the type to help damsel-in-distress ladies unless he can get something lucrative in return, but what power does she have on him to do just that (to save her). The girl was not that gorgeous. Her physical attributes were that of a normal Japanese girl, black hair, skinny, fair-skinned, and red lips, but what caught his fancy, was her eyes. The eyes of the captive were a pair of endless blue pools. It was so unusual to see a girl with black hair and blue eyes, but this girl, this girl possesses that attribute. There was something in her eyes that captivated him the first time see set his eyes on her. But he just couldn't quite put a finger on it.
Hmmm…black hair and blue eyes, am I just dreaming or am I seeing something new he pondered emotionlessly. He can't show his fanciness over the girl to his men because they will surely lose respect to him. But unknown to him, two pair of amethyst eyes were watching his every move.
After they finished rounding up the place, Aoshi motioned his men to follow him in to the city proper of Kilchu. The Japanese army set-up a camp over there because the people in the city offered none, if, less resistance. The day was tiring for his men and a lot of his soldiers either went out to eat or to get a yujo or two. He didn't prohibit the use of Yujos the battle hours. For him, it was just natural to use a woman of two when you just finished a battle. But what he doesn't allow is his men to rape girls and women alike. For him, it was a despicable thing to do, he wants his women willing because of the pleasure they are both giving each other and he wanted his men to feel that feeling.
He was about to go to sleep when a soldier called him from outside. He remembered the soldier as a Private First Class Cadet in the Services. He was an orphaned before he went to the army for help, his name was Myojin Yahiko. He was a fresh graduate from the military school in Kyoto and top notched his class.
"Captain, the woman we got from the village wishes to speak with you," he reported to the captain. Yahiko stands no more than five feet and six inches. His complexion was that of an exotic creature that basked in the sunshine's of the tropic. His face was different from those of the typical Japanese; his was a mixture of mischievousness and young enthusiasm that his older superior lacked.
"Myojin-san, haven't I told you that I don't want any distraction this night," he sternly stared at the boy. His eyes were burning right through the boy's. He saw him flinched at his command. He knew that the boy regards him as highly as possible and any mistake will be futile for his promotion. But Aoshi's mid was nowhere near that idea and the last thing that he needed now were problems caused by that girl.
Myojin Yahiko didn't know what to do or how to act. He was clueless about the girl's situation and his superior is giving a hard time, indirectly. He didn't know why he's feeling that way he does when his superior is around. Aoshi Shinomori has this aura that will make you afraid and if not, cautious and nervous at the same time. He watched him at the corner of his eyes because he knew that his superior doesn't like people looking at him and besides, it's decorum in the military school to never look at your superior unless instructed so.
After moments of pondering on what to do with his captive, Aoshi Shinomori gave an exact order to the boy, 'So, the girl wants to talk to me…' he thought, his eye flickered for a moment and it went unnoticed by the boy. "Bring her to me and tell the guards to stay away at my tent for the 15 hours."
"Hai, Shinomori-sama"
Kaoru was roughly brought to Aoshi's tent. She didn't know exactly what to do and what to say, all she ever was to convinced him to let her go but as they were nearing his tent, her insides started rampaging and it left her thoughts scattered about everything.
The tent was just like any other tent in the camp. She expected a place where there were decorations and extravagance. But what she saw surprised her more than anything else. The tent was bare except for a cot and a table; there were no decorations except for a paper crane that was undone in the table. The tall, handsome officer was nowhere in sight. After a few moments of waiting, the guard who brought her in left her without a word or whatsoever. Soon after that, her insides started to calm and the inevitable slumber claimed her.
She was sleeping peacefully when she heard some shuffling, trained as she was; her senses became alert of the possible danger. Now fully awake, Kaoru slowly crawled out of the cot and immediately hid herself from the heavy drape of the tent.
