Disclaimer: The Princess Bride and Rurouni Kenshin aren't mine, so don't feel obliged to sue me.
Author's note: *yells in manner of Mushu from 'Mulan'* I LIVE!!!!! *rises from the floor amid cute sparkles and fluffy pink clouds* … *giggle* Thanks for the various wake-up calls and items of comfort provided by all of you. I greatly appreciate it! *glomp*
Well, I'm back at college now, so it's harder to update every five days as promised, but because I did promise, I will work hard and do it anyway. ^_^ Enjoy the action!
And for any still wondering: the book you're after is by William Goldman, aka S Morgenstern. ^_^ Happy reading!
The Princess Bride: Kenshin Style ThirteenKaoru had no idea how long she was unconscious for that time. She woke up to the same sounds of water going slap-slap, slap-slap and the sail creaking, and the same feelings of cool night air and a blanket over her. She didn't even stop to think, in case Hoji guessed as he had guessed she wasn't asleep before.
She threw herself over the side.
She dived deep, as deep as she could, kicking her legs furiously, desperately hoping her tied hands wouldn't cause her to drown. She kept going, as far as she dared, before surfacing for breath. She gasped the cool air into her lungs, wishing she hadn't been dressed in full formal wear: the obi had been tied fairly snugly, and she couldn't breathe as deeply as she wanted to. It restricted her kicks somewhat, as well.
She kept her legs kicking despite the kimono, and took the deepest breaths she could, willing herself to stay above the dark waves.
Voices sounded out in the night air. "Get in, get her back! Now, you idiot!"
She recognised Hoji's voice barking those orders. She tried to paddle her way further from the voice.
"I don't know how to swim- only kind of dog paddling," said the street-fighter's growling voice in annoyance, and a tad defensively.
"I don't really either. And I don't think I'd be able to swim back holding onto her. Sorry, Hoji," said the boy cheerfully, though apologetically.
I might just escape then! thought Kaoru to herself, with a new spark of determination.
Which was cut suddenly off when something brushed by one of her feet. She kicked violently away from it, bringing up a splash from the horribly black water.
"There! I heard her kicking! Left, left!" Hoji cried. Kaoru could just see him leaning over the side of the boat, staring searchingly in her direction. She kept her head low in the water, hoping her black hair would hide her in the midst of the water, thanking her lucky stars that the clouds were covering the moon and hiding her in darkness.
She calmed herself, and began a backstroke, a little difficult without the proper use of her arms, but very quiet all the same. She was slipping from their grasp.
"Damn it, where is she?" yelled Hoji angrily.
"Don't worry, Hoji: if we don't get her, the eels will," smiled Soujiro helpfully.
That was when the first shriek rang out. Not very far off, either.
Kaoru started trembling. The shriek was haunting: shrill and bloodcurdling. It was simply the most awful sound anyone could hear when they were swimming in pitch darkness in unknown water, with assassins nearby and nothingness on all sides. Kaoru tried to fight back panic.
"Did you hear that, Princess?" smirked Hoji. "That was the sound of the shrieking eels! This water is infested with them."
Another shriek sounded out. Nearer. Kaoru instinctively tried to curl up in a defensive ball, but she couldn't stay afloat if she did that. She desperately kicked her legs beneath her, glancing all around wildly. It was so dark.
"They may seem loud now, but just wait. The smell of blood gets them going like nothing else. If you don't come back right now, I'll slice my arm, collect the blood in a cup, and throw it over the water as far as I can. Then you'll see just how crazy they can get.
"Those eels will eat you alive. And they're getting closer."
Kaoru was having to try really hard not to panic by this point. A small chorus of shrieks, from various directions around her, followed the second cry. They were getting closer: Hoji was right.
But what was the point? If she went back, she would be killed anyway. There didn't seem to be much difference between her two choices.
"If you come back, I swear you will die without pain. The eels will not be so thoughtful, I can assure you of that."
How did Hoji always seem to guess what she was thinking?
Kaoru was still unsure. She dreaded going back to that boat: it seemed that anything was better than returning to assassins who would certainly kill her. Perhaps she could escape the eels?
She heard a wincing sound.
"He just cut his arm, lady," said the street fighter.
Kaoru waited, listening to the small shrieks still echoing about on the rippling water.
There was another wince.
