Standing Alone In The Rain
by: Ame-Hime
Author's Chitchat: Kuso... I was restricted from my computer... Ontop of that finals
are coming up and I've got a 0.8 GPA... see what happens when you devote your life
to Kenshin? Maybe if I stopped drawing in class that'd help... The point in my meaningless
rambling? There is none. Sorry to have stalled you ^-^;;;
Disclaimer: .... I don't own RK and I never will so there.
"what is spoken"
~What is thought~
***************************
Chapter 3: Odds and Ends: A New Kimono And A New Friend
***************************
"SOU-KUN!!! I'M HUNGRY!!!!"
Ayano certainly wasn't the easyist person to travel with, Soujiro noted. When she wanted something
she made it clear. And if you even pretended not to know, she'd beat it into you. Soujiro
recalled her crying holding her dying father. It seemed like a whole different person.
"SOU-KUN! QUIT STARRING AT ME! YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO!!!!"
"Gomen nasai, Ayano-san."
Soujiro couldn't help but blush a little. He had been starring at her while he was thinking and it
was embarrassing.
"I accept your apology. Now on to more important issues... I'M HUNGRY!!!!"
"I heard you the first time! If you keep yelling in my ear, I'll go deaf!"
"Oh."
"Domo arigatou gozaimashita."
"Welcome. But that doesn't change the fact that I'm hungry."
"Ok, if I recall correctly, we should be close to..."
"Close to where?"
"....Kyoto..."
Soujirou stopped for a minute to recollect himself. He didn't really want to go back... ever again,
but here he was, heading back to a city that held nothing but bad memories; And an innocent 16
year old girl was following him there. He didn't want to take Ayano there, but if he didn't get her food
soon, she'd eat him... litterally.
"Ayano-san, why don't we catch some fish?"
She eyed him. Soujiro was hesistant and was desperately trying to find the fault in his sentence.
"Sou-kun, you said we were close to Kyoto, ne?"
"...H-hai...."
"THEN THAT'S WHERE WE ARE GOING!"
Soujiro fell over. All he could do was sweatdrop.
"Hai, Ayano-san. We're going to Kyoto..."
Soujiro stood up and rubbed his abused rear. He didn't want to go, but arguing with Ayano was like
arguing with Shishio-san... no, it's was worse.
"WAI!!!!!!!! I've always wanted to go to Kyoto!!!! We'll have to go sightseeing, eat at all the restaurants,
take a train ride..."
~Well, I got more than I bargainned for. Much more...~
"Sou-kun! Quit spacing out and let's hurry!"
"Hai, hai Ayano-san..."
****************************************
Voice Over: In Kyoto...
****************************************
"Fish! Fresh fish for sale!"
"Flowers for sale! Get your lovely blossoms here!"
"Imported items! CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP!"
Soujiro had a hard time keeping track of Ayano. Everything seemed to grab her attention.
~Ok, she's at the flower stand... wait no, she buying candy... with what money...?? Oh great...~
Ayano came running towards Soujiro, cluthing a hand full of various Japanese candies. Police were
chasing her blowing whistles and throwing curse words.
"Ayano-san, you have to pay these people if you want something..."
"I KNOW! But I don't have any money! Maybe if you show them how shiny that sword of yours is then...."
"Ayano-san!"
"Gomen.."
She hid behind Soujiro's back and made no attempt to return the stolen goods. Soujiro sweatdropped and
smiled at the katana weilding policemen. One of the policemen stepped forward and spoke.
"You there! The boy shielding that thief! Please step aside!"
"Sumimasen oji-san, but I can't."
"You dare defy the law?! You're merely a child!"
Soujiro almost fell over.
"I'm 18 oji-san, I'm not a child..."
"Honto???!!!"
A large sweat drop accumulated on Soujiro's forhead.
"Honto ni, oji-san."
"... Well, it doesn't matter! Step aside or pay the conseqences!"
"Hai."
"Sou-kun! You're gonna let these guys take me...???!!!"
Soujiro looked over his shoulder at Ayano, who had a death-grip on the back of his gi.
"Well, Ayano-san, what you did was wrong..."
