A Fanfiction written by: RoyalJester
DICLAIMER- I do not own Rurouni Kenshin
NOTE chapter 7 edited!! YAY!!
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Two maids twirled around the slim figure making sure every strand picked, and the silk was smooth as one tugged on the butterfly obi tightening it. They stood back and smiled at their creation. Kamiya Kaoru was a woman, well, dressed as one to put it. Training her to be respectful and mind her tongue would be the challenge, but there was no time for that now. Kamiya jumped down from the stool in her new silk kimono with difficulty, the sode (sleeve) went passed her hands covering them fully, she glanced at herself in the full-length mirror and held back a shriek.
Her kimono was bright neon pink with little white flowers in big bunches placed mysteriously around the outfit with no pattern. Her butterfly obi belt was yellow matching her hair ribbon that held her hair up high from her face. It was quite the hassle to keep the maids from touching her hair.
The maids smiled as they bowed low and left with a flash. Kaoru stared at herself. 'What did I get myself into?' she asked herself as she cringed at the sight of herself. A gentle knock echoed through her room as she walked over with difficulty on her vinyl getas. With each step she took, she gently leaned forward, she instantly felt as if she would fall as she slid the door open.
"Ah, Kaoru. It's lovely to see that you are dressed appropriately for the occasion you are attending tonight." Megumi said as she smiled gently at her sister. Kaoru sighed.
"You can laugh at me later Megumi-chan" Megumi laughed gently at the label.
"You look beautiful Kao-chan. I only regret not being able to go myself." Kaoru cocked an eyebrow at her seriousness.
"You're not going to be there?" She shook her head.
"I've been requested to go to the village near here. I will return by morning I suspect." Megumi said as she turned away, Kaoru watched her leave as she turned the other way, her getas clicking with each step.
"Well, Haruki-sama, you will see that my school is different then yours. Better in more ways then one," Shihami said as he sat at the head of the table, his eyes watching his competition. Haruki owns a school north about 30 miles, they have been fighting for years over whose school is the better of the two but they had remained friends.
"And what ways are there Shi-sama" Haruki asked as he rose the teacup to his lips, the steam brushed against his slightly wrinkled skin as he awaited an answer. Two of the guards stood aside from the sliding door as it opened. The 3 men rose, except for Shihami and Haruki who sat waiting. In walked Kaoru who looked awkwardly at the 5 men that were staring at her. Soujirou smirked at her as if trying to fight back something rude about her attire as he walked over to her; he smiled gently as he took her hand in his.
"May I introduce my guest of honor, Kamiya Kaoru" Kaoru only recognized 3 of the men, but the other two were new to her as she sat by Soujirou who quickly let go of her hand as soon as she sat.
"And what are you trying to prove here Shihami? That you have more servants than I?" Kaoru stared at him in shock, she heard Souji snicker slightly as she glared at him.
"Pardon me, but I am no servant" Haruki seemed shock at a woman speaking to him without permission.
"Well, a proper lady would speak when spoken to."
"And a proper gentleman would introduce himself to those he has not met" Kaoru flared back, Shihami coughed as tea got stuck in his throat, Aoshi sighed as Souji laughed, the mystery men were both stunned.
"I am Haruki, owner of the school not too far away" Kaoru nodded.
"And I am Hisaki, his personal guard" A younger man said, his brown eyes watched Kaoru as if expecting her to attack.
"Please excuse Kamiya, she has not been having an easy life. She is a student and sensei of here." Shihami stated.
The two men turned to look at the master in surprise, a woman...learning to fight? At a school like this! Both Haruki and Hisaki laughed.
"You still carry humor in your old blood" Haruki said as he wiped his near blind blue eyes.
"It is true, Kamiya is a sensei here, she teachers first years and is a fourth year herself. She is very talented" Aoshi said, his voice remained emotionless as everyone glanced at him. Kaoru smiled slightly at being defended, especially from someone as powerful as him, Aoshi rose and bowed. "If you will excuse me, I have something that needs taken care of." He swept out of the room as Shihami smirked.
"Off to see his Fiancée of course, he happens to be marrying Kamiya's sister" Shihami bragged. Souji sighed loudly.
"Father, do not start."
