Title: Broken Nihontou: Reclaiming Innocence
Author: Ori Oscuro ™
Series: Standard Disclaimer apply, All Characters are from Ruroni Kenshin by Nobuhiro Watzuki; that I may borrow for awhile for my story purposes (^- ^) V
Content: NO HENTAI. If you had a short attention span and don't read sappy novels, don't read it. Romance/Action/Drama content and includes a "normal" pairing. This is a 7-part series! Less Japanese terms are used, because I started this earlier when the only word I know then, is "bakaero". Anyways I tried my best to give it a shot, just read on and tell me what u think.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Chapter 1: At First Sight
May. It is the season of Tamabata. It does not bother him at least about it. At least that's what he thought as he wander from place to place, seeking for deeper meaning in his life. Almost a year, and yet it seems he had not been satisfied for what he is looking, still searching for that truth that would fill him in. "Oh, how foolish!" Soujiro shrugged as he realized what he WAS thinking. He was looking over a young couple enjoying themselves as they basked at the summer sun looking for stores and shops, the weariness of travel makes him visualize himself and that imaginary significant other. Like he has time for something like that. Rubbing his fevered brow, the scorching heat of the sun is sending him odd thoughts that he had to resort a place where he could get some water and rest. Then there is someone tugging at his dusty kimono.
" Have you found it yet, young man?" a small cackling voice coming from an old woman shriveled by age, just emerged from the shadows. Soujiro is not impressed. The old woman is probably some beggar or probably lost and was babbling nonsense. So he was just about to fish out some coins and maybe he could ask this odd cackling woman for some directions. " It's been a long time isn't it? Have you ever seen the truth you had been searching for? " His usual smile faded and for a moment, his face is a complete blank. This old woman is starting to freak him out, and the old shrew is cackling again over his unamused expression. No, it couldn't be a spy, she seems way to eccentric and too old for that. " Look here, I'm looking for..."
"There is a stream over there, most travelers pass there by over a drink." The old woman cut off, as if she read his thoughts. Then he noticed she was eyeing his dusty baggages. Well at least she's making sense now, he thought. " That's all I need to know." He flashed his usual smile, "Arigato, ne." He nodded curtly as the woman pointed to the direction. He don't want to waste time with some old bat who's about to snap him out of his wits. The truth is, he felt petrified by the way the woman looked at him. As if there is something she knows. " It's about time the one you'll be looking for! you'll find HER," The old lady shouted. Soujiro let out a wave, but he then realized too late what HAD been said.
"HER?"
He turned for the last time, but no one is there. As quick she appeared it seems she just literally disperse into thin air. Odd, for some old woman to move that fast. And much odd as it seems even the villagers does not even noticed her presence. " I think I really need to get some water." He packed off and headed at more quiet side of town, a remote slope on where he already saw the stream. The town of Edo, something had drawn him back to the place, so peaceful and serene for now, he decided not to neglect this area for it is a good idea he had to confront the evils of his past: one must go back where it all began.
Quiet, except for the rustling of the wind and the birds chriping away seems really on the season. " The season where tradition had two lovers became engaged.." he said it out loud of curiosity more than his intended disgust. He shook his head skeptically, and knelt down taking a handful of fresh water to his mouth. The holiday is nagging him instead of pondering about his return to Edo. Then there is a sudden rustle behind the trees, glaring the soft white prisms of sunlight that made him stop and splash the water behind.
Years of gut instinct and same swiftness when he was once a merciless slasher, told him someone ELSE is watching. He didn't like it, he can sense light quick steps heading out of his direction. The moment the quick figure leaps out, he shot out into that incredible lighting speed he is known for, ready to stun (only) the stalker.
Only to be stepped flat into face.
Next thing he knew, he is falling backwards several feet away from the impact and starts to land to the stream.. dazed and surprised for someone who is nimble enough to counter his swift move.
