Flashback
Disclaimer: I do not own any RK characters. This story was composed by IceRain and Yukiko. Historical accuracy does not apply. All the characters created are fictions and not related to those alive or dead. Enjoy you reading! Please review!
Thoughts=
Chapter 1 Frozen Flare
Life was beautiful. Tokio's had an extraordinary encounter which would change her life forever. Life was fragile. Saitou learnt to appreciate life after the appearance of this woman.
~Bakumatsu~
The howling of dogs made the street felt even lonelier and chilling..
The silence of the night was broken by an argument in the living room.
"How could you do this to me?" yelled Tokio. "I will not marry someone that I do not love!"
"You have no one to love, Tokio!" snarled her father. "This is the third time I am sending to you for matching making! The first time, you broke the man's arm when you went out with him for dinner." Takagi knew her daughter well. Her temper was just like his, stubborn and arrogant. But, he had to get someone for her daughter. He was too old to take care of her by now. The country was flooded with wars. He hoped that she could find someone to hold on to. He could not protect her any longer.
"That bastard was trying to touch me! I was defending myself! He-" she was not giving up.
"And, what happened to the second one?!" he cut her off. "For God's sake, you were on your first date and you challenged him with your kendo skills? He was a businessman, not a samurai! How could you do something-"
"Look, Tou-san," she paused and walked towards her father. "I know how to take care of myself well, and I need nobody. I am your daughter remember?"
Takagi put his hands on her daughter's shoulder. "Tokio, I have lost your mother. I do not want to lose you. I am getting older and might not be able to take care of you. I need someone which I can trust, to make you safe and happy when I am not with you."
Tokio looked at her father in shock. She knew how much he loved her, but she loved him too. "Tou-san, I want to be with you.." She hugged her father. Takagi brushed her daughter's hair.
"Tokio, I can't be with you forever.. After sometimes, I will join your mother."
"No, tou-san. This is not fair!" she protested. Tokio's tears started to drop down to her cheeks.
"Birth and death is a cycle, Tokio. Everyone will go through it. Only time will tell when it's my turn."
~A few months later, Shinsengumi Headquarter~
Her argument with her father yielded not results of preventing this meeting. I can't believe this, Tokio cursed in her heart. He really put me into the samurai family! Tokio knew about shinsengumi, not only by their uniforms but her father had businesses with Kondou-san. She had seen some of them but did not bother to recognise any of them. She had no interest in joining her father's business. She would prefer to practice her kendo.
Tokio sat beside the matchmaker, Mrs Wakamoto, with a table in front of them. Tokio was to keep her head down as Japanese manner of being a lady. She felt so sick with the thick makeup on her face. She wondered why the women would feel pretty with tonnes of powder on their faces, covering every inch of their flesh. For her, it was a nightmare! And not to mention the kimono, her father bought her an expensive piece of fabric for this meeting. I have to admit it is indeed a nice piece of kimono but not for this occasion Tou-san, it is such a waste to show it for matching making. A woman's beauty cannot be judged by the appearance, it is the inner that counts. It seemed like her father was so confident that this would be her last and best match making session and she would get married in the end.
The Shinsengumi members were talking and some of them were staring at her! Oh, God, this is such a shame. I feel like a naked prostitute being sold in the black market! And, the worst par is travelling from such a great distance to be sold!! She bit her lower lip. She would never ever wanted to go through such embarrassment again. The last two meetings with the Hattori and Hitoshi families were definitely better than this one!
The room was not luxury but it was big enough to hold 20 Shinsengumi members, the match maker and herself. She recognised the leader, Kondou, his name. She saw him with her father in Aizu, settling some political business. The laughters and jokes were reduced by the appearance of two men from the door. The atmosphere was not as friendly as before.
Conversation was on-going but in a very low volume. I believe this man could be their superior. But, who could be so influential other than Kondou- san? One was tall and the other was tiny with a childish smile on his face. Okita-san, I remember him, Tokio thought. He was with my father on the Taipan trip. I had no memories of the man standing next to him. Saitou as he always, was cold and emotionless. Hmm.. this guy looked stunning with his shinsengumi uniform, I wish I have a figure like his to fit in a samurai outfit. It fit his figure perfectly; the uniform was like made for him! He stood against the wooden wall and looked at the others. The look his eyes caught my attention, amber glow. He must a man of high intelligence and self extreme. His eyes scanned the room, like a predator looking for its victim. Nobody could stand his stare. The two Shinsengumi members beside Saitou stayed quiet. He nodded at them. Saitou did not speak a word since he entered the room where as Okita-san was having a fun chat with the member next to him.
