The Wandering Years: America
Chapter 3: School
By J. Liha
Yes, yes, I'm alive! Can you believe it? Sorry it took so long for this chapter people! I kinda had trouble with this one and beginning to doubt everything about my life, including my writing. But enough of my sob story, I must thank the wonderful people who reviewed (not too many, sadly -_-), but wonderful nonetheless!
Shinomori Misa: YAY! Someone likes Rumiko's past… I might be doing something right! I checked out some of your writings, nice stuff!!
Arashi: You have been so kind to me, offering to edit some stuff with my fic! And I love your story! Awaiting the next chapter!
Susan: Another wonderful person! With good stuff too! Thanks so much for reviewing!
Sagara Sanosuke: S-sagara Sanosuke-sama reviewed my fic? :::bows::: I'm not worthy, I'm not worthy! Well Rumiko's dad does kinda "rescue" her mom… later chapters though! Anyhoo, are you going to put another chapter for your story or what? C'mon, I reviewed your fic buddy! You got your ten yen from Yahiko!
The Nameless Archaeologist: Heh, yeah now that I think about it, it is kinda stretching… but that's ok 'cause this is fiction! BWAHAHAHAHA! Thank you for your kind words!
And now, on with the chapter!
"And we were somewhat forced to move, David chose to go to Japan, oddly enough… only recently have we come back." Rumiko sighed. Ever since Sanosuke had come, the mask she wore was breaking. She was more talkative, and more emotional overall. Actually, Rumiko was glad, feeling someone was helping her up from the deep abyss she felt trapped in. Her companion sat there in shock. How could anyone be so cruel? People should be able to love whoever they wished to, no matter who they were. Despite his reputation for not being very smart, he knew what love was.
Love was that feeling he got anytime he was near his fox. It took many shapes and forms, one of those things that saved people from losing their minds in this sick, sad world.
"Sano?" The girl waved her hand in his face frantically.
"Huh?" He blinked.
"It's getting kind of late, so I'm going to bed now. Goodnight!" She said cheerfully and walked out of the room, humming a little tune. Sanosuke stared at her retreating back, then shrugged and dove under the covers, welcoming the sleep that claimed him. Rumiko sat in her room, hugging the photograph of her parents to her chest. They seemed so happy together, a young couple whose lives had been cut short. "Mother… Father…" She whispered, swallowing back the tears at the back of her throat.
She placed it on her dresser and fell asleep shortly after. David entered the room quietly, tucking the sheets around her, sighing as a tear slid down the sleeping face. 'Even now, it still hurts, doesn't it Rumiko?'
Morning soon came and the sun peeked through her windows, urging her to wake up. She yawned, but let out an audible gasp noticing she was still dressed in her clothes from yesterday. 'Hmm… I must've been really tired. Oh well…' Someone knock and she quickly sat up. "Yes?"
"Rumiko, hurry and get ready, we're enrolling you into school today." She groaned loudly, realizing her summer vacation was close to finishing.
"David, must I?" The butler sounded horrified.
"Of course you must! Having an education is the only way you'll get somewhere!"
"But I don't know if I can take another year of those spoiled prisses!"
David sighed. Yes, he knew what the girls at Hampton's Academy for Young Ladies were like. Regardless, she still needed proper schooling.
"Rumiko, you can deal with them. But if they try anything, report to the Headmistress."
"You know me better than that, I hope. I won't lower myself to such an act of cowardice!" Her guardian shook his head, smiling. The girl would never allow someone to do what she couldn't. It had taken him awhile to convince the girl that the maids were capable of cleaning without her help. However, she still insisted on cleaning her own room and picking up what messes she made. "I'll see you at breakfast." The young mistress' voice jolted him out of his thoughts.
"Well try to hurry!" He took his leave, not bothering to wake their "guest" up. Sanosuke rubbed his eyes wearily. Suddenly Rumiko burst into the room, freshly bathed and dressed.
"Sano, you still aren't dressed? I thought David woke you up!" She asked incredulously. Sanosuke snorted. Of course the old man was content to let him sleep the day away. The girl dismissed the matter, refusing to believe David would do something like that deliberately. "The maids can draw some hot water for your bath, I'll tell them right away!" She ran out of the room. Sanosuke let out a breath he didn't know he'd been holding. There was something different about her… he could feel it. It felt supernatural, almost as if Rumiko had some sort of hidden power.