"I wasn't going to" They both glanced at one another, their eyes met. Kaoru let out a sigh. She twirled her chopsticks around as the four remaining men talked about an upcoming war that was driving Kaoru insane. Souji gently pushed Kaoru who quickly shot up straight; she noticed they were all looking at her.
"Yes?"
"Well, we thought it would be wise if we got a woman's opinion about the war about to take place." Kaoru smiled slightly.
"I personally do not believe in wars anymore, everything can be settled if everyone just talked to one another..." Everyone was silent as they let her answer soak in, laughter brought out.
"Kamiya, you honestly believe that an agreement can be made with a manslayer?" Shihami remained silent as he listened to his student.
"Even a manslayer can be broken through, that is what I believe Kamiya is trying to say," Soujirou said, his face expressionless as he stared off in space, he had been thinking a bout what Kaoru had been saying and he had to admit, she was very brave and fiery. He was slowly piecing her life together, but was still missing the major chunks. Kaoru stared at him in surprise. 'Did he just defend me?' she thought to herself as she watched him.
Soujirou shook his head slightly with a bright smile on his face.
"Then again, what do I know? It was just my foolish talk" Soujirou said to protect himself. Kaoru turned back trying hard not to yell as Shihami and Haruki nodded in agreement.
"I must be heading off now, it was great seeing you again my old friend." Haruki said as he bowed slightly, Hisaki led the way out as Haruki turned back around to Kaoru. He bowed.
"I do hope we meet again." Kaoru nodded as he turned away and left. She then bowed to the two remaining men and took off.
"Kamiya, I would like to speak with you, if you are able to of course." Shihami asked as Kaoru nodded.
"Of course Shi-sama" Shihami sat back down as both Souji and Kaoru stood, waiting.
"I want to thank you for staying during this little get-to-gather. I assure you that the next one will be more entertaining for you ladies. If I may ask, but, do you honestly think that we can settle this war by simple talk?" Kaoru stayed silent as she stared at him, his eyes full of hope. She still had no idea what the war was about.
"By what I have heard...I don't believe so" She took off in a hurry, she didn't believe in wars anymore, no more blood, no more pain. She will not fight. But, with the slaughter being taken place, there is nothing to do. They must fight back. Soujirou watched after her in worry as he stood up and bowed to his father.
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Rain started pounding against the ground as Aoshi walked into the village, he came across a small building with a pot as the sign, he pushed the dark blue cloth curtain to the side as he stepped in. Fumes filled his nose as ice crystals of rain fell from his raven hair, his icy blue eyes full of curiosity as he heard a soft voice reassuring someone. He stayed in his spot when the girl he was looking for came in; she jumped back from surprise as she stared at him. Aoshi watched her, he missed her so much, even if she was gone for only a few hours. They had been spending every day together, each teaching the other something new about life.
"Aoshi-sama, I've missed you," She whispered, she glanced him up and down and smiled slightly as he soaked the floor. "You're soaking wet, please come by the fire" she took his hand in hers and pulled him next to the fireplace with a blazing fire, she set a blanket down for him to dry up when he grabbed her hand gently turning her to face him, mere inches apart he gently brushed his wet nose along her cheek, Megumi turned away slightly as she turned to stare at the fire.
"I will not steal a kiss from you until our wedding day, all I wish of is to be near you." he whispered in her ear, Megumi put her head into his chest as he wrapped his arms around her tightly never wanting to let go.
"I love you Meg-san"
"I love you, forever and always my Aoshi-sama."
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Kaoru ran down the hall as her hand trailed along the wall, memories passed through her mind that she will never forget.
(Flashback)
"It...it's Hitokiri Battousai!" Taniko whispered to her partner.
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"Ashishu the famous thief...is a woman?" An officer shouted. "Not only that, but she works at the dojo! That's Kamiya Kaoru!" a guard shouted.
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"Leave Taniko be..." Kaoru whispered in fear of her friend's life. The officers laughed as one slammed his sword with its sheath on into Taniko's back that flailed forward and fell to the ground where another officer began beating her. "LEAVE HER ALONE!" Kaoru screamed.
"Take her down!" Another officer called out as they all began slamming their swords at Kaoru causing her to fall to the ground shielding her dearest friend from harm.
(End of Flashbacks)
Kaoru fell to the ground; she was clenching the wall for dear life as she cried out her friend's name. 'Taniko...what have I done?'