Only then again, he fall face first NEAR the stream. The MUDDY part of the stream. He cursed lightly, with the mud in his face he can't make it out, only to gasp for air and he waving frantically to make out his view. He can't make out the attacker, but he was disarmed by the tickle of a mischievous giggle that escalates to a laughter. It's a female. He starts to laugh at his own accord brought about the irony that it wasn't his lucky day with the opposite sex. " Gomen nasai, I don't see you awhile ago.. I guess I just feel being fast for practice today! " Misao apologized, after recovering from hysterics how silly looking the young stranger is. She crinkled her nose, " But how come I don't SEE you coming? " She didn't bother for the stranger to reply, but at the corner of her eye he seems pretty good looking and darn young. But Soujiro would not mind to converse, as he tried to smoothen the muck that covered his face. " Here let me help with that." And next thing he knew, he was being shoved with this stubborn female and his face being wiped roughly. But for the first time of his life he could not retaliate, he seem to feel he would melt with the strange and comforting warm touch of her limbs seeped against his. It's the devil making him feel like this, he never felt something like this his whole life. He never felt this heated emotion to any individual who touches him, let alone a female " The devil..." he said almost out loud. Misao was about to spar back, not until she got to see the stranger in clear view.
" Hey you are not good looking, you're GORGEOUS!" Misao exclaimed out loud with childish delight and Soujiro was staring at her right then and there, stunned. Not with the comment, but the picture of innocence that stood before him. Jet black braided hair sailing swiftly with the wind, she was dressed in something so short and tight, if he could make it out she is some sort of ninja. She does not appear to be a typical female and that instantly strikes his fancy, but most of all he seem to be enchanted at her wide eyes. They are not the usual asian brown he expected, but the hue of Celtic green. The glint of those green orbs, that are wild and full of mischief and life. She seems like that of a forest fairy child, nimble and quick.. with her eyes so wild. Definitely someone much faster reflex than his, he felt a skip of a heartbeat. Someone almost as fast as his, as young as he was.. young.. and reckless..
Misao realized what she had said too late. Soujiro was staring at her so long. And if it could be any worse, their faces are just inches apart. Both feel strong flushes at their cheeks after a long pregnant pause and both warily stood up. Misao broke an uneasy laugh, and gave Soujiro a light shove by the shoulder. " Hey, it's true! I never seen someone like you around here."
"That's because I just happened to pass by here for the night." He replied, flashing this time, a genuine smile. " I won't be staying for lon...what are you doing?" interrupted as Misao snoop around him, and seem to take an interest at his Nihontou. " I never used that sword." He quickly get it out of Misao's reach and clearly just stashed it away. "But YOU used to use it, didn't you?" Soujiro was surprised that someone would be so interested talking about his sword. And he was half- expecting that she would report to authorities. Soujiro opened his mouth to explain but Misao was ahead of him, " That explains it!" she smacked her fist to her palm with a naughty smile, that Soujiro sweatdropped.
"Explains what?"
"You, at the clearing awhile ago. Why I didn't see you"
" You know it did you? " His smile, slightly faded and his blue eyes in a much serious hue. Misao swore, that when the stranger acts a little serious.. he looks more darn gorgeous than ever. She nodded, " If you suddenly appear, I would easily noticed it." Pleading to almighty Buddha she will stop, Soujiro whispered to himself, Misao STILL continued. " But as far as I can make out, You take out an offensive stance.. hauling your sword like this..." she posed, much to his amusement. " And with that impressive footwork, I didn't really GOT to SEE you."
Soujiro heard it clearly. "footwork..?"
Misao snarled and grabbed the young swordsman's collar shaking his head back and forth. " Stop acting YOU don't did it! I saw it with my own two eyes! You take off with such lighting speed!!" She finally hoisted him down, " But with practice, it's a miracle that I even got to stop you. I thought you were to attack me" Soujiro grumbled and raked his head at Misao's dizzying attempt to shake him out, "I thought you're an intruder," he spoke, "..but you stepped across my face." Misao took one look at the stranger's face and made a ridiculous snorting sound as she imagined how stupid he looked. Soujiro felt he was laughing out again, this time it is a wholehearted laugh. Too many battles, too many bloodshed was fought and people killed had happened at the chapter of his young life, that at this timeless moment of searching for truth he finds instantly to a young feisty girl who would'nt put on a cold shoulder. And making him laugh again at little simple things in life, how much he had been missing for so long. The one who taught him, is the one who's first to stomp his face in mid air.
" What's your name?" he inquired, Misao proudly thumped her chest. " Misao. Maramachi Misao. leader of the oniwabanshu. If you need my protection.. I'm just around the corner! " Now Soujiro is really surprised. It seems not to make sense at first, but sensing how strong her spirit is... it might be true that her paltry group indeed defeated the former Juppon-gatana. " That's impressive." He nodded curtly. " But I won't be needing of any protection."