"He cut his other arm now. The cup is pretty full," continued the street fighter.
They were bluffing. Kaoru was sure they were bluffing. They wouldn't really cut themselves and make eel-food out of her, would they? They wouldn't get paid if she died here. They weren't really going to throw blood in the water.
"Make your choice, Princess!" yelled Hoji furiously.
I'm not making a single sound, thought Kaoru decidedly. Hoji didn't wait for her silence to last very long.
"FINE!"
There came the splash of liquid landing on liquid.
There was a silent, agonising pause.
Then the eels went mad…
Slick, twining bodies brushed and bumped against Kaoru from all sides, confusing and terrifying her. She spun around again and again, trying to fight her way free of the horrid creatures that closed in on her, but she couldn't see anything in the blackness and her fear only stole her sense and courage from her.
A shriek rang out shrilly right behind her, and she spun again to see a spiked, slimy grey spine slip above the surface of the tossing water. Tails had begun to thrash all around her in a frenzy, making wild splashes that hit and blinded Kaoru. There was a constant chorus of faint shrieks that seemed to be coming from every direction. Kaoru lost track of the eel that had risen above the water in the confusion.
Another horrifically piercing shriek sounded out on Kaoru's other side, and she turned just in time to see a tail lash menacingly several metres away, before the massive eel began its charge.
It swept towards her with terrorising speed, in a dead straight line, and as it closed in on her, its great ugly grey head rose above the black water, eyes dull and spinning in fury, jaws gaping and glistening in the darkness.
This was it: she was in Big Trouble. There was no way she could escape this. She was a dead cookie.
The eel was closing in faster than you could blink, its ghastly mouth, full of sharp teeth, gaping even wider.
Kaoru panicked.
She tried to back away in the water, but the eels were all around her, and the one charging her was too fast. Before she could even scream, it was upon her.
She closed her eyes at the last moment, her knees already drawn up to her chest defensively, completely petrified.
A hand grabbed her by the collar, then another around her waist, and she was dragged over the side of a boat.
She was released suddenly, and she collapsed to the bottom of the boat, panting, dripping and trembling. She blinked open her eyes, her gaze darting about fearfully. Her knees had turned to jelly and she could barely sit up properly. That had been by far the most terrifying experience of her young life.
As she crouched, half-lying on the planking, cringing instinctively away from the side of the boat, Hoji dropped down to kneel in front of her, staring straight into her wide eyes.
"Let that be a lesson, Princess. Don't try to escape again." He spoke with a finger pointing to her face accusingly, his voice spitting venomously.
Kaoru's courage returned to her as his anger grated against her shocked senses. She stared back at him defiantly, raising her face with all the pride and dignity she could muster.
"You flatter yourself, assassin, by thinking that I will need to escape. You insult me with your talk of 'lessons'." She took an angry breath, narrowing her eyes at Hoji and calming herself. She spoke her next words clearly.
"Prince Shishio will track you down, and kill you all. If you let me go free now, he may spare your lives," she said coldly.
Hoji sneered. "If I were you, I would be worrying about my own neck, Princess," he replied, adding her name in a tone dripping with sarcasm.
Kaoru ignored the comment, turning her face away from him, as if dismissing him from her presence. He disgusted her.
After a moment, he stood and stalked away, a particularly nasty expression on his face. It was fortunate that Kaoru did not see that look. It was enough that she knew they would kill her, without seeing the satisfaction Hoji would get from it.
Quiet fell over the group in the boat, a welcome pause to Kaoru after the encounter with the eels. Their shrieks had died away as they sailed peacefully on, though Kaoru still shivered a little now and then at the memory, and the thought of what had almost happened to her.
She escaped these thoughts by thinking about other things: about the kidnap itself, instead of the eels. She couldn't believe someone had decided to have her killed, just to provide an excuse for killing a group of rebels. Did the people sympathise with the group or something? Kaoru couldn't think of any other reason why something as drastic as this would be necessary, just to get bad public opinion about this 'rebel group'. Who were this group?
So many questions, and Kaoru couldn't seem to think of the answers to any of them. It made her feel frustrated before long, and she gave the whole train of thought up as hopeless. Hoji had had one thing right: she should be worrying for herself right then, not trying to figure out all the ins and outs of why and who and suchlike. It was all so complicated and hopeless, and Kaoru was stranded in the midst of it, helpless and alone.
