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Once Upon a time: Chapter 2
by white seraph
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She wiped the sweat collecting at her temple, and continued practicing, striking with a bokken. It wasn't lady like to practice such strenuous arts, but it was the only think Kaoru was interested in, she simply cannot imagine herself sitting and brewing tea, or arranging flowers. Fortunately, her sister had the same interest and they practiced together, sharing ideas as well as company. But today, Misao was off to see her Aoshi, leaving Kaoru practicing in the small dojo at the back of their large house alone.
The sun sank behing the hills and Misao still have not returned. Kaoru was very anxious, after all, she was the one who let her sister out, and so she holds all responsibilities. Kaoru quickly changed into a more ladylike kimono and set out to Aoshi's land, which wasn't that far away. She never liked the carriage it was bumpy and uncomfortable, and really, she didn't like to make such a scene by using a carriage just for a 500 meter walk.
As she walked through the streets and across the farm land, she noticed the usual stares. It's what you get for living near the outskirts of the country, where the majority are poor farmers, she always thought. But of course, little did she know many stared at her not because of her wealthy attires, nor was it because of her noble manners, but because of her beauty. (A/N yes =_=; ) For the Kamiya sisters was famed across the country side, for their deep, clear sapphire eyes. Especially Kaoru, since Misao was still a little girl in the majority's eye.
Kaoru arrived at a low wooden gate; the place was small and dusty, with the smell of farm animals. But Kaoru did not stop; she didn't mind the smell or dirt at all, unlike most nobles, both sisters were brought up under the care of no other but the household servants and tutors hired by their father who spent most of his time in the Capital city. They educated the sisters well enough to be recognized as nobles, but not enough to enhance their arrogance, instead they were taught everyone is equal, and that not everyone is as fortunate as they are.
"Aoshi-san" she called loud, but politely. The man stood tall before her. She looked into his eyes, and had to admit him rather handsome. But beauty was only skin deep wasn't it?
A figure appeared as the door slid open, "Greetings to you, Kaoru-san, please come in"
"Where's Misao?" Kaoru scanned the small room, and there she was, her little sister, crouching on the floor whining, just as usual. It was part of her personality after all, being spoilt at a young age by both her father and herself.
"Aoshi-sama! How can you do this to me?" She cried out loud, in a very un lady-like fashion, large beads of tears rolling down her cheeks.
Kaoru frowned, how dare this man upset her sister! "What's going on here?" she questioned the tall man next to her, her sister was not the type that cried over nothing, she knew, there must have been something serious going on.
Before the man could reply, her sister gave an answer, "Aoshi-sama says he's going to join the Shinsengumi!" Misao gulped and she swallowed her own tears "he's leaving me!" she finished off, was she burst into another fit of tears.
"Aoshi-san? Is that true?" Kaoru's eyebrows furrowed, this is not good, if Aoshi goes, that means..
"I don't care! I'm coming with you!" Misao clinged onto Aoshi's limbs, indicating her determination to follow him. No, if he was going to leave her, and join that notorious group, she was going as well! What if.what if.. Miso couldn't bring herself to think of the worst things that could happen to Aoshi and tear him away from her forever, no she would follow him wherever he went.
He wasn't going protest, in fact, he wants Misao to join, after all, the more join the better, plus, he knew Misao was relatively good when it comes to fighting. Though his will to protect the country was strong, he just could not bear to leave this girl, whom he loved so much.
"No, dear, you're NOT going away with this man, you hear me?" Kaoru cried out loud nearly screaming. How dare this man take her sister away just like that?! And to ask her to join the group that everyone gossiped about. NO NO NO!!!
"I don't care, you don't own my life!" Misao pouted, hoping she could persuade her sister to let her follow Aoshi-sama with her large puppy eyes. However, this time her tactics proved futile.
"Please, Misao, if you just run off like that, papa will be extremely upset, not to mention you what will happen if he finds out you want to join the notorious Shinsengumi!" Kaoru's voice softened but was still firm. Yes her father would be very upset, because it would leave him in a very tough situation, if Misao joined the group of rebels, to fight against the King her father served.