"SOU-KUN!"
"But..."
Soujiro turned around and scooped a stunned Ayano into his arms and took off at full speed. ((which, the last time I checked, is fast.))
When they were a ways off ((not out of Kyoto, just away from the scary guys in suits)) Soujiro set the still stunned Ayano
down.
"What... was... that... you just did???"
"Huh? You've seen it before; at your house remember?"
"No, I wasn't paying attention to you. I was to scared. Gomen. What was it?"
"Shukuchi."
"Was it magic?"
"No."
"IT HAD TO BE! NO HUMAN CAN RUN THAT FAST! ...can they?"
"Hai."
"........ fine. I'm hungry."
"You've got a bunch of candy--"
"I WANT A HOT MEAL!"
"H-hai, hai!"
"And somewhere to stay the night."
"Well, we could stay at an inn, but that would cost almost all the money I have..."
"Almost? Well good. We can afford it. Let's go Sou-kun! HYAKU!"
"Hai hai. I'm coming... demo...."
"Demo?"
"Do you know where an inn is?"
"No but you do!"
"Right, then where are you running off too?"
"SOU-KUN! NEVER MESS WITH ME WHEN I'M HUNGRY!!!!!!"
Flames lit behind her and Ayano stared down at Soujiro with daggers for eyes. Soujiro took a step back and sweat dropped.
If he wasn't used to Yumi-san yelling at him constantly, he probably would have died by now.
"Hai Ayano-san! Well, let's go to the inn, shall we?"
"HAI!!!!! Oh and Sou-kun..."
"Nan desu ka?"
"I need a new pair of clothes..."
"aa..."
"DON'T AGREE WITH ME!"
"Gomen nasai!"
"Anywho, I have no money and I--"
"--'was wondering if you'd buy them for me.' I will, but then we'll be broke."
"Good, but don't finish my sentences! We'll just have to work for some money, that's all. Let's go get clothes first and then go to
the inn so we make a good impression!"
"That's a good idea, Ayano-san."
"All my ideas are good Sou-kun."
"Well, stealing ca--"
"DON'T WORRY ABOUT THE LITTLE THINGS! Let's hurry!"
"Hai."
****************************************
Voice Over: At the clothing department store...((not neccessarily called that but... you know what I mean))
****************************************
"Ayano-san, there's policemen in there, and that one was one of the ones chasing you."
"Shimatta! Then how do I get clothes?!"
"I'll go in you stay here?"
"They know who you are too, Sou-kun no baka!"
"Aa, but they don't have to see me."
"I catch your drift."
"What drift? I'll just stay out of sight."
"I knew that. Go get my clothes now!"
"There's one more problem..."
"Really? What's that?"
"I don't know what to get you."
"Clothes, baka!"
"I know that! But I've never shopped for a girl..."
"Oh... get me a pretty kimono! That is all sir, g'day."
The last sentence made it clear to Soujiro that it was the end of the disscussion. He had to sneak in there, buy a foreign item ((to him)),
and sneak out. This certainly would be difficult. The kimono picking part anyways.
"Fine. Wait right here, Ayano-san."
"Hai Sou-kun!"
********************************
Voice Over: In the clothing department store...
********************************
"Let's see... would she like this? No, I hardly think all those pinks would suit her... how about--"
"Konnichi wa!"
Soujiro jumped a bit and turned to voice that came from behind him. It was a girl. She was taller than him, unlike Ayano, and had waist length
black hair tied into a high pony tail and big grey-green eyes. Soujiro nervously stepped back, as he had a newly grown fear of women.
"A-ano, konnichi wa..."
"Eto... oji-san, may I ask a question?"
"uh... sure."
"Why are you looking for a girls kimono...?"
Soujiro was caught off guard. How was he going to answer this? I' ve got a friend the police are after and she needs new clothes???
That would get trouble, especially because the police were walking his way.
"Are you shopping for your wife, oji-san?"
"... wife?!"
"Hai"
"Eto.... hai! My *cough*wife*cough* needs a kimono and sent me to get it!"
"Do you have something caught in your throat?"
