Thank you to all who reviewed and to Shoki for editing. If you didn't
review. you could just write a few words. Just writing 'update soon' can
really lift an author's day up, just ask my friends.
Sango's friends: *frantically nod their heads up and down like there's no tomorrow*
I'll just say this now, I can't update regularly. Sometimes I might write a chapter in a week, sometimes three or four weeks are needed. It all depends on how much spare time I have and how hectic school is. Once softball season ends I'll have a lot more time on my hands but that's not for another month or so, I don't know exactly.
And I changed the rating to PG13 JUST TO BE SAFE. I just don't want to get in trouble or anything. If you guys think I should change it back to PG just tell me, ok? Thank you.
Disclaimer:
Sango: If you review I'll be happy to tell you all about how I don't own Rurouni Kenshin (however much I would like to). *Spies lawyers walking up driveway* um. o second thought, I'll tell you now. *clears throat* I don't own RK or its characters. There, happy now! *peeks out window to see if lawyers have disappeared* Phew! Maybe some of you could review anyway. *puppy-dog eyes* Actually, a lot of you reviewed so I shouldn't say that. Thank you!
Yahiko: You are sooo desperate.
Sango: You really think so, Yahiko-chan?
Yahiko: Yes,. hey! Don't call me chan, you don't have to torture me, I'm not even in the story, yet anyways.
Sango: *starts writing franticly, adding Yahiko into obscure moments in the story* But it's so fun, plus, your friends told me to call you Yahiko- chan. They thought it was cute.
Yahiko: I told you, DON'T CALL ME CHAN!!!
*the Kenshin-gumi (minus Yahiko) are seen snickering in the corner*
------------------------------------------------------------------
"." = talking italics = thinking or emphasis on certain words, I think you people are smart enough to tell the difference.
A History of Change
By: Sango Himura
Chapter 3: A Close Encounter
At first relieved that the police hadn't found her hidden stash of training supplies, Kaoru now began to worry about Kenshin. He had been gone since the police came and it had been almost three days now. I hope they don't catch him, Kaoru thought to herself. I don't think I could stand it if he left either... Wait a second Kaoru, she scolded herself, you've only known him half a day. He's probably just going to leave town anyways. It's probably unsafe to stay here.
Kaoru subconsciously set the table for two, just in case he came back for a lunch. After the rice balls she made were ready, she served herself and sat down at the table to eat. She used her lunch to conjure up new questions to ask Kenshin when he came back, if he came back. Was he really the Battousai? She already knew the answer to that question, though she would feel better if it came from him. Did he even remember her father?
Kaoru looked forlornly to the sky blanketed with grey clouds that would later rain heavy downpours that would turn the roads to mush. It depressed her even more. Long ago she had enjoyed the rain. Her mother and she had enjoyed dancing through it like it was the happiest day of their lives. Her father would watch from the porch, smiling, always smiling.
Then, the night he went away, another assignment in Kyoto, it rained. Her father never came back. From then on, Kaoru had always been disheartened whenever the sheets of water came pouring down. She still had the last letter he sent her, saying he still had at least a month left for business, but that he would come home as soon as he could. Almost a month later, a man walked up to their dojo and had told them the news. Mr. Kamiya had deceased, though they didn't say how. Shortly after her mother died of grief and Kaoru lived alone.
Kaoru had taught her father's students for about a month, but soon they stopped coming, many had had to fight in the war.
Nowadays, she missed the students greatly, especially a small spiky-haired kid named Yahiko. He was the only one that didn't have to go and fight, being only about four or five years old at time. Yahiko was always calling her busu but she enjoyed chasing him around for it. He had tons of determination and she enjoyed teaching him Kamiya Kasshin Ryuu. That joy had been taken away after the war, though he still snuck in lessons when he could.
Now he had to support himself by working since Kaoru had been his main meal provider, who was almost broke. She had been able to survive by selling all of the unnecessary items in her house, her parents had been collectors, but now she needed to find a job.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kenshin hated killing people. I've seen too much of it during the revolution, He thought while reflexively stroking the hilt of his sakabatou. The reverse blade sword he now carried helped him not to kill when he didn't want to but he occasionally flipped the blade when his opponent was exceptionally strong or would hunt him down even after he was defeated. (A/N He doesn't have his non-killing oath. I think it was PraseDivineMercy who asked that, so, here's your answer. ^_^x )
Now he wondered what to do about his dilema. I should have never gone to her dojo, now she knows I was Battousai and would me happy to se me gone from this world, just like everyone else. For some reason his last thought rang clear in his head over and over. She'll probably go to the police and turn me in, and get a handsome reward for doing so. The money alone might be enough of a reason. No, she wouldn't do that, his mind argued back. Her father was a general for heaven's sake, of course she will.