"Well if papa got anything to say about this, then I'll listen to him, but I won't listen to you, you're just jealous because I found my true love and you haven't!" Misao gasped, surprised at what just came out of her own mouth. She never really meant it, though she was always secretly proud upon the fact that she found her true love before her older sister, who was much prettier and mature than herself, albeit their father's disproval upon the boy's lowly birth.
"If she really wants to come with me, then I don't think you have to right to stop her" Aoshi added, obviously standing on his beloved's side, and also, because it was just.wrong, that a sister should hold every decision for Misao.
"That does it! Misao you're coming back with me, I'll go to the palace and find papa tomorrow, you are not allowed to go anywhere until you have papa's permission!" with that, Kaoru took misao's arm and dragged her home.
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"Okay honey look" Kaoru started as calm as she can "I'm not saying you can't go with Aoshi, I'm asking you to wait, until I come back with papa's permission, after all he does have to right to know what you're about to do, right?" She stroked her sister's head lovingly. "Now now, don't cry, you look so ugly, if Aoshi-san sees you like this, he'll."
Misao chuckled for the first time that evening, no one, not even Sano's usual jokes were able to cheer her up. Damn, her sister does have a talent in comforting people. "he'll what?"
Kaoru smiled, happy because her sister finally smiled, "he'll run away!"
Misao smiled widened, if possible that is, and hugged her sister "Thank you Kaoru, for everything" She truly meant it. How many times did her sister stand up for her? She remembered a long time ago when she was young and naïve, how she loved to coax her Kaoru into steal candies from a store downtown with her, However, one day she was caught. She still remembered her governess' rage upon hearing of the news. And it was her sister who came upon her rescue, by taking up the mischief herself who ended up confined in her own room for the following week with little food, and no bed time stories.
"Now, you go to bed, I'll be off tomorrow morning with Sanosuke, and hopfully will be back in a couple of weeks, you just stay here, be a good girl and wait for my news" Kaoru patted her sister, tearing her away from some long forgotten memories.
As Kaoru slid her sister's door shut, she didn't go directly to her own room, instead, she went to Sano's which was on the first floor, where all the other servants slept. No no, he wasn't her secret lover or anything lol, no she was still an innocent young woman who never experienced such wonderful feelings.
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"Miss Kaoru, you do know the king doesn't allow any visitors in his kingdom don't you?" Sano asked. It was well known that the Castle was well guarded, and no one was allowed to enter without invitation.
"Of course I do! That's why I'm here, I need your help." Kaoru replied happily. She had such a perfect idea in her head, but she needed her friend's help.
Sano raised an eyebrow..he had a strong feeling this girl was up to some weird plan. He had known her for a long time, ever since they were children, they would play together with Misao when the governess left for weekends, and despite the status difference in the household, the two girls never mistreated him, or any other servants. And till this day, their friendship lasts.
"Okay I'm going to disguise myself as a. . . as a new servant in fact" Kaoru smilled triumphantly as she unfolded her new idea to her friend. Simply, she would smuggle into the Castle, find her father tell him and smuggle out! Or so she thought.
"What?! Do you know what will happen if they find out ." Sano protested, "Look, why don't I go instead, I mean, I can tell Lord Kamiya." He knew she was up to some crazy ideas, but never expected her so suggest of such! That was just.outrageous! Dangerous! Did she even know what she was up to?!
Unfortunately, Kaoru seemed to know what she was talking about and was determined to go. "No, you don't understand, Sano! Do you really think papa will let Misao go off with Aoshi? He doesn't even let them hang out!"
"If so, then why do you even bother, I mean you really don't seem to understand what you're doing here do you? Let me remind you, if you go to the palace, there's a high chance you'll meet the king-"
"Yes I know that!" Kaoru snapped "but I just can't afford to see Misao so depressed and miserable, I'm going to persuade papa!" Kaoru cried out with passion
"Okay ookay I get it. Just calm down. People are still in bed!" Sanosuke finally bent and allowed his young mistress to go.