"I-iie, I just had to cough."
"Oh, ok. Here, let me help you chose a kimono, since you don't look like you do this often..."
Soujiro glanced at the oblivious policemen advancing on him and then glanced back to the girl.
"Hai, I'd appreciate that."
"Oh, I never introduced myself. Fuyumori Aiko desu. Hajimemashita."
"Seta Soujiro desu. Hajimemashita."
"I think this kimono would be good, Seta-san."
Aiko had picked out a stunning dark blue silk kimono with a design of waves embroidered in silver. The obi was also a silver color, with a
guaze texture. All in all, it was beautiful. Soujiro stared at it in awe before he was brought back to attention by Aiko.
"Do you like it?"
"I-it's... the most beautiful kimono I've ever seen!"
"Honto?"
"Honto ni. Arigatou gozaimashita, Aiko-san!"
He bowed and paid for the kimono. It was expensive, but he still had money for the inn. Thankfully. As he turned to leave, he felt a the sharp tip of a katana
against his back. It didn't cut his skin, but it would have, given the slightest push.
"You! The boy from the candy incident earlier today! What are you doing here? Stealing clothes?"
"Iie, oji-san, I paid for this kimono. I've commited no crime, so I should be on my way."
"Commited no crime? You defended a crimal AND you carry a sword when there is a strict sword prohibitation law. You've commited two crimes and
now you will pay."
"Gomen nasai oji-san, but my sword is a part of me."
"Be quiet! Even if I bought that, you still defended a thief, but I'm feeling nice today so I'll give you a chance. Defeat me in a duel and you can go."
Soujiro stood still and quite for a moment. Not a flicker of emotion crossed his ever-smiling face. He turned his head a bit to look at the officer.
"I accept your challenge. Demo, chotto matte kudasai. Aiko-san?"
Aiko, who was still standing there horrified spoke up with a nervous, squeaky voice.
"Hai, Seta-san?"
"Can you please hold onto this kimono so it doesn't accidently get stained?"
"H-hai..."
Aiko took the magnificent kimono that was wrapped in a brown paper and backed off a bit. Soujiro stepped away from the blade that was against his back and he unsheathed his own
katana. He smiled and took the Shukuchi stance. He tapped his left foot on the ground while he was waiting for the officer to get into stance as well.
Which he did.
"Hmmm... 5 steps shy of Shukuchi. Ikemasu yo."
Soujiro took off. Before the officer had any idead of what was going on, Soujiro's blade impaled him. He fell to the floor lifelessly. The other officers
just stared and took off... which was not good. They'd be back... accompanied by a certain wolf and possibly a broom. He turned to Aiko, his smile still present.
"Arigatou gozaimashita Aiko-san. I must leave now."
"Seta-san... if you don't mind... and your wife--"
"I don't have a wife Aiko-san."
"Then what about..."
Aiko pointed vaguely at the kimono.
"My friend wanted it. She's not my wife. I'm sorry I lied to you..."
"Daijoubu desu yo. Wakarimasu. Can I meet her?"
"Hai. We've got to leave soon though..."
"Naze?"
"Well, I'm a rurouni and she's.... sorta following me."
"Honto? Can I come?"
Soujiro was taken aback just as much as when Ayano asked that. Well, his journey would be short now, he concluded. Two women, being such violent
creatures, he'd be a dead man before next week. But, kindness gave way.
"Hai, Aiko-san, you can come."
Soujiro was oblivious to the devil horns that appeared on Aiko's head. One can only pity the poor boy.
***************************************
AC: Muaha. I'm tired now. My story turned from dramatic to comedic in one chapter?! I'm odd... Well, I appriciate your comment and for putting up with my horrid
spelling and Japanese skills... I'm only a freshman! I can only do so much! Please don't hurt me! *begs* And oji-san means mister or sir, but I don't know miss, so yea.
