Author's Note: Guess what?! I'm so excited! When beginning this story, I had thought I should only focus on Kenshin and Kaoru because they are the main characters, I discovered that it would not allow for the other characters to shine every once in awhile. I thank Roku-chan for coming up with the idea that I should write bonus chapters and that is just what I'm going to do! After you read this chapter, I will have a list of characters that you can vote on for the upcoming bonus chapter! ^_^ This begins with Kaoru's memory sequence (quite important if you ask me).
Disclaimer: Neither Mulan nor Rurouni Kenshin belong to me, but times like these make me wish I owned them more than ever…
For HonorChapter 6: To Chase Away Nightmares
By CrismHeart
January 16, 2004
In my dreams, time never passed. I would revert to past memories in which I would be happiest and relish them. It's a shame that with sleep came the moment in which I would have to open my eyes. And this was how sleep could continue to torment me mercilessly.
There were instances in which I my dreams were not full of joy. Ever since I was a little girl, I had always had nightmares, but only one that reoccurred. It seemed that it was the one of utmost significance as I could recall each image vividly. The world was shrouded in darkness like an ominous rain cloud waiting overhead. It had all the marks that a terrible event was about to occur. The peculiar part was that there was no one else around and I did not understand why. There was no sound, no color, no light, nothing… I called for my mother, my father, my friends, for anyone and everyone I knew, and still no one would come. Why wouldn't anyone come?
The tears I would never allow others see poured freely. Aware that I could not prevent what had not yet happened, I felt so vulnerable that I had thought that the solution would be to become stronger. It was one of the reasons why I began to learn to fight. Budo gave me strength and some degree of security, but I could never be entirely confident. I always admired the way people could be so self-assured.
It's funny to think about. How could one be afraid of a nightmare? They can never physically harm you and yet they can instill certain emotions in you. Do I fear having feelings…? In a battle, it's always best to conceal such sentiments from the adversary, but I suppose I have adopted this method in life as well.
I remember that I had been five when I had last had that nightmare. I had bolted upright in my futon. My hair was damp with sweat and beads of perspiration caused my nightclothes to cling to my skin.
"Kaoru-chan, doushite?" I looked up to see my father enter my room.
"O-Otou-san?" I looked at him. I was not sure why my father was in my room. Ever since I was old enough, my parents had made me sleep in a separate room from them. Perhaps I had been calling out in my unconscious state.
"Hai." My father put a comforting hand on my back.
"Gomen ne, I didn't mean to wake you up."
"I was going to wait until your birthday to give this to you, but I think it's best to for you to have your present now. Make sure you take care of her." I noticed that he was holding an object in his hand.
"For- for me?" I asked. I reached out, curious to see what treasure was being held in my father's hands.
She may have only been a doll, but she was most precious to me… the size of a hand, I carried Sayuri-chan everywhere I went. She reminded me of my mother in various ways. They both gave off the impression that they were perfect whereas I had so many faults. They were graceful and refined, what every girl wished to be. It's odd to be able to describe a piece of cloth like that, but in a sense, she was a part of my family. She was also someone I could never be.
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This time my father could not be beside me, but I still kept Sayuri-chan in a pouch. I had not thought much of it until now, but under the cover of my thin blanket I felt to make sure the pouch was still there. In my last instances before waking, I could feel the rustling of cloth brushing against my arm. There was no doubt that there was someone in my tent. Still feigning sleep, I grabbed at a spare bokken to the right of me and slid it across the floor in one swift motion. I listened for the thud that was sure to come. Judging from the close range the person had been to me, the intruder would definitely trip. When I heard the sound I had been waiting for, I opened my eyes. A tall, thin woman with dark locks and scarlet lips had fallen beside my futon.
"Eh?" I cried out. I was puzzled as to why a woman would even be in a training camp… well, besides having reasons akin to mine.
She sent me a malicious glare that caused me to shudder involuntarily.
"Who are you? And what are you doing in here?" I asked.
"You should be more respectful to your elders. I am Takani Megumi, the one and only female doctor on the premises. Saitou-san sent me here to check that you did not have an infection from the cuts you received yesterday." She answered haughtily.
I glanced down at the palms of my hands and saw that they were bandaged neatly. I felt my cheeks redden in embarrassment.