" I know that, by stars, you seem to move as fast as Kenshin… probably even faster"
" But he is better..."
" REALLY? You know Kenshin too? That's great! Do you guys had a showdown or something?" Misao gaped, Poor Soujiro, he had to get out of this marvelous mess. But he finds outwitting her a great challenge. " Not really." He replied. " I just heard stories of him on my travels." He looked around, feeling he had been idling too long. " Look here, Misao. It's getting a little late, I really had to go."
Misao took out a wineskin from his baggage and starts to fill it with stream water. "Then if you're in a hurry, here. I filled it for you." She tossed it back to him. " Arigato, misao-chan. Nice meeting you." He replied, hoistering his things to his back. " Hey! I don't know your name yet! What's your name?"
"Soujiro.. yes it's Soujiro." He quickly cut off to mention his last name for it wouldn't be so far that she will KNOW if he did tell her. The former merciless swordsman and the powerful right hand of Makoto Shi-shi-o, he'll dare not say that. " Well nice meeting you, Soujiro. If you won't mind, you can stay and rest in our place before you took off again, ne?" He shook his head. " Hai, but no thanks, I can't stay for long then. Sayonara."
"Ok," Misao don't know what possessed her, but she gave the young man a quick peck at the cheek. " Saynonara, Soujiro-san!" and she headed off to town.
" She kissed me." He nearly said out loud, as she heads out with the same swiftness towards the circle of the bustling town. He felt a pierced longing to see her again, even if he muttered denials to himself. Emotion starts to take hold as reason let go. She used to be the enemy, and he was never accustomed to someone so persistent and stubborn, and yet had a time to kiss a complete a complete stranger at the countryside. And probably having to rediscover himself again, fate, it seems has it reasons for drawing him back to this town. He had to admit it, " my only love sprang from my only hate." He sighs, laughing at the irony that a spunky lady not aware of his existence when he was aware of nothing but her. Thinking of passing over to the next town, he smiled warily. " Looks like I'm gonna stay here a little longer." In fact to be honest, he had to win her at this battle he should not lose.
Author: Ori Oscuro ™
Series: Standard Disclaimer apply, All Characters are from Ruroni Kenshin by Nobuhiro Watzuki; that I may borrow for awhile for my story purposes (^- ^) V
Content: NO HENTAI. If you had a short attention span and don't read sappy novels, don't read it. Romance/Action/Drama content and includes a "normal" pairing. This is a 7-part series! Less Japanese terms are used, because I started this earlier when the only word I know then, is "bakaero". Anyways I tried my best to give it a shot, just read on and tell me what u think.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Chapter 1: At First Sight
May. It is the season of Tamabata. It does not bother him at least about it. At least that's what he thought as he wander from place to place, seeking for deeper meaning in his life. Almost a year, and yet it seems he had not been satisfied for what he is looking, still searching for that truth that would fill him in. "Oh, how foolish!" Soujiro shrugged as he realized what he WAS thinking. He was looking over a young couple enjoying themselves as they basked at the summer sun looking for stores and shops, the weariness of travel makes him visualize himself and that imaginary significant other. Like he has time for something like that. Rubbing his fevered brow, the scorching heat of the sun is sending him odd thoughts that he had to resort a place where he could get some water and rest. Then there is someone tugging at his dusty kimono.
" Have you found it yet, young man?" a small cackling voice coming from an old woman shriveled by age, just emerged from the shadows. Soujiro is not impressed. The old woman is probably some beggar or probably lost and was babbling nonsense. So he was just about to fish out some coins and maybe he could ask this odd cackling woman for some directions. " It's been a long time isn't it? Have you ever seen the truth you had been searching for? " His usual smile faded and for a moment, his face is a complete blank. This old woman is starting to freak him out, and the old shrew is cackling again over his unamused expression. No, it couldn't be a spy, she seems way to eccentric and too old for that. " Look here, I'm looking for..."