"Kamiya!" A voice called out behind her, Kaoru's head snapped back and saw a running figure coming closer, she quickly rose wiping her face off incase of any sign she had been crying. Her eyes turned into slits as she stared at the figure that had followed her.
"And what is it you want Seta-sama?" She asked as she bowed slightly, Souji stared at her observantly.
"Are you alright Kamiya?" Kaoru turned away as she began walking to her room.
"You do not care so there is no reason why I should tell you," She clearly stated her head held high. Soujirou caught up and stood before her, she tried to walk but he stood in her way.
"Kaoru-chan...I may not deserve to worry about you, and I certainly do not, but it is my duty to walk my guest back to her room or to where she wishes," she stared at him in fury.
"My wish is for you to leave me alone Seta-sama, and you will grant it quickly" she hissed, Soujirou nodded as he stepped out of her way, she quickly marched off as he quickly walked next to her.
"Why do you fear fighting?"
"That is none of your business"
"Of course it's not, I was just wondering how someone like yourself could be easily scared off as a simple word as war." Kaoru froze, her mouth opened slightly at his words, she quickly flung back and slapped him as hard as she could manage as she shook with fury at his harsh words. He knew nothing of her!
Soujirou's head flung to the side where he just stared at a painting in shock, did that just happen? He was trying to be nice and he got this in return? His cheek slowly began to tingle bringing feeling back into it as he turned to stare at the red-faced girl, her hand beet red but she didn't care or even feel it for that matter.
"Kamiya...I will let you get away with that for now...but I still want to know, I've heard of you a while ago, saving villages...no matter what the cost was. You never cared about killing before, so why now?" He asked full of curiosity as his cheek pumped.
Kaoru stared at him, just stared. He was being nice to her, well, as nice as he ever got before, even after she slapped him. Why does he care?
"My. My friend was murdered and it's because of me," She quickly turned her head to the side, why was she telling him? Him of all people! "You can say...I've made an oath to not kill again...but for revenge I will slay the man that had shortened my friends life...and I shall." Kaoru whispered as Souji listened, then he did something neither of them will ever forget...he took her hand in his and put a small pendant in the center of it.
"And I will help you...good night Kaoru-chan" he turned away as Kaoru blushed slightly watching after him, she turned to stare at the pendent in aw. It was a small branch with many twigs woven together, it was smaller then her palm that had a pearl in the center. It looked as if it were for her hair. She quickly looked up to see Soujirou gone; she nodded as she slid her door open and walked in. The same blush still on her cheeks as she cursed herself for what she was doing and how she reacted. It was Souji for goodness sakes! She smiled at his offer of helping her. "I only wish someone could..."
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A blade swished through the air as it twisted around her head and behind her back where her class stood speechless. They were amazed with her skills and talents at holding a sword. Many thought she was a sword goddess that just did tricks for money for a town near by. But she was real as she walked down the line of the first years that each read readiness in their eyes. She would not be able to teach them for a week while she was gone with the competition so she must have them train themselves because she doesn't trust anyone else at this school who would teach them the correct way to fight, unlike what the others taught their students.
"I have put trust in all of you to do your own teachings while I am gone at this competition which I wish I hadn't taken apart of, but there is nothing I can do. You each have a partner and you will stay with that partner for the entire week where you will learn how to defend one another with your bokkens and strokes. Is that understood?" Kaoru asked as she looked along the many students who nodded.
"Yes sensei" they called out together, Kaoru nodded at them releasing them, they all scattered around the field to do their practices as Kaoru sheathed her new sword she had taken from the forgotten shack. She walked away leaving them to learn from their own experiences so she could have some time to think.
As she walked up the grassy hill she couldn't help but think of what Soujirou had said...and the way he had acted around her. She smiled as she sat on the top of the hill, she could see classes in the distance improving their skills, her hair moved in the wind as she fell back staring up at the sky. She hadn't seen her sister who had began to worry her and her sister's safety. Kaoru took a deep breath of air as she closed her eyes. The heat from the sun relaxing her as the cool breeze whisked her face gently.
