Disclaimers: Sadly I don't own RK. But does anyone know any good lawyers?
No? Darn. Guess I'm stuck on fan fictions...
Author's notes: The flash back and the dream are supposed to be in
italic's! Then I would have to put "Dream," or "Flash back," in
parentheses! . NOT FAIR! I wanted some higher level thinking going on...so
you would figure it out that she was having flash-backs! DAMN! Oh well. I
have no clue if you people reviewed yet while I'm writing this yet, since I
just submitted my story today! I'm FREEZING! Our heat broke! -_- NOT in a
good mood. Here's the chapter anyway.
*****Chapter 3 ~ Watchful Eyes*****
Kujiro knew that was coming. She sighed and figured she should talk otherwise Ajisai could let something slip.
"After I left my master I searched for somewhere I could use my skills, for good. I was 15 years old then. I guess I was a Rurouni. So on the way I wanted to use my skills as I had said to maybe bring some honor to my tarnished family name. I found shelter at the Oniwabanshu for a year and a half; I was a ninja of the Oniwabanshu."
"Oniwabanshu?" Kenshin was surprised after getting Megumi from them he was surprised that Kujiro would even want to join with them. "Why did you join with them?"
"Because they were known to be great ninja's and I knew that my skills would easily get me in. I was searching for bringing my family honor so I went and Leader let me join after testing me."
Kenshin didn't want to tell her about the loss of his companions. He figured that she should find out on her own since she probably didn't know and didn't want to upset her.
"After a year and a half I left to continue my journey. I was about 17 then."
"Aoshi let you leave?"
"Hai, how do you know Leader's name is Aoshi?"
"I recently meet him, but what happened after you left the Oniwabanshu?"
Kujiro lifted an eyebrow at his response knowing that he was hiding something. But didn't ask.
"I realized after awhile on my own that maybe I should go to the sea. On my arrival there was a sign that stated, 'Needed swordsman to protect harbor from foreigners.' That was before our harbors were opened to America. When I arrived there they were going to turn me away for being a girl. I convinced them to let me show them my skills. They brought forward an ex-hitokiri, now official. So when I nearly killed him because my skills were better than his, they assigned me to service. That's when I met Ajisai. We sorta stuck together since we were the only women there."
Kenshin cut in realizing that Kujiro wasn't going to say exactly what they did unless asked, "What did you do at the harbor?"
Ajisai smiled evilly, "We destroyed all that was on foreign ships since our harbors were closed to all other countries."
"Oro."
Kujiro intercepted, "The way Ajisai makes it sound worse. Japan's harbors are closed to all other countries for trade in fear of other countries changing our way of life," Kenshin nodded in agreement, "when the boats from other countries came they were warned to leave. When they didn't they sent me and Ajisai to rid of them. Since we were women they always underestimated us. But when Commodore Perry came from America he asked if Japan would trade with them. Of course we refused but he returned about a year later with battleships and-"
"The bastard ordered that Japan open its ports for America like he was kami-sama or something. So we couldn't refuse," Ajisai growled.
"But that still doesn't explain the men in the alley way."
Kujiro continued, "Well after we were forced into trading with America Ajisai and I were the ones to inspect the ships. But one day one hentai [1] asshole-"
Ajisai interrupted Kujiro's cursing streak and finished for her, "He grabbed Kujiro on her butt and Kujiro cut off his hand."
"Orororororororo!"
"It was his fault for touching me! It was instinct to cut his hand off! I don't think straight when my instincts take over."
"It was pretty cool. Her eyes went steely gray, and she would have killed the guy until our superior caught sight of the situation."
"ORO!"
Kujiro sighed, "He got what he deserved but I was kicked off of the force because of my anger and stupid choice. And Ajisai quit when I was fired as well. It was then his crew threatened us. So Ajisai and I went undercover for a while. That pretty much leads to the alley way when they found us."
"Aa. I guess you two will be staying here then."
Kujiro just stared with disbelief written all over her face. She thought it would be a lot harder to convince him to let Ajisai and her stay. "Where would we stay?"
Ajisai thought about this and said, "I don't need a room."
"Ajisai no baka! Of course you need a room!"
Keshin intercepted before Ajisai could comment, "Well I suppose we have two spare rooms here. I will just need to ask Kaoru-dono if it is alright. After all sessha doesn't want to make Kaoru angry over this. Sessha hasn't known Kaoru-dono very long but knows that she would be very angry if I told you, you could stay with out her consent!"
Ajisai and Kujiro followed Kenshin through the house to where Kaoru was training Yahiko.