Oh, how I miss Kenshin.
Kaoru blinked in surprise, wondering where the sudden thought had come from.
After a moment, she realised it was because she had stopped thinking about everything else. That was the thought that still seemed to catch her unawares when she wasn't busy thinking about something else.
She couldn't stop and dwell on that right now, though. It didn't help. She let her thoughts move on.
She began to look around at her surroundings again. Her wandering gaze alighted on the boy, who was perched on the other side of the boat, his back to the gentle night breeze, the same smile on his face still. One hand kept a reassuring grip on the edge of the boat's side, the other rested lightly on the handle of the sword at his side.
Kaoru let her gaze stay on him, on his soft, smiling eyes and hair, dark in the night's blackness, as it ruffled gently in the breeze. She couldn't help wondering if he was as bad as Hoji: he seemed so young and kind looking, and there was a curious kind of innocence about him.
But he will kill me all the same: and with that smile on his face all the while as well, probably.
Just then, the boy turned and looked back at Kaoru. His smile widened as he met her gaze, but as Kaoru saw that smile properly for the first time, she found herself feeling distanced from the boy, rather than drawn to him.
That smile had no warmth to it. It was a strange smile, thought Kaoru uncertainly. She shivered and looked away. His eyes left her a moment after.
"Hoji- is there any chance someone could be following us, do you think?" asked the boy.
Hoji didn't bother to turn as he spoke from the front of the boat. "It would be inconceivable. No one in Kyoto could possibly have discovered what we have done yet, and no one else knows the Princess, or could know how to find us."
There was a pause, as the boy leant forward, resting his chin on his hand, gazing into the night.
"Are you sure?" he asked, after a moment.
"I have just said, Soujiro: it would be completely and utterly and in all other ways inconceivable."
Hoji turned to look at the younger man. "Why do you ask?" he said, a little suspiciously.
"Oh, only because there is someone following us," replied Soujiro.
"What?!"
Hoji dived across to Soujiro's side, leaning forward to peer through the darkness. Kaoru lifted herself a little, just enough to see a speck of sail gleaming slightly in the night, far behind them. A small tremor flitted up and down her spine. She wondered why, suspecting it was fear again. The sail she had glanced had been black and ominous. She didn't like the look of it one bit.
"Inconceivable!" cried Hoji.
The street fighter approached them, looking at the far-off sail. "It looks like it's gaining on us," he commented.
Hoji whirled and turned on him. "I didn't ask for your opinion! Shut up and check the sail is full out: we must move as quickly as possible," he barked angrily.
As the street fighter went to do as he was told, grumbling in irritation, and Hoji paced the boat nervously, Kaoru kept thinking about how she had felt, seeing that sail. She couldn't decide if she wanted that boat to catch up with this one or not: certainly, these people meant to kill her; yet, somehow, she felt that the other boat held more anger and terror for her. She shivered again, chewing her bottom lip nervously.
The street fighter went to stand beside the boy. They both gazed out at the dark-sailed boat.
"It's definitely gaining on us, Soujiro," said the street fighter, in a low voice.
The boy nodded, his smile dying and leaving him with a gentle, calm expression. "I believe you're right, Sanosuke. It will catch us up by the time we reach the Cliffs of Insanity, I think."
Kaoru crouched back against the side of the boat. The Cliffs of Insanity: that was where they were headed. She held her tied hands crossed over her chest, and leant her chin down on her fingers with a decidedly worried look on her face, and tried not to think ahead too much.
They sailed on in near-silence as the black-sailed boat trailed after them through the darkness.
Author's note: Just a quick note: I went with the shrieking eels of the film, rather than the sharks of the book, because the eels have greater infamy, in my opinion anyway, and I think eels are more scary than sharks. Plus, the shrieks are too eerie and cool to miss out on. *creepy smile*
I hope you liked it, anyway! I know there wasn't really much forward motion, but it's all part of the build-up to the real excitement! *rubs hands together, chuckling with satisfaction* Ooh, I can't wait! *gleeful smile*
Oh, and for those wondering; the man in black will emerge properly next chapter, I believe. Part of the excitement!! ^_^
Well, until then!
