Disclaimer!: I do not own Rurouni Kenshin or any of the Rurouni Kenshin
characters. Beside the chapter is who wrote that day. It goes between
myself, Brandy, and my friends, Jenn and Becca. (Becca doesn't come in till
day 7)
Day 3-Jenn
Brandy, with as much stealth as possible, crept across the hall. She stayed very close to the wall to prevent anyone from noticing her presence. Her hair was up(Uh oh!) and she was dressed in a tight, dark blue ninja suit. She quietly tiptoed to Kenshin's door. She listened first and then peered into the room. Kenshin was fast asleep and breathing lightly. He was dressed in a white sleeping robe and his normal clothes were on a stand at his feet.
She bent down near him to make sure he was asleep. She thought he was asleep but to make sure she cracked him in the head with the sheath on his sword. (Brandy conveniently had the sword on her belt.) He was definitely asleep now. Brandy locked his window tightly and crept back to him.
Brandy picked up his chain and locked it into a wall. She couldn't let him get out after this.( She took his clothes and placed them in a satchel she had slung on her back. She tiptoed out of the room and tightly closed the door behind her. After which she locked the door several times to be sure. Heh,heh, she thought. Time for Kenshin to get an update...( She smiled widely and went back to bed, prepared to rise early the next morning.
Jenn was awake quite early the next morning. Which is quite an odd thing unless she is really happy for some odd reason. Her smile was bright as she prepared an elaborate breakfast. She was making a meal with many courses that she hoped everyone would enjoy. They scents of the meal woke Brandy but no one else got up. Determined, Jenn set off to wake at least one person in particular.
Sano had one of the most abrupt awakenings in his life. His eyes darted open as he was literally pounced on. He could only half sit up, entangled in sheets and unable to move his legs because of Jenn sitting on them. "Wake up, Sanosuke!" Jenn begged in a very playful manner. She was wearing her sweetest smile and was beaming with happiness. "Aren't you hungry?" Jenn asked as she pulled him up farther. He was heavily blushing as she pulled him to a sitting position.
Jenn started attempting to get him out the door. "I can't go down like this," Sano pleaded as he struggled to think straight. He was only in the purple sleeping robe he had been given. "Don't worry, Kenshin is still in his room and Brandy just left. Besides they wouldn't mind," Jenn said trying to convince him. He really didn't know what to do, so he let himself be pulled out the door. However when they reached the steps, his mind kicked in and he had a second thought.
"He jerked her back saying, "Uhh, wait a..." but he did not get to say anymore. Jenn lost her balance terribly when he jerked her and she grabbed Sano, who toppled over with her. They landed painfully at the bottom of the stairs in a bruised tangle of sheets. Just then, at the worst possible time, Branded walked in the door. "Duh! I can't believe I forgot the extra money I needed," she said thinking she was there with only Jenn.
Brandy looked up at the situation at the bottom of the stairs and her face was shocked. Jenn and Sano replied with an "Uhh...umm.." in an attempt to explain why this wasn't what it looked like. Brandy, so overcome with laughter, about fell over. The two rapidly got off the ground and went towards Brandy.
As they did they heard a faint moan from upstairs. "Sanooooo..." Kenshin's voice was barely heard. At this point, Sano didn't care and he started spitting out any and every excuse he could come up with. Jenn tried explaining the truth but neither response seemed to matter. Brandy continued laughing until she sat down to eat.
Jenn, Brandy, and Sano( now fully dressed) ate their meal rather quietly. All of them were at a loss of words. Both Brandy and Sano did however comment on the great taste of the food. That cheered Jenn up considerably. After breakfast Brandy asked Sano and Jenn to wait while she went out. She said that she needed to buy something and that she'd be back soon. Sano and Jenn were fine with it, since they had no reason to suspect anything.
After Brandy left, Sano began wondering why Kenshin had not come to eat. While she was cleaning up, he asked Jenn. "Where's Kenshin?" he asked politely. She responded with all honesty, "I don't know...up in his room I guess." "Alright, I better wake him up then." Jenn nodded and he thanked her again for the food before he went upstairs. Jenn smiled to herself and kept cleaning up.
As Sano walked on the second floor, Kenshin must have heard him. He distinctly heard a "Sanoooo...." From the direction of Kenshin's room. He knocked on the door twice and loudly said, "Come on, Kenshin! Get up already! There won't be any leftover food if you don't hurry and get it!" "There's quite a problem in here," Kenshin said in a hoarse voice. "What?" "Well it's kind of embarrassing," Kenshin replied. Sano did not understand. "Even if I could get the door open and come out, which I can't, I'm not coming out there without clothes!" Sano laughed loudly while saying, "Well then, put your clothes on and get out here!" Kenshin quickly replied, "But that's it! My clothes are gone and I can't open the door!!" Sano's expression faded to shock, "Wha...?" Sano then tried to open the door but found it would not budge. As he looked closer he noticed several little gold locks around the door. Here we go again, he thought. "Hold on Kenshin!" Sano said as he quickly walked down the stairs.
