Yuji sat up in bed. She reflected for a moment, and then reached into the front of her robe and pulled out a golden medallion. A sigma had been engraved on it, something that the young woman had no way of understanding, though she had pored over many a book attempting to find out. She stared at the tiny, intricately carved feather and remembered…
* * *
"It's for good luck…A gift from me to you," Ryuji whispered, smiling painfully.
Tears filled Yuji's eyes. In stubborn hopes, she pressed her hands tighter against the wound, trying to stop the flow of dark blood. No, she thought. No!
"It has powers," Ryuji gasped. "Incredible powers! It will protect you, Yuji-chan! Take it! I will be gone soon," he pressed, reaching a shaky hand up and clasping her hand with it. "Take it. Please…" Ryuji groaned in pain and closed his eyes.
"Ryuji!" Yuji cried. "Ryuji! Stay with me!"
Ryuji did not answer.
"RYUJI!!!" Yuji cried, shaking him, pressing his body against her own.
Slowly, as if they weighed mountains, Ryuji opened his eyes. He smiled at her and lifted his hand again, tracing the trail of a tear on Yuji's cheek. "It was meant to be," he said softy. He grimaced suddenly. "Yuji…you must know that you will be great one day! We both knew that for me it would end like this when the Dark Ones began slaying my clan. Yuji…Yuji, you must never give up! You must never give up, because I believe in you!!" Ryuji cried, his own eyes filling with tears of sadness. "I am satisfied to be able to spend my last moments with you, my loved," he said tenderly, his tunic reddening more and more with each passing moment.
Ryuji leaned forward and pressed his lips with hers in a gentle kiss. Tears began streaming down the young ninja's face. They both leaned into the kiss, holding each other tightly in a grief-filled embrace.
Ryuji Sasaki was dead before it ended.
* * *
Yuji closed her eyes. Remembering never did any good, she reminded herself sternly. Her love would never again hold her in his arms. Now she could only fulfil his last request. She had spent nine years living in those unforgiving mountains, nine years trying to become as great as Ryuji had said she would be. The Dark Society of Jin, the Dark Ones. The assassins who sought to purge the world of the last of the Holy Spirits, the righteous priest clans who protected all innocents. Yuji clenched her fist. They would pay. Rising and getting dressed quickly, she forced a cheerful mood upon her unwilling spirit and pushed up her sleeves, heading for the kitchen.
Birds began their morning songs, singing sweet tunes out, greeting the sun, greeting each other, greeting the lovely spring day to come.
Which eventually resulted in waking up Sanosuke. "Damn birds," he grumbled, rolling over and tossing his bedspread aside. Getting dressed, he mooched over to the water basin, brushed his teeth and washed his face. Popping a long toothpick into his mouth, he chewed on it and grinned. "Almost forgot to stop by at Tae's," he said to himself. Suddenly he reached up and smacked his forehead. "Eh! I gotta go to the Kamiya Dojo and…train…that…girl…" He sighed. How did he get himself into this mess? Oh wait; he didn't. It was Kenshin. A vein popped up on his forehead. Kenshin, you've damned me, my friend, he thought grimly. I've never even taught anyone to use chopsticks! How do you expect me to teach this kid?!
Besides, she already whooped that gangster's ass the other day better than I could. Sanosuke leaned his chin onto his fist and considered. Kenshin had never made a bad decision before that Sanosuke knew of, but this was just crossing the line. The troubled man sighed and shook his head, then grinned. "Maybe she'll get annoyed at me and quit," He mumbled. He pushed himself up from his table and sauntered out the door towards the sukiyaki restaurant, hands in his pockets.
Two hours later, Sagara Sanosuke left the kobe with a stomach full of breakfast. He sighed contentedly, then remembered where he was heading. Steeling himself for the worst kinds of evil, he rolled up his sleeves and started for the dojo.
Yahiko looked up and grinned when he saw his tall friend enter the estate grounds. "Oi, ohayo, Sanosuke," he yelled.
"Eh, good morning yourself, kid. I'm here to pay for my sins, I guess." Suddenly, Sanosuke's nose twitched. He sniffed the air curiously, then turned to stare at Yahiko.
"What is it?" Yahiko asked.
"Nanda?? There's a good smell coming from the kitchen." Sanosuke pondered.
"This kitchen? Kaoru's kitchen?! You must be joki-" Then Yahiko's nose caught the scent too. His eyes widened. The two approached the kitchen cautiously, expecting explosions to commence at any time.
*sniff* "Oro?" Kenshin peeked into the kitchen. His eyes widened in surprise: Yuji was cutting up some turnips into a large pot of bubbling soup, which gave off mouth-watering aromas. She hummed a tune as she worked, dipping a small plate into the soup and tasting it. "Mm! Nothing like some good beef and vegetable soup," She sighed. Still smiling, she covered the pot with a lid to let it simmer and started washing her hands.
