**************************************************
Once Upon a time: Chapter 20
by white seraph
**************************************************
Soujiro wrapped his hands firmly around Kaoru's balled fist from behind, and swung gently, prompting her to pull the wooden sword up. This girl, Kaoru, she was such an egnimatic character, who was she? Soujiro had no clue, but was very sure she was no servant. From the touch of her soft skin, and abilty in the art, he knew. No servant can spare so much time to dedicate herself to such masculine art, no servant, after doing chores all their lives, were able to keep their soft skin. Soujiro was not stupid. He may be a squire, but he comes from a good family, with much education. It is only after his parents, both murdered viciously, that he was forced to leave his home and join the royal military.
"What is wrong, Sou?" Kaoru turned her head, as she realized her teacher's attention was no longer on her. His eyes, gazing at nothingness, as if in deep thought. "sou?" Kaoru repeated, shaking herself out of his arms.
"Oh, sorry, I was just thinking of something.." Soujiro ripped himself from his terrible past, and fixed his eyes at Kaoru's. "Shall we continue?"
Kaoru shook her head. There was no point in further practicing when his heart is no longer with him. "No, It's okay, lets take a rest" Kaoru pulled herself away and sat on the soft green carpet of grass. "come" she patter the ground, "take a seat"
He did as he was told, and sat next to her. "You seem to have much in your mind today." She said, before he could even comment on the lovely weather. "Oh?" Soujiro turned to her.
"Well. what is bothering you? please do share it with me, maybe I can help." There was a long silence; Kaoru, waiting for an answer, soujiro, having a debate in his head weather to tell her he doubted the credibility of her words that she was a servant. He looked into her deep blue eyes, it was a mistake. Her eyes reflected the curiosity and care that soujiro never experience before. No not even from his parents, who had died long ago, or at least he had no recollection of them showing him any kind of care. Totally drowned in the mesmerizing blue pools, he felt perhaps, he could find what he always wanted, in her. In Kaoru. All the care, security, love he lost at a very young age, he could find, in her.
"I don't know. it's just that." He looked up, suddenly finding the blue sky very interesting. "I was just thinking about my life before I came to the palace to train and become a knight." He paused, trying to bring some memories back. "It's just that I was very much deprived of a childhood, and that I often feel very insecure and lonely ever since the death of my parents."
"I see" Kaoru sighed, wishing she hadn't brought this subject up. She really wasn't a real good comforter, nor did she understand the sadness and her friend went through. Unable to decide what to say, she remained silent.
"Heh, don't worry, its okay, no big deal, I've been here for a long time, and I got used to independence and loneness." He continued, seeing no response from Kaoru. "I know I can never understand what it was like, but I want to tell you, you're not the only one who suffered though this, my mother died giving birth to my sister a long time ago." She closed her eyes, imagining what her mother would look like now. "I guess you can say we're quite the same in a way." She added softly.
At this point, Yumi, who had been hiding behind a nearby bush, left. Unable to stand the heat under the hot, blazing sun, she couldn't stand it anymore, but that was enough, the sight of them sitting, so closely, whispering to each other their undying love was already a great piece of evidence to support the new rumors she has been sending out: That Kaoru was having an affair with a training squire. As she soon realized that the last one started to die out and that people already accepted the fact that this Lady Kaoru was some strumpet, now Yumi had to come up with a new one, one that not only will ruin her reputation, but also drive her out of the castle. Yes. This was the perfect plan. She would be down by tomorrow.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------
Yumi went, with a few of her other friends, who also despised or envied Kaoru, to the training pitch, where squires and knights would practice their archery and horse riding. Battering her eyelashes, she approached a young man who was tending to his horse. "Excuse me sir, may I ask to see the time table for squires' shifts? [is there even such a thing? Nvm -_-] "please?" she added in vain.
The young man gave them a perplexed, skeptic look. "Why would you want to see it?"
"Oh.Oh well ah you see it's just that my friend here," Yumi gestured at one of her friends from behind. "She wants to give his man a surprise tonight.his birthday you see, so we need to have a look to see if he has any shifts tonight." She smiled confidently, knowing her answer was quite a believable and realistic one.
However, the victim didn't seem too happy, gaping at Yumi she silently scold her friend, not believing how she could accuse her of such. She was a court lady! What will happen if this man took it seriously?