Sano came to Jenn who had just sat down to relax a bit after cleaning. She might not come if I tell her straight out, he thought. "Come with me," Sano said quickly as he picked her up from her seat and rushed with her up the stairs. When he reached Kenshin's door he put her down. Jenn, herself was red and in a state of shock. "Did you do this?" Sano asked motioning to the door. "Or was it the other one?" Jenn was confused and didn't understand, so she answered, "What?" "Okay, you didn't do it," Sano concluded. "But," He continued, "Can you undo what she did?" Sano showed Jenn the locks. Oh no Brandy, what are you up to? Jenn thought. "Sorry, I can't do anything about it. You'll have to wait till Brandy gets back. Hopefully she'll have a good explanation," Jenn answered hopefully. A hopeless whimper came from Kenshin in his room.
Just afterwards, both Sano and Jenn heard the door open. They ran down the stairs like a stampede of animals. Downstairs, Brandy was at the door holding clothes of some sort and smiling widely. As the two came towards her she put up one hand and said, "Ha,ha...I know, I'm going." They followed her as she walked up the stairs. As expected she stopped at Kenshin's door and knocked. Then to both Jenn and Sano's surprise, she opened a flap on the bottom of the door and slid the clothes through. Brandy closed it again and waited. There was a lot of rustling in the room as Kenshin quickly dressed. Brandy unlocked the door and opened it. Kenshin stood with an "Oro?" looking at his clothes. His pants were the same white thing they always were but his shirt piece and socks were now blue instead of pink. Brandy clasped her hands together and smiled very happily. Jenn fell over at how ridiculous this was and Sano clapped a hand to his forehead while shaking his head.
After everyone recovered and Kenshin finally ate, they all wanted to relax. Kenshin and Sano played a few board games while brandy watched. Jenn, feeling artistic, wanted to paint. She got out a piece of paper and her set of paints. But she found herself without any idea of what to draw. Everyone was talking a lot and one thing caught Jenn's attention in particular. Brandy came over to her and told her that when she was out that she seen Kaoru again. Brandy thought she must have been looking for them. After she told Jenn this she went back over to Kenshin. After hearing this a devilish idea came to Jenn's mind. She grinned to herself as she contemplated how she would pull this off.
Sano looked over at Jenn when she was grinning. "What's going on?" he asked. "Can't say," Jenn responded. She broke out in a fit of giggles and Sano swore he seen cat ears pop up on her head. She did make him think of a cat, especially with this mischievous action. He smiled briefly and returned to his game with Kenshin. Jenn busily started painting, but wouldn't allow anyone to see it so she snuck off to her room.
An hour and a half later, she came down again. But shock yet again filled the room. She was dressed in a purple and black ninja outfit and had a black cloak wrapped around her. The canvas, wrapped in cloth, appeared to be strapped on her back. "I have something to attend to in town. I'll be back soon," She promised. Brandy nodded her OK. She flashed a smile and a wink to Sano and then walked out the door.
Jenn stealthily snuck across the road to the dojo. She quietly entered through the back gate and then went to the front door. After carefully checking to see that no one was around Jenn placed the packaged canvas against the wall. Along with it Jenn placed a note she had made up to go with it earlier. She chuckled at herself as she placed the note down. This should tick her off, Jenn thought mischievously. And this is only fair. It is pay back for her chasing Brandy. And definite revenge for her hitting Sanosuke. Jenn clenched her fists in anger at the thought. That...errrrr!!! As much as Jenn would have loved to state her anger out loud, she refrained. She giggled with a slightly evil tone and smiled, I only wish I could see her reaction! After she finished the task she had set out to do, Jenn snuck out of the dojo and started to head home.
As Jenn was walking home, she thought some more. Her first thought was about what to do when she got home. However she drew a blank. The dojo girl, Kaoru came to her mind again. That girl, I hope she takes the hint to back off. The way things are going, she might get serious about getting them back. That is beyond a point of hunt and chase. Things could get ugly. I hope for her sake that she quits this game." Jenn sighed and returned to her less serious mood. I can't let this get to me, I'm having way too much fun in this world to stop now. Besides, this is how and where I want things to be( Jenn smiled and picked up the pace as she walked to get back faster.