~*~
When they reached Kaoru Ajisai watched her yell at a kid. She watched as the boy tried a chop... She shook her head. He wasn't being trained harshly enough. He needed a lot more fierce training if he ever really wanted to be a worthy swordsman.
Ajisai watched Kaoru smile at Kenshin at his appearance, "Hello Kenshin!" Her face fell though when she saw Ajisai and Kujiro.
"Hello Kaoru-dono!"
Kujiro smiled and said, "Hello, you must be Kaoru-san! What technique is that?" Ajisai could see she was trying to break the tension as usual.
Kaoru looked at Kenshin and gave him a look saying, 'Why are they here?' But when Kenshin didn't respond she answered Kujiro's question, "Kamiya Kasshin Ryu. It was my father's technique. It teaches how the sword protects not kill."
Ajisai held her laughter and concealed it well. She had never heard such an idea! It was never even dreamt of where she came from. A sword was meant for one thing to kill. Not protect.
"I see," Kujiro said, "Is it a new technique? I haven't heard of it."
"Hai, it is new, uh..."
"Nakao Kujiro."
"Kamiya Kaoru."
Ajisai figured it would be best to introduce herself, "Ajisai."
Kaoru was surprised when Ajisai did not say that she had a last name. "What about your last name?"
"People of my kind do not have last names. It is not a custom to have one." Ajisai said.
Kujiro suddenly sensed that someone was watching her. She looked around but saw no one. It was impossible though, she knew there was something there. Was she wrong? She stared straight at the spot where the "person" should have been. But mysteriously no one was there. Her eyes narrowed and went gray, as if they would magically appear if glared at.
~*~
He just recently started to come to the human world to check on Sano. Sadly he could not find the other person in his life that he loved. So he watched over Sano now to see how he was. He was a little worried by these newcomers. But he felt that they were good natured. He had only realized that he was rudely staring at one of them when her beautiful blue eyes turned harsh grey. He panicked. How does she know I am here...wait, something about her ki? She has been to the spirit world before! He could tell by her sharp skills in staring straight into his eyes. He never remembered seeing her though. He would remember her beauty. Her long black hair seemed so silky to the touch, but he knew that he could never reach out and touch it. All she would feel is coldness. When her eyes were blue they seemed to have no end to them. He would easily get lost in the azul depths. He guessed that's what caused her to stare at him. Her outfit revealed more leg than hakama pants. With her arms comfortably at her sides the seams of her shorts were at her fingertips. Her skin was darker than most women's. It was probably from being in the sun a lot. He was some what surprised by her caring a sword, but pieced together the red color of her out fit, blood red. So it was harder to see when blood got on it... He heard a man ask if she was alright. He assumed that her name was Kujiro since that's what the man called her. He watched as the group walked inside to "find them rooms." But he should be getting back to the spirit world since the girl saw that he was there... well not really saw but... could sense knew he was there.
~*~
"Kujiro-dono, are you sure you are alright? You were acting weird outside."
"I sensed someone. And I was searching for them but no one was there," her eyes widened when she realized that it had been a spirit. She wondered why a spirit would be doing out of Nochinoyo?! She would have to investigate later when Kenshin and the others were asleep.
"Sessha didn't sense anyone at all."
"Well I'm going to sleep. Oyasumi nasai Kenshin-san." Kujiro said that with a commanding tone signaling the end of the conversation.
"Oyasumi nasai Kujiro-dono." He figured that he shouldn't press the matter when she used that tone.
~*~
Once she was sure that Kenshin, Kaoru and Yahiko were asleep she snuck outside into the woods. With a wave of her hand a door appeared. But she knew Ajisai was there.
"What is it Ajisai?"
Ajisai jumped down from the tree she was in, "Why are you leaving?"
"I sensed a spirit from Nochinoyo. I need to speak with my master to find out why a spirit was in the human world."
"A spirit? When?"
"When Kenshin was asking Kaoru-san for us to have rooms. It was starring at me."
Ajisai smiled wickedly, "It was starring at you? Did you see them?"
"No hentai! I didn't see them but I knew someone was starring."
"How do you know you just aren't going soft from not fighting that much anymore?" Ajisai gave her another mocking smile.
"Because unlike you I know spirit's ki's since I lived with them for a large portion of my life. Now I'm going to speak with my Shishou about this. So if I'm not back by morning I'm training in the woods and don't want to be bothered." Before Ajisai could say any more she opened to door to Nochinoyo.