And just to let you know, I caught whatcha said about longer chapters... But I don't want to type anymore tonight @_@ My next chapter will be longer and better.....
one can only hope.... anywho, Ayano is based on me while I'm on a sugar high... I know... odd... *yawn* Oyasumi, minna-san!
by: Ame-Hime
Author's Chitchat: Kuso... I was restricted from my computer... Ontop of that finals
are coming up and I've got a 0.8 GPA... see what happens when you devote your life
to Kenshin? Maybe if I stopped drawing in class that'd help... The point in my meaningless
rambling? There is none. Sorry to have stalled you ^-^;;;
Disclaimer: .... I don't own RK and I never will so there.
"what is spoken"
~What is thought~
***************************
Chapter 3: Odds and Ends: A New Kimono And A New Friend
***************************
"SOU-KUN!!! I'M HUNGRY!!!!"
Ayano certainly wasn't the easyist person to travel with, Soujiro noted. When she wanted something
she made it clear. And if you even pretended not to know, she'd beat it into you. Soujiro
recalled her crying holding her dying father. It seemed like a whole different person.
"SOU-KUN! QUIT STARRING AT ME! YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO!!!!"
"Gomen nasai, Ayano-san."
Soujiro couldn't help but blush a little. He had been starring at her while he was thinking and it
was embarrassing.
"I accept your apology. Now on to more important issues... I'M HUNGRY!!!!"
"I heard you the first time! If you keep yelling in my ear, I'll go deaf!"
"Oh."
"Domo arigatou gozaimashita."
"Welcome. But that doesn't change the fact that I'm hungry."
"Ok, if I recall correctly, we should be close to..."
"Close to where?"
"....Kyoto..."
Soujirou stopped for a minute to recollect himself. He didn't really want to go back... ever again,
but here he was, heading back to a city that held nothing but bad memories; And an innocent 16
year old girl was following him there. He didn't want to take Ayano there, but if he didn't get her food
soon, she'd eat him... litterally.
"Ayano-san, why don't we catch some fish?"
She eyed him. Soujiro was hesistant and was desperately trying to find the fault in his sentence.
"Sou-kun, you said we were close to Kyoto, ne?"
"...H-hai...."
"THEN THAT'S WHERE WE ARE GOING!"
Soujiro fell over. All he could do was sweatdrop.
"Hai, Ayano-san. We're going to Kyoto..."
Soujiro stood up and rubbed his abused rear. He didn't want to go, but arguing with Ayano was like
arguing with Shishio-san... no, it's was worse.
"WAI!!!!!!!! I've always wanted to go to Kyoto!!!! We'll have to go sightseeing, eat at all the restaurants,
take a train ride..."
~Well, I got more than I bargainned for. Much more...~
"Sou-kun! Quit spacing out and let's hurry!"
"Hai, hai Ayano-san..."
****************************************
Voice Over: In Kyoto...
****************************************
"Fish! Fresh fish for sale!"
"Flowers for sale! Get your lovely blossoms here!"
"Imported items! CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP!"
Soujiro had a hard time keeping track of Ayano. Everything seemed to grab her attention.
~Ok, she's at the flower stand... wait no, she buying candy... with what money...?? Oh great...~
Ayano came running towards Soujiro, cluthing a hand full of various Japanese candies. Police were
chasing her blowing whistles and throwing curse words.
"Ayano-san, you have to pay these people if you want something..."
"I KNOW! But I don't have any money! Maybe if you show them how shiny that sword of yours is then...."
"Ayano-san!"
"Gomen.."
She hid behind Soujiro's back and made no attempt to return the stolen goods. Soujiro sweatdropped and
smiled at the katana weilding policemen. One of the policemen stepped forward and spoke.
"You there! The boy shielding that thief! Please step aside!"
"Sumimasen oji-san, but I can't."
"You dare defy the law?! You're merely a child!"
Soujiro almost fell over.
"I'm 18 oji-san, I'm not a child..."
"Honto???!!!"
A large sweat drop accumulated on Soujiro's forhead.
"Honto ni, oji-san."
"... Well, it doesn't matter! Step aside or pay the conseqences!"
"Hai."
"Sou-kun! You're gonna let these guys take me...???!!!"
Soujiro looked over his shoulder at Ayano, who had a death-grip on the back of his gi.
"Well, Ayano-san, what you did was wrong..."