Notes to reviewers: (it's actually getting insane, how long this takes, but hey, it makes me happy to reply to all of you ^_^
And we have HUGE replies today- I got carried away in my new-awakened enthusiasm! *sweatdrop* I only just realised, but this section has ended up as big as the chapter itself pretty much! *bigger sweatdrop*)
Thank you to Queen of Shadows (I sympathise with your plight- Cartoon Network are evil. I remember Nickelodeon committing a similar travesty with their erratic showings of Cardcaptors- I ended up buying Cardcaptor Sakura on ebay after much exasperation! Anyways, Kenshin's teacher was Hiko- you may recall his name from chapter seven, I believe it was. Hoji is a bad guy, from the Kyoto arc- Cartoon Network haven't got that far. Same idea goes for Soujiro, but you'll love it when he turns up, if you're anything like me! I love him to bits! *cuddles Sou-chan, who looks a bit scared* bless his lil cottons!), Mewberries (*claps hands over her ears to try and avoid the gong* .. *it didn't work* ouch… Well, at least it woke me up, right? *grin* ah, yes, the fight between Sano and Ken- I mean, the man in black should be fun *wink*), Cherry Delight (I hope you had a good day then! ^_^), silver-garcia (Don't worry, my health is stable now *smile* I won't die and leave you stranded with no conclusion! Thanks for the support on the cameo thing ^_^), MegumiFuu (*looks pointedly at man in black* *grins* I think that might have been a glance of him... ^_^ Thanks for the support on my choices. And yes, yay for Sou! *hugs him a little tightly for Soujiro's comfort* ^_^), VolleyGurly (Thank you! I dunno, the name Buttercup seemed to cheesy to me at first, but it seriously grew on me… I think it kinda worked in context. I mean, the Prince was called Humperdink! *giggles*, Celtic Oak (Thank you!! I wasn't quite sure of Hoji when I put him in, but he does seem to have taken to the role well enough. ^_^ And yes, I knew Soujiro as Inigo would pose a challenge.. but it's all just about having fun in the end, isn't it! And you got the shrieking eels as requested *grin*), InuYasha fan (*wink* You'll have to wait and see I'm afraid! Man I'm mean when it comes to mysteries… ^_^), Inuyashoko, Insert catchy name here, Mary (*sweatdrops as Sano leaps away from Mary and dives behind Akari's back, hiding* Oh dear… *Sano gazes at Akari with pleading eyes* … er… *Akari pauses doubtfully, then thinks…* Over here, Mary! *Akari joins Mary in grope-attacking sexy Sano* ^_^ yummy!), Awc (HA! I'm not dead! Mwahahaha! ^_^ Glad to hear I surprised you with Soujiro- I kinda wanted to surprise as many people as possible with that, being the mean and manipulative author that I am. ^_^ Hoji is the psycho in the suit who worships Shishio in the Kyoto arc.. have you seen it? Remember? Anyhoo, that's the guy! *pokes Kenshin with a stick* And yes, it IS about time you did something about this messy situation! Honestly, heroes these days… ^_^), LadyToFu (Gooder can be a word from now on. ^_^), Demon Neko-Chan (*wild glompage* Thank you! ^_^ Unfortunately tho, I had to withdraw cos the award is for 2002, and I started this fic earlier this year. But thank you SO MUCH for nominating me anyway- you have no idea how chuffed it made me! I couldn't stop grinning for ages! ^_^ Maybe next year, huh? *grin*), incoherence (There's you 'inconceivable'! *wink* I had to have him say it, it would have been a travesty to leave it out. Er.. *suddenly notices that she's tied to a chair* eh! SOUJIRO-SAMA! *Akari's gorgeous Tenken springs into action, cutting the ropes and freeing Akari* Ha! *sticks tongue out at incoherence and giggles* I win this round!), Blue*Faerie (Thank you for your lovely review! I'm glad you like the story so far ^_^), D45 (*wakes up to find she is being glomped* I feel so loved! *happy squirm- can't move enough to do the happy dance yet* I'm very happy to oblige on the refreshment-from-schoolwork front: I know the feeling of needing something, anything that isn't evil coursework etc to wind down. Glad to be of service! ^_^ *notices Shishio's limp form and bursts out laughing* So, someone got him at last! Kudos to you! Hurrah! *pokes Shishio with a stick while other fans keep poking with pencils* Sticks are such useful things… Oh, as for the time gap: I decided a five year gap