It was useless. No matter how hard he tried to convince himself, he still couldn't fight his instinct; those who know his identity, are killed. It was the same during the revolution when he had fought as Battousai. Only his allies knew who he really was and he had remembered what Kaoru had said. He would never forget what he had overheard. Why me, Kenshin thought to himself.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Remembering there was an opening for a nurse down at Megumi's clinic, Kaoru set out once again to the town square, then headed off on one of the many side roads. She finally reached a shabby shop-like building that looked like it tried it's best to look kept-up.
As she walked in, a little bell tinkered, letting the long-haired receptionist know she was there. The tag on her desk read "Makimachi Misao". The girl (or teen I should say) looked up and said in an overly- perky voice, "Hello! I'm Misao, what's your name? I'm new here, are you here to apply for a job?" came the flow of questions.
"Yes, actually, I am. Can you please tell me where Miss Megumi is?" Kaoru answered. She didn't have to wait for an answer though, because at that moment another long-black-haired woman came walking out from down the hallway that lead from the back. However, she had her hair brushed and neatly flowing behind her unlike Misao, who kept her hair in a waist-length braid.
"Why hello Tanuki, what brings you here?" Megumi said. "Finally out of money? I wondered when you would realize you can't sell family artifacts for a living." Kaoru almost instinctively found herself wanting to yell back at her but reminded herself that she was going to be asking this woman for a job. It wasn't the best idea to antagonize her. Plastering on a pained smile, she replied a small, "Yes, I was hoping I could get a job. Please."
"Okay then! I was wondering when someone would show up, I mean, jobs are scarce these days. You're lucky I'm going to let you work here." Megumi said as she watched Kaoru's face turn a light shade of pink. Kaoru hated to ask anyone for anything, especially when that anyone happened to be Megumi. She had no real reason to hate Megumi except for the constant jokes and belittlements that came her way. However, even through all the teasing they threw at each other, Kaoru still regarded Megumi as a big sister and she knew that Megumi would agree that they were as strong as sisters.
Megumi, deciding to stop making comments towards Kaoru, showed her an apron and told her that she could help clean out some of the cupboards. Kaoru wasn't a trained doctor, but she could still help do little chores to tidy the place up a little bit. They had a few villagers that came to her clinic for everything they needed but others kept away, thinking that women shouldn't be doctors.
Her first day was fairly easy, she finished cleaning the cupboards and went on to sterilize the medical tools and finally, start making the outside a little more presentable. The last part of her day was spent working out her hours and pay with Megumi (Misao joined the conversation at the end).
--------------------------------------------------
When Kaoru finally got out at about 4:00, the promised rain had begun to fall in light sprinkles. (A/N I don't know if they had clocks in that time period in Japan, but let's pretend Megumi had one in her clinic, O.K.?) She ran home but not before her kimono had become slightly damp. She hadn't been able to go very fast so she had gotten a little more wet than she had intended (YOU think about running in a kimono in the rain) and so she changed into a practice gi and hakama.
Making sure all the doors were securely locked and any windows closed, she went into her (former) practice room and lifted up a couple of floorboards next to the shrine for her father. Underneath was a medium-sized box. Kaoru opened its lid and took out a bokken. What a perfect day to practice, she thought. Practicing in the rain calmed her and made her forget about her troubles.
She began by meditating, but only for a short time. Kaoru was nervous, jumpy even, though the steady pounding of the rain usually soothed her. She felt something was going to happen. Soon.
Giving up on trying to meditate, she picked up her bokken and began her practice swings. The rain poured down even harder and the sky darkened as it got later into the day. After working for about an hour and a half, she stopped to take a break and light a candle to make it easier to see.
Only a little while more, she told herself as she moved towards the lantern to light it. Suddenly, she got the strangest feeling, like she was being watched. Even though she couldn't sense ken ki, she could feel that someone was just outside the room, standing in the rain. She felt it move closer even though no sound could be heard except the rain.
Finding her voice and trying not to sound as afraid as she was, Kaoru asked, "Who's there?"
A slight 'click' was heard from the other side of the room.
"Come out, show yourself!" Kaoru tested her voice once more, thoroughly scared now.
A gust of wind brushed through the thin shoji and Kaoru barely had time to blink before she found a sword held up to her throat. It was too dark now to see the owner of the sword's face. She stood perfectly still, cold sweat dripping down her brow.
The person with the sword didn't move for at least a minute but it felt like an eternity to the girl standing and awaiting death.