Kaoru somberly walked back through the gate of the dojo with Yahiko on her tail. Nothing again. I still can't find him. Yahiko slapped her on the back, "Come on Kaoru cheer up, you'll find em'. Besides in the meantime you have two less mouths to feed with your atrocious food!" "YAHIKO!!!" Kaoru screamed but then turned to hysterical sadness. "He'll never come back...sniff...I'm a terrible cook..." Kaoru whined. However her mood changed rapidly when she noticed a package by the door. "What's that?" Yahiko asked curiously. Kaoru ran over to it with all speed. Maybe it's from Kenshin( Kaoru about to pick up the package, noticed the note and figured she should read it first. She read it aloud for Yahiko's benefit and her own;
To Miss Kamiya of the Kamiya Kasshin Dojo,
This note and package is on the behalf of inspiration and the expression of art. The package contains a wrapped canvas painting. I was visiting a Beef HotPots restaurant in the mid section of Tokyo. You may know of it, or you may not. There are many restaurants however so I would rather not name it. When I was there I witnessed an incredibly endearing scene and I felt extremely inspired. I could not help but paint it. I did not know the identity of the red haired man but I asked around and discovered that you know him. I hope I am not asking too much by asking you to give it to him, and give my thanks. I would be highly grateful to you for such. I have heard many good things about you. My thanks Miss Kamiya,
Katsumi Sagara
Kaoru was slightly confused and grabbed the package. Both excited and cautious, Kaoru slowly started to open it. She did not even glance at it until the cloth was completely off. As she looked at it she was shocked beyond words. It clearly depicted Kenshin and that blonde woman asleep. The woman's head was under Kenshin's chin and was resting against his shoulder. Kenshin was leaning against her head and had his arm around her, his hand on her shoulder. Kaoru started shaking from a mixture of extreme anger and sadness. Kaoru screamed out, "Kenshin!!!" and dropped the painting to run inside. She picked up a wooden sword and started swinging it at the air to vent her frustration. Yahiko stepped over to look at the painting. He whistled in awe and shook his head. He looked to Kaoru who was now hitting a dummy with the sword. Oh man, Yahiko thought, what's this going to come to? He too stepped inside the dojo and started to train some more.
Jenn walked in the door of the house only to be excitedly grabbed by Brandy. Brandy was wearing a blue shirt, slitted oriental style on the sides, with a short dark blue skirt. Other than that she was barefoot with her hair down normal. Her eyes glittered excitedly. "Come on Jenn! Hurry up and get changed! I've got something planned(" Brandy said happily. Jenn quickly changed as she asked and returned to the room in a short, slitted dark purple dress. She also wore a thin leg covering and had her hair in a long braided ponytail. She promptly walked over to Brandy and asked, "So, what's up?"
Brandy quietly answered as she pulled out a glass bottle. "I was saving this for an emergency but how do you think the boys would like to try a foreign drink. Jenn assumed she meant soda. "I think that would be interesting," Jenn replied as she too, pulled out a bottle. The girls walked to the room with all the pillows were the boys were now sitting. The two looked up as they walked in. Sano playfully let out a wolf whistle and elbowed Kenshin in the side. Jenn replied with a smooth smile and Brandy did the same. Brandy happily pranced over to Kenshin and asked sweetly, "How would you like to try a drink from our country?" Kenshin didn't see any reason to reject and answered with an "Okay." Jenn leaned against Sanosuke and asked, "How about you, are you interested?" He replied with a strong, "Yeah!" Jenn grinned widely at his reaction.
Brandy poured some of the drink in her bottle into a cup and was about to give it to Kenshin when Jenn noticed the label and interrupted. "No don't give him that, he should try this!" Jenn protested as she poured a cup of the drink from her bottle. Neither Sano nor Kenshin could read the foreign labels but they could tell they were clearly different. "No!" Brandy said, "Try this!" Brandy poured another cup and was about to move across the room. "Absolutely not!" Jenn loudly said as she shoved Sano a cup of her drink. "Don't drink that crap first!" Brandy yelled knocking the cup out of Sano's hand. Sano's expression sank in disappointment. Jenn growled and lunged to grab Brandy. But Brandy seen it coming and grabbed Jenn at the same instant. The two were so busy yelling and growling in each other's faces that they did not notice when the bottles went missing from their hands.
The argument came to a screeching halt when Sano's voice said, "Hey, this pretty good!" Kenshin's voice was also heard, "I agree, Sano." The girls quickly let each other go and turned to face the boys. Kenshin was holding Brandy's bottle and Sano was holding Jenn's bottle. The girl's faces showed a high state of shock. Both boys wiped their mouths as they finished the bottles. "That was very good, thank you," Kenshin said very satisfied. "Yeah, thanks a lot!" Sano said leaning back happily. Both girls looked at each other apologetically and sunk to the floor with a sigh.
"Well what are we going to eat for dinner tonight?" Brandy asked. There was a thinking silence for a moment. All the sudden Jenn's face brightened and she snapped her fingers. Brandy could practically see the light bulb turn on. "I know!" Jenn responded happily. "How about we go out to eat tonight(?" Brandy's stomach admitted how good that sounded as it rumbled. "Sound's good to me!" Brandy cheerfully replied, obviously hungry. The boys voiced their agreement to the proposal and in a short time all four were walking down the road in town. They walked two by two, arm in arm, in the arrangement you could expect.
They walked at an average pace and were admiring the sunset as they walked. The boys were busy looking at the sky and sneaking glances at the girls to notice that they walked them right into the Akebeko. It was quite a familiar restaurant to those two. Quite to the girl's advantage, a waitress they were unfamiliar with seated them. They ordered tea, sake, and an extra large bowl of beef stew. They talked while they waited for the food to arrive. They were busy talking when a little girl brought out their drinks. She looked at them and a short gasp escaped her. Had they not been talking they might have noticed that Tsubame was the one who brought their drinks. She quickly headed to the back of the restaurant.