Aoshi entered the room with a litter noise due to the flap of the tent. He heard that the girl was brought over his tent, just as he commanded. But he was not able meet to her because of minor problem with the cooks. After attending to the problems at hand, Aoshi immediately went to the tent to check if the girl was okay. He felt her peaceful, slumbering area upon the taking the nearest step toward his tent, but as unfortunately, the flap caused the girl to awaken. Her aura, no longer sleeping, quickly changed position to possibly hide herself, but to no avail, Aoshi easily saw her hiding place upon entering the marquee.
He didn't pay attention to the girl, and started undressing himself when he heard a stifled scream. The girl was obviously oblivious to the male anatomy. It was evident that this is her first time to see a man stripping naked, 'Interesting' Aoshi thought.
"Hiding is of no use because I know where you are exactly at," Aoshi quietly informed her. Soon, a petite girl revealed herself from his view. She was wearing a Japanese yukata. Her soiled article of clothing from before was nowhere to be seen, and her hair was put into a bun by the ladies in the camp. Aoshi continued on what he is doing after finishing it, sat in a compensable silence.
Kaoru waited for him to speak but his movements told her that he has no intention of doing that. As her patience ran dry, Kaoru was forced to take matters on her side.
"Why won't you release me?"
No response
"Please, release me,"
No response
"My father is sick and he needs my help," she pleadingly informed him
Silence
"Can't you understand?! Are you deaf?" she half-shouted.
Silence, Stoic green eyes melt smoldering turquoise and after a few moments, a voice colder than ice was heard. "You offered yourself to us and we honored our promise and that is enough for you to be quiet."
"You don't understand, my father is ill, he will die if I don't care for him." She was frantically pleading. She was searching for his eyes but she only met a steely gave that sent shivers down her spine.
Silence.
"Please, I will do anything,"
Silence.
"Anything! I will clean for you,"
Silence.
"Please, anything…"
Silence.
"If you let me go until my father die, I will put myself into your hands, I'll be your slave." A reaction, at last. She saw his eyes flickered at the ultimatum she gave him.
"And what can you give me for this night?" he asked her, his eyes boring circles onto her. She was still, and he silently waited for her response.
"Anything you like,"
Soon after, Aoshi was beside her, his eyes were intently her own. His hand found its way to her left shoulder. The contact sent chills down her spine. Then she felt his hand remove the hair that was resting on that shoulder. While left hand continuously patted her shoulder his other hand found her face, tilting her face up, his lips met hers. The kiss was pleasant but Kaoru didn't feel it, she was too nervous to feel anything, too afraid on what he can do if she showed any resistance, 'This is for Father' she repeatedly thought.
Aoshi was rather enjoying it. It's been a long while since he tasted a lady this good. Ever since he was put into command in the army that raided the villages here in Kilchu, his sex life was rather empty. While, there were beautiful creatures here in the island, Aoshi was too afraid to bed them due to sicknesses that sometimes come with them. And now, after months of abstaining himself, he was with a girl and a virgin to boot. He was about to untie her yukata when a tear slid from the girl's eyes. He was startled but he didn't let her see it. He let go of her the moment he saw this, his mood changed. Aoshi never liked forcing a girl to his bed and this one was no exception no matter how beautiful she was wearing that thin Yukata that accentuated her womanly figures.
Kaoru felt his hands leaving her. She was confused as to what is happening. As she slowly opened her eyes, she saw him sitting at the cot, back in his meditation position. At first she was glad but as realization hit her, she felt rejected. Truly, she was afraid, but something nagged her when he stopped. He was a very handsome man and for him to show that he liked her was a compliment for Kaoru, as shrewd and pathetic as it was and somehow his ceaseless made her feel ugly and unwanted.
She looked up to him and asked "Why?"
Silence
Due to his silence, Kaoru took it as a sign to leave, she was about to get out when he spoke.
"You will not go anywhere unless you are told so."
"I thought you didn't---"
Silence
"You don't want me, right?"
Silence
"In that case, I have no use in here…" she was half way down the exit when he spoke again.
"I didn't say I don't like you,"
"Then why?"
Silence
"Why?"
Silence
"Why?!"
"Because I don't force woman on my bed, besides I don't want a child for lover."
TO BE CONTINUED…