Once Upon a time: Chapter 2
by white seraph
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She wiped the sweat collecting at her temple, and continued practicing, striking with a bokken. It wasn't lady like to practice such strenuous arts, but it was the only think Kaoru was interested in, she simply cannot imagine herself sitting and brewing tea, or arranging flowers. Fortunately, her sister had the same interest and they practiced together, sharing ideas as well as company. But today, Misao was off to see her Aoshi, leaving Kaoru practicing in the small dojo at the back of their large house alone.
The sun sank behing the hills and Misao still have not returned. Kaoru was very anxious, after all, she was the one who let her sister out, and so she holds all responsibilities. Kaoru quickly changed into a more ladylike kimono and set out to Aoshi's land, which wasn't that far away. She never liked the carriage it was bumpy and uncomfortable, and really, she didn't like to make such a scene by using a carriage just for a 500 meter walk.
As she walked through the streets and across the farm land, she noticed the usual stares. It's what you get for living near the outskirts of the country, where the majority are poor farmers, she always thought. But of course, little did she know many stared at her not because of her wealthy attires, nor was it because of her noble manners, but because of her beauty. (A/N yes =_=; ) For the Kamiya sisters was famed across the country side, for their deep, clear sapphire eyes. Especially Kaoru, since Misao was still a little girl in the majority's eye.
Kaoru arrived at a low wooden gate; the place was small and dusty, with the smell of farm animals. But Kaoru did not stop; she didn't mind the smell or dirt at all, unlike most nobles, both sisters were brought up under the care of no other but the household servants and tutors hired by their father who spent most of his time in the Capital city. They educated the sisters well enough to be recognized as nobles, but not enough to enhance their arrogance, instead they were taught everyone is equal, and that not everyone is as fortunate as they are.
"Aoshi-san" she called loud, but politely. The man stood tall before her. She looked into his eyes, and had to admit him rather handsome. But beauty was only skin deep wasn't it?
A figure appeared as the door slid open, "Greetings to you, Kaoru-san, please come in"
"Where's Misao?" Kaoru scanned the small room, and there she was, her little sister, crouching on the floor whining, just as usual. It was part of her personality after all, being spoilt at a young age by both her father and herself.
"Aoshi-sama! How can you do this to me?" She cried out loud, in a very un lady-like fashion, large beads of tears rolling down her cheeks.
Kaoru frowned, how dare this man upset her sister! "What's going on here?" she questioned the tall man next to her, her sister was not the type that cried over nothing, she knew, there must have been something serious going on.
Before the man could reply, her sister gave an answer, "Aoshi-sama says he's going to join the Shinsengumi!" Misao gulped and she swallowed her own tears "he's leaving me!" she finished off, was she burst into another fit of tears.
"Aoshi-san? Is that true?" Kaoru's eyebrows furrowed, this is not good, if Aoshi goes, that means..
"I don't care! I'm coming with you!" Misao clinged onto Aoshi's limbs, indicating her determination to follow him. No, if he was going to leave her, and join that notorious group, she was going as well! What if.what if.. Miso couldn't bring herself to think of the worst things that could happen to Aoshi and tear him away from her forever, no she would follow him wherever he went.
He wasn't going protest, in fact, he wants Misao to join, after all, the more join the better, plus, he knew Misao was relatively good when it comes to fighting. Though his will to protect the country was strong, he just could not bear to leave this girl, whom he loved so much.
"No, dear, you're NOT going away with this man, you hear me?" Kaoru cried out loud nearly screaming. How dare this man take her sister away just like that?! And to ask her to join the group that everyone gossiped about. NO NO NO!!!
"I don't care, you don't own my life!" Misao pouted, hoping she could persuade her sister to let her follow Aoshi-sama with her large puppy eyes. However, this time her tactics proved futile.
"Please, Misao, if you just run off like that, papa will be extremely upset, not to mention you what will happen if he finds out you want to join the notorious Shinsengumi!" Kaoru's voice softened but was still firm. Yes her father would be very upset, because it would leave him in a very tough situation, if Misao joined the group of rebels, to fight against the King her father served.