In the meantime the main course came out. They all dug in but they took their time eating. A restaurant was always a fun experience. Brandy was talking with Kenshin quite a bit while she hung on him. However she noticed Jenn was busy thinking and wasn't doing much talking at all. It she had let her face show it, Brandy would now have a mischievous grin. She remembered what had happened last time with Jenn and the Sake. She decided now to loosen Jenn up without her knowing it. Each time Jenn asked for a refill of tea Brandy added an increasing amount of Sake. Once Jenn was lightly blushed she stopped. No need to get ridiculous here, but at home perhaps sometime... Brandy watched Jenn as she continued eating. Jenn broke out in giggles now when Sano talked to her. It wasn't long before she was hanging on him, pouring his drinks and helping him eat his food. Jenn smiled at Brandy at one time. Brandy knew by her eyes that Jenn knew what she had done. But she clearly did not object as she playfully continued what she was doing before. Brandy had to smile when Sanosuke himself was becoming pink and he allowed a purring Jenn to sneak under his arm.
Things came to an awkward stop when the owner of the restaurant, Miss Tai, came out of the kitchen flustered with Tsubame at her side. She determinedly came up to them. Kenshin and Sano's jaw dropped at seeing her. She was talking to Tsubame about not believing something when she looked at the state of the group with Kenshin and Sano. Brandy was hanging on Kenshin and Jenn was snuggled tightly with Sano's arm around her. The latter two were rather pink in the cheeks. Two blonde girls, foreigners? With Kenshin and Sanosuke!? Tai could not believe it. "Kenshin, Sanosuke! Wha...? I don't... this....I can't believe this!" Tai knew she couldn't say anymore without causing a scene, which would be really bad for business. Tsubame seemed confused as Tai took her back to the kitchen and didn't explain a thing. Tai knew it wasn't fair to be angry but she felt sorry for Kaoru. Sanosuke was one thing, but Kenshin?
Back at the table the group finished quickly, thanks to Brandy trying to get them out of there. That woman could mean trouble. They stepped out of the restaurant quickly, but they walked slowly back. Kenshin and Brandy admired the night sky. Sano and Jenn attempted to do the same but were often too busy trying to keep the other from stumbling. It was peaceful and they all were in a good mood when they got back to the house. Jenn and Sano didn't even bother going to their rooms but instead crashed in the room with the pillows. They were both out in minutes. Both Brandy and Kenshin couldn't help but find this a cute scene. They were both sitting up and Jenn was asleep holding close to Sano.
When Brandy asked Kenshin said that he too was tired. Before either went up they covered the two on the floor with blankets, so they did not catch cold. They went up the stairs and led Kenshin to his door. He said goodnight with a sweet smile a Brandy hugged him from behind, before she went to her own room. She let go and turned to leave and Kenshin politely returned the hug from behind. Kenshin went to sleep directly after that. Brandy went to her room and slipped under the covers. She smiled as she thought about everything that happened today and blew out the light.
Day 3 Bloopers and Extras
The Letter- Katsumi Sagara; Interesting...
Yahiko sat looking over the letter that came with the painting. Kaoru, now dressed to fight was still swinging the sword. Yahiko had read the letter several times but failed to pick up on anything out of the ordinary. This time however, the end stuck out. "My thanks, Miss Kamiya, Katsumi Sagara," Yahiko read the end out loud. "Wait a sec... Katsumi Sagara?! Hey Kaoru!" Yahiko yelled over at her. "Shut up midget, I'm busy," She moodily answered. "But Kaoru, Katsumi Sagara. Sagara, ya know, Sanosuke?" "Stupid coincidence," Kaoru responded, swinging slightly harder. Yahiko thought about it for a minute and then thought of an idea. "Hey, you said there was a blonde hanging on Sano too, right? Well maybe she married him!" Kaoru looked over fiercely, "Don't say such things, Yahiko!" Kaoru was swinging really hard now. "Besides, she was blonde, therefore foreign. She would not have a Japanese name. Duh, Yahiko!" Yahiko fumed at himself, Darn it! I let her be right again!!
Steps- rubbing it in
On the restaurant, the road the four were taking was quickly changing its elevation. Because of it there were many steps through out that part of the path. Brandy and Kenshin went up the steps first. When they reached the top Jenn and Sano started to go up. However before they got far Brandy had to comment. "Be careful, watch those steps you two!" Brandy laughed quietly and smiled toward Kenshin about it. He was completely clueless, then Brandy remembered that he wasn't there. She was about to fill him in when Jenn and Sano got to the top. The look they gave her made her refrain from doing so but she couldn't help but laugh. Every other set of steps went the same. Kenshin went along with it, never knowing what was going on. "Oh, watch them steps!" "Watch it those are tricky!" "Don't fall now!" By the time they got off that path Sano and Jenn had distorted, red, angry faces. Brandy was still laughing. Kenshin felt a growing evil, violent presence behind him that he did not recognize. Worried he grabbed Brandy and ran saying, "Something bad is going on, we are in danger. I can feel it." Brandy couldn't keep up, laughing hard. She fell over at one point. Kenshin turned around to help her up only to see two large red faces right at him. Neither looked happy either. "Dangerous huh?" Jenn furiously asked. Sano was slamming his fist in his hand. Kenshin did not remember the incident after that.
