Title: My Imouto-chan
Author: Neko-Yasha Formally Known as Hikari-Chan
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: Um... Not much romance envolved until the end, sort of depressing, kinda sucks royally. There is no Yaoi or Yuri so skidadal if thats what your looking for. Also more of an over-view of a character I role-play than a fanfic. Anything involving the other characters interaction was suggestion from friends. The story also hops around alot to explain her life quickly up to the point that Kenshin met Kaoru.
Pairings: Kaoru/Kenshin, Sannosuke/OC (sorta)
Disclaimer: I dont own Rurouni Kenshin, so all you lawyers can bite me ^ ^ *sweatdrops seeing a missing peice of her shirt sleeve was ripped by a lawyer bite* ... crap, now I gotta go get Immunized...
Inspiration: Samurai X: Trust and Betrayal, Samura X: Reflection, Suggestions from friends.
Category: Drama/Romance/Comedy-- not till close to the end though, you people should know I cant resist placing a comedic twist in my stories ^ ^
Cross-over of: er... none... ^ ^.^ ^
Ch.1: Nanashi
Hustle and bussle showered the streets of Sukurutai, a town outside of Kyoto. "When Sakura petals fall... that is the time of beauty, when sake is its sweetest." The wind began to blow as an old swords man wandered the streets with his wife, his hands weary and his hair gray. "But husband... the petals have not fallen yet... so will the sake be sweet?"
The old man smiled a kind smile and said to his wife, taking her hand in his," When it is made with such gentle hands, all things are sweet." She smiled and they gripped hands as they walked peacefully down the road. Suddenly a crash behind them and the sound of merchants screaming.
"GET BACK HERE WHELP!" Then the sound of foot steps, and the old swordsman turned to look over his shoulder... even in such a peaceful place as Sukurutai, the revolution came.... and he could never be to careful. He gently nuged his wife near the alley, her worried eyes watching as he stepped into the street, gray hair falling in his face as he waited.
"STOP THEIF!" Theif? The old man's face became puzzled as he saw a very young child running towards him... no older than perhaps seven summers. Then came the merchant a rather plump man he knew by the name of Asku. The swordsman, took his hands from his blade and relaxed his position holding out his palm as a sign that Asku stop. Then one swift motion and he had caught the child's kimono's in his grasp. The child screached in horror," Let me go!" and struggled against his hands but it was no use. "Young one calm yourself, I will let no harm come to you."
Asku slowed to a walk as he stopped and rested on his haunches breathing hard. Once his breath caught, he straightened his back and brushed back black hair, the man being in his thirties or so. "Ah, arigatou Sagaso-san. This child has been stealing my rations for weeks now!" Still struggling Sagaso turned the child and tipped his head," Look here now boy, return what you have take--"
"BOY!? WHO'RE YOU CALLIN A BOY!?" Sagaso blinked... well the child had looked very much like a boy... but... such long red hair. He brushed the bangs aside to reveal the most innocent of faces with a pouting sour expression and violet eyes that sparkled with justice. "Girl..."
"Exactly!" She remarked again in a rather huffed and rude tone. Despite her rudeness Sagaso was a kind man and he chuckled softly. "Very well... replace what you have stolen-- um... what was your name?"
"HMPH! I have no name! If you must call me something then call me Nanashi- a name suitable for one with no past." An orphan... Kinda think of it... she was wearing but only humble clothes, consisting of torn and dirty black pants and a very messy white kimono top, tied at her waist and torn at the sleevees...Sagaso blinked a bit. "Dare speak that way to Master Sagaso child!? I'll cut you in two next time your near my cart!"
"I'd like to see you try fat boy! You couldnt catch a snail on fly paper!"
"What!? Why you little-"
"Enough!" Sagaso's voice rang out. "Asku... I will pay for your food tomorrow, today you let the whelp go free." Blinking widely the Nanashi looked up to the old swordsman as he placed her on the ground. Then starred at the loaf of bread in her hands... Asku sighed," very well then Sagaso... I dont see why you allow such behaviors by children."
Sagaso gave a warm smile then nodded to his wife it was safe to join him," Perhaps... but this is no ordinary child, she is a Nanashi." The Nanashi scowled, and shoved the bread back in Asku's hands," Take it! I wont accept pity especially by worn out swordsman who hides in these times of war!" And she turned running away as fast as she had come.
".... Sagaso..." He turned to his wife who spoke with the soft whispers of summer. "... That child... did you see her eyes?" He looked in the direction she had run and noticed the step... the step of a fighter? and a theif... at this age? "What of her eyes Mistko?" The old woman blinked," ... she has the eyes of Kakara..."
"Kakara? Kakara Moutou?"