A maid entered the room timidly. "Your bath is ready." She said, hoping she'd said it right. Her mistress had only taken five minutes to teach her the words. Sanosuke's head snapped up.
"Wha?" He realized what she'd said. He nodded his head, indicating he understood. The maid motioned for him to follow her. 'I have got to learn English, there's no way I'm traveling the world using all these hand gestures… Wonder if the kid'll teach me?' The maid stopped, opening a door. Some clothes were already prepared for him, he noticed. A black suit complete with red tie.
Sanosuke turned to thank the maid, but she had slipped away quietly. The boy shrugged and stripped, stepping into the foreign tub. He finished quickly but was faced with another dilemma. How was he supposed to get into the suit? Sanosuke stepped out, wrapping a towel around his body. A maid came in, he saw that she was Japanese and sighed with relief. No more stupid hand gestures. She was an elderly woman, with eyes that seemed to shine with life.
"Ah, so you're the youngster Rumiko has told me about. Well, looks like you need help with that suit." She took a step forward, smiling a bit lecherously, or so it seemed to Sanosuke. "Come now, don't be shy, you're not the first man I've seen in your state! Ohohohoho!" The boy edged away, feeling cornered. She pounced and screams were heard. Thirty minutes later he ran down the stairs, colliding with a certain butler.
"Watch where you're going!" David snapped.
"Watch the temper Pops, I am not a morning person."
"So what, you're going to hit me or something? Well bring it on, kid; I'll have you know I was the wrestling champion in school!" The man cried. Rumiko came by the two and saw them arguing.
'Those morons! I'm going to give them a piece of my mind!' She took David by the arm and Sanosuke by the ear. "Come along children, breakfast has long since been ready." Her tone was cold.
"Hey, how come you're not dragging him by the ear?" Sanosuke whined pitifully.
"Because he's one of my elders, though I'm disappointed in him too!" She answered flatly. They reached the table without further incident and sat, preparing to eat. Rumiko took up her chopsticks, devouring the meal in less than fifty seconds, wiping her mouth delicately with a napkin. Her companions gaped at the sight. She let out a small hiccup.
"Oh!" She reddened.
"Any particular reason for your change of eating habits?" David questioned.
"What do you mean?"
"Forget it. Oh, and by the way, you don't honestly think you're going out in that?"
"What are you talking about? You want her to wear a dress or somethin'?" Sanosuke asked, confused.
"I'm enrolling into school today." Rumiko responded, making a face.
"Oh…" 'Girls go to school here? Weird…"
"Yes, it's an all girl's private school." Sanosuke gave the older man a blank look. "I'll explain it to you while Rumiko changes into something more appropriate." She shot him an angry glare. He merely smiled sweetly in return. She trotted up the stairs, emerging from her room a few minutes later clothed in a gown matching the color of her eyes.
Rumiko cleared her throat, announcing her presence. The men looked up, mouths dropping. "Uh… is this too fancy for your taste?" She asked, slightly nervous from the attention. Her guardian quickly regained his composure and coughed.
"No, it looks lovely on you." He stated.
"I really must wonder why men would find this monstrosity attractive on a woman…" She muttered, playing with her skirt. "And Sano?"
"Hmm?"
"Close your mouth before something flies in there." Rumiko advised, eyes sparkling with merriment.
"Oh… right."
"Well, shall we go?" David asked. The young mistress nodded and they walked out of the house.
"My father's suit looks charming on you, Sano." Rumiko remarked.
"It's your Dad's?" He asked.
"Yes, but how did you get into it?"
"One of the maids helped me." He said hastily, hoping to stop any more questions about the suit. David walked to the stables to draw a carriage for them.
"Sano?"
"Hmm?"
"Can... you teach me how to fight?" The girl asked shyly.
"Why not… but can you teach me English? I'm gettin' tired of all this waving of hands."
"I was planning to; you really can't survive around her without knowing some. Oh, I almost forgot, how would you like a job as my bodyguard? You don't have to say yes."