Kujiro ran to her master's grand dojo. She stood a few moments outside the door unsure of whether to turn around or knock. "So long..." she breathed. Remembering her purpose she knocked on the massive doors. After a moment the door opened.
"Konichi-wa. What is you business here at the dojo?" Kujiro smiled at her friend Hikage. She obviously didn't recognize her since it had been 4 years and Kujiro changed a lot!
"Hikage, how could you forget? I thought you would always remember my face!"
Hikage yelled in delight at seeing her good friend again, "Kujiro! What brings you back here? It's been a long time!"
"Four years. I came to speak with my Shishou."
"Ah. Well come in!" Hikage opened the door to her and the started walking inside the dojo down the hall, "I hope you stay a little while so we can catch up. I mean a lot happens in four years!"
"I hope I can but I have no clue how long my talk with Shishou will be."
They then walked into a big room were many spirits were talking with one another. But she sensed an oddly familiar ki. The one who was watching her earlier that day. She stopped walking so she could get a good look at him. She was surprised when he wore a red bandana, just like Sano. His bangs were so long they covered half of his face. He was truly a sight to behold. He must have noticed that she was looking at looked straight at her. This time she couldn't force her eyes to be steely gray.
He sensed someone was watching him after awhile. He was shocked to see that it was Kujiro. But this time her stare wasn't cold as ice. He saw that she was accompanied by Hikage.
"Kujiro? I thought you wanted to see your master?"
Kujiro broke the stare and gathered herself, "Hai, I want to see my Shishou Nagasaki."
He was born with excellent hearing and when he heard that Kujiro was Nagasaki's deshi he was surprised. He never knew that Nagasaki had an apprentice.
~*~
"Come in," Her shishou said before Hikage could even knock.
"Master Nagasaki." Hikage lowered her head in respect.
"Hikage-dono. Kujiro."
Hikage left them to their privacy.
"Why have you come Kujiro? After 4 years why?"
"I sensed a spirit in the human world today. I just saw him downstairs. Who is the man with the red bandana?
"His name is Souzou Sagara. He was the captain of the Sekihotai army."
Author's note: I think that I'll stop there. *evil smile* Well our heat is working again, and I thawed out from being so cold. So how is it? Please review. I do realize it got a little screwed up with the whole Oniwabanshu thing but this is taking place after the episode with Tsubame. Keep that in mind when you read it. And It's a fan FICTION so it will be a little different. Thanks for all the reviewers! I have no clue if any one has reviewed yet because the first chapter hasn't been posted yet.
Ja ne Minna-san!
Weasel ^_-
*****Chapter 3 ~ Watchful Eyes*****
Kujiro knew that was coming. She sighed and figured she should talk otherwise Ajisai could let something slip.
"After I left my master I searched for somewhere I could use my skills, for good. I was 15 years old then. I guess I was a Rurouni. So on the way I wanted to use my skills as I had said to maybe bring some honor to my tarnished family name. I found shelter at the Oniwabanshu for a year and a half; I was a ninja of the Oniwabanshu."
"Oniwabanshu?" Kenshin was surprised after getting Megumi from them he was surprised that Kujiro would even want to join with them. "Why did you join with them?"
"Because they were known to be great ninja's and I knew that my skills would easily get me in. I was searching for bringing my family honor so I went and Leader let me join after testing me."
Kenshin didn't want to tell her about the loss of his companions. He figured that she should find out on her own since she probably didn't know and didn't want to upset her.
"After a year and a half I left to continue my journey. I was about 17 then."
"Aoshi let you leave?"
"Hai, how do you know Leader's name is Aoshi?"
"I recently meet him, but what happened after you left the Oniwabanshu?"
Kujiro lifted an eyebrow at his response knowing that he was hiding something. But didn't ask.
"I realized after awhile on my own that maybe I should go to the sea. On my arrival there was a sign that stated, 'Needed swordsman to protect harbor from foreigners.' That was before our harbors were opened to America. When I arrived there they were going to turn me away for being a girl. I convinced them to let me show them my skills. They brought forward an ex-hitokiri, now official. So when I nearly killed him because my skills were better than his, they assigned me to service. That's when I met Ajisai. We sorta stuck together since we were the only women there."
Kenshin cut in realizing that Kujiro wasn't going to say exactly what they did unless asked, "What did you do at the harbor?"
Ajisai smiled evilly, "We destroyed all that was on foreign ships since our harbors were closed to all other countries."
"Oro."