"Kakara, yes... but I believe she has a different last name, she had married before she died... two children.. remember?"
"Ah yes... that I do..." The old couple began to walk again, noticing that Asku had gone back to his cart.
"Tragic the illness that killed them..."
"Ah... didnt one of them get sold to slavery?" Sagaso asked his wife as they turned to corner for the road that lead to their home. She nodded," yes... poor child."
Nanashi had climbed to the top of a larger than average sakura tree... and sat there... tears streaming the small face from violet eyes as she brushed the firey hair from her lashes. "heh... what are you doing weakling? Dry your tears..." She said to herself. Then the sound of distant drumming. Nanashi stood in her tree and looked to the sunset... that shown blood red. "... A demon awakes tonight... " Hearing the cries loud and clear in sensitive ears of a child her tears began again. "I shall cry for you... innocent people... even those lost at war and wickedness."
"Beautiful words child..." Her eyes widened, and she looked over her shoulder," Nani?" She became alarmed at the emblem on the head band. Samurai! And ones that didnt look to kind... She peared at the eyes... black eyes... ones of pure evil. "Stay away from me, I have no business with murderers..." Growling through clenched teeth. The man chuckled," now now Nanashi... you are the one raiding the stocks of the army are you not?"
"How would you know? Your army wouldnt know a theif from a horse's rear."
The samurai chuckled," .. Big words for such a small girl..." She grinned, almost a devils grin," as you have a big ego for such little honor." His left eye twiched," Im getting irritated with your smart mouth."
"Well I am irritated with your tyrrany-"
"SILENCE, BEFORE I SILENCE YOU!"
"Why not kill me then!?"
"GLADLY!" the samurai reached his sword and Nanashi's eyes widened greatly, she had gone to far, much to far. He grabbed her ankle and yanked her from the tree, another of the samurai taking hold of her shoulders and streching her. "I'll cut you in half girl!" Nanashi braced herself, and closed her eyes tightly, awaiting pain as the samurai began to swing his sword down--.... but the pain had not come. Metal to her flesh had not come. She opened her eyes and saw the old man from before. His grasp enwrapped on the Samurai's wrist. Sagaso smiled warmly and asked almost innocently," Since when is it the duty of Samurai to kill an innocent child? Release her before I call upon your higher officer..."
The Samurai's eyes widened and he released her ankles, the other her shoulders and she fell to the ground with a thud. With narrowed eyes and a rude disposition, the Samurai left the scene, all the while Sagaso had kept a cheery face and a warm smile. When the last of them had dissapeared into the horizon, Sagaso offered a hand to Nanashi. She growled some and refused the offer, standing on her own and brushing off. She looked to Sagaso when he had sighed heavilly," They weren't always like this... At one time, Samurai were not so currupt and followed orders of a good emperor... They protected the weak and innocent and punished the theives and murderers... odd how the tables have turned... they are now the murderers and theives... the innocents are forced into breaking the law to get by."
Nanashi snorted in return to his words and rolled her eyes," All war men are dogs and murderers..." Her fists clenched," ... If I were not but a weak little girl, I would punish each and every one of them." The old man raised an eyebrow to Nanashi and chuckled softly as he put a hand on her shoulder. "Well young one... maybe you should learn?"
She looked at him with a puzzled stare," learn?"
He nodded. "Yes... learn... do you know why those Samurai feared me?"
She shook her head, taking a guess," Old guys kick royal butt?"
Again he chuckled.. this child had a wonderous sense of humor and clever to. She would make a perfect student. "Come with me... you are now Chitosei, an elegant name suitible for one who was found among sakura petals."
She blinked a few times, starred a moment... then smirked,"... Chitosei... very well..."
***
"Again!"
"HYA!" The crack of wood against skin.
"Again!"
"HA!" Again the wood against skin. "Good... Your knuckles are bleeding, soak them in the stream."
"Yes sensei." The girl gave a bow of respect and scurried to the stream to wash the blood of her knuckles with no complaint of their pain. She kneeled and placed her hands into the water wincing slightly as it stung her cuts. 6 years since she had come here. She smiled, brushing back clean and soft red hair from her eyes and begining to rub the cuts on her knuckles, washing away the blood. Suddenly her senses stood alert and she whipped away from the water into a stance, her hand in the traditional 'chop' position aligned with the neck of another woman, carrying towels.
She hadnt flinched at the move and her hair was gray, eyes blue as the morning sky. She was dressed in a old silk kimono black in color and smiled cheerfully," Your skills amaze him everyday as well as me, your growing wonderfully Chitosei." The red-head smiled as she had turned back to the stream and continued to wash her hands. "It is not skill... it is determination, and I thank you for your praise Kurunai-dono."