Itai! I was pinched by Mrs Wakamoto on my right arm. She gave Tokio a look which told her to stay where she was and never look around. Tokio had to keep her head down to my knees again.
"Ha, finally you are here!" Kondou smiled. "Come forward and have a look at your future bride."
To Tokio's surprise, he was the one who stepped forward. He knelt down slowly facing me. Saitou remained silence and did not even bother to look at Tokio. Noises were starting to fill the room. Other Shinsengumi members had started their topic of interest. Saitou looked at his bride-to-be. A slim young lady, ordinary, that was all described her from his point of view.
"The bride is so attractive!" one of them commented about me.
"Saitou is a luckily man." Another one added. It seemed that the atmosphere had turned into a merry.
"Oh, aren't they make for each other! Such a delicate lady for a warrior" Mrs Wakamoto spoke, and her promotion skills were marvellous. Takagi-san paid the match lady to do so. Nonsense! I was never a delicate woman. It does not fit me at all, I will show you my true face Saitou, so that you will break this marriage chain and I will be free again!
"Saitou, I would like you to meet, Takagi Tokio. " Kondou introduced us to each other. "and, Takagi-san, this is my third captain, Saitou Hajime" Tokio bowed at him and he bowed back in return.
"Dozo yuroshiku" He finally opened his mouth. His voice was cold as steel.
"Dozo yuroshiku" Tokio returned him as a manner with a bow.
"Heiji, prepare the tea." ordered Kondou-san.
"Hai" a thin boy came over and pour green tea for those at the table. ( Japanese drank Green Tea)
"Enjoy the tea" said Kondou. Tokio took her tea with both hands and sipped it.
"Okay, I think we can start the details-"
"Kondou-san.... Mizutani-Inn was... destroyed moments ago by Ishin soldiers!" A Shinsengumi member rushed into the room, and delivered the shocking news. He was catching for his breath after running from city center to the headquarter. Mizutani-Inn?! That's where I stay! Tokio was alarmed, she lifted her head and looked at the exhausted Shinsengumi member. Saitou noticed the concern in her eyes. The make-up could covered her emotion but not the eyes.
"My God.."shouted Mrs Wakamoto.
"When did it happen Okata?" asked Saitou.
"A few moments ago, many people were murdered. And the building was burnt to ashes." Okata replied.
"Oh.where are we going to stay tonite!" sobbed Mrs Wakamoto. "We have lost our shelter and we do not have much money with us!"
"Mrs Wakamoto and Tokio-san will stay here for the time being." Kondou turned to Tokio and gave her a nod. Tokio nodded in reply. "It is the best place for two women. We will get you a safe shelter once the situation is settled."
"Arigatou" Tokio thanked him with a nod.
"Saitou-san will help you with your rooms. Besides, you can know each other better." It was Kondou's decision.
"Dismiss. We will discuss again tomorrow! Everyone, we are going to city center for some sight-seeing" Kondou commanded.
"Hai" the people replied. Saitou got up.
"Saitou-san, you stay." Kondou said.
"Kondou, Mizutani-Inn was not the first case-"
"Saitou, you have to stay with the ladies. Their shelter is in your hand, remember? Their safety is your responsibility. We can handle Mizutani-Inn." Saitou was pulled back by Kondou. "Takada and Amayo will help Saitou with the ladies. The rest come with me."
"This will be your ya (Japanese term for house or room)." Saitou lead the ladies to their rooms. "This ya was built with two rooms and a bathroom. Since we seldom invite female guests, this is the best we can offer."
Tokio definitely had problems walking with her kimono. Her steps did not seem right. She was clanging to Mrs Wakamoto. "Walk like a lady." whispered the match maker. "Your father wanted it to be a success."
"Make yourselves comfortable, if there is anything you need, Takada and Amayo will provide assistance." Saitou added. "I believe you are exhausted with long journey. Have some rest. Oyasumi nasai" Saitou finished up the conversation short and precise, not including what was irrelevant and unnecessary, besides, he had other things to deal with, the Mizutani- Inn..He left them quietly outside their new accommodation.
"He wouldn't even carry our luggages for us!" complaint Mrs Wakamoto, Takada and Amayo moved forward to help her. "Come on Tokio, let's get in and have a nice sleep!"
Tokio stood frozen and dumb-founded, looking at the way Saitou left. He is very cold and , can I deal with him? He was not that kind of man she thought would be her husband. she never expected her future husband to be that like! But anyway she was not his wife yet, she could not bother much either.