"Ano… doumo arigatou gozaimasu, Takani-san," I paused to think what else I should say to her, "Gomen nasai, I did not realize you were here to treat me. I would like to make up for my mistake in time." I then bowed to show my sincerity.
The doctor was a very complex person. I could tell she accepted my apology. She even gave a small smile, but that did not mean that she would forgive me.
I sighed, hoping that I had not made an enemy. Beneath all the arrogance existed a woman with a kind heart, or so I want to believe. After all, she had come into the business as a healer. It was far more impressive that she should be a practitioner of medicine when only men were allowed to become doctors. It must have been difficult for her to overcome all the obstacles… I felt sympathy for her; perhaps we were not so different.
Megumi beckoned me to follow her, "Come, I am to show you to where all the soldiers are training. You will be late if we do not leave soon."
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Luckily, it was still early and the weather was pleasant. I was not certain whether or not I should look forward to the training. It would certainly be vigorous and even more so if it were too humid later on.
"Oi, Michiru!"
I could recognize that voice anywhere. "Sano!" I exclaimed, but then saw that his attention was diverted once again. He was more focused on the woman beside me. Men could be so aggravating!
Megumi seemed to share the same thoughts that I did. She scoffed, "Tori-atama, is there a reason why you are drooling all over me?"
I stifled a giggle. I had never noticed how much Sano's hair did resemble the crown on a rooster's head until Megumi mentioned it.
"Why do you taunt me when you know you want me?" Sano countered.
"Ohohohoho! I wasn't even aware that they word 'taunt' was in your vocabulary!" Megumi laughed before adding, "Why would you even assume I would ever be interested in you?"
"Hah, I know you just try to deny it."
I genuinely felt sorry for Sano. I could see that although it was their usual banter, Sano was hurt by Megumi's rejection.
Sano tried to keep his mind off of Megumi and spied Kenshin. He called him over and in the brief seconds it took, Megumi had latched herself onto Kenshin's arm.
"Ken-san!" she dubbed him, "I haven't seen you in the infirmary in some time. Would you like me to stop by for a private check-up? Ohohohoho!"
"Megumi-dono, that does not seem to be necessary as I have not been injured recently." Kenshin stated coolly. I could not tell if he was merely pretending to be clueless or if he truly was.
It would be simple to imagine that fox ears would sprout out the top of her head whilst she carried on with her flirtatious ways. What was more infuriating, however, was the fact that Kenshin failed to take any course of action in preventing Megumi from flaunting her inappropriate behavior. Did she not know that Kenshin was not hers?! Not that he really belonged to anyone, of course... And what about Sano? How could she just say things like that when she was right in front of him?
"Kitsune." I muttered through clenched teeth.
Sano chuckled, "Kitsune? That's a good one, I never would have thought of that."
"What did you just call me?!" Megumi screeched.
"Nothing, nothing." Sano responded, though it was obvious that he was still amused at the new nickname that suited Megumi best.
As Megumi stomped off, Saitou came to announce that training would commence. He made it clear that there was to be no idleness whatsoever. Saitou divided the soldiers so that they matched as close as possible to each other in level of skill.
He finally came to inform me of which group I was assigned to, "I have seen the best and the strongest, and you are not among them."
I tried to hide the flush of disappointment from my face.
"But," he stressed, "You have more potential and determination than I have seen in years. It is that which shall bring you success. Make sure you do not lose it. I will personally overlook your training to make sure there are improvements."
I smiled for I knew I would work hard. I never wanted to let down any more people. Though I know strength was not the solution to defeating the darkness of my nightmare, maybe will and preparation would be enough to combat the unknown disaster. Maybe it would never have to strike.
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Author's Note: "Sayuri" means "small lily," though it's not of any real significance that I know of presently. And, if you didn't understand what I was rambling on about in my previous note, I will try to explain myself better. The bonus chapter will be written in other characters' perspectives. This could possibly clear up more of the confusion in this story, but hopefully I won't give too much away by accident. Don't choose based on favorites, but on which character you feel will be the most interesting to hear from!
The choices are as follows:
Sano Megumi SaitouThere will be more varied choices as the story goes on. It's possible that there will be a bonus chapter for every 100+ reviews? I'm not sure…
PLEASE VOTE in a review! And if you don't want to in a review, IM or e-mail me! (see profile) If no one votes, I guess I could cross out that idea. *pouts* I may be starting a mailing list, so you can give me your e-mail address if you would like to be on it. ^_^ Thank you!