Mistko chuckled," How many times must I ask you to call me Mistko Ba-san, Chitosei?"
Chitosei straighened and took a towel, bowing her head in appriciation and wiping her hands," At least once more Kurunai-dono... as always." Mistko sighed slightly, but her face still smiling. "Alright... come now Chitosei, it is time for your studies."
Chitosei bowed again," Yes Kurunai-dono." And followed without question... this was her favorite part of the day, getting to learn how to cook, paint, read and use mathematics. She had been taken in to a wonderful home, runned by wonderful people. Kurunai Mistko had taught her the basics of elegance, cooking, painting, reading and the use of mathematical equations, she had also taught her to write and read her Haiku before bed when she was younger. Now at a wonderous age of 13 and much more intellegent beyond her peers, a child once known to have no past became the respectable grand-daughter of Kurunai Sagaso the imperial army's retired commander. Though she lived a safe life she was taught combat of hand-to-hand and also with weaponry, her favorite kind beind of scys and katana, even something so beautiful and gentle as a fan became deadly in her hands. Sagaso, her grand-father, was proud.
Even though... each night she lay in bed... wondering... A scream rang out in the night and Chitosei sprung from her bed, eyes bulging and a look of horror on her face. "The demon...." She brought her knees up and rests her elbows on them, covering her face in her hands. For three years she had these dreams of a man covered in blood, swift as the wind and death lay on his sword. He killed before his victim could see him. " Who is he..." The young one asked herself, as the door to her bed room slid open, "Chitosei?" The woman standing in the light from the other room asked.
She looked up to the gentle face of her 'grand-mother' and smiled.
"Yes?"
"Is everything alright dear?"
Chitosei nodded," Yes ma'am... everythings fine..." The woman gave a look of concerned dis-beliefe, but asked no questions. Chitosei was a warm and gentle child, clever and pure... but if she with-held her true feelings or a truth, she had a good reason to. She bowed her head and slid the door shut," Then I will see you in the morning, good night."
"Good night..." Chitosei chimed back as if nothing was wrong... "good night..." she sighed and lay back in her bed. Her ears twiched a bit, picking up on the sound of pattering rain. Turning her head, the gentle drops began to calm her as she watched it fall. "Who are you... demon..." her eyes closing slowly as she drifted to sleep, by the rains sweet lulliby.
But before morning could rise, the clack of horses hoofs against stone streets sounded in the storming night and Chitosei again awoke from her bed. "What in the?" She pushed her covers down, stood, and stepped to the window looking out as it seemed a group of men were running through the streets, with torches and swords raised. "Samurai?" Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion then widened when she watched one of them throw the torch into a near house, an explosion errupting and they watched it burn, laughing at the torment of a screaming family.
"Their attacking the villiage!"
"Sagaso NO! I wont let you go out there!"
"It's my duty Mitsko! I will not stand by and let them rampage the streets!"
She could hear her elders arguing in the near room. Chitosei ran to her closet, threw on some pants and a kimono top, tying it slopilly with a black belt, then arming herself with two scy, a dagger and a katana.
"Sagaso!" The worried womans voice whined again.
"Im going Mistko!"
"Sensei wait!" Chitosei bursted through her bedroom door and slipped on her shoes as she ran to his side," Let me go with you sensei--"
"Chitosei it's to dangerous." He snapped back at her with a firey concern as he took up his sword and stepped to the door, poising his hand to open it.
"But Sensei--"
"NO! Mistko, take Chitosei and hide in-" but his words were interrupted by the rapping of fists on the door. "Kurunai Sagaso of the imperial army! Open your doors and surrender now to Hitokiri Bottousai!"
"Battousai?" Sagaso retorted in question... the man slayer? Isnt he of the rebels? Chitosei growled in response and drew a dagger from its peaceful sheith," Battousai is it..."
"No Chitosei... this opponent is far beyond your calibur if they speak the truth."
"But Sensei--" Chtiosei growled a bit irritated.
"No!" Sagaso turned to the door. Then smirked," ... Im getting to damn old for this..." He slid the door open but found he was instead surprised... he starred down the barrel of a firearm, and time began to slow for his students eyes. As if it wanted to see her eyes water and heart suffer.
"Sagaso!"