Day 3-Jenn
Brandy, with as much stealth as possible, crept across the hall. She stayed very close to the wall to prevent anyone from noticing her presence. Her hair was up(Uh oh!) and she was dressed in a tight, dark blue ninja suit. She quietly tiptoed to Kenshin's door. She listened first and then peered into the room. Kenshin was fast asleep and breathing lightly. He was dressed in a white sleeping robe and his normal clothes were on a stand at his feet.
She bent down near him to make sure he was asleep. She thought he was asleep but to make sure she cracked him in the head with the sheath on his sword. (Brandy conveniently had the sword on her belt.) He was definitely asleep now. Brandy locked his window tightly and crept back to him.
Brandy picked up his chain and locked it into a wall. She couldn't let him get out after this.( She took his clothes and placed them in a satchel she had slung on her back. She tiptoed out of the room and tightly closed the door behind her. After which she locked the door several times to be sure. Heh,heh, she thought. Time for Kenshin to get an update...( She smiled widely and went back to bed, prepared to rise early the next morning.
Jenn was awake quite early the next morning. Which is quite an odd thing unless she is really happy for some odd reason. Her smile was bright as she prepared an elaborate breakfast. She was making a meal with many courses that she hoped everyone would enjoy. They scents of the meal woke Brandy but no one else got up. Determined, Jenn set off to wake at least one person in particular.
Sano had one of the most abrupt awakenings in his life. His eyes darted open as he was literally pounced on. He could only half sit up, entangled in sheets and unable to move his legs because of Jenn sitting on them. "Wake up, Sanosuke!" Jenn begged in a very playful manner. She was wearing her sweetest smile and was beaming with happiness. "Aren't you hungry?" Jenn asked as she pulled him up farther. He was heavily blushing as she pulled him to a sitting position.
Jenn started attempting to get him out the door. "I can't go down like this," Sano pleaded as he struggled to think straight. He was only in the purple sleeping robe he had been given. "Don't worry, Kenshin is still in his room and Brandy just left. Besides they wouldn't mind," Jenn said trying to convince him. He really didn't know what to do, so he let himself be pulled out the door. However when they reached the steps, his mind kicked in and he had a second thought.
"He jerked her back saying, "Uhh, wait a..." but he did not get to say anymore. Jenn lost her balance terribly when he jerked her and she grabbed Sano, who toppled over with her. They landed painfully at the bottom of the stairs in a bruised tangle of sheets. Just then, at the worst possible time, Branded walked in the door. "Duh! I can't believe I forgot the extra money I needed," she said thinking she was there with only Jenn.
Brandy looked up at the situation at the bottom of the stairs and her face was shocked. Jenn and Sano replied with an "Uhh...umm.." in an attempt to explain why this wasn't what it looked like. Brandy, so overcome with laughter, about fell over. The two rapidly got off the ground and went towards Brandy.
As they did they heard a faint moan from upstairs. "Sanooooo..." Kenshin's voice was barely heard. At this point, Sano didn't care and he started spitting out any and every excuse he could come up with. Jenn tried explaining the truth but neither response seemed to matter. Brandy continued laughing until she sat down to eat.
Jenn, Brandy, and Sano( now fully dressed) ate their meal rather quietly. All of them were at a loss of words. Both Brandy and Sano did however comment on the great taste of the food. That cheered Jenn up considerably. After breakfast Brandy asked Sano and Jenn to wait while she went out. She said that she needed to buy something and that she'd be back soon. Sano and Jenn were fine with it, since they had no reason to suspect anything.
After Brandy left, Sano began wondering why Kenshin had not come to eat. While she was cleaning up, he asked Jenn. "Where's Kenshin?" he asked politely. She responded with all honesty, "I don't know...up in his room I guess." "Alright, I better wake him up then." Jenn nodded and he thanked her again for the food before he went upstairs. Jenn smiled to herself and kept cleaning up.
As Sano walked on the second floor, Kenshin must have heard him. He distinctly heard a "Sanoooo...." From the direction of Kenshin's room. He knocked on the door twice and loudly said, "Come on, Kenshin! Get up already! There won't be any leftover food if you don't hurry and get it!" "There's quite a problem in here," Kenshin said in a hoarse voice. "What?" "Well it's kind of embarrassing," Kenshin replied. Sano did not understand. "Even if I could get the door open and come out, which I can't, I'm not coming out there without clothes!" Sano laughed loudly while saying, "Well then, put your clothes on and get out here!" Kenshin quickly replied, "But that's it! My clothes are gone and I can't open the door!!" Sano's expression faded to shock, "Wha...?" Sano then tried to open the door but found it would not budge. As he looked closer he noticed several little gold locks around the door. Here we go again, he thought. "Hold on Kenshin!" Sano said as he quickly walked down the stairs.