The man sighed, shaking his head. "Woman these days.well I don't think I got any choice but to fetch you the table right?" He turned into the small low house that guarded the training pitch.
Seeing his diminishing figure, the accused lady turned to Yumi. How could you do such a thing! I cannot believe it! What will happen of me if any rumor attaches itself to me?! my nobility and reputation will be put into jeopardy!"
Yumi crossed her arms. "What's the big deal? We *need* the tables. Do you think it matters weather you gain bad reputation or not? Do you really think so? You maybe a noble woman, but you are still an ant in the castle, so shut up!" Yumi furrowed her brows with fury. "You think - "
The unfortunate lady [can't think of a name yet] was saved by the quick return of the man. "Madam, do skim through quickly, for I need to return it before I can tend to my work again." He spoke, short of breath.
Yumi snatched the large book off him, and skimmed through.. "S.So.Sou.Souja..Souji.Soujiro! yes, she looked across the table, Tuesday [did they have Tuesdays? I'm wanted to use days of wood/fire/water wc..but it might look weird..nvm] Tuesdays.One shift in the afternoon, and all frees until four in the morning." Yumi read to herself. "Perfect" She smiled evilly.
Forgetting to thank the helpful young man, she chucked him the book and stomped back to the palace, with her friends silently following her.
On of her friends returned to her own room, and ordered for Natsume to serve her lunch, that way, Yumi would be sure no one will be in the room to ruin her plan.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------
Kenshin stood at this personal balcony, and stared at the sun, slowly setting behind the hills, he had sent another messenger off to Kaoru's, still, very impatient about tonight. It would be the first night in weeks for them to dine together. He had made up his choice; during the two long weeks, he constantly visited her, and they talked very much about nearly everything, it had been very difficult for him, but, unable to lie to himself, he had to admit, he was falling for this girl, fast. It's a big mistake he's making here, but that didn't preclude him from indulging himself in the long sweet dreams he had of her. [omg that's so sappy -_-], not did it stop him from caring for her.
Tonight, he will tell her, what he felt for her, it didn't matter anymore weather his great power can win her or not, what mattered, was her heart. He wanted the mutual love man shared with wife, not the on sided, lust he had always lost himself in.
Suddenly, the messenger he had sent out earlier barged in, breaking him form his thoughts. "Your highness, sorry for interrupting, but Lady Kaoru firmly declined your invitation tonight evening. She sends her apologies, and sayd, perhaps she can accompany you sometime tomorrow to compensate for the evening."
"Pardon me? did I not say that I won't accept any declination?" He was determined to tell her of his heart tonight, why would she not accept the invitation? Was she still afraid of him? Turning his attention back to the messenger, he ordered "Go back, I won't accept any excuses."
Closing his eyes his ears heard the roaring thunder and droplets of rain started to drop onto his head. Quickly returning to his own chamber, he told himself "A rainy evening tonight."
Again, the serf returned, empty handed, he looked quite frightened this time, afraid his royal highness might punish him for lack of intelligence to persuade her to come. "I.I;m sorry, your majesty, Lady Kaoru says she really cannot come, due to personal reasons."
Kenshin raised an eyebrow, strangely, not at all mad. "Well? I guess I'll have to see for myself." He got up from the large arm chair, and walked to the man. Please do take me to her.
"Uh." He hesitated, having least expected his royal highness to ask to be taken to the Lady. It wasn't common that one who indulged himself in politics and power like this king, would pursue for a Lady in such a way, a servant born Lady. Never disobeying a word, he did as told.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------
"It's okay, you may leave now." Kenshin told the boy. He was sure that it was fear he saw previously on his face. This boy was afraid of him. Very much afraid of him. But wasn't everyone afraid of him? Strangely, he felt disgusted by the overwhelming power he had on others. But why? He never felt so before, in fact, ironically, he was proud of his accomplishments..
But never mind, he made sure the lad turned to the corner of the corridor before tapping on the door. What was more important than to join him for dinner? He wondered. He tapped again after the silent response. "Wait! Wait!" He heard her call out, easily imagining her reading a book or something behind the doors.
The door swung open, and sure enough Kaoru was there, looking safe and sound. Nothing was wrong, she was at her room, so why didn't she.his gaze shifted across her. a wet, half naked man was there, sitting at the foot of her bed, dripping wet.