didn't work so well in my telling of events- it would've mussed up the RK tie-ins a little for me, so I reduced it to a few months. Hope that's okay! And I do feel much better thank you! *glomp* Seeya soon!), pretty Luthien (Yep, that's Sano! *grin* As for where Kenshin is… all will be revealed in due course. ^_^), Redhead Samurai (*wakes up and wonders why there is water all over her* er… anyway… *grin* Thanks for the support on my choices! ^_^), NachoManLance (Give me another one! *laughs* Sorry, I like nice reviews. Thank you for yours. ^_^), Alec Ikiiki (Ah, Hoji was a bad guy in the Kyoto arc- a bit of a psycho-in-a-suit, as I recall. And Sano was cast for his strength- his stupidity is only really focused around his amazing ability to get lost so often *giggles* and that he isn't always all that discreet… *laughs* But I love him, it is the strength that decided it really. ^_^ Thanks for the encouragement! I hope your friends like it, for some reason it makes me nervous that they'd see it… *this makes no sense cos anyone can go on the net and see it anyway* I'm just weird I guess!), Zeh Wulf (*sits Kenshin down in a barber's chair and stands staring at his hair dubiously* Hm. I see what you mean about the hair… I'll think of something *wink* … *Kenshin puts his hands over his hair defensively* Kenshin: you won't cut it off, will you? Akari: What happened to the brave Kenshin I knew? The one who'd do anything to make this story go well? *grin* *Kenshin sweatdrops* ^_^ I'm seriously considering doing a painting or picture of Kenshin as the 'man in black'… *starts drooling at the mere thought* mmm Thanks for the support on my choices by the way! ^_^ Much obliged!), Kaoru: Kawaii Sakura (The Chronicles of Narnia are indeed fantastic books! I don't even know how many times I've read them ^_^ Thanks for your ever-confuzzed note of cheeriness, it is much appreciated *grin*), Vash-chan AKA Makoto Almasy (I have much respect for your memory: he is indeed called Andre the Giant in the credits. My memory's awful. Yep, I was gonna cast Sano as Inigo initially, but then I thought he worked better as Fezzik. And Soujiro's part is due to 1) His skill with a sword 2) His equally work-with-able past and 3) The fact that he's one of my top three favourite RK characters. If not my favourite. ^_^ Anyhoo, hope you're still enjoying it!), Kamimura Kaoru (*sweatdrops* I haven't even thought too much about how I'll end this story yet… But when I do, it'll be a surprise anyway, as with all of my plans for the story! Sorry, I'm just evil like that! Besides, surprises in a story make it good, ne? It'd be rubbish if everyone always knew exactly what was gonna happen. *offers an ickle plushie of Kenshin* Here, cuddle this! It'll cheer you up in view of the Kenshin draught. ^_^), Celeste Rose (No, I'm due today to update! Friday! *wrings hands* That's five days from Sunday, so please don't be angry! And I've been SO busy, I'm amazed I had time ot write this chapter, let alone all these long replies! *sweatdrops* I should really do some college work… Thanks for the applause, anyhoo! ^_^), Skipper (I haven't gone riding for about three years… *pout* I miss it a lot too. Kaoru's lucky! Well, not for getting kidnapped, of course *sweatdrop* Yay for Sou-chan and Sanosuke indeed! *jumps about* And thanks for the well-wishing ^_^), Shizuka (The man in black is a mystery, I'm afraid! ^_^ It's mean of me, but in a way, it's good, cos telling you everything just ruins the story- it takes all the suspense and fun away. Cruel to be kind and all that. ^_^ *laughs* And don't worry about saying 'oro': I've said it a couple of times without thinking and had some really weird looks from my friends *sweatdrops and grins*), Rekka's Angel (Thank you!! Your enthusiasm is really appreciated: the PB is a great movie, ne? I love it! ^_^ I'm so chuffed that you're enjoying my Kenshin-ised version of it *big smile*), Akai Kitsune (Thanks for the casting support: it actually means a lot to me. I was pretty worried that some people would get annoyed or upset about any given choice. And yes, I completely agree, the man in black was WAY cool in the movie and book: I'll be trying hard to do him justice! ^_^), EvilPrincessMelphis (That's okay, I'm just happy you left a review at all! *big grin* Anyhoo, I hope you