Sano came to Jenn who had just sat down to relax a bit after cleaning. She might not come if I tell her straight out, he thought. "Come with me," Sano said quickly as he picked her up from her seat and rushed with her up the stairs. When he reached Kenshin's door he put her down. Jenn, herself was red and in a state of shock. "Did you do this?" Sano asked motioning to the door. "Or was it the other one?" Jenn was confused and didn't understand, so she answered, "What?" "Okay, you didn't do it," Sano concluded. "But," He continued, "Can you undo what she did?" Sano showed Jenn the locks. Oh no Brandy, what are you up to? Jenn thought. "Sorry, I can't do anything about it. You'll have to wait till Brandy gets back. Hopefully she'll have a good explanation," Jenn answered hopefully. A hopeless whimper came from Kenshin in his room.
Just afterwards, both Sano and Jenn heard the door open. They ran down the stairs like a stampede of animals. Downstairs, Brandy was at the door holding clothes of some sort and smiling widely. As the two came towards her she put up one hand and said, "Ha,ha...I know, I'm going." They followed her as she walked up the stairs. As expected she stopped at Kenshin's door and knocked. Then to both Jenn and Sano's surprise, she opened a flap on the bottom of the door and slid the clothes through. Brandy closed it again and waited. There was a lot of rustling in the room as Kenshin quickly dressed. Brandy unlocked the door and opened it. Kenshin stood with an "Oro?" looking at his clothes. His pants were the same white thing they always were but his shirt piece and socks were now blue instead of pink. Brandy clasped her hands together and smiled very happily. Jenn fell over at how ridiculous this was and Sano clapped a hand to his forehead while shaking his head.
After everyone recovered and Kenshin finally ate, they all wanted to relax. Kenshin and Sano played a few board games while brandy watched. Jenn, feeling artistic, wanted to paint. She got out a piece of paper and her set of paints. But she found herself without any idea of what to draw. Everyone was talking a lot and one thing caught Jenn's attention in particular. Brandy came over to her and told her that when she was out that she seen Kaoru again. Brandy thought she must have been looking for them. After she told Jenn this she went back over to Kenshin. After hearing this a devilish idea came to Jenn's mind. She grinned to herself as she contemplated how she would pull this off.
Sano looked over at Jenn when she was grinning. "What's going on?" he asked. "Can't say," Jenn responded. She broke out in a fit of giggles and Sano swore he seen cat ears pop up on her head. She did make him think of a cat, especially with this mischievous action. He smiled briefly and returned to his game with Kenshin. Jenn busily started painting, but wouldn't allow anyone to see it so she snuck off to her room.
An hour and a half later, she came down again. But shock yet again filled the room. She was dressed in a purple and black ninja outfit and had a black cloak wrapped around her. The canvas, wrapped in cloth, appeared to be strapped on her back. "I have something to attend to in town. I'll be back soon," She promised. Brandy nodded her OK. She flashed a smile and a wink to Sano and then walked out the door.
Jenn stealthily snuck across the road to the dojo. She quietly entered through the back gate and then went to the front door. After carefully checking to see that no one was around Jenn placed the packaged canvas against the wall. Along with it Jenn placed a note she had made up to go with it earlier. She chuckled at herself as she placed the note down. This should tick her off, Jenn thought mischievously. And this is only fair. It is pay back for her chasing Brandy. And definite revenge for her hitting Sanosuke. Jenn clenched her fists in anger at the thought. That...errrrr!!! As much as Jenn would have loved to state her anger out loud, she refrained. She giggled with a slightly evil tone and smiled, I only wish I could see her reaction! After she finished the task she had set out to do, Jenn snuck out of the dojo and started to head home.
As Jenn was walking home, she thought some more. Her first thought was about what to do when she got home. However she drew a blank. The dojo girl, Kaoru came to her mind again. That girl, I hope she takes the hint to back off. The way things are going, she might get serious about getting them back. That is beyond a point of hunt and chase. Things could get ugly. I hope for her sake that she quits this game." Jenn sighed and returned to her less serious mood. I can't let this get to me, I'm having way too much fun in this world to stop now. Besides, this is how and where I want things to be( Jenn smiled and picked up the pace as she walked to get back faster.