Kitsune KeNsHiN: Thank you! I never know what to say to you anymore, besides that because I'm just so grateful that you never seem to give up on my writing or me.
t: Hmm… you've got me thinking. *averts eyes* Actually, I'm just not as insightful as you. That thought had never occurred to me. I was just figuring out a way for Kaoru to have more privacy… I think she would have started panicking if she had to be in the same tent as a bunch of *cough cough* real men. It was just a simple solution. I'm sorry, maybe I'm too simple-minded when I'm tired.
JML: You always seem to be full of information! *grins* Actually, I found some sites that were of assistance, but I was never able to confirm how precise they were. So, thanks for verifying it for me!
Naiya-chan: Hehe, if I remember correctly, you have several well-known authors reviewing your fics! I should be the one jealous, not you!
aglaia102: Thank you!
Lil-Sun-Rie: I'm sorry you've been busy. I have been as well… hey, was that a threat? I did try to update more quickly though. The first week back to school is a hard one.
diety of death1: O.o Did I read correctly that you'd actually want to be on my mailing list? I'm not sure if I had said I would have one, but I guess I could start one. It just never occurred to me as necessary since people would blame me for filling up their inboxes with my useless announcements about updates, but if you wish, I have no problem in sending e-mail! ^_^
Digibaka: lol, after mentioning a paternal Saitou, I began thinking up strange twists in which Saitou would be Kaoru's real father. How's that for scary? Just kidding! I doubt I'd tell anyone that if I were planning to do that. Hmm… I was thinking of making someone play the role of Mushu, but then I would have no idea as to which character he/she would be. If I do, he/she will be introduced later on.
Krissy: Yay! Lots of "very"s in front of "good!" Thanks for making me feel better about that review!
No one in particular: ^_^ I understand about the name thing…
Disciple-7: The comment on the improvements makes me feel odd… I'm not extremely happy with everything I write. I know when I can do better, but I also know when I should be pleased. I had felt that the increase in setting detail would be a metaphor showing how the story does not truly take place until Kaoru's arrival at the camp. Well, I'm glad that you enjoyed!
purpo kitee katx: You have some interesting ideas! Megumi will be in this fic, of course, and I'm not entirely sure as to how I'll go about solving the Aoshi predicament, but… I shall figure out a way!
TanukiGirl22: Thanks for reviewing practically every chapter in one day! I'm amazed at the fact that you relate to my problems.
lightning-storm: Thank you! Thank you! *smiles* You must be one of those special people that have been blessed with the ability to make others happy!
Friend of InuYasha+Kagome: …That's okay if you haven't been an attentive reviewer, though I'm quite confused, as I don't remember seeing your name before. Anyway, thanks for taking the time to review!
Kyia Star: I'm sorry if my verb tenses confused you, although I thought past tense in stories implied the present. Maybe that was third person… Perhaps it's because I seriously am not taught grammar in school… *sighs* As for the DVD issue, I simply cannot buy it. It may sound strange, but my friend promised the DVD and says that there's no other present she would rather buy me. However, I do feel it would be sensible to rent it…
MZ. AmbER EYES: Thank you so much! It's always great to know when I'm doing something correctly… *sighs* I still wish people wouldn't copy my idea, but I guess if it's obvious that mine's the original… it won't be too bad, right?
Willow: I wholeheartedly agree with you about Kaoru's lack of fighting in the original series. Unfortunately, that's one of the reasons why I have such problems trying to figure out her different techniques. And guess what?! You wrote my 100th review! ^_^
Usagi Tuskino: Thank you! When I first started thinking of how to write this story, I had no idea as to whether to write in first or third person. I hope I made a good choice! After I started, it didn't make sense for me to do it any other way, although it has been quite difficult when I have to differentiate between what I know and the characters cannot.
Witchitta: Wow! Thank you so much for telling me! Do you think my friend could order from the store? I live quite far away from Chicago…
ashcandy: lol, yeah, it does make me think, but it is understandable. Hey, everyone can dream! And it is mine to one day be nominated! Hehe, thanks, I told you I wouldn't become desperate…