like the way the kidnapping is progressing… Onwards to the Fire Swamp! Well, not just yet... But soon! *grin*), KittyKatt (Thanks! ^_^ Glad you like my choices: I'm happy to know they are supported, it makes me feel confident about forging on ahead with the story. ^_^), TenkunoMeiou (*nods* The main points of the plot will be the same as the PB book, and many little things as well, things that I particularly liked and want to include: some things, some ideas and situations, will be stuck in a proverbial blender with carefully selected chunks of RK. It's all about the 'blending together of two stories' thing. Literally. *pushes the 'on' button and watches the bits all mash up together* Marvellous! ^_^), Momentum (Thank you! It's always happy-fying to hear enthusiasm and compliments, I'm muchly obliged! …Man, I have to stop with the made-up words… *sweatdrop*), Lady E (I put the author's name in my first author's note, in response to your asking ^_^ Anyhoo, I'm not sure if this chapter was very interesting.. It'll really pick up soon tho, if all goes to plan!), monkeysme (*grin* I don't tell people who haven't read or seen the PB, cos I don't like to spoil the surprises, but *in the voice of Miracle Max* Look who knows so much! *giggle* Nah, seriously, as it is, I'm blending in the RK elements as much for coherency as for a way to surprise people who know the PB storyline. It'd be boring otherwise! *wink* Thanks for your support m'dear ^_^), TwinBakaNekos (*sweatdrop* The mysteries are kinda dying a bit at the mo… But the man in black can make up for that soon! ^_^ Glad you're enjoying it. *smile*), Ela (Yahiko? *looks around in confusion* … *spots him stood leaning against a tree nearby, a little bored. He shrugs, looking nonplussed* Yahiko isn't in it. Sorry! *can't figure out how it could have seemed he was* Anyhoo, sorry to disappoint you… I hope the rest of the story is enjoyable tho! To make up for it: *grabs Yahiko-kun by the collar and offers him to Ela* Cuddles for free! ^_^), DragonLass (*grins like an idiot too* They really are a cute couple, aren't they? Just as cute as Buttercup and Westley, if not cuter! Anyhoo, glad you're liking the story!), Tevrah (Yeh, it always bothered me a little that Humperdink could be so pathetic at times… Shishio has more than enough cunning and strength (man, does he ever go on about being strong… *wink*) to be a half-decent nasty Prince. ^_^ *leaps for the dolls and cookie* Yummy! Give me oreos and mini-Kenshins anyday! *the real Kenshin sweatdrops* eh heh…*nervous laugh* Aw, he doesn't really mind! ^_^), The Honorable Gucci (*doing a crazily chuffed version of the happy dance* Your review made me so happy! I'm really chuffed that you like my story! It's been great fun *sweatdrops* blending together two stories that are, admittedly similar in places, but SO different in others! Glad you're enjoying it. ^_^ And I'm not dead! See? *does the happy dance again to prove point* ^_^), Little Yahiko (*looks at the messy remains of two of her principle characters with a face that has 'blech' and 'egh' written all over it* This'll take a while to clean up… *laughs* But they had it coming! ^_^ I dunno about Shura: I really loved her in the series, but I dunno if there's a suitable place for her in my version of the PB.. we'll have to wait and see, ne? ^_^), Elf Fanatic Lark (*sidles away from mummy-man* *giggles* that's a rather amusing name for him ^_^ As for Kenshin… *shrugs and does the evil author grin that means 'you have to wait and see'*), Jellybob 15 (*wonders what is meant by 'weird', and puts it down to her own inherent weirdness* ^_^ Thanks for the luck! *pockets it with a smile* seezoo!), Silver Eyes Bright (Yeh, he's Sano.. *grin* I hoped the description of him was obvious: he was the only one of the three who wasn't named in some way or other, so I wanted to be sure everyone would know who he was. ^_^), Mistress of time (I live in England, so I don't suffer the bad behaviour and stupid showing order of Cartoon Network regarding Rurouni Kenshin. They don't even show RK here. Wait a sec… That's reason enough to have a go at them! *shakes a fist at Cartoon Network along with the gathering masses of annoyed RK fans* Just exclude and pick on England why don't you, honestly! *Kenshin sweatdrops*), Kikiki (NO! Don't feed