Then Kaoru, for reasons unknown to even herself, whispered a single word, a name actually. It was the first thing that came to mind. "Kenshin." Just after she said it, she thought of how stupid she was and mentally kicked herself. Her last word, the name of someone she had met less than a week ago.
When Kaoru said that name, she felt the sword push farther up against her skin for a moment, then it disappeared altogether as it was sheathed.
The person disappeared just as quickly as they appeared, but Kaoru remembered catching a glimpse of burning amber eyes with a hint of violet.
-----------------------------------------
I didn't exactly leave it on a total cliffhanger this time. *dodges various sharp objects thrown by readers* I had kind of wanted to leave it at the part when the intruder (I hope you guys know who it is, but if you don't, I could tell you in the next chappie or something.) had just gone up to Kaoru but it felt better to add the last part on.
the sacred night: Thank you again. That thing about calliope is neat. I like mythology but have never really studied it. I'm sorry if it is kind of romancy, which it probably will be, at least a little, but hopefully not a whole lot because I wasn't intending for it to be a romance.
Aryana1: I'm not sure this is going to be a romance story, that's not what I had originally intended it to be but I don't think I can get away with no romance at all. I just kind of write off inspiration so it might have romance and it might not. Thanks for the review!
Koishii-glory: Thank you! It makes me feel so good when people say they really like it. ^.^x
PraiseDivineMercy: I hope I answered your question. I'm not sure if Tomoe will have been part of the story but Kenshin doesn't have his non-killing oath. However, he does dislike killing and tries to avoid it when possible. And he carries his sakabatou. Thanx!
Kitsune KeNsHiN: Ahh, you'll just have to wait to see if he leaves or not. I really appreciate the review. ^_^x
Sheik83: It's ok, I'm not great at writing reviews either. But just the fact that you took the time to write down some words into the little review box is really nice.
Tsugoi Kakarlena: I'm sorry, I didn't mean to kill you or anything by not updating. Did you see the note in the second chapter about me liking being evil? Hehehe. Your review made me laugh, even though I'm not positive I should be laughing about something like someone dying. Thank you for reviewing!
Shoki de nai: -_-;; You know, you didn't actually say anything about the story, but thanks for reviewing anyway!
Oh yeah, if you have any ideas or want me to put something in the story, just tell me. If you give me an idea and I use it I'll give you proper credit.
Thanks and please review!
~Sango
Sango's friends: *frantically nod their heads up and down like there's no tomorrow*
I'll just say this now, I can't update regularly. Sometimes I might write a chapter in a week, sometimes three or four weeks are needed. It all depends on how much spare time I have and how hectic school is. Once softball season ends I'll have a lot more time on my hands but that's not for another month or so, I don't know exactly.
And I changed the rating to PG13 JUST TO BE SAFE. I just don't want to get in trouble or anything. If you guys think I should change it back to PG just tell me, ok? Thank you.
Disclaimer:
Sango: If you review I'll be happy to tell you all about how I don't own Rurouni Kenshin (however much I would like to). *Spies lawyers walking up driveway* um. o second thought, I'll tell you now. *clears throat* I don't own RK or its characters. There, happy now! *peeks out window to see if lawyers have disappeared* Phew! Maybe some of you could review anyway. *puppy-dog eyes* Actually, a lot of you reviewed so I shouldn't say that. Thank you!
Yahiko: You are sooo desperate.
Sango: You really think so, Yahiko-chan?
Yahiko: Yes,. hey! Don't call me chan, you don't have to torture me, I'm not even in the story, yet anyways.
Sango: *starts writing franticly, adding Yahiko into obscure moments in the story* But it's so fun, plus, your friends told me to call you Yahiko- chan. They thought it was cute.
Yahiko: I told you, DON'T CALL ME CHAN!!!
*the Kenshin-gumi (minus Yahiko) are seen snickering in the corner*
------------------------------------------------------------------
"." = talking italics = thinking or emphasis on certain words, I think you people are smart enough to tell the difference.
A History of Change
By: Sango Himura
Chapter 3: A Close Encounter
At first relieved that the police hadn't found her hidden stash of training supplies, Kaoru now began to worry about Kenshin. He had been gone since the police came and it had been almost three days now. I hope they don't catch him, Kaoru thought to herself. I don't think I could stand it if he left either... Wait a second Kaoru, she scolded herself, you've only known him half a day. He's probably just going to leave town anyways. It's probably unsafe to stay here.