"Sensei!" An alarming blast sounded through the house and a limp body fell to the floor. "Sensei!" The Samurai took aim with the gun again towards Mistko and Chitosei's eyes blazed in red anger, spraying with hot tears. She ran at him, lifting the katana to strike, yet Mistko grabbed her arm and pulled her into a run, dodging bullets as they dashed behind doors and closed them as they went, until outside and into a shed. Mistko shut the door behind her and backed into a corner, pulling Chitosei against her chest. Her eyes widened," Kurunai-dono!-" She looked up at her face, streaming with deeply saddened tears. They slumped down in the corner of the shed and Mistko held her one and only grand-child close. "Listen to me Chitosei... You have trained to hard and to well to die now, go into the world, and run as far as you can from this place... "
"But what about--"
"Dont think of me, I will manage... " She mustered a smile," Protect what you love... It's worth dying for..." They heard men's voices as they called out into the night in search of the woman and her grand-child. Suddenly a slam against the door of fists then a ram of body trying to crash it down. "The hidden compartment..."
"But-"
"GO!" Mistko shoved Chitosei to her feet and pushed her into a small second sort of room, slamming the door of it shut as it again became part of the wall. The front door had broken down. Mistko dried her tears by her sleeve and looked at the man destined to be her executioner. His hair was short and brown, eyes black as sin. She smirked, almost amused in her last time of life," ... so you are Hitokiri Battousai" He nodded. "... I thought you'd be younger."
He snarled at her," where is the girl?"
"Long gone... you'll never catch her."
"Then now you'll die." He grabbed up a clump of her hair, yanked her to her feet and withdrew from his belt a cold steel blade. Mistko chuckled as she closed her eyes... and faced death without fear. A swift thrust of the pointed edge into her jugular and she choaked out a whimper of pain. She winced slightly as her shaking body was thrown on the floor. The Battousai let out a deep laugh, watching his victim as her eyes grew black... and her soul departed from the earth. "...Chi....to..sei..." On her last breath came the last tear. Her breath stilled.
Chitosei held her shaking body steady and a hand over her mouth, stiffling the cry that begged to be released. She felt a rock jump up into her throat, choaking her. "... Kurunai-dono... Mistko-ba-chan.... Sensei... Sagaso-gi-san..." Her thoughts whispered to her, slowly and cruely," ... their gone..." Her teeth clenched and she felt her heart breaking. "I couldnt save them..." She brought her knees to her chest and hugged them tightly, biting her lip shut as she quietly sobbed. The only family she had ever known... the kind people that took her in, trained her and cared for her... they were gone...
She gulped down her sorrow... She couldnt honor them if she died here. She listened to the doors slam and feet walk away from the shed. Then paused a moment, lifted her sleeve to temporarilly whipe away the tears. And pushed the door open oh so carefully. No one was there. The child climbed out of the compartment and looked to the heap of flesh on the floor, the old woman who had sacrificed her life... Chitosei said nothing as she stood and turned the body over.
She folded Mistko's hands over her chest and ripped a peice of her sleeve, wrapping it over her neck. "So you may heal..." She bowed her head respectfully. "... For this I will never forget you ba-chan... Protect what you love, its worth dying for..." Again she bowed her head and stood from the body, tears streaming her face as she pushed the door open and peeked out.
The once peaceful yard was covered in mud and blood, "... The rain must have bled..." She clenched her fists, then ran across the yard to the back door which had been knocked down. She followed through the house... the tapestries were torn, beautiful alters once kept had been looted. This was no longer the wonderful home she had grown up in... it was a home for the haunted war spirits. She came to the front door where her sensei lay lifeless and still. She gulped and held back the tears for now. The wound that had killed him was a bullet shot straight through the forehead and the whole front corridor was now stained in his blood. She kneeled next to Sagaso, ripped another peice of her other sleeve and rest it over the wound. Then she gathered him by the shoulders and dragged his body to his room, pulling him up on the bed, and folding his hands over his chest.
Still holding in her tears as well as she could, Chitosei ran back to the shed, gathered up the kind old woman and carried her to bed. She lay them beside each other, cut iris's from the garden and place them over their chests. At the foot of the bed, she left two cups and warm sake. Then stood, gave a bow and exited the room, shutting the door behind her. On the door, she painted a black character... Spirit. Then left the place once known as her home.
Chitosei walked around the perimiter of the house pouring good Sake and stepping towards the walk way. She picked up the torch that still burned in a dead Samurai's hands and threw it into the abyss of the house.
The flame danced before her, consuming her past... "Again... I become Nanashi... One with no past..." She fell to her knees before the blazing home and bowed her head, the tears coming freely," I will not forget you Sensei! ... I will wait for spring... when Sakura petals fall... the time of beauty, when sake is its sweetest..."
Then stood.. bowed once more.. and turned, running as far and as fast as her small feet could carry her in this one night.