"Heh, I could use a job. I do need to pay ya back."
"No, no, no! Teaching me how to fight is enough, I just thought you'd like to have something to do."
"Yeah, alright." The carriage stopped in front of them. "Haven't ridden one of those in awhile." Sanosuke muttered, remembering the little incident with Saitou in Kyoto. (AN: You know the one where Saitou tries to stab my poor baby?) David stepped out, helping Rumiko in and glaring at the ex-gangster. The trio set off for the school and arrived there quickly. They were let in promptly and walked to the Headmistress' office. The butler knocked politely, forever the gentleman.
"Come in." A shrill voice invited. They stepped in, David kissing the hand of the plump, beady-eyes woman.
"Madame Hampton, you are the vision of loveliness today." Rumiko began translating under her breath for Sanosuke. The ex-gangster shook with silent laughter; it was obvious the Headmistress was quite the opposite.
"Ah, Mr. Smith, you flatter me!" She giggled, staring at the man appreciatively. Though in his mid-forties, David was not at all ugly. His hair of gold had small streaks of silver, and his ocean blue eyes sparkled with life. He wasn't in bad shape either; the effects of old age not claiming him yet. Rumiko stepped forward.
"Hello ma'am, I trust you're well?" She inquired, knowing she was obligated to ask this and not caring what the answer was.
"Oh, I've been fine, thank you. I assume you are here to enroll into our school?"
"Yes Madame Hampton, we have." David answered for her.
"Well then Rumi dear, why don't you and your…?" The Headmistress raised an eyebrow. The man besides Rumiko was terribly handsome.
"He's my… cousin." She replied quickly.
"Yes, well why don't you and your cousin go wait outside? This shouldn't take long."
*doges thrown objects* Ha! Missed me! Nyah, nyah! *gets hit in the face* Itai… oh you mean people, I know there wasn't much of a plot in this chapter but be patient! More revealed in the next chapter! Oh, and a warning. This fic will suddenly revert to a fantasy type of fic. I mean, it will sort of deal with the supernatural. It just came to me one day, I hope you don't mind.
Chapter 3: School
By J. Liha
Yes, yes, I'm alive! Can you believe it? Sorry it took so long for this chapter people! I kinda had trouble with this one and beginning to doubt everything about my life, including my writing. But enough of my sob story, I must thank the wonderful people who reviewed (not too many, sadly -_-), but wonderful nonetheless!
Shinomori Misa: YAY! Someone likes Rumiko's past… I might be doing something right! I checked out some of your writings, nice stuff!!
Arashi: You have been so kind to me, offering to edit some stuff with my fic! And I love your story! Awaiting the next chapter!
Susan: Another wonderful person! With good stuff too! Thanks so much for reviewing!
Sagara Sanosuke: S-sagara Sanosuke-sama reviewed my fic? :::bows::: I'm not worthy, I'm not worthy! Well Rumiko's dad does kinda "rescue" her mom… later chapters though! Anyhoo, are you going to put another chapter for your story or what? C'mon, I reviewed your fic buddy! You got your ten yen from Yahiko!
The Nameless Archaeologist: Heh, yeah now that I think about it, it is kinda stretching… but that's ok 'cause this is fiction! BWAHAHAHAHA! Thank you for your kind words!
And now, on with the chapter!
"And we were somewhat forced to move, David chose to go to Japan, oddly enough… only recently have we come back." Rumiko sighed. Ever since Sanosuke had come, the mask she wore was breaking. She was more talkative, and more emotional overall. Actually, Rumiko was glad, feeling someone was helping her up from the deep abyss she felt trapped in. Her companion sat there in shock. How could anyone be so cruel? People should be able to love whoever they wished to, no matter who they were. Despite his reputation for not being very smart, he knew what love was.
Love was that feeling he got anytime he was near his fox. It took many shapes and forms, one of those things that saved people from losing their minds in this sick, sad world.
"Sano?" The girl waved her hand in his face frantically.
"Huh?" He blinked.