Kaoru subconsciously set the table for two, just in case he came back for a lunch. After the rice balls she made were ready, she served herself and sat down at the table to eat. She used her lunch to conjure up new questions to ask Kenshin when he came back, if he came back. Was he really the Battousai? She already knew the answer to that question, though she would feel better if it came from him. Did he even remember her father?
Kaoru looked forlornly to the sky blanketed with grey clouds that would later rain heavy downpours that would turn the roads to mush. It depressed her even more. Long ago she had enjoyed the rain. Her mother and she had enjoyed dancing through it like it was the happiest day of their lives. Her father would watch from the porch, smiling, always smiling.
Then, the night he went away, another assignment in Kyoto, it rained. Her father never came back. From then on, Kaoru had always been disheartened whenever the sheets of water came pouring down. She still had the last letter he sent her, saying he still had at least a month left for business, but that he would come home as soon as he could. Almost a month later, a man walked up to their dojo and had told them the news. Mr. Kamiya had deceased, though they didn't say how. Shortly after her mother died of grief and Kaoru lived alone.
Kaoru had taught her father's students for about a month, but soon they stopped coming, many had had to fight in the war.
Nowadays, she missed the students greatly, especially a small spiky-haired kid named Yahiko. He was the only one that didn't have to go and fight, being only about four or five years old at time. Yahiko was always calling her busu but she enjoyed chasing him around for it. He had tons of determination and she enjoyed teaching him Kamiya Kasshin Ryuu. That joy had been taken away after the war, though he still snuck in lessons when he could.
Now he had to support himself by working since Kaoru had been his main meal provider, who was almost broke. She had been able to survive by selling all of the unnecessary items in her house, her parents had been collectors, but now she needed to find a job.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kenshin hated killing people. I've seen too much of it during the revolution, He thought while reflexively stroking the hilt of his sakabatou. The reverse blade sword he now carried helped him not to kill when he didn't want to but he occasionally flipped the blade when his opponent was exceptionally strong or would hunt him down even after he was defeated. (A/N He doesn't have his non-killing oath. I think it was PraseDivineMercy who asked that, so, here's your answer. ^_^x )
Now he wondered what to do about his dilema. I should have never gone to her dojo, now she knows I was Battousai and would me happy to se me gone from this world, just like everyone else. For some reason his last thought rang clear in his head over and over. She'll probably go to the police and turn me in, and get a handsome reward for doing so. The money alone might be enough of a reason. No, she wouldn't do that, his mind argued back. Her father was a general for heaven's sake, of course she will.
It was useless. No matter how hard he tried to convince himself, he still couldn't fight his instinct; those who know his identity, are killed. It was the same during the revolution when he had fought as Battousai. Only his allies knew who he really was and he had remembered what Kaoru had said. He would never forget what he had overheard. Why me, Kenshin thought to himself.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Remembering there was an opening for a nurse down at Megumi's clinic, Kaoru set out once again to the town square, then headed off on one of the many side roads. She finally reached a shabby shop-like building that looked like it tried it's best to look kept-up.
As she walked in, a little bell tinkered, letting the long-haired receptionist know she was there. The tag on her desk read "Makimachi Misao". The girl (or teen I should say) looked up and said in an overly- perky voice, "Hello! I'm Misao, what's your name? I'm new here, are you here to apply for a job?" came the flow of questions.
"Yes, actually, I am. Can you please tell me where Miss Megumi is?" Kaoru answered. She didn't have to wait for an answer though, because at that moment another long-black-haired woman came walking out from down the hallway that lead from the back. However, she had her hair brushed and neatly flowing behind her unlike Misao, who kept her hair in a waist-length braid.
"Why hello Tanuki, what brings you here?" Megumi said. "Finally out of money? I wondered when you would realize you can't sell family artifacts for a living." Kaoru almost instinctively found herself wanting to yell back at her but reminded herself that she was going to be asking this woman for a job. It wasn't the best idea to antagonize her. Plastering on a pained smile, she replied a small, "Yes, I was hoping I could get a job. Please."
"Okay then! I was wondering when someone would show up, I mean, jobs are scarce these days. You're lucky I'm going to let you work here." Megumi said as she watched Kaoru's face turn a light shade of pink. Kaoru hated to ask anyone for anything, especially when that anyone happened to be Megumi. She had no real reason to hate Megumi except for the constant jokes and belittlements that came her way. However, even through all the teasing they threw at each other, Kaoru still regarded Megumi as a big sister and she knew that Megumi would agree that they were as strong as sisters.
Megumi, deciding to stop making comments towards Kaoru, showed her an apron and told her that she could help clean out some of the cupboards. Kaoru wasn't a trained doctor, but she could still help do little chores to tidy the place up a little bit. They had a few villagers that came to her clinic for everything they needed but others kept away, thinking that women shouldn't be doctors.