Intending to leave and start his morning chores, Kenshin lifted his head. It bumped into something soft. "Oro?" Kenshin looked up. A sweat drop appeared on his head. "Oro…"
"So…savory…" Yahiko marveled.
"Smell…Smell! Heavenly!" Sanosuke replied.
Sanosuke and Yahiko's heads were hovering above Kenshin's, mesmerized by the soup and Yuji's cooking.
"Eheheh…" Kenshin smiled and slowly removed himself from the pile. He sniffed again appreciatively, then sighed and left for the yard.
"?" Yuji turned at the sound of a thump to see her two fans sitting on the wood floor rubbing their heads. She laughed.
"Ohayo gozaimasu, sensei, Yahiko-san!" She said cheerfully. "Breakfast is almost ready, you guys. Would you go and wake Kaoru-dono? She must be hungry! First one back gets an extra helping," she added mischeviously.
"HAI!!"
The young woman checked her soup and smiled. "Sillies. I'd give them the extra helpings if they just asked. But," she marked, "Offering insentives always makes a man run faster!" She chuckled and started setting out bowls.
* * *
Kaoru looked up curiously at Kenshin.
"Kaoru-chan…I cannot hold back my feelings any longer! I am completely smitten with love for you! You are the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes upon….Marry me!"
Kaoru hushed him with a finger on his lips. "No need for that, my love," she whispered, then leaned closer.
Closer…Kaoru could feel his gentle breath on her face, could smell his scent, could hear his heart pounding. Their lips slowly drew closer…closer…
(At the same time:)
"OI, WENCH, GET UP!! GET UP, GET UP, GET UP, GET UP!!"
"EH, JO-CHAN, HURRY AND GET UP BEFORE THE SOUP GETS COLD!!"
The two animals shoved her bedroom door open.
Yahiko: O.O
Sanosuke: O.O
Sanosuke slapped his hand over Yahiko's eyes.
* * *
Kaoru jumped up in panic at the harsh awakening. Always the same dream…I never get to finish it! She lamented. Then the words registered. Soup? I didn't make any soup…
Kaoru suddenly remembered going to sleep without her robe.
Kaoru frantically grabbed her bedsheets and bunched them up in front of her. She turned at the sound of someone choking.
Sanosuke was having a nosebleed.
"…"
* * *
Yuji looked expectantly at the group and cocked her head. She beamed at Kenshin who was happily slurping the soup. Then she frowned, noticing the others.
"Isn't anyone else hungry?" She asked, worried. This couldn't be normal. Yahiko sat motionless at the table. He appeared to be shocked speechless. Sanosuke sat uncomfortably, his face deeply flushed. Kaoru, eyes narrowed, picked at a splinter sticking out of the table.
They all started when Yuji promptly slammed bowls onto the table in front of each of them.
"You all look hungry," She cajoled. "Why don't you relax and have some of this soup? It's my specialty!"
Kaoru, Yahiko and Sanosuke twiddled their thumbs awkwardly.
"Well, alright, I guess you can't keep a hungry belly waiting!" Kaoru said, suddenly cheerful. Sano and Yahiko stared at her, then blinked several times and shook their heads violently, as if trying to erase something from their minds. "Oi, my student is correct," Sanosuke stated wisely. "Such a devoted student, to have prepared a meal for her brilliant master," He continued.
"Oi, dumbass, you haven't started teaching yet, so shut your big annoying mouth," Yahiko retorted.
"Nanda?! How dare you, you little punk!"
"I'll show you punk! Look who's talking?!"
The two shot rays of death at each other as Yuji smiled nervously.
"Ah, it looks like they're back to normal!" Kenshin said happily. He ladled some more soup into his mouth.
Everyone noticed the savory-looking soup in front of them and tasted it. "!!!" Soon four bowls were empty.
"Seconds, anyone?" Yuji asked cheerfully.
Finished at about 11:45 PM(EDT) on Friday, August 24th, 2001 by TBOtaku!! How did you like this one? Well, as always, please review review review this chapter!!!! Or I will HUNT YOU DOWN and force-feed your Kaoru's cooking!!
All: No!
Yes!! Now, REVIEW!!!! Buwah-hahahahahahaha~!!!! **Clasps hands together and smiles evilly**
Well, alright, I'm just kidding. But how did I do?? I'm happy to say that writing this fan fiction is turning out to be very unexpectedly easy and satisfying!! I'm really enjoying this, and now I'm in constant "writer's mood" for writing this particular fan fiction!! If you're a writer, you know what I mean!! I'd like to thank everything Kenshin and anything and anyone who has helped make this fan fiction what it is!! THANK YOU!!!! "O^_^VIf you have any suggestions, problems, rantings, ravings, presents(^_^V), etc. etc. etc., feel free tell me!! Thanks again for reading, and HAVE A NICE DAY!!!!