"SOU-KUN!"
"But..."
Soujiro turned around and scooped a stunned Ayano into his arms and took off at full speed. ((which, the last time I checked, is fast.))
When they were a ways off ((not out of Kyoto, just away from the scary guys in suits)) Soujiro set the still stunned Ayano
down.
"What... was... that... you just did???"
"Huh? You've seen it before; at your house remember?"
"No, I wasn't paying attention to you. I was to scared. Gomen. What was it?"
"Shukuchi."
"Was it magic?"
"No."
"IT HAD TO BE! NO HUMAN CAN RUN THAT FAST! ...can they?"
"Hai."
"........ fine. I'm hungry."
"You've got a bunch of candy--"
"I WANT A HOT MEAL!"
"H-hai, hai!"
"And somewhere to stay the night."
"Well, we could stay at an inn, but that would cost almost all the money I have..."
"Almost? Well good. We can afford it. Let's go Sou-kun! HYAKU!"
"Hai hai. I'm coming... demo...."
"Demo?"
"Do you know where an inn is?"
"No but you do!"
"Right, then where are you running off too?"
"SOU-KUN! NEVER MESS WITH ME WHEN I'M HUNGRY!!!!!!"
Flames lit behind her and Ayano stared down at Soujiro with daggers for eyes. Soujiro took a step back and sweat dropped.
If he wasn't used to Yumi-san yelling at him constantly, he probably would have died by now.
"Hai Ayano-san! Well, let's go to the inn, shall we?"
"HAI!!!!! Oh and Sou-kun..."
"Nan desu ka?"
"I need a new pair of clothes..."
"aa..."
"DON'T AGREE WITH ME!"
"Gomen nasai!"
"Anywho, I have no money and I--"
"--'was wondering if you'd buy them for me.' I will, but then we'll be broke."
"Good, but don't finish my sentences! We'll just have to work for some money, that's all. Let's go get clothes first and then go to
the inn so we make a good impression!"
"That's a good idea, Ayano-san."
"All my ideas are good Sou-kun."
"Well, stealing ca--"
"DON'T WORRY ABOUT THE LITTLE THINGS! Let's hurry!"
"Hai."
****************************************
Voice Over: At the clothing department store...((not neccessarily called that but... you know what I mean))
****************************************
"Ayano-san, there's policemen in there, and that one was one of the ones chasing you."
"Shimatta! Then how do I get clothes?!"
"I'll go in you stay here?"
"They know who you are too, Sou-kun no baka!"
"Aa, but they don't have to see me."
"I catch your drift."
"What drift? I'll just stay out of sight."
"I knew that. Go get my clothes now!"
"There's one more problem..."
"Really? What's that?"
"I don't know what to get you."
"Clothes, baka!"
"I know that! But I've never shopped for a girl..."
"Oh... get me a pretty kimono! That is all sir, g'day."
The last sentence made it clear to Soujiro that it was the end of the disscussion. He had to sneak in there, buy a foreign item ((to him)),
and sneak out. This certainly would be difficult. The kimono picking part anyways.
"Fine. Wait right here, Ayano-san."
"Hai Sou-kun!"
********************************
Voice Over: In the clothing department store...
********************************
"Let's see... would she like this? No, I hardly think all those pinks would suit her... how about--"
"Konnichi wa!"
Soujiro jumped a bit and turned to voice that came from behind him. It was a girl. She was taller than him, unlike Ayano, and had waist length
black hair tied into a high pony tail and big grey-green eyes. Soujiro nervously stepped back, as he had a newly grown fear of women.
"A-ano, konnichi wa..."
"Eto... oji-san, may I ask a question?"
"uh... sure."
"Why are you looking for a girls kimono...?"
Soujiro was caught off guard. How was he going to answer this? I' ve got a friend the police are after and she needs new clothes???
That would get trouble, especially because the police were walking his way.
"Are you shopping for your wife, oji-san?"
"... wife?!"
"Hai"
"Eto.... hai! My *cough*wife*cough* needs a kimono and sent me to get it!"
"Do you have something caught in your throat?"
