Author: Tamyris L.
Email: tamyrisl@yahoo.com
Last Modified: 12/10/00
Title: The Female of the Species
Type of Work: Fanfiction: CCD/Kenshin crossover
Spoilers: not yet
Warnings: later chapters contain graphic violence and possible lemonish overtones (not at the same time! ;) )
Keywords: Clamp Campus Detectives



The Female of the Species
By Tamyris L.


"When two flashing swords meet there is no place to escape;
Move coolly, like a lotus flower blooming in the midst of a
Roaring fire and forcefully pierce the Heavens!"
--Anonymous



Suoh Takamura's eyes narrowed as he watched the slender young woman hurrying toward her class. She moved with a determined purpose, her stride long, lithe betraying a physical mastery that set his mental alarms shrieking. The ninja allowed his gaze to linger on the woman a brief moment more before turning to face his Rijichou.

Nokoru looked at him, privately amused. " Something is troubling you, Suoh." It was not a question, the sharp sapphire eyes inviting confidence.

Sighing to himself, Suoh padded silently over to his Rijichou and sat opposite him, crossing his legs and centering himself. "Sophie Himura. Our new history professor...is intriguing." The slight frown that marred his aquiline countenance told Nokoru that "intriguing" was probably not the first description that came to his friend's mind.

But the Rijichou merely nodded, "She is most intriguing. Her knowledge of military history is unparalleled as is her facility with languages. We were fortunate to gain such a talented teacher."

"Yet she gives no satisfactory reason why she left her previous post..."Suoh countered.

Nokoru merely shrugged, "She was born and raised in Japan. It is not that unusual to wish to return home. And her background check revealed nothing untoward. Why are you so suspicious of her, Suoh? You have been observing her since she arrived weeks ago..."he cocked his head curiously.

"I don't trust her." The amber eyed man said shortly. "I've read her files, Rijichou...there is far, far too much left unsaid. And that name...I know that family name..."he frowned, unable to recall under what context he had heard it.

Both men looked up at the sharp knock at the door. Nokoru smiled, "Well, you will have the opportunity to ask her yourself, Suoh." He smirked. " I have invited her to join us for lunch. Akira should be along any time now."

As if summoned by his words, the cheerful tenor of the young chef was heard at the door, counterpointed by a low female contralto. The door opened revealing Akira and a young woman. She had long auburn hair gathered back in a rather severe braid, and startling violet eyes that pierced the two men for a moment before she smiled disarmingly in greeting. Holding the door open for Akira to maneuver his food cart she bowed deftly.

"Konichiwa. I trust I am just on time?"


Nokoru rose, bowing in return. "Your timing is perfect. Please come in. I trust you know everyone here." At her nod, he gestured to a chair. "Takemura-kun and I were just speaking of the reputation you have already earned as..." there was a pregnant pause. "Our newest history professor."

A wry smile tugged at the corner of Sophie's lips, "Yes, I hear that students are calling me Dragonlady now."

Akira chuckled as he began setting out the dishes of food. Even Suoh's lips quirked in a half-smile. "Everyone is talking about the inter-active "games" that you have planned." Akira nodded his head, pouring her a glass of tea.

"Arigatou" she smiled. "Well, history can be very boring unless there is a certain ..um...interactive element." She shrugged.

"This is for the Japanese history class?" Nokoru queried politely.

Sophie nodded, " Hai...we will be replaying one of the decisive battles of the Bakumatsu." Her eyes became hooded for a brief moment but the expression quickly passed. "It will aid in their understanding, I think and if nothing else keep them interested. Right now, we're studying weaponry."

Suoh's head snapped up. "Have you studied the martial arts?"

Sophie looked at him, her face utterly expressionless, " I have studied one style, my grandmother was a master of Kamiya Kashin Ryu."

Suoh smiled, but it never reached his eyes, " Your grandmother must have been a remarkable woman." He averred.

Sophie smiled coldly, " She was indeed."

Nokoru sighed, feeling the tension between his newest teacher and his long time friend, "Are you also a master of this style?" he asked.

Sophie nodded, " Hai, all my aunts, uncles and my brother were trained to it." Her smile grew genuine. "It's something of a family tradition."

Suoh's eyes locked with hers, " Perhaps we can spar sometime." The offer was not quite a challenge but Sophie merely smiled politely.

"Perhaps after I...settle in." but it was obvious her words were offered as courtesy, nothing more. She turned her attention back to the Rijichou and Akira and conversation soon turned to the topic of her classes and her innovative lesson plans.

Sophie left their office hours later somewhat relieved to be out from under the intense scrutiny of the Head of Security. She shook her head in dry amusement as she walked back to her apartments. She knew that he was suspicious of her and she had a pretty good idea why. The body cannot lie. She recalled her grandfather's words. No matter how much one may wish it otherwise.

"Ah, grandfather, how I do wish those words had been in jest." She sighed, staring up at the night sky. At the thought of her grandfather, she smiled gently in remembrance.

"Why do you carry a sa..sa.." she frowned, " that funny sword, Sofu?" the little girl crawled up into her grandfather's lap, moving the sword out of the way so she could snuggle more closely against him.

The elder man smiled tenderly, one hand moving to stroke her hair, "Sakaba sword, little one. And I wear it to protect those I love."

"Like me?" the little girl giggled, hugging him.

His violet eyes, undimmed with age crinkled playfully as he smiled "Hai, like you, Sophie-chan. A sword is meant to protect."

The little girl nodded, then frowned. "But...why don't you carry a real sword? I've seen them" she announced wisely, not noticing the shadow that flitted across her grandfather's eyes.

"It's real enough, child." There was a distant tenor to his voice that the little girl had never heard before. Frowning she wrapped her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly.

"When I grow up, I want to fight just like you." Her only response was the tightening of his arms around her. The little girl never saw the look of old pain that constricted her grandfather's features for a brief moment.



End of Chapter 1