* * *
"It's for good luck…A gift from me to you," Ryuji whispered, smiling painfully.
Tears filled Yuji's eyes. In stubborn hopes, she pressed her hands tighter against the wound, trying to stop the flow of dark blood. No, she thought. No!
"It has powers," Ryuji gasped. "Incredible powers! It will protect you, Yuji-chan! Take it! I will be gone soon," he pressed, reaching a shaky hand up and clasping her hand with it. "Take it. Please…" Ryuji groaned in pain and closed his eyes.
"Ryuji!" Yuji cried. "Ryuji! Stay with me!"
Ryuji did not answer.
"RYUJI!!!" Yuji cried, shaking him, pressing his body against her own.
Slowly, as if they weighed mountains, Ryuji opened his eyes. He smiled at her and lifted his hand again, tracing the trail of a tear on Yuji's cheek. "It was meant to be," he said softy. He grimaced suddenly. "Yuji…you must know that you will be great one day! We both knew that for me it would end like this when the Dark Ones began slaying my clan. Yuji…Yuji, you must never give up! You must never give up, because I believe in you!!" Ryuji cried, his own eyes filling with tears of sadness. "I am satisfied to be able to spend my last moments with you, my loved," he said tenderly, his tunic reddening more and more with each passing moment.
Ryuji leaned forward and pressed his lips with hers in a gentle kiss. Tears began streaming down the young ninja's face. They both leaned into the kiss, holding each other tightly in a grief-filled embrace.
Ryuji Sasaki was dead before it ended.
* * *
Yuji closed her eyes. Remembering never did any good, she reminded herself sternly. Her love would never again hold her in his arms. Now she could only fulfil his last request. She had spent nine years living in those unforgiving mountains, nine years trying to become as great as Ryuji had said she would be. The Dark Society of Jin, the Dark Ones. The assassins who sought to purge the world of the last of the Holy Spirits, the righteous priest clans who protected all innocents. Yuji clenched her fist. They would pay. Rising and getting dressed quickly, she forced a cheerful mood upon her unwilling spirit and pushed up her sleeves, heading for the kitchen.
Birds began their morning songs, singing sweet tunes out, greeting the sun, greeting each other, greeting the lovely spring day to come.
Which eventually resulted in waking up Sanosuke. "Damn birds," he grumbled, rolling over and tossing his bedspread aside. Getting dressed, he mooched over to the water basin, brushed his teeth and washed his face. Popping a long toothpick into his mouth, he chewed on it and grinned. "Almost forgot to stop by at Tae's," he said to himself. Suddenly he reached up and smacked his forehead. "Eh! I gotta go to the Kamiya Dojo and…train…that…girl…" He sighed. How did he get himself into this mess? Oh wait; he didn't. It was Kenshin. A vein popped up on his forehead. Kenshin, you've damned me, my friend, he thought grimly. I've never even taught anyone to use chopsticks! How do you expect me to teach this kid?!
Besides, she already whooped that gangster's ass the other day better than I could. Sanosuke leaned his chin onto his fist and considered. Kenshin had never made a bad decision before that Sanosuke knew of, but this was just crossing the line. The troubled man sighed and shook his head, then grinned. "Maybe she'll get annoyed at me and quit," He mumbled. He pushed himself up from his table and sauntered out the door towards the sukiyaki restaurant, hands in his pockets.
Two hours later, Sagara Sanosuke left the kobe with a stomach full of breakfast. He sighed contentedly, then remembered where he was heading. Steeling himself for the worst kinds of evil, he rolled up his sleeves and started for the dojo.
Yahiko looked up and grinned when he saw his tall friend enter the estate grounds. "Oi, ohayo, Sanosuke," he yelled.
"Eh, good morning yourself, kid. I'm here to pay for my sins, I guess." Suddenly, Sanosuke's nose twitched. He sniffed the air curiously, then turned to stare at Yahiko.
"What is it?" Yahiko asked.
"Nanda?? There's a good smell coming from the kitchen." Sanosuke pondered.
"This kitchen? Kaoru's kitchen?! You must be joki-" Then Yahiko's nose caught the scent too. His eyes widened. The two approached the kitchen cautiously, expecting explosions to commence at any time.
*sniff* "Oro?" Kenshin peeked into the kitchen. His eyes widened in surprise: Yuji was cutting up some turnips into a large pot of bubbling soup, which gave off mouth-watering aromas. She hummed a tune as she worked, dipping a small plate into the soup and tasting it. "Mm! Nothing like some good beef and vegetable soup," She sighed. Still smiling, she covered the pot with a lid to let it simmer and started washing her hands.