"Battousai is it... very well... You'll die by my hands... I'll never shed tears again!" Her shout echoed in the streets of damned souls, she, the only survivor of a mass-murder.
well ah... Review and tell me if I should quit while Im ahead I suppose... ^.^;
Author: Neko-Yasha Formally Known as Hikari-Chan
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: Um... Not much romance envolved until the end, sort of depressing, kinda sucks royally. There is no Yaoi or Yuri so skidadal if thats what your looking for. Also more of an over-view of a character I role-play than a fanfic. Anything involving the other characters interaction was suggestion from friends. The story also hops around alot to explain her life quickly up to the point that Kenshin met Kaoru.
Pairings: Kaoru/Kenshin, Sannosuke/OC (sorta)
Disclaimer: I dont own Rurouni Kenshin, so all you lawyers can bite me ^ ^ *sweatdrops seeing a missing peice of her shirt sleeve was ripped by a lawyer bite* ... crap, now I gotta go get Immunized...
Inspiration: Samurai X: Trust and Betrayal, Samura X: Reflection, Suggestions from friends.
Category: Drama/Romance/Comedy-- not till close to the end though, you people should know I cant resist placing a comedic twist in my stories ^ ^
Cross-over of: er... none... ^ ^.^ ^
Ch.1: Nanashi
Hustle and bussle showered the streets of Sukurutai, a town outside of Kyoto. "When Sakura petals fall... that is the time of beauty, when sake is its sweetest." The wind began to blow as an old swords man wandered the streets with his wife, his hands weary and his hair gray. "But husband... the petals have not fallen yet... so will the sake be sweet?"
The old man smiled a kind smile and said to his wife, taking her hand in his," When it is made with such gentle hands, all things are sweet." She smiled and they gripped hands as they walked peacefully down the road. Suddenly a crash behind them and the sound of merchants screaming.
"GET BACK HERE WHELP!" Then the sound of foot steps, and the old swordsman turned to look over his shoulder... even in such a peaceful place as Sukurutai, the revolution came.... and he could never be to careful. He gently nuged his wife near the alley, her worried eyes watching as he stepped into the street, gray hair falling in his face as he waited.
"STOP THEIF!" Theif? The old man's face became puzzled as he saw a very young child running towards him... no older than perhaps seven summers. Then came the merchant a rather plump man he knew by the name of Asku. The swordsman, took his hands from his blade and relaxed his position holding out his palm as a sign that Asku stop. Then one swift motion and he had caught the child's kimono's in his grasp. The child screached in horror," Let me go!" and struggled against his hands but it was no use. "Young one calm yourself, I will let no harm come to you."
Asku slowed to a walk as he stopped and rested on his haunches breathing hard. Once his breath caught, he straightened his back and brushed back black hair, the man being in his thirties or so. "Ah, arigatou Sagaso-san. This child has been stealing my rations for weeks now!" Still struggling Sagaso turned the child and tipped his head," Look here now boy, return what you have take--"
"BOY!? WHO'RE YOU CALLIN A BOY!?" Sagaso blinked... well the child had looked very much like a boy... but... such long red hair. He brushed the bangs aside to reveal the most innocent of faces with a pouting sour expression and violet eyes that sparkled with justice. "Girl..."
"Exactly!" She remarked again in a rather huffed and rude tone. Despite her rudeness Sagaso was a kind man and he chuckled softly. "Very well... replace what you have stolen-- um... what was your name?"
"HMPH! I have no name! If you must call me something then call me Nanashi- a name suitable for one with no past." An orphan... Kinda think of it... she was wearing but only humble clothes, consisting of torn and dirty black pants and a very messy white kimono top, tied at her waist and torn at the sleevees...Sagaso blinked a bit. "Dare speak that way to Master Sagaso child!? I'll cut you in two next time your near my cart!"
"I'd like to see you try fat boy! You couldnt catch a snail on fly paper!"
"What!? Why you little-"
"Enough!" Sagaso's voice rang out. "Asku... I will pay for your food tomorrow, today you let the whelp go free." Blinking widely the Nanashi looked up to the old swordsman as he placed her on the ground. Then starred at the loaf of bread in her hands... Asku sighed," very well then Sagaso... I dont see why you allow such behaviors by children."
Sagaso gave a warm smile then nodded to his wife it was safe to join him," Perhaps... but this is no ordinary child, she is a Nanashi." The Nanashi scowled, and shoved the bread back in Asku's hands," Take it! I wont accept pity especially by worn out swordsman who hides in these times of war!" And she turned running away as fast as she had come.
".... Sagaso..." He turned to his wife who spoke with the soft whispers of summer. "... That child... did you see her eyes?" He looked in the direction she had run and noticed the step... the step of a fighter? and a theif... at this age? "What of her eyes Mistko?" The old woman blinked," ... she has the eyes of Kakara..."
"Kakara? Kakara Moutou?"