Kujiro intercepted, "The way Ajisai makes it sound worse. Japan's harbors are closed to all other countries for trade in fear of other countries changing our way of life," Kenshin nodded in agreement, "when the boats from other countries came they were warned to leave. When they didn't they sent me and Ajisai to rid of them. Since we were women they always underestimated us. But when Commodore Perry came from America he asked if Japan would trade with them. Of course we refused but he returned about a year later with battleships and-"
"The bastard ordered that Japan open its ports for America like he was kami-sama or something. So we couldn't refuse," Ajisai growled.
"But that still doesn't explain the men in the alley way."
Kujiro continued, "Well after we were forced into trading with America Ajisai and I were the ones to inspect the ships. But one day one hentai [1] asshole-"
Ajisai interrupted Kujiro's cursing streak and finished for her, "He grabbed Kujiro on her butt and Kujiro cut off his hand."
"Orororororororo!"
"It was his fault for touching me! It was instinct to cut his hand off! I don't think straight when my instincts take over."
"It was pretty cool. Her eyes went steely gray, and she would have killed the guy until our superior caught sight of the situation."
"ORO!"
Kujiro sighed, "He got what he deserved but I was kicked off of the force because of my anger and stupid choice. And Ajisai quit when I was fired as well. It was then his crew threatened us. So Ajisai and I went undercover for a while. That pretty much leads to the alley way when they found us."
"Aa. I guess you two will be staying here then."
Kujiro just stared with disbelief written all over her face. She thought it would be a lot harder to convince him to let Ajisai and her stay. "Where would we stay?"
Ajisai thought about this and said, "I don't need a room."
"Ajisai no baka! Of course you need a room!"
Keshin intercepted before Ajisai could comment, "Well I suppose we have two spare rooms here. I will just need to ask Kaoru-dono if it is alright. After all sessha doesn't want to make Kaoru angry over this. Sessha hasn't known Kaoru-dono very long but knows that she would be very angry if I told you, you could stay with out her consent!"
Ajisai and Kujiro followed Kenshin through the house to where Kaoru was training Yahiko.
~*~
When they reached Kaoru Ajisai watched her yell at a kid. She watched as the boy tried a chop... She shook her head. He wasn't being trained harshly enough. He needed a lot more fierce training if he ever really wanted to be a worthy swordsman.
Ajisai watched Kaoru smile at Kenshin at his appearance, "Hello Kenshin!" Her face fell though when she saw Ajisai and Kujiro.
"Hello Kaoru-dono!"
Kujiro smiled and said, "Hello, you must be Kaoru-san! What technique is that?" Ajisai could see she was trying to break the tension as usual.
Kaoru looked at Kenshin and gave him a look saying, 'Why are they here?' But when Kenshin didn't respond she answered Kujiro's question, "Kamiya Kasshin Ryu. It was my father's technique. It teaches how the sword protects not kill."
Ajisai held her laughter and concealed it well. She had never heard such an idea! It was never even dreamt of where she came from. A sword was meant for one thing to kill. Not protect.
"I see," Kujiro said, "Is it a new technique? I haven't heard of it."
"Hai, it is new, uh..."
"Nakao Kujiro."
"Kamiya Kaoru."
Ajisai figured it would be best to introduce herself, "Ajisai."
Kaoru was surprised when Ajisai did not say that she had a last name. "What about your last name?"
"People of my kind do not have last names. It is not a custom to have one." Ajisai said.
Kujiro suddenly sensed that someone was watching her. She looked around but saw no one. It was impossible though, she knew there was something there. Was she wrong? She stared straight at the spot where the "person" should have been. But mysteriously no one was there. Her eyes narrowed and went gray, as if they would magically appear if glared at.
~*~
He just recently started to come to the human world to check on Sano. Sadly he could not find the other person in his life that he loved. So he watched over Sano now to see how he was. He was a little worried by these newcomers. But he felt that they were good natured. He had only realized that he was rudely staring at one of them when her beautiful blue eyes turned harsh grey. He panicked. How does she know I am here...wait, something about her ki? She has been to the spirit world before! He could tell by her sharp skills in staring straight into his eyes. He never remembered seeing her though. He would remember her beauty. Her long black hair seemed so silky to the touch, but he knew that he could never reach out and touch it. All she would feel is coldness. When her eyes were blue they seemed to have no end to them. He would easily get lost in the azul depths. He guessed that's what caused her to stare at him. Her outfit revealed more leg than hakama pants. With her arms comfortably at her sides the seams of her shorts were at her fingertips. Her skin was darker than most women's. It was probably from being in the sun a lot. He was some what surprised by her caring a sword, but pieced together the red color of her out fit, blood red. So it was harder to see when blood got on it... He heard a man ask if she was alright. He assumed that her name was Kujiro since that's what the man called her. He watched as the group walked inside to "find them rooms." But he should be getting back to the spirit world since the girl saw that he was there... well not really saw but... could sense knew he was there.