Disclaimer: I do not own any RK characters. This story was composed by IceRain and Yukiko. Historical accuracy does not apply. All the characters created are fictions and not related to those alive or dead. Enjoy you reading! Please review!
Thoughts=
Chapter 1 Frozen Flare
Life was beautiful. Tokio's had an extraordinary encounter which would change her life forever. Life was fragile. Saitou learnt to appreciate life after the appearance of this woman.
~Bakumatsu~
The howling of dogs made the street felt even lonelier and chilling..
The silence of the night was broken by an argument in the living room.
"How could you do this to me?" yelled Tokio. "I will not marry someone that I do not love!"
"You have no one to love, Tokio!" snarled her father. "This is the third time I am sending to you for matching making! The first time, you broke the man's arm when you went out with him for dinner." Takagi knew her daughter well. Her temper was just like his, stubborn and arrogant. But, he had to get someone for her daughter. He was too old to take care of her by now. The country was flooded with wars. He hoped that she could find someone to hold on to. He could not protect her any longer.
"That bastard was trying to touch me! I was defending myself! He-" she was not giving up.
"And, what happened to the second one?!" he cut her off. "For God's sake, you were on your first date and you challenged him with your kendo skills? He was a businessman, not a samurai! How could you do something-"
"Look, Tou-san," she paused and walked towards her father. "I know how to take care of myself well, and I need nobody. I am your daughter remember?"
Takagi put his hands on her daughter's shoulder. "Tokio, I have lost your mother. I do not want to lose you. I am getting older and might not be able to take care of you. I need someone which I can trust, to make you safe and happy when I am not with you."
Tokio looked at her father in shock. She knew how much he loved her, but she loved him too. "Tou-san, I want to be with you.." She hugged her father. Takagi brushed her daughter's hair.
"Tokio, I can't be with you forever.. After sometimes, I will join your mother."
"No, tou-san. This is not fair!" she protested. Tokio's tears started to drop down to her cheeks.
"Birth and death is a cycle, Tokio. Everyone will go through it. Only time will tell when it's my turn."
~A few months later, Shinsengumi Headquarter~
Her argument with her father yielded not results of preventing this meeting. I can't believe this, Tokio cursed in her heart. He really put me into the samurai family! Tokio knew about shinsengumi, not only by their uniforms but her father had businesses with Kondou-san. She had seen some of them but did not bother to recognise any of them. She had no interest in joining her father's business. She would prefer to practice her kendo.
Tokio sat beside the matchmaker, Mrs Wakamoto, with a table in front of them. Tokio was to keep her head down as Japanese manner of being a lady. She felt so sick with the thick makeup on her face. She wondered why the women would feel pretty with tonnes of powder on their faces, covering every inch of their flesh. For her, it was a nightmare! And not to mention the kimono, her father bought her an expensive piece of fabric for this meeting. I have to admit it is indeed a nice piece of kimono but not for this occasion Tou-san, it is such a waste to show it for matching making. A woman's beauty cannot be judged by the appearance, it is the inner that counts. It seemed like her father was so confident that this would be her last and best match making session and she would get married in the end.
The Shinsengumi members were talking and some of them were staring at her! Oh, God, this is such a shame. I feel like a naked prostitute being sold in the black market! And, the worst par is travelling from such a great distance to be sold!! She bit her lower lip. She would never ever wanted to go through such embarrassment again. The last two meetings with the Hattori and Hitoshi families were definitely better than this one!
The room was not luxury but it was big enough to hold 20 Shinsengumi members, the match maker and herself. She recognised the leader, Kondou, his name. She saw him with her father in Aizu, settling some political business. The laughters and jokes were reduced by the appearance of two men from the door. The atmosphere was not as friendly as before.
Conversation was on-going but in a very low volume. I believe this man could be their superior. But, who could be so influential other than Kondou- san? One was tall and the other was tiny with a childish smile on his face. Okita-san, I remember him, Tokio thought. He was with my father on the Taipan trip. I had no memories of the man standing next to him. Saitou as he always, was cold and emotionless. Hmm.. this guy looked stunning with his shinsengumi uniform, I wish I have a figure like his to fit in a samurai outfit. It fit his figure perfectly; the uniform was like made for him! He stood against the wooden wall and looked at the others. The look his eyes caught my attention, amber glow. He must a man of high intelligence and self extreme. His eyes scanned the room, like a predator looking for its victim. Nobody could stand his stare. The two Shinsengumi members beside Saitou stayed quiet. He nodded at them. Saitou did not speak a word since he entered the room where as Okita-san was having a fun chat with the member next to him.