Once Upon a time: Chapter 20
by white seraph
**************************************************
Soujiro wrapped his hands firmly around Kaoru's balled fist from behind, and swung gently, prompting her to pull the wooden sword up. This girl, Kaoru, she was such an egnimatic character, who was she? Soujiro had no clue, but was very sure she was no servant. From the touch of her soft skin, and abilty in the art, he knew. No servant can spare so much time to dedicate herself to such masculine art, no servant, after doing chores all their lives, were able to keep their soft skin. Soujiro was not stupid. He may be a squire, but he comes from a good family, with much education. It is only after his parents, both murdered viciously, that he was forced to leave his home and join the royal military.
"What is wrong, Sou?" Kaoru turned her head, as she realized her teacher's attention was no longer on her. His eyes, gazing at nothingness, as if in deep thought. "sou?" Kaoru repeated, shaking herself out of his arms.
"Oh, sorry, I was just thinking of something.." Soujiro ripped himself from his terrible past, and fixed his eyes at Kaoru's. "Shall we continue?"
Kaoru shook her head. There was no point in further practicing when his heart is no longer with him. "No, It's okay, lets take a rest" Kaoru pulled herself away and sat on the soft green carpet of grass. "come" she patter the ground, "take a seat"
He did as he was told, and sat next to her. "You seem to have much in your mind today." She said, before he could even comment on the lovely weather. "Oh?" Soujiro turned to her.
"Well. what is bothering you? please do share it with me, maybe I can help." There was a long silence; Kaoru, waiting for an answer, soujiro, having a debate in his head weather to tell her he doubted the credibility of her words that she was a servant. He looked into her deep blue eyes, it was a mistake. Her eyes reflected the curiosity and care that soujiro never experience before. No not even from his parents, who had died long ago, or at least he had no recollection of them showing him any kind of care. Totally drowned in the mesmerizing blue pools, he felt perhaps, he could find what he always wanted, in her. In Kaoru. All the care, security, love he lost at a very young age, he could find, in her.
"I don't know. it's just that." He looked up, suddenly finding the blue sky very interesting. "I was just thinking about my life before I came to the palace to train and become a knight." He paused, trying to bring some memories back. "It's just that I was very much deprived of a childhood, and that I often feel very insecure and lonely ever since the death of my parents."
"I see" Kaoru sighed, wishing she hadn't brought this subject up. She really wasn't a real good comforter, nor did she understand the sadness and her friend went through. Unable to decide what to say, she remained silent.
"Heh, don't worry, its okay, no big deal, I've been here for a long time, and I got used to independence and loneness." He continued, seeing no response from Kaoru. "I know I can never understand what it was like, but I want to tell you, you're not the only one who suffered though this, my mother died giving birth to my sister a long time ago." She closed her eyes, imagining what her mother would look like now. "I guess you can say we're quite the same in a way." She added softly.
At this point, Yumi, who had been hiding behind a nearby bush, left. Unable to stand the heat under the hot, blazing sun, she couldn't stand it anymore, but that was enough, the sight of them sitting, so closely, whispering to each other their undying love was already a great piece of evidence to support the new rumors she has been sending out: That Kaoru was having an affair with a training squire. As she soon realized that the last one started to die out and that people already accepted the fact that this Lady Kaoru was some strumpet, now Yumi had to come up with a new one, one that not only will ruin her reputation, but also drive her out of the castle. Yes. This was the perfect plan. She would be down by tomorrow.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------
Yumi went, with a few of her other friends, who also despised or envied Kaoru, to the training pitch, where squires and knights would practice their archery and horse riding. Battering her eyelashes, she approached a young man who was tending to his horse. "Excuse me sir, may I ask to see the time table for squires' shifts? [is there even such a thing? Nvm -_-] "please?" she added in vain.
The young man gave them a perplexed, skeptic look. "Why would you want to see it?"
"Oh.Oh well ah you see it's just that my friend here," Yumi gestured at one of her friends from behind. "She wants to give his man a surprise tonight.his birthday you see, so we need to have a look to see if he has any shifts tonight." She smiled confidently, knowing her answer was quite a believable and realistic one.
However, the victim didn't seem too happy, gaping at Yumi she silently scold her friend, not believing how she could accuse her of such. She was a court lady! What will happen if this man took it seriously?