"I-iie, I just had to cough."
"Oh, ok. Here, let me help you chose a kimono, since you don't look like you do this often..."
Soujiro glanced at the oblivious policemen advancing on him and then glanced back to the girl.
"Hai, I'd appreciate that."
"Oh, I never introduced myself. Fuyumori Aiko desu. Hajimemashita."
"Seta Soujiro desu. Hajimemashita."
"I think this kimono would be good, Seta-san."
Aiko had picked out a stunning dark blue silk kimono with a design of waves embroidered in silver. The obi was also a silver color, with a
guaze texture. All in all, it was beautiful. Soujiro stared at it in awe before he was brought back to attention by Aiko.
"Do you like it?"
"I-it's... the most beautiful kimono I've ever seen!"
"Honto?"
"Honto ni. Arigatou gozaimashita, Aiko-san!"
He bowed and paid for the kimono. It was expensive, but he still had money for the inn. Thankfully. As he turned to leave, he felt a the sharp tip of a katana
against his back. It didn't cut his skin, but it would have, given the slightest push.
"You! The boy from the candy incident earlier today! What are you doing here? Stealing clothes?"
"Iie, oji-san, I paid for this kimono. I've commited no crime, so I should be on my way."
"Commited no crime? You defended a crimal AND you carry a sword when there is a strict sword prohibitation law. You've commited two crimes and
now you will pay."
"Gomen nasai oji-san, but my sword is a part of me."
"Be quiet! Even if I bought that, you still defended a thief, but I'm feeling nice today so I'll give you a chance. Defeat me in a duel and you can go."
Soujiro stood still and quite for a moment. Not a flicker of emotion crossed his ever-smiling face. He turned his head a bit to look at the officer.
"I accept your challenge. Demo, chotto matte kudasai. Aiko-san?"
Aiko, who was still standing there horrified spoke up with a nervous, squeaky voice.
"Hai, Seta-san?"
"Can you please hold onto this kimono so it doesn't accidently get stained?"
"H-hai..."
Aiko took the magnificent kimono that was wrapped in a brown paper and backed off a bit. Soujiro stepped away from the blade that was against his back and he unsheathed his own
katana. He smiled and took the Shukuchi stance. He tapped his left foot on the ground while he was waiting for the officer to get into stance as well.
Which he did.
"Hmmm... 5 steps shy of Shukuchi. Ikemasu yo."
Soujiro took off. Before the officer had any idead of what was going on, Soujiro's blade impaled him. He fell to the floor lifelessly. The other officers
just stared and took off... which was not good. They'd be back... accompanied by a certain wolf and possibly a broom. He turned to Aiko, his smile still present.
"Arigatou gozaimashita Aiko-san. I must leave now."
"Seta-san... if you don't mind... and your wife--"
"I don't have a wife Aiko-san."
"Then what about..."
Aiko pointed vaguely at the kimono.
"My friend wanted it. She's not my wife. I'm sorry I lied to you..."
"Daijoubu desu yo. Wakarimasu. Can I meet her?"
"Hai. We've got to leave soon though..."
"Naze?"
"Well, I'm a rurouni and she's.... sorta following me."
"Honto? Can I come?"
Soujiro was taken aback just as much as when Ayano asked that. Well, his journey would be short now, he concluded. Two women, being such violent
creatures, he'd be a dead man before next week. But, kindness gave way.
"Hai, Aiko-san, you can come."
Soujiro was oblivious to the devil horns that appeared on Aiko's head. One can only pity the poor boy.
***************************************
AC: Muaha. I'm tired now. My story turned from dramatic to comedic in one chapter?! I'm odd... Well, I appriciate your comment and for putting up with my horrid
spelling and Japanese skills... I'm only a freshman! I can only do so much! Please don't hurt me! *begs* And oji-san means mister or sir, but I don't know miss, so yea.
And just to let you know, I caught whatcha said about longer chapters... But I don't want to type anymore tonight @_@ My next chapter will be longer and better.....
one can only hope.... anywho, Ayano is based on me while I'm on a sugar high... I know... odd... *yawn* Oyasumi, minna-san!