Itai! I was pinched by Mrs Wakamoto on my right arm. She gave Tokio a look which told her to stay where she was and never look around. Tokio had to keep her head down to my knees again.
"Ha, finally you are here!" Kondou smiled. "Come forward and have a look at your future bride."
To Tokio's surprise, he was the one who stepped forward. He knelt down slowly facing me. Saitou remained silence and did not even bother to look at Tokio. Noises were starting to fill the room. Other Shinsengumi members had started their topic of interest. Saitou looked at his bride-to-be. A slim young lady, ordinary, that was all described her from his point of view.
"The bride is so attractive!" one of them commented about me.
"Saitou is a luckily man." Another one added. It seemed that the atmosphere had turned into a merry.
"Oh, aren't they make for each other! Such a delicate lady for a warrior" Mrs Wakamoto spoke, and her promotion skills were marvellous. Takagi-san paid the match lady to do so. Nonsense! I was never a delicate woman. It does not fit me at all, I will show you my true face Saitou, so that you will break this marriage chain and I will be free again!
"Saitou, I would like you to meet, Takagi Tokio. " Kondou introduced us to each other. "and, Takagi-san, this is my third captain, Saitou Hajime" Tokio bowed at him and he bowed back in return.
"Dozo yuroshiku" He finally opened his mouth. His voice was cold as steel.
"Dozo yuroshiku" Tokio returned him as a manner with a bow.
"Heiji, prepare the tea." ordered Kondou-san.
"Hai" a thin boy came over and pour green tea for those at the table. ( Japanese drank Green Tea)
"Enjoy the tea" said Kondou. Tokio took her tea with both hands and sipped it.
"Okay, I think we can start the details-"
"Kondou-san.... Mizutani-Inn was... destroyed moments ago by Ishin soldiers!" A Shinsengumi member rushed into the room, and delivered the shocking news. He was catching for his breath after running from city center to the headquarter. Mizutani-Inn?! That's where I stay! Tokio was alarmed, she lifted her head and looked at the exhausted Shinsengumi member. Saitou noticed the concern in her eyes. The make-up could covered her emotion but not the eyes.
"My God.."shouted Mrs Wakamoto.
"When did it happen Okata?" asked Saitou.
"A few moments ago, many people were murdered. And the building was burnt to ashes." Okata replied.
"Oh.where are we going to stay tonite!" sobbed Mrs Wakamoto. "We have lost our shelter and we do not have much money with us!"
"Mrs Wakamoto and Tokio-san will stay here for the time being." Kondou turned to Tokio and gave her a nod. Tokio nodded in reply. "It is the best place for two women. We will get you a safe shelter once the situation is settled."
"Arigatou" Tokio thanked him with a nod.
"Saitou-san will help you with your rooms. Besides, you can know each other better." It was Kondou's decision.
"Dismiss. We will discuss again tomorrow! Everyone, we are going to city center for some sight-seeing" Kondou commanded.
"Hai" the people replied. Saitou got up.
"Saitou-san, you stay." Kondou said.
"Kondou, Mizutani-Inn was not the first case-"
"Saitou, you have to stay with the ladies. Their shelter is in your hand, remember? Their safety is your responsibility. We can handle Mizutani-Inn." Saitou was pulled back by Kondou. "Takada and Amayo will help Saitou with the ladies. The rest come with me."
"This will be your ya (Japanese term for house or room)." Saitou lead the ladies to their rooms. "This ya was built with two rooms and a bathroom. Since we seldom invite female guests, this is the best we can offer."
Tokio definitely had problems walking with her kimono. Her steps did not seem right. She was clanging to Mrs Wakamoto. "Walk like a lady." whispered the match maker. "Your father wanted it to be a success."
"Make yourselves comfortable, if there is anything you need, Takada and Amayo will provide assistance." Saitou added. "I believe you are exhausted with long journey. Have some rest. Oyasumi nasai" Saitou finished up the conversation short and precise, not including what was irrelevant and unnecessary, besides, he had other things to deal with, the Mizutani- Inn..He left them quietly outside their new accommodation.
"He wouldn't even carry our luggages for us!" complaint Mrs Wakamoto, Takada and Amayo moved forward to help her. "Come on Tokio, let's get in and have a nice sleep!"
Tokio stood frozen and dumb-founded, looking at the way Saitou left. He is very cold and , can I deal with him? He was not that kind of man she thought would be her husband. she never expected her future husband to be that like! But anyway she was not his wife yet, she could not bother much either.