"Well if papa got anything to say about this, then I'll listen to him, but I won't listen to you, you're just jealous because I found my true love and you haven't!" Misao gasped, surprised at what just came out of her own mouth. She never really meant it, though she was always secretly proud upon the fact that she found her true love before her older sister, who was much prettier and mature than herself, albeit their father's disproval upon the boy's lowly birth.
"If she really wants to come with me, then I don't think you have to right to stop her" Aoshi added, obviously standing on his beloved's side, and also, because it was just.wrong, that a sister should hold every decision for Misao.
"That does it! Misao you're coming back with me, I'll go to the palace and find papa tomorrow, you are not allowed to go anywhere until you have papa's permission!" with that, Kaoru took misao's arm and dragged her home.
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"Okay honey look" Kaoru started as calm as she can "I'm not saying you can't go with Aoshi, I'm asking you to wait, until I come back with papa's permission, after all he does have to right to know what you're about to do, right?" She stroked her sister's head lovingly. "Now now, don't cry, you look so ugly, if Aoshi-san sees you like this, he'll."
Misao chuckled for the first time that evening, no one, not even Sano's usual jokes were able to cheer her up. Damn, her sister does have a talent in comforting people. "he'll what?"
Kaoru smiled, happy because her sister finally smiled, "he'll run away!"
Misao smiled widened, if possible that is, and hugged her sister "Thank you Kaoru, for everything" She truly meant it. How many times did her sister stand up for her? She remembered a long time ago when she was young and naïve, how she loved to coax her Kaoru into steal candies from a store downtown with her, However, one day she was caught. She still remembered her governess' rage upon hearing of the news. And it was her sister who came upon her rescue, by taking up the mischief herself who ended up confined in her own room for the following week with little food, and no bed time stories.
"Now, you go to bed, I'll be off tomorrow morning with Sanosuke, and hopfully will be back in a couple of weeks, you just stay here, be a good girl and wait for my news" Kaoru patted her sister, tearing her away from some long forgotten memories.
As Kaoru slid her sister's door shut, she didn't go directly to her own room, instead, she went to Sano's which was on the first floor, where all the other servants slept. No no, he wasn't her secret lover or anything lol, no she was still an innocent young woman who never experienced such wonderful feelings.
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"Miss Kaoru, you do know the king doesn't allow any visitors in his kingdom don't you?" Sano asked. It was well known that the Castle was well guarded, and no one was allowed to enter without invitation.
"Of course I do! That's why I'm here, I need your help." Kaoru replied happily. She had such a perfect idea in her head, but she needed her friend's help.
Sano raised an eyebrow..he had a strong feeling this girl was up to some weird plan. He had known her for a long time, ever since they were children, they would play together with Misao when the governess left for weekends, and despite the status difference in the household, the two girls never mistreated him, or any other servants. And till this day, their friendship lasts.
"Okay I'm going to disguise myself as a. . . as a new servant in fact" Kaoru smilled triumphantly as she unfolded her new idea to her friend. Simply, she would smuggle into the Castle, find her father tell him and smuggle out! Or so she thought.
"What?! Do you know what will happen if they find out ." Sano protested, "Look, why don't I go instead, I mean, I can tell Lord Kamiya." He knew she was up to some crazy ideas, but never expected her so suggest of such! That was just.outrageous! Dangerous! Did she even know what she was up to?!
Unfortunately, Kaoru seemed to know what she was talking about and was determined to go. "No, you don't understand, Sano! Do you really think papa will let Misao go off with Aoshi? He doesn't even let them hang out!"
"If so, then why do you even bother, I mean you really don't seem to understand what you're doing here do you? Let me remind you, if you go to the palace, there's a high chance you'll meet the king-"
"Yes I know that!" Kaoru snapped "but I just can't afford to see Misao so depressed and miserable, I'm going to persuade papa!" Kaoru cried out with passion
"Okay ookay I get it. Just calm down. People are still in bed!" Sanosuke finally bent and allowed his young mistress to go.