The man sighed, shaking his head. "Woman these days.well I don't think I got any choice but to fetch you the table right?" He turned into the small low house that guarded the training pitch.
Seeing his diminishing figure, the accused lady turned to Yumi. How could you do such a thing! I cannot believe it! What will happen of me if any rumor attaches itself to me?! my nobility and reputation will be put into jeopardy!"
Yumi crossed her arms. "What's the big deal? We *need* the tables. Do you think it matters weather you gain bad reputation or not? Do you really think so? You maybe a noble woman, but you are still an ant in the castle, so shut up!" Yumi furrowed her brows with fury. "You think - "
The unfortunate lady [can't think of a name yet] was saved by the quick return of the man. "Madam, do skim through quickly, for I need to return it before I can tend to my work again." He spoke, short of breath.
Yumi snatched the large book off him, and skimmed through.. "S.So.Sou.Souja..Souji.Soujiro! yes, she looked across the table, Tuesday [did they have Tuesdays? I'm wanted to use days of wood/fire/water wc..but it might look weird..nvm] Tuesdays.One shift in the afternoon, and all frees until four in the morning." Yumi read to herself. "Perfect" She smiled evilly.
Forgetting to thank the helpful young man, she chucked him the book and stomped back to the palace, with her friends silently following her.
On of her friends returned to her own room, and ordered for Natsume to serve her lunch, that way, Yumi would be sure no one will be in the room to ruin her plan.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------
Kenshin stood at this personal balcony, and stared at the sun, slowly setting behind the hills, he had sent another messenger off to Kaoru's, still, very impatient about tonight. It would be the first night in weeks for them to dine together. He had made up his choice; during the two long weeks, he constantly visited her, and they talked very much about nearly everything, it had been very difficult for him, but, unable to lie to himself, he had to admit, he was falling for this girl, fast. It's a big mistake he's making here, but that didn't preclude him from indulging himself in the long sweet dreams he had of her. [omg that's so sappy -_-], not did it stop him from caring for her.
Tonight, he will tell her, what he felt for her, it didn't matter anymore weather his great power can win her or not, what mattered, was her heart. He wanted the mutual love man shared with wife, not the on sided, lust he had always lost himself in.
Suddenly, the messenger he had sent out earlier barged in, breaking him form his thoughts. "Your highness, sorry for interrupting, but Lady Kaoru firmly declined your invitation tonight evening. She sends her apologies, and sayd, perhaps she can accompany you sometime tomorrow to compensate for the evening."
"Pardon me? did I not say that I won't accept any declination?" He was determined to tell her of his heart tonight, why would she not accept the invitation? Was she still afraid of him? Turning his attention back to the messenger, he ordered "Go back, I won't accept any excuses."
Closing his eyes his ears heard the roaring thunder and droplets of rain started to drop onto his head. Quickly returning to his own chamber, he told himself "A rainy evening tonight."
Again, the serf returned, empty handed, he looked quite frightened this time, afraid his royal highness might punish him for lack of intelligence to persuade her to come. "I.I;m sorry, your majesty, Lady Kaoru says she really cannot come, due to personal reasons."
Kenshin raised an eyebrow, strangely, not at all mad. "Well? I guess I'll have to see for myself." He got up from the large arm chair, and walked to the man. Please do take me to her.
"Uh." He hesitated, having least expected his royal highness to ask to be taken to the Lady. It wasn't common that one who indulged himself in politics and power like this king, would pursue for a Lady in such a way, a servant born Lady. Never disobeying a word, he did as told.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------
"It's okay, you may leave now." Kenshin told the boy. He was sure that it was fear he saw previously on his face. This boy was afraid of him. Very much afraid of him. But wasn't everyone afraid of him? Strangely, he felt disgusted by the overwhelming power he had on others. But why? He never felt so before, in fact, ironically, he was proud of his accomplishments..
But never mind, he made sure the lad turned to the corner of the corridor before tapping on the door. What was more important than to join him for dinner? He wondered. He tapped again after the silent response. "Wait! Wait!" He heard her call out, easily imagining her reading a book or something behind the doors.
The door swung open, and sure enough Kaoru was there, looking safe and sound. Nothing was wrong, she was at her room, so why didn't she.his gaze shifted across her. a wet, half naked man was there, sitting at the foot of her bed, dripping wet.