"Kakara, yes... but I believe she has a different last name, she had married before she died... two children.. remember?"
"Ah yes... that I do..." The old couple began to walk again, noticing that Asku had gone back to his cart.
"Tragic the illness that killed them..."
"Ah... didnt one of them get sold to slavery?" Sagaso asked his wife as they turned to corner for the road that lead to their home. She nodded," yes... poor child."
Nanashi had climbed to the top of a larger than average sakura tree... and sat there... tears streaming the small face from violet eyes as she brushed the firey hair from her lashes. "heh... what are you doing weakling? Dry your tears..." She said to herself. Then the sound of distant drumming. Nanashi stood in her tree and looked to the sunset... that shown blood red. "... A demon awakes tonight... " Hearing the cries loud and clear in sensitive ears of a child her tears began again. "I shall cry for you... innocent people... even those lost at war and wickedness."
"Beautiful words child..." Her eyes widened, and she looked over her shoulder," Nani?" She became alarmed at the emblem on the head band. Samurai! And ones that didnt look to kind... She peared at the eyes... black eyes... ones of pure evil. "Stay away from me, I have no business with murderers..." Growling through clenched teeth. The man chuckled," now now Nanashi... you are the one raiding the stocks of the army are you not?"
"How would you know? Your army wouldnt know a theif from a horse's rear."
The samurai chuckled," .. Big words for such a small girl..." She grinned, almost a devils grin," as you have a big ego for such little honor." His left eye twiched," Im getting irritated with your smart mouth."
"Well I am irritated with your tyrrany-"
"SILENCE, BEFORE I SILENCE YOU!"
"Why not kill me then!?"
"GLADLY!" the samurai reached his sword and Nanashi's eyes widened greatly, she had gone to far, much to far. He grabbed her ankle and yanked her from the tree, another of the samurai taking hold of her shoulders and streching her. "I'll cut you in half girl!" Nanashi braced herself, and closed her eyes tightly, awaiting pain as the samurai began to swing his sword down--.... but the pain had not come. Metal to her flesh had not come. She opened her eyes and saw the old man from before. His grasp enwrapped on the Samurai's wrist. Sagaso smiled warmly and asked almost innocently," Since when is it the duty of Samurai to kill an innocent child? Release her before I call upon your higher officer..."
The Samurai's eyes widened and he released her ankles, the other her shoulders and she fell to the ground with a thud. With narrowed eyes and a rude disposition, the Samurai left the scene, all the while Sagaso had kept a cheery face and a warm smile. When the last of them had dissapeared into the horizon, Sagaso offered a hand to Nanashi. She growled some and refused the offer, standing on her own and brushing off. She looked to Sagaso when he had sighed heavilly," They weren't always like this... At one time, Samurai were not so currupt and followed orders of a good emperor... They protected the weak and innocent and punished the theives and murderers... odd how the tables have turned... they are now the murderers and theives... the innocents are forced into breaking the law to get by."
Nanashi snorted in return to his words and rolled her eyes," All war men are dogs and murderers..." Her fists clenched," ... If I were not but a weak little girl, I would punish each and every one of them." The old man raised an eyebrow to Nanashi and chuckled softly as he put a hand on her shoulder. "Well young one... maybe you should learn?"
She looked at him with a puzzled stare," learn?"
He nodded. "Yes... learn... do you know why those Samurai feared me?"
She shook her head, taking a guess," Old guys kick royal butt?"
Again he chuckled.. this child had a wonderous sense of humor and clever to. She would make a perfect student. "Come with me... you are now Chitosei, an elegant name suitible for one who was found among sakura petals."
She blinked a few times, starred a moment... then smirked,"... Chitosei... very well..."
***
"Again!"
"HYA!" The crack of wood against skin.
"Again!"
"HA!" Again the wood against skin. "Good... Your knuckles are bleeding, soak them in the stream."
"Yes sensei." The girl gave a bow of respect and scurried to the stream to wash the blood of her knuckles with no complaint of their pain. She kneeled and placed her hands into the water wincing slightly as it stung her cuts. 6 years since she had come here. She smiled, brushing back clean and soft red hair from her eyes and begining to rub the cuts on her knuckles, washing away the blood. Suddenly her senses stood alert and she whipped away from the water into a stance, her hand in the traditional 'chop' position aligned with the neck of another woman, carrying towels.
She hadnt flinched at the move and her hair was gray, eyes blue as the morning sky. She was dressed in a old silk kimono black in color and smiled cheerfully," Your skills amaze him everyday as well as me, your growing wonderfully Chitosei." The red-head smiled as she had turned back to the stream and continued to wash her hands. "It is not skill... it is determination, and I thank you for your praise Kurunai-dono."