him the fluff bunnies! They're special! *fluff bunnies gather around Akari's feet fearfully* *mutters to self* I shall have to sort out the fluff draught soon…), Papaya! (*grins approvingly at Papaya's happy dance* You have learned much, my young Happy Dance Paduan. *feels like Yoda* er.. anyway, *eats sandwich* *pats Sano on the head, and he growls* wow, he really IS like Pluto! *giggles* And I'm sorry *appropriately chastened* I won't nap on the job again… *repentant* I'll work really really hard! *big sparkly eyes and enthusiastic grin* Oh, to actually turn into an anime character such that one can go chibi at moments like this! ^_^), iluvweaselsnferrets (*bows to the applause with a blush* Thanks! I love the rhymes in the book, but I dunno if they'll be around in this fic- I'm still not sure if they really suit Sano and Soujiro. Methinks they don't, really. But we'll see. ^_^ Glad you love it!), Shadowfax (*can't resist those cute puppy eyes* which is hardly fair, cos I practically invented that look! *laughs* Well, here is more anyways. Hope you liked it. ^_^), genocide ex-sync*in (aha! You didn't say anything plot-wise in this review to come true, so we can be no longer freaked out. ^_^ *watches Kaoru blush and go all cutesy at the compliment of her being so bee-u-tiful* She's so cute! ^_^), Carran Nackatori (*runs away at the sight of the buckets and the mention of reviving and hitting* gah! I'm sorry, I won't fall asleep again! ^_^ Yeh, it was five days again… back at college an' all… Hope you liked it, anyway! And I concur regarding your comment on hyperness, that I do. Ohhhhh, yes. *is often too hyper for own good*), Person (*offers more sugar* I shouldn't keep doping up my readers with sugar like this, but you seem to be such a perpetually hyper crowd anyway, and I'm just the same so who cares! ^_^ Glad you like the story, and keep dancing! *values the happy dance beyond all forms of movement* ^_^), LiL LiLy (yep, here's the update! Every five days, okay? It's a while I know, by hey, at least it's regular! ^_^), Misao-chan (*sweatdrops at sight of evil look in Misao-chan's eyes* gah! Yeh, Soujiro is the cutest!! *big smile* And yeh, I know he's not actually that young, but he looks it, and it's from Kaoru's perspective, so she'd think he was young. Plus, everyone in the series seems to call him 'boy'. ^_^ ..So cute!), DarkElf (*snuggles into pillow gratefully* ahh, thank you. This floor is harder than it looks. ^_^ Yes, the man in black.. *starts swooning and drooling all at once* Can't wait to really get him involved! ^_^), Dark Duelist (I disagree, I think the Kenshin act is very cute, that I do! *gets a withering look from Yami for her trouble* thanks… ^_^ And Yami can stop glaring at me, cos Yami is being glomped and can't escape! *glomps Yami herself* hee hee ^_^), Fire Fly (*offers another coke* here. My reviewers wouldn't be the same if they weren't hyper all the time! ^_^ Coke for all! You're lucky to have a coke source so near. *sighs enviously* ^_^ And do, do get the PB book, it's really worth the read! ^_^), Lil summoner Yuna (*dives into the food bag* yummy! So much sugar! *getting hyper already* ^_^ I need it after writing all these replies anyway. So I'm allowed. ^_^ *offers a sugar cube to Lil summoner Yuna* ^_^ You're Kenshin plushie is very cute by the way. ^_^ *cuddles her own plushie of Soujiro* So cute!!), dunkmoonX (And so I did! ^_^), and Bye Bye Birdie (*chucks a rock at a nearby teacher* *teacher whirls round and glares accusingly* *Akari looks around and says innocently* I dunno, someone's throing stuff… ^_^ *munches the sugar cubes gratefully* yummy yummy sugar! And yes, Cartoon Network are evil! They've treated the mass of RK fans in America abominably, and should be thoroughly spanked. Or at least told off. Mwahahaha! Thanks for the review, anyways!).
*HUGE breath* That took me about two hours, just to do all those replies! I decided to take the time to do really good, proper replies this time. I hope that made you happy! ^_^ It's my way of thanking you all for taking the time to review and making me so happy! *happy dance*
Well, I'll be back on.. *counts days* …Wednesday, with the next chappie!
Please leave your thoughts, it makes me so happy! ^_^
PS. Power to the hyper people! *giggles and chomps down another sugar cube*