~*~
"Kujiro-dono, are you sure you are alright? You were acting weird outside."
"I sensed someone. And I was searching for them but no one was there," her eyes widened when she realized that it had been a spirit. She wondered why a spirit would be doing out of Nochinoyo?! She would have to investigate later when Kenshin and the others were asleep.
"Sessha didn't sense anyone at all."
"Well I'm going to sleep. Oyasumi nasai Kenshin-san." Kujiro said that with a commanding tone signaling the end of the conversation.
"Oyasumi nasai Kujiro-dono." He figured that he shouldn't press the matter when she used that tone.
~*~
Once she was sure that Kenshin, Kaoru and Yahiko were asleep she snuck outside into the woods. With a wave of her hand a door appeared. But she knew Ajisai was there.
"What is it Ajisai?"
Ajisai jumped down from the tree she was in, "Why are you leaving?"
"I sensed a spirit from Nochinoyo. I need to speak with my master to find out why a spirit was in the human world."
"A spirit? When?"
"When Kenshin was asking Kaoru-san for us to have rooms. It was starring at me."
Ajisai smiled wickedly, "It was starring at you? Did you see them?"
"No hentai! I didn't see them but I knew someone was starring."
"How do you know you just aren't going soft from not fighting that much anymore?" Ajisai gave her another mocking smile.
"Because unlike you I know spirit's ki's since I lived with them for a large portion of my life. Now I'm going to speak with my Shishou about this. So if I'm not back by morning I'm training in the woods and don't want to be bothered." Before Ajisai could say any more she opened to door to Nochinoyo.
Kujiro ran to her master's grand dojo. She stood a few moments outside the door unsure of whether to turn around or knock. "So long..." she breathed. Remembering her purpose she knocked on the massive doors. After a moment the door opened.
"Konichi-wa. What is you business here at the dojo?" Kujiro smiled at her friend Hikage. She obviously didn't recognize her since it had been 4 years and Kujiro changed a lot!
"Hikage, how could you forget? I thought you would always remember my face!"
Hikage yelled in delight at seeing her good friend again, "Kujiro! What brings you back here? It's been a long time!"
"Four years. I came to speak with my Shishou."
"Ah. Well come in!" Hikage opened the door to her and the started walking inside the dojo down the hall, "I hope you stay a little while so we can catch up. I mean a lot happens in four years!"
"I hope I can but I have no clue how long my talk with Shishou will be."
They then walked into a big room were many spirits were talking with one another. But she sensed an oddly familiar ki. The one who was watching her earlier that day. She stopped walking so she could get a good look at him. She was surprised when he wore a red bandana, just like Sano. His bangs were so long they covered half of his face. He was truly a sight to behold. He must have noticed that she was looking at looked straight at her. This time she couldn't force her eyes to be steely gray.
He sensed someone was watching him after awhile. He was shocked to see that it was Kujiro. But this time her stare wasn't cold as ice. He saw that she was accompanied by Hikage.
"Kujiro? I thought you wanted to see your master?"
Kujiro broke the stare and gathered herself, "Hai, I want to see my Shishou Nagasaki."
He was born with excellent hearing and when he heard that Kujiro was Nagasaki's deshi he was surprised. He never knew that Nagasaki had an apprentice.
~*~
"Come in," Her shishou said before Hikage could even knock.
"Master Nagasaki." Hikage lowered her head in respect.
"Hikage-dono. Kujiro."
Hikage left them to their privacy.
"Why have you come Kujiro? After 4 years why?"
"I sensed a spirit in the human world today. I just saw him downstairs. Who is the man with the red bandana?
"His name is Souzou Sagara. He was the captain of the Sekihotai army."
Author's note: I think that I'll stop there. *evil smile* Well our heat is working again, and I thawed out from being so cold. So how is it? Please review. I do realize it got a little screwed up with the whole Oniwabanshu thing but this is taking place after the episode with Tsubame. Keep that in mind when you read it. And It's a fan FICTION so it will be a little different. Thanks for all the reviewers! I have no clue if any one has reviewed yet because the first chapter hasn't been posted yet.
Ja ne Minna-san!
Weasel ^_-