"It's getting kind of late, so I'm going to bed now. Goodnight!" She said cheerfully and walked out of the room, humming a little tune. Sanosuke stared at her retreating back, then shrugged and dove under the covers, welcoming the sleep that claimed him. Rumiko sat in her room, hugging the photograph of her parents to her chest. They seemed so happy together, a young couple whose lives had been cut short. "Mother… Father…" She whispered, swallowing back the tears at the back of her throat.
She placed it on her dresser and fell asleep shortly after. David entered the room quietly, tucking the sheets around her, sighing as a tear slid down the sleeping face. 'Even now, it still hurts, doesn't it Rumiko?'
Morning soon came and the sun peeked through her windows, urging her to wake up. She yawned, but let out an audible gasp noticing she was still dressed in her clothes from yesterday. 'Hmm… I must've been really tired. Oh well…' Someone knock and she quickly sat up. "Yes?"
"Rumiko, hurry and get ready, we're enrolling you into school today." She groaned loudly, realizing her summer vacation was close to finishing.
"David, must I?" The butler sounded horrified.
"Of course you must! Having an education is the only way you'll get somewhere!"
"But I don't know if I can take another year of those spoiled prisses!"
David sighed. Yes, he knew what the girls at Hampton's Academy for Young Ladies were like. Regardless, she still needed proper schooling.
"Rumiko, you can deal with them. But if they try anything, report to the Headmistress."
"You know me better than that, I hope. I won't lower myself to such an act of cowardice!" Her guardian shook his head, smiling. The girl would never allow someone to do what she couldn't. It had taken him awhile to convince the girl that the maids were capable of cleaning without her help. However, she still insisted on cleaning her own room and picking up what messes she made. "I'll see you at breakfast." The young mistress' voice jolted him out of his thoughts.
"Well try to hurry!" He took his leave, not bothering to wake their "guest" up. Sanosuke rubbed his eyes wearily. Suddenly Rumiko burst into the room, freshly bathed and dressed.
"Sano, you still aren't dressed? I thought David woke you up!" She asked incredulously. Sanosuke snorted. Of course the old man was content to let him sleep the day away. The girl dismissed the matter, refusing to believe David would do something like that deliberately. "The maids can draw some hot water for your bath, I'll tell them right away!" She ran out of the room. Sanosuke let out a breath he didn't know he'd been holding. There was something different about her… he could feel it. It felt supernatural, almost as if Rumiko had some sort of hidden power.
A maid entered the room timidly. "Your bath is ready." She said, hoping she'd said it right. Her mistress had only taken five minutes to teach her the words. Sanosuke's head snapped up.
"Wha?" He realized what she'd said. He nodded his head, indicating he understood. The maid motioned for him to follow her. 'I have got to learn English, there's no way I'm traveling the world using all these hand gestures… Wonder if the kid'll teach me?' The maid stopped, opening a door. Some clothes were already prepared for him, he noticed. A black suit complete with red tie.
Sanosuke turned to thank the maid, but she had slipped away quietly. The boy shrugged and stripped, stepping into the foreign tub. He finished quickly but was faced with another dilemma. How was he supposed to get into the suit? Sanosuke stepped out, wrapping a towel around his body. A maid came in, he saw that she was Japanese and sighed with relief. No more stupid hand gestures. She was an elderly woman, with eyes that seemed to shine with life.
"Ah, so you're the youngster Rumiko has told me about. Well, looks like you need help with that suit." She took a step forward, smiling a bit lecherously, or so it seemed to Sanosuke. "Come now, don't be shy, you're not the first man I've seen in your state! Ohohohoho!" The boy edged away, feeling cornered. She pounced and screams were heard. Thirty minutes later he ran down the stairs, colliding with a certain butler.
"Watch where you're going!" David snapped.
"Watch the temper Pops, I am not a morning person."
"So what, you're going to hit me or something? Well bring it on, kid; I'll have you know I was the wrestling champion in school!" The man cried. Rumiko came by the two and saw them arguing.
'Those morons! I'm going to give them a piece of my mind!' She took David by the arm and Sanosuke by the ear. "Come along children, breakfast has long since been ready." Her tone was cold.
"Hey, how come you're not dragging him by the ear?" Sanosuke whined pitifully.