Mistko chuckled," How many times must I ask you to call me Mistko Ba-san, Chitosei?"
Chitosei straighened and took a towel, bowing her head in appriciation and wiping her hands," At least once more Kurunai-dono... as always." Mistko sighed slightly, but her face still smiling. "Alright... come now Chitosei, it is time for your studies."
Chitosei bowed again," Yes Kurunai-dono." And followed without question... this was her favorite part of the day, getting to learn how to cook, paint, read and use mathematics. She had been taken in to a wonderful home, runned by wonderful people. Kurunai Mistko had taught her the basics of elegance, cooking, painting, reading and the use of mathematical equations, she had also taught her to write and read her Haiku before bed when she was younger. Now at a wonderous age of 13 and much more intellegent beyond her peers, a child once known to have no past became the respectable grand-daughter of Kurunai Sagaso the imperial army's retired commander. Though she lived a safe life she was taught combat of hand-to-hand and also with weaponry, her favorite kind beind of scys and katana, even something so beautiful and gentle as a fan became deadly in her hands. Sagaso, her grand-father, was proud.
Even though... each night she lay in bed... wondering... A scream rang out in the night and Chitosei sprung from her bed, eyes bulging and a look of horror on her face. "The demon...." She brought her knees up and rests her elbows on them, covering her face in her hands. For three years she had these dreams of a man covered in blood, swift as the wind and death lay on his sword. He killed before his victim could see him. " Who is he..." The young one asked herself, as the door to her bed room slid open, "Chitosei?" The woman standing in the light from the other room asked.
She looked up to the gentle face of her 'grand-mother' and smiled.
"Yes?"
"Is everything alright dear?"
Chitosei nodded," Yes ma'am... everythings fine..." The woman gave a look of concerned dis-beliefe, but asked no questions. Chitosei was a warm and gentle child, clever and pure... but if she with-held her true feelings or a truth, she had a good reason to. She bowed her head and slid the door shut," Then I will see you in the morning, good night."
"Good night..." Chitosei chimed back as if nothing was wrong... "good night..." she sighed and lay back in her bed. Her ears twiched a bit, picking up on the sound of pattering rain. Turning her head, the gentle drops began to calm her as she watched it fall. "Who are you... demon..." her eyes closing slowly as she drifted to sleep, by the rains sweet lulliby.
But before morning could rise, the clack of horses hoofs against stone streets sounded in the storming night and Chitosei again awoke from her bed. "What in the?" She pushed her covers down, stood, and stepped to the window looking out as it seemed a group of men were running through the streets, with torches and swords raised. "Samurai?" Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion then widened when she watched one of them throw the torch into a near house, an explosion errupting and they watched it burn, laughing at the torment of a screaming family.
"Their attacking the villiage!"
"Sagaso NO! I wont let you go out there!"
"It's my duty Mitsko! I will not stand by and let them rampage the streets!"
She could hear her elders arguing in the near room. Chitosei ran to her closet, threw on some pants and a kimono top, tying it slopilly with a black belt, then arming herself with two scy, a dagger and a katana.
"Sagaso!" The worried womans voice whined again.
"Im going Mistko!"
"Sensei wait!" Chitosei bursted through her bedroom door and slipped on her shoes as she ran to his side," Let me go with you sensei--"
"Chitosei it's to dangerous." He snapped back at her with a firey concern as he took up his sword and stepped to the door, poising his hand to open it.
"But Sensei--"
"NO! Mistko, take Chitosei and hide in-" but his words were interrupted by the rapping of fists on the door. "Kurunai Sagaso of the imperial army! Open your doors and surrender now to Hitokiri Bottousai!"
"Battousai?" Sagaso retorted in question... the man slayer? Isnt he of the rebels? Chitosei growled in response and drew a dagger from its peaceful sheith," Battousai is it..."
"No Chitosei... this opponent is far beyond your calibur if they speak the truth."
"But Sensei--" Chtiosei growled a bit irritated.
"No!" Sagaso turned to the door. Then smirked," ... Im getting to damn old for this..." He slid the door open but found he was instead surprised... he starred down the barrel of a firearm, and time began to slow for his students eyes. As if it wanted to see her eyes water and heart suffer.
"Sagaso!"