Soujirou was taking a quick walk when he spotted a figure lying in the grass; he squinted his eyes and smirked as he recognized her. He was slightly confused though - didn't he hate her? Well, maybe he doesn't hate her anymore.... Maybe he was just kidding himself all together. Ever since he had heard her past, he opened his eyes at how free she was in the world and how it must feel to be somewhere where everyone wants to rid her. He had to admit, she was strong...very strong mentally and physically, he actually admired her. He smirked at himself as he remembered the blush she had when he gave her the pendant. It was a beautiful pendant he must agree, but she deserves it for going through that dinner the night before, it was boring for him as well.
He was near her when he smirked. "Ah, Kamiya, and what are you doing out here when you should be teaching your class?" He said, playfulness lingering. Kaoru shot up in shock, she turned around to see Souji leaning against a tree, his bright blue eyes sparkling as his usual smile was on his face. Kaoru sighed.
"I trust my students Seta-sama, and I believe that whatever they do, it will be the right choice." she said, Souji rolled his eyes. 'always with those answers that don't answer the question'
Kaoru stood up and brushed off her violet robes as she walked away from Soujirou who jogged up to her.
"In a conversation, you usually do not leave right in the middle of it," he said smirking as he walked next to her.
"As you can see, I don't care whether you talk to me or not" Souji's eyes widened slightly in surprise.
"Well, from the blush from last night, I thought you liked my presence" Kaoru froze as she fought back a blush.
"And I thought the fact that your right cheek is now puffy, that you would've figured out I do not enjoy your presence." She continued on her way as Soujirou walked along.
"Well...good day Kamiya" he said as he nodded at her and walked off. Kaoru rolled her eyes at his actions as she entered the school, a smile released it self on her face as she shook her head. Soujirou.
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Misao rose from her slumber, she stared along the rows of cots that laid in the room, she quickly tip-toed out of the room to meet with her friend and sensei Kamiya Kaoru. She walked down the dark hallway as she reached the window near the forgotten shack where she creaked the window open; she slipped out of the crack as she jumped 5 feet onto the ground. Misao pulled her thin woven cotton haori. As she came closer she heard clinging...Kaoru was practicing.
Kaoru jumped in the air with her old katana, she stared at the straw-made person she had created, she quickly flipped her sword around and slammed the blunt side onto the figures head. She then pushed her body weight and kicked herself backwards; sweat dripped down her face and into her eyes as it stung making her partially blind for the moment. She then heard someone enter; she quickly flipped around, her hair sticking to her face as it stuck against it from the sweat. Kaoru instantly smiled and bowed.
"Good evening Misao, how was your day?" She asked, Misao smiled.
"It was great, and yours?" Kaoru smiled and put her katana down on the ground.
"Quite fine. Let's continue on your Kecho Giri (1)" Misao nodded as she stretched her arms over her head. Kaoru stood in the middle of the room waiting.
"Where's the dummy?" Misao asked looking around the room, Kaoru smiled.
"We will work on a moving target this time. I am your target, if you mess up, I will fight back. So please go all out," Kaoru said as she closed her eyes, she opened them up watching Misao carefully. Misao stared at her as if she was batty as she nodded.
Misao calmed her breathing as she started running towards Kaoru, she quickly jumped up in the air as Kaoru was still. The student then let out a war cry as she flung her right leg in the air hoping to hit her target; instead she was grabbed and was thrown backwards where she fell back gently. Kaoru stood at her same spot as Misao started attacking once again.
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Soujirou had heard noises as he walked out near the forest, he then found the source of the noise, it was inside of a shack He snuck towards it and quickly peeked through the window where he saw Kaoru and the servant girl he had yelled at not so long ago. 'what is she doing?' he asked himself, he suddenly saw piercing blue eyes staring at him as he duck quickly. Kaoru was thrown off guard as a foot was slammed against her head throwing her back. Misao let out a scream of apologies as she laughed.
"Misao, it's ok, it's what you were suppose to go. And I must say...who ever gets a hit like that...I give them mercy" Misao laughed as she helped her friend up.
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A mysterious guard walked along the plains in the night protecting his masters school when he suddenly heard screaming. He quickly took off in a sprint towards the noise where he was led to a small shack, he tip-toed up to a window as he quickly snuck a peek. His eyes widened slightly as he scurried off to warn his leader.
Konjiro was on duty tonight as he sat inside, his eyes narrowed slightly as he took a long drag of his cigarette, he calmed down instantly as he gently closed his eyes as he blew the smoke out slowly. He peeked through one eye as he heard shouting and feet stomping. He noticed one of his guards that were suppose to be at the plains.