Intending to leave and start his morning chores, Kenshin lifted his head. It bumped into something soft. "Oro?" Kenshin looked up. A sweat drop appeared on his head. "Oro…"
"So…savory…" Yahiko marveled.
"Smell…Smell! Heavenly!" Sanosuke replied.
Sanosuke and Yahiko's heads were hovering above Kenshin's, mesmerized by the soup and Yuji's cooking.
"Eheheh…" Kenshin smiled and slowly removed himself from the pile. He sniffed again appreciatively, then sighed and left for the yard.
"?" Yuji turned at the sound of a thump to see her two fans sitting on the wood floor rubbing their heads. She laughed.
"Ohayo gozaimasu, sensei, Yahiko-san!" She said cheerfully. "Breakfast is almost ready, you guys. Would you go and wake Kaoru-dono? She must be hungry! First one back gets an extra helping," she added mischeviously.
"HAI!!"
The young woman checked her soup and smiled. "Sillies. I'd give them the extra helpings if they just asked. But," she marked, "Offering insentives always makes a man run faster!" She chuckled and started setting out bowls.
* * *
Kaoru looked up curiously at Kenshin.
"Kaoru-chan…I cannot hold back my feelings any longer! I am completely smitten with love for you! You are the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes upon….Marry me!"
Kaoru hushed him with a finger on his lips. "No need for that, my love," she whispered, then leaned closer.
Closer…Kaoru could feel his gentle breath on her face, could smell his scent, could hear his heart pounding. Their lips slowly drew closer…closer…
(At the same time:)
"OI, WENCH, GET UP!! GET UP, GET UP, GET UP, GET UP!!"
"EH, JO-CHAN, HURRY AND GET UP BEFORE THE SOUP GETS COLD!!"
The two animals shoved her bedroom door open.
Yahiko: O.O
Sanosuke: O.O
Sanosuke slapped his hand over Yahiko's eyes.
* * *
Kaoru jumped up in panic at the harsh awakening. Always the same dream…I never get to finish it! She lamented. Then the words registered. Soup? I didn't make any soup…
Kaoru suddenly remembered going to sleep without her robe.
Kaoru frantically grabbed her bedsheets and bunched them up in front of her. She turned at the sound of someone choking.
Sanosuke was having a nosebleed.
"…"
* * *
Yuji looked expectantly at the group and cocked her head. She beamed at Kenshin who was happily slurping the soup. Then she frowned, noticing the others.
"Isn't anyone else hungry?" She asked, worried. This couldn't be normal. Yahiko sat motionless at the table. He appeared to be shocked speechless. Sanosuke sat uncomfortably, his face deeply flushed. Kaoru, eyes narrowed, picked at a splinter sticking out of the table.
They all started when Yuji promptly slammed bowls onto the table in front of each of them.
"You all look hungry," She cajoled. "Why don't you relax and have some of this soup? It's my specialty!"
Kaoru, Yahiko and Sanosuke twiddled their thumbs awkwardly.
"Well, alright, I guess you can't keep a hungry belly waiting!" Kaoru said, suddenly cheerful. Sano and Yahiko stared at her, then blinked several times and shook their heads violently, as if trying to erase something from their minds. "Oi, my student is correct," Sanosuke stated wisely. "Such a devoted student, to have prepared a meal for her brilliant master," He continued.
"Oi, dumbass, you haven't started teaching yet, so shut your big annoying mouth," Yahiko retorted.
"Nanda?! How dare you, you little punk!"
"I'll show you punk! Look who's talking?!"
The two shot rays of death at each other as Yuji smiled nervously.
"Ah, it looks like they're back to normal!" Kenshin said happily. He ladled some more soup into his mouth.
Everyone noticed the savory-looking soup in front of them and tasted it. "!!!" Soon four bowls were empty.
"Seconds, anyone?" Yuji asked cheerfully.
Finished at about 11:45 PM(EDT) on Friday, August 24th, 2001 by TBOtaku!! How did you like this one? Well, as always, please review review review this chapter!!!! Or I will HUNT YOU DOWN and force-feed your Kaoru's cooking!!
All: No!
Yes!! Now, REVIEW!!!! Buwah-hahahahahahaha~!!!! **Clasps hands together and smiles evilly**
Well, alright, I'm just kidding. But how did I do?? I'm happy to say that writing this fan fiction is turning out to be very unexpectedly easy and satisfying!! I'm really enjoying this, and now I'm in constant "writer's mood" for writing this particular fan fiction!! If you're a writer, you know what I mean!! I'd like to thank everything Kenshin and anything and anyone who has helped make this fan fiction what it is!! THANK YOU!!!! "O^_^VIf you have any suggestions, problems, rantings, ravings, presents(^_^V), etc. etc. etc., feel free tell me!! Thanks again for reading, and HAVE A NICE DAY!!!!