"There is a stream over there, most travelers pass there by over a drink." The old woman cut off, as if she read his thoughts. Then he noticed she was eyeing his dusty baggages. Well at least she's making sense now, he thought. " That's all I need to know." He flashed his usual smile, "Arigato, ne." He nodded curtly as the woman pointed to the direction. He don't want to waste time with some old bat who's about to snap him out of his wits. The truth is, he felt petrified by the way the woman looked at him. As if there is something she knows. " It's about time the one you'll be looking for! you'll find HER," The old lady shouted. Soujiro let out a wave, but he then realized too late what HAD been said.
"HER?"
He turned for the last time, but no one is there. As quick she appeared it seems she just literally disperse into thin air. Odd, for some old woman to move that fast. And much odd as it seems even the villagers does not even noticed her presence. " I think I really need to get some water." He packed off and headed at more quiet side of town, a remote slope on where he already saw the stream. The town of Edo, something had drawn him back to the place, so peaceful and serene for now, he decided not to neglect this area for it is a good idea he had to confront the evils of his past: one must go back where it all began.
Quiet, except for the rustling of the wind and the birds chriping away seems really on the season. " The season where tradition had two lovers became engaged.." he said it out loud of curiosity more than his intended disgust. He shook his head skeptically, and knelt down taking a handful of fresh water to his mouth. The holiday is nagging him instead of pondering about his return to Edo. Then there is a sudden rustle behind the trees, glaring the soft white prisms of sunlight that made him stop and splash the water behind.
Years of gut instinct and same swiftness when he was once a merciless slasher, told him someone ELSE is watching. He didn't like it, he can sense light quick steps heading out of his direction. The moment the quick figure leaps out, he shot out into that incredible lighting speed he is known for, ready to stun (only) the stalker.
Only to be stepped flat into face.
Next thing he knew, he is falling backwards several feet away from the impact and starts to land to the stream.. dazed and surprised for someone who is nimble enough to counter his swift move.
Only then again, he fall face first NEAR the stream. The MUDDY part of the stream. He cursed lightly, with the mud in his face he can't make it out, only to gasp for air and he waving frantically to make out his view. He can't make out the attacker, but he was disarmed by the tickle of a mischievous giggle that escalates to a laughter. It's a female. He starts to laugh at his own accord brought about the irony that it wasn't his lucky day with the opposite sex. " Gomen nasai, I don't see you awhile ago.. I guess I just feel being fast for practice today! " Misao apologized, after recovering from hysterics how silly looking the young stranger is. She crinkled her nose, " But how come I don't SEE you coming? " She didn't bother for the stranger to reply, but at the corner of her eye he seems pretty good looking and darn young. But Soujiro would not mind to converse, as he tried to smoothen the muck that covered his face. " Here let me help with that." And next thing he knew, he was being shoved with this stubborn female and his face being wiped roughly. But for the first time of his life he could not retaliate, he seem to feel he would melt with the strange and comforting warm touch of her limbs seeped against his. It's the devil making him feel like this, he never felt something like this his whole life. He never felt this heated emotion to any individual who touches him, let alone a female " The devil..." he said almost out loud. Misao was about to spar back, not until she got to see the stranger in clear view.
" Hey you are not good looking, you're GORGEOUS!" Misao exclaimed out loud with childish delight and Soujiro was staring at her right then and there, stunned. Not with the comment, but the picture of innocence that stood before him. Jet black braided hair sailing swiftly with the wind, she was dressed in something so short and tight, if he could make it out she is some sort of ninja. She does not appear to be a typical female and that instantly strikes his fancy, but most of all he seem to be enchanted at her wide eyes. They are not the usual asian brown he expected, but the hue of Celtic green. The glint of those green orbs, that are wild and full of mischief and life. She seems like that of a forest fairy child, nimble and quick.. with her eyes so wild. Definitely someone much faster reflex than his, he felt a skip of a heartbeat. Someone almost as fast as his, as young as he was.. young.. and reckless..
Misao realized what she had said too late. Soujiro was staring at her so long. And if it could be any worse, their faces are just inches apart. Both feel strong flushes at their cheeks after a long pregnant pause and both warily stood up. Misao broke an uneasy laugh, and gave Soujiro a light shove by the shoulder. " Hey, it's true! I never seen someone like you around here."