Her first day was fairly easy, she finished cleaning the cupboards and went on to sterilize the medical tools and finally, start making the outside a little more presentable. The last part of her day was spent working out her hours and pay with Megumi (Misao joined the conversation at the end).
--------------------------------------------------
When Kaoru finally got out at about 4:00, the promised rain had begun to fall in light sprinkles. (A/N I don't know if they had clocks in that time period in Japan, but let's pretend Megumi had one in her clinic, O.K.?) She ran home but not before her kimono had become slightly damp. She hadn't been able to go very fast so she had gotten a little more wet than she had intended (YOU think about running in a kimono in the rain) and so she changed into a practice gi and hakama.
Making sure all the doors were securely locked and any windows closed, she went into her (former) practice room and lifted up a couple of floorboards next to the shrine for her father. Underneath was a medium-sized box. Kaoru opened its lid and took out a bokken. What a perfect day to practice, she thought. Practicing in the rain calmed her and made her forget about her troubles.
She began by meditating, but only for a short time. Kaoru was nervous, jumpy even, though the steady pounding of the rain usually soothed her. She felt something was going to happen. Soon.
Giving up on trying to meditate, she picked up her bokken and began her practice swings. The rain poured down even harder and the sky darkened as it got later into the day. After working for about an hour and a half, she stopped to take a break and light a candle to make it easier to see.
Only a little while more, she told herself as she moved towards the lantern to light it. Suddenly, she got the strangest feeling, like she was being watched. Even though she couldn't sense ken ki, she could feel that someone was just outside the room, standing in the rain. She felt it move closer even though no sound could be heard except the rain.
Finding her voice and trying not to sound as afraid as she was, Kaoru asked, "Who's there?"
A slight 'click' was heard from the other side of the room.
"Come out, show yourself!" Kaoru tested her voice once more, thoroughly scared now.
A gust of wind brushed through the thin shoji and Kaoru barely had time to blink before she found a sword held up to her throat. It was too dark now to see the owner of the sword's face. She stood perfectly still, cold sweat dripping down her brow.
The person with the sword didn't move for at least a minute but it felt like an eternity to the girl standing and awaiting death.
Then Kaoru, for reasons unknown to even herself, whispered a single word, a name actually. It was the first thing that came to mind. "Kenshin." Just after she said it, she thought of how stupid she was and mentally kicked herself. Her last word, the name of someone she had met less than a week ago.
When Kaoru said that name, she felt the sword push farther up against her skin for a moment, then it disappeared altogether as it was sheathed.
The person disappeared just as quickly as they appeared, but Kaoru remembered catching a glimpse of burning amber eyes with a hint of violet.
-----------------------------------------
I didn't exactly leave it on a total cliffhanger this time. *dodges various sharp objects thrown by readers* I had kind of wanted to leave it at the part when the intruder (I hope you guys know who it is, but if you don't, I could tell you in the next chappie or something.) had just gone up to Kaoru but it felt better to add the last part on.
the sacred night: Thank you again. That thing about calliope is neat. I like mythology but have never really studied it. I'm sorry if it is kind of romancy, which it probably will be, at least a little, but hopefully not a whole lot because I wasn't intending for it to be a romance.
Aryana1: I'm not sure this is going to be a romance story, that's not what I had originally intended it to be but I don't think I can get away with no romance at all. I just kind of write off inspiration so it might have romance and it might not. Thanks for the review!
Koishii-glory: Thank you! It makes me feel so good when people say they really like it. ^.^x
PraiseDivineMercy: I hope I answered your question. I'm not sure if Tomoe will have been part of the story but Kenshin doesn't have his non-killing oath. However, he does dislike killing and tries to avoid it when possible. And he carries his sakabatou. Thanx!
Kitsune KeNsHiN: Ahh, you'll just have to wait to see if he leaves or not. I really appreciate the review. ^_^x
Sheik83: It's ok, I'm not great at writing reviews either. But just the fact that you took the time to write down some words into the little review box is really nice.
Tsugoi Kakarlena: I'm sorry, I didn't mean to kill you or anything by not updating. Did you see the note in the second chapter about me liking being evil? Hehehe. Your review made me laugh, even though I'm not positive I should be laughing about something like someone dying. Thank you for reviewing!
Shoki de nai: -_-;; You know, you didn't actually say anything about the story, but thanks for reviewing anyway!
Oh yeah, if you have any ideas or want me to put something in the story, just tell me. If you give me an idea and I use it I'll give you proper credit.
Thanks and please review!
~Sango