Kaoru somberly walked back through the gate of the dojo with Yahiko on her tail. Nothing again. I still can't find him. Yahiko slapped her on the back, "Come on Kaoru cheer up, you'll find em'. Besides in the meantime you have two less mouths to feed with your atrocious food!" "YAHIKO!!!" Kaoru screamed but then turned to hysterical sadness. "He'll never come back...sniff...I'm a terrible cook..." Kaoru whined. However her mood changed rapidly when she noticed a package by the door. "What's that?" Yahiko asked curiously. Kaoru ran over to it with all speed. Maybe it's from Kenshin( Kaoru about to pick up the package, noticed the note and figured she should read it first. She read it aloud for Yahiko's benefit and her own;
To Miss Kamiya of the Kamiya Kasshin Dojo,
This note and package is on the behalf of inspiration and the expression of art. The package contains a wrapped canvas painting. I was visiting a Beef HotPots restaurant in the mid section of Tokyo. You may know of it, or you may not. There are many restaurants however so I would rather not name it. When I was there I witnessed an incredibly endearing scene and I felt extremely inspired. I could not help but paint it. I did not know the identity of the red haired man but I asked around and discovered that you know him. I hope I am not asking too much by asking you to give it to him, and give my thanks. I would be highly grateful to you for such. I have heard many good things about you. My thanks Miss Kamiya,
Katsumi Sagara
Kaoru was slightly confused and grabbed the package. Both excited and cautious, Kaoru slowly started to open it. She did not even glance at it until the cloth was completely off. As she looked at it she was shocked beyond words. It clearly depicted Kenshin and that blonde woman asleep. The woman's head was under Kenshin's chin and was resting against his shoulder. Kenshin was leaning against her head and had his arm around her, his hand on her shoulder. Kaoru started shaking from a mixture of extreme anger and sadness. Kaoru screamed out, "Kenshin!!!" and dropped the painting to run inside. She picked up a wooden sword and started swinging it at the air to vent her frustration. Yahiko stepped over to look at the painting. He whistled in awe and shook his head. He looked to Kaoru who was now hitting a dummy with the sword. Oh man, Yahiko thought, what's this going to come to? He too stepped inside the dojo and started to train some more.
Jenn walked in the door of the house only to be excitedly grabbed by Brandy. Brandy was wearing a blue shirt, slitted oriental style on the sides, with a short dark blue skirt. Other than that she was barefoot with her hair down normal. Her eyes glittered excitedly. "Come on Jenn! Hurry up and get changed! I've got something planned(" Brandy said happily. Jenn quickly changed as she asked and returned to the room in a short, slitted dark purple dress. She also wore a thin leg covering and had her hair in a long braided ponytail. She promptly walked over to Brandy and asked, "So, what's up?"
Brandy quietly answered as she pulled out a glass bottle. "I was saving this for an emergency but how do you think the boys would like to try a foreign drink. Jenn assumed she meant soda. "I think that would be interesting," Jenn replied as she too, pulled out a bottle. The girls walked to the room with all the pillows were the boys were now sitting. The two looked up as they walked in. Sano playfully let out a wolf whistle and elbowed Kenshin in the side. Jenn replied with a smooth smile and Brandy did the same. Brandy happily pranced over to Kenshin and asked sweetly, "How would you like to try a drink from our country?" Kenshin didn't see any reason to reject and answered with an "Okay." Jenn leaned against Sanosuke and asked, "How about you, are you interested?" He replied with a strong, "Yeah!" Jenn grinned widely at his reaction.
Brandy poured some of the drink in her bottle into a cup and was about to give it to Kenshin when Jenn noticed the label and interrupted. "No don't give him that, he should try this!" Jenn protested as she poured a cup of the drink from her bottle. Neither Sano nor Kenshin could read the foreign labels but they could tell they were clearly different. "No!" Brandy said, "Try this!" Brandy poured another cup and was about to move across the room. "Absolutely not!" Jenn loudly said as she shoved Sano a cup of her drink. "Don't drink that crap first!" Brandy yelled knocking the cup out of Sano's hand. Sano's expression sank in disappointment. Jenn growled and lunged to grab Brandy. But Brandy seen it coming and grabbed Jenn at the same instant. The two were so busy yelling and growling in each other's faces that they did not notice when the bottles went missing from their hands.
The argument came to a screeching halt when Sano's voice said, "Hey, this pretty good!" Kenshin's voice was also heard, "I agree, Sano." The girls quickly let each other go and turned to face the boys. Kenshin was holding Brandy's bottle and Sano was holding Jenn's bottle. The girl's faces showed a high state of shock. Both boys wiped their mouths as they finished the bottles. "That was very good, thank you," Kenshin said very satisfied. "Yeah, thanks a lot!" Sano said leaning back happily. Both girls looked at each other apologetically and sunk to the floor with a sigh.
"Well what are we going to eat for dinner tonight?" Brandy asked. There was a thinking silence for a moment. All the sudden Jenn's face brightened and she snapped her fingers. Brandy could practically see the light bulb turn on. "I know!" Jenn responded happily. "How about we go out to eat tonight(?" Brandy's stomach admitted how good that sounded as it rumbled. "Sound's good to me!" Brandy cheerfully replied, obviously hungry. The boys voiced their agreement to the proposal and in a short time all four were walking down the road in town. They walked two by two, arm in arm, in the arrangement you could expect.
They walked at an average pace and were admiring the sunset as they walked. The boys were busy looking at the sky and sneaking glances at the girls to notice that they walked them right into the Akebeko. It was quite a familiar restaurant to those two. Quite to the girl's advantage, a waitress they were unfamiliar with seated them. They ordered tea, sake, and an extra large bowl of beef stew. They talked while they waited for the food to arrive. They were busy talking when a little girl brought out their drinks. She looked at them and a short gasp escaped her. Had they not been talking they might have noticed that Tsubame was the one who brought their drinks. She quickly headed to the back of the restaurant.