"What is it?" Konjiro asked coldly as his pale eyes watched him; he put his cigarette out on the ground as he stomped on it. The younger guard was in fright as he quickly explained what he had seen. Konjiro smirked slightly in pleasure. "Take me to her" He said as he followed the running guard.
The guard stopped suddenly as Konjiro spotted the forgotten shack, he marched forward there he spotted the useless student of his teaching a servant! That was against the rules and she must be punished! Konjiro walked into the forgotten shack and grabbed Kaoru by the hair quickly, he let out a laugh at her wide eyes that had shown surprise. Misao was horror-struck as the stern sensei pushed her to the ground and stepped over her. The stern sensei couldn't help but laugh as Kaoru flailed around trying to escape from his death-grip.
Soujirou stood up as he watched his sensei dragged Kaoru back into the school where he followed closely, he cringed at the screams he heard escape from this woman warrior.
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Kaoru held back head-splitting screams as she was literally dragged by the hair into the entrance hall of the school where many guards sat up and watched the scene. Konjiro threw Kaoru into the center where a crowd had formed around her. Kaoru quickly rose, her eyes flashing with danger as her hair now fell passed her shoulder, the ribbon had been ripped out as her face was bright red from holding in the pain.
"Kamiya Kaoru, you are charged with the teachings of a servant, and you are found guilty by me and will be punished by me" he said dangerously, Kaoru stared at him, you could tell she was waiting to attack, waiting for the right moment.
"There is nothing wrong with what I have done"
"Teaching a servant is the worst rule to be broken Kamiya, and believe me...Shi-sama will agree with me! Guards, call everyone into the dining hall, NOW!" He screamed as he once again grabbed Kaoru, this time she fought back, but was unable to stop him as he kicked her leg and she fell to the ground. Before she could hit the ground though, Konjiro had a grip on her hair catching her. Konjiro dragged her into the dining hall where she was thrown on her knees on the stage. She buried her head under her self as she laid on her knees, scrunched up in a ball, she then heard scattering of people entering and whispering curiously.
'Whats going on?!' she asked herself, she felt tears coming up but pushed them back down. She then heard a deep voice.
"What is going on here Konjiro?!" Shihami called out as he marched forward, his students made a pathway for his entrance.
"Kamiya Kaoru has been found teaching a servant how to fight..." Shihami's pale eyes turned to the small figure on the ground.
"Father – you must under-" Soujirou began but was silenced by the raise of his father's hand.
"Is this true Kamiya?" Shihami asked as everyone held their breath; they knew what was about to happen.
"Yes Shi-sama...it is true, and I do not regret it!" she called out in fury still in her position, she couldn't move, maybe it was from fear...but there was nothing she could do. She wishes she could run, run away but she was stuck.
"Did you hear how she disgraces everyone at this school master? You should not have let this scum in the school!" Shihami bowed his head signaling for him to continue.
Soujirou watched, horror-struck that his father was doing nothing...he himself could do nothing as he just stood, he looked around the room, as everyone was silent, waiting. Konjiro grabbed a bokken and smiled as he circled around his prey. He kneeled down slightly and quickly whispered to Kaoru, "I will enjoy every second of this..."
He stood back up and circled around her once again, he twirled the bokken around his body as he jumped in the air slamming the bokken onto her back where she quenched her eyes tightly holding the pain in, she could feel her skin break in two as blood dripped down her body. Another whack and she couldn't hold it in, she screamed, she let out a piercing scream that could wake the dead. Her bones cracked as she was slammed into the ground, blood started coming slowly out of her mouth onto the ground as everyone watched.
She didn't feel anything...she just laid there, she could hear nothing as she saw students mouths moving, arguing or cheering she didn't know. She just laid there...maybe she was finally going through the pain she thought she should have...maybe she wanted this all along...a way to get out. A way to receive the punishment she deserved a long time ago. She laid there not doing anything, there was nothing to do...but just wait as she met blue eyes with hers.
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1) Kecho Giri – flying kick to the head.
NOTE There was a lil Souji/Kaoru!! YAY FOR ME!!! YAY!!! Lol. Well...theres chapter 7 edited!!