"Because he's one of my elders, though I'm disappointed in him too!" She answered flatly. They reached the table without further incident and sat, preparing to eat. Rumiko took up her chopsticks, devouring the meal in less than fifty seconds, wiping her mouth delicately with a napkin. Her companions gaped at the sight. She let out a small hiccup.
"Oh!" She reddened.
"Any particular reason for your change of eating habits?" David questioned.
"What do you mean?"
"Forget it. Oh, and by the way, you don't honestly think you're going out in that?"
"What are you talking about? You want her to wear a dress or somethin'?" Sanosuke asked, confused.
"I'm enrolling into school today." Rumiko responded, making a face.
"Oh…" 'Girls go to school here? Weird…"
"Yes, it's an all girl's private school." Sanosuke gave the older man a blank look. "I'll explain it to you while Rumiko changes into something more appropriate." She shot him an angry glare. He merely smiled sweetly in return. She trotted up the stairs, emerging from her room a few minutes later clothed in a gown matching the color of her eyes.
Rumiko cleared her throat, announcing her presence. The men looked up, mouths dropping. "Uh… is this too fancy for your taste?" She asked, slightly nervous from the attention. Her guardian quickly regained his composure and coughed.
"No, it looks lovely on you." He stated.
"I really must wonder why men would find this monstrosity attractive on a woman…" She muttered, playing with her skirt. "And Sano?"
"Hmm?"
"Close your mouth before something flies in there." Rumiko advised, eyes sparkling with merriment.
"Oh… right."
"Well, shall we go?" David asked. The young mistress nodded and they walked out of the house.
"My father's suit looks charming on you, Sano." Rumiko remarked.
"It's your Dad's?" He asked.
"Yes, but how did you get into it?"
"One of the maids helped me." He said hastily, hoping to stop any more questions about the suit. David walked to the stables to draw a carriage for them.
"Sano?"
"Hmm?"
"Can... you teach me how to fight?" The girl asked shyly.
"Why not… but can you teach me English? I'm gettin' tired of all this waving of hands."
"I was planning to; you really can't survive around her without knowing some. Oh, I almost forgot, how would you like a job as my bodyguard? You don't have to say yes."
"Heh, I could use a job. I do need to pay ya back."
"No, no, no! Teaching me how to fight is enough, I just thought you'd like to have something to do."
"Yeah, alright." The carriage stopped in front of them. "Haven't ridden one of those in awhile." Sanosuke muttered, remembering the little incident with Saitou in Kyoto. (AN: You know the one where Saitou tries to stab my poor baby?) David stepped out, helping Rumiko in and glaring at the ex-gangster. The trio set off for the school and arrived there quickly. They were let in promptly and walked to the Headmistress' office. The butler knocked politely, forever the gentleman.
"Come in." A shrill voice invited. They stepped in, David kissing the hand of the plump, beady-eyes woman.
"Madame Hampton, you are the vision of loveliness today." Rumiko began translating under her breath for Sanosuke. The ex-gangster shook with silent laughter; it was obvious the Headmistress was quite the opposite.
"Ah, Mr. Smith, you flatter me!" She giggled, staring at the man appreciatively. Though in his mid-forties, David was not at all ugly. His hair of gold had small streaks of silver, and his ocean blue eyes sparkled with life. He wasn't in bad shape either; the effects of old age not claiming him yet. Rumiko stepped forward.
"Hello ma'am, I trust you're well?" She inquired, knowing she was obligated to ask this and not caring what the answer was.
"Oh, I've been fine, thank you. I assume you are here to enroll into our school?"
"Yes Madame Hampton, we have." David answered for her.
"Well then Rumi dear, why don't you and your…?" The Headmistress raised an eyebrow. The man besides Rumiko was terribly handsome.
"He's my… cousin." She replied quickly.
"Yes, well why don't you and your cousin go wait outside? This shouldn't take long."
*doges thrown objects* Ha! Missed me! Nyah, nyah! *gets hit in the face* Itai… oh you mean people, I know there wasn't much of a plot in this chapter but be patient! More revealed in the next chapter! Oh, and a warning. This fic will suddenly revert to a fantasy type of fic. I mean, it will sort of deal with the supernatural. It just came to me one day, I hope you don't mind.