"That's because I just happened to pass by here for the night." He replied, flashing this time, a genuine smile. " I won't be staying for lon...what are you doing?" interrupted as Misao snoop around him, and seem to take an interest at his Nihontou. " I never used that sword." He quickly get it out of Misao's reach and clearly just stashed it away. "But YOU used to use it, didn't you?" Soujiro was surprised that someone would be so interested talking about his sword. And he was half- expecting that she would report to authorities. Soujiro opened his mouth to explain but Misao was ahead of him, " That explains it!" she smacked her fist to her palm with a naughty smile, that Soujiro sweatdropped.
"Explains what?"
"You, at the clearing awhile ago. Why I didn't see you"
" You know it did you? " His smile, slightly faded and his blue eyes in a much serious hue. Misao swore, that when the stranger acts a little serious.. he looks more darn gorgeous than ever. She nodded, " If you suddenly appear, I would easily noticed it." Pleading to almighty Buddha she will stop, Soujiro whispered to himself, Misao STILL continued. " But as far as I can make out, You take out an offensive stance.. hauling your sword like this..." she posed, much to his amusement. " And with that impressive footwork, I didn't really GOT to SEE you."
Soujiro heard it clearly. "footwork..?"
Misao snarled and grabbed the young swordsman's collar shaking his head back and forth. " Stop acting YOU don't did it! I saw it with my own two eyes! You take off with such lighting speed!!" She finally hoisted him down, " But with practice, it's a miracle that I even got to stop you. I thought you were to attack me" Soujiro grumbled and raked his head at Misao's dizzying attempt to shake him out, "I thought you're an intruder," he spoke, "..but you stepped across my face." Misao took one look at the stranger's face and made a ridiculous snorting sound as she imagined how stupid he looked. Soujiro felt he was laughing out again, this time it is a wholehearted laugh. Too many battles, too many bloodshed was fought and people killed had happened at the chapter of his young life, that at this timeless moment of searching for truth he finds instantly to a young feisty girl who would'nt put on a cold shoulder. And making him laugh again at little simple things in life, how much he had been missing for so long. The one who taught him, is the one who's first to stomp his face in mid air.
" What's your name?" he inquired, Misao proudly thumped her chest. " Misao. Maramachi Misao. leader of the oniwabanshu. If you need my protection.. I'm just around the corner! " Now Soujiro is really surprised. It seems not to make sense at first, but sensing how strong her spirit is... it might be true that her paltry group indeed defeated the former Juppon-gatana. " That's impressive." He nodded curtly. " But I won't be needing of any protection."
" I know that, by stars, you seem to move as fast as Kenshin… probably even faster"
" But he is better..."
" REALLY? You know Kenshin too? That's great! Do you guys had a showdown or something?" Misao gaped, Poor Soujiro, he had to get out of this marvelous mess. But he finds outwitting her a great challenge. " Not really." He replied. " I just heard stories of him on my travels." He looked around, feeling he had been idling too long. " Look here, Misao. It's getting a little late, I really had to go."
Misao took out a wineskin from his baggage and starts to fill it with stream water. "Then if you're in a hurry, here. I filled it for you." She tossed it back to him. " Arigato, misao-chan. Nice meeting you." He replied, hoistering his things to his back. " Hey! I don't know your name yet! What's your name?"
"Soujiro.. yes it's Soujiro." He quickly cut off to mention his last name for it wouldn't be so far that she will KNOW if he did tell her. The former merciless swordsman and the powerful right hand of Makoto Shi-shi-o, he'll dare not say that. " Well nice meeting you, Soujiro. If you won't mind, you can stay and rest in our place before you took off again, ne?" He shook his head. " Hai, but no thanks, I can't stay for long then. Sayonara."
"Ok," Misao don't know what possessed her, but she gave the young man a quick peck at the cheek. " Saynonara, Soujiro-san!" and she headed off to town.
" She kissed me." He nearly said out loud, as she heads out with the same swiftness towards the circle of the bustling town. He felt a pierced longing to see her again, even if he muttered denials to himself. Emotion starts to take hold as reason let go. She used to be the enemy, and he was never accustomed to someone so persistent and stubborn, and yet had a time to kiss a complete a complete stranger at the countryside. And probably having to rediscover himself again, fate, it seems has it reasons for drawing him back to this town. He had to admit it, " my only love sprang from my only hate." He sighs, laughing at the irony that a spunky lady not aware of his existence when he was aware of nothing but her. Thinking of passing over to the next town, he smiled warily. " Looks like I'm gonna stay here a little longer." In fact to be honest, he had to win her at this battle he should not lose.