In the meantime the main course came out. They all dug in but they took their time eating. A restaurant was always a fun experience. Brandy was talking with Kenshin quite a bit while she hung on him. However she noticed Jenn was busy thinking and wasn't doing much talking at all. It she had let her face show it, Brandy would now have a mischievous grin. She remembered what had happened last time with Jenn and the Sake. She decided now to loosen Jenn up without her knowing it. Each time Jenn asked for a refill of tea Brandy added an increasing amount of Sake. Once Jenn was lightly blushed she stopped. No need to get ridiculous here, but at home perhaps sometime... Brandy watched Jenn as she continued eating. Jenn broke out in giggles now when Sano talked to her. It wasn't long before she was hanging on him, pouring his drinks and helping him eat his food. Jenn smiled at Brandy at one time. Brandy knew by her eyes that Jenn knew what she had done. But she clearly did not object as she playfully continued what she was doing before. Brandy had to smile when Sanosuke himself was becoming pink and he allowed a purring Jenn to sneak under his arm.
Things came to an awkward stop when the owner of the restaurant, Miss Tai, came out of the kitchen flustered with Tsubame at her side. She determinedly came up to them. Kenshin and Sano's jaw dropped at seeing her. She was talking to Tsubame about not believing something when she looked at the state of the group with Kenshin and Sano. Brandy was hanging on Kenshin and Jenn was snuggled tightly with Sano's arm around her. The latter two were rather pink in the cheeks. Two blonde girls, foreigners? With Kenshin and Sanosuke!? Tai could not believe it. "Kenshin, Sanosuke! Wha...? I don't... this....I can't believe this!" Tai knew she couldn't say anymore without causing a scene, which would be really bad for business. Tsubame seemed confused as Tai took her back to the kitchen and didn't explain a thing. Tai knew it wasn't fair to be angry but she felt sorry for Kaoru. Sanosuke was one thing, but Kenshin?
Back at the table the group finished quickly, thanks to Brandy trying to get them out of there. That woman could mean trouble. They stepped out of the restaurant quickly, but they walked slowly back. Kenshin and Brandy admired the night sky. Sano and Jenn attempted to do the same but were often too busy trying to keep the other from stumbling. It was peaceful and they all were in a good mood when they got back to the house. Jenn and Sano didn't even bother going to their rooms but instead crashed in the room with the pillows. They were both out in minutes. Both Brandy and Kenshin couldn't help but find this a cute scene. They were both sitting up and Jenn was asleep holding close to Sano.
When Brandy asked Kenshin said that he too was tired. Before either went up they covered the two on the floor with blankets, so they did not catch cold. They went up the stairs and led Kenshin to his door. He said goodnight with a sweet smile a Brandy hugged him from behind, before she went to her own room. She let go and turned to leave and Kenshin politely returned the hug from behind. Kenshin went to sleep directly after that. Brandy went to her room and slipped under the covers. She smiled as she thought about everything that happened today and blew out the light.
Day 3 Bloopers and Extras
The Letter- Katsumi Sagara; Interesting...
Yahiko sat looking over the letter that came with the painting. Kaoru, now dressed to fight was still swinging the sword. Yahiko had read the letter several times but failed to pick up on anything out of the ordinary. This time however, the end stuck out. "My thanks, Miss Kamiya, Katsumi Sagara," Yahiko read the end out loud. "Wait a sec... Katsumi Sagara?! Hey Kaoru!" Yahiko yelled over at her. "Shut up midget, I'm busy," She moodily answered. "But Kaoru, Katsumi Sagara. Sagara, ya know, Sanosuke?" "Stupid coincidence," Kaoru responded, swinging slightly harder. Yahiko thought about it for a minute and then thought of an idea. "Hey, you said there was a blonde hanging on Sano too, right? Well maybe she married him!" Kaoru looked over fiercely, "Don't say such things, Yahiko!" Kaoru was swinging really hard now. "Besides, she was blonde, therefore foreign. She would not have a Japanese name. Duh, Yahiko!" Yahiko fumed at himself, Darn it! I let her be right again!!
Steps- rubbing it in
On the restaurant, the road the four were taking was quickly changing its elevation. Because of it there were many steps through out that part of the path. Brandy and Kenshin went up the steps first. When they reached the top Jenn and Sano started to go up. However before they got far Brandy had to comment. "Be careful, watch those steps you two!" Brandy laughed quietly and smiled toward Kenshin about it. He was completely clueless, then Brandy remembered that he wasn't there. She was about to fill him in when Jenn and Sano got to the top. The look they gave her made her refrain from doing so but she couldn't help but laugh. Every other set of steps went the same. Kenshin went along with it, never knowing what was going on. "Oh, watch them steps!" "Watch it those are tricky!" "Don't fall now!" By the time they got off that path Sano and Jenn had distorted, red, angry faces. Brandy was still laughing. Kenshin felt a growing evil, violent presence behind him that he did not recognize. Worried he grabbed Brandy and ran saying, "Something bad is going on, we are in danger. I can feel it." Brandy couldn't keep up, laughing hard. She fell over at one point. Kenshin turned around to help her up only to see two large red faces right at him. Neither looked happy either. "Dangerous huh?" Jenn furiously asked. Sano was slamming his fist in his hand. Kenshin did not remember the incident after that.