"Sensei!" An alarming blast sounded through the house and a limp body fell to the floor. "Sensei!" The Samurai took aim with the gun again towards Mistko and Chitosei's eyes blazed in red anger, spraying with hot tears. She ran at him, lifting the katana to strike, yet Mistko grabbed her arm and pulled her into a run, dodging bullets as they dashed behind doors and closed them as they went, until outside and into a shed. Mistko shut the door behind her and backed into a corner, pulling Chitosei against her chest. Her eyes widened," Kurunai-dono!-" She looked up at her face, streaming with deeply saddened tears. They slumped down in the corner of the shed and Mistko held her one and only grand-child close. "Listen to me Chitosei... You have trained to hard and to well to die now, go into the world, and run as far as you can from this place... "
"But what about--"
"Dont think of me, I will manage... " She mustered a smile," Protect what you love... It's worth dying for..." They heard men's voices as they called out into the night in search of the woman and her grand-child. Suddenly a slam against the door of fists then a ram of body trying to crash it down. "The hidden compartment..."
"But-"
"GO!" Mistko shoved Chitosei to her feet and pushed her into a small second sort of room, slamming the door of it shut as it again became part of the wall. The front door had broken down. Mistko dried her tears by her sleeve and looked at the man destined to be her executioner. His hair was short and brown, eyes black as sin. She smirked, almost amused in her last time of life," ... so you are Hitokiri Battousai" He nodded. "... I thought you'd be younger."
He snarled at her," where is the girl?"
"Long gone... you'll never catch her."
"Then now you'll die." He grabbed up a clump of her hair, yanked her to her feet and withdrew from his belt a cold steel blade. Mistko chuckled as she closed her eyes... and faced death without fear. A swift thrust of the pointed edge into her jugular and she choaked out a whimper of pain. She winced slightly as her shaking body was thrown on the floor. The Battousai let out a deep laugh, watching his victim as her eyes grew black... and her soul departed from the earth. "...Chi....to..sei..." On her last breath came the last tear. Her breath stilled.
Chitosei held her shaking body steady and a hand over her mouth, stiffling the cry that begged to be released. She felt a rock jump up into her throat, choaking her. "... Kurunai-dono... Mistko-ba-chan.... Sensei... Sagaso-gi-san..." Her thoughts whispered to her, slowly and cruely," ... their gone..." Her teeth clenched and she felt her heart breaking. "I couldnt save them..." She brought her knees to her chest and hugged them tightly, biting her lip shut as she quietly sobbed. The only family she had ever known... the kind people that took her in, trained her and cared for her... they were gone...
She gulped down her sorrow... She couldnt honor them if she died here. She listened to the doors slam and feet walk away from the shed. Then paused a moment, lifted her sleeve to temporarilly whipe away the tears. And pushed the door open oh so carefully. No one was there. The child climbed out of the compartment and looked to the heap of flesh on the floor, the old woman who had sacrificed her life... Chitosei said nothing as she stood and turned the body over.
She folded Mistko's hands over her chest and ripped a peice of her sleeve, wrapping it over her neck. "So you may heal..." She bowed her head respectfully. "... For this I will never forget you ba-chan... Protect what you love, its worth dying for..." Again she bowed her head and stood from the body, tears streaming her face as she pushed the door open and peeked out.
The once peaceful yard was covered in mud and blood, "... The rain must have bled..." She clenched her fists, then ran across the yard to the back door which had been knocked down. She followed through the house... the tapestries were torn, beautiful alters once kept had been looted. This was no longer the wonderful home she had grown up in... it was a home for the haunted war spirits. She came to the front door where her sensei lay lifeless and still. She gulped and held back the tears for now. The wound that had killed him was a bullet shot straight through the forehead and the whole front corridor was now stained in his blood. She kneeled next to Sagaso, ripped another peice of her other sleeve and rest it over the wound. Then she gathered him by the shoulders and dragged his body to his room, pulling him up on the bed, and folding his hands over his chest.
Still holding in her tears as well as she could, Chitosei ran back to the shed, gathered up the kind old woman and carried her to bed. She lay them beside each other, cut iris's from the garden and place them over their chests. At the foot of the bed, she left two cups and warm sake. Then stood, gave a bow and exited the room, shutting the door behind her. On the door, she painted a black character... Spirit. Then left the place once known as her home.
Chitosei walked around the perimiter of the house pouring good Sake and stepping towards the walk way. She picked up the torch that still burned in a dead Samurai's hands and threw it into the abyss of the house.
The flame danced before her, consuming her past... "Again... I become Nanashi... One with no past..." She fell to her knees before the blazing home and bowed her head, the tears coming freely," I will not forget you Sensei! ... I will wait for spring... when Sakura petals fall... the time of beauty, when sake is its sweetest..."
Then stood.. bowed once more.. and turned, running as far and as fast as her small feet could carry her in this one night.
"Battousai is it... very well... You'll die by my hands... I'll never shed tears again!" Her shout echoed in the streets of damned souls, she, the only survivor of a mass-murder.
well ah... Review and tell me if I should quit